Blessings For Eternity
The brachah (blesing) that Yitzchak gave Yaakov before his passing is one of the most powerful blessings in all of Jewish history. Its impact has echoed through generations, touching both our physical lives and our spiritual journeys (Ohr HaChayim 27:28).
Chazal teach us that this brachah is not a one-time event, rather it’s constantly in motion. The verse says, “Veyiten lecha” – And He will give to you with an extra vav (‘ו), signaling that Hashem’s (God’s) giving is continual, over and over, for all eternity (Bereishis Rabbah 66:3).
Gifted Then
Even more, the word “veyiten” is connected to matanah, a gift (Degel Yehudah, p.64). Rav Moshe Sternbuch explains that Yitzhak’s brachah was not contingent on fulfilling mitzvot; it was a gift, freely given by Hashem. Every blessing we receive is a matanat chinam – an undeserved gift. Chazal teach that Hashem is always showering us with these gifts, whether we feel deserving or not (Tam VeDa’as p.128).
This means that even thousands of years later, we can still access the incredible power of this brachah. But how do we connect to it most deeply?
The Seforno points to the key: the phrase “…which Hashem blessed”. The following verse states, “Veyiten lecha Elokim” Hashem will give you. By focusing on Hashem’s blessings, by truly noticing them and feeling grateful, we open ourselves to receive even more.
And Every Day!
Think about it. Every moment of life, the fact that you can see, breathe, walk, think is a blessing. Hashem is continually renewing creation. As we say each morning in Shacharit, “Hamchadesh b’tuvo b’chol yom tamid ma’aseh bereshit”—“Who continually renews the work of creation each day through His goodness.” Creation is not a one-time event; it is happening right now, every second, because Hashem loves us.
The Rashba (Shut 1:19) explains that this is why Chazal instituted the recitation of Birkat HaShachar each morning, a series of blessings thanking Hashem for the gifts we receive daily. The ability to see, walk, and stand tall are all blessings given to us again and again. Even if we recite these brachot many times, each time is a renewal, a fresh gift.
So Blessed!
This is why the berachot are in the present tense, like pokeach ivrim -“Who gives sight to the blind,” or malbish arumim – “Who clothes the undressed.” These gifts are constantly being renewed, and so we speak of them as happening now (The Alter of Slabodka).
In truth, Hashem is giving us these blessings all day, every day. Ideally, we would express gratitude constantly! Our Rabbis understood this challenge and therefore set aside a daily time to recite these blessings with focus, carrying intention for the entire day (Rav Yerucham Levovitz, Da’as Torah Shemos 17:8).
When we pause and notice the brachot in our lives, our health, our ability to see, hear, walk, learn, and love our family, we open the door to receive even more. As the Seforno teaches, focusing on Hashem’s goodness releases the extraordinary power contained in Yitzchak’s blessing, which flows to Yaakov and all of his descendants for all generations. Even over 3,000 years later, we can tap into this blessing that is always in motion.
Here’s a real-life example:
A woman from Beit Shemesh was struggling financially. She decided to focus on Birkat HaShachar, saying each blessing with intention and gratitude. She slowed down, really thinking about each word and feeling her thanks to Hashem. Two weeks later, she received a surprising phone call from the municipality. They had overcharged her by mistake and immediately sent her a check for 20,000 Shekel! This blessing brought real, tangible change to her life.
This story reminds us that Hashem’s gifts are not only spiritual. They can touch every area of our lives. By noticing them, appreciating them, and focusing on the blessings we already have, we access the endless flow of Hashem’s matanot chinam. The brachah of Yitzhak is alive and active waiting for us to open our hearts and receive it.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
