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Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 06 Apr 2020 16:22 #348324

  • davidt
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We are a few days away from the holiday of Pesach, the holiday of emunah. A holiday where we are going to appreciate how much Hashem does for us. Some people have enormous challenges that they are currently experiencing. Some have lost relatives, some are ill, some are struggling to stay afloat financially and some are experiencing all of the above. If they can take chizuk from David HaMelech who had the most difficult life, who said about himself “כל משבריך וגליך עלי עברו”– any tragedy that anyone in history will go through, he had already experienced. Instead of getting down, he sang mizmoreh Tehillim with joy to Hashem and he became the great David HaMelech as a result. He became the fourth leg of Hashem’s Divine Chariot.


The harder a person’s challenge is, the greater he will become if he’s able to accept it with emunah. We hope very soon the Mashiach will be here and we will be present at that grand seudah for the Tzaddikim where Hashem will explain how everything was for the best, including what we are going through now. But if we could believe it before it’s revealed, that will make us the great people that we are capable of becoming.
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 21 Apr 2020 16:14 #348573

  • davidt
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The Or HaChaim asked in his sefer Chesed Hashem, how could a person accept hardship with joy? He answered, the person should think, the will of Hashem is being fulfilled through me right now. What could be better than fulfilling the will of my Creator? This is called having complete love for Hashem. During the most difficult times of life is when a person could accomplish his greatest growth and achievement in fulfilling his purpose here. 

To be able to wholeheartedly accept the will of Hashem in difficult times is very difficult and is extremely valuable. Not every situation is going to be as extreme as Rabbi Akiva, but every person in his hardship and his struggles has a great opportunity to soar to tremendous heights if he could proclaim his love to Hashem during his difficult times.


We pray not to encounter difficulties because we are afraid of not responding properly, but if the challenge arises, a person should utilize it to its fullest, proclaim his love to Hashem and become someone who could truly be called an eved Hashem.
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 24 Apr 2020 13:19 #348734

  • elya k
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    Trusting a Higher Power From the Book, Hey What About Me. 

    Faith holds together all the characteristics… Path of the Just

    Trust is the number one-character trait where all others are intertwined.  When you have faith there is no need to get angry, scared or depressed. Accepting where you are in life is where you are supposed to be, is the path to serenity.  Living in the present moment, not reliving your past or worrying about your future, is the path to emotional sobriety, peace of mind and freedom. When you trust in a Higher Power, you will become independent, not needing to place hope in another person or in yourself.   You will not have to please other people to make them like you or have to flatter them to please you.   You will be free to express yourself because you don’t have to depend on them for your self-worth.

    In the words of Duties of the Heart, if one trust in G-d, his soul is at rest, his heart tranquil, untroubled by decrees…. But one who does not trust in G-d, even when he is prosperous, he is always troubled and in a state of continual anxiety, mourning and grieving (because of his lust) to increase and multiply his possessions and hoard them. 

    According to Abraham Amsel in Judaism and Psychology (84, Feldheim, NY, 1969), “trust presupposes the belief that G-d molds circumstances in accordance with His will, that He wills the good of man and that He is completely just in His reward and punishment, the latter attribute, presupposes the free will of man.”

    People who openly deny the existence of G-d and therefore cannot put their trust in a Higher Power greater than themselves, cannot enjoy genuine peace of mind, tranquility and contentment.  They are enslaved by fears and anxiety because they have no real power to hold onto for security. They hold on to the belief that they can control themselves and don’t need anyone to give them help or a crutch to push forward.  They become the gods of their own understanding.

    Imagine if you were given the task of forming a living planet with trees, fruits, vegetables, humans and animals. Use your imagination and figure out what new types of fruits and vegetables could you create.  What would they look like, smell like, taste like?  Then imagine you were the higher power and you could create and do whatever you wanted.  Of course, you would be an all loving god because that’s what we all want to envision.  Anything and everything is permitted in your society.  There are no laws, rules, decrees, customs, consequences or punishments.  No natural disasters, just everyone does as they please until someone gets upset at someone else and kills them, or runs a red light, wrecks a car, or someone falls from a three- story building and injures themselves. Now what are you going to do?  Just say, oh well, you can do whatever you want to whomever you want and there are no consequences?  What kind of world would that be?  Then make sure the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening and you’ll have to create seasons so the vegetables and fruit you create can grow.  Or, you could just go on perpetual vacation and let the chips fall where they may.  How long do you think this society would last?

    Trust in G-d does not mean standing around in busy traffic and getting run over, or sitting on your porch all day, hoping someone will shower down money upon your household. No. You still have to put in the effort to work and put food on your table.  The extent of abundance is out of your control.  You have to put in the work and trust G-d with the results.  Otherwise, constant worry will never bring peace of mind and tranquility of spirit.  A person who trusts G-d does not get upset when his requests are not granted.  Do you ever tell your children NO?  Then why is it so difficult for you to accept no from a Higher Power who has your best interest at heart?

    How am I supposed to have trust if I grew up with abuse and trauma?

    People have free will to do as they please and therefore we cannot blame G-d for what people do to others.  We find people in society who are willing to suffer for the greater good of society, like firefighters, doctors, and soldiers. But sometimes people suffer against their will and it could be for the sake of keeping free will present in society. If every time someone decided to do evil and G-d prevented it, there would be no free choice.

    A person might ask, why me? And that’s a question that cannot be answered with any form of certainty. G-d gives us many tests in life, some we understand and some we cannot. You are alive today, despite the abuse and trauma.  You are a survivor, not a victim any longer.  Your task in life from now on is to heal from past trauma and abuse and move forward in breaking the generational chain which has so captivated your mind.

    According to Rabbi Shmuel Waldman in “Beyond A Reasonable Doubt,” Sorrow possesses great potential power to expand our lives, enlarge our vision, and deepen our understanding.  Grief can also help purge us of immature pettiness and selfishness.  It can build our strength back with patience and a new understanding of human nature.

    Elya K was the first  GYE hotline moderator for couples struggling with Shmiras Eiynaim issues in their marriage.  Elya is the author of 6 books, among them Navigating the Phases of Sex Addiction Recovery, Help Her Heal with Carol Sheets,  Ambushed by Betrayal: The Survival Guide for Betrayed Partners on their Heroes’ Journey to Healthy Intimacy with Michele Saffier. 


    FREE EBOOK ON THE GYE SITE AT: Mask In the Mirror (guardyoureyes.com)

    Elya K. has been coaching people worldwide for over 10 years for Shmiras Eiyanim issues. 
    For a free 15 minute consultation call 901-248-6001.

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 06 May 2020 16:19 #349305

    • davidt
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    Some people may say, “I know Hashem could help me, but I don’t think He’s going to because I’m not worthy of being helped.” The Gemara tells us, someone who prays the Amida every day, after reciting the beracha of Ga’al Yisrael, is considered a Ben Olam HaBa, merits the World to Come. Rabbenu Yona asked, why such a great reward for such an easy task? One answer, he said, is when a person mentions the miracles that Hashem did for our ancestors in Mitzrayim and he believes that Hashem continues to make miracles for His People and then, right after that, he goes and asks Hashem for help with his own problems and his own life, that shows real bitachon - he believes that Hashem will help him - and bitachon is rewarded heavily. 

    Prayer accomplishes, good deeds are rewarded, those who cling to Hashem prosper. These are basic facts which often become challenged through life experiences. Some people have given up on prayer, and some people feel that Hashem doesn’t appreciate their efforts. To be successful in this world requires emunah, to believe beyond what meets the eye and truly feel that Hashem has an eternal love for every individual that can never be broken.
    "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
    feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 16 Jun 2020 16:51 #351308

    • davidt
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    Man is able to make a hishtadlut in any way he feels, but the ultimate decision of what actually transpires is always only up to Hashem. Many times we may feel that our actions are going to cause a certain outcome, but Hashem has completely different plans in mind.


    We involve ourselves in hishtadlut, but Hashem determines outcome. What we may think is bad, He knows is good. If we could trust Him along the way, it will help us both emotionally and spiritually.
    "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
    feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 17 Jun 2020 01:10 #351350

    • Meyer M.
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    Great thread.
    Your best teacher for success is your last mistake

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 22 Jun 2020 16:44 #351644

    • davidt
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    Everything we do is governed by the hashgacha of Hashem. Even when we decide to do a simple act of kindness, Hashem is involved every step of the way. He decides who the recipients of the kindness will be and the way the kindness will be done. We choose to do the chesed and then Hashem ensures that it’s done the way He knows is best. Most of the time, we’re not able to see the benefits and the results from our acts of chesed, but sometimes Hashem does allow us to see them and gives us the pleasure of seeing the fruits of our labor.

    All of our deeds of chesed are precious and they go a very long way. Hashem is involved in each one of them. He doesn’t always show us  the effects of those deeds, but we can rest assured that they are all special and all accomplish a lot.
    "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
    feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 09 Feb 2021 17:12 #363013

    • davidt
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    Getting inspiration or chizuk is such an important part of life. There are times when a person finds himself struggling to live up to his potential. It could be because something is bothering him or just that he’s lacking in motivation. Hearing the right words could change everything. It could change a person’s outlook, bring back joy into his life and give him the motivation he needs to produce the way he is capable of producing. A person should always look for inspiration by reading sifreh musar or listening to inspirational speakers and, of course, the person should pray to Hashem to direct him to the right chizuk that will be especially beneficial to him.
    "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
    feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 09 Feb 2021 17:25 #363014

    • bego
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    DavidT wrote on 09 Feb 2021 17:12:
    Getting inspiration or chizuk is such an important part of life. There are times when a person finds himself struggling to live up to his potential. It could be because something is bothering him or just that he’s lacking in motivation. Hearing the right words could change everything. It could change a person’s outlook, bring back joy into his life and give him the motivation he needs to produce the way he is capable of producing. A person should always look for inspiration by reading sifreh musar or listening to inspirational speakers and, of course, the person should pray to Hashem to direct him to the right chizuk that will be especially beneficial to him.

    Definitely true, but be wary of fake chizuk. Stories that are the chizuk equivalent of porn, meaning a quick high and then a serious low. I leave it to my fellow GYE'ers to work out which is which. 
    I came.
    I saw
    I conquered.
    I failed. 
    Too much I. 

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 07 Mar 2021 17:59 #364903

    • davidt
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    Rabbi Duvi Bensoussan told a story about a Sephardic girl from Canada. She was dating for quite a few years and her mother kept telling her that the reason she’s not getting married is because she’s dressing too modestly, and no one is noticing her. On one occasion, her mother pushed her so much she finally broke and went to a wedding dressed immodestly. When she arrived, she gave her coat to be hung up, feeling very insecure and out of place. When she turned around, she saw her rabbi who just walked in. She was so ashamed. She turned red, immediately went back to the coat check to get her coat and ran out of the wedding. She felt so uncomfortable and out of place, she couldn’t bear to be there for one more second like that. She came back to the wedding an hour and a half later, this time dressed in her regular, modest garb. She felt dignified, like a princess, and spent the rest of the night with a huge smile on her face, proud to be a Bat Yisrael, dressing according to the codes of modesty. She felt an inner joy knowing that she just passed a test and did the will of Hashem. 


    The very next morning, this girl got a phone call from a shadchanit, asking her if she was at that wedding on the previous night. When she replied in the affirmative, the woman then said, “A lady there noticed that your smile there was so radiant and you were walking with such confidence. You looked so happy. She’s asking about you for her son. Are you interested in trying it?”


    She replied, “This is very funny. I originally went to that wedding last night dressed a certain way, thinking that would get me a shidduch. Turns out, what got me the shidduch was my happiness from going home to change and dressing the way Hashem wants me to dress.” 


    P.S. They went out and a couple of months later they were engaged.


    We all have a very lofty mission that we are trying to accomplish in this world. The tests are hard, but they are meant to elevate us. We should feel proud every time we persevere, knowing that we are doing the ratzon Hashem.
    "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
    feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 11 Mar 2021 17:12 #365245

    • davidt
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    When we deal with life's struggles, what makes our problems so much worse is the anxiety which results from thinking that they are never going to go away. This is where emunah could do wonders. Someone who knows that his problem was sent to him by his loving Hashem, who has calculated and measured precisely how difficult it should be for exactly how long it needs to be that way, and he won’t experience a second more or a second less of what’s necessary, will have a much easier time dealing with that problem. When a person is able to strengthen himself with this emunah, it’s a very valuable avodat Hashem. 


    The pasuk says in Mishleh, perek 17, “ובוחן ליבות ה'– Hashem checks our hearts.” What is He checking them for? Rabbenu Yonah writes, to see if we have bitachon in Him. The stronger our reliance on Hashem is, the better off we’ll be in this world and the Next. 


    We must also believe no matter how tough of a situation we seem to be in, Hashem could always take us out of it. Even people who, lo alenu, felt that they had nothing left to live for, eventually had joy brought back into their lives.
    "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
    feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 26 Oct 2021 18:25 #373614

    • davidt
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    The Sefas Emmes brings an explanation in the pasuk that gives us advice on how to hasten salvations. When a person truly understands מאין יבוא עזרי – that he is not capable of figuring out the solution, but rather, he trusts in Hashem to do it, then עזרי מעם ה' – that triggers Hashem to bring the salvation.
    "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when?"
    feel free to reach out @  ahavayirah@gmail.com

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 06 Dec 2022 04:47 #389006

    • Captain
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    Clarifying about Hashem's control over the world:

    This is a very important point to clarify, because The Ani Maamin (printed in the siddur) says that one of the 13 principles of faith (to avoid being an apikores) is that Hashem creates and guides every creation, and He Does, Did, And Will Do All The Actions. (The Chofetz Chaim and Brisker Rov both said that the Ani Maamins printed  in the siddur are the most authoritative position on the 13 principles of faith.) Let's explore whether the Rishonim agree with this statement of the Ani Maamin.

    (Note: I am deliberately avoiding the terms Hashgocha Protis and Hashgacha Klalis for now, for reasons that will become clear later.)

    Someone earlier on this thread suggested that we deal with the Rishonim instead of contemporary opinions. This is a great idea. But let's first start by going back even earlier, to two Gemaros and a Talmud Yerushalmi.

    Shabbos 32a:
    The students of Rabbi Yishmael taught: [The posuk says (Devarim 22:8)] “when the nofel (person who falls) falls off [the roof]." The Torah should have stated that "when a man falls off the roof," not "when the 'faller' falls off the roof," because this man did not yet fall off the roof [at the time the Torah was written]! Rather, this person was fit to fall from sheishes yemei bereishis (the six days of creation) [meaning that this was in Hashem's plan from then].
    Rashi d”h Misheishes Yemei Bereishis:
    As the posuk (Yeshaya 51) says, Hashem is the korei hadoros meirosh, the One Who calls out the generations from the beginning of the world. It was already then revealed before Him all the generations, their deeds, and the punishments they would have to receive for their sins.

    Chullin 7b:
    Rabbi Chanina said, a person does not injure his finger below unless they first announced it about him from Above.

    Yerushalmi Sheviis Perek 9, Halacha 1:
    Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was debating whether to leave the cave. He saw that a  trapper had set traps for birds, and a heavenly voice came out and said “acquitted” and the bird escaped. Rabbi Shimon said, “No bird will be caught without Heaven, and surely not a person.”

    Here's a list of Rishonim who are clear that Hashem controls every action of every person's life, and nothing is left to chance:
    Chovos Halevavos (Shaar Habitachon, Chapter 2 Condition 6; Chapter 3 Part 1 Condition 5; Chapter 3 Part 5; Chapter 4 Part 1; and many other places)
    Rambam (Hilchos Taanis Perek 1 Halacha 3)
    Rabbi Avrohom ben Harambam (Sefer Hamaspik, Chapter 8, already on the first page and at least 20 times throughout the chapter)
    Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 241)
    Kuzari (Maamar 3 Os 11)
    Meiri (Shabbos 55a)
    Ramban (Shemos Perek 13 posuk 16)

    (I can't ignore the acharonim entirely, especially some big names:
    Seforno (he is an Acharon. Lived from 1475-1550)- Ohr Amim, in Kisvei Rabbi Ovadia Seforno, chapter 15, Hashgacha.
    Gra- Yahel Ohr, Shelach 157b, d”h de'inun be'irei. Also Sifra Detzeniusa 55a
    Chofetz Chaim- Shem Olam, Shaar Shemiras Shabbos, chapter 3. And many other places.
    Chazon Ish- Emunah Ubitachon, Chapter 2
    They all are clear that Hashem controls every event that happens in this world, bar none.)

    So why is there so much confusion on this topic? Most of it has to do with that there are lines in a bunch of Rishonim about people having just Hashgacha Klalis, and their intent is misunderstood. This word “Hashgacha” is a language of Rishonim, and we must understand what they meant with it.
    1)    The Rishonim often use “Hashgacha Protis” to mean that the person receiving schar ve'onesh, rather than his life being decided by Hashem using other calculations, which is referred to as Hashgacha Klalis. In fact, this is clearly what is going on in the Sforno (Vayikra 13:47) and Michtav Me'eliyahu (Volume 2 p 75-77) that someone mentioned earlier. See them inside. And see earlier that I mentioned a different writing of the Sforno who goes on for five pages discussing that Hashem is controlling every action.
    2)    The Rishonim often use the word Hashgacha  to refer to Hashem controlling things directly with extra protection. And they use the word “Mikreh” to refer to Hashem  controlling things himself using nature, and without invoking extra protection for the person. This can be seen clearly in Ramban Bereshis 19:8 and in Ramban Bamidbar 11:19. And see Rabbeinu Bachya Kad Hakemach on Hashgacha, where this is also clear.

    There are some excellent contemporary writings on this subject as well. For hebrew, see the Sefer Be'emunah Shelemah by Rabbi Yosef Zalman Bloch. For English (with hebrew sources), see Divine Providence by Ephraim Pinczower.

    I hope this clarifies things. Hashem is controlling every action.
    In the place where ba’alei teshuva stand, even pure tzaddikim who never sinned cannot stand. (Rabbi Avohu, Brachos 34b)

    Great free resources:
    My favorite book for breaking free: The Battle of the Generation 
    https://guardyoureyes.com/ebooks/item/the-battle-of-the-generation. Change your attitude and change your life!

    Rabbi Shafier's incredible lectures on breaking free: The Fight. Download here: 
    https://theshmuz.com/series/the-fight/

    If you're only ready to try something small, check out an easier way to do self-talk here:
    https://guardyoureyes.com/forum/4-On-the-Way-to-90-Days/378128-Captain—Shtarkemotionals-Secret90Day-Challenge
    Last Edit: 06 Dec 2022 04:49 by Captain.

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 06 Dec 2022 09:41 #389015

    • bego
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    Captain wrote on 06 Dec 2022 04:47:
    Clarifying about Hashem's control over the world:

    This is a very important point to clarify, because The Ani Maamin (printed in the siddur) says that one of the 13 principles of faith (to avoid being an apikores) is that Hashem creates and guides every creation, and He Does, Did, And Will Do All The Actions. (The Chofetz Chaim and Brisker Rov both said that the Ani Maamins printed  in the siddur are the most authoritative position on the 13 principles of faith.) Let's explore whether the Rishonim agree with this statement of the Ani Maamin.

    (Note: I am deliberately avoiding the terms Hashgocha Protis and Hashgacha Klalis for now, for reasons that will become clear later.)

    Someone earlier on this thread suggested that we deal with the Rishonim instead of contemporary opinions. This is a great idea. But let's first start by going back even earlier, to two Gemaros and a Talmud Yerushalmi.

    Shabbos 32a:
    The students of Rabbi Yishmael taught: [The posuk says (Devarim 22:8)] “when the nofel (person who falls) falls off [the roof]." The Torah should have stated that "when a man falls off the roof," not "when the 'faller' falls off the roof," because this man did not yet fall off the roof [at the time the Torah was written]! Rather, this person was fit to fall from sheishes yemei bereishis (the six days of creation) [meaning that this was in Hashem's plan from then].
    Rashi d”h Misheishes Yemei Bereishis:
    As the posuk (Yeshaya 51) says, Hashem is the korei hadoros meirosh, the One Who calls out the generations from the beginning of the world. It was already then revealed before Him all the generations, their deeds, and the punishments they would have to receive for their sins.

    Chullin 7b:
    Rabbi Chanina said, a person does not injure his finger below unless they first announced it about him from Above.

    Yerushalmi Sheviis Perek 9, Halacha 1:
    Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was debating whether to leave the cave. He saw that a  trapper had set traps for birds, and a heavenly voice came out and said “acquitted” and the bird escaped. Rabbi Shimon said, “No bird will be caught without Heaven, and surely not a person.”

    Here's a list of Rishonim who are clear that Hashem controls every action of every person's life, and nothing is left to chance:
    Chovos Halevavos (Shaar Habitachon, Chapter 2 Condition 6; Chapter 3 Part 1 Condition 5; Chapter 3 Part 5; Chapter 4 Part 1; and many other places)
    Rambam (Hilchos Taanis Perek 1 Halacha 3)
    Rabbi Avrohom ben Harambam (Sefer Hamaspik, Chapter 8, already on the first page and at least 20 times throughout the chapter)
    Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 241)
    Kuzari (Maamar 3 Os 11)
    Meiri (Shabbos 55a)
    Ramban (Shemos Perek 13 posuk 16)

    (I can't ignore the acharonim entirely, especially some big names:
    Seforno (he is an Acharon. Lived from 1475-1550)- Ohr Amim, in Kisvei Rabbi Ovadia Seforno, chapter 15, Hashgacha.
    Gra- Yahel Ohr, Shelach 157b, d”h de'inun be'irei. Also Sifra Detzeniusa 55a
    Chofetz Chaim- Shem Olam, Shaar Shemiras Shabbos, chapter 3. And many other places.
    Chazon Ish- Emunah Ubitachon, Chapter 2
    They all are clear that Hashem controls every event that happens in this world, bar none.)

    So why is there so much confusion on this topic? Most of it has to do with that there are lines in a bunch of Rishonim about people having just Hashgacha Klalis, and their intent is misunderstood. This word “Hashgacha” is a language of Rishonim, and we must understand what they meant with it.
    1)    The Rishonim often use “Hashgacha Protis” to mean that the person receiving schar ve'onesh, rather than his life being decided by Hashem using other calculations, which is referred to as Hashgacha Klalis. In fact, this is clearly what is going on in the Sforno (Vayikra 13:47) and Michtav Me'eliyahu (Volume 2 p 75-77) that someone mentioned earlier. See them inside. And see earlier that I mentioned a different writing of the Sforno who goes on for five pages discussing that Hashem is controlling every action.
    2)    The Rishonim often use the word Hashgacha  to refer to Hashem controlling things directly with extra protection. And they use the word “Mikreh” to refer to Hashem  controlling things himself using nature, and without invoking extra protection for the person. This can be seen clearly in Ramban Bereshis 19:8 and in Ramban Bamidbar 11:19. And see Rabbeinu Bachya Kad Hakemach on Hashgacha, where this is also clear.

    There are some excellent contemporary writings on this subject as well. For hebrew, see the Sefer Be'emunah Shelemah by Rabbi Yosef Zalman Bloch. For English (with hebrew sources), see Divine Providence by Ephraim Pinczower.

    I hope this clarifies things. Hashem is controlling every action.

    One of the more patronising pieces written recently on the site.

    You hope it clarifies things? As though we are all awash in a sea of ignorance until you clarify it? Apology accepted. 

    1) the most authoritative source of the Rambam's 13 ikkrim is, funnily enough, the Rambam. They are available to all in the Ibn Tibbon Hebrew as well as more modern versions. Go learn them. They have little resemblance to the catechism that is the printed the version. 

    ​2) Loving the assumption that you know that the Rishonim mean. The Rishonim say what they mean and mean what they say (except the Rambam who deliberately tried to mislead people, but he admits to that openly).  

    3) seforno - not sure which version you have, but the real version (not the censored one) clearly says most people, Jews and not, are given over to nature (stars, however you choose to interpret that). 

    4) I think you got that bit about mikreh vs. hashgocgo from sifsei chaim maybe? He's an opinion, not the only one. 

    5) learn the last of the 8 perokim of the 8 perokim (sounds like tautology but isn't). He explains what Hashem being in control means (albeit contradicted in various parts of Yad and Moreh but that just makes it more fun to work out what he was saying). 

    6) that Ramban and Rabbeinu Bachya DO mean what they say, even if it's not conveient. Most people, dont have hashgocho protis.

    7) the later seforim changed everything. If someone wants to follow them, they are absolutely entitled to. But we mustn't rewrite the Rishonim. 

    Sorry if too harsh but I need to sleep and your post needed replying to. 
    I came.
    I saw
    I conquered.
    I failed. 
    Too much I. 

    Re: eitzos for emunah and bitachon 06 Dec 2022 14:22 #389034

    • Captain
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    bego wrote on 06 Dec 2022 09:41:

    Captain wrote on 06 Dec 2022 04:47:
    Clarifying about Hashem's control over the world:

    This is a very important point to clarify, because The Ani Maamin (printed in the siddur) says that one of the 13 principles of faith (to avoid being an apikores) is that Hashem creates and guides every creation, and He Does, Did, And Will Do All The Actions. (The Chofetz Chaim and Brisker Rov both said that the Ani Maamins printed  in the siddur are the most authoritative position on the 13 principles of faith.) Let's explore whether the Rishonim agree with this statement of the Ani Maamin.

    (Note: I am deliberately avoiding the terms Hashgocha Protis and Hashgacha Klalis for now, for reasons that will become clear later.)

    Someone earlier on this thread suggested that we deal with the Rishonim instead of contemporary opinions. This is a great idea. But let's first start by going back even earlier, to two Gemaros and a Talmud Yerushalmi.

    Shabbos 32a:
    The students of Rabbi Yishmael taught: [The posuk says (Devarim 22:8)] “when the nofel (person who falls) falls off [the roof]." The Torah should have stated that "when a man falls off the roof," not "when the 'faller' falls off the roof," because this man did not yet fall off the roof [at the time the Torah was written]! Rather, this person was fit to fall from sheishes yemei bereishis (the six days of creation) [meaning that this was in Hashem's plan from then].
    Rashi d”h Misheishes Yemei Bereishis:
    As the posuk (Yeshaya 51) says, Hashem is the korei hadoros meirosh, the One Who calls out the generations from the beginning of the world. It was already then revealed before Him all the generations, their deeds, and the punishments they would have to receive for their sins.

    Chullin 7b:
    Rabbi Chanina said, a person does not injure his finger below unless they first announced it about him from Above.

    Yerushalmi Sheviis Perek 9, Halacha 1:
    Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was debating whether to leave the cave. He saw that a  trapper had set traps for birds, and a heavenly voice came out and said “acquitted” and the bird escaped. Rabbi Shimon said, “No bird will be caught without Heaven, and surely not a person.”

    Here's a list of Rishonim who are clear that Hashem controls every action of every person's life, and nothing is left to chance:
    Chovos Halevavos (Shaar Habitachon, Chapter 2 Condition 6; Chapter 3 Part 1 Condition 5; Chapter 3 Part 5; Chapter 4 Part 1; and many other places)
    Rambam (Hilchos Taanis Perek 1 Halacha 3)
    Rabbi Avrohom ben Harambam (Sefer Hamaspik, Chapter 8, already on the first page and at least 20 times throughout the chapter)
    Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 241)
    Kuzari (Maamar 3 Os 11)
    Meiri (Shabbos 55a)
    Ramban (Shemos Perek 13 posuk 16)

    (I can't ignore the acharonim entirely, especially some big names:
    Seforno (he is an Acharon. Lived from 1475-1550)- Ohr Amim, in Kisvei Rabbi Ovadia Seforno, chapter 15, Hashgacha.
    Gra- Yahel Ohr, Shelach 157b, d”h de'inun be'irei. Also Sifra Detzeniusa 55a
    Chofetz Chaim- Shem Olam, Shaar Shemiras Shabbos, chapter 3. And many other places.
    Chazon Ish- Emunah Ubitachon, Chapter 2
    They all are clear that Hashem controls every event that happens in this world, bar none.)

    So why is there so much confusion on this topic? Most of it has to do with that there are lines in a bunch of Rishonim about people having just Hashgacha Klalis, and their intent is misunderstood. This word “Hashgacha” is a language of Rishonim, and we must understand what they meant with it.
    1)    The Rishonim often use “Hashgacha Protis” to mean that the person receiving schar ve'onesh, rather than his life being decided by Hashem using other calculations, which is referred to as Hashgacha Klalis. In fact, this is clearly what is going on in the Sforno (Vayikra 13:47) and Michtav Me'eliyahu (Volume 2 p 75-77) that someone mentioned earlier. See them inside. And see earlier that I mentioned a different writing of the Sforno who goes on for five pages discussing that Hashem is controlling every action.
    2)    The Rishonim often use the word Hashgacha  to refer to Hashem controlling things directly with extra protection. And they use the word “Mikreh” to refer to Hashem  controlling things himself using nature, and without invoking extra protection for the person. This can be seen clearly in Ramban Bereshis 19:8 and in Ramban Bamidbar 11:19. And see Rabbeinu Bachya Kad Hakemach on Hashgacha, where this is also clear.

    There are some excellent contemporary writings on this subject as well. For hebrew, see the Sefer Be'emunah Shelemah by Rabbi Yosef Zalman Bloch. For English (with hebrew sources), see Divine Providence by Ephraim Pinczower.

    I hope this clarifies things. Hashem is controlling every action.

    One of the more patronising pieces written recently on the site.

    You hope it clarifies things? As though we are all awash in a sea of ignorance until you clarify it? Apology accepted. 

    1) the most authoritative source of the Rambam's 13 ikkrim is, funnily enough, the Rambam. They are available to all in the Ibn Tibbon Hebrew as well as more modern versions. Go learn them. They have little resemblance to the catechism that is the printed the version. 

    ​2) Loving the assumption that you know that the Rishonim mean. The Rishonim say what they mean and mean what they say (except the Rambam who deliberately tried to mislead people, but he admits to that openly).  

    3) seforno - not sure which version you have, but the real version (not the censored one) clearly says most people, Jews and not, are given over to nature (stars, however you choose to interpret that). 

    4) I think you got that bit about mikreh vs. hashgocgo from sifsei chaim maybe? He's an opinion, not the only one. 

    5) learn the last of the 8 perokim of the 8 perokim (sounds like tautology but isn't). He explains what Hashem being in control means (albeit contradicted in various parts of Yad and Moreh but that just makes it more fun to work out what he was saying). 

    6) that Ramban and Rabbeinu Bachya DO mean what they say, even if it's not conveient. Most people, dont have hashgocho protis.

    7) the later seforim changed everything. If someone wants to follow them, they are absolutely entitled to. But we mustn't rewrite the Rishonim. 

    Sorry if too harsh but I need to sleep and your post needed replying to. 

    Rabbeinu Bego Shlita,
    I have tremendous respect for you and your knowledge. I would like to respectfully respond to some of the points that you made.
    1)    This one was based on later sources. The Chofetz Chaim and Brisker Rav are later sources. For myself, i'm nervous arguing with them about what the 13 principles of faith are, since becoming an apikores is at risk. But everyone can do what they want. That’s why I brought up exploring the Rishonim.
    2)    The  List of Rishonim I brought all mean what they say.
    3)    I think it’s very important to read the other piece of the Seforno. when an author takes 5 pages to discuss a topic, it's very important to read that before we say that we know what his opinion is, no matter how clear the other spot seems to be.
    4)     Never read it. Maybe I should have. But I like to read the Rishonim for myself without later explanation, at least first. (I think we are similar in this regard.
    5)    I have read it.
    6)    Not sure which Rabbeinu Bachya you're referring to. But see what he wrote in Devorim 22:8 and in Kad Hakemach on hashgocha. Of course the Ramban writes that not everyone has “Hashgocha Pratis,” but at the same time, many times within the same piece, he writes openly that everything that happens in the person's life was decided by Hashem. please see the two pieces that i mentioned.
    7)    Not sure which later seforim you're referring to. I haven't read that many of them. If I find the time I might. Please let me know.
    I ask that you don't turn this into typical anonymous-internet-forum-style mudslinging. I gave a list of Rishonim. Anyone can read them and comment on them, or not. I think everyone should read through the Rishonim, the ones I mentioned and others that Bego will share, and form an opinion for themselves.

    Again, with respect and love,
    Captain
    In the place where ba’alei teshuva stand, even pure tzaddikim who never sinned cannot stand. (Rabbi Avohu, Brachos 34b)

    Great free resources:
    My favorite book for breaking free: The Battle of the Generation 
    https://guardyoureyes.com/ebooks/item/the-battle-of-the-generation. Change your attitude and change your life!

    Rabbi Shafier's incredible lectures on breaking free: The Fight. Download here: 
    https://theshmuz.com/series/the-fight/

    If you're only ready to try something small, check out an easier way to do self-talk here:
    https://guardyoureyes.com/forum/4-On-the-Way-to-90-Days/378128-Captain—Shtarkemotionals-Secret90Day-Challenge
    Last Edit: 06 Dec 2022 14:32 by Captain.
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