בס”ד
Ki Tavo: “And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your G-d has given you” (Deuteronomy 26:11)
“Serve the Lord with joy,” This principle is valid anytime, anywhere, and applies to Noahides as well. It is also mentioned in this week’s Torah portion Ki Tavo, which states that a person should act in the manner of “serving the Lord your G-d with joy and a good heart.” (Deuteronomy 28:47)
Although all commandments should be observed with joy, there are certain commandments that the Torah emphasizes the importance of joy more than others. One such Jewish commandment is the bringing of the first fruits, which opens this week’s Torah portion. When the Torah describes it, it instructs: “And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your G-d has given you.” Noahides do not have an obligation to bring the first fruits to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. However, the inner depth of this commandment has essential meaning to them: giving the best resources that one has to the service of G-d.
What does the commandment of the first fruits teach us about serving G-d? Mainly to be full of praise and gratitude. The first fruits means that our best resources should specifically be taken from the best time and energy that we have to serve G-d.
On a personal level, the idea of the first fruits is reflected in the fact that a person dedicates the beginning of his day to giving praise and thanks to the Lord. Upon waking in the morning, he says: “Modeh Ani,” for giving him back his soul after sleeping. Immediately afterward, he prays. Then he turns to the tasks of his day. All of this is accompanied by great joy. Not just joy for personal success or blessings. The joy is general and encompassing — “And you shall rejoice in all the good” — joy in the very essence of our existence, in the fact that we have merited to serve our Creator. Such joy encompasses all aspects of daily life, all our deeds and actions.
Being filled with gratitude also applied to Noahides. The underlying themes of joy, appreciation, and doing good are deeply related to the seven Noahide commandments. For Noahides, serving G-d with joy means embracing the understanding that they have a special role in creation. The Seven Noahide Commandments establish a moral framework that guides their actions in a way that honors G-d. After each good deed or act of kindness performed in accordance with these laws, a Noahide can express gratitude to G-d for His guidance and support in their lives. The commandment to serve with joy especially reflects the notion that recognizing one’s position as a servant of G-d, should be a source of happiness.
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN
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