Gates of Trust by Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 123 , - ~ ! In Part One of "CHILDREN OF HEAVEN," we were introduced to a novel way to view the surprising Scriptural Silence on Paradise and the proverbial World to Come! Part Two of the same title comprises the fifty-first consecutive segment of chapter four. Inasmuch as it features the continuation of the third reason, it takes its place in the series as Bitachon Preamble VI. To explain the silence on Heavenly Rewards -- Rabbainu Bachaya presented a fascinating supposition that suggested G-d had no choice to the feeblemindedness of the newly birthed nation of erstwhile slaves. Yet while the perspective was certainly creative, and thought provoking, this explanation on the Biblical Blackout on Heaven left us hungry and wanting. Were our early ancestors really such fools, or is the scriptural silence on Olam Haba subtly conveying a critically important message? Imagine if this seeming omission is an inclusion of the most powerful teaching on how to effectively educate, influence, and inspire future generations! That is to say; not only insightful, but also highly relevant and pragmatic! Although, as previously, we won't directly address the subject of Bitachon, the content and concepts touched upon are fascinating, enlightening and even uplifting! Upon full clarification of this important issue, we will eventually return the original subject: applying Trust to this specific dimension of Yiddishkeits life and values. The fifty-first study segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" comprises the 124th consecutive video about learning how to Build Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety. Forever!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 122 , - ~ ! In the immediate past Episode, we addressed the notable exception to the Biblical Blackout on What Happens in Heaven. Now, in our Forty-ninth Episode of Chapter Four we move onto the next reason. Entitled "FAITH OF OUR FATHERS," in Bitachon Preamble IV we return to the subject itself with an all-new approach to understanding Scriptural Silence on Paradise and the proverbial World to Come! In this Episode Rabbainu Bachaya directs our attention to inspiration and insight we received from our Faithful Fathers and Teachers of Old, which as it turns out provide us with a perfectly sensible cause for the scriptural silence on Olam Haba! Although, as previously, we won't directly address the subject of Bitachon, the content and concepts touched upon are fascinating, enlightening and even uplifting! Upon full clarification of this important issue, we will eventually return the original subject: applying Trust to this specific dimension of Yiddishkeits life and values. The forty-ninth study segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" comprises the 122nd consecutive video about learning how to Build Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety. Forever!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 121 , - ~ ! Chapter Four, Part Forty-eight features Bitachon Preamble III on what we were told about Heaven in one of the rare exceptions of the otherwise biblical blackout on Paradise and the proverbial World to Come! Entitled "WALKING WITH ANGELS" this Episode focuses on a most unusual explicit reference about the nature of spiritual reward in the afterlife. Here, Rabbainu Bachaya directs our attention to a notable exception to the rule. We will investigate this minority reportage on the future to see what it means, and with an eye to reconciling it with the otherwise glaring scriptural silence. For whom were these verses conveyed, and how can it be meaningful when we know that it's impossible for us to understand the spiritual dimensions of reality? Although, as previously, we won't directly address the subject of Bitachon, the content and concepts touched upon are fascinating, enlightening and even uplifting! Upon full clarification of this important issue, we will eventually return the original subject: applying Trust to this specific dimension of Yiddishkeits life and values. The forty-eighth study segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" comprises the 121st consecutive video about learning how to Build Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety. Forever!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 120 , - ~ ! Having already (albeit briefly) addressed the idea of Consequences and Remuneration in "This World," we shift our focus onto the concept of Punishment and Reward in the Afterlife, or Olam Haba (the "Next World"). In sharp contrast to the consequences described in the "Here and Now" when it comes to Gan Eden (Paradise, or Heaven) surprisingly enough the Torah doesn’t even mention it once! That's not an exaggeration, there literally isn't a single explicit reference in the entire Chumash of spiritual reward in the afterlife. Not even once! This fact, obviously begs the obvious question: Why the deafening silence on Heaven? In this Episode, Rabbainu Bachaya will first present us with the first of seven possible reasons for this glaring omission. Although we will not be directly addressing the actual subject of Bitachon, this issue requires full clarification before we are able to move on and properly discuss the next incredibly important Trust dimension. The forty-seventh study segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" comprises the 120th consecutive video about learning how to Build Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety. Forever!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 119 , - ~ ! FOR THE REWARD” opens with Bitachon Preambles the idea of applying Trust with regard to the Torah truisms of G-d’s faithful guarantee to Remunerate Righteousness; namely rewarding people for Mitzvah activities and spiritual service to Hashem. Having concluded addressing how to apply Bitachon (e.g., relying on Hashem) when it comes to the things Hashem made us responsible for: our Avodat Hashem (namely spiritual, moral and ethical conduct)! We are now ready to move on to the sixth segment of Trust: the promised Reward for Mitzvot – which may be granted in This World, as well as the Next World! Rabbainu Bachaya will first present us with a detailed analysis of consequences (reward and punishment) before he is able to address the actual issue at hand.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 118 , - ~ ! Completing the thesis of applying Trust in situations of Mitzvah activities and spiritual matters (especially when there are others involved and anonymity isn’t an option) with a final important note on how we should view success at their fulfilment. Following clear guidance in effectively balancing Bitachon and Bechira – especially when you aren't the only active participant, and after having been instructed on the virtues of shunning publicity if that doesn’t impede the required investments of effort. In this new Episode, we take that a lot further: beyond not telling others Rabbainu Bachaya will insist that you shouldn’t be taking credit for “your” [hard earned?] success at all – even in your own mind! Thus, fully developed Bitachon in the arena of spiritual endeavor necessitates three critical components: 1) Reliance on Hashem for successful fulfilment of your spiritual activities 2) Seeking to do so anonymously if it doesn’t encroach on the required efforts. 3) Ultimately giving all the credit to whom it is truly due: Hashem! Rabbainu Bachaya further emphasizes that thinking or believing that we are responsible for our achievements can be a very costly mistake for us to make! Yet shouldn't insufficient intentions and attitudes be superseded by positive actions, and why does this have to get in the way of achieving Trust-based inner tranquility? To be sure, such a high level of humility it sounds a bit over the top. But Torah is never beyond the reach of every one of us... how are we to make sense of this all? Our marvelous journey of discovery will enable us to to appreciate the sweeping (and seemingly inordinate) demands the Sha’ar HaBitachon makes of us, and why its cuts to the very essence of the power and potency unleashed by Bitachon! This is the forty-fifth study segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon." It comprises the 118th consecutive video about learning how to Build Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety. Forever!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 117 , - ’ ~ ! Continuing to show us how to apply Trust in situations of Mitzvah activities and spiritual matters when others are involved! As we've learnt at length, balancing the spiritual values of Bitachon and Bechira is a tough act that becomes even more difficult when you aren't the only one in the arena. In the immediate previous Episode, we began to delineate when one may rinse their hand of responsibility and instead calmly rely of Hashem. Now we'll qualify; in addition to doing your utmost, it's also important to keep it to yourself. In this new Episode, we build on the already established principals of meaningfully applied Bitachon when engaged in spiritual activities that involve and impact others. Here, Rabbainu Bachaya adds a small but critical ingredient to the secret sauce. Fully understanding the pos and cons of concealing vs revealing our involvement is an important issue to work through if we are to successfully develop our Bitachon. This is the forty-fourth study segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon." It comprises the 117th consecutive video about learning how to Build Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety. Forever!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 116 , - -- ~ ! -- continues to teach us how to apply Trust and rely on G-d, in situations of Mitzvah activities and spiritual matters when others are Involved! In Part I we illustrated how and why applying Bitachon in areas warranting Bechira (mandated moral choices) to serve Hashem when others are involved and directly impacted is radically different than placing our Trust in Hashem in other endeavors! Having made the case for the differentiation in the previous Episode, now we’re ready to learn how to place our Trust in Hashem under these unique circumstances. In this Episode we will articulate the practical approach and hands-on strategy of applying this special dimension of Trust! This forty-third study segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" has been generously sponsored for a Refuah Shelaima and a long life, b’Ezrat Hashem, for Shmuel Yisrael Ben Chana Sara. Part 2 of "A Perfect Circle" comprises the 116th consecutive video about Building Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety. Forever!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 115 , - ~ ! Is about learning why applying Bitachon when involved in spiritual, moral and religious activities that directly involve others must necessarily be radically different! Having concluded the delineate how we are to apply Bitachon regarding spiritual matters of our own concern, we now move on to Part Five: Mitzvah action (or inaction) whose performance (or lack thereof) directly impacts others! Mitzvot, by definition are things we must choose to do. As such, relying on G-d (e.g., exhibiting Bitachon, rather is assuming personal responsibility) is simply wrongheaded. Trust can only be applied once we've already exhausted every possibility. Yet when our performance of the Mitzvah will necessarily benefit or deprive someone else as well, the variables are significantly altered as we cannot take responsibility for someone else's choices. May we just do our part, to the best of our ability, and then place unreserved Trust -- in essence relying on Hashem. Or must the intersection of different orbits force a faith distinction in the application of Trust and full reliance on Hashem? In this Episode we will clarify why a novel approach towards the application of Trust in such matters is required, before we move on to spell out the actual strategy in part two.! This is the forty-second study segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" and comprises the 115th consecutive video about Building Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety. Forever!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 114 , - ~ ! Discovering the Art of Crafting Trusted Communication with G-d! In the previous Episodes we learnt that after doing everything required of us to achieve success a nuanced application of Trust is acceptable. We furthermore established an obligation for Prayer as accompaniment to our Bitachon in spiritual matters. In this new Episode we will discover how to best craft that perfect prayer to make it most appropriate and efficacious. By carefully analyzing King David’s prayerful devotions, we can find the clarity and focus we need in successfully sewing our own tapestries of Divine entreaty! This Episode comprising the forty first segment studying the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" is the 114th consecutive video of our ongoing series about Building Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety forever.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 113 , ~ ! Learning how to Let Go and experience an inner peace that's Beyond Words and Deeds! In the previous Episodes we learnt that after doing everything required of us to achieve spiritually oriented success it becomes appropriate to relinquish control and place unreserved Trust in Hashem. We elaborated on why when it comes to results - even in spiritual matters - relying on G-d, and engaging in prayer too, becomes most appropriate. Rabbeinu Bachaya will now demonstrate the veracity of this nuanced application of Trust in an exquisitely woven tapestry of selected strands of Psalms. Studying King David's heartfelt prayerful petitions proves that even in spiritual matters, results forever remain in G-d’s hands, not ours! This Episode comprising the fortieth segment studying the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" is the 113th consecutive video of our ongoing series about Building Trust in G-d to Conquer Anxiety forever.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 112 , - ~ ! Taking Charge, Learning to Let Go! In the previous Episodes we elaborated on the nature of misplaced Trust; namely relying on Hashem in areas of spiritual conduct where we've been told not to, but instead to take affirmative action. In fact, even praying for guidance, when clear directions have already been provided makes no sense. By definition, it equals inappropriate [or even abuse of] Bitachon. After learning how and what we are required to take charge to make Mitzvot happen, it’s time to learn about when it becomes appropriate to let go of the controls, to instead place unreserved Trust in Hashem. Because when it comes to final conclusions - even in spiritual matters - relying on G-d is fully correct. And alongside that reliance, prayer too, becomes most appropriate. Rabbeinu Bachaya will demonstrate the veracity of this nuanced application of Trust in an exquisitely woven tapestry of selected strands of scripture. This will prove that even in spiritual matters, the results forever remain in G-d’s hands, not ours!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 111 , - ~ ! In the previous Episode we further developed the idea that relying on Hashem in areas our spiritual service is Trust misplaced. Such Bitachon applies to our material pursuit. Reliance on Hashem is appropriate for areas of life the direction can be unclear and it's easy to make the wrong turn, while in Torah and Mitzvot clear directions already exist! After a concluding illustration of the previously articulated "big Bitachon divide" we will move onto Rabbeinu Bachaya's secondary, distinct, and final clarification of the matter: In Material Matters what appears Good can easily turn out to be Bad. Shifting realities and circumstances are ever unforeseen. One can only Trust in Hashem and pray for direction. Yet, in Spiritual Service, the barometers of Good and Bad never change. Petitioning Heaven for guidance is thus a foolish path to take. Instead, here we must simply follow the clear directions we’ve been given, rather than trying to absolve ourselves of our divinely-imposed responsibilities by inappropriately relying on G-d. The Thirty-Eighth segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" has been generously sponsored by Rachel Pauline Kamin in memory of her beloved mother, Rivka bat Ze'ev. This Episode comprises the 111th consecutive video of our ongoing series on Trust.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 110 , - ~ ! In the previous Episodes we clarified this foundational distinction between exhibiting Trust in our spiritual service, vs applying Bitachon in our material pursuit. This will now be further augmented and more fully articulated. We will also return to more carefully examine the syntax and precise language employed by Rabbeinu Bachaya in delineating the reasons for a purposeful absence of Trust when fulfilling our duty by serving Hashem. The arguments for the significant departure from previously paved pathways of Bitachon are even more clearly spelled out in the Torah's promise of remuneration. Clearly, relying on Hashem and praying for direction should be limited to the areas of life where the road to success isn't clear. Regarding spiritual service, the road has already been mapped out and clear directions have already been given! The Thirty-Seventh segment of the Fourth Chapter of "Shaar HaBitachon" comprises the 110th consecutive video Episode of the ongoing series on Trust.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 109 , - ’ ~ ! In previous Episodes we learnt that shifting responsibility to G-d in our spiritual service equals Trust misappropriation, as He already tasked us that responsibility. This approach is in sharp contrast to the way we are supposed to apply Bitachon in all arenas of material pursuit. To further clarify this foundational distinction, the present Episode richly illustrates how not all Bitachon is created equal: Learn why Rabbeinu Bachaya felt compelled to detail why the attitude of Bitachon required for material affairs is radically different than the Trusting take we are expected to employ in pursuit of our true life's mission in serving Hashem. Despite the faith-fact that in both dimensions of life, we can only make our best efforts and must leave the rest in G-d’s hands. The case for a vast Trust Distinction is dramatically presented.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 108 , - ~ ! In the previous Episodes we learnt that employing Bitachon to rely on Hashem to choose Mitzvah observance on our behalf is entirely wrongheaded. It would be a colossal misappropriation of Trust to shift responsibility to G-d, when has in effect made us responsible to find the inner resolve and appropriately follow that up by choosing to serve Hashem. This attempt to replace Bechira (free choice) with Bitachon (trust) is in effect foolish and illogical when He has given that very responsibility to us. In view of this Torah Truism, we now explore another Truth: the idea of Consequences, e. g. the promised Reward and Punishment for loyalty or disloyalty towards Hashem. Addressing both concepts of Reward and Retribution for our Righteousness or Rebellion, Rabbainu Bachaya clarifies our responsibilities to G-d, and the results we engender.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 107 , - ~ ! In the last Episodes we learnt about Bitachon vis a vis Mitzvah observance, by highlighting components of our divinely endowed Powers and Responsibilities. Part Three of this segregated mini-series "Performance vs Trust" continues to develop a foundational faith thesis via specific focus on divine remuneration and consequence. Attempting to replace Bechira (free choice) with Bitachon (trust) is misguided and indicative of a profoundly wrong perspective. In fact, it contradicts the Torah truism that we're given personal responsibility to make moral decisions, choosing good over evil When it comes to fulfilling our duty towards G-d, we must accept responsibility, not leave it in G-d's hands. Bitachon is only appropriate for end results beyond our control. This begs an important theological question: if all that’s expected of us is to choose, resolve, and act to the best of our ability, then why are we judged on performance? This Episode comprises the Thirty-Fourth segment of the Fourth Chapter of "The Gate of Trust," and is the 107th consecutive video of the series. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 106 , - ~ ! In the previous Episode we opened new arena of inquiry and understanding of how we are to develop and apply Bitachon to the things that G-d seemingly leaves in Our Hands! In setting out to clarify how and when we are expected to apply Trust principals to personal Mitzvah observance, it became clear that it’s a fraught endeavour. Now, to effectively articulate an appropriate Bitachon strategy, Rabbainu Bachaya chooses to first delineate and divide the primary components of our divinely endowed capabilities and responsibilities. This uniquely segmented string of episodes is entitled "Performance vs Trust" as it addresses Trust in Hashem per the mandated performance of personal Mitzvah duties. Part Two of this segmented mini-series further clarifies how Bechira (free choice) interacts with Bitachon (trust); rooted in the Torah truism that we are each granted personal responsibility to make moral decisions, choosing good over evil. This Episode comprises the Thirty-Third segment of the Fourth Chapter of "The Gate of Trust," and is the 106th consecutive video of the series.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 105 , - ~ ! In the previous Episodes we addressed confrontation and competition completing the section on physical wellness, prosperity and effectively engaging with others. Albeit an overly simplistic synopsis, it's fair to say that in all of the above: "we do our part and leave the rest in G-d’s Hands.” We now enter an entirely new arena of development and application of true Bitachon: the things that G-d’s purposefully leaves in Our Hands! This new segment entitled "Performance vs Trust" will address Trust in Hashem as it applies to the fulfillment of our personal Mitzvah duties. Part One of this segmented mini-series will clarify how Bechira (free choice) interacts with Bitachon (trust); rooted in the Torah truism that we are each granted personal responsibility to make moral decisions, choosing good over evil. This Episode comprises the Thirty-Second segment of the Fourth Chapter of "The Gate of Trust," and is the 105th consecutive video of the series.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 104 , - ~ ! In the previous Episode we addressed confrontational competition, spelling out the Torah-true approach to dealing with (even bitter) adversaries! The jealousies of those who might covet what yours, and their attempts to undermine your successes can be positively unnerving, easily pulling us into a negative space. In this Episode you'll discover how Trust in Hashem can become the Antidote to these Adversarial situations! Here, you'll learn how to harness Torah-true spiritual Convictions to neutralize typically debilitating Confrontations. Discover how faithful Trust that can enable you to reframe your reality and overcome the harmful side-effects of enemies and adversaries alike. And, while this Episode builds on and further elaborates what we've already learnt on the subject, now it's taken to the next level! It's only here that you'll reveal the incredible power in developing and applying the force of true Bitachon in Hashem. Absorption of the ideas and ideals presented in this class can empower you to Rise Above and Beyond. You will learn how to successfully develop valuable skills to effectively neutralize negativity and sublimate the stickiest of situations. This eye-opening Episode comprises the Thirty-First segment of the Fourth Chapter of "The Gate of Trust," and is the 104th consecutive video of the series.