Too Much Hishtadlus

By Rabbi Moshe Krieger, Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah (www.bircas.org)

Parshas Mikeitz begins by relating that Yosef spent two additional years in prison before Pharaoh had the dream that led to Yosef’s release. Rashi (Bereishis 43:23) cites a puzzling Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 89:3), which praises Yosef for his high level of bitachon (trust in Hashem), yet states that the two years were a punishment for trusting in the Sar HaMashkim. How can the same Yosef be both praised and blamed for his level of bitachon, or lack thereof?

The Beis HaLevi explains with an important principle: For most people, asking the Sar HaMashkim to help procure his release would be a normal form of hishtadlus (the requirement to participate in providing for one’s wellbeing). However, what constitutes permissible hishtadlus depends on a person’s level of bitachon. On Yosef’s high level, asking the Sar HaMashkim for help was unnecessary, and therefore considered a sin. It follows that the punishment Yosef received for erring was only because of his high level of bitachon.

The Chazon Ish (Emunah U’Vitachon 2:6) writes that Yosef was indeed a great ba’al bitachon. However, he viewed the opportunity to procure freedom via a high-ranking official as a sign that he was obligated to utilize it. His error, says the Chazon Ish, is that he should have realized that no Egyptian would ever help anyone, because they lacked any appreciation for the middah of hakaras hatov, and therefore the Sar HaMashkim did not feel obligated to help Yosef in return for Yosef’s having helped him. Since asking such a person for help is an action that is normally taken only by a desperate person, it did not qualify as reasonable hishtadlus.

For most of us, asking a government minister’s help when we have the opportunity to do so may be part of our hishtadlus, unless the said official lacks appreciation of the value of kindness toward others. Nevertheless, this episode is extremely relevant, as we can learn from it important principles of hishtadlus. Each of us has a certain level of bitachon, and a commensurate obligation of hishtadlus. We can learn from the Beis HaLevi that just as Yosef HaTzaddik exceeded his required hishtadlus, we can make the same mistake at our own level. We can learn from the Chazon Ish that not every form of hishtadlus is applicable—there are some forms of hishtadlus that are useless.

A Jew needs both bitachon and hishtadlus. We must make a certain amount of effort, as Hashem has instructed us to create a vessel for His blessing, as it says (Devarim 15:18), “I will bless you in all of the work of your hands.” However, overemphasizing our efforts show a lack of trust in Hashem, and this, for a believing Jew, is inexcusable. The Chovos HaLevavos (Sha’ar HaBitachon, Preface) goes so far as to warn us that if we trust our own efforts, Hashem may leave us to the blind forces of nature, G-d forbid.

How can we strengthen our bitachon in Hashem? HaRav Moshe Schwab, mashgiach of Gateshead Yeshivah, cites a midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 88:7) which states: “The Sar HaMashkim forgot you, but I won’t forget you. Who was it who waited for Avraham and Sarah until their old age, so that they would have a son? Who was it that waited for Yaakov, who crossed the river with his stick alone, [to see] that he would become wealthy? Who waited for Yosef to endure all of his afflictions and become king [if not Me]?”

The Midrash brings more examples, imparting a perspective that can help us grow in bitachon. Consider Who it was who waited for Avraham, anxiously anticipating the time when he would merit a son. Hashem is revealing to us that as much as Avraham yearned for a son, He yearned even more. Hashem wants our good even more than we do. He is all powerful, he can do anything, and he will always do what is best for us. It is up to us, though, to bolster our own awareness that Hashem is concerned for our well-being. Speaking it over with our friends, family, and even ourselves will help us grow in bitachon.

When the Chazon Ish served as sandak for one of Rav Chaim Zeitchik’s sons, he noticed that their apartment was very small. (There were seven people in one and a half rooms!)

“Now that you have a new son, maybe it’s time to think about getting a bigger apartment,” the Chazon Ish told him.

“Of course it would be nice, but we don’t have the money,” Rav Chaim replied.

“Do you need Hashem to give you the money in advance? If this is indeed what is needed now, Hashem will help you,” the Chazon Ish answered.

May we live with the awareness that Hashem loves us, and grow in our bitachon!