ולקחת מראשית כל פרי האדמה אשר תביא מארצך “That you shall take of the first of every fruit of the ground that you bring in from your land” (Devorim 26:2). The mitzvah of bikkurim, bringing the first fruits to the Beis HaMikdosh, teaches us the significance of hakoras hatov, recognizing the good/benefits we receive and paying gratitude to our benefactor – which, in the case of bikkurim, is Hashem. While anyone who possesses a modicum of common sense understands the importance of gratitude, we do not realize how far the obligation for gratitude goes and how one who does not live with hakoras hatov as a way of life is considered a deficient human being. The Ramchal (Mesillas Yeshorim 8) underscores the importance of every human being aware of and taking a penetrating look, at all of Hashem's wonders and miracles of which he and the rest of the world are the beneficiaries. “There is no person, regardless of his circumstances, whether he suffers abject poverty or is blessed with amazing wealth, whether he is healthy or is unwell, who does not [if he puts his mind to it] notice Hashem's abundant kindness.” Indeed, hakoras hatov leads to a strength of one’s commitment to Hashem and observance of His mitzvos.
Horav Eliezer HaLevi Turk, shlita (Otzroseihem Amalei), quotes a tradition attributed to the Vilna Gaon, who hardly ever uttered a word in any language other than Hebrew – other than dank, “thank you.” His students explained that the word dank has the same gematria, numerical equivalent, as Oilam HaBoh (dank – daled, nun, kuf – 154. Oilam HaBoh – ayin, vov, lamed, mem, hay, bais, aleph – 154). This alludes to the idea that one who is makir tov will merit Oilam HaBoh. Horav Shach zt”l said that dank is related to gedank, memory. This teaches that one who receives a favor from someone is obligated to remember the debt of gratitude that weighs heavily upon him.
A young kollel fellow was seeking to strengthen his avodas ha’tefillah, davening, to Hashem. He understood that such changes do not just happen. One must take “baby” steps and progress slowly until he reaches the pinnacle for which he is aspiring. One must have a goal in his prayer, i.e., to pray for a specific achievement, such as: success in Torah study; greater yiras Shomayim, fear of Heaven; menuchas hanefesh, peace and calm in his life. He approached Rav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l with his question, hoping to hear his sage advice.
Rav Chaim asked him, “Do you have parents?” He replied, “Boruch Hashem, until one hundred and twenty.” “Nu,” said Rav Chaim. “What is your question? The first tefillah for which you should pray is for your parents’ health. This is hakoras hatov, appreciation for what they have done and continue to do for you. This is the first step in growth.”
A certain judge was the subject of a disquieting rumor concerning his ethical character. He was allegedly accepting bribes from litigants. A judge must be the paradigm of honesty. The mere fact that such a rumor had been spread about the judge was despicable. If there was smoke, the chances were that there was some fire to
