Hashgaha Pratit is best defined as, “specific Divine Providence.” Alternately, the idea of Hashgaha Klalit is “general Divine Providence. The former relates to a more ‘direct’ connection between G-d and those in “direct service” to Him.
Some texts pointing to this concept are:
“I am the Lord Your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”
(First of the “10 Commandments, establishing emunah/faith in the One G-d.) Exodus 20:2
“But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for G-d sent me before you to preserve life.”
(Yosef’s words to his brothers, that G-d was and is behind everything) Genesis 45:5
“All is under heaven but the fear of heaven.”
(Our job is to formulate a correct Torah response to all circumstances.) Berachot 33b
“All things work for the good to those who love G-d.”
(Gam zu l’tova – It’s all for the good.) Romans 8:28
“It is one’s duty levasumei (to make oneself ‘fragrant’) on Purim until one cannot tell the difference between ‘arur Haman‘ (cursed be Haman) and ‘barukh Mordekhai’ (blessed be Mordecai).”
(The same G-d sent Haman and Morechai, for ultimately the same purpose.) Megillah 7b
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