A few weeks back, retail tycoon Philip Green paid himself a £1.2bn dividend out of Arcadia, the clothing retail chain he bought and transformed into a major success.
So while other media focus on that and how he is a retail genius, the Jewish Chronicle leads on the response from two rabbis.
Rabbis are not begrudging retail tycoon Philip Green the £1.2 billion dividend he awarded himself from his Arcadia fashion empire, as long as the money has been honestly earned — and that a fair proportion of his wealth goes to charity.
Mill Hill Synagogue’s Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet explained Judaism’s economic system as “capitalism with a conscience. By all means be a capitalist, but be a kind and compassionate one.
“The creation of money is not wrong. As long as he spends his wealth retaining the traditional characteristics of kindness and generosity, what he makes doesn’t bother me… If only they paid rabbis that much!”
In the view of Hampstead Garden Suburb minister Rabbi Reuven Livingstone, “Making so much money places enormous social responsibilities on his shoulders. If he has earned the money in a fair and honest way and is putting it to good use, then I see no problem with his earnings.”
Well, first of all, what is Rabbi Livingstone saying by commenting: "If he has earned the money in a fair and honest way..." Classic example of a rabbi saying something that is out of his capacity. Philip Green has proven to be one of the most upfront business people, so why try to tarnish that with such words, however throwaway they may be? Let's celebrate success. And yes, Rabbi Livingstone, by employeeing people and also giving them a share of his success, Philip Green is putting the money to good use aside from the amount of money he also gives to charity.
And as far as Rabbi Schochet wishing rabbis were paid as much, here's some advice. Get more media work and put yourself forward as the next Chief Rabbi of the United Synagogue. The pay is pretty good and the perks are truly excellent.
And don't forget, one very important thing. Historically the role of a rabbi prior to the modern day role, is that a rabbi actually had a job and was a teacher in their spare time to the community.
So, if you fancy making as much money as Philip Green, then ditch in your current job, become an entrepreneur and teach in your spare time. Others have done it and I'm sure you also have the energy to make a go of it. Don't sit on your tuches, waiting for things to happen, go out and make them happen yourself just like Philip Green does.
