The new movie “Money Never Sleeps” is the sequel to “Wall Street.” Some things never change: the unrepentant Gordon Gecko sticks proudly by his famous dictum “Greed is good.” The rich must, and should, get richer. If the poor get poorer as a result, well, so be it.

Social distinctions and animosities between rich and poor are nothing new. A large portion of Torah law addresses the existence of the poor and spells out the moral imperative incumbent on the faithful to provide care and sustenance for those who cannot care for themselves. A multitude of laws on almsgiving and hospitality sought to establish compassion by commandment.

The parable of the “rich man and Lazarus” is found only in Luke’s gospel. It is set up as a continuation of Jesus’ response and rebuttal to the Pharisees: firs…