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Kenneth Cohen

Showing Gratitude

Upon describing the various plagues that fell upon the Egyptians, we learn a very subtle, but extremely important message.

When we examine the text, certain plagues were administered by Moshe, and others by Aharon. The plagues involving water, such as blood and frogs, were not done by Moshe. He could not afflict the water that saved him as a baby.

Moshe was also not permitted to smite the earth, that brought on the plague of lice. The sand was kind to him, and allowed him to bury the Egyptian that he killed.

This teaches that we must even show gratitude to inanimate objects, and certainly to anyone that shows us a kindness.

The Mussar books emphasize this principle very strongly. The one who shows gratitude is called a “Makir Tov.” The one who is an ingrate is referred to as a “Kafuy Tova.”

There is so much that can be learned from the personalities of the Makir Tov, and the Kafuy Tova. The latter is plagued with a sense of entitlement. It is very likely that such a person will be arrogant and inconsiderate.

The Makir Tov will be a kind and gentle person, recognizing and acknowledging any act of kindness sent his way. He will be humble, thoughtful, and caring.

Hashem has little tolerance for the Kafuy Tova. It will be extremely difficult for such a person to get close to G-d. He will be unable to recognize the need to give thanks for His abundant blessings.

The Makir Tov is constantly giving thanks to Hashem. He takes nothing for granted and realizes how fortunate is his lot. He is a spiritual person that is brought closer and closer to G-d.

It is so interesting how our sages were able to learn the importance of Hakarot Hatov, from Moshe and Aharon.

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com