בס "ד

Which includes to pray only to Him and to ask Him to provide the things that one needs[1]

Emunah and Bitachon: Faith and Trust in G-d

In Judaism, Emunah (faith) and Bitachon (trust) are two deeply connected spiritual qualities that help us build a strong and living relationship with G-d.
Although the two are often mentioned together, each has its own meaning, purpose, and place in our lives.

What Is Emunah?

Emunah, often translated as Glaube, is not blind belief or naïve optimism.
In Judaism, Emunah means a deep inner awareness and knowledge that there is one true G-d who created, sustains, and governs everything that exists.

Emunah is the first positive commandment for the Jewish people and forms the foundation for all others —
the 613 Gebote für Juden und die Seven Noahide Laws für Nicht-Juden.

For non-Jews, faith in G-d is implied in the prohibition of idolatry — the recognition that there is only one true Creator who rules over all.
It’s worth noting that while the Rambam counts belief in Hashem as one of the 613 mitzvot, the Ramban does not. He holds that belief in G-d is a prerequisite to the Torah itself — one must first accept the existence of the One G-d before any commandment can have meaning. From that perspective, there is no essential difference between Jews and Noahides regarding the foundational belief in Hashem.

The Power of Emunah

Emunah can be compared to a seed that must be firmly planted in order to grow.
Once rooted deeply, it becomes a strong tree that produces fruit — confidence, peace, and joy.

Emunah helps us view the world through G-d’s perspective:
everything that happens comes from Him and has a purpose.
By reflecting on creation, the beauty of nature, and the wonders of existence, we strengthen our Emunah and draw closer to G-d.

In short:
Emunah = knowing that G-d exists and that He can do anything.

Example: “I know that G-d can split the sea.”

What Is Bitachon?

Bitachon, meaning trust, goes one step further than Emunah.
It is an active expression of faith — placing our worries in G-d’s hands and feeling inner peace, confident that He will act for the good.

If Emunah is knowing that G-d controls everything, then Bitachon is living that truth.

Example: Moses in Egypt

When Moses learned that Pharaoh wanted to kill him after he had slain an Egyptian, he was afraid.
Rashi explains this fear in two ways:

  1. A natural fear for his own life.
  2. A deeper concern for the fate of the Israelites.

The Sages teach that fear is sometimes appropriate, but true Bitachon means maintaining inner calm —
trusting that G-d’s plan is good, regardless of one’s own merits or mistakes.

Bitachon in Action

Bitachon is not passive waiting; it is active trust.
It means taking positive steps while relying fully on G-d’s guidance.
It’s the calm assurance that even when the path ahead is unclear, G-d is leading you toward what is truly best.

In short:
Bitachon = trusting that G-d will actually bring about the good.

Example: “The Egyptians are behind us, the sea is in front of us… but I trust that G-d will save us.”

Emunah and Bitachon in the Exodus Story

1. The Israelites are afraid (Exodus 14:10–12)

They see the Egyptians approaching and cry out:
“Why did you bring us out of Egypt? We’re going to die here!”
→ They have Emunah (they know G-d can help) but lack Bitachon (they don’t yet trust that He will).

2. Moses encourages them (Exodus 14:13–14)

“Do not be afraid! Stand firm and see the salvation that G-d will bring today.”
→ Moses teaches Bitachon: to trust even before seeing the miracle.

3. G-d instructs Moses (Exodus 14:15–16)

Moses stretches out his staff, and the sea parts.
→ The people learn that faith alone is not enough — trust requires action.

4. After the miracle (Exodus 14:31)

Israel sees what G-d has done and says:
“Now we believe in G-d and in Moses, His servant.”
→ They have reached Bitachon — peace, joy, and certainty in G-d’s care.

Emunah and Bitachon: The Mind and the Heart

Emunah (Faith)Bitachon (Trust)
Knowing that G-d can helpBeing calm and certain that He will help
“G-d can split the sea.”“G-d will save us right now.”
Begins in the mindLives in the heart and actions

Emunah is the tree — the strong foundation.
Bitachon is the fruit — the living proof that the tree is alive.

Emunah, Bitachon, and Prayer

Unter prayer, Emunah and Bitachon come together beautifully.

When you pray with Bitachon, you don’t pray just because “it can’t hurt.”
You pray from the heart, with confidence that G-d listens, understands, and is already working for your ultimate good.

With Bitachon, you go to G-d — the best and most faithful Helper — knowing that He always:

Even when you don’t receive what you hoped for, Bitachon reminds you that what G-d gives is exactly what you need.

Bitachon doesn’t mean everything will go your way.
It means that, deep inside, you remain calm because you know G-d is guiding your life with love, wisdom, and purpose.

Approaching G-d with Bitachon is like turning to a loving Father or loyal Friend:
you open your heart, share your worries, and trust that He will bring about the best outcome — in His way and in His time.

In Summary

One who lives with Emunah knows that G-d exists.
One who lives with Bitachon feels G-d’s presence in every moment.

Von Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for his feedback

Quellen

Emunah vs Bitachon von Avi Katz

Praying with Passion

Link website

Emunah (Faith- https://sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com/emunah/)

Bitachon (Trust – https://sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com/bitachon-trust-in-g-d/)

[1] The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner – Part 1. Page 33.

Texte Mechon Mamre


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