Yaakov Avinu (our forefather Yaakov) was forced to flee for his life. His brother Eisav had vowed to take revenge after his brachot (blessings) were given to Yaakov instead of him, and so he had no choice but to escape to the home of his uncle Lavan. It was a frightening journey. Dangerous, lonely, and completely unknown. And on top of that, Yaakov knew that Lavan was a deceiver and an idol-worshipper. The environment he was entering would be worlds apart from the pure and holy home of his parents Yitzchak and Rivka.
Yaakov’s Promise
At that moment, Yaakov made a heartfelt promise. He said: “If Hashem (God) will be with me, will protect me on the road I am taking, and will give me bread to eat and clothes to wear… then this stone which I set up as a pillar will become a house of Hashem, and of everything You give me, I will surely give a tenth to You.” (Bereishit 28:20–23)
Why did Yaakov specifically mention bread and clothing? Surely he wasn’t doubting that Hashem would give him the most basic necessities.
The Small Gifts
The Alter of Kelm offers a beautiful explanation. He teaches that Yaakov had learned from his parents that every single thing, no matter how small, is a pure gift from Hashem. Nothing we have is truly “our own achievement.” Everything is Heaven-sent.
Yaakov feared that living with Lavan, a person who attributed everything to his own efforts, might affect him. He didn’t want Lavan’s distorted worldview to rub off on him. So when Yaakov asked Hashem for “bread” and “clothes,” he was really asking for the ability to always feel that these simple things came directly from Hashem. What an incredible insight.
Yaakov’s deep appreciation becomes a model for us as well. When we truly feel that even our bread and clothing come straight from Hashem, then our brachot, specifically HaMotzi (blessing on bread) and Malbish Arumim (part of the morning prayers) take on a completely different meaning.
So Many Miracles!
Think about a slice of bread. There are so many miraculous processes behind it. Seeds that grow, the harvest, preparation… countless steps until it reaches our table. Rabbi Avigdor Miller used to say, “Chazal tell us there were 250 miracles at Kriat Yam Suf (the splitting of the sea), yet there are thousands of miracles in every bite we eat!” Even pausing for one moment before saying HaMotzi can transform the way we experience Hashem’s kindness.
And the same is true for our clothing. We are blessed with entire wardrobes, garments suited for every season and every need. Take a simple shirt: The collar is reinforced so it stays up. The buttonholes are bordered so they don’t tear. Buttons are sewn in securely. Pockets are added for convenience. Sleeves have cuffs that can be unbuttoned so we can roll them up easily, whether for putting on tefillin or staying cool in the summer.
Rav Yitzchak Isaac Sher once pointed out to Rabbi Avigdor Miller how even something as small as a buttonhole deserves gratitude. “Imagine,” he said, “if a buttonhole had no border. It would rip immediately, and the garment would be ruined.”
We can also appreciate how Hashem gives us clothing for all conditions: light summer clothes, warm winter layers, thermal garments, raincoats, scarves, and gloves. No matter what the weather is, we have what we need to stay protected and comfortable.
Notice, And Feel The Joy
The more we notice, the more grateful we become and the more alive our relationship with Hashem feels. Try noticing the small things. They make a big difference!
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
