“When we express gratitude, we become aware of the abundance in our lives, cultivating a sense of joy and responsibility”
In Parashat Ki Tavo, one of the central themes is the importance of gratitude. This lesson is illustrated through the mitzvah of bikkurim (bringing the first fruits to the Temple) and the tochacha (the long series of blessings and curses), both of which highlight the relationship between recognizing the blessings we receive and our obligation to express gratitude.
The bikkurim ceremony teaches us that gratitude is not just a private feeling but a communal and public act. When the Israelites brought their first fruits to the Temple, they declared their thanks not only to HaShem but also recalled the history of their people, acknowledging the miracles that had brought them to the land of Israel. This act of thanksgiving connects the individual to the collective story of the Jewish people and to HaShem’s continuous guidance and support. It reminds us that gratitude is not only a response to material blessings but also an acknowledgement of our place in a larger narrative, one filled with divine care and providence.
Gratitude in this context fosters a sense of humility, community, and connection to HaShem. When we express thanks, we acknowledge the support systems, both human and divine, that help us achieve what we have. In contrast, ingratitude leads to a sense of entitlement, selfishness, and disconnection.
The tochacha warns of the curses that may come when the people forget this gratitude. The Torah explicitly states, “Because you did not serve HaShem your G-d with joy and a glad heart for the abundance of everything” (Devarim 28:47). This verse emphasizes that ingratitude, particularly when life is full of blessings, leads to spiritual emptiness and, ultimately, destruction. It is not just the absence of gratitude but the failure to recognize and appreciate what we have that is so dangerous.
When people are ungrateful, they risk becoming disconnected from the foundational values that have helped them thrive. Ingratitude leads to a lack of awareness and appreciation for the interconnectedness of life, which can manifest in behaviors that bring harm to oneself and others. By contrast, gratitude reminds us to stay grounded, to remember the bigger picture, and to be mindful of the ways in which we are supported by HaShem, others, and the world around us.
Gratitude is better than ingratitude because it is transformative. When we express gratitude, we become aware of the abundance in our lives, cultivating a sense of joy and responsibility. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering contentment and a deeper connection with HaShem and others. In contrast, ingratitude breeds dissatisfaction and entitlement, isolating us from both blessings and our relationships.
Ultimately, Parashat Ki Tavo reminds us that gratitude is not just a feeling; it is a mitzvah, a way of life that ensures we remain connected to our past, present, and future, grounded in the awareness that everything we have is a gift. In addition, this parashah teaches that gratitude is far superior to ingratitude because it promotes humility, connection, and an ongoing recognition of the blessings we receive, in this way, it aligns us with HaShem’s intentions for a life of meaning and fulfillment
Comments