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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)
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The "collateral takers" are making a fundamental error in their approach to serving G-d. We discuss seven reasons for their mistake.
(Chapter 6)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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 enjoy the world to come. The motivation for serving G-d is the connection itself. What level trust do you have in Hashem today and can you go higher?
(Chapter 7)
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Siyum celebration following the completion of a class on the classic Shaar HaBitachon (Gate of Trust) from Rabenu Bachaye's Chovos HaLevavos.
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We often think of raising children in terms of disciplining them and reining them in. But what about teaching them to be a little bit wild once in a while? Is there a place for that as well?
A profound lesson in education is taught to us at the very beginning of human history as the deeper meaning behind the fact that both Kayin and Shais had descendants named Chanoch.
(Based on Likkutei Sichos Vol. 35 pp. 7-14.)
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A piece of essential advice for Jewish parents is hidden in the first Rashi of the Torah portion of Noach. We need to tell our children stories, especially stories of the righteous men and women throughout our history.
Based on Likkutei Sichos Vol. 9 pp. xiv-xv.
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1. How do you become popular without selling out? How do you appeal to the masses without diluting your message? We learn a powerful lesson in reaching out to others while remaining authentic to ourselves from the transformation of Avram the genius into Avraham the man of the people. (Based on Likkutei Sichos Vol. 25, p. 68.)
2. How do we deal with those people with whom we vehemently disagree? Avraham tells Lot, "Please part from me; if [you go] left, I will go right, and if [you go] right, I will go left." This sounds like a separation, yet Rashi says it means, "Wherever you dwell, I will not distance myself from you, and I will stand by you as a protector and a helper." How are we to understand this? And what lesson does it teach us about finding common ground? (Based on Sefer HaSichos 5750, pp. 96-109.)
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Undoubtedly, one of the most dramatic events in all of the Bible is the Akeida (binding of Yitzchak as a sacrifice.) Yet after this climactic event, this week's portion continues with five more verses of a seemingly technical nature. What is the reason for this seemingly anticlimactic conclusion?
Based on Toras Menachem 5749 Vol 1, pp. 348-349.
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Rashi tells us of the years of the life of Sarah: "They were all equally good." Knowing what we know about all of the ups and downs of Sarah's life, is it really possible to say that all of her years were equally good? The answer comes from a deeper consideration of what it really means to lead "a good life."
Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 35, pp. 92-93.
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