As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And you shall eat there before Hashem your G-d, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.” (14:26)

To speak in prayer or praise seems more proper “Before Hashem,” but to eat before Hashem seems animalistic and insolent. But this form of service “before Hashem” is repeatedly emphasized. “You shall eat (the Pesach lamb) in the place that Hashem your G-d shall choose.” (16:7) “And you shall rejoice before Hashem your G-d” (16:11) (which means to eat & drink on the Shavuot festival). “And you shall rejoice on your festival” (16:14) on Succot. “And you shall rejoice” (26:11) at the Bikurim procedure.

We learn therefrom the Torah lesson that physical pleasure of food and drink can be employed to enhance our emotions of gratitude and love toward Hashem. “There is no persuasion, except by eating and drinking.” (Hullin 4B) We become more receptive and amiable when we are satiated by eating and drinking due to the reaction of enzymes, as planned by Hashem.

Thus the Shabbat meals can be utilized to emphasize the lessons of:
1) the Creation of the Universe ex-nihilo/from nothing,
2) the Creation of the Universe for Kindliness,
3) and the Covenant “”Between Me and the sons of Israel” (Shemot 31:17)

And even our daily food can serve us as a powerful stimulus to love the Giver. “And you shall eat and be satiated and you bless Hashem your G-d.” (8:10) Without being happy, it is more difficult to be thankful to Hashem.

Quoted from “Fortunate Nation” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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