Ki Savo – Service With a Smile

Parshas Ki Savo details the blessings and curses articulated on Mount Gerizim and Mount Eval during the Jewish nation's entry into the Land of Canaan. Right after presenting the blessings and curses, Moshe goes on to inform the people about the immense rewards they will enjoy for listening to Hashem and adhering to His commandments. Subsequently, he outlines the dire misfortunes and unrestrained calamities that will befall them should they fail to follow Hashem and observe His commandments. The Braisa in Maseches Megillah teaches that Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar said Ezra mandated that the Jewish people should read the portion of the curses recorded in Deuteronomy before Rosh Hashanah. The Gemara asks: What is the reason for this? Abaye said, and some say Reish Lakish said, it is so that the year may conclude with its curses, and the new year may begin without the ominous reading of the curses.

Within the Tochacha, a compelling phrase emerges, serving as a forewarning of disasters. Moshe explains to the Jewish people the reasons for their impending suffering, stating that these tragedies will occur ‘because you did not serve Hashem your God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart due to the abundance of all things’. Yet, only a few verses prior, Moshe asserts that these curses and calamities will strike them for disregarding the word of Hashem and worshipping idols. It is quite logical to impose such severe consequences for idol worship and the abandonment of Hashem; however, why should the lack of happiness in serving Hashem lead to the 98 curses that Moshe details in this part of the Parsha?

What is Gratitude?

Last week, we delved into the fundamental principle of gratitude in our article. A person needs to recognize that someone has performed an act for them that they could not accomplish on their own. The Hebrew terms for 'thanks' and 'admit' share a common root. This connection exists because, at its core, a grateful individual acknowledges a shortcoming that the other person has remedied. The Torah’s perspective on appreciation transcends mere 'good manners.' It represents an obligation that necessitates repayment. The other individual has offered you something that you were missing.

It is apparent that within a healthy parent–child relationship, the child experiences a profound sense of gratitude towards their parents. From the very beginning, parents are perpetually giving to their child. They are the ones who have nurtured them, responded to their needs during infancy, endured sleepless nights when the child was unwell, and provided food, clothing, and shelter. Thus, many people feel indebted to their parents and arrange their lives to demonstrate their appreciation. When approached by a parent with a request, it is entirely inappropriate to comply with a resentful demeanor and a negative attitude. To act against or disregard their request would exemplify the highest form of ingratitude. Moreover, a lack of joyful response to the opportunity to fulfill their request would be interpreted as a grave disrespect towards the honor they are entitled to.

The Ultimate Gratitude

This may be the reason Moshe warns the Jewish people that these grave disasters will come upon them for not serving Hashem with joy during prosperous times when they had abundance. The lack of joyful service to Hashem reflects a significant deficiency in gratitude. Although the act of idol worship may be considered a more grievous sin, as discussed last week, the fundamental purpose of creation is for individuals to express gratitude and appreciation. This is a hallmark of our nation. Amon and Moav are eternally barred from marrying into the Jewish people due to their ingratitude.

As we approach the new year, let us strive to find ways to convey and express our gratitude to those who have aided us. Recall all the kindness that Hashem has bestowed upon us in the past year. Thank Him and perform His mitzvos joyfully, and may the current year and its challenges conclude, welcoming the new year with only blessings and positive news.