Learning to Trust, Lesson 7: Sole Reliance
Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.
| Related Text: | Shaar Habitachon - Gate of Trust: Introduction - Part 2: Tranquility |
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Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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Wonderful class as per usual! Rabbi Kaplan is amazing.
I have a question regarding his point when he was discussing the Rambam around the 32:30 minute mark, he mentions that living with purpose and Hashem in mind is all about selflessness, not self-expression. I guess I would just like some more clarification on this point. Let's say an individual is on a journey to repair their relationship with themselves, which inevitably includes Hashem. Is focusing on yourself in this way selfish? Is engaging in artistic expression like poetry, art, etc. antithetical to living with this purpose? I suppose I am a bit confused. Thanks so much!