The Hovot Halevavot now discusses Bitachon in the area of mitzvot that are between us and G-d (as opposed to those related to others, such as giving charity). These mitzvot, such as keeping Shabbat, praying, or wearing Tefillin are responsibilities that we have to G-d that we must do.
He tells us an important principle about this: Any time we do a mitzvah, there are three areas that we have to consider:
The first is the choice of whether to do the mitzvah. For example, someone chooses to pray at shul in the mornings. This is a bechira- a choice.
The next step is to commit yourself to doing the mitzvah. Just choosing doesn’t make it a commitment. Many of us made such commitments on the high holidays.
Supposedly, gym memberships in America surge in January and then peters out by March. People choose to join, but then can’t commit to stick with it.
We have to commit.
The final piece, once we have chosen and committed, is that it actually has to happen.
The Hovot HaLevavot tells us that to choose and commit to the mitzvah are in our domain, but making it happen is the next level. G-d has to do that part (we recently discussed this important principle in a Parasha class).
We can choose to pray at shul every day, and then commit to doing so- we get up and get in the car.
But if the car doesn’t start, that’s out of our control. That part is up to G-d.
Bechira, choice, is the first part that the Hovot Halevavot talks about. He quotes a pasuk from Devarim (perek 30, pasuk 19) that says ובחרת בחיים-Choose life
This means that it’s a positive commandment from the Torah each time you choose to do a mitzvah, according to Rabbenu Yonah.
It’s a Mitzvah to want to do right thing.
This is important because we can’t always do everything right. Some things might be above our abilities at this point in our religious growth. There are levels in religion. The first thing a person has to think about is: What do I want to do? What do I choose? What direction do I want to go in, even if I might not be there yet?
This applies in any area of religion, be it a man’s commitment to learn more Torah, to give more tzedaka, or do more hessed. Or it may be that a woman chooses to dress more modestly. She might not be ready for xyz yet, but at least she has a picture of where she wants to get to, in her head. What’s the bigger picture? What is your dream? That’s the first step in our religious growth.
As we will learn, there is no room for bitachon at the levels of choice or commitment. We can’t rely on G-d to help us choose (or commit) to pray at shul. Choice is an area that He gave to us. We can have Bitachon that the car will start, but to choose to go is in our hands. As the Gemara says, הכל בידי שמים חוץ מיראת שמים -Everything is in G-d’s Hands, except fear of heaven.
So that’s the first part, and it’s in our hands.
The first thing a person has to do is put things on his wish list.
In another part of Hovot HaLevavot, Shaare Heshbon HaNefesh, he quotes a pasuk from David HaMelech that says:
הנחמדים מזהב ומפז רב
Religion is supposed to be coveted like gold.
This means that there are certain things a person knows aren’t yet in his realm. For example, even though it’s not their budget, a couple might browse in a jewelry shop, just to take a look. It doesn’t hurt to dream or wish. Just like you might try on the jewelry or test drive a Bentley that’s not in your tax bracket, it’s a dream.
People like to walk through expensive shops just to look around. Why not walk into Gucci or Canali? You can’t afford the sweater (which is $800 at 50% off), but why not try it on? Maybe one day.... At least you’re in the game.
The same is true for religion. A person has his wants and his wishes. He can think, Maybe one day I’ll get there -Who knows?
That’s the first step: to be a bo’cher. To choose.
We can’t all be millionaires or billionaires but most people hope and wish.
The same is true in our religion.
Have a great day.