What does it mean to “trust in G-d”? For some it means everything will be great, for some it is a source of comfort and yet for others it is a source of worry and fear.

Trust is one of the least understood concepts in Judaism. For the true believer it is awareness that all of life’s happenings, whether good or bad, are in G-d’s hands and for our ultimate good. G-d is our silent partner. Any success or failure is only partially dependent on our efforts, with the final outcome being what G-d had ultimately planned for us.

In his handbook, “Faith and Trust,” Shemuel Houminer provides a series of inspirational prayers and verses to encourage and help us during times of distress and uncertainty. He uses circumstances — livelihood, health and family issues etc.— to bring us to the realization of our total dependency on G-d. He is the only one who gives us a sense of purpose and direction, when we are tempted to lose faith and hope or when we feel we cannot continue. Through life’s struggles and challenges, we are made aware of our limitations and how much G-d profoundly cares for us. We then work on building an intimate relationship with Him, further developing our awareness that all is in G-d’s hands. We can then be more accepting of the “no’s” that come our way as well as the “yes’s.” We are not only called on to believe in G-d but to develop a relationship with Him as the silent partner in our lives.

This “handbook” has proven to be an invaluable source of inspiration as well as a great tool for strengthening my trust in G-d.