Enunciating Your Blessings - Ki Tavo

Enunciating Your Blessings
Parshat Ki Tavo

This week's Torah portion of Ki Tavo begins with the commandment of Bikkurim (the first fruits). This special Mitzvah was performed once the Jews entered the land of Israel and were finally the proud owners of their own land. As the Torah states "It will be when you enter the Land that Hashem your G-d, gives you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it. And you shall take of the first of every fruit of the ground... put it in a basket, and go to the place that Hashem your G-d will choose to make his name rest" (Devarim 26:1-2).

The Mishnah and Talmud in Tractate Bikkurim discuss in great detail this special commandment and the unique nature of this Mitzvah, as well as the beautiful procession that accompanied it. Along with the procession and presentation was the verbal declaration made by the one bringing the Bikkurim. It was a statement of gratitude, tracing our ancient history from Aramean times to the servitude in Egypt, from G-d's deliverance from Egyptian slavery to becoming land owners in a free and Jewish land of Israel. It concluded with the following words "You shall rejoice with all the goodness that Hashem your G-d has given you and your household..." (Devarim 26:11).

We are certainly all familiar with the Yiddish expression "to Kvetch", which means to complain. Often, we Kvetch about our problems, sorrows, difficulties, and other parts of our lives that we wish would be going better. Understandably, when we go through a rough time, we need blessing, an empathetic ear, a supporting arm. But in the process of "Kvetching", we can lose sight of everything that is going well and the bounty of blessings in our lives.

The declaration of the Bikkurim focused on the attribute of gratitude and being thankful. It is so incredibly vital for us to take the time to look at our lives, our children and grandchildren, the many blessings present, and pause and say, thank you Hashem for all you have given me. An attitude of thankfulness and gratitude helps us weather the difficult times and events in our lives, too. For when we realize the many blessings, we become less focused and less consumed by our Tzurois (difficulties) and realize that in the grand scope of things we indeed have many blessings.

Perhaps, this is a lesson we can incorporate into our lives. Let us enunciate and verbalize the blessings of our lives. Let us take some time every day, to thank G-d for all the wonderful things that are going well. I believe we will live a happier and more fulfilling life as a result.

Shabbat Shalom