Shehechiyanu… Vihigiyanu…

Every now and then a Torah idea is shared that takes root and becomes a new source of guidance and support in life.  One such idea was shared with me last week by Rabbi Kesselman of Shaarei Tefila in L.A.

The blessing we say each time a new holiday occurs (on an annual basis), one puts on new clothing or eats a new fruit is Shehechiyanu.  It means that we thank G-d for having given us life, for having kept us and allowing for us to arrive to this day.  

The word Vihigiyanu has two meanings. The literal meaning is “arrive”; as in arrive to this day.  A second meaning is “toil” as in the verse Yagiyah Kapecha – by the toil of your palms you shall eat (Psalms 128:2). 

If we read the Shehechiyanu but translate the word as toil the blessing sounds like this; “thank you G-d for having given us life, for having kept us and for the toil that has brought us to this day.”  Why are we thanking G-d for the toil?

The answer is that if one is going to be alive they are going to have toil.  The gratitude is that our toil produced a positive result.  

All too often we spend effort and we don’t see the positive results.  When we are able to see the blessing and positive outcome it is truly a moment to give thanks.***In a very mystical discourse the Alter Rebbe discusses the events of the generation of the Tower of Babel.  He explains that the spiritual inner intent of that generation was to bring down the blessing and to bypass the hard work that goes into bringing the results.  

The work he speaks of is the spiritual work, internally, to navigate the animal soul and earthly temptations.  Both are true; the physical and spiritual toil is necessary to bring about the positive outcome.  And when indeed we see the positive outcome we ought to give gratitude that we have been able to see our work and toil produce a positive result.

Good Shabbos! 

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