Bikkurim and Creation

There is a Midrash that says that Hashem created the world because of the Mitzva of Bikkurim. The Torah begins with the word, בראשית, in the beginning. The Torah uses the word, ראשית, the first of your fruits in connection with this Mitzva of bringing the first of one’s fruits to Jerusalem.

Rav Asher Weiss wrote that giving gratitude is the real purpose of creation. It is essential that we all be aware of Hashem’s kindness at all times. By Bikkurim, the Torah tells us that we are to rejoice for all of the good that we have been given.

The blessing of Yehuda was יהודה אתה יודוך אחיך, literally, that your brothers will give thanks to you. But the deeper explanation is that the name, יהודי, or Jew, will come from you. The name, “Jew,” comes from Judah.

When Yehuda was born, his mother, Leah declared, הפעם אודה את ה׳, “this time, I will give thanks to Hashem. Yehuda’s name reflects gratitude. The word, “Todah,” is contained in his name.

We praise Hashem and give thanks to Hashem each day in Shemone Esrei for all of the miracles He is constantly performing on our behalf.

Gratitude is the foundation of any healthy relationship. It certainly applies between husband and wife, but also between friends and neighbors.

When one gives gratitude, he is happy with his lot in life. Ungrateful people are bitter people.

This gives us a better understanding of that Midrash. The world was created in the merit of the message of Bikkurim. Giving gratitude is the anchor as to how one should live his life. All good things emanate from this wonderful trait and it should be the foundation as to how we live our lives.