Over 60 years ago, Rav Moshe Feinstein was asked whether buying life insurance was forbidden because it reflected a lack of bitachon.¹

His response: buying life insurance is simple hishtadlus. Just like other activities we engage in to earn a living, buying life insurance is part of how we provide for our family. We are not allowed to rely on miracles for parnassa.

You might think this response from the posek hador would result in every family having insurance. It has not, a fact proven by the endless stream of letters, emails, and social media blasts, all pleading for help on behalf of a bereaved family.

What prevents a family from buying life insurance? For one thing, no one wants to think about dying. And the array of life insurance plans is dizzying. Moreover, how can you pay for life insurance if you’re already struggling to make ends meet?

But it’s important to think about the unthinkable, at least for long enough to protect your family in case of catastrophe. And you can ask your rav to recommend a trustworthy agent to help you find a plan that is appropriate for you.

As for the expense? When you’re young, the price is surprisingly low. And Rav Moshe says you should have bitachon that you will be able to make the payments.