Weekly Torah Portion

This past Sunday I experienced something truly unique and inspiring. At a huddle gathering by a serene lakeside at the home of Andrea Tresser, we participated in a tea-pouring ceremony led by talented yoga instructor Lisa Schreiber. It was an opportunity to slow down and immerse ourselves in every step of the process. Guided to engage all five senses—seeing the steam swirl, feeling the warmth of the cup, hearing the gentle pour, smelling the fragrant aroma, and savoring the taste—something as simple as pouring and sipping tea became deeply meaningful. This mindfulness practice transformed an everyday action into an exercise in gratitude, awakening us to the gifts that surround us, gifts we often take for granted.

This idea of mindful appreciation ties beautifully into this week’s Torah portion, Va’eirah. In the story of the ten plagues we see a striking contrast between Pharaoh and Moshe in how they perceive the world around them. Pharaoh, who embodies arrogance and self-centeredness, refuses to recognize the hand of Hashem even as His wonders unfold in plain sight. His hardened heart blinds him to the miracles and wondrous acts that surround him. Meanwhile, Moshe, the ultimate servant of Hashem, demonstrates the power of humility and mindfulness, consistently acknowledging Hashem’s presence in every aspect of the unfolding events. Not just the open miracles but the seemingly ordinary aspects of life as well.

A striking example of this is found in the first three plagues—blood, frogs, and lice. The famous Torah commentary Rashi explains that Moshe refrained from striking the Nile and the dust to initiate these plagues, as both had protected him in the past. Even inanimate objects, Moshe teaches us, deserve gratitude. He noticed and appreciated the gifts that most of us take for granted: water and earth. This act of sensitivity underscores a core value in Judaism, mindfulness and appreciation for all that Hashem provides, no matter how seemingly small or mundane.

Much like our tea ceremony, Moshe’s actions remind us that slowing down and reflecting on everyday gifts in our lives can lead us to a profound sense of gratitude. How often do we pour a glass of water or walk on the ground without pausing to appreciate these basic yet miraculous aspects of existence?

By adopting Moshe’s perspective, we can transform our routine acts into moments of connection with Hashem. By paying attention to the constant gifts of our lives, such as our senses, we can appreciate the immense love that Hashem has for us. As we approach the challenges and blessings of daily life, let’s strive to infuse our actions with mindfulness and gratitude, recognizing God’s presence in all we do. Just as the tea ceremony elevated a simple act into something meaningful, we can elevate our lives by appreciating the endless gifts surrounding us.