Two Jews met during the month of Elul. One was downcast and nervous and one was elated and upbeat. The joyful character asked his friend what was on his mind. "In just a short while the King of kings will judge me for last year's behavior and I am frightened of the verdict that I can expect", he fretted. "Are you not aware of the upcoming day of judgment? How can you be in such a good mood?"
"Of course I am aware of the impending day of reckoning. But I'm confident of a positive outcome. You see, the judge is my father..."
One of the final mitzvot that Moshe imparted to the Israelites as they prepared to inherit the Promised Land is Bikkurim. One is obligated to bring the first fruits of the annual crop to the Holy Temple as an offering to G-d. An intense declaration of thanksgiving was recited upon delivering this unique gift to the Priest in the Temple.
Bikkurim expresses one of the most crucial elements of divine service: Give gratitude. Awareness and acknowledgement of the good granted to us by G-d strengthens a relationship based on love rather than fear. The attitude to mitzvah observance becomes one of delight and appreciation rather than merely obedience and submission.
In the High Holiday liturgy G-d is titled "Avinu Malkeinu" - Our Father, Our King. We certainly submit ourselves to fulfilling his desires out of a sense of duty as loyal subjects, but with the devotion and alacrity of beloved children.
Wednesday, Elul 18, marked the birth of Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe). These two chassidic giants gifted us with the empowering deep lessons of Chassidus which have caused a paradigm shift in Jewish thinking and philosophy. No need to resort to guilt and self condemnation to be motivated to improvement. Instead, meditate on the greatness of G-d and His unfathomable love for each and every one of us. Identify the core of the G-dly soul within yourself and another and then unleash its divine powers to affect goodness and kindness for all.
The key to this all is expressing gratitude on a consistent basis. Upon waking in the morning, recite the Modeh Ani and appreciate the gift of life. For being granted the opportunity to be an ambassador of Heaven here on Earth for yet another day.
As we prepare for the new year, let us bring Bikkurim. Count the many blessings of this past year and express your thanks by adding another mitzvah or more Torah study to the weekly schedule. The more we appreciate the past, the more confident we can be of the verdict we all wish for - a good and sweet new year.