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 […]

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 […]

We introduce the Five Prefaces, one of which is to recognize that the seven qualities discussed in the previous lessons are found in G-d alone. (Chapter 3)

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 […]

The second preface: G-d knows what we are really thinking.The third preface: Trust must be exclusively in God not combining trust in something else with trust in G-d.Doctors are but conduits through which G-d sends healing much like work is but a conduit through which G-d sends a livelihood. (Chapter 3)

The fourth preface: obeying G-d's will. When G-d makes rules for us, He's trying to take care of us. Certainly, G-d can also be kind to those who are undeserving, however, trusting in G-d means following His program for us as outlined in Torah. (Chapter 3)

Rabbi Taub answers several questions from students. No new text is covered in this class.

The fifth preface: G-d's decree is the only real cause for anything. All other causes are just intermediaries in a process. When procuring those things that lie outside of ourselves, we must rely only on G-d by obeying His will for us. (Chapter 3)

Continuing the fifth preface, the reason G-d makes there be so many steps in maintaining our needs is in order to test us. One who passes this test will be given his sustenance without work. (Chapter 3)

Continuing the fifth preface, sometimes righteous people seem to be working very hard for sustenance and wicked people seem to get everything handed to them. We look into some reasons why the righteous may face difficulties in receiving a livelihood as well as why the wicked may sometimes prosper. (Chapter 3)

Continuing the fifth preface, when making a vessel for a livelihood, choose a job that’s suited to you; and when you do it keep in mind that you’re fulfilling G-d's desire for people to work. Don’t become attached to a particular job, thinking it is the source of your livelihood. G-d is the only source […]

How to have proper reliance on G-d in one's material as well as spiritual matters. These categories also have many detailed subcategories which will be covered in the following classes. (Chapter 4)

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 […]

Just because G-d is running the world, doesn't mean you are allowed to put yourself in danger. One should not engage in risky behavior. (Chapter 4)

We continue to discuss appropriate ways of exhibiting trust in G-d. Even if one has trust, he still must act responsibly. (Chapter 4)

One can do nothing to increase the amount of wealth that G-d has already allotted for him. Likewise, a healing only works because G-d wants it to. Sometimes a livelihood and healing come from a place other than where one was looking for them. We must pursue natural means in order to conceal the miracle […]

There are two levels of sustenance: one's own personal needs, and the needs of those one provides for (family or employees). There are three possible errors one can make when in the position for providing for others. Either he might feel that he must compromise his values to get the money for all those he’s […]

People often think that associating with wealthy people will somehow make them wealthy also and that this will bring them honor. But wealth itself isn’t honor; spending it properly is what is honorable. (Chapter 4)

One need not overwork or work unethically to get the money that is coming to him. Neither should one be mnentally preoccupied with making a living. Fear is the product of a toxic meditation. Faith is the antidote. (Chapter 4)

Some healthy self-talk to meditate on when we’re financially stressed: There’s a right moment for everything, and G-d will provide you your livelihood when it’s time. If you only get what you need right now with no surplus it’s alright.G-d is giving you a livelihood based on what’s perfect for you and your unique needs. […]

Trust in G-d is essential to healthy interpersonal relationships. Either you’re a stranger, or among people. When you feel like a stranger it’s time to connect with G-d. We’re all strangers. Rabenu Bachaye offers comfort for the lonely and isolated person. (Chapter 4)

More about how trust in G-d factors in our interpersonal relationships. Not relying on people actually allows us to be genuine with them and have a real bond. (Chapter 4)

We discuss how to deal with our enemies and those who have hurt us. The person was only a messenger but the damage was decreed by G-d. (Chapter 4)

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)

How to have trust in spiritual matters. When it comes to material matters, we need to trust that G-d will take care of things. But with spiritual matters, we need to use the free choice G-d gave us to actually improve our situation. (Chapter 4)

More about trust as it relates to discharging our spiritual obligations. There’s no rule book on material matters so we have to have trust; but when it comes to morality we know what we should be doing and the rules never change. It is proper to have trust in spiritual matters once you have put […]

The importance of bitachon in spiritual matters that involve other people such as performing acts of kindness. Avoid ulterior motives as well as seeking credit for your deeds. If you do receive honor remember that you were only the tool G-d chose for helping others. (Chapter 4)

Three (out of seven) reasons why spiritual reward is not discussed clearly in Tanach. (Chapter 4)

Four more reasons why spiritual reward and punishment are not clearly stated in Tanach. (Chapter 4)

More about our belief in reward and punishment. There is a higher level of reward that is disproportionate to our deeds. It therefore requires trust in order to believe that we will receive it. (Chapter 4)

The selfless person will make use of material things to do G-d's will, but never just for personal gratification. In doing so, everything in this life is transformed into a tool for serving G-d. (Chapter 4)

How one who has bitachon goes about earning a livelihood in contrast with one who does not have bitachon. (Chapter 5)

Continuing with the seven ways in which the one who has bitachon differs from the one who doesn’t have bitachon when earning a livelihood. We discuss people's emotional attachments to their work and how the one who has bitachon will not separate his mundane and religious life. His work is actually a form of worship […]

One who trusts in G-d does not rely on any person so he doesn’t feel threatened by anyone. G-d is providing the resources, not any human. He worries only about his spiritual connection because that is something he can control. (Chapter 5)

Continuing the list of ten advantages of bitachon over alchemy. (Author's Introduction)

The "collateral takers" are making a fundamental error in their approach to serving G-d. We discuss seven reasons for their mistake. (Chapter 6)

Continuing with the seven fundamental flaws of the pledge taker attitude. Don’t set preconditions; start serving G-d the best you can right now. (Chapter 6)

We discuss factors that can damage bitachon. Ignorance about G-d, Torah, and how the world works can be detrimental to one's trust in G-d. (Chapter 7)

As we climb the "ladder" of trust, we come to the highest levels of equanimity where we never wish to be in a situation different than the one we are currently in. (Chapter 7)

At the "top of the ladder" of development in bitachon, the 10th level, one becomes disgusted by mundane things for their own sake and not used for the service of G-d. At this level, one actually has pleasure and excitement in his connection with G-d. He enjoys his relationship with G-d more than spiritual people […]

Siyum celebration following the completion of a class on the classic Shaar HaBitachon (Gate of Trust) from Rabenu Bachaye's Chovos HaLevavos.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

Rabbi Shais Taub updates students of his popular Shaar Habitachon series, which was recorded five years ago, sharing how the principle of Bitachon has played a crucial role in the continued growth of SoulWords. The video serves as a heartfelt call to everyone who studied Shaar Habitachon with him, inviting them to partner with SoulWords […]