“We don’t rely on miracles.“

Taken at face value, that statement can sound like the epitome of self-reliance and non-trust in Hashem. However, when these words are our instructions from our Sages, they mean anything but. “We don’t rely on miracles“ is the expression of our trust that Hashem wills and controls all “natural” phenomena and events, not just the realm of the miraculous.

Yet, there are many instances recorded in the Torah of our Sages calling upon miraculous outcomes. From each story we glean the guidelines of when we don’t rely on miracles- and when we do.

Rabbi Adam Crystal delivered a comprehensive shiur on this wide-ranging and fundamental topic, including practical points about various levels of risk, and the benefit of prayer in dire situations.

Audio of the shiur below, click here to follow along with the sources.