First Impressions
Research indicates that first impressions are formed within 7 seconds. In fact, experiments conducted by Princeton researchers even suggest that individuals can make accurate judgments of others within as little as 1/10 of a second.
The 7-Second Rule has become a powerful tool for marketers, salespeople and communicators alike. It’s about getting your message across quickly and effectively.
First impressions wield significant influence over how we perceive individuals, brands, businesses, organizations or ideas.
Hotels, retailers, restaurants, and commercial establishments allocate substantial resources to the design and layout of their spaces in order to create a unique ambiance and a good first impression for their clients and guests.
Likewise, our perception and characterization of others often stem from our initial interactions with them. While our perceptions may evolve over time, it remains a considerable challenge to completely alter our initial impressions.
What is it about first impressions that exerts such a powerful influence over our cognitive processes?
In this week’s Parsha, Ki Tavo, we learn about the Mitzvah of Bikkurim. 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 significance of sharing a portion of our belongings with those in need. However, why is it necessary for this portion to come from the first and best of our possessions? Wouldn't it be more logical to enable farmers to enjoy the fruits of their own labor before allocating a percentage of their earnings to others?
By giving the first and finest to G-d we are acknowledging the true source of our blessings in life. This act also demonstrates where our true priorities lie. It may only represent a small percentage of our profits, but it sets the tone for the way we view all the rest of our possessions.
The same is true of all areas in life, we should make an effort to dedicate the best of our time, talents and energies to helping others and connecting with our Divine core. In devoting the “first-ripened fruits” of one’s life to G‑d, a person in effect is saying: “Here lies the focus of my existence. Quantitatively, this may represent but a small part of what I am and have; but the purpose of everything else I do and possess is to enable this percentile of spirit to rise above my matter-clogged life.
This lesson is expressed succinctly by Maimonides, “Everything that is for the sake of G‑d should be of the best and most beautiful. When one builds a house of prayer, it should be more beautiful than his own dwelling. When one feeds the hungry, he should feed him of the best and sweetest of his table. When one clothes the naked, he should clothe him with the finest of his clothes. Whenever one designates something for a holy purpose, he should sanctify the finest of his possessions, as it is written (Leviticus 3:16), “The choicest to G‑d.”
This is particularly true when it comes to how we begin each day. There's a poignant prayer that is recited right upon waking, expressing gratitude to G-d for the trust He placed in us by granting us another day to live:
מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶֽיךָ מֶֽלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּים. שֶׁהֶֽחֱזַֽרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי ,בְּחֶמְלָה. רַבָּה אֱמֽוּנָתֶֽךָ׃
“I give thanks before you, King living and eternal, for You have returned within me my soul with compassion; abundant is Your faithfulness.”
By expressing gratitude right at the start of our day, even before checking our emails or attending to business matters, we establish what our true priorities are and set the tone for a positive and productive day ahead.
Judaism gives primary importance to the way we begin a new initiative or stage in life due to the outsized influence it will have on our general outlook and subsequent journey. These include observing special traditions and Mitzvot for days such as Rosh Hashanah (the new year) and Rosh Chodesh (the new month) or joyous milestones including Chanukat Habayit (inaugurating a new home) and Shana Rishona (the first year of marriage) just to name a few.
Saying thank you is also integrally connected to preparing the world for the era 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.
