Wow. I had no idea so many of you would notice if I took a short break from writing on JMN. Messages from members all over the world came flooding in to make sure that I was OK and to let me know that I was missed. In the nearly 2 years that I have been doing this, very rarely have I stopped to think about how many people these periodic posts actually reach. Over the last week and a half, so many of our 1,000+ astute subscribers let me know just how much the lack of content was felt in their lives, and for that I am genuinely grateful.
There are two small, but powerful words that represent a world of appreciation; words that when joined together are greater than any gesture or gift that I can afford to offer. And it is those two innocent, yet heartfelt words that I sincerely express to each of you today… THANK YOU.
Believe it or not, this whole idea actually sparked this morning’s inspiration. There is a similar concept (albeit on an entirely different, loftier level) found in this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeitzei:
וַיֵּצֵא יַעֲקֹב מִבְּאֵר שָׁבַע וַיֵּלֶךְ חָרָנָה
And Yaakov left Be’er Sheva and went to Charan (28:10).
The fact is, there is not a single superfluous word in the Torah. With this in mind, Rashi is bothered by the pasuk’s use of an additional verb in describing Yaakov Avinu’s departure. Instead of writing that he left one place and went to another, why not simply state, “Yaakov went from Be’er Sheva to Charan”?
In probably what is one of the most well-known Rashi’s in Chumash, it is here he famously records the midrashic message behind the verse’s vexing verbiage. Rashi tells us that when a Tzaddik leaves a city, it makes an impactful impression. The pasuk is telling us that the fact that Yaakov Avinu left Be’er Sheva was noteworthy enough to mention on its own, if only to emphasize that when a Tzaddik takes leave, his immeasurable glory and splendor leave with him as well.
Indeed, the midrash also painfully points out that it is only when a Tzaddik leaves a city is he missed; when he’s in the city, however, more often than not, he is not appreciated at all. Unfortunately, this is a very common phenomenon. People do not appreciate what they have until it’s gone!
The midah of gratitude is called hakaras hatov because the essence of this midah is to recognize the good that one has. There are many people who have quite a lot; yet they are very poor! There are those who have little; yet they are extremely wealthy. Why are they wealthy? Because they appreciate whatever they have. In truth, the essence of a Yid and his connection to his Creator is dependent on this midah of hakaras hatov. True hakaras hatov is recognition of the One and only Source of Goodness – which is Hashem. The more a person sees Hashem in his life, the more appreciation he will feel.
Which brings us to today’s Morning Melody.
Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus zt”l opened a vaad on tefillah with the question, “Why is it that we say Modeh ani and not Ani modeh? Wouldn’t it be more grammatically correct to say Ani modeh?” Rav Pincus answered that these vital words simultaneously define who we are and set the tone for the entire day. We say Modeh ani because the first word that a Yid should pronounce upon opening his eyes should not be Ani, making it all about himself, but rather it should be an expression of thanks to Hashem for giving him back his life each morning.
This fundamental concept is something that master mechanech and ba’al menagen Rav Shmuel Brazil has not only incorporated into his legendary teaching style, but has made into the signature mainstay of his world-renowned compositions, too. Rav Brazil’s niggunim melodically portray the meaning of their sacred words, ultimately inspiring a personal connection and dialogue with Hashem. His songs invite you to create your own melody and harmony with Hashem. His stirring melodies aim to evoke new, untapped yearnings for Yiddishkeit in your soul.
It is no surprise, then, that in 1982, the very first track of the very first volume of the iconic Regesh series was the song that so perfectly defined his music’s primary purpose. Modeh Ani – sung by the incomparable R’ Abish Brodt – was the song that would set the tone for all Regesh albums to come.
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