A Time to be Thankful

A woman once complained to a marriage counselor that her husband never tells her that he loves her.  The therapist turned to the husband for his perspective. "I told her thirty years ago that I love her," he explained "and If anything changes I will let her know."

In this week's Torah portion we read about a mitzvah called Bikkurim. In the land of Israel during Temple times every farmer would take the first fruits of a tree to Jerusalem and give it to the Kohen (priest) standing next to the altar. This Mitzvah was an expression of gratitude to G‑d for the abundant produce and the opportunity to live in the land of Israel.

But in addition to handing the fruit to the Kohen, the farmer was obligated to make a verbal declaration of thanksgiving. This statement was a short summary of Jewish history from the times of Jacob until the conquest of the land of Israel. The declaration emphasizes G‑d's kindness and the miracles that affected our destiny.

While it is true that actions speak louder than words, there is an element of appreciation that is expressed more by our words than our deeds. Actions express dedication and commitment, but cannot convey warmth and emotion. When we use words to convey our thanks and when we verbalize our reciprocity, we create a strong bond with our benefactor.

As we prepare to usher in the New Year 5770, now is the time to express our thanks to G‑d for the many blessings and miracles in our lives. These thanks are best expressed through words. And therefore as you peruse through a High Holiday Prayer Book you’ll notice that a good portion of the liturgy focuses us towards appreciation and thanksgiving.

I would like to take this opportunity to urge you, your family, and all your Jewish friends to participate in our High Holiday Services. Each of us has a blessing and miracle to be thankful for and the New Year is the time to express it. Whether or not you consider yourself affiliated with a congregation or synagogue, please feel personally invited to join us. All are welcome at Chabad – and that’s not a cliché!

And let us pray that the coming year be one of joy and happiness; peace and tranquility; good health and success; and love and harmony.

May you be inscribed and sealed in the book of life.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Raleigh Resnick