A thought on last week's Parsha (Ki Savo)

Last week, in Parshas Ki Savo, we read about bringing Bikurim - the first fruits of the season. When bringing them to the Kohain, the Torah has the person give a relatively long speech to the Kohain, thanking Hashem for His goodness. Imagine the Kohain who is accepting these gifts - thousands upon thousands of people, one after another, bringing their basket of first fruits (some only containing one fig, one date, one small bunch of grapes, etc.). And the Kohain listens to the same speech thousands of times! Doesn't he get fed up?

One thing the Kohain learns to do is to discern who is really sincere in their thanks and who is simply reading the paragraph because they are required to. It is fairly easy to tell, especially after a while.

What does someone who is truly grateful for something sound and look like? Imagine someone really full of gratitude expressing it. Try this: Think of something you have that you are grateful for. Adopt the stance and tone of voice of someone who is full of gratitude and voice the words "Thank you." Notice what it is like to have your whole body involved in the gratitude. What part of this was easy? What part was more challenging?

Have a good Shabbos!