DAY 713: Cherishing the Gift of Life

June 13, 2014
By bethmordecai
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DAY 713: Cherishing the Gift of Life

Dear Hevreh,

Today I had the privilege of traveling to Washington Heights in NYC to attend the bris of my cousin’s newborn son. It’s always enjoyable to be a part of a simhah and see the joyous faces of my cousin, his wife, and the new grandparents. But it was the reaction from my grandparents who were welcoming their second great grandchild into the family that really made this day special. Their happiness, their joy at being able to reach this occasion of having multiple great-grandchildren was palpable. It reinforced for me the notion that as we get older we become more appreciative of every moment we have and especially of every simhah we enjoy. Life becomes an experience to cherish as the gift that it is. So thank you Mommom and Poppop for reminding me through your joy today to be grateful for every moment we have together — whether it’s welcoming a baby at shul or welcoming Shabbat at a gazebo by the sea. You have reminded me of the deep meaning of the Shehehiyanu blessing:

ברוך אתה ה’ אלקינו מלך העולם שהחיינו וקימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה

Barukh Atah ADONAI Eloheinu Meleh Ha-Olam She-hehiyanu V’kiy’manu V’higianu Lazman Hazeh

Blessed Are You God King of the Universe Who Gives Us Life, Who Sustains Us, And [by doing so] Helps Us Reach This [special] Day

Shabbat Shalom and see you tonight (6:30 pm meet at the synagogue!),

Rabbi Ari Saks

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