A Journey of Faith, Provision, and Unshakable Hope

In the Zechus of parnassah

We’ve been struggling financially for quite a while now. It’s not easy—but there is truly nothing sweeter than feeling how Hashem is with us at every step, helping us in real and tangible ways. That awareness gives us the strength and hope to keep going, believing with full confidence that just as He helped us until now, He will continue to carry us through.

My story is actually a long chain of miracles. Each month could be its own chapter—how we made it through, how we somehow had what we needed to cover our expenses, with no logical explanation. The key is learning to notice the hashgacha and recognize His constant kindness.

Last year, I was expecting our second child, and I hadn’t yet found a job since giving birth to our first. Being pregnant again, I couldn’t go out to work, and my husband was learning in kollel, often with minimal or delayed stipends.

And yet, Hashem provided—over and over. Unexpected gifts came at exactly the right time: a distant acquaintance remembered she hadn’t sent a wedding gift, and suddenly sent something; we found money on the ground; the kollel sent an unexpected bonus; and right when rent was due, we had exactly what we needed.

There were other miracles, too. We received subsidies for the בית החלמה, gifts for the baby, and hot meals provided by the kollel. Just when one source of support ended, another began. Each time, we were reminded that it isn’t our job that brings the money—it’s Hashem.

One particularly meaningful story occurred during this time. My brother helped someone by obtaining a bracha from a gadol on their behalf. The person he helped told the story to her father, who remarked, “Wow, if this boy were married, I would add him to my list of avreichim that I support.” She explained that he wasn’t married—but he has a sister who is, and her husband is learning. This led to me being added to this person’s support list exactly when the support from my parents ended, a perfect demonstration of Hashem’s timing and hashgacha.

Even now, baruch Hashem, we continue to face challenges. Prices are rising, work is inconsistent, and large expenses come up with moves, furniture, and holidays. But each time, we see Hashem’s hand providing exactly what we need.

Writing this story strengthens me. It reminds me that Hashem has helped us before and will help us again. There is always hope, and there is always a reason to trust in Him fully.

And I hope and pray that soon, I’ll be able to come back and add another story—a new chapter—for this month, too. Because with Hashem…

There is always hope.

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What the Sages Teach About This Kind of Hope

At times, we may wonder: On what basis can we hope for Hashem’s salvation? If we don’t feel worthy, or know that we have shortcomings, what gives us the confidence to turn to Hashem with hope?

One powerful answer is this: we can place our hope in Hashem not because of our own merit, but because of His honor.

This form of trust, often called “Tikvas HaKavod” – hope rooted in the honor of Hashem – is explained in Sefer HaIkkarim by Rabbi Yosef Albo.

Sefer HaIkkarim teaches that when someone consistently places their trust in Hashem, they can continue to do so not because they’ve earned salvation, but because it would reflect on Hashem’s honor if the world saw Him abandon those who rely on Him. This hope does not depend on one’s own merit or righteousness, but rather on the recognition that Hashem has a consistent pattern of helping and saving those who trust in Him. If He has helped someone many times in the past, they hope He will continue to do so – not because they deserve it, but because failing to help would diminish the honor associated with His name.

The idea is this: If people see that someone who has always relied on Hashem is now left without help in a time of need, they might think – mistakenly – that Hashem is unable to save, or that He has lost His power, G-d forbid. That would be a desecration of His Name (chilul Hashem). Therefore, the person hopes and prays: “Hashem, save me not because of who I am, but because Your honor is at stake. People know that I trust in You – let them not think You abandoned me.”