The foreshadowing of the evolution of careers and the insight into finding fulfillment in our work life can be derived from this week’s Torah portion. The secret to livelihood success is revealed. There is an often overlooked force to consider and a hidden blessing for modern occupations.

The first time we experienced sustenance from heaven, it was called the manna.

Exodus – Chapter 16, 33-34

And Moses said to Aaron, Take one jug and put there an omerful of manna, and deposit it before the Lord to be preserved for your generations: As the Lord had commanded Moses, Aaron deposited it before the testimony to be preserved.

Later, in the times of the prophet Jeremiah, he admonished the Israelites for working too much and not spending enough time devoted to the study of Torah. When they reply that they can’t work less for fear of losing their livelihoods, Jeremiah reminds them of the story of the manna, and that G-d has saved their sustenance for all generations to come.

The manna symbolizes G-d’s provisions, but also the potential for personalization. The manna took on the taste according to the desire of the consumer. The jug was man made to receive the manna.

To be successful and content in one’s profession, there are three parts that need recognition.

1.       G-d is our silent partner in our work lives, and our ultimate success is not only dependent on our actions, but also on divine providence.

2.       Our greatest fulfillment in our work lives will be from choosing a profession that suits your personality, ambition, strengths, and passion.

3.       It is imperative to make the vessel – to pursue education, put in the effort and time, and commit to doing all that is in our power to ensure success.

We acknowledge that while we do our best, ultimate success and sustenance comes from the divine.  

Find a way to express your voice through your work life. Find your passion and talent.

Work hard and do the best you can to succeed.

Realize that ultimately, success is beyond your control…G-d has plans for you.

Rabbi Shmulik Yeshayahu

In this week’s Parsha, we learn that the current ability to individualize our careers originated during the time of the manna – from the manna that was saved for future generations. “Future generations”, is explained to be the time of the Messiah.  The closer we get to the ultimate revelation, the more we will see this blessing of the manna revealed. That is why we see an explosion of personal career choices – with a unique profession for each personality and disposition. Where there once were only a handful of jobs, the more humanity evolves, the more opportunities for unique ways to make a living have become apparent. Furthermore, while once many of the jobs were simple labour, tedious tasks, or impersonal jobs, the world is now shifting to creative, meaningful, and personal opportunities. Machines and inventions have since filled many uncreative roles across all industries, leaving people with complex opportunities to express their creativity and passion. 

So, embrace the evolution of vocations and find a way to express your voice through your work life. Find your passion and talent. Make your manna your own.

Work hard and do the best you can to succeed.

Realize that ultimately, success is beyond your control…G-d has plans for you.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Shmulik Yeshayahu