- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Basics of Jewish Faith
Hashgacha Pratis (Divine Intervention) in our times
Question
In Chulin 7b it says: "a person does not stub his toe unless it was decreed upon him on high."
How is it known that this, and hashgacha pratis in general, is still applicable today?
Answer
As opposed to Jewish history (where G-dly direction is unquestionable in the modern world and especially in Israel and the ingathering of the exiles, the wars, etc.), there is a difference of opinion regarding the extent of Divine intervention for individuals. The Chassidic masters cite the gmara which you mentioned and take it further, even applying it regarding the animal world. They hold that sometimes G-d will make an entire storm in order to move one blade of grass closer to one worm! Contrarily, the Rambam writes that G-d intervenes and over-watches the details only by the deserving, and leaves the “masses”, the animals and the vegetation to be governed by the laws of nature which He created for that purpose (Guide for the Perplexed, p. 315). Accordingly, the Rambam would explain the passage you cited as referring to the deserving ones. Over the years, I have seen enough clear examples to lean in the direction of the first approach, surely regarding Jewish (!) individuals. I suggest you ask around, and you will probably hear of many such personal cases of hashgacha on people, from those close to you, and from many non-Jews, as well.

How was there light before the sun was created?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 30, 5782

Angels
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 19, 5780
Divine name
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 21, 5772

Old-New Testament
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 9 Tammuz 5764

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Goyim at Shul/hashkafah of Shul
Adar II 1, 5771

Delaying aliya for career and studies
Adar II 25, 5771

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit 2
Adar I 23, 5771

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Tablet K Kosher
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Kislev 26, 5781

Popcorn at the cinema
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 8, 5773
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

melave malka
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 4, 5782

Preparation for Davening
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 7, 5782

A Middle Name that Won’t be/Isn’t Used
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 11, 5782
