Rabbi Yaakov Raskin | I believe in G-d—or do I trust Him?

On all American coins and paper currency, the country’s national motto of “In G-d We Trust” is famously written.

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, taking place Sept 22-24, I want to pose a question—not only to my fellow Jews, but to every person of faith.

Do you simply believe in G-d, or do you fully truly trust Him? In fact, do you even know what the difference between those are?

Belief in G-d means accepting that He exists, that He is our Creator, King, and Divine Judge. Trust, on the other hand, means living with the confidence that He is not only King of the universe, but our loving Father who personally provides for us and guides us. Trust allows us to relax and know that we are firmly in G-d’s hands.

When I stand in prayer on Rosh Hashanah and ask G-d to “write and seal” me and my family for a year of life, health, and blessing, ‘belief’ reminds me that G-d has the capacity give me these things. ‘Trust’ allows me to know that He will give—and in a revealed, tangible way

FAITH VS. TRUST

This difference is beautifully explained in the classic medieval Jewish text - Duties of the Heart. Imagine a man trapped in a deep pit. Each day, supplies are lowered down to him—bread, water, clothing, everything he needs. Belief tells him someone cares. Trust lets him live without fear for tomorrow, confident his provider will not fail.

Much like a passenger on an airplane who does not believe that they will arrive safely to their destination, the first bout of turbulence will send them into a spiral of fear and worry. One who trusts that the pilots will land the aircraft safely, will be able to find calm and peace in the bumpy moments.

So it is with us. We may believe in G-d, yet still live with worry and apprehension that our needs will be met. Trust means letting go of that worry and resting in G-d’s care.

Think Good—and It Will Be Good

Jewish Mystical (Chasidic) tradition teaches that our joy and confidence in G-d are themselves what bring blessing. The third Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, coined the Yiddish phrase: “_Tracht gut, vet zein gut_”—“Think good, and it will be good.” It is not just a feel-good positivity affirmation. It is a spiritual truth. When a person thinks well about their situation, that means they truly trust that G-d will help, and that very trust opens a channel for blessing.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Rebbe of our generation, often explained that when we rise above our natural fear instincts, we draw down divine compassion which transcends the natural order. Trust therefore is not just wishful thinking—it is an act of faith so powerful that it transforms reality.

This is the true meaning of the famous line from Psalms: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want”.

Entering the New Year with Joy

Rosh Hashanah is known in Jewish sources as the Day of Judgement and Day of Awe. Many approach it with trembling and fear of judgement. Yet, the prophet Nehemiah told worshippers who wept on Rosh Hashanah: “ Do not be sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10).

When we engage in repentance—_Teshuva_—we should do it not with despair, but with joy. We crown G-d as a powerful King, but approach Him as children who know their Father wants the best for them.

THE CHALLENGE OF EVIL

A question I get often is how can we trust in G-d when there is so much evil and darkness in our world?

Jewish sources teach us that trust is not just an inner comfort—it is a magnet for G-d’s revealed kindness.

As King David wrote in the Psalms: “He who trusts in the Lord, kindness will surround him.” (Psalms 32:10).

We are promised that in the Messianic era, evil itself will vanish. As Isaiah foretold: “He has swallowed up death forever, and the Lord G-d will wipe away tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8).

A Jamaican Reflection

Here in Jamaica, I meet people from every walk of life—Jewish and not Jewish—facing struggles with health, livelihood, or family. I have seen firsthand how those who work on strengthening their trust in G-d often experience extraordinary blessings, sometimes against all odds.

A Call to Trust

So as we step into this new year, I ask you—whether you are sitting in a house of worship or at home with family—try this: pause, take a breath, and say, “I trust You, G-d, to carry me.” That one line can change your outlook. It can change your year.

This new year, let us walk into tomorrow not with fear, but with faith. Not with doubt, but with trust. If we hold G-d’s hand like a child holds a parent’s, we will find the strength to endure, the courage to hope, and the blessings we so desperately seek.

May Jamaica, and the entire world be blessed with light, joy, and peace. May we soon see the day when all evil is gone, tears are wiped away, and the world is filled only with G-d’s revealed goodness.

Shanah Tovah, a good and sweet new year.

Rabbi Yaakov Raskin is Jamaica’s Rabbi. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will be celebrated by Jews across Jamaica from September 22 through 24. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins on the evening of October 1 and concludes after nightfall on October 2. To join services or festive meals, please reach out to info@jewishjamaica.com.