Should I ask the universe for abundance and success?
By Rabbi Shalom Landau.
Rabbi Landau answers that “the universe has no power of its own.” The verse says it clearly: “Atah Hu Hashem levadecha,” You alone are Hashem; You made everything, and You give life to everything.
“So there’s nothing else,” he explains. “It’s Hashem who gives you strength, success, money, wisdom.” Hashem is the only source of energy and abundance. None of it comes from the universe.
That is why his advice is direct: “Stop talking to the universe. Start talking to the one who created the universe and is running it.” If you want blessing, turn to its Source.
Related concepts: Prayer that starts in the heart · Spirituality
In A Soul at Peace: You Give Life to Them All
Going deeper: Rabbi Landau's teaching, level by level
Surface claim
The universe has no power of its own; strength, success, money and wisdom all come from Hashem.
What may be behind it
In A Soul at Peace, Rabbi Landau writes that the universe is something created, a garment and not the One who wears it. Turning to it is like asking a king's robe for a favor.
Deepest human truth
Who should I talk to when I need blessing?
“You alone are Hashem... and You give life to them all.” There is Someone running the world at every moment, and you can speak to Him directly.
More answers: Faith, Providence, and the Jewish Destiny · All questions · Questions about Rabbi Landau and Rivnitz