This morning I led the shacharit service that meets at the Ring House. It is Orthodox in nature, so it took some “suspension of values” to chant praises to God “she-lo asani isha” – who did make me a woman. Nonetheless, it was a great way to begin my 7th decade.
Last night I offered a little bedtime prayer, asking God to give me whatever I needed to live the kind of life that I am supposed to live (or did I say that “I want to live?”). God’s response, as it were, leapt off the pages when I chanted the blessing of gratitude to the God “she-asa li kol tzorki” – who has prepared for me everything that I need.
Upon yahoo-ing that blessing, I found the following blog entry at http://tapintotorah.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html:
“One of the birkot hashachar that we say every morning is an expression of thanks and praise that Hashem provides us ‘with all our needs’ ( ‘sh’asa li kol tzorchi’). This blessing actually refers to shoes. Hashem provides for us (or enables us to provide for ourselves ) this measure, which is a great boon in climates that are disagreeable, but is basically an ‘extra’ when viewed versus, say, lungs.
“So why, in a series of blessings that we praise G-d for our actual sight and mobility, do we toss in one about ‘creature comforts’ ?
“Because, in a way, that is even bigger praise. That Hashem looks out for us – not just for what we absolutely need as we travel down life’s road – but also what will make the road smoother.”
If you already have what you need, who needs birthday presents? Don’t get me wrong: I appreciate a gift every now and then. But if I need something material to make me feel blessed / grateful / loved, then no present will ever satisfy me.
I recently came across an article that asked “Do you feel empty all the time? Do you have a primary food deficiency?” The article continues, “It turns out that… the foods we eat are… secondary sources of nourishment, while the primary sources are considered those things that truly feed us, such as our relationships, careers, spirituality, and physical activity regimens. These are classified as primary foods, vital to optimal health.”
Click here for the complete article.
The revolution in the way I think about my birthday came about twenty years ago, thanks to Rabbi Jack Riemer, who happened to be in town to speak to a group of rabbis during the middle of June 1989. I had just turned 40, and Pam and I were about to celebrate our 4th anniversary and about to close on our home. I do not remember his exact words – which is a shame, because the man is a master wordsmith – but the upshot for me was this. If you expect to be happy on your birthday by getting things, you will be disappointed. Try celebrating your birthday by expressing your gratitude for the things that have enriched your life in the year that has passed – people, relationships, spiritual opportunities – and give of yourself instead of expecting to receive.
Celebrating my birthday by serving dinner last night at the local Men’s Shelter was a way of giving to others and thereby giving back to myself. It has been a happy birthday indeed.
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