Material Blessings
The land will give its fruit and you will eat to satiety. (Vayikra 25:19)
Parshas Behar speaks of berachos. It tells us about the abundant produce that Eretz Yisrael will produce.
But why are the material berachos mentioned by the Torah so agricultural? Why only bumper crops? What’s wrong with silver and gold and diamonds?
True, most people used to be farmers, but there is a more universal message as well.
A person blessed with silver and gold and jewels feels self-confident. His treasures are in the safe and he has a sense of security. Even if the whole country is struck by famine, he can just pack up his riches and take them with him to somewhere else.
But a farmer depends on rain and other natural conditions beyond his control. He trusts in Hashem and constantly raises his eyes to Heaven in prayer. This type of gift doesn’t disconnect him from Hashem; it only strengthens the bond.
When Hashem blesses us with health, good children, and life itself, these gifts depend on siyata d’Shmaya. Ultimately, even a salary that comes in every month depends on Hashem alone.
May our blessings only strengthen our Emunah. If we make sure our blessings draw us closer to Hashem, we will receive more and more of them.
