Toward the end of Parshas VaYechi a very intriguing discussion is recorded between Yosef and some of his brothers. Following their return to Mitzrayim from interring their father Yaakov, Yosef’s brothers were gripped by a sudden fear.
One of the vital aspects for upkeep of Bitachon is that it should be active in a person’s reality constantly. Even during challenging times, the same focused Bitachon mindset and easy-going mood should be maintained.
Yosef experienced many challenges in his young life; he was hated by his brothers, thrown by them into a pit, subsequently sold to total strangers, and resold several times until his ultimate arrival in Egypt. In spite of this trauma, the Torah records a very successful Yosef emerging from all of these hardships. First, in Potiphar’s house the pasuk gives a positive report of Yosef’s success in running the entire household, which is impressive for someone who was so viscously suppressed with torturous abuse. Then, after he was thrown into prison on false pretenses, the Torah gives even better news, that Yosef reached even greater success
One of the fundamental characteristics of Bitachon in Hashem is the absence of fear. If you truly have Bitachon you are completely serene. One who fears what the future of this world holds for him is clearly not relying on Hashem. Bitachon means that he is sure and confident that Hashem will make the situation good for him. And if he is truly certain of that, he will not fear any future occurrences. This message is featured in the beginning of this week’s parsha
One of the principal mandates of bitachon is to focus on Hashem and to realize His omnipotence in the world to the exclusion of all else1. Throughout our lives, this perspective is consistently challenged; our duty is to notice the conflict with bitachon, hopefully sooner than later, and then to surmount the challenge through strengthening our bitachon. We will focus on one of those challenges now.
After being sent away by King Avimelech, Yitzchak became very successful1. He cultivated the soil and enjoyed the results of supernatural success. Rashi2 brings two explanations for what happened. One explanation is that the miracle was based on the estimation before anything grew, i.e., the output of the crop was much higher than originally anticipated.
In his effort to find a burial place for Sarah, Avraham wound up paying a very high price for the M’aras HaMachpella. He didn’t have many choices, and Sarah needed k’vura right away, so Avraham bought it.
Following the pact made with Avimelech, the Torah relates that Avraham Avinu planted an Eshel, “and he proclaimed in the name of Hashem, kel olam - ,א-ל עולם G-d of the universe.”
December 22, 2015