Bitachon
- WireNews
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
by Elisheva bas Chana
“We are the seventh generation, the one that will realise HaShem’s reality on this earth.”
— The Rebbe
The Rebbe began his leadership in 1950, just as America began feeling the not-so-gentle stirrings of a new awareness. This would develop into a revolution, with young people raging against the conformity and hypocrisy of their parents. The pursuit of materialism, which might have satisfied previous generations, was simply insufficient.
The Rebbe’s leadership would extend over four decades — forty turbulent years that saw unprecedented and radical change. In this respect, the Rebbe was as prepared as a leader could be, rooted in religious tradition yet thoroughly educated in secular matters. He was a visionary leader. Throughout these tumultuous decades, he anticipated changes on both personal and social levels, consistently offering enlightenment and encouragement towards handling the challenges of these rather daunting times.
Above all, the Rebbe saw this generation as one of final redemption. In his first discourse upon assuming leadership, the Rebbe said: “Our sages explain that Moshe was the seventh generation from Avraham. In that generation, the world experienced at Sinai an unprecedented revelation of G-Dliness. So too, our generation is the seventh of Rebbes; we have the responsibility, coupled with the ability, to finish the process of making this world a G-Dly place.” — Toward a Meaningful Life.
To understand ourselves and the time we are living in can be more difficult than we think, because we are so fully absorbed in our daily lives that it seems difficult to take a step back and see beyond the confusion and chaos in this world.
With the technical advances which unite the world more than ever before, on a personal level there is disunity. When there is an imbalance of conflicting forces in our lives, inner tension begins to rise. We live in a world that is split between materialism and spirituality.
As we are well aware of the changes which have taken place in the world, not only recently but for generations, materialism has become the magnet of our moral compass. Often we explain this as an evil force. Darkness is not the enemy; it is the absence of light.
Many generations have abused their freedom, taking advantage of it for personal gain and selfish reasons. We have been challenged to introduce to the world a freedom that does not challenge the sovereignty of HaShem, and none of us are excluded from the responsibility of Torah learning and teaching what HaShem wants of us and our generation.
We must recognise that we live in an amazing time. Nothing that happens is random, but all is decreed by HaShem. The Chovos Halevavos writes that if we understand that it is only HaShem who determines whether we gain or lose, we would no longer be slaves of our own Mitzrayim.
The Thirteen Tenets of Emunah by the Rambam is the belief that HaShem governs all created beings. One of the ten minimum requirements for Jews is that we must realise that whenever we receive anything from another person, it comes directly from HaShem.
“All matters in the world — whether good or bad — are a test.” — Mesilas Yesharim, perek 1.
Anything that happens to us, in any situation we find ourselves in, is a personal test handpicked by HaShem. The purpose of these tests is not punishment, but elevation.
HaShem hides behind everything we experience to allow us free will. We have the choice to view everything that happens as coincidence or as Divinely decreed.
Bitachon is closely related to emunah, and we know that everything HaShem does is good.
The true meaning of Bitachon is placing our trust in HaShem, which goes beyond having faith in Him. We only have control over our own lives through surrendering and trusting HaShem.
We function much better with Bitachon, and it leaves us free to serve HaShem with all of our heart and soul. Through millennia of challenges, we have withstood every storm. We are challenged to believe in and trust HaShem’s plan.
May we be zoche to see the coming of the Moshiach and trust with unwavering certainty that he will come speedily in our days.
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In honour of the Rebbe’s 124th birthday on Yud Alef Nissan, Agudas Chasidei Chabad released a letter encouraging Anash to learn the Rebbe’s Torah, strengthen Emunah and Bitachon, study Inyanei Geulah u’Moshiach, and be active in the Rebbe’s Mivtzoim.
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Elisheva bas Chana – Celebrating the Heart of Yiddishkeit
Elisheva is a passionate voice for authentic Jewish life, blending Torah wisdom, mitzvos, and the timeless beauty of Yiddishkeit. Her writing shines a light on the strength and grace of Jewish women—from the legacy of Devorah Leah, daughter of the Alter Rebbe, to today’s women who live with faith, modesty, and purpose. Through her words, Elisheva celebrates Torah study, family purity, and radiant tznius, inspiring readers to embrace the joy, depth, and enduring spirit of Jewish tradition. Contact Elisheva.
