Ben Zoma was in a vast crowd on the steps of the Temple Mount. He said: "Blessed is the One who discerns secrets, and blessed is the Holy One who has created all these people to serve me." For, he also used to say, "What labors did Adam have to carry out before he obtained bread to eat? He ploughed. He sowed. He reaped. He tied the sheaves. He threshed the grain and winnowed the chaff. He selected the ears, then ground them, sifted the flour, kneaded the dough, and baked it. After all that, he was able to eat. I, on the other hand, get up and find that all these things have been done for me. And, how much effort did Adam have to carry out before he had clothing to wear?! He had to shear the sheep, wash the shearing, comb, spin, and weave it. Only then did he have a piece of cloth ready to wear. I get up and find these things done for me. Many craftsmen come early to the door of my house. I rise in the morning and find all these before me." – Talmud Berachot 58a.
Look around and see the Garden of Plenty spilling out its wares before you. Never in the history of mankind has there been so much, so available, to every person. Entertainment lies in a small box. Portable telephones are at hand. Cars race us across the city in record-breaking speed. We can course the nation or the continent in a span of a few hours. Hundreds of television stations air programs all day and night! Kiwis! Who ever heard of them twenty years ago? What about grapefruit in the late winter and spring? That was unheard one generation ago.
Thank you. What else is there to say?
Ben Zoma used to say, "What does a good guest say? "How much trouble my host has taken for me! How much meat he has set before me! How much wine he has set before me! How many cakes he has set before me! And all the trouble has taken was only for my sake!" -- Talmud Berachot 58a.
One who crosses the ocean and is rescued from a shipwreck gives thanks to God. Should we not thank God if we cross without a mishap? One who is cured of a dangerous illness offers praise to God. Should we not praise God when God grants health and preserves us from illness? –The Radziminer Rebbe
Comments