November 23rd, 2017 5 Kislev, 5778 This past week, I was invited to give a dvar Torah at the Bornblum Jewish Community School for their Grandparents and Special Friends Day. I spoke about a moment of gratitude in the Torah, gearing up for Thanksgiv
November 23rd, 2017 5 Kislev, 5778
This past week, I was invited to give a d’var Torah at the Bornblum Jewish Community School for their Grandparents and Special Friends Day. I spoke about a moment of gratitude in the Torah, gearing up for Thanksgiving, and I wanted to share it with you.
In the book of Devarim, we’re told about the mitzvah of Bikkurim. This mitzvah explains that when we enter the land of Israel, at the moment that someone’s first crop came in, they had to bring it to the priest in Jerusalem. They would bring their first fruit (even just a small fig) to demonstrate gratitude for their harvest.
The Torah tells us the exact words they say upon arrival. We actually know these words from our Pesach seders. The person bringing the fruit starts out by saying, “my ancestor was a wandering Aramean...” Then they tell the story of their people: how we went down to Mitzrayim and were slaves there and then came into the land of Israel, were able to farm, and had this very fruit that is in their hands for which they are grateful.
What’s striking to me is the way the individual starts out by talking about the people who came before them. They can only imagine themselves in that moment, offering thanks, by starting with their history. That person bringing their fruit in Jerusalem knows they are there because of all of the people who came before them. For us, as well, in moments of gratitude, it can be helpful to locate ourselves in our family history to understand all the blessings in our lives.
I hope that this Thanksgiving, just like the person in the Torah bringing Bikkurim and saying thank you, we can all think about where we should start our story of offering gratitude. I know that I am grateful to all those that influenced my rabbinate and led me to Beth Sholom and Memphis.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and an early Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Sarit
