* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
A short statement by Rashi tells the whole story. After the people arrive in the Land and become established there, the Torah describes a farmer who goes out to his orchard and sees first fruits. He takes them with him to Jerusalem where, in a moving ceremony, he makes a declaration filled with gratitude for the past and hope for the future.
What is the meaning of this ceremony? Why become so emotional over a single first fig and pomegranate that grew on your farm or just in your backyard? Rashi defines it this way: “So that you will not be ungrateful.”
It is a kind of test: Do you know how to be thankful for what you have and rejoice in it? Can you recognize where everything came from and avoid taking anything for granted? The instruction here is to adopt this quality when living in the Land of Israel — to constantly notice moments of goodness and blessing, make a big deal out of them, and say thank you for them. Never stop expressing sincere praise and gratitude to God from deep in your heart.
Despite all the difficulties and challenges, Jews throughout the generations would gladly trade places with us at this very moment — just to be living in the Land of Israel.
This week’s Torah portion calls upon us, too, to look around, give thanks for what we have right now, and never take anything for granted.
