Blessings - An Introduction
The Psalmist said: "The
earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof"
(Pg. 24:1). Taking this statement literally,
and deeming it appropriate to acknowledge
the fruits of the earth as a gift from the
Lord, the rabbis instituted the practice of
reciting a benediction when partaking of any
of them.
Hence, Judaism prescribes blessings to be said before and
after eating, as well as before enjoying fragrant
aromas, or upon seeing pleasing and awe-inspiring
sights. In this way, the satisfaction of a
physical craving is raised into the realm
of the spirit. Eating becomes a religious
act (Hertz, Daily Prayer Book, p.
961).
Rabbi
Abraham Isaac Kook elaborates this concept,
explaining that physical enjoyment fulfills
its purpose only if it serves at the same
time as I vehicle for moral satisfaction,
i.e., the acknowledgment of God in the world.
A person who partakes of things without saying
a blessing first, and uses them only for the
satisfaction of physical needs, reduces the
value of the thing enjoyed by not fulfilling
its higher purpose in the world (Kook, 'Olat
Re'iyah, 1:345).
He further stresses that holiness rests in man's seeking moral fulfillment even in physical pleasures. When man acknowledges God with a benediction, and thus recognizes God's creation in whatever he enjoys, he will experience a heightened appreciation of God's grace, lovingkindness, and wisdom which are present in all creation (ibid., p. 347).
Sources: Klein, Isaac. A
Guide to Jewish Religious Practice.
NY: Jewish
Theological Seminary of America, 1988.
Reprinted here with permission. |