Written by R’ Avrohom Hillel Reich based on a lesson and story by Harav Ben Tziyon Sneh Shlita
We exist in this world because Hashem gave us life and keeps us alive. In addition, there are a plethora of relationships that nurture us through all times, both good and bad. These relationships are our life blood.
Why do we have to be thankful?
As we grow older we realize that at every step there has been someone who helped us become who we are today. Acknowledging this brings out the goodness in lives and makes us more aware of the daily goodness that Hashem provides us with, almost with unlimited measure, down to every breath we take.
Moshe Rabbeineu did not strike the ground to bring the plague of lice upon the Egyptians. As we all know it was because the dust of the earth covered the Egyptian that Moshe killed and saved him from being discovered.
But let’s look into this. The body was only covered for a day – and then the Torah says it became known, the very next day, to all that Moshe did the deed.
So for a favor that only lasted a total of 24 hours Moshe was eternally indebted. Amazing...
So much more should we be indebted to our spouses that do so much for us. Think about it!
And to our parents who brought us into this world and have cared for all our needs- how much more so do we need to take the time to reflect and be thankful to them, if we still can!
Rav Simcha Zissil Broide zt”l, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Chevron, was already very old at the time of this story and had a hard time climbing stairs.
Yet one day when a talmid came to take him to Yeshiva the Rosh Yeshiva realized when he got downstairs that he had forgotten something in his apartment and was intent on getting it himself- so he climbed up the stairs into the kitchen and breathlessly wished his wife a wonderful day. He had forgotten to say goodbye to her properly!
Being considerate, thankful, respectful- these are guidelines for a good marriage.
Not small things, R’ Simcha Zissel realized that these are quite simply the building blocks of a good relationship.
In this age of texting, WhatsApp and a minimum of personal human interaction, we would all do good to emulate this behavior whenever we can. It can bring back the warmth, care and personal touch that are missing in our highly technological world.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
