Description
Who Is Rich?
We live in a world that often measures wealth by how much a person owns.
Ben Zoma offers a very different definition:
“Who is rich? The one who is happy with his portion.”
— Ben Zoma, Pirkei Avot 4:1
It is a remarkably simple teaching—and a remarkably challenging one.
True wealth, Ben Zoma teaches us, is not determined only by what sits in our bank account, how large our home is, or how many possessions we accumulate. A person can possess a great deal and still feel that something is always missing.
And a person can live more simply and yet experience genuine abundance.
The difference is the ability to look at one’s portion—the blessings, opportunities, relationships and gifts that have been given to us—and recognize their value.
The Wealth of Contentment
The Hebrew expression behind Ben Zoma’s teaching is:
איזהו עשיר? השמח בחלקו
Who is rich? The one who rejoices in his portion.
This is not an argument against ambition, growth or working toward something better. Rather, it teaches us not to postpone gratitude until we finally acquire the next thing.
There is something to appreciate now.
A meal.
A warm drink.
A home.
Torah to learn.
People to care about.
Another morning.
Another opportunity to do something worthwhile.
The person who learns to recognize these things has discovered a kind of wealth that does not depend upon constantly acquiring more.
The Meaning Behind the Artwork
The design of this mug was created around that very idea.
Instead of displaying gold, luxury or material riches, the scene celebrates the quiet abundance of ordinary life.
A steaming cup waits on the table. Fresh bread and fruit are nearby. Flowers catch the morning light. An open sefer and reading glasses suggest time spent learning Torah.
And alongside them are volumes representing Chumash, Mishnah and Masechet Berachot.
The inclusion of Masechet Berachot is especially meaningful. Berachot—blessings—teach us to stop, recognize what we have received, and acknowledge the Source of those blessings.
Perhaps that is one of the secrets of becoming השמח בחלקו:
Before asking what is missing, learn to notice what is already there.
A Daily Reminder With Your Morning Coffee
That makes a mug a particularly fitting home for Ben Zoma’s teaching.
Every morning, while drinking your coffee or tea, the question is there:
Who is rich?
And the answer quietly follows:
The one who is happy with his portion.
Not because life is perfect.
Not because there is nothing more to accomplish.
But because there is already something for which to be grateful.
Beautiful, Meaningful — and Made for Everyday Use
Whether you’re drinking your morning coffee, evening tea, or something in between, this mug combines a timeless Jewish teaching with something you’ll actually use every day.
Its sturdy ceramic construction has a smooth, glossy finish that allows the rich, warm artwork to stand out beautifully. The vivid print is designed to withstand regular use, and the mug is both microwave and dishwasher safe.
Product Details
- Capacity: 11 oz
- Material: Ceramic
- Dimensions: 3.8″ (9.6 cm) high × 3.2″ (8.2 cm) diameter
- Finish: Sturdy, smooth and glossy
- Vivid printed artwork
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Blank product sourced from China
- Produced especially for you when ordered
A Meaningful Jewish Gift
This mug can make a thoughtful gift for someone beginning a new chapter, celebrating a birthday, moving into a new home, retiring, growing in Torah—or simply needing a beautiful reminder of how much there already is to appreciate.
It is also a meaningful gift to yourself.
Place it beside your siddur or sefarim. Use it at breakfast. Keep it on your desk.
And allow Ben Zoma’s question to challenge the way we think about wealth:
Who is rich?
Perhaps the richest person is not the one who finally has everything.
Perhaps it is the one who has learned to appreciate his portion.
A Product With a Purpose
Every purchase also helps support Rabbi Eliyahu Shear’s work teaching Torah and providing spiritual guidance to students around the world through Lovingkindness.co.
So while this mug brings a teaching from Pirkei Avot into everyday life, your purchase also helps Torah learning continue reaching others.
Appreciate your portion. Recognize your blessings. Discover true wealth.
lovingkindness.co
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