ייִדישער מחשבֿה אויף בראשית 27:37

Since material possessions are a handicap to one's efforts to determine true values, the Torah lays down guidelines how such material values are to be used. When followed, these guidelines ensure that such material possessions have beneficial impact on our lives, instead of vice versa. To the extent that material possessions free man from being totally preoccupied with his physical survival in this world, they afford him the opportunity to try and acquire spiritual values. To this extent, material wealth can almost be considered a necessity. Whereas osher (with the letter alef,) i.e. happiness by definition is a state of mind that is not necessary in order for man to achieve his purpose in life, osher with the letter ayin, i.e. material wealth, is. The Mishnah in Avot 3,21, says "when there is no flour, there cannot be any Torah either." Torah and all it stands for cannot flourish unless there is a sound economic foundation. On the other hand, the same Mishnah says "where there is no Torah, there cannot be any flour, i.e. economic well being." This means that unless material wealth is used correctly, as a means towards the spiritual elevation of man, such spiritual elevation will not be achieved.