There are many reasons why blessings are made before (and after in some cases) enjoying or receiving benefit from food, drink, smells, etc., and one of them is gratitude.
It is a known challenge to maintain any degree of freshness or mindfulness with actions that are continually repeated, and blessings are no exception.
Blessings are commonly said by rote, like checking off an item on a to-do list — missing nearly all the objectives of making the blessing in the first place.
As with anything of value it takes work to be successful. Here are a couple of ideas that may making blessing more meaningful.
- Pause for a few seconds before making a blessing and reflect on any aspect of the blessing. Consider the item’s flavor, low-cost, health factor, ease of availability, function, etc.
- Before making the blessing thank God in your own words, then say the blessing.
- Focus on the words themselves.
- Learn about wonders of agriculture, seed germination, underground springs and aquifers, the desalination process, etc. There are videos on food processing and manufacturing, crop harvesting and so much more.
If you are looking for a simple way to make a deeper connection with God, then making meaningful blessings with gratitude might be what you’re looking for.
Yitzhak Sasson 