Emuna Daily

“…anyone or anything that influences our lives – for better or for worse – is merely Hashem’s messenger and an agent of Divine will.”

“For example, someone that forgets to let emuna precede intellect might blame his or her feet pains on the ‘natural phenomenon’ of a bad pair of shoes.  Others might attribute their lack of career success to a tyrannical boss, or torment themselves for losing money in a bad investment.  Even though the shoes were really poorly made, or the boss is truly a tyrant, or the investment was surely a silly mistake, Hashem is right there on the scene, hiding behind all the events that He causes to create a certain situation.  Life’s situations are none other than personal messages for our ultimate benefit.”  ~  The Garden of Emuna

“In truth, there are two possible channels by which to receive your livelihood, according to the perspective you take in life: You could decide to become just another element of nature, chasing after your bread in the chaos, running the race of survival of the fittest. And the fact is, you may even do well taking this route –in the short run. In the long run, however, your soul is being denied its nourishment, and your body, too, will never feel satisfied.

Or you could see your life as an intimate relationship with the Source of Life Above –as though all your livelihood was no more than manna from heaven, handed to you personally and lovingly straight from the hand of your G-d and partner in all you do. Then your main job is to keep the basket where your manna will fall sparkling clean, insuring that no one is being hurt or misled by your business. To spend the profits you are granted on spreading kindness in the world. Maybe you’ll get rich this way. Maybe you won’t. But you will always be satisfied.” ~ Bringing Heaven Down to Earth by Tzvi Freeman

“Hashem alone assembles the multitude of ‘puzzle pieces’ – the people, events, and influencing factors in our lives – to create a certain situation in our lives or in the world around us.” ~ The Garden of Emuna

R’ Aaron Rakeffet quoted R’ Yisrael Salanter as saying that one needs Bitachon as if there is no Hishtadlus, and at the same time needs to do Hishtadlut as if there is no Bitachon.

Thank you Yoni for providing this amazing quote.