As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“This time I shall praise Hashem, therefore she called his name Yehudah.” (29:35)
When our Mother Leah said:”This time, I shall praise G-d,” she did not merely mean the praise for giving her another son. This son, Yehudah, was to become the entire Jewish nation. Since the end of the First Sanctuary our people have been called Yehudim because their majority was the seed of Judah. The name Yehudah was a prophecy.
What did Hashem see in Yehuda, or his family, that he deserved to become the Jewish nation? The word ‘Yehudah’ means”He shall praise.” The name of Hashem is included in ‘Yehudah’. Yehuda shall praise G-d. The great function of the Jewish nation is to give thanks to Hashem constantly. “It is good to give thanks to the L-rd, to sing to Your name, O Most High.” (Tehillim 92:2). The Yehudim are the Nation whose purpose is to Thank Hashem. This is a career for life and there is none better.
‘Hakarat hatob’, recognizing and acknowledging the bountiful blessings we possess and constantly receive, is the way of expressing our gratitude. By examining all of the good things we’ve been given as well as the wondrous world around us, this contemplation will bring us to a feeling of joy.
“You’ve made me happy Hashem with Your handiwork, I sing at the deeds of Your hands.” It’s a wonderful and marvelous world! Look at the beautiful sky. Isn’t it a wonderful day? We have to teach ourselves the happiness of life. Life is happy and Hashem wants us to enjoy this great gift of Olam Hazeh (This world).
“Olam hesed yibaneh” (Tehillim 89:3). The world is built on Kindliness. We have a kindly Father. Instead of complaining and ignoring all the blessings He is showering on us, let’s utilize the opportunity of life to sing of the deeds of Hashem’s Hands. With this extreme Joy and Love we will elevate ourselves to a higher level of our function as Yehudim (the ones who thank G-d), by thanking Hashem for all the gifts He bestows on us”BeSimcha.”
Adapted From “The Beginning” “Sing You Righteous” By Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
Shabbat Shalom
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