Gratitude
A phrase, simultaneously, simple and profound is, “thank you.” It acknowledges that the world doesn’t revolve around you.
Say “Thank You”!
We always tell our children to say “thank you.” We get upset when upon rendering assistance to another no thank you is forthcoming. We expect a receipt for our charitable contributions, not only because of the IRS, but, it is the mentchlich thing to do. And although this attitude is so ingrained within our culture, how many of us have taken the time to reflect on why it is so important to express gratitude, and where ingratitude can lead us.
This week’s Torah portion of KI Savo, highlights the mitzvah of Bikkurim, bringing one’s first fruits to the Temple in Jerusalem. It is was not enough to bring the first fruits, one had to also make a declaration which, among other things, contained the suggestion that one was not an ingrate.
Our sages tell us that the second sin ever committed was the sin of ingratitude. We all know what the first sin was. Adam and Eve violated G-d’s command to them and partook of the Tree of Knowledge. The next sin occurred when G-d confronted Adam and demanded an explanation for his transgression; his excuse was that it was the “woman you had given me” who was responsible. Our sages note that Adam, instead of expressing gratitude to G-d for having given him a partner in life, was ungrateful.
Acknowledgment
What is at the root of gratitude? When a person says Thank you, it demonstrates that they acknowledge not only the other person’s efforts but, indeed, also the other’s value and very existence. Not being grateful is a denial of the other person’s presence in your life.
In Hebrew, the word for thanks is Todah. The related word Modeh, with which every Jew begins his day – in the recitation of the Modeh Ani - has been translated as either “I acknowledge,” or, “I thank” because, in truth, thanking someone, is our way of acknowledging the other’s existence. Without gratitude, the world would degenerate into a place where everyone recognizes only one existence; their own.
On a deeper level, failure to be grateful and acknowledge the value of others is simultaneously a denial of G-d’s presence in our lives. If one doesn’t acknowledge G-d’s creations, then one doesn’t genuinely recognize the Creator either.
All-Encompassing Gratitude
The Mitzvah of bringing the first fruits to Jerusalem, with joy – a prerequisite for the fulfillment of the mitzvah – and giving the first fruits to the Kohain, was a dramatic way of acknowledging G-d’s presence in the life of a Jew.
The Rebbe (Sefer HaSichos 5752) explains that bringing first fruits was qualitatively a much more profound expression of gratitude than the blessings we recite.
When we recite a blessing we express our gratitude in thought and speech, whereas the Jew who brought his first fruits also had to express his gratitude with action, by bringing his first fruits to the Bais Hamikdash and giving it away to G-d.
Another distinction that applied to Bikkurim is that one would express this gratitude with his choicest of fruits.
And a third distinction is that while reciting a blessing expresses gratitude we do not give away our food to G-d. Bikkurim, by contrast, requires that its owner actually parts with his produce.
All of these factors point to the all-encompassing nature of the expression of gratitude involved with the Mitzvah of bringing Bikkurim.
Gratitude at the End
That we read of gratitude in the month of Elul is no coincidence. As we come to the end of the year, our stock taking must include gratitude for all that G-d has given us the past year.
Our Sages tell us that the ultimate expression of gratitude we will make in the “end” days, in the Messianic Age. Then, our sages tell us, the only offering in the Temple will be a thanksgiving offering. This underscores the role of gratitude in the Messianic Age.
The way to prepare for the ultimate “Thanksgiving” experience is to joyously express our gratitude to G-d and to others, right now!
From the book Light from the Future: Parshas Ki Savo by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
