THE FIRST QUESTION WE MUST ASK OURSELVES IN EVERY SITUATION

One of the challenging aspects of bitachon is the ability to always synchronize our views with the perspectives of Torah. Torah has guidance on every occurrence and being that the Torah is Hashem’s Will and Wisdom (רצון and חכמה), these guidelines are actually Hashem’s guidelines. Many people have a take on many topics; the question is: are those opinions in line with the Torah’s views? A person with a strong connection to Hashem will be on the right track on most, if not all, occasions

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THE BITACHON-HISHTADLUS CONUNDRUM

One of the most common questions regarding bitachon is: what is the balance between bitachon in Hashem and performing the necessary Hishtadlus? Where does one end and the other begin?

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SUPERHUMAN DEVOTION

One of the challenging aspects of Bitachon is that our devotion to Hashem should be complete, constant and unchanging. How can this be accomplished when our lives are subject to constant change? Especially upon taking into consideration the fact that we operate with intellect and reason, which can easily change from day to day, or more often. What may seem logical one hour can be eclipsed by a more compelling argument an hour later.

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IS HOLINESS THE ULTIMATE?

Nearly everything in the world can be corrupted and altered from its original and pure context. Even k’dusha-holiness can be viewed in a mistaken manner. How is that possible?

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WHEN MATERIALISM IS CONDONED

The knowledge that there is a higher power which controls this world is not just meant to guide our lives in the mundane world of commerce and regular routines; it is also applicable to our observance of Torah and Mitzvos. This is seen clearly in the Mitzvah of tzitzis, a mitzvah that was given to serve as a constant reminder of our obligations to Hashem, even amidst all the distractions provided by the coarse and materialistic world around us

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HEAVENLY BREAD EVEN ON EARTH

Among the advice that the Rebbe gave to strengthen one’s bitachon was the suggestion to study Chassidus áùåôé, in great abundance. In general, when a person possesses a certain character trait which is somewhat flawed and which he would like to improve and perfect, studying a part of Torah which discusses the proper form of conduct in that trait, over time, will cause one too see a change for the good.

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CONFIDENCE IN AVODAS HASHEM

The menuchas ha’nefesh which results from placing complete trust in Hashem is uplifting. By contrast, when one feels burdened by life’s responsibilities, ultimately due to the lack of Bitachon in Hashem, one might be more accurately described as dispirited and disheartened.

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AT WHAT AGE IS ONE ELIGIBLE FOR A WHOLESOME CONNECTION TO HASHEM?

One of the fascinating aspects of Bitachon, in the sense that it represents a complete, wholesome and all-inclusive connection with Hashem, is the fact that people of all ages are able to experience this unique connection to Hashem, even little babies.

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THE IDEAL WAY TO LEARN TORAH

Studying Torah is something that practically everybody can do, but as always, the Bitachon way of life presents a unique perspective on the relationship between one studying Torah and the Torah being studied. The way of learning Torah which is most discouraged is studying in a way that there is an emotional chasm between the subject matter and the one learning.

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SHMITA 101

Among the myriads of Bitachon messages that the Torah gives us is a profound message which comes from the mitzvah of Shmita

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SUPERCHARGED BITACHON

Apropos of our recent column about the quality of Bitachon according to Chassidus (that the focus is on strengthening the connection to Hashem rather than viewing Bitachon as a vehicle to obtain what I need), what follows is an excerpt of a sicha of the Rebbe about davening that elaborates on this point.

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Connected 24/7

Ever since the first sin, when Adam and Chava partook of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, our world is a veritable mix of good and bad intertwined. Of course Torah and k’dusha are absolute in their goodness, but all worldly aspects which are not exclusively holy, but have a physical element, contain the potential for bad as well. As the well-known adage says, too much of a good thing is also not good. This applies not to Torah and Mitzvos, for of these one can never get enough. Anything worldly, on the other hand, as good as it may be, in excess, can be detrimental

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AN EXIT STRATEGY IN AVODAS HASHEM

One of the fundamental aspects of Bitachon is recognizing and internalizing that everything that happens in our life is ordained by Hashem. Parshas Acharei Mos provides for us an opportunity to internalize this message. To preface this message we will first discuss a component which is integral to seeing Hashem’s relevance in practical life

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