Balance of Bitachon and Hishtadlus

The answer to this question is predicated on understanding the balance between HASHEM’s involvement in the running of the world and man’s obligation to put in his effort — the balance between Bitachon and Hishtadlus.

One of the basic facts of life is that HASHEM runs this world. While it may appear that man is in charge, HASHEM orchestrates every activity on the planet. As we say in the first Ani Mamin: HASHEM did, does and will do all actions.

 

The question is: what is man’s part? If HASHEM determines all outcomes, how is man supposed to act? What is his role?

How much effort should I put in?

The Chovos HaLevovos teaches us that we are obligated to act B’Derech HaTeveh – in the ways of the world.  Meaning, we are obligated to go through the motions as if the results were dependent upon us, knowing all the while that the outcome is completely out of our hands.

 

We work for a living, knowing that the amount of money we are to make has been set on Rosh Ha’Shonah. We go to doctors when we are sick even though we know that health is determined solely by HASHEM. We are obligated to go to great lengths to protect ourselves even though we know that whether we live or die has been predetermined. We put in our effort, knowing all the while that it is HASHEM’s world and that He alone determines the outcome.

 

The guide to choosing the correct level of Hishtadlus is to pretend that HASHEM is not in the picture.  We must weigh every situation according to the ways of the world. What is the normal effort that a person should put in to expect this result.? How would a sensible financial advisor tell us to approach it? What would a wise physician recommend? That answer is the Derech Ha’Teveh for this situation  and determines a person’s Hishtadlus.

 

However, there are factors that change the correct Hishtadlus. For instance, if the Derech HaTeveh conflicts with Halacha, then the correct Hishtadlus changes. If the only way to earn a living is to work on Shabbos, then one is not allowed to use the Derech HaTeveh. He must utilize a higher level of Bitachon. So too, if a person is obligated in something that is impossible to bring about according to the Derech HaTeveh, he must set out to do as much as he is able  and rely on HASHEM to provide the rest.

Man is given credit for his actions

Amazingly, whenever we accomplish something in this world, the results are credited to us. Even though we are fully aware that HASHEM was One Who did it all – we merely went through the motions. If a man sets out to build a Shul and against great odds succeeds, he might acknowledge,  “HASHEM was helping every step of the way,” but the building of the Shul is credited completely to him. He is considered the cause of it, and as such, it is credited to him. The reason for this is because

HASHEM created this complex system called Teveh that He hides behind- When we use that system, it is considered as if we did the action.

Answer: Why Moshe needed to see the image of the Menorah

This seems to be the answer to the question on Rashi: HASHEM wanted the Mishkan and its vessels to be constructed by man. However, it was impossible for man to make them. Even the greatest of men couldn’t comprehend how to make a Menorah. So his Hishtadlus was to do all that he could and rely on HASHEM for the rest. Moshe would put the gold into the fire, and the Menorah would form on its own. Moshe used the system that HASHEM created to bring forth the Menorah.

 

However, for the creation of the Menorah to be credited to man, Moshe had to at least have a vision of what it was that he was creating. Once he had that concept in mind, throwing the clump of gold into the fire was considered as if he made the Menorah himself.

Bitachon in our lives

This concept has great relevance to us as it parallels many of the things we do. We go out to earn a living even though we know that we can’t control market conditions. One little worldwide depression and we are all out of a job. One minor stock market crash and everyone’s business acumen and career training is worthless. We use HASHEM’s system – and are credited with having done it. If we support our family, we are considered the Mifarnesh. If we give Tzeddakah, it is considered our money that we gave. We are credited with the outcome.

 

And just like earning a living, so too all of the various activities that we engage in; we are obligated to go through the motions as if it were dependent upon ourselves alone, using HASHEM’s system. When we succeed, we are credited with having done it all. That is the way that HASHEM created this world, and He allows us to use it for our benefit and growth.

 

For more on this topic please listen to Shmuz #51 -  Bitachon and Hishtadlus – Finding the Balance