Siyum celebration following the completion of a class on the classic Shaar HaBitachon (Gate of Trust) from Rabenu Bachaye's Chovos HaLevavos.

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)

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)

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)

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)

The "collateral takers" are making a fundamental error in their approach to serving G-d. We discuss seven reasons for their mistake.



(Chapter 6)

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)

Continuing with the seven ways in which the one who has bitachon differs from the one who doesn’t have bitachon when earning a livelihood. We discuss people's emotional attachments to their work and how the one who has bitachon will not separate his mundane and religious life. His work is actually a form of worship of G-d.



(Chapter 5)

How one who has bitachon goes about earning a livelihood in contrast with one who does not have bitachon.



(Chapter 5)

The selfless person will make use of material things to do G-d's will, but never just for personal gratification. In doing so, everything in this life is transformed into a tool for serving G-d.



(Chapter 4)

More about our belief in reward and punishment. There is a higher level of reward that is disproportionate to our deeds. It therefore requires trust in order to believe that we will receive it.



(Chapter 4)

Four more reasons why spiritual reward and punishment are not clearly stated in Tanach.



(Chapter 4)

Three (out of seven) reasons why spiritual reward is not discussed clearly in Tanach.



(Chapter 4)

The importance of bitachon in spiritual matters that involve other people such as performing acts of kindness. Avoid ulterior motives as well as seeking credit for your deeds. If you do receive honor remember that you were only the tool G-d chose for helping others.



(Chapter 4)

More about trust as it relates to discharging our spiritual obligations. There’s no rule book on material matters so we have to have trust; but when it comes to morality we know what we should be doing and the rules never change. It is proper to have trust in spiritual matters once you have put forth effort and only need help finishing. You need to choose what’s right first.



(Chapter 4)

How to have trust in spiritual matters. When it comes to material matters, we need to trust that G-d will take care of things. But with spiritual matters, we need to use the free choice G-d gave us to actually improve our situation.



(Chapter 4)

We discuss how to deal with our enemies and those who have hurt us. The person was only a messenger but the damage was decreed by G-d.



(Chapter 4)

More about how trust in G-d factors in our interpersonal relationships. Not relying on people actually allows us to be genuine with them and have a real bond.



(Chapter 4)

Trust in G-d is essential to healthy interpersonal relationships. Either you’re a stranger, or among people. When you feel like a stranger it’s time to connect with G-d. We’re all strangers. Rabenu Bachaye offers comfort for the lonely and isolated person.



(Chapter 4)

Some healthy self-talk to meditate on when we’re financially stressed: There’s a right moment for everything, and G-d will provide you your livelihood when it’s time. If you only get what you need right now with no surplus it’s alright.G-d is giving you a livelihood based on what’s perfect for you and your unique needs.



(Chapter 4)