Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Not to override one’s set Torah study times even to make a lot of money:[1] The set time that one who works establishes for his daily Torah learning, as stated above, must be set in a way that it is not nullified even for the sake of making a large […]

The most appropriate time to study during the day – after Shacharis:[1] It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to establish the required set time of daytime Torah study for immediately after Shacharis, prior to going to work. Whoever leaves the synagogue and goes directly to the house of study  in […]

Kevius Itim Letorah by day and night:[1] Every single [male[2]] Jew, whether poor or wealthy, whether he is healthy or suffers from health problems, is obligated to study Torah. This applies even to a beggar who makes rounds by doors begging for money, and applies even to a husband and […]

How much of the day may one spend working versus learning Torah?[1] As stated above, and as will be elaborated next, even one who needs to work for a living is required to set aside time every day for learning Torah [Kevius Itim Letorah]. Nevertheless, he should make his work […]

May one be supported by others [Kolel] in order to learn Torah?[1] The Rambam[2] writes that “whoever desires to learn Torah all day and does not desire to work and will rather be supported from charity funds he has desecrated Hashem’s name and belittled the Torah and extinguished the light […]

Working to make a living at the expense of Torah learning:[1] Background from Scripture and Talmud: Hashem commanded Moshe to place some of the Mun in a jar as a relic for all generations.[2] Rashi explains that the message behind this relic of Mun is to remind the future generations […]

Working to make a living at the expense of Torah learning:[1] Background from Scripture and Talmud: Hashem commanded Moshe to place some of the Mun in a jar as a relic for all generations.[2] Rashi explains that the message behind this relic of Mun is to remind the future generations […]

Not to compromise on religious duties due to work: Being that one is required to work in order to make for himself a living, and support himself and his family, stated above, it is very easy for the evil inclination to challenge a person to overdue his efforts on expense […]

Not to overdue the effort of Parnasa:[1] One should not increase in work and business more than necessary for his desired income. In the words of the Tzemach Tzedek[2] “However, every individual who does not desire to be rich but simply desires to make enough money to support himself and […]

Lechem Min Hashamayim – Mun:[1] It is recorded in the name of the Rebbe Maharash, that in today’s times the Parnasa of the Jewish people is on a similar level to the Mun that fell from the heavens. [This means that it comes with less work and toil or on […]

How much effort – The effort in Parnasa must be commensurate to the blessing desired:[1] Being that one is required to work for a living, the question is asked regarding how much effort is necessary to be placed? Does it suffice to make even the smallest of efforts and simply […]

Bitachon – No worries:[1] In addition to making a Keli and praying to G-d, one must place his trust in G-d that G-d provides man with all his sustenance, as the verse[2] states “Eiynei Kol Eilecha Yisabeiru Veata Nosein Lahem Es Achlam Beito/All eyes are turned to you and you […]

Davening to Hashem for Parnasa:[1] In addition to making a Keli for Parnasa, one must pray to G-d and request from Him in His Divine mercy to send one Parnasa from the supernal kindness that was allocated for his soul on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. _______________________________ [1] See Likkutei […]

The need to work for a living:[1] It states in Scripture[2] that “Ki Hashem Elokecha Beirachicha Bechol Maaseh Yadecha/G-d will bless you and all of your actions” Rebbe Eliezer the son of Yaakov states that the end of the verse is teaching us that to receive G-d’s blessing it does […]

On Rosh Hashanah one’s yearly budget is decided:[1] The Talmud[2] states that all of man’s food and expenses are set on Rosh Hashanah, regarding how much money he will make on behalf of his food needs and other needs of all the days of the year. From here, it can […]

Parnasa – Hishtadlus to make a Parnasa versus Bitachon:[1] On Rosh Hashanah one’s yearly budget is decided:[2] The Talmud[3] states that all of man’s food and expenses are set on Rosh Hashanah, regarding how much money he will make on behalf of his food needs and other needs of all […]

Security in Eretz Yisrael:[1] The level of Bitachon versus Histadlus expected of each individual, is commensurate to his spiritual level and current standing as explained in Halacha 1. However, in Eretz Hakodesh, the general Jewish population is expected and obligated to have higher levels of Bitachon in Hashem being that […]

Bitachon regarding the problems of others:[1] The attribute of trust is only considered virtuous when it is regarding one’s personal problems and challenges. However, one should never exercise trust in G-d regarding the problems of another individual. Rather, one must do on his power to help them and assist them […]

Does Bitachon remove the power from G-d to be able to punish?[1] The above conclusion that absolute trust in G-d guarantees salvation, raises the question of whether it literally removes from G-d the power to go through with his plans. What if G-d truly wants the person to receive the […]

Can one achieve true trust of G-d without repenting for sinful behavior, or is general Teshuvah a prerequisite for any form of true Bitachon in Hashem? According to the above explanation that Bitachon in G-d is something that takes much toil and effort, and represents a total change in one’s […]

Under which basis can one trust in G-d that everything will be good, if sinful behavior rightfully deserves consequences, and perhaps is exactly the reason for why he faces the issue that he has? Having true Bitachon requires daily mental and emotional toil until it is achieved, and one who […]

What is the difference between Emuna and Bitachon? Security versus insecurity:[1] The difference between Emuna and Bitachon is that Emuna refers simply to a belief, which does not necessarily secure one from having a turmoil of emotions and anxiety regarding a given issue. However, the term Bitachon means security, which […]

The basis for trusting that all will be good:[1] Tzemach Tzedek – Think Positive and it will be Positive:[2] The Tzemach Tzedek[3] once replied to an individual who begged him to arouse divine mercy for a deathly ill relative r”l, that he should think positive and then the outcome will […]

Must Tzadikkim place physical effort or may they just rely on Bitachonm[1] Certain Tzadikim are on a level that it is not necessary for them to even make a physical channel for G-d’s blessing, as they are connected to G-d on a level that is above the limitations of the […]

Essence of Bitachon – Trusting that things will be good, or that everything G-d does is for the best:[1] There is a general question as to the essence of what is being commanded of us in the Mitzvah of Bitachon and as to what we are trusting in G-d to […]

Definition of Bitachon – Security & Tranquility:[1] The term Bitachon means security, which emphasizes that one is tranquil due to his trust in G-d. Bitachon means that one trusts in G-d to the point that he feels no worry and anxiety whatsoever about the issue, and is completely relaxed about […]

Should one do actions that prepare for the eventuality of a negative outcome? Such as if one is sick, should he write a will and prepare his family for the eventuality of death? Seemingly, there is no contradiction in one’s Bitachon if he takes steps which prepare for the eventuality […]

Trust that Hashem will also make Keli:[1] The Mitzvah to trust in Hashem is not just that one trusts that Hashem will provide him with Parnasa in the occupation that he has, but also that Hashem will assist him with finding a proper vessel for that blessing to channel through. […]

How much effort – The amount of effort is commensurate to one’s level of Bitachon:[1] The level and type of effort he is required to invest in order to achieve his goal is dependent on one’s level of trust in G-d. For example, if one is looking for a job […]

The reason: The reason Hashem requires us to perform effort in the physical realm is because the blessing must come through the nature of the world. Just as all Divine blessing that enters the world does so through the laws of nature, so too one must create a vessel within […]

The source: It states in Scripture[1] that “Ki Hashem Elokecha Beirachicha Bechol Maaseh Yadecha/G-d will bless you and all of your actions.” Rebbe Eliezer the son of Yaakov states that the end of the verse is teaching us that to receive G-d’s blessing it does not suffice for one to […]

The Mitzvah of Hishtadlus – Effort:[1] It is a Torah obligation for one to place effort and create the physical means necessary to achieve and attain whatever it is that he needs and desires. [Although one is required to trust in G-d, this does not contradict the requirement for one […]

Trusting in G-d to bring the redemption:[1] The above also applies regarding trusting in G-d that he will bring the redemption, as just as we find regarding the redemption from Egypt that it was in merit of our trust in G-d[2], so too it will be regarding the final redemption, […]

Trusting in G-d to help him also when faced with spiritual struggles:[1] When a person is faced with challenges in spiritual matters of fulfilling Torah and Mitzvos, then too, he is required to work on his trust in G-d. If after exhausting all efforts to help himself, he has absolute […]

Davening to Hashem to grant one the attribute of Bitachon:[1] One should accustom himself to pray to Hashem that Hashem merit him to have the Mida of Bitachon, in order to be successful in drawing down the Divine blessing. _______________________________________________ [1] Based on Keser Shem Tov 113; Toldos Yaakov Yosef […]

People who are more inclined to trust G-d:[1] Those people who have souls that are rooted in the Sefira of Chesed are more inclined to have trust in G-d and feel serene and secure, versus those rooted in Gevurah who have more of a difficulty in  achieving this state of […]

The Mitzvah of Bitachon in Hashem and the obligation of placing effort – Hishtadlus:[1] One of the most famous tenants of Judaism is the concept of trust in G-d. As much as attaining trust in G-d is challenging, it is also rewarding. People who have faith and trust in G-d […]

Verses of Bitachon in Tanach and Chazal: Devarim 18:13 “Tamim Tihyeh Im Hashem Elokecha”[1] Devarim 20:1 “Ki Seitzei…Lo Sira Meihem”[2] Tehillim 4:6: “Ubitchu El Hashem” Tehillim 32:10: “Haboteiach BaHashem Chesed Yisovivenhu” Tehillim 37:3 and 115:9 “Betach BaHashem” Tehillim 55:23 “Hashleich Al Hashem Yihavecha” Tehillim 62:9 “Ubitchu Bo Bechol Es” Tehillim […]

The Mitzvah of Bitachon: We are instructed in numerous verses of Scripture[1], as expounded on in various works of Mussar[2], to trust in G-d. Thus, trusting in G-d is not just a Mitzvah, but an obligation.[3]  Some Poskim[4] even include this Mitzvah as one of the 613 commands.[5] To quote […]