D'var Torah - April 2, 2009
Shabbat HaGadol 4-5-09
D’var Torah,
Having arrived home after a long trip out of town, or welcoming children back from a drive or flight home from college, or even for driving on US 1 or the Palmetto Expressway, I often have a feeling of relief. Relief that I made it to my destination safely, no injuries, no accidents, no scratches. I pause ever so briefly to take a breath or give a split-second “Thanks” to God for watching or protecting me in some way which enabled me to arrive safely. That short pause, perhaps only a deep breath of relief or a sigh signals for me a sense of gratitude that although I do not believe that God is watching my or our every move – that sense of appreciation is real.
This week’s Torah portion contains lists of long and laborious descriptions of sacrifices and offerings in Leviticus, but there are several “gems.” There is an offering called, “the sacrifice of well-being.” Now, there’s an important concept: thanking God simply for our well-being. It’s clearer when we thank God for the BIG THINGS – a near miss and avoiding an accident. Rashi’s comment on Leviticus 7:12 is,
“If he is bringing it as a thanksgiving-offering: i.e., if [he is bringing the offering] to give thanks [to God] for a miracle that had happened to him, for instance, those who made a sea-voyage [and returned safely] or journeyed in the desert, or those who had been imprisoned [and were subsequently released], or a sick person who recovered. All these are required to give thanks [to God], for regarding them, it is written, “They shall give thanks to the Lord for His kindness and for his wonders to the children of men. And they shall slaughter sacrifices of thanksgiving” (Ps. 107:2122).”
But what about the less significant moments of our day? I imagine after a run or fast walk, a visit to the gym, the relief we feel having completed our workout for the day, a pause, a moments’ recognition for our well-being. Or after a nice experience with a friend or family member or co-worker, stopping to be thankful for that interaction. Of course we don’t feel this way every day. When we’re ill or pulled in so many directions we often don’t “have” the time (or take the time?) to focus on our well-being. And that may be a day on which we’re “just OK.” Even that may be enough. Thanks, God, for letting me for just this moment feel “OK.”
For all of God’s blessings, for our lives and our health (whatever it is), we can pause ever so briefly to be aware. And to appreciate that moment and give thanks.
Shabbat Shalom!
Mark
Rabbi Mark S. Kram