Shaar HaBitachon- SoulWords

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)