[Avodah] our way of (roundabout) speaking

[Eliyahu Grossman]

Personally, I see the Be"H is often used as an alternate form of "Bli neder
when it terminates a sentence. I have, over time, learned to let it
pass...usually, although it still bugs me that, in that form, because it is
actually a way to avoid a commitment. 

A recent interaction with my dry cleaner (when I was not in the mood to let
it pass, but gave up):


Me: I really need this suit for Shabbat HaGagol. Will it be ready in 7 days
from now?
Him: [nodding] B'ezrat Hashem.
Me: No. I'm serious. I REALLY need this suit next week. Can I count on you?
Him: Certainly. [nodding] B'ezrat HaShem.
Me: Can you ask HIM for a commitment, or do I go to Migdal Oz?
Him: No, no! It will be here before next Friday for sure....bli neder.
[insert my internal scream here]

And yes, I did leave the suit with him, and yes, it was ready.

Baruch Hashem (the unseen Partner in our local dry cleaner)

Eliyahu Grossman
Efrat, Israel

----------------------[SNP]---------------------
RM: 

I would translate "im yitzeh H'" to "I want it to happen, and hope He does
to." However, "be'ezras Hashem" is a statement of intent -- "I am going to
try to do it, and I hope He allows me to succeed." There is a slight
difference between realizing the difference between hope and bitachon and
realiting the difference between hishtadlus and success.

E.g. Be"H we're going to the doctor tomorrow, iy"H they'll find a medicine
for him then.

Tir'u baTov!
-Micha