Happy Happy, Joy Joy

בס"ד

דברים [כו יא]

"ושמחת בכל הטוב אשר נתן לך ידוד אלהיך ולביתך אתה והלוי והגר אשר בקרבך:"

"And you shall rejoice in all the goodness that Hashem, your G-d, has given you and to your household – you and the Levite and the convert that is in your midst"

[Devarim 26:11]

The Torah tells us that the bringing of the bikurim, or first fruits, is a time of great rejoicing. But hidden within this passuk is a greater wisdom that can teach us to be happy always.

When my hand is involved in the growing process – I feel a great satisfaction when I see the final product. The phrase "fruits of my labor" comes to mind. I may think (erroneously – you knew that was coming, right ?) that the higher percentage of credit I claim for myself – the greater my satisfaction and joy. This is not the case (told you !) An unseen pitfall awaits all those who rely on the "strength of their hand". If I am the final judge of what I receive and what I don’t – then I also accept the blame for any discrepancy between the end result that I wanted and the one that I got. Exclusively mine is the frustration of not putting in just one more row …

It is only if I realize that the hand of Hashem is guiding my plow and he is the true source for my success that I will 'forgive' myself for any shortcomings.

And how will I truly find the joy in my G-d given material wealth ? By sharing it with those who have not. Hording your bounty may seem like it will give you more. But in fact, you'll appreciate it less.

Let us commit to seeing divine hashgacha in whatever success we have and to sharing it with those less fortunate – and may we rejoice over our first fruits – and all the ones subsequent.

Hatzlacha !