Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Twenty-Five ~ ! The lucky "Alchemist" is yet again contrasted with the "Person of Faith." While the former is always fearful of people, afraid of his surroundings and terrified of the powers-to-be, the latter is publicly and proudly able to share his secret to inner serenity. Instead of fearing his environment, this is a person who is relaxed about his future, as he places full trust in Hashem and experiences a total lack of fear. He remains forever calm and is afraid of nothing! Rabbeinu Bachaya maintains that ultimately all earthly powers seek to dominate, control or even harm us, and only full Bitachon can free us from fearing them. People, animals, and even inanimate objects may threaten our well-being, yet if we place total trust in Hashem, He will shield and protect us from all harm. He powerfully illustrates this Faith Truism by referencing stirring scriptural verses clearly articulate the idea that the person possessing Faithful Trust has no reason to be fearful, as he will be shielded by G-d Himself! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Twenty- Four , ~ ! In sharp contrast with the "Alchemist," who is ever concerned about the future as he worries and experiences anxiety about various possible scenarios and unforeseen circumstances, the "Person of Faith" lives with a true sense of inner peace. Fully relying on G-d for his needs, he has absolute Trust that Hashem will sustain and provide for him. His life is therefore free of worry and anxiety! Rabbeinu Bachaya frames this idea with the faith-based view of G-d being the Sole Source of Sustenance across the full spectrum of our material reality from the Lowliest-Embryos to Highest-Flying Birds. From deepest seas to densest geologies there is only One True Provider who continually sustains all life despite their seemingly frail nature. A series of stirring scriptural verses emphasize this truism and ultimately buttress the idea that the person who has Bitachon has no reason to be fearful! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Twenty-Three ~ ! Rabbeinu Bachaya continues his contrast of the "Alchemist" and the "Person of Faith" who achieves Absolute Trust in Hashem. The contrast is designed to further sketch the portrait illustrating the latter's superiority in attaining true peace of mind. Despite the Alchemist's relatively easy road to prosperity, he is disturbed by a terrific flood of continuous anxiety. Thoughtful analysis leads us to understand that those who “Have it Made” are far from reaching “Inner Peace.” That's because as they invariably become fearful that others will discover their secrets, they become victims of their own success! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Twenty-Six ~ ! The Sixth Stage of Superiority belonging to the "Person of Faith" in contrast with the metaphoric "Alchemist" revolves around the concerns people always have about the ever-lurking possibility of infection, dysfunction, and disease. Ultimately, Wealth Cannot Buy Health and Money Gives No Guarantees! Health Deterioration naturally robs people of their happiness and impairs their ability to enjoy accumulated wealth and material possessions. Pure trust in Hashem provides an elevated vision of life, enabling even ordinary people to transcend these organic inhibitors of terrestrial fulfillment. Trusting in Hashem’s goodness grants a purposeful perspective on sickness and suffering that transforms the impact of these otherwise unpleasant and painful experiences. Drawing on stirring scripture about the futility of physical strength and the spirit of force which ultimately weakens verses the boundless force of spirit that fuels hope and optimism, Rabbeinu Bachaya uses prophetic poetry to complete sketching his portrait demonstrating the unparalleled power of Faithful Trust in Hashem! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan