In this first lesson, we begin to study the author's preface to his work and examine the definition of trust as well as the difference between trust and belief.
Among the points discussed is that by choosing to believe in a ‘caretaker’ other than G-d, we cause ourselves to feel like we are actually dependent on that thing instead of G-d. A parable of the Dubna Maggid helps us to understand the foolishness of this exchange.
(Author's Introduction)
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G-d desires the natural order and for us to make "vessels" for His blessings to reach us. We discuss the mistake of relying on money for security. Money can be lost, spent on doctor bills, or even cause problems. Someone who trusts in G-d does not rely on wealth for peace of mind or security. He does his part to make vessels for G-d's blessings knowing that G-d will take care of him.
(Author's Introduction)
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In answer to a student's question, Rabbi Taub explains that whatever source one relies on for sustenance will appear to have that power even though the truth is that only G-d is in charge.
There are those that trust in other people, mistakenly believing that this will grant them security. Trusting in G-d means that we don’t need to rely on others. We are meant to love other people, not put our hope in them. By trusting only in G-d we are free to actually bond with people in a genuine way, without emotional manipulation, because we don’t rely on them or fear them.
(Author's Introduction)
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Rabenu Bechaye uses the example of an alchemist to bring out the advantages of trust in G-d. What is an alchemist and why is this a useful example even in our times? We begin the list of ten advantages of bitachon over alchemy.
(Author's Introduction)
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Someone who trusts in G-d is happy when he has money because he can give charity and happy when he doesn't have money because he doesn't have to worry about protecting his wealth. His sense of security doesn’t come from money and his identity is not based on having or not having it. He views money as something that is passing through his hands at the moment and he only needs to make sure it gets to the places it's meant to go.
(Author's Introduction)
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One with trust in G-d won’t feel the need to work difficult jobs such as working for the government. When choosing a livelihood, one never needs to make religious compromises.
One who has trust will not be aggravated with life because he knows G-d is choosing a better good for him than he can for himself. G-d takes care of us like a mother takes care of her baby. She swaddles and changes her baby which might feel uncomfortable to the baby, but it’s all for the baby's good and she’s doing it out of love. When we’re feeling discomfort we have to remember that G-d is taking care of every detail.
(Author's Introduction)
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The Author's Introduction concludes with an overview of the seven chapters of Shaar HaBitachon.
In a letter written to R' Mendel Shemtov a"h regarding health issues, the Rebbe tells him to learn Shaar HaBitachon. Rabbi Taub shares that this letter was one of the main inspirations for this class.
We begin Chapter 1. What does trust really mean? Trust is a feeling.
(Chapter 1)
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What are the traits that elicit our trust? One worthy of our trust is compassionate, attentive, powerful, knows what’s good for us, is in constant control and complete control, and is kind to even those who are undeserving. Our trust will be complete if indeed we find one who has every single one of these qualities.
(Chapter 2)
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We examine the Scriptural proofs that show how G-d has each of the qualities enumerated in the previous class. The way we know that G-d has these qualities is not through logic alone, because G-d is not bound by logic. We know G-d has these qualities from how He transmits and communicates Himself to us, which is through the Torah, hence we use Scriptural sources.
G-d uniquely possesses all of the qualities that elicit trust.
(Chapter 2)
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Everything in creation is under G-d's complete control. In order to understand this we need to discuss the nature of existence and how G-d creates something from nothing.
G-d alone creates something from nothing. We will gain no benefit from trying to manipulate the ‘somethings’ of the world. God determines how and where all the ‘somethings’ go at each moment.
We discuss the Rebbe's metaphor of "sewing wallets" in order to have more money.
(Chapter 3)
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