Are we grateful for all the gifts G-d gives us? Our children, grandchildren, spouse, siblings, friends’ parents, etc. How about the gift of life? What about the Torah, with its many laws and customs (G-d’s given blueprint to living)? Do we view these laws and customs as a gift or rather as a burden? If we were carrying a backpack of 200 pounds of rocks, we would most likely have a very difficult time walking, barely able to move. If instead of the backpack being filled with rocks its was actually filled with diamonds, we would probably be dancing in the streets. The Torah is not a backpack of rocks, but rather one of precious diamonds. An amazing gift given to us by our Creator. Within this backpack are the beautiful laws and customs of mourning and bereavement. The more we follow this prescribed method of dealing with life’s most difficult and trying times, (The loss of a love one), the greater the gift we receive. These intricate laws and customs should not be viewed as an obligation only, but rather as an opportunity to slowly come back to this world with a love and appreciation for all the gifts G-d has given us, and the biggest gift of all, life itself. The Kaddish prayer makes no reference to the deceased. Kaddish is a reaffirmation to living. In the midst of our grief and our inability to understand G-d’s ways, we reaffirm our commitment to living. This commitment to life itself is a gift we receive from G-d. By graciously and gratefully accepting this gift, we bring honor, nachas, and comfort to the neshamas of our loved ones who have left this world, as well as to our family in this world. May gratitude be our attitude. May we utilize all the gifts G-d gives us, (including the obstacles) as opportunities, for personal growth, with the understanding that EVERYTHING IS TRULY A GIFT!

#NewYear #RoshHashanah #WordsofWisdom