Since I’m working on the middah of gratitude this week, I want to focus on the morning blessings, Birkot ha-shachar, in my daily prayers.
hard-won gratitude
I have plenty!
One of the biggest surprises in the narrative of Genesis comes during Yaakov’s reunion with Esau when he returns to the land of Canaan. When Esau comes to meet his brother with a menacing entourage of 400 men, but when he sees Yaakov, he runs to embrace him and weep together with him at their reunion (Gen. 33:4).
grateful for you
a plaque on the wall
a year of gratitude
forgetful or ungrateful?
and you shall bless Hashem
The Birkat Hamazon, also known as Grace after Meals, is among the most ancient prayers in the Jewish liturgy. Composed of many blessings, depending on holiday, day of the week and what has been eaten, it is comprehensive and thanks Hashem for not only the food but many other blessings at the same time.
thank you for being here today
more than a cupful
gratitude flowering from within
questions to ask yourself
Use these questions to evaluate your day:
What were the seeds that started to erode your gratitude today?
Did you take time to express gratitude to those around you for who they are and what they do?
Did you take time to notice the bounty in your life and express your gratitude through words or actions?
Were you able to take an unpleasant situation and see the lesson in it?
Did someone do something for you and it was difficult to be grateful? Why?
After you ate your meals today did you take time to thank Hashem for the food?
Did you thank anyone above and beyond what was necessary?