Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Forty-Two # " " – ~ ! In Episode 41 the fourth and fifth criteria necessary to inspire the unreserved and absolute trust we call Bitachon, were spelled out. To be sure, as each category of requisite virtues is illustrated the bar is lifted and the field of contenders narrows. In fact, as the entire gamut of (7) qualities a truly trusted entity would have to posses is further unfurled, it becomes increasingly clear that there is only one Provider in whom we can place our full confidence. In this third and closing segment of of the trust trilogy, we learn of the final two criteria whose qualities must be present to allow for the unwavering inner peace called Bitachon to flourish. Rabbeinu Bachaya argues that Absolute Trust [in a provider] can only be earned by [a provider who has] Absolute Control. He concludes with the idea that an equally important imperative [of the would be provider] is to posses is an extreme degree of Kindness and Generosity. We now have a complete picture of what is required to inspire confidence and enable us to build an absolute sense of reliance; a serious understanding of what it takes to achieve a blissful sense of Trust that could grant us perfect peace of mind and remove all and any worry or anxiety forever.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Forty , – ~ ! Having established the Definition of true Trust as achieving Peace of Mind by dint of the absolute reliance and supreme confidence we would place in a provider; we must now identify the primary criteria of qualities such a proverbial provider would have to posses. To be sure, in illustrating this definition Rabbainu Bachaya has already alluded to qualities that would inspire trust. in this new chapter, he will now elaborate upon them, dividing them into seven specific categories. In this episode, we will focus on the first 3 of the 7 requisite characteristics. This will highlight some of the "amino acids" and most important ingredients in facilitating and fostering a truly trusting relationship! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Thirty-Nine ~ ! Chapter One #2: Before we move beyond the Definitions to begin mapping out the process of developing real clear Bitachon in Hashem, Rabbainu Bachaya is compelled to share yet another foundational detail, a Critical Component that ultimately amounts to an intrinsic part of the "Definition." In other words; just possessing a clearly defined meaning of Trust won't suffice for us to begin building our Bitachon. First, we are required to pick up another very important piece of the puzzle! Here we will discover why very essence of Bitachon is the Certainty that the person we choose to Trust will not only honour their commitment, but in fact go beyond the call of duty to do whatever it takes to see that you are looked after. Trust springs directly from this kind of Certainty, and if you aren't sure of that True Trust will be impossible to ever attain. One might still query; did G-d ever make any commitments to us, and even if we believe He did, how can we be sure we are still deserving of His largess? Simply stated, how indeed can we ever be CERTAIN of anything?! This and much more is illuminated with a fascinating tapestry of Midrashic, Medieval, Modern and Post-modern Torah Teachings! This is the 39th episode of the series.

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Thirty-Eight ~ ! Chapter One #1: Because before learning How to Trust, we must first clearly Know What precisely Trust Is; e.g. the goal we seek to achieve. Only by first providing a clear and foundational illustration, granting the student a proper grasp of the subject, can the author lead us to appreciate the practical lessons he will subsequently impart. Simply stated: Before teaching us how to develop Bitachon in Hashem, Rabbainu Bachaya’s first sets out to explain what Trust is. With the destination identified; the successful journey towards it can then begin! Here we will discover why very essence of Bitachon is the Peace of Mind that a person achieves specifically by virtue of an emotional relationship and reliance, powerfully expressed by the trust he or she chooses to place in their proverbial provider. Our methodical, incisive and charitable study of the specific words chosen by the celebrated author and his illustrious translator -- as illuminated by the Chasidic Masters -- will allow us to fully unfurl and appreciate the incredible message being conveyed!

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Forty-One # – ~ ! Having identified 3 categories of the personal criteria a truly trusted provider would have to posses for us to blissfully rely upon them and place full confidence in them: 1) they have feelings for me 2) they act on feelings and stay engaged 3) they posses stamina and aren't dettered by opposition In this episode we move on flesh in the next two areas of the kind of qualities we'd seek before placing our blind trust in someone: they'd need to be "in the know" and posses and intimate understanding of our true needs. Plus we'd need to have seen a proven track record of continued engagement and single minded or exclusive devotion towards us. Any thing short of this would undermine our confidence and prevent from building absolute blind Trust is any such a proverbial provider. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode 103 , ~ ! In the previous Episodes we clarified how everyone is tasked with doing the best they can; always remembering that the results are ever in Hashem's hands. What matters is that efforts are sincere and according to the one's capabilities. In this new Episode we move from our employers to our competition, spelling out the Torah true approach to dealing with (even bitter) adversaries! How should a person infused with the faithful spirit of Bitachon try to act when faced with the unhealthy jealousy of real detractors and even sworn enemies. People who covet what yours and individuals who actually seek to harm? Can our Trust in Hashem become the foundation for a winning strategy that’ll allow us to transcend and even triumph? To be sure the faithful attitude and conviction-based answers provided here may appear daunting and even over-the-top. Yet, we believe that the Torah's expectations are never unreasonable, and we must all be up to the tall task placed before us! This Episode comprises the Thirtieth segment of the Fourth Chapter of "The Gate of Trust," and is the 103rd consecutive video of the series. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan