There’s a Bracha, blessing, we say on new fruits, on inaugurating a new holiday, when we buy new clothes. It’s called Shehechiyanu and the body of it goes, Shehechiyanu v’Kimanu v’Higiyanu La’Zman Hazeh, That we have lived and been sustained and have reached this moment.

There is a lot of Talmudic and Halachic discussion and disuputation on when this prayer is required, when it’s permitted. And anyone who has followed these Torah thoughts of mine, or who has studied text with me, or even had a casual conversation with me (since I’m not very good at avoiding my obsessions about Torah in present day Israel), knows I strongly feel that halacha is dynamic and, at this point in time and place, is changing faster than anyone can keep track (even if the official pronouncements by the “powers-that-be” rarely reflect this reality.)

Anyhow, for the past two weeks I have been forced to realize and appreciate just how precious each an every moment of life is. To be alive and enjoy a mundane cup of coffee, to have a meal, to awake to a new morning, I notice that I’ve been using Shehechiyanu as a mantra. I can’t but give thanks for each and ever moment, for the privilege of each sip of my favorite drink, each lesson or insight in Torah I’m granted, each conversation with a friend, every second with a loved one.

Repeat it to yourself, Baruch Ata Adonei Eloheynu Melech HaOlam, Shehechiyanu v’Kimanu v’Higiyanu La’Zman Hazeh.

Just as the world was renewed after The Flood, when Noah emerged from the ark, I must give thanks.

And then I can only reply, Amen.

Shabbat Shalom