Doing Proper Hishtadlus: An Indication of Our Bitachon
Bitachon: Following Hashem’s Plan
In addition to the above-mentioned aspects, another necessary component of bitachon is doing all the hishtadlus we need to do, as Hashem requires from us. It’s not that even a ba’al bitachon also needs to do hishtadlus: If someone doesn’t do proper hishtadlus, he is not a ba’al bitachon! Because if Hashem asks us to do our part (and He will do His part from Above), then if a person declines to do so, he is practically saying, “I can manage without Hashem’s plan.” And this is contrary to the will of Hashem.
Walking With Hashem, Hand in Hand
It is a common misconception that in the area of hishtadlus, it is permitted to slack off; since we speak so much about bitachon, one may think that Hashem will help the ba’al bitachon without him doing his hishtadlus. But this is wrong: Hashem wants us to make the effort. The definition of bitachon is not only trusting in Hashem, being optimistic that everything will be good. The meaning of bitachon is that a Yid walks with Hashem, hand in hand, following everything that he is told—because he has full trust in the Ribbono shel Olam.
If Hashem commands us to work for a living or to do other forms of hishtadlus in any given matter, and we don’t do it, such an approach comes either from laziness or other negative traits. A ba’al bitachon follows Hashem’s dictates.
Hishtadlus: Because Hashem Commanded It
This is something we must bear in mind: HaKadosh Baruch Hu has the ability to provide for all of us in a “natural way” (as discussed above), but it requires bitachon—and part of bitachon is to follow Hashem’s command for us to do hishtadlus.
Even before the sin of the עץ הדעת, Hashem placed Adam HaRishon in Gan Eden לעבדה ולשמרה, To work it and to guard it (Bereishis 2:15)—one must go out and do something for the betterment of the world. After the חטא עץ הדת, the command was even stronger: בזיעת אפיך תאכל לחם, by the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread (Bereishis 3:19).
A person does not have the choice of saying, “In my family we don’t have the curse of בזיעת אפיך תאכל לחם.... We don’t have to work for a living... it will be fine....” If one thinks he is cleverer than Hashem, he is not a ba’al bitachon.
Of course, a person must learn and daven—and often people will see more success in their learning as a result of nullifying themselves to the ratzon of Hashem, doing their hishtadlus. But this, too, is an area in which a person must examine himself to see if they have proper bitachon: “Do I properly carry out Hashem’s command to do hishtadlus?”
ואספת דגנך: הנהג בהן מנהג דרך ארץ
This is a clear Gemara (Berachos 35b): Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai argued that if one were to work his land there will be no time left to learn, while Rabbi Yishmael said that the Torah commands us (Devarim 11:14) ואספת דגנך, to conduct ourselves with derech eretz (i.e., a person must work for a living).” Abaye concludes: “Many have done like Rashbi, and it did not work out for them.”
Thus, we see clearly the importance of doing our hishtadlus.
Hishtadlus vs. Avodas Hashem: No Contradiction
Although the Rambam (Hilchos Shemitah v’Yovel 13:13) writes that there are those who can be like שבט לוי, and dedicate their lives solely to avodas Hashem, nevertheless, we must know that only a select few merit to be part of this group. The majority of must do hishtadlus for parnassah. There are many ways for a person to remain engaged in avodas Hashem despite fulfilling his obligation for hishtadlus, and a person must take stock of his time to make sure it is adequately allocated, and he should consult with a rebbi on how to balance these obligations. But hishtadlus is a requirement.
A person can, and must, daven to Hashem not to become materialistic as a result of his hishtadlus and his business with This World—and Hashem will surely listen to his tefillos. But there must be a bittul to the will of Hashem who commanded us to do our part. The Chovos HaLevavos makes clear that only a small minority merit to be part of the class of שבט לוי, while most of us must engage in hishtadlus.
