"Necessary Provisions"       

"Blessed Who provided for me all my needs". In this blessing we are declaring that our provisions are provided to us by G-d. Our efforts provide natural channels to receive the necessary provisions for us. Our doing is the tool whereby we receive

G-d's blessing. What physical vessel is used to help us receive necessary provisions?

Shoes serve as a physical vessel to obtain provisions for a livelihood. In Berachot 16B, this blessing is associated with the tying of the shoestrings. The connection between this blessing and the tying of the shoestrings is explained by Abudraham. "As long as a person is barefoot, he cannot go out to work, but when he puts his shoes on and ties them up, he is ready to go out and take care of his physical needs".

We must exert ourselves and search for a livelihood, while having trust and faith that G-d has set aside necessary provisions for us. "Blessed are you who nourishes the world in His goodness and grace" (Birkat Hamazon). Our blessings and thanks to the Almighty serve as a spiritual vessel towards obtaining spiritual wealth.

In the above blessing, the term "provided" is used in the past tense to illustrate that even before we start a new day, necessary provisions have been predetermined for us. In the Amidah we read the following: "Bless on our behalf- O G-d our G-d this year and all of its various crops, for our benefit. And give dew to the rain for a blessing and give blessing for the face of the earth".  The Gemara teaches us that provisions have been decided by the Almighty between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Our job is to use our integrity and perseverance in our allegiance to Him. "You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living creature" (Tehilim 145:16).

Challenges in everyday life can produce an overwhelming sense of apprehension towards our service and devotion to G-d. The basic tools for this feeling are perseverance and integrity in our belief that G-d has a purpose for everything. Perseverance is the result of a strong will. One must believe that through the challenging times, G-d's light is always going to shine on those with integrity. An awareness of G-d's closeness dispels the darkness of adversity. "Even in darkness there shines a light for the upright- He is compassionate, merciful and righteous" (Tehilim 112:4).

A man who walks in perseverance will not compromise his integrity towards his devotion to G-d. One must use perseverance to make sure he doesn't give up his efforts to obtain spiritual wealth. "He who walks in his integrity as a righteous man, happy are his children after him" (Mishley 21:7).

The Blessing of the Kohanim is a spiritual vehicle to obtain material & spiritual wealth. "And G-d spoke to Moshe, saying: Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying: Thus shall you bless the children of Israel saying unto them. G-d bless you and protect you; (refers to material blessing) G-d make His face to shine upon you (the light of Torah), and be gracious unto you; G-d lift up His face unto you, and give you peace (everlasting life in the world to come"  (Bamidbar 6:22-26).

The blessing of the Kohanim serve as a spiritual vehicle to bless Israel, to assure us that G-d will give us necessary provisions for a satiated life.  What reward is due the Kohanim for blessing Israel?

"And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel and I will bless them"

(G-d himself blesses the Kohanim).  (Bamidbar 6:27)

May G-d shine His light upon us and give us necessary provisions to see the ultimate redemption of Jerusalem. Amen.