Bitachon

Bitachon (Hebrew: ביטחון) is a Hebrew term that refers to trust/confidence, particularly in the context of one's faith in God. In Jewish thought, Bitachon represents not only a belief in God's providence, but the assurance that everything that occurs is part of His divine plan. It is often discussed in tandem with emunah (faith), although the two differ. While emunah refers to the belief in Hashem's existence in the world, bitachon focuses on trusting Hashem in both the grand scheme and the minute details of personal life. It emphasizes that, while human effort is necessary, the outcome of events is ultimately determined by Hashem's will.

Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, author of “Beis HaLevi on Bitachon”

Etymology

The term bitachon is derived from the Hebrew root ב.ט.ח (B.T.Ch.), which means "to trust" or "to be secure." In modern Hebrew, bitachon has taken on additional meanings, such as security, as in Misrad HaBitachon (the Israeli Ministry of Defense) or bituach leumi (national insurance). In classical Jewish literature, however, bitachon refers to the sense of inner security that comes from trust in Hashem, based on the understanding that He controls all aspects of life.

Emunah and Bitachon

The difference between emunah and bitachon is a frequent subject of Jewish philosophy. Emunah is defined as belief in Hashem’s existence and His involvement in the world. The Rambam explains that emunah involves the understanding that Hashem created the world and continues to orchestrate every event within it. In his Shemoneh Perakim, Rambam states that Hashem "created and orchestrates all activities, and He alone did, does, and will do all actions." This includes global events like wars and natural disasters, as well as the smallest details of a person’s life. Bitachon, on the other hand, extends this belief into a personal trust that Hashem will take care of each individual, watching over them in all circumstances. The Chovos HaLevavos defines bitachon as relying on Hashem to care for us. A person with bitachon understands that while they are responsible for putting in effort (hishtadlus), the outcome is entirely in Hashem’s hands. This reliance on Hashem creates an emotional state of security, allowing one to navigate life with peace of mind, knowing that their burdens rest on Hashem.

Biblical and Rabbinic sources

In the Tanakh, bitachon is often mentioned as a key element of the relationship between the Jewish people and Hashem. Psalms 118:9 states, "It is better to trust in Hashem than to trust in any man." This verse underscores the core of bitachon: placing trust in Hashem over reliance on human strength or ingenuity. One of the earliest examples of bitachon appears in the story of the manna in Exodus 16:4-20, where the Jewish people are instructed to gather only enough food for each day, trusting that Hashem will provide for them daily. This "manna test" demonstrated the importance of trusting Hashem’s provision even when the future seemed uncertain.

In the Talmud, bitachon is explored in relation to human effort and divine providence. The Mishna in Avot 5:23 teaches, "According to the pain is the reward" (l’fum tzara agra), meaning that despite the challenges a person faces, their trust in Hashem ensures they are rewarded. Additionally, Rabbi Akiva is known for saying, "All that the Merciful One does, He does for the good," expressing the view that even when events seem negative, they are ultimately for the best when one trusts in Hashem.

In contemporary Jewish thought, it is often seen as more difficult to attain bitachon in a world dominated by scientific thinking and rationalism. Rabbi David Jaffe acknowledges this struggle, pointing out that modern individuals, especially those who have witnessed the horrors of events like the Holocaust, find it challenging to place complete trust in an omnipotent God. The Chazon Ish, in his work Emunah u’Bitachon, clarifies that bitachon does not mean believing that every situation will have a positive outcome. Instead, bitachon is the understanding that everything that happens is a result of Hashem’s will, whether perceived as good or bad. The Chazon Ish emphasizes that a person with bitachon must trust that nothing is random, even if the outcome is difficult to understand.

Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler, in Michtav Me'Eliyahu, explains that bitachon can lead to divine mercy, suggesting that by trusting in Hashem, a person may merit miraculous salvation, even beyond what they deserve based on their actions.

Bitachon in daily life

The concept of bitachon applies to many aspects of Jewish life, from earning a livelihood to facing challenges. In Exodus 16:4-20, the test of the manna illustrates that while individuals must put forth effort, their sustenance ultimately comes from Hashem. Today, Orthodox Jews often recite Psalms to strengthen their bitachon when facing difficulties. Rabbi Bahya ibn Paquda, in Duties of the Heart, writes that bitachon is not just about trust in times of trouble but should be present in daily life. A person with bitachon understands that even their successes are not solely due to their own effort but are the result of Hashem’s will.

Philosophical debates

A significant debate among Jewish philosophers is whether bitachon necessitates trusting that everything will be good or simply trusting in Hashem’s will, regardless of the outcome.

The Chazon Ish holds that bitachon means trusting in Hashem’s plan, even if it leads to hardship, while other thinkers, like Rav Dessler suggest that bitachon can lead to favorable outcomes through divine mercy. The Maharal of Prague explains that bitachon creates a special relationship with Hashem, whereby the individual can access higher levels of divine intervention, as illustrated by Rabbi Akiva’s unyielding trust in the good, even in the face of apparent misfortune.

Literature on Bitachon

Various works have been written to explain the practice of bitachon. Among them is the popular book "Emunah uBitachon" by Rabbi Avrohom Yeshaya Karelitz (the Chazon Ish), which delves into the nuances between faith and trust and provides guidance on developing a deeper reliance on God.

One of the classic works on Bitachon is Beis HaLevi on Bitachon by Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, the Beis HaLevi. The sefer offers teachings on the nature of trust in God, focusing on how bitachon is not just about believing in good outcomes but also about accepting God's will, no matter the result. The Beis HaLevi emphasizes the importance of aligning one's mindset with divine providence and trusting that whatever happens is for the best.

Another significant text on this topic is Shaar HaBitachon from Chovos HaLevavos (Duties of the Heart) by Rabbi Bahya ibn Paquda. This work is considered foundational in Jewish thought on bitachon, exploring how trust in God should influence all aspects of life.

The ArtScroll series includes Living Emunah, a popular collection of books that focus on developing bitachon and emunah in daily life, combining practical advice with Torah insights.

Additionally, works like Madreigas Haadam - Darchei HaBitachon by Rabbi Yosef Yozel Horwitz and various other teachings provide deep insights into the different aspects of bitachon, emphasizing that one's trust in God should remain unwavering even in the face of adversity.

See also

• Emunah
• Chizuk