“Does Worrying Mean I Don’t Have Emunah?”

Facilitated by Faigy Peritzman

Over this past year I’ve been so worried about the war and concerned for everyone’s safety. At the same time, I’ve heard so many beautiful shiurim and thoughts about emunah and how everything is Hashem’s plan, and He only wants our good. While I believe all this to be true, I still worry. Does this mean I don’t have enough emunah?

1. Shevi Samet is a wife and mother, educator, kallah teacher, and Core MMC.

I “worried” about how to answer this question for some time before putting these thoughts into words. Does this mean I lack “faith” in my ability to answer this question? I don’t believe so. Rather, my apprehension is an antidote to ensure I answer you with the care this question deserves.

The same concept follows for your question. This answer is a nuanced idea that deserves more exploration, but my hope is that it can spur further reflection on the topic.

Your efforts to increase your emunah are admirable. Ultimately, the only way to build the emunah muscle is to exercise it both in times of brachah and times of tzarah.

Every day, we articulate among the 13 Ani Ma’amins that we believe with complete faith Hashem is the Borei (Creator), and Manhig (the orchestrator) of the entire world. Emunah is the belief that we’re in the best Hands possible, being cared for by the Creator Himself. We’ve all heard inspiring anecdotes about great people who didn’t worry because they believed wholeheartedly that Hashem was controlling everything. Yet these types of stories can leave us feeling confused and inadequate. Being concerned, we worry (ha ha), seems to be in direct opposition to this ideal.