Gratitude In Two

InspirationParsha

Sep 12

It's a time of year that we reflect and take stock. Despite all the challenges we've encountered, each of us I pray have blessings in our lives to give thanks and gratitude to Hashem.

It's actually a nice exercise to say the morning blessings and to recognize all the basics that we have; feet, shoes, belts, ability to stand upright, water to wash our face and hands, ability to use the bathroom and the list goes on. Check it out here.

The mitzvah to give thanks in part comes from the opening of this week's Torah portion. The Jewish People are instructed "when they enter the land" to bring the first fruits to Jerusalem and offer a prayer of thanks-giving.

What constitutes "entering the land"? Two Jews three opinions goes the adage. For now we have two opinions; one is immediately upon entering, the second is once they conquered and settled the land.

Must we argue about everything?

In fact, the multiple opinions, while only practiced according to one of them, teaches us something about how we ought to give gratitude.

The very fact that G-d has given us something, the abilities to do good in the world, the gift of health, the gift of livelihood, talents and more itself evokes a sense of appreciation. We are grateful that G-d has entrusted us and empowered us with these gifts. This is the giving of thanks according to the opinion that the requirement began as soon as they entered the land.

Ultimately G-d's gifts were given to us to actually utilize them, actualize them and settle the world in a G-dly manner. The second opinion that the giving of thanks was only required once the land was settled, carries this message for us.

As we begin to close out the year, let's recognize that Hashem loves us as we are. And because He loves us, He has given us the many gifts that we have. Let us give thanks for this.

Let us also give thanks for that which we have been able to accomplish in settling the world. Let us celebrate the impact we've made and resolve to use our gifts in even greater manner in 5786!

Best wishes for Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova!

With all my love,

Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman

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Gratitude In Two

It's a time of year that we reflect and take stock. Despite all the challenges we've encountered, each of us I pray have blessings in our lives to give thanks and gratitude to Hashem.

War and Marriage

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A Father’s Hug

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Jerusalem, Atlanta

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Jerusalem's holiness starts with the creation of Adam and continues with the two Holy Temples that stood there. It begs the question, although we find references to Jerusalem in the Five Books of Moses (eg. Malkizedek the king of Shalem), we don't find the word Jerusalem/Yerushalayim explicitly mentioned as Jerusalem?

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Say what you're gonna say Do what you're gonna do

Talk is cheap, although it seems to come at a big price these days. But really, anyone with an opinion articulates it without fear. That is in part because today everyone feels that speaking your mind is ok no matter the context, language or opinion.

Life is But a Parable

In this week's Torah portion, hired by Balaak the king of Moab, the prophet Bilaam attempts to curse the Jews. In a series of shaming and even comedic (talking donkey - think Shrek) Balaam is forced to bless the Jews with a series of blessings that are of the greatest the Jewish People have ever received.

Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman

Gratitude In Two

Light Shabbat Candles in Atlanta at 7:30 pm

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Light Shabbat Candles in Atlanta at 7:30 pm -

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