Gratitude Is.

Gratitude is so important.  It is incorporated into our Jewish morning routine as the first item of action – Modeh Ani – I give thanks!

But what is the real feeling of gratitude?  What am I actually experiencing?

Perhaps a nuance in this week’s Parsha could shed some light.

After bringing the first fruit offering to the Bais Hamikdash, the donor is instructed to offer a confession of sorts and an expression of thanks.  “Look out of Your heavenly abode and bless Your People Israel”.

While it is nice to pray for others, it seems like this particular prayer ought to have focused on the donor.  After all, it is the donor who is giving thanks for the kindness G-d has done for him!

There are many places in our prayers where we do pray for ourselves so why is this prayer different?

The answer is simple yet beautiful!  While we may experience immense blessing, there is a part of us that can only express our full gratitude when all of our brothers and sisters have their needs fully met.  

This is not an old fashioned trope of guilt associated with enjoying our own blessings.  It’s a greater truth that our own happiness is never fully expressed when someone else is suffering.

At the height of our gratitude we are reminded of this idea, by not only praying for ourselves but ensuring that we pray for all of Amcha Yisroel – Your People, Israel.

Good Shabbos!

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