This blog post was written during Hol Hamoad when it was easier to recognize G-d’s goodness. In reality, it’s still there, but maybe just harder to see. Rav Arush commonly says, “Emunah picks up where logic leaves off” and given the current situation, now is a good time to have emunah.
There is a bigger picture here and over time, I believe we will see the proverbial ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ and everything will make sense. In the meantime, may G-d protect His children and keep us safe.
The purpose of creation is clearly stated in Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto’s sefer Derech HaShem:
God’s purpose in creation was to bestow of His good to another.
Chapter 2 [1}
On a deeper, unfathomable level the book Inner Work explains:
God’s bestowal of goodness is the power that energizes all of creation.
Page 92
Further on in Derech Hashem provides our role in creation:
The purpose of all that was created was therefore to bring into existence a creature who could derive pleasure from God’s own good, in a way that it would be possible for it.
Chapter 2 [1]
Gratitude is indicative of emunah and ingratitude is tantamount to heresy. After all, it’s only appropriate to thank the Giver of life and sustenance.
(The Zohar says words to the effect that we should ask G-d for everything we need, however, if we don’t ask first, then we can fix the situation by thanking Him afterwards.)
The Ramban in parashat Bo succinctly gives our purpose in life:
Therefore a person who thanks G-d fulfills his purpose and the purpose of the entire creation.
The bottom line is — we fulfill the purpose of creation by appreciating G-d’s goodness.
So, given the importance of gratitude, how do we go forward? Here are a number of things we can do to increase our gratitude and our emunah :
- Per the Shulchan Aruch, we should always say, “this too is for the best” — for the good as well as the seemingly bad.
- Personal prayers should include and preferably start with gratitude.
- Make a list of the seemingly bad things in life and thank G-d for them.
- We should thank those around us who help us throughout our day.
- Read the Garden of Gratitude or positive psychology’s research on gratitude.
- Write in a gratitude journal on a regular basis.
- Teach children to be thankful even though the younger ones don’t understand the concept very well.
- Keep in mind that any gratitude is better than ingratitude.
Besides fulfilling the purpose of creation we increase love and happiness in our own lives and those around us.
The attribute of gratitude is a prerequisite to true happiness and success in all of our interpersonal relationships, especially marriage.
The Garden of Gratitude – back cover
Shabbat Shalom!
Yitzhak Sasson 