Appreciation

Appreciation

There are many forms of expressing appreciation and gratitude. It may be a simple verbal “thank you”, an email or text message, and of course a thank you card or gift.

Showing appreciation consists of more than just paying lip service and fulfilling our social duties, it is an acknowledgement of the true source of the wonderful gifts we have received.

Expressing gratitude and appreciation go to the heart of who we are as Jews. The definition of the word Jew in English, or Yehudi in Hebrew, is derived from the word “Hodaah”, which means to thank or acknowledge G-d. The Talmud explains, “anyone who rejects idolatry is called a Yehudi (i.e. One who acknowledges G‑d's existence and submits to His authority)”.

But to what extent should we exert ourselves in order to express our appreciation?

In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, we learn about the Mitzvah of Bikkurim (first fruits). In the times of the Temple period (over 2000 years ago), it was incumbent upon farmers in Israel to bring a basketful of their newly harvested first fruits to the Holy Temple where it would be enjoyed by the Kohanim (priests) who served as representatives of G-d and the Jewish people. This Mitzvah signified an expression of gratitude by way of the farmers seizing the earliest opportunity to actively thank G-d for the blessings and success He had bestowed upon them.

We obviously understand the importance of sharing a portion of our possessions with others in need. But why must it be from the first and finest of our possessions? Would it not make more sense to allow the farmers to enjoy the benefits of their own hard labor prior to designating a percentage of their profits to others? Furthermore, why must the farmers make the trip all the way to Jerusalem in order to show their appreciation. Couldn't there be a more convenient form of expressing thanks?

By giving their first and finest to G-d, the farmers were acknowledging the true source of their blessings. The farmers demonstrated it not only in speech but also in action. The Talmud describes the great fanfare and ceremony which accompanied the farmers on the way to Jerusalem. The Mitzvah of Bikkurim made a powerful impression on all those who witnessed it and served as a positive influence for others to express gratitude as well.

One of the major thrusts in Judaism is Hakaras Hatov, appreciation of the good that G‑d constantly bestows upon us. Here, too, the emphasis is on appreciating not only the material dimension of G‑d’s kindness, but also the love and care that He showers on every person.

There are specific blessings, ceremonies, and traditions for literally every milestone and occasion we encounter. Whether we are moving into a new home, celebrating a Bar Mitzvah or a wedding, or when enjoying a glass of wine, Judaism teaches us to be grateful for what we have and acknowledge the true source of everything we have in life by thanking G-d.

In reply to a young child who once asked the Rebbe what his favorite prayer was, he responded: “It’s a very short prayer. It’s the very first prayer we say in the morning, Modeh ani le’fanecha – מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶֽיךָ מֶֽלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּים. שֶׁהֶֽחֱזַֽרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי ,בְּחֶמְלָה. רַבָּה אֱמֽוּנָתֶֽךָ׃- I give thanks before You, Living and Everlasting King, that You restored my soul to me with compassion; great is Your faithfulness.”

The Rebbe explained that the message of this prayer is that G-d has a lot of faith in us, so let’s not disappoint Him. How do we know that He has a lot of faith in us? Because He gave us another day of life, even though He doesn’t owe it to us.

Saying thank you is also integrally connected to the coming of Moshiach. G‑d wants us to appreciate and acknowledge the workings of His hand. Such a realization is fundamentally relevant to the motif of Redemption, because it is in the era of the Redemption that we will actually realize that this is G‑d’s world and appreciate the purpose of all of creation.