In these difficult days, with the war dragging on and many decisions to be made about confronting our enemy, it becomes increasingly necessary to speak about faith and courage. Although not all of us are in positions of power, making tough decisions depends on the broader national spirit that guides our leaders. The imperative to strengthen our faith to make these bold decisions is more urgent than ever, and the evident and often immediate outcomes are unmistakable and significant.
Our commitment and resolve to destroy the enemy we face will depend on our level of trust in Hashem, Who commands us to fight for His Name and recognize that true peace and justice cannot prevail as long as enemies are threatening the Jewish nation
With this in mind, I want to take a fresh look at Emunah and the Jewish belief system. Let us return to our founding principles in these special days of Adar and Purim when we remember and commemorate the destruction of the manifestations of Amalek – those forces that seek to physically destroy the Jewish nation – which has become especially relevant in our times. Our commitment and resolve to destroy the enemy we face will depend on our level of trust in Hashem, Who commands us to fight for His Name and recognize that true peace and justice cannot prevail as long as enemies are threatening the Jewish nation.
As we stand on the precipice of uncertainty, let us draw strength from the wellspring of our faith, knowing that Hashem walks alongside us in our struggle. Let us heed the lessons of our history, finding inspiration in the courage of our ancestors who overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges. And let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values of justice, righteousness, and compassion, knowing that it is through our actions that Hashem’s kingdom will be revealed on earth.
Emunah As the Key to Success
Emunah breeds success. A glance at the Torah reveals that those with strong Emunah are likely to succeed uniquely in every area of life, not only in spiritual pursuits. When the King of the Plishtim, Avimelech, saw the physical success of Avraham and Yitzchak, he said: “God is with you in everything that you do” (Bereshis 21:22; 26:28). Rashi explains that “he saw their wealth, charisma, popularity, and success – including strength in battle,” and wished to benefit by creating an alliance. Similarly, the success of Yosef demonstrates how deep faith in Hashem leads to success in every area:
Hashem was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he stayed in the house of his Egyptian master. And when his master saw that Hashem was with him and that Hashem lent success to everything he undertook, he took a liking to Joseph. He made him his personal attendant and put him in charge of his household, placing in his hands all that he owned. And from the time that the Egyptian put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, Hashem blessed his house for Joseph’s sake, so that the blessing of Hashem was upon everything that he owned, in the house and outside. He left all that he had in Joseph’s hands and, with him there, he paid attention to nothing save the food that he ate” (Bereshis 39:2-6).
Examples abound of the idea that Emunah can and should be recognized tangibly. “Remember that it is Hashem your God who gives you the power to get wealth, in fulfillment of the covenant made on oath with your fathers, as is still the case” (Devarim 8:18). Only rarely does this involve explicit miracles, as in the birth of Yitzchak. Generally, the power of faith is expressed by success on the battlefield, swaying public opinion and gaining popular respect, and achievement in every worthwhile human endeavor.
Fear of Hashem isn’t merely a cowed, blind, and submissive obedience to communal and religious norms but a courageous refusal to fear anyone but Hashem
This concept is clearly expressed by the wisest of men: “The result of humility is fear of Hashem, wealth, honor, and life” (Mishlei 22:4). Emunah leads directly to prosperity and success. Fear of Hashem isn’t merely a cowed, blind, and submissive obedience to communal and religious norms but a courageous refusal to fear anyone but Hashem – as exemplified by Mordechai, who defied Haman despite the risks, driven by his pride as a Jew who worships and fears only Hashem. This led to his meteoric rise at the end of the Megillah when he inherited Haman’s position as viceroy.
Moreover, at its core, Emunah is synonymous with emotional well-being. Cultivating a deep faith in Hashem makes us mentally fit and primed for success. As shown above, in the Torah, Yosef is described as successful by his master and given the highest rank. This was a direct result of his state of mind, which gave him the courage necessary for success.
The Plishtim also recognized Avraham and Yitzchak for their success because they acted in a way that expressed inner strength. Being connected to Hashem allows one to be strongly motivated and brave and approach life calmly, confidently, and out of a deep sense of security. All these attributes are essential for success in life, and a nation that embodies this spirit can become a “light to the nations.”
The Liberating Torah
The Torah liberates us. Our fears enslave us, our imaginary “masters,” be they external pressures from society or an internal loss of faith in our abilities and passive acceptance of our fate. The essence of freedom is to act according to your best interests. Unfortunately, we often act against our best interests – not for fear of our masters’ whip – but an internalized fear of imaginary barriers we do not allow ourselves to cross. It is such fears that Emunah must dispel as illusionary or overly exaggerated.
Today, Emunah often manifests precisely as passivity and acceptance. This phenomenon begs the question: Why do people with Emunah sometimes act with a submissive attitude? The answer lies partly in the misconception that Emunah is merely the belief that Hashem is good, so everything must be for the good. While this is true in a general sense, the way the world operates is that Hashem is good and, therefore, we have the power to do good. Emunah is an emotional connection to Hashem that ignites courage and responsibility. Everything will be good because we will make it so! With trust in Hashem, we will be appropriately motivated to turn curses into blessings.
At the heart of Emunah is a deep love for Hashem and a pride in Jewish identity. The Chinese proverb (attributed to Lao Tzu) aptly states, “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” This profound love for Hashem, His Nation, and His Land serves as the foundation for our courage and resilience, empowering us to confront life’s challenges head-on. It instills in us a sense of worthiness and self-respect, essential to success in any endeavor.
Queen Esther retained her Jewish identity even behind palace walls, risking her life for the sake of her brothers and sisters. Her courage flourished upon her deep love for her people and staunch belief in the eternity of the Jewish people destined to survive to proclaim the message of Hashem’s goodness to the world. She knew Hashem would save them, encouraging her to become the conduit of Hashem’s salvation (instead of passively waiting and trusting that Hashem would somehow save them). Despite being queen, she humbly fasted along with all the Jewish people, seeing herself as a part of them. Instead of raising a regular Jewish family, by granting them life, all the Jewish nation became her children.
When a nation is connected to Hashem, its success will be easily recognized by the world, which will want to emulate it. The only way to achieve success in such a manner is to have confidence and inner clarity derived from Emunah, which allows us to take healthy risks that may seem reckless to others but ultimately lead to success for us
It is with deep love for Hashem that we must focus on creating a world in which His Torah is seen as an inspiration and a practical guide – a source of goodness for anyone who wants to live a good life. This is why the Torah constantly emphasizes, as noted above, the worldly successes that a life of Torah will inevitably bring. Although this blessing includes supernatural components, such as the promise of rain, much of the blessing is a natural consequence of following the Torah of life – a path of goodness every human instinctively knows and recognizes when witnessed in others. Still, we need the Torah to crystallize and emphasize these fundamental beliefs.
“Observe them faithfully, for that will be proof of your wisdom and discernment to other peoples, who on hearing of all these laws will say, ‘Surely, that great nation is a wise and discerning people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so close at hand as is our God Hashem whenever we call? Or what great nation has laws and rules as perfect as all this Teaching that I set before you this day?” (Devarim 4:6-8)
When a nation is connected to Hashem, its success will be easily recognized by the world, which will want to emulate it. The only way to achieve success in such a manner is to have confidence and inner clarity derived from Emunah, which allows us to take healthy risks that may seem reckless to others but ultimately lead to success for us.
Conversely, individuals who lack confidence and courage often struggle with low self-esteem and anxiety. Emunah serves as a remedy for these afflictions, instilling within us a sense of purpose and belief in our abilities. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey, as Hashem walks alongside us every step of the way. We must remember our greatness as a nation chosen by Hashem to show the world the path of peace and justice.
It’s important to note that genuine courage starkly contrasts with arrogance. Paradoxically, low self-esteem can lead to arrogance, as insecurities often fuel this behavior. Humility, conversely, springs from a profound sense of confidence and pride in being a Jew created in the divine likeness of Hashem. It’s about feeling secure in your identity without the urge to prove yourself constantly.
Faith and Effort: Emunah and Hishtadlus
Many struggle to draw the line between Emunah and effort. This draws from a misapprehension of Emunah as a philosophy that Hishtadlus – effort – makes no difference. Results come solely from Hashem. Some even view Hishtadlus as the curse of Adam, leading to complacency and a lack of responsibility. Yet, true Emunah inspires us to take calculated risks and strive for excellence in all we do. It imbues us with the confidence to navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and determination. Trying, it should be stated, is not for trying’s sake. We value the journey and the effort itself, but first, we must ensure we travel in the right direction.
Trying, it should be stated, is not for trying’s sake. We value the journey and the effort itself, but first, we must ensure we travel in the right direction
Once this principle is internalized, the tension between Emunah and effort is resolved. Emunah inspires us to make an effort and seize every opportunity for growth and success rather than to depreciate effort and simply trust in Hashem. Conflict arises when Hishtadlus is motivated by emotional weakness or a lack of faith in Hashem’s plan. True Emunah, however, fosters a mindset of calmness and optimism, enabling us to approach life with confidence and resilience. This often reduces unnecessary efforts caused by nervousness or overcompensation for perceived or actual weaknesses.
For example, many reacted strongly to the discovery of germs, taking extreme precautions, hoping that such efforts would protect them from the most harmful diseases. However, subsequent research indicates that children brought up in an overly sterile environment are, in fact, less secure and more susceptible to disease or autoimmune disorders. They may perceive benign organisms as potential threats rather than allies. Their immune system was not allowed to face adversity and train itself to recognize dangerous pathogenic invaders. The result is a child that is weaker and less fit to face the world.
This example illustrates the overprotective nature of many parents, rabbis, and politicians. The fact that it ultimately fails indicates that this approach stems from nervousness rather than healthy and necessary Hishtadlus. This is where Hishtadlus is contraindicated by Emunah. Laid-back parents and authorities might be perceived as reckless, but this more relaxed attitude is the essence of Emunah. Emunah leads to a healthy sense of security and optimism, which tends to lead to a more user-friendly approach to life and Judaism.
Another typical instance of insecurities driving unnecessary and ineffective actions is when someone lacking modesty seeks out recognition and honor. This relentless pursuit often culminates in outbursts of anger and displays of arrogance. However, such behavior seldom deceives others; instead, it reveals an underlying fear of inadequacy, rendering the individual less deserving of genuine respect.
Laid-back parents and authorities might be perceived as reckless, but this more relaxed attitude is the essence of Emunah
Haman overreached when he demanded everyone honor him to the extreme, and it was precisely this excessive effort, a misplaced Hishtadlus to be respected, which led to his downfall. Haman’s arrogance may have been rooted in a fear for his life. He may have felt that a lack of honor would lead to him to lose power and respect. In such a highly competitive environment as a royal court, his enemies may stop fearing him and ultimately have him killed to pave their own rise to power. But that fear for his life ultimately led to his death. He was motivated by hate and fear of others. He saw the world as a zero-sum game.
Our sages teach that the one who pursues honor finds it elusive, whereas the one who practices humility and demonstrates respect for others earns genuine esteem. Emunah, our genuine self-awareness acknowledging our imperfections yet recognizing our divine essence as creations of Hashem, coupled with pride in our Jewish identity, fosters contentment and self-assurance. This inner strength dispels the feelings that drive desperate acts seeking validation. This leads to a much deeper and genuine respect from others that reinforces a sense of stability. We become motivated by our love and mutual respect for others. We perceive the world as a place of mutual benefit where everyone can thrive. We see the world as a win-win for all involved.
Moreover, Emunah encourages independent thought and a sense of responsibility towards ourselves and others. We are a nation often in radical disagreement with the mainstream. This applies both to external conflict with trending world views and internal friction with accepted Jewish thought. We are taught that wisdom requires the humility to love, respect and learn even from those considered beyond the pale. “Who is wise? He who learns from every man.”
Amid the ongoing war, Israel often faces marginalization and unfairly harsh criticism. This prompts reflection on the importance of not disregarding despised minority perspectives, which may contain truths, even when dismissed as conspiracy theories or for other unjustified reasons. Sometimes feel safer siding with popular views. Yet, in reality, when the truth is ignored, we are in much greater danger. Israel’s critics do not realize how they empower their own enemies. This is another example of Hishtadlus that stems from fear rather than Emunah.
We need to bring the world to perfection. We can’t afford to be passive. We must seek the truth no matter the consequences. Yet, despite the intensity of our mission, Emunah manifests a friendly, relaxed disposition based on trust in Hashem
The special courage of true servants of Hashem is critical for stating or even thinking the truth. It reminds us of our unique role in shaping the world’s destiny. This awareness instills in us a deep sense of purpose and conviction, motivating us to strive for excellence in all we do. We need to bring the world to perfection. We can’t afford to be passive. We must seek the truth no matter the consequences. Yet, despite the intensity of our mission, Emunah manifests a friendly, relaxed disposition based on trust in Hashem.
Winning With Emunah
“He [Rabban Yohanan] said unto them: go forth and observe which is the right way to which a man should cleave? Rabbi Eliezer said, a good eye; Rabbi Joshua said, a good companion; Rabbi Yose said, a good neighbor; Rabbi Shimon said, foresight. Rabbi Elazar said, a good heart. He [Rabban Yohanan] said to them: I prefer the words of Elazar ben Arach, for in his words your words are included” (Avot 2:9).
What is a good heart? A famous verse from Mishlei (15:15) is quoted by the Shulchan Aruch concerning the spirit of Adar and Purim: “All the days of a poor man are bad, but a good-hearted person feasts perpetually.”
The poor man is not to be emulated. It is often a result of seeing the world with blighted eyes. Being a “lev tov,” empathetic towards the common person, with one’s understanding intertwined with humanity, is an expression of humility and genuine love and respect for others, which brings a person to his greatest heights. On Purim we celebrate our victory over our enemies with a convivial spirit, an engaging, inspirational disposition that inspires others to feel well about themselves and life in general. This joy, which draws from Emunah, motivates us and gives us the courage to annihilate our enemies: Amalek in all its manifestations.
This can help us understand the paradox of serving Hashem through getting drunk on Purim (and even drinking at Seder Night). It is through the lively, optimistic, and positive mindset of a wine banquet that we get a glimpse of the true meaning of Emunah. And with Emunah, we will surely win!
Picture: Quietly confident Netzach Yehuda soldiers.
