Author: Ari Shvat

Is believing in G-d and trusting in Him actually one of the 613 mitzvot, or something broader?

Q. Is emunah/Bitachon a mitzvah from the Torah, and if so which one(s)?

The Vilna Gaon stresses that there are more than 2,000 mitzvot but our tradition has only 613. In other words, there are many things that we should do m’d’oraita, but there are differences of opinion whether they are officially counted as mitzvot. Emuna/Bitachon is one of those cases, where the Rambam “counts” it as a mitzva as opposed to others who don’t (not that they say one doesn’t need to, but they explain that it’s such a basic prerequisite that it’s not “counted”). Some learn it from the pasuk of Shma Yisrael, while others learn it from the first of the Ten Commandments.

For someone wanting to begin genuinely improving their character traits, what’s the best practical first step?

Q. Shalom HaRav, slicha for asking but what is the best thing if someone want to start with tikkun HaMiddot

Keep track (either on your cellphone or with a small pocket notebook, diary or calendar), of all of the good actions you do, and even more so, that you see others do and would like to emulate. At the end of each day and again each week, review the list and try implementing those actions, which are usually readily implementable. Especially stick around people in your locale who have good midot, and again, note their actions and emulate them. In addition, find on the internet a good class on the book Mesilat Yesharim (the classic book on self-improvement) and begin learning it. All the best in your idealistic and holy work of self-improvement, thus being more G-dly!

Three questions regarding euthanizing a suffering animal, soldier or kidnapped victim.

Q. 3 related questions: 1) What is the halacha regarding Euthanasia for animals that are suffering? 2) What is the halacha regarding a war type scenario whereby it is very clear that a soldier is going to be executed in a terribly painful and slow way, basically tortured to death, let’s say burned alive or similar, can a Jewish soldier shoot this soldier (Jewish or not) who is about to die in a terrible manner in order to prevent him from going through such pain? This is not an interrogation situation but execution without a doubt. 3) What is the halacha on something like the IDF’s Hannibal Directive?

1. Yes, it is good to put an animal out of its misery, the mitzva of tza’ar ba’alei chayim. 2. In general we are not allowed to actively kill someone in order to alleviate his pain. 3. This is a big question, not really for this concise framework, but in general, there is room for the Israeli army to decide that we don’t want any prisoners taken by our ruthless enemy, or in order that he not divulge delicate secrets which will endanger many, etc. There is a famous Nodah b’Yehuda who writes (and is cited by many in this context, as is the Ya’avetz), that national security of Am Yisrael supersedes all mitzvot, even the 3 cardinal sins, but each case must obviously be reviewed by the leading poskim.

If I put in the effort, does that mean Hashem will supply the energy and success needed to actually succeed?

Q. If I Do My Hishtadlus, Does Hashem Help Me Get A Good Parnasa , And Give Me The Energy, Concentration To Do What I Need and Want To Do In Life?

You definitely have to do your part and invest effort in your work, exercise to get energy and exercises to improve concentration if necessary, and Hashem will do that which is best for you. Although prayer, giving charity and doing mitzvot isn’t like an automatic Coke machine where you always get immediately what you want, but by, in addition to Hashtadlut, you also pray, and do good actions, that can elevate you to a higher spiritual level, and then perhaps merit that which your heart desires. In general want and invest your efforts in good and Godly endeavors, wanting what He wants, so that He will want what you want (Avot 2, 4).

If these Kabbalistic works are part of the tradition, why aren’t they studied more widely?

Q. Shalom, one question: why don’t Jews study the Zohar, Sefer Yetzirah, and Sefer Bahir? Rabbis???

In general, these Kabbalistic books are not suitable for younger students, who should be preoccupied with the basic mitzvot and understandings. When a person is ready for the next stage (usually after marriage and having children, others wait until the age of 40), that’s when they should be studied but only with an experienced teacher of Kabbala, which literally means “reception”, and not to be studied on one’s own (which is another reason many don’t learn it, for in many places, it’s hard to find a good teacher).