Gratitude in Tough Times

As Americans gather around their table to celebrate Thanksgiving, this year will be challenging to feel the feelings of gratitude generally associated with this time of year. With Israel fighting a multi front war and Jew hatred rising on nearly a daily basis the air is heavy and it's hard to get into the headspace of gratitude in 2024. The reality is that no matter how challenging the environment is, we never lose the opportunity to express our gratitude. There is a fascinating insight on gratitude from next week's Parsha that I believe addresses this point. After the birth of her first child, Rachel names the baby Yosef. The stated reason for this is that G-d has spared me from shame. The basic understanding is that she has been spared from shame because now she has finally been blessed to have a child after being barren for many years. Rashi, in his commentary, offers a bizarre explanation in the name of a Midrash. The comment is that Rachel would have to take responsibility for various mishaps around the house prior to having a baby. Mishaps such as who broke the dish or ate the snacks would leave Rachel feeling sheepish when her husband would come home. With the arrival of a baby in the home, there was now someone to blame for these mishaps. Hence, G-d had spared her shame. The Midrash is incredulous with this interpretation! It reflects an incredible shallow perspective on our revered matriarch, Rachel! After the amazing blessing of bringing a new life into the world, Rachel is thankful for something so mundane! Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, in his commentary, offers insight on this passage in particular and on gratitude in general. One doesn't need to be seeking macro and life-changing occurrences for one to express gratitude over. Granted, when those blessings occur in life it is appropriate to be grateful. However, one should seek to identify minor or even mundane happenings in our daily life to show our appreciation and gratitude. Tamara Levitt, a well-known meditation and mindfulness instructor in her masterclass on the Calm app, suggests doing an exercise whenever you find yourself caught up in negativity or seem to need a dose of gratitude called the Gratitude Countdown. She offered the following ten examples of everyday reasons in her won life for her to be grateful: 1)The comforting bowl of miso soup I had for dinner. 2)The fact that I live close to a park where I can breathe fresh air and enjoy a daily dose of nature. 3)A local tailor was able to fix the zipper on my 25-year-old irreplaceable coat. 4)The voicemail I received this morning from my nephew. 5)The subway system I use to zip across the city to do errands. 6)The birds I heard chirping cheerfully outside my window this morning. 7)The marvel of modern communication and the ease it helps me stay in touch with friends and family. 8)My incredible job and the privilege of doing meaningful work. 9)My network of friends and the support I feel from friendships. 10)My mediation practice helps me stay grounded in the world. This list is particular to her life, but I was struck by how ordinary these items seemed. This year more than ever, let us make a choice to seek out and identify simple things in life for which to be grateful. Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch