What Does Bitachon Have To Do With Pesach Cleaning?

Proper Bitachon regarding mitzvah performance

The Chovos Halevavos (Duties of the Heart) teaches us that there are 3 components to doing a mitzvah:

1. Choosing what is right
   This involves the evaluation process: what is the right thing to do?
2. Deciding to do it
   Now that I have ascertained the correct course of action, I must choose to do it.
3. Doing it
   This refers to physically carrying out the task.

Two out of three parts are completely in my control: I have the ability to identify what is right and to decide to do it. However, the third aspect, carrying through with the action, is not completely in my hands.

Let's take an example:

Moishy knows that he should get up to go to shul every morning for Shacharis (#1). Even though he really likes to sleep late,

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Dan's Story Continued and the "How" of Bitachon

In The 5 “W"s of Bitachon, we began a story about Dan, who was always getting angry. His relationships were deteriorating until he discovered a new way to deal with his anger. Following is the continuation of the story, which details the specific steps Dan took to make real, lasting changes in his life.

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5 Reasons That Good People Suffer (Part 2)

Let’s review:

1. Suffering does not always equal punishment. (See Why Bad Things Happen To Good People - Why Not?). There are many possible reasons why bad things might happen to a person.

2. The secret to dealing with perceived injustice in this world is to set your perception straight. God is just, and all His ways are just. We sometimes don’t understand how, but our lack of understanding does not make God unjust!! (See The Secret to Dealing With Perceived Injustice in This World).

3. We can know with certainty that there is some good explanation for everything that happens, even if we don’t know what it is in this particular case. We can accomplish this by learning many possible reasons. We may not know which applies (or maybe one we hadn’t thought of), but it’s no big leap of faith to believe that there is a good reason.

The Chovos Halevavos (Duties of the Heart) lists 5 reasons that good people suffer.

The first 2 reasons are discussed in depth in The Secret To Dealing With Perceived Injustice In This World. The remainder of the list will be the subject of this post.

1. Punishment for past sins

   1. Pay up now so you won’t have to pay later.

   2. No one is perfect. Therefore, no one is too good for punishment.

2. Increase reward in the Next World

3. Others will learn to serve God

   When someone serves Hashem happily despite poverty or other afflictions, it provides opportunities both for himself and for others:

   • For himself: To reap rewards in the World To Come (see The Secret To Dealing With Perceived Injustice In This World number 2 on the list).

   • For others: To learn from him.

   

   People learn best by example. When we see someone model appropriate behavior, we are more likely to apply this to our own lives when the right time comes.

   Imagine a child who grows up being yelled at. The child learns that in the face of frustration, the only response is to yell and blame. Even though the child knows that these efforts will not solve her problems, she simply does not know what else to do.

   Contrast this to a child who is raised with love, understanding, and firm yet gentle discipline. She learns more productive ways of solving her problems because calm problem solving is constantly modeled for her.

   A righteous person serves as a role model for others. When others see him happily serving Hashem in the face of hardship, they will learn to do the same.

4. His righteousness will be apparent to all

   On the day of judgement, the evildoers will see the righteous receiving reward while they themselves are punished. They will want to say, “Those people lived with us, and they were the same as we are. Why are they getting rewarded and we are punished?”

   However, when a person has proven himself by continuing to serve Hashem with love even in times of difficulty and suffering, his righteousness will speak for itself. Even the evildoers will have to concede that he has earned his reward.

5. Punishment for not rebuking sinners

   “I just found the best recipe. You must try it!”

   “I read the most interesting article! I’m sharing it with you because I think you can benefit from it too.”

   “I saved so much money by shopping at that new store. You must go check it out!”

   It is human nature to share with others that which has helped me. I want to convince others to try “my” school, “my” store, “my”  favorite website or blog, “my” diet, and “my” values.

   One who loves Hashem will want to convince others to follow his lead. If he doesn’t, it shows a lack of interest or caring about Hashem, people, or both.

   Additionally, the Torah tells us that all Jews are responsible for all other Jews. If my brothers are faltering, it is my responsibility to do all that I can to raise them back up. “It’s not my problem” is not a Jewish value.

   

   A man bought a ticket to sail across the ocean on a large ship. During the voyage, the ship suddenly began to sink. The attendants searched and searched to find the source of the leak. They finally traced the problem to this man’s cabin. When they arrived at his room, they found him drilling a hole right into the bottom of the boat! Astounded, they demanded that he stop immediately!

   The man could not understand why they were so upset. “What is all this commotion about? I’m not bothering anyone else, it’s only in my own room!”

   No one would walk by such a sight and do nothing. No one would say, “It’s not my problem!”

   Similarly, when one soul is tainted with sin, it takes down the entire nation along with it. It is in every man’s personal and national interest to make sure that his fellow is not drilling a hole in the bottom of our collective boat!

   A righteous person has a great responsibility to help others serve God. If he does not, he too is held accountable.

More Reasons Good People Suffer

This completes The list from the Chovos Halevavos (Duties of the Heart). In the next post I hope to discuss a few more possible explanations for suffering of the righteous. If you have any ideas other than what is listed above, I’d love to hear!

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To Travel or Not To Travel: That is the Question

This post about business travel was inspired by an excellent comment by Karen in response to Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way. If you haven’t already read it, you might want to consider reading that first.

Hypocrite!

There was once a businessman who traveled to a far away land on business. While he was there, he met one of the local idol-worshippers. The businessman asked the idolater, “How can you be so blind as to worship idols?”

The idol-worshipper replied, “And whom do you serve?”

“I serve the Creator,” responded The businessman. “He is able to do anything. He alone provides sustenance, there is none other who supports like He does.”

Retorted the idolater, “You are a hypocrite!”

“How so?” asked The businessman.

“If what you claim is true, then your God can support you in your city just as He can provide for you here! Why do you need to exert yourself to travel so far?”

The businessman realized that the idol-worshipper was correct. From that day on, he resolved to live a life dedicated to Hashem, and he no longer left his hometown in search of livelihood.

(From the Chovos Halevavos, Duties of the Heart, Gate of Trust, Introduction)

Does this mean it is wrong to travel for business?

As with most things in life, there is a proper time and place for everything.

There are some people who love to travel, to see new places, to have new experiences.

Some employees are paid by their employers for their travel time. They can then utilize their travel time to further their own goals, such as reading or studying (assuming that their employers don’t expect them to work on the plane).

The point is, if you are happy traveling, that is fine. If it feels right for you, then it probably is.

On the other hand, if traveling wears you down and takes you away from where you really want to be, then maybe you ought to think things through again. If you travel only because you feel that you have no choice, realize that you may have other options. Is it possible that you travel because deep down you don’t believe that Hashem can provide for you otherwise?

Yes, God requires you to make a real effort. But once you do your part, remember that Hashem can support you wherever you are!

Other Factors

There are other considerations that may affect your career or location decisions. These include the general things that make a person employable (which is certainly part of a person’s required effort!), such as:

• Do something you’re good at
• Get proper training and keep it up to date
• Maintain desirable work habits

See Parnassa (Livelihood) vs. Passion: A Follow-Up to “Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way” for a full discussion of these and other issues.

Disclaimer: Please do not go and quit your job after reading this post! Speak to a Rabbi who knows your personal situation well and can advise you!

Do

• Attribute your livelihood to God, no matter where is comes from.
• Hope. Even when things are tough, remember that Hashem is not limited!
• Put forth your best effort, and then trust Hashem to do what’s best for you.

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Parnassa (Livelihood) vs. Passion: A Follow-Up to "Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way"

In response to last week’s discussion about "Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way" , someone asked me an interesting question:

Must a person always derive his livelihood from his passion? I know someone who works in what he loves most: Jewish outreach. But he doesn’t make ends meet! Wouldn’t he be better off going into any standard type profession and pursuing his passion in his spare time?

Each person is unique, so there is no one answer that will fit all. Here are my thoughts on the topic; I hope they will help you navigate your own situation.

1. If not something you love, at least something you like (a lot)

   While it is wonderful to support yourself through your passion, I am not advocating that this must be the case for everyone.

   However, most people do have certain subject matters that they find more interesting than others. A person should choose a profession that interests him and is suited to his abilities.

   For example, my father is an expert in the anti-fraud/anti-money-laundering field. That doesn’t mean that he spends all his free time figuring out new ways to stop fraud, but he definitely enjoys his work! When he talks about what he does, he is clearly animated. As he tells me about a conference where he spoke, I can see that this excites him. His work suits him well, even if it is not his number one passion in life.

2. Something you’re good at

   Sometimes insufficient livelihood is due to a Heavenly decree; God has decided that this person will not have much money.

   But consider a situation where a person has chosen to do something he is just not good at! (This is a tricky one, because often the person thinks he is great at what he does while the reality is otherwise.) In this case, he can hardly blame God! Part of Bitachon is the requirement for a person to try his best. Expecting to make money by doing something you’re not good at is not trying your best!

   “A person should choose a profession that takes into account his unique physical and intellectual makeup, as well as his natural talents and abilities.”  
   (From The Bitachon Blog: Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way)

3. It’s the choice, not the profession

   

   In every field, some people are successful and others are not. There are blue collar workers who manage well and there are white collar workers who cannot make ends meet.

   If things are not working out, it may be that the person is not well suited to the profession that he chose. Another person might do just fine in the same profession, but it was a poor choice for this particular person.

4. Personality or Passion?

   Perhaps the reason a person is not able to make a living doing his passion has to do more with his personality and habits than his career choice. In other words, maybe what is holding him back from success at this job will hold him back from success at a job in any other area as well.

   Does he show up late to every meeting?  
   Is he hard to get along with?  
   Does he have strange quirks that annoy his superiors and co-workers?
   Is he too aggressive?  
   Does he leave at 5:00 PM when everyone else is working late?        
   Is he afraid to talk to the people he works with?    
   Does he spend all his time talking instead of working?  
   Is he a poor communicator?

   Even if he changes his profession, his character and acquired habits will follow him. It may be that something needs to change, but the something may or may not be his job!

5. Temporary setbacks vs Never had success to begin with

   The following flow diagram is based on the Chovos Halevavos (Duties of the Heart):

   

   Here's a text version of the flow chart, in case you can't see it:

   Choosing a Profession
   You naturally desire a particular type of work
   

   • You are physically suited for this type of work
   • You are able to withstand the rigors of this type of work
   Then . . .
   Go for it!
   • Make that professions the means for acquiring your livelihood
   • Accept both the sweet and the bitter that come along with your chosen profession
   • Don't be disgusted when you don't have work occasionally; rather trust in Hashem that He will provide your sustenance all your life

   (Gate of Trust, chapter 3, third paragraph from the end, starting from the second sentence)

   Notice the word “occasionally”.  Perhaps when the problem is constant, and not “occasional”, it is time for a person to reassess the situation!

6. Not intended for wealth

   

   Sometimes, a person has faithfully tried his best to choose a suitable profession, but still does not achieve financial stability. In this case, it may be that God is purposely withholding livelihood from him. (This may happen for a variety of reasons. Perhaps we will tackle that in a future post!)

   Hashem created a world in which some people are rich and others are poor. If despite genuine efforts a person still finds he is unable to support himself, he should accept that this is Hashem's will for him. He should continue to contribute his effort, but realize that the outcome will be whatever Hashem has decreed for him.

What are your thoughts about this? Do you think he should stick with it or find another career? What other factors may come into play?

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Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way

Selecting a suitable profession is a major life decision. It is also an extremely important decision, because it can alter your direction in life, both physically and spiritually.

In this post, we will explore some insights of the Chovos Halevavos regarding this crucial life determination.

Each person is different

Tom and David are both in the process of choosing a career. Take a look at their profiles. What do you think might be a suitable profession for each one? What factors did you consider to come to your conclusions?

1. 

   Tom is big and strong, but was never terribly academic. Homework, research, and reports were never his strong point. He is excellent at lifting weights and also has a good handle on spatial relations. Tom loves to drive and has always wanted to travel across the country.

2. David is short and skinny. He is not much of an athlete, and is not particularly handy. David was known among his classmates as an intellectual and a thinker. He is focused and can think up a quick solution to a problem when put on the spot. He has the ability to take a difficult concept and make it easy to understand. He loves helping people and enjoys sharing his knowledge.

Things to consider when choosing a profession

1. Physical and intellectual makeup

   

   Some jobs require hard physical labor, but little intellectual prowess. Some workers sit at a desk all day and come up with brilliant solutions and ideas.

   A person should choose a profession that takes into account his unique physical and intellectual makeup, as well as his natural talents and abilities.

2. Inborn Desires

   Hashem has created every creature with unique drives and desires.  For example, some animals eat only plants, other consume animals. Each animal has even been physically designed in accordance with its needs. Characteristics such as sharp teeth, long beaks, and horns help each species to acquire and digest its ideal type of food.

   

   Similarly, Hashem created each person with his own unique leanings, desires, and tendencies. A person should choose a profession that interests him. Some people like gardening, others enjoy statistics. Each person should follow his own passion in discovering his suitable form of work.

   Once a person has chosen an appropriate profession, he is free to stick with it through its ups and downs. It is ultimately Hashem, not his profession, who provides a person with his needs.

An appropriate career choice for Tom might be a mover. He is fit for the heavy lifting, and this job will also help him realize his dream of traveling across the country.

David might consider becoming a teacher or professor. He has loads of knowledge that he can’t wait to share, and the lack of physical labor matches his body’s physical reality.

Obviously, there are an infinite number of personality-ability combinations, and each person must choose a profession that matches his own reality.

No matter which profession you choose, there are two Bitachon principles that apply to everyone:

1. The purpose of getting a job is not to make money

   

   The reason we have to work is to fulfill Hashem’s command. Hashem requires us to put forth effort in order to achieve results in the physical world (see Why Work for a Living). Hashem will take care of the money. Our job is to take care of the effort, with the intent to fulfill Hashem’s command.

2. Your profession is not what brings you money

   Hashem has many avenues to provide your livelihood. He is not limited by your job! Do your part, and then trust that whatever is meant for you, Hashem will send your way.

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Why Work For A Living?

Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, man has endured the curse - “By the sweat of your brow shall you eat bread”.

Have you ever wondered why this does not contradict Bitachon? After all, if Hashem will provide you with all of your needs anyway, why should you bother to expend any effort at all? If He is providing for you, why does He make you work for it?

Fool’s Bitachon

There is a famous parable told of a man on a sinking ship. The crew admonishes him to hurry into the waiting lifeboat. He declines the offer, on the grounds that “God will save me”.

A passing ship lets down a rope ladder so that he can climb aboard to safety. The man holds strong to his convictions. “No thank you,” he tells them. “God will save me!”

Finally, with the ship sinking fast, a helicopter circles overhead. It has come to save the man. However, he wants to be saved by God, not by a helicopter. He remains on the sinking ship.

At last, the man drowns in the depths of the ocean. His soul arrives before God. He has come to God with a complaint: “I trusted in You to save me, God. Why did You let me down?”

God responds, “I saved you 3 times! I provided you with a lifeboat, but you wouldn’t get in. I sent you a ship, but you wouldn’t climb aboard. I  even flew in a helicopter for you, but YOU refused to be saved!”

Rabbenu Bachya Ibn Paquda, author of Chovos Halevavos (Duties of the Heart), employs a similar analogy of a hungry person. Even if the food is placed in front of him, he still must bring the food to his mouth and chew it up in order to quell his hunger!

Even more effort is required when the food is not placed before him. He must work to pay for the ingredients, shop, and cook the food if he wants to eat.

In other words, even when Hashem provides, man must expend a certain amount of effort in order to tap into the good that God has in store for him.

Bitachon does not mean that Hashem will take care of me, and therefore I don’t need to to do anything. Rather, I must put forth a basic, reasonable effort. Once I have fulfilled my obligation, I can trust that Hashem will provide for me through whichever avenue He deems fit.

The Chovos Halevavos offers 2 reasons why man has to work:

1. To test him

   God created man with external needs, such as food, drink, clothing, shelter and family. God has commissioned man to seek out his needs in permitted ways, and provides appropriate opportunities for Him to do so.

   This enables man to exercise his free will. Does he serve Hashem or does he transgress His will? Does he obtain his needs appropriately, or does he disregard God’s laws in an effort to obtain his wants and needs?

   If a man truly trusts in God, he will not try to fulfill his needs in a forbidden way. He realizes that if he is meant to have something, then God will provide him with a proper way to procure his need. If he is not meant to have it, he will not be able to obtain it no matter what he does. Therefore, he does not benefit by using unsuitable methods for getting what he wants.

2. To keep  man busy so he won’t sin

   If man did not have to earn his living, he would rebel against God and run after sin, instead of focusing on his obligation to serve Hashem.

   Structure is a wonderful gift. It helps us to zoom in on what we need to do instead of wandering about aimlessly.

   Take, for example, a child during the school year. Somehow, he is always very busy doing something very important. There is simply not enough time to eat, do homework, shower, and get to bed on time!

   But look at that same child after two weeks of vacation. He is bored as can be. He can’t seem to find anything at all to do. (We are at the end of summer vacation, and I am beginning to hear “I’m bored!” and “What can I do?” quite a lot!).

   The same is true of students. The hall-roamers and mischief makers are not the kids who are working hard in class! They are the children who are (for a variety of different reasons) bored!

   Teens and adults who have too much time at their disposal often find themselves involved with drugs, alcohol, or inappropriate relationships. Having to work for a living is a blessing in that it saves people from getting into this kind of trouble.

Every worthwhile goal requires effort

These principles - that man must work to earn a living, and that work serves as a test and protection from sin - apply not only in regards to money and basic needs, but to all human wants and needs, both physical and spiritual.

Practical Bitachon

1. On your way to work, thank Hashem for the blessing of work! Appreciate that working allows you to stay on the straight path and to affirm your loyalty to Hashem.

2. When doing unpleasant tasks, remember that they are actually part of a healthy, structured life!

3. Welcome hard work instead of running away from it. It was created for your benefit!

4. Take advantage of the opportunities that Hashem provides. Don’t miss the boat!

   

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The 7 Habits of Highly Dependable People

Why is it so hard to let go and trust another person? Why do we have confidence in some people, but find others to be undependable?

There are specific traits which determine a person’s dependability. The more of these traits he exhibits, the higher his “dependability score”. By examining the qualities of a person who is reliable, we can see why no mortal, and only God, can be completely trustworthy.

The author of Chovos Halevavos (Duties of the Heart), Rabeinu Bachya Ibn Paquda, defines 7 criteria that are essential to developing complete trust. In the next few weeks, we’ll explore each of these, one at a time.

What qualities would make you feel you could depend on someone?  Post your answers, and we’ll discuss number 1 in the next post!

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