Life in the Wilderness: Surrounded by Miracles
Life in the desert was a unique type of existence. It was an effortless life, where all of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish nation)’s needs were miraculously taken care of. They didn’t need to perform the menial labors of day-to-day life, such as laundry, buying groceries or cooking. When their clothes needed a clean, the Ananei HaKavod (Clouds of Glory) miraculously laundered them, leaving them fresh and pristine. When it was time to eat, the Heavens opened and mann (manna) poured down. This food had such miraculous properties that it could taste like whatever one wished.
The Jews didn’t need to purchase or prepare food; it just fell straight from the Heavens. What a life!
However, for some this wasn’t enough. “We remember the fish we ate in Egypt for free and the cucumbers, melons, leeks and garlic,” the people bemoaned. This rebellion was instigated by the evildoers amongst the nation, yet many others were swept in, causing a great hysteria, and many were punished.
But again, Klal Yisrael had such an effortless life! They glided through the desert on the clouds of glory, offering them protection, and their every need was taken care of. No comparison to the rigorous labor and harsh conditions that they experienced in Egypt. So what caused them to complain like this?
The Root of Their Complaint: A Lack of Appreciation
The Ramban (Bamidbar 11:1) brings a powerful explanation that, when we absorb its message, could change our lives.
Their sin stemmed from their negative mindset. Really, they should have been overflowing with happiness that they were privileged to live such a life. They witnessed the most spectacular miracles and lived such a unique type of existence. Yet even the most stunning landscape won’t be appreciated when our glasses are tainted.
So this was where their sin originated from: a lack of appreciation.
This is such a fundamental message that is so relevant to our lives. No matter how well things can be going for us, if we don’t appreciate it, we won’t feel happy. Everything depends on our perspective, and we need to train ourselves to focus on the good.
This helps us understand why gratitude is referred to as hakarat hatov, “recognizing the good.”
Happiness Depends on What We Choose to See
It is up to us to choose to focus on the incredible kindnesses that we receive as opposed to focusing on the negative. This mindset will ensure we are overflowing with happiness.
In the words of the Kuzari (3:16):
“Appreciation enhances our joy of life. Without it, one goes through life like a person in a drunken state, not feeling the pleasure and enjoyment of their many blessings.”
When we actively recognize the blessings Hashem (God) gives us every day, we develop a deeper sense of joy, purpose, and connection.
The Choice Is Ours
The renowned mashpia (mentor), HaRav Shlomo Brevda, was very close to having a serious accident, almost falling off a cliff. With God’s kindness, he was miraculously saved.
Rav Brevda thought that he would never be the same person again after experiencing such a miracle. However, he noticed that these feelings of inspiration soon began to wear off.
Puzzled as to why this was so, he approached the great Chazon Ish (early 20th century leading rabbi) and asked why it’s so hard to be permanently inspired by the miracles we experience.
He responded that Hashem wants to ensure that we have bechirah, free choice, in how we respond to events. He therefore makes it human nature not to remain constantly moved by miracles. It is our responsibility to use our bechirah correctly, actively choosing to focus on miracles.
When we do so, we bring ourselves closer to Hashem.
(Adapted from Maaseh Ish, vol. 2, p. 157)
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
