This book discusses the principles of the Jewish approach on the fundamental issue regarding the interface between man’s obligation to trust his G-D and his obligation to undertake acts of natural effort. For instance:
What is faith in G-D? Is it a belief that good will prevail? Or is it a belief that even if bad will prevail, it is G-D’s will? And if things may be bad, how is he who puts his faith in G-D to feel calm and avoid fear and awe?
What is natural effort and what are its limits? “A person’s livelihood is determined from year to year” – does this mean that a person may do nothing when others compete against him in business? And what is the extent of effort a person must undertake to make a living? How many hours should one dedicate to studying the Torah and how many to working? Is there a point where a person should stop making an effort, and tell himself that he has done enough, and now he puts his faith in G-D?
Is there a difference in the level of effort dedicated to critical necessities and luxuries? Should the level of effort be different when it is designated to helping others? Should a person be allowed to purchase life insurance, or does this constitute a breach of the faith that G-D will look after his remaining relatives after his death?
The book discusses these fundamental issues while introducing a multitude of sources, surveying sages practices in an organized and eloquent fashion, with a methodical analysis of the principles. The issues are very clearly and eloquently presented and they integrate into a cohesive and clear picture providing the reader with a wide understanding of these complex issues.
This book received the Jerusalem Prize for Philosophy and Literature in 2008.
Published by Feldheim Publishers.