As an old man, Rabbi Yaakov Neiman, ZT”L, the Rosh Yeshiva of Petach Tikva, heard about a particular vort (engagement party) that was happening on the top floor of a tall apartment building that didn’t have an elevator. Although it was not easy, he powered through and climbed to the top. The people there who saw the esteemed Rav were shocked that he climbed all those stairs. When asked which side he came to visit, he said “I am not close with the bride or groom but once in a while one of the two sides tries to raise money for my yeshiva, so I have to show my hakaras hatov (gratitude).”
He continued, “Now, you may ask, who did I learn this obligation of hakaras hatov from? When I was a young boy beginning to study in the Chofetz Chaim’s yeshiva, the Chofetz Chaim, ZT”L, interviewed me and asked, “Is so-and-so related to you?” I replied, “Yes - that’s my grandfather.” The Chofetz Chaim responded, “Once, I was traveling in your grandfather’s city without having a place to sleep and he provided lodging for me. For that, I am obligated to show my hakaras hatov and now is my chance.” Since that day, the Chofetz Chaim would make sure that I was being taken care of in the best possible way. From that, I learned what hakaras hatov means.”
Comment: This week’s Parsha speaks about Pesach Sheini, the Menorah and the Israelites lack of gratitude to Hashem. Although ungratefulness may not directly be a sin, it is certainly un-Jewish. The very meaning of the word “Jews” in Hebrew, Yehudim, comes from the same root as the word gratitude - ho’da’ah. We are the people, who despite having lived through history’s darkest nights, never stopped saying, “Modim anachnu lach - We Thank You, Hashem.”
As Jews, “thank you” is not just something we say when life’s going well, it’s something we say to make life better. Gratitude is like a candle and when we are in the dark just one candle makes the world’s difference.
