Rav Shaya Cohen on "Rising Above the Challenges of Life and Flourishing"

On Sunday evening, June 7th 2015, a large crowd of community members gathered for an event organized by the prominent Chazaq organization with Rabbi Shaya Cohen of Priority 1 at Congregation Ahavas Yisroel (Rabbi Welcher's Shu). Rabbi Cohen began by quoting the Vilna Gaon’s teaching on Mishlei (Proverbs). “The essence of giving the Torah to klal Yisrael was so klal Yisrael could put their trust in Hashem.” Rabbi Cohen posed a question on this idea: Doesn’t it seem overrated to say that this was the reason for giving the Torah? Trying times, he continued, require strong weapons to use to cope with these times and to be able to maintain our equilibrium and to function. This trait of bitachon in Hashem is so vital. He listed the benefits of attaining this trust in Hashem: • Changing the outcome of events to have an influence in the face of difficulty • The power to create peace of mind, tranquility, and a sense of being able to function • It can energize us to keep putting in our efforts towards a difficult goal. Rabbi Cohen then defined bitachon as the absence of worry. He then detailed basic principles that will reduce the need for worry. First of all, there are no accidents in the world. Hashem is in control of everything. Everything is orchestrated through Hashem’s direct involvement. Secondly, nothing prevents Hashem from saving us, even if a sword is at our neck. We should not give up on the fact that Hashem has the means to save us at the last moment. Lastly, we must have knowledge of Hashem’s kindness. He is all about kindness. Hashem created the world to share His goodness. He didn’t need this world or us. The world is built only for the purpose of performing kindness. The greatest kindness is when we can earn what Hashem wants to give us. Rabbi Cohen shared the idea that when we refuse to give up hope and refuse to be disillusioned, then Hashem applies His mercy and sometimes justice is changed to mercy. He explained that when we put our hope and trust in Hashem, then we experience a great sense of peace of mind. That is a merit that entitles a person to achieve what he wants despite the question of whether he otherwise deserves it or not. He quoted T’hilim: “Hashem is responsive to one who trusts in Him. In Your kindness I trust in You.” This means: I know You to be all about kindness. I am totally confident in Your kindness. Rabbi Cohen then taught that there is a special merit in reciting the prayer Nishmas in front of a minyan when one is saved from a difficulty. He imparted that we can put our trust in Hashem, and that leads to the emotional sense that Hashem will answer us. The Chazon Ish taught, “To the degree that we can focus on the kindness of Hashem, we can influence the future.” For upcoming CHAZAQ events and programs email [email protected] or visit https://www.chazaq.org/ Together We Can Make A Difference, To donate online to CHAZAQ please visit https://www.fidelipay.com/chazaq