Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
After forty years of experiencing a reality unlike anything the world had ever known, the Jews stood on the threshold of a new chapter. Their miraculous journey through the wilderness was coming to an end, and they were about to enter Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel), where they would build a nation, work the land, and begin a completely different way of life.
Looking Back Before Moving Forward
Yet, at this very moment, as they prepared to leave behind their miraculous existence in the desert, Hashem gave them a powerful commandment: “And you shall remember the entire way that Hashem, your God, led you through the wilderness these forty years…” (Devarim 8:2)
Why was this reminder so important? After all, the Jewish people had experienced countless miracles in the desert. Surely, they would never forget such an extraordinary period in their history. Yet Hashem understood that the greatest danger was not forgetting the difficulties they had endured, but forgetting the incredible kindness He had shown them throughout those years.
Miracles That Were Never Meant to Be Forgotten
For forty years, the Jews witnessed Hashem’s loving care in every aspect of their lives. The Ananei HaKavod (Clouds of Glory) surrounded them and protected them, the Be’er Miriam (Miriam’s Wellspring) provided them with water, their clothing never became worn out, and all their needs were miraculously provided for. They were also saved countless times from their enemies. Their entire existence was a constant reminder that Hashem was guiding them and caring for them.
However, they were now entering a completely different reality. In Eretz Yisrael, they would plow fields, earn a livelihood, and take responsibility for their own physical needs. The open miracles of the desert could easily become distant memories—stories of a remarkable time that had already passed.
Therefore, Hashem commanded them never to forget those years. These miracles were not meant to remain only in the history books; they were meant to shape their perspective and be passed down from generation to generation.
The Mitzvah of Remembering Hashem’s Kindness
Rabbeinu Yonah teaches that this mitzvah is not limited to the generation that experienced the desert. It applies to every Jew throughout every generation. After all, we too have our own journeys. Throughout our lives, Hashem constantly guides us, protects us, and provides for us. We are commanded to remember the kindnesses He has shown us and recognize His loving involvement throughout every stage of our lives.
Gratitude Is a Torah Obligation
This teaches us a remarkable lesson: gratitude is not merely a beautiful character trait; it is a mitzvah, a commandment from the Torah. Every time we pause to reflect on the countless blessings and miracles that surround us and say, “Thank You, Hashem, for all the goodness in my life,” we are fulfilling a mitzvah.
Every person is surrounded by so much kindness and goodness. Even before we entered this world, we experienced the most incredible miracles. Consider the development of a baby in its mother’s womb. Without any conscious effort, every need is provided for, allowing the baby to grow and develop until the moment it is ready to enter this world.
This is only the beginning. After we are born, Hashem provides us with milk containing all the nutrients we need to grow. Throughout our lives, He continues to sustain us with countless gifts that we often take for granted. Every moment that we can breathe, see, walk, and hear is a remarkable blessing. The list is endless.
Our parashah is teaching us that we must train ourselves to remember the kindnesses Hashem has shown us throughout our lives. This awareness becomes especially powerful during challenging times. When we remember how Hashem helped us through previous struggles and difficulties, we gain the strength and confidence to face the challenges before us, knowing that the same Hashem Who guided us in the past continues to guide us today.
Looking Back Gives Us Strength
A concerned father once approached the Tzemach Tzedek (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the third rebbe of Chabad), sharing that his eighth child was getting married and he had no means to help with the expenses. “How did you manage to marry off your first seven children?” asked the Tzemach Tzedek. “I will tell you the truth,” the chassid replied. “I really don’t know. Somehow, it worked out in the end.”
The Tzemach Tzedek reassured him: “There is no need to worry. Look back at the past. Just as Hashem helped you with those weddings, even though you do not know how you were able to work it out, He will help you with this wedding too.”
When we look back and recognize the countless times Hashem has guided us in the past, we gain the strength to trust Him with the challenges we face today.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
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