TRUST (BITACHON)

Dear Family,

I hope everyone is well.

Mazal Tov to Avi on his birthday this week. We celebrated it the previous week when he was in London, but we can wish you again a wonderful year Avi in both material and Spirtual matters, with much joy.

Mazal Tov to Netanel on his birthday next week. And this is a special birthday because it is Netanel's opsheren, as it is his third birthday! We miss you Netanel, and you should have a very happy year!

Mazal Tov to Mendel Goodman, Devorah Leah's brother, who had a baby girl.

And we are so happy to have Baty and Family with us on their surprise visit to London! Next time Shmueli should also come. Enjoy.

The magazine Chayenu has started featuring The Gate of Trust from the book of the 11th Century Spanish scholar Rabeinu Bachaya ibn Pekuda, ie Chovos Halevavos - Duties of the Hearts.

It caught my interest and I thought maybe we could explore this area.

The Rebbe once explained the following about trust (Toras Menachem vol 9 p124):

' A Jew is not deficient in sustenance, he is deficient in his trust of G-d.

From Heaven there is an abundance of sustenance. However, if one is deficient in trust, then the sustenance does not reach us. (chas veshalom)

Bitachon is like a tap. When we have it, our blessings pour through...'

Introduction:

The root of the word bitachon, is betach, which means certainty.

SO BITACHON IS NOT ONLY A BELIEF IN HASHEM'S ABILITY, BUT A FEELING OF CERTAINTY THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE GOOD, TO THE EXTENT THAT IT SURROUNDS US WITH TRANQUILITY.

Another element of the word bitachon is that it contains the word 'tach' - plaster.

Ie, like in a good friendship where the friends trust each other, the greater the friendship, the greater the BOND, and the greater the certainty that each will only do what is in the others best interest.

Similarly when we develop this kind of 'cemented' relationship with Hashem, then certainly a loving G-d, who is the ultimate of good, will provide for each and every Jew, all that he needs.

In the words of the author, Rabeinu Bachaya ibn Pekuda:

'Having discussed in the preceding Gate, the obligation to assume the service of G-d, I think it is appropriate to follow this with what is needed above all things by a servant of G-d, and that is TRUST in G-d regarding all his needs.

For it is of great benefit in both religious and secular affairs.'

Wishing everyone a Gut Shabbos and success in all our new year pursuits.