Like winning the lottery. But what if there's more to it? What if we have a role to play?
The Sifrei Devarim, a collection of legal Midrash on the Book of Deuteronomy, tackles this head-on. It quotes Deuteronomy 15:4, "And the L-rd your G-d will bless you.” Okay, great. But then it asks a really important question: does that mean we can just sit around, twiddling our thumbs, and expect blessings to rain down?
The answer, of course, is a resounding no! The Sifrei immediately follows up by quoting the rest of the verse: "…in all that you do." (Deuteronomy 15:4). The blessing isn't some passive gift; it’s intrinsically linked to our actions. It’s in “all that you do.” Our effort, our intention, our doing is what opens the door for divine blessing. It's a partnership, a collaboration. We put in the work, and God provides the increase, the abundance, the…blessing.
It makes you think, doesn't it? Blessing isn't about luck; it's about actively participating in the world, using our talents and energy to create, to contribute, to do.
Now, let's switch gears slightly and talk about firstborn animals – the bechor (בְּכוֹר). Deuteronomy 15:19 deals with the laws surrounding these animals, specifically the firstborn of cattle. The Sifrei Devarim dives deep into the nuances of these laws, drawing out some fascinating insights.
The verse tells us about the bechor, the firstborn animal. Scripture informs us that a bechor is to be eaten (by the Kohein, the priest) all of its first year. But, the text points out, this refers to an unblemished bechor, one that’s fit for sacrifice. What about one with a blemish? Could it still be eaten?
The Sifrei answers with a simple, elegant phrase: “every bechor.” The all-encompassing term "every" extends the law to include even those animals that aren't perfect. It's a seemingly small detail, but it speaks volumes about the inclusivity and thoroughness of Jewish law.
But there’s more! The text then quotes, "You shall not work with the bechor of your bullock, etc." (Deuteronomy 15:19). We learn that it is forbidden to shear them or to work with a bechor. The question arises again: does this only apply to unblemished firstborn animals?
Once again, the Sifrei gives us the same answer: “every bechor.” The prohibition against working the animal applies whether it's perfect or imperfect. The very fact that it's a firstborn, consecrated to God, sets it apart, regardless of its physical condition.
What’s the takeaway here? Perhaps it’s that sacredness isn’t contingent on perfection. The bechor, even with its flaws, still holds a special status. Just like us, maybe? We don't have to be perfect to be worthy of blessing, to be worthy of respect. We just need to be doing. We just need to be striving.
So, the next time you think about blessing, remember it's not just something you receive. It's something you actively participate in. And remember the bechor – perfect or imperfect – and its inherent sacredness. Maybe, just maybe, that little shift in perspective can open you up to blessings you never even imagined.