How might you practice gratitude while at the same time caring for the world around you? Our Torah portion this week, Ki Tavo, presents one such method. In an agrarian society, the Israelites are instructed to give their first fruits, 10% of their yield, to the Levites, to the ger (resident aliens), to the orphans, and to the widows. As they do so, they recite to God a shortened version of the story of the Exodus from Egypt, recalling the harshness of life and God’s acts to save them. In doing so, they express gratitude for what they have while simultaneously offering food to those most in need.
Do you have a gratitude practice? How could your practicing of gratitude better the world around you?
Modeh Ani to begin our day. reciting the Modeh Ani every morning as we rise. It allows us an opportunity to set the intention for gratitude as we begin our day.
Being grateful as we are restored anew with compassion.