The conversation around having a large family is centered on the concept of bitachon: Trust in G-d. Here I dig a little deeper into what that really means. See Part 1 here.
Growing up in Chabad, most of us know about the concept of Hashgacha Pratis.
A concept that the Baal Shem Tov made popular, many will translate it as “Divine Providence.” To me, the words “personal supervision” (a more literal translation of the Hebrew term) are more meaningful.
Yes, on top of everything he sustains at every moment, G-d takes it upon himself to personally supervise every aspect of my life.
It’s a beautiful idea, and I think most of us really embrace it. We love to tell little stories of Hashgacha Pratis: a parking spot appearing just when you need it, bumping into a friend at just the right time, finding that an item you need in the store was in stock just on the day you arrived.
But I think sometimes we forget what the real lesson of Hashgacha Pratis is.
What it really means
It’s nice to know that Hashem is taking care of a worm on the ground when it needs some shade.
But it’s far more important to realize that Hashem is mashgiach – a true supervisor – of the big things in my life too.
Hashem gave me my parents, my school, and my home just the way they are because that is what’s best for me.
Hashem gives me my job, my spouse, and my friends, because they fit the journey that my soul needs to travel.
And He also gives me challenges, difficulties and trials because those are the tests that will strengthen me and bring out my greatest potential.
This is what Hashgacha Pratis really means. Everything that has any effect on my life – whether it’s big or small, caused by a human or nature, temporary or permanent – is completely and exclusively controlled by Hashem.
Why it matters
Really, it’s not about believing that Hashem runs the world.
It’s believing that He runs MY world. Not just in the past, but in the present and the future, and acknowledging it to the point that I simply trust Him to set things up for me just right.
It’s a trust that does not leave room for worry or doubt. It’s a trust that allows me to fulfill the will of Hashem no matter how unreasonable it seems at the time.
It’s a trust that allows me to welcome another child that Hashem decides to send my way, confident that Hashem’s love for his children far exceeds even the love that I have for our own.
I am certain that He wouldn’t send His child into a situation that cannot handle him.
And I trust that Hashem, who has access to all the resources in the world – and more – will provide them with everything they need.
Because he is personally supervising my life, and the life of each member of my family.
I know it will all work out.
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Wow!
Well written!
Whens trust is so clearly defined, it makes it more attainable!
Thank you! Yes, that is exactly how I feel. So often we speak about important ideas but they fail to affect us because we haven’t defined what they really mean.