How Do Charedim View the Idea of Success in Life — Is It Only Spiritual?
In the Charedi world, success is defined by how closely one fulfills the purpose for which they were created. That purpose, according to the Torah, is to know Hashem, to serve Him, and to grow in ruchniyus (spirituality) through the study of Torah and performance of mitzvos.
But that doesn’t mean that Charedim believe in ignoring gashmiyus (the material world), nor does it mean that success can only be measured by hours in the Beis Midrash. Rather, success is measured by faithfulness to one’s unique tafkid (mission) in life, and by the degree to which one lives according to Hashem’s will.
What Is Success According to the Torah?
"הַכֹּל נִתָּן בְּעֵרוּבוֹן... וְהַחֲנוּת פְּתוּחָה... וְהַפִּנְקָס פָּתוּחַ וְהַיָּד כּוֹתֶבֶת"
“Everything is given on collateral… the shop is open, and the ledger is open, and the hand writes.”
— Pirkei Avos 3:16
This Mishnah reminds us that life is a spiritual transaction: Hashem gives us time, talent, and resources—and our “success” is how we use them in His service. In this view, success is not measured in diplomas or dollars but in deveikus, attachment to Hashem, and in fulfilling our unique role in His world.
Success Looks Different for Each Person
The Vilna Gaon teaches in Even Shleima (1:11) that no two people have the same path in avodas Hashem. Some are born to be roshei yeshiva. Others are meant to be balebatim who support Torah. Some are mothers raising children l’shem Shamayim. Each soul has its own mission.
So yes, for a yungerman who can learn Torah full-time, that is the greatest form of success. But a Charedi plumber who works honestly, davens with kavanah, raises ehrliche children, and supports Torah causes is no less successful in Hashem’s eyes.
This is why Charedi society deeply values the baalebus who knows his role—who may spend his day in business, but who rushes to minyan, learns at night, supports Torah, and sees himself as a servant of Hashem in all areas of life.
What About Material Success?
Charedim do not reject material success—but it is never viewed as success in and of itself. It is only meaningful when used properly:
"כִּי אֶת הָאֶחָד עָשָׂה הָאֱ-לֹקִים לְמַעַן יִרְאֶה מִלְּפָנָיו"
“For Hashem has made one like the other, so that man should fear Him.”
— Koheles 3:14
Wealth, wisdom, health—all are tools that can either bring a person closer to Hashem or, chalilah, distract them. Therefore, wealth is a blessing only when it serves the neshama.
As Rav Avrohom Pam zt”l often said: “Success is when your blessings don’t become your test.”
Torah Learning Is Still the Pinnacle
At the same time, Charedim place Torah learning at the very center of life—not only because it’s a mitzvah, but because it is the definition of true success:
"ותלמוד תורה כנגד כולם"
“And the study of Torah is equal to them all.”
— Pe’ah 1:1
The Chazon Ish zt”l would say that even if a person learns for only a short time each day, if he does so with sincerity and love of Torah, that learning uplifts his whole day—and his entire life.
A Short Story from Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt”l
Once, a father in Bnei Brak came to Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt”l, distraught. “My son doesn’t want to stay in yeshiva,” he said. “He wants to work and be ‘successful.’”
Rav Lefkowitz smiled gently and said, “Tell your son I hope he is very successful—but not just with money. I hope he is successful in being a mentch, in marrying a good girl, in raising ehrliche children, and in keeping a seder of Torah learning. That is success in the eyes of Hashem.”
Conclusion: True Success Is Alignment with Hashem’s Will
In the Charedi worldview, success is not about fame, comfort, or wealth. It is about doing what you were created to do. Whether in kollel or construction, as a mother or maggid shiur, a store owner or a sofer—it all depends on whether a person is living with Hashem.
"אִם יִתֵּן אִישׁ אֶת כָּל הוֹן בֵּיתוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה – בּוֹז יָבוּזוּ לוֹ"
“If a man gives all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly despised.”
— Shir HaShirim 8:7
Because love of Hashem is worth more than all the wealth in the world.
Sources & Footnotes
- Mishnah, Pirkei Avos 3:16 – Life is a test, the ledger is open.
- Even Shleima 1:11 – The Vilna Gaon on unique individual missions.
- Koheles 3:14 – All things are for fear of Heaven.
- Pe’ah 1:1 – Torah study is equal to all other mitzvos.
- Shir HaShirim 8:7 – Love of Hashem is greater than wealth.
- Story: Oral tradition from talmidim of Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt”l.