“Thankfulness has an inner connection with humility. It recognizes that what we are and what we have is due to others and above all, to God.” ~Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
True gratitude is transformational. It’s the antidote to negativity and a key ingredient to a prosperous and joyous life. But, for so many of us, myself included, living a life of gratitude takes practice, literally. Our brains tend to gravitate toward what is lacking or wrong rather than right.
Becoming a genuinely thankful person requires daily attention. For some, journal writing helps to keep the gratitude flowing. For others, taking time each day to reflect on all they have to be grateful for is the perfect way to stay thankful.
Over the years I have adopted similar daily routines that work wonderfully, but becoming Jewish has added a whole new layer to my gratitude practice. Being grateful is central to living a Jewish life. It is a Mitzvah, a commandment that Jews must follow.
Judaism provides countless opportunities to express gratitude. The Modeh Ani and Shehecheyanu prayers are daily ways I stay grateful. Meanwhile, for me baking Challah, is the perfect time for expressing gratitude.
The Modeh Ani
What is the first thing you do when you wake up each morning? Many of us reach for our phones. We look to see the latest news and immediately flood our minds with noise, but this isn’t the best option. Instead time with God should occupy our first waking moments. The Modeh Ani is a Jewish prayer meant to be said each morning upon waking and before doing anything else.
It’s a prayer of gratitude, thanking God for another day of life, another opportunity to live in the present and let go of the past. This prayer has been transformational for me. Every morning, I say it, and it sets the tone for the entire day.
Like so many others, I have battled reliving painful memories of the past and this daily ritual has helped me to thrive. Praying the Modeh Ani helps anchor me in the present moment and create a divine connection with God before my day starts. It places me in an instant state of gratitude before I even get out of bed. What an amazing way to start the day!
The Shehecheyanu
Shehecheyanu is the blessing for firsts, like lighting the first Hanukkah candles of the year, experiencing the Mikvah for the first time when converting or becoming a parent for the first time. Yet, in life, every day, every hour, and every moment we are alive is a first. With every passing second brings new opportunities and experiences. My Jewish Learning explains:
“If we are truly present, we could say the Shehechiyanu in every moment, because every moment is new and truly unprecedented. Unfortunately, we often get distracted or complacent, and we habitually miss the miracle that is right in front of us. This blessing is an opportunity to do teshuvah, to return, and in returning, to bring attention back to the miracle of this moment, to the realization of the blessing of being alive, conscious and receptive.”
The past year has provided ample opportunity to recite the Shehecheyanu. My Jewish conversion has been a long series of firsts. I’ve experienced each Jewish Holiday for the first time, I’ve begun to study Hebrew, and soon I will experience the Mikvah for the first time.
Outside of my spiritual life, I’ve experienced many firsts this past year. I launched a writing career, began a weekly Challah baking routine, and set out on a cross-country road trip with my mother for the first time. With each of these new experiences, I have recited the Modeh Ani, thanking God for these wonderful, blissful first moments. Isn’t it wonderful that there is a Jewish prayer for nearly every life experience?
Baking Challah
Baking Challah is a longstanding tradition in Judaism. It’s made on Shabbat and many Jewish Holidays. But, baking Challah is much more than mixing egg, yeast, and flour and baking it until it becomes bread. Baking Challah is a spiritual experience filled with prayer, meditation, and gratitude.
Every time I bake Challah I thank God for all I have been blessed with; my family, my home, and the new and exciting opportunities Hashem has gifted me with. The entire process is a wonderful experience of living in the present moment and connecting with God.
I sometimes think about all of the struggles I’ve experienced in life and how dramatically Judaism has changed me. My faith has given me the tools to overcome hardship and thrive. Being Jewish isn’t something you do once a week, it’s in every moment of every day and I am grateful for every minute.
Thank you so much for reading! Are you on your Jewish journey or interested in learning more? I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or reach out to me on social media. Shalom Friends!
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