9^th of Kislev, November 26, 2009

“Give thanks to Hashem, for He is good; His kindness endures forever! Let Israel say now: His kindness endures forever!  Let the house of Aaron say now: His kindness endures forever! Let those who fear Hashem say now: His kindness endures forever (Psalm 118:1-4)!”  The psalmist enumerates the children of Israel as well as the house of Aaron to teach us that we are all enjoined to thank G-D for His goodness.  Independent of our stature, our position, or our lineage, we have a common obligation to thank G-D.  We thank G-D for He is good.  Since G-D is good itself, all that He does is good as well.  We, who are a mix of good and bad qualities, cannot determine what is truly good.  We must instead accept that what we are given is good for the source of all that we receive is goodness itself.   It is when we cannot recognize the goodness inherent in our lives that we need and benefit from Hashem’s eternal kindness.  G-D’s limitless loving-kindness allows us to keep our faith and maintain our attitude of gratitude.

Copyright, 2009 Rachel Lerner