My wife was walking with our three-year-old the other morning and passed a gardener loading up his truck. Naturally, Mr. Three-Year-Old goes up and asks him what he’s doing, and he replies that he’s working. “You’re working?” my son repeats. “Yes, I’m working, because I have to support my family. BUT, I learn Torah two hours every morning and two hours every night! And YOU? Your ‘work’ is to learn a lot of Torah and do a lot of mitzvos!”
And he’s some “regular working guy.” I’m thankful there are still people in this world like this.
“You shall trust wholeheartedly in the Almighty, your G-d” (Devarim 18:13).
One of the biggest questions that one constantly is asking himself is: “Do I have enough emunah (faith), or do I need to do more hishtadlus (human effort)?”
I have learned, and seen, that the answer to this question is constantly in flux. As one grows, his need for hishtadlus might diminish, for example. However, it’s a question one constantly needs to ask (perhaps, or probably SHOULD ASK with their rav), and honestly answer, because it’s dangerous to think of oneself as having a lot of emunah and it’s just as dangerous to be doing too much hishtadlus.
Rav Moshe Feinstein was once asked regarding couples testing for the Tay-Sachs disease before they got married. He responded, “Although the percentage of infants born with this disease is small and one might be apt to apply the verse: ‘You shall trust wholeheartedly in the Almighty,’ in light of the fact that a simple test has been developed for this, one who does not make use of it is like one who shuts his eyes to what can clearly be seen . . . and since the birth of such a child, G-d forbid, causes great anguish . . . it is prudent for all who are considering marriage to undergo this test.”
Once, when doctors told a certain person that he needed a serious operation, the person refused and said that he had emunah that Hashem will take care of him. When this was told to the Steipler Gaon, he replied, “This person does not have a mastery of the trait of bitachon (faith). Rather he is just fearful.”
When it comes to health, children, money, etc., one must do his 100 percent hishtadlus, each according to his level, and at the same time have faith that Hashem will take care of everything. But, again, this requires a person to always ask this question and to always be honest with their answer.
Have a great Shabbos!
Michael Winner