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category:  Chassidut

Hashgacha Protis

The Rav Name: Rabbis of the Da’at Institute
  • Question

Dear Rav Arad:
First, Thank you very much for all your teachings!

Question:
How we should reconsile two seemingly contradictory theories in Chassidus:
1.
Chashgaha Protis, when even movement of the blade of grass directed by Hashem.
Bitachon – Think good and it will be good – everything in the Hands of Hashem.
2.
That which is Above from you –
You yourself are the maker of what is coming to you from Above.

Thank you!

  • Answer
BS”D



The intellectual way of answering your question is that in those areas in which a person is granted free will G-d’s knowledge is a direct result of the person’s free choice but this is not sufficient because G-d is above and beyond any limitations of time past present and future He knows in advance.

Chassidut teaches us that all our actions stem from G-d’s knowledge and every created entity is part of the Divine plan. Accordingly G-d’s knowledge comes before human free choice.

This is not a contradiction because G-d purposely conceals this knowledge from us so that on our level we have total free choice.
In one of his letters, the Lubavitcher Rebbe likens it to a fortune teller who knows what you will do but does not force you.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe teaches us that we need to adopt paradoxical thinking. Total free choice on the one hand and total Divine Providence on the other hand and both are true.

Sources