“ we are called to make gratitude a daily practice”
In Parashat Ekev, Moshe continues his farewell speech to the Israelites, reminding them of the covenant with HaShem and the importance of observing His commandments. Gratitude is a central theme woven throughout the narrative. Moshe emphasizes the importance of remembering and appreciating all that HaShem has done for them during their journey through the wilderness and their impending entry into the Promised Land.
One of the key verses in this parashah is Devarim (Deuteronomy) 8:10, where Moshe instructs the Israelites: "When you eat and are satisfied, you must therefore bless HaShem your G-d for the good land that He has given you." This verse is the source of the mitzvah to recite the Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals), a blessing of gratitude for the food we have eaten and the many other blessings in our lives.
At its core, this commandment teaches us that gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling but a practice. We are encouraged to pause, recognize the source of our sustenance, and express our thanks. This act of gratitude transforms the simple act of eating into a moment of spiritual reflection and connection with the Divine.
Moshe reminds the Israelites of the hardships they faced in the wilderness, how HaShem provided manna, and how their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell (Devarim 8:4). These reminders serve a dual purpose: they underscore HaShem's continuous provision and care, and they warn against the danger of becoming complacent or arrogant when times are good. Just as the Israelites are reminded to bless HaShem not only when they are in need but also when they are comfortable and satisfied. This commandment highlights the importance of maintaining awareness and appreciation for HaShem’s gifts, especially when life is going well.
Moshe warns the Israelites in Devarim 8:11-14 not to forget HaShem when they experience abundance: “Be careful that you do not forget HaShem your G-d, not keeping His commandments… you may then eat and be satisfied, building fine houses and living in them. Your herds and flocks may increase… But your heart may then grow haughty, and you may forget HaShem your G-d, who brought you out of the slave house that was Egypt.” This warning against forgetting HaShem in times of prosperity underscores the human tendency to take blessings for granted and to attribute success solely to one’s own efforts.
In Devarim 8:17-18, Moshe also warns, “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember HaShem your G-d, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Here, Moshe is cautioning against a mindset of self-sufficiency that ignores HaShem’s role in our successes. Gratitude is the antidote to this arrogance. By recognizing that all we have comes from HaShem, we cultivate humility and a deep sense of appreciation.
Gratitude, as taught in Parashat Ekev, is not just a response to abundance but a constant awareness of HaShem’s presence in our lives, even in challenging times. It is easy to be grateful when things are going well, but the true test of gratitude is whether we can maintain it during difficult times, trusting that HaShem is with us even then.
Moreover, gratitude is a key to maintaining a balanced and meaningful life. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, cultivating contentment and joy. The Israelites were encouraged to remember the hardships they faced in the wilderness so that they could truly appreciate the goodness of the Promised Land. In the same way, we are invited to remember our own challenges and to recognize how far we have come, which deepens our sense of gratitude for the present.
As we internalize the lessons of Ekev, we are called to make gratitude a daily practice. This involves not only thanking HaShem for the material blessings we enjoy but also for the spiritual gifts, the challenges that help us grow, and the relationships that enrich our lives. In doing so, we ensure that our hearts remain open and humble, ever mindful of the Source of all our blessings.
Parashat Ekev teaches us that gratitude is not just a reaction to receiving something good but is a proactive practice that we must cultivate regularly. By doing so, we remain connected to HaShem, grounded in humility, and enriched by a sense of appreciation for the blessings that fill our lives. May we all strive to cultivate a sense of gratitude that is as constant and enduring as HaShem’s love and care for us, and may this gratitude bring us closer to HaShem and to one another.
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