Say a Blessing

There is an adage in the Talmud that says a Jew should recite one hundred blessings a day. Most of us are familiar with a few blessings: one for bread, one for wine, one for a joyous event, and even one for a new fruit. There are actually many other kinds of blessing that are little known. These tend to be blessings to acknowledge unusual events or seeing usual things. One could say that Jews are constantly stopping to thank God for every event during the day. So what is the point- an usual or joyous event in our lives brings its own reason for pause. An open heart can’t help but pause a moment as we see a beautiful sunset or the beauty of the ocean. We don’t necessarily need to be reminded of such special moments. The point is that we need to be reminded to be thankful for every, albeit less inspiring moments, like the simple act of eating.

There are many times that religious teachers struggle with explaining the important principles of Judaism. We like short simple answers – we especially like short simple answers to long complicated questions! Such a question that I hear all the time is “What is the most important idea for a Jew to believe?” Of course there is no single, most important idea or doctrine. It would be like asking the most important ingredient in a recipe. It is the sum total of ingredients that make the dish, not just one spice or flavor. I never like to say that Judaism can be boiled down to one such ingredient- it’s the sum total of Judaism’s recipe for life that makes us the holy nation that we are. It takes many ingredients for such a complicated recipe. Just think about it- how many people have wondered the how and why of Jewish existence.

While being Jewish is no easy dish to prepare, I do think that some of the ingredients are essential. One of those essentials is a big dash of gratitude mixed with a healthy proportion of perspective. We are always quick to think of what we lack rather than appreciating what we have. We are always quick to dismiss what is around us in search of something, the next big thing, the exotic. That is when we need to open Judaism’s cookbook and be reminded of what counts most in this messy, messy kitchen called life.

Judaism asks us to always pause and be thankful for each precious moment and be thankful for the ability to create such moments. Sometimes we might speed right by the best moment in the day and not even know it. Take a deep breath and thank God for life- if you were ill you would be very grateful for that moment! Walk on the beach and appreciate the beauty of the ocean. Take a moment and enjoy the flavor of fresh bread. All ample reasons to say a blessing, all ample reasons to keep perspective.

Be a Jew who is grateful for everything that comes your way. No, it may not all be good but that is where perspective teaches you to say a blessing for your ability to keep going. Find one hundred reasons to be grateful and I guarantee that you will find one hundred more.