Rabbi Pinchas Reizeh's (d. 1825), chassid, affluent businessman, and owner in residence of the largest mansion in the town of Shklov, once said:
"Why does Pinchas need a mansion? Believe me, as many bricks as their are in this mammoth thing, so many tears have I shed over the fact that I own it. But when the town elders convene to discuss the affairs of the community, where is the meeting held if not in Pinchas' mansion? And if the meeting is in Pinchas' mansion, does not Pinchas have a say? And if Pinchas has a say, and this does something to alleviate the careworn lot of Moshe the Schoolteacher, it's worth it..."
The Mansion "Why Not The Best?" is the title of Jimmy Carter's autobiography. Well -- why NOT the best? For everyone? I was told in my former neighbourhood that the condo my mom and I lived in, 925 square feet, was "too big" for us, by a neighbour, now that my father had moved out and my sister had married. I have also been told that the condo I now own, alone, in another state, at 1500 square feet, is "too big". The way the lady, (Jewish), put it, "Why do you need such a big apartment?"
To me, this is affrontery of the highest order....and it goes against the achievement of the American Dream, as well. It's MY business where I live and how much space I have...no one else's! In a Christian movie, too, there was a scene where "ordinary" people in Biblical times said, "You gave me too much", & returned stuff. Judiams & Christianity BOTH have it wrong here. The Irish saying, is right: "A Man's Hand Should Exceed His Grasp, Or What's A Heaven For?" encaptulates the American dream....for All!