Transcript Appreciation PowerPoint

Appreciation Hakarat Hatov
‫ַהכ ַָּרת ַהטֹוב‬
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Appreciation
‫ַהכ ַָּרת ַהטֹוב‬
• Every day we acknowledge the many
blessings we have been given by God and by
those who are working in partnership with
God. Being appreciative of what we have is
one of the centerpieces of Judaism.
• Expressing appreciation to others and to God
helps us feel greater empathy and cultivates
positive feelings and healthy relationships.
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Thanks
• In Judaism, what avenues do we have to express thanks?
• What types of things do our families and friends do that
deserve hakarat hatov (appreciation) from us?
• What can we do to show gratitude to these people?
• What is the difference between expressing gratitude with
deeds and with words?
• What is the difference between expressing gtatitude to
people and to God?
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“People should recognize goodness and do kind
deeds for someone who has done good things
for them.” (Sefer Hahinukh 33)
• Think of someone who has
done good things for you.
What has that person done
for you?
• How have you recognized
that person’s kindness to
you? Why did you choose
to recognize it that way?
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“Don’t throw stones into a well from which you
drank.” (Bava Kama 92b)
• What do you think this
means?
• What are examples of
“stones” in our lives? What
are examples of “wells”?
• How can you avoid
“throwing stones into a well
from which you drank”?
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“Give thanks to God for God is good; God’s
kindness endures forever.” (Psalms 118:1)
• In what ways is God kind to us?
• Is it enough just to thank God to
show appreciation for God’s
kindness?
• What other ways do we show
appreciation to God? What is
our responsibility back to God?
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“We thank You, God our God for bequeathing to us a
beautiful, good land, for taking us out of Egyptian slavery,
for establishing a covenant with us, for teaching us Your
Torah and making us aware of Your statutes, for life, grace,
and kindness that You bestow upon us, and for the food that
You provide us always, every day, every time, and every
hour.” (Second Blessing, Birkat Hamazon)
• When is this text recited?
• What causes for gratitude
does the text cite?
• In what order are the
causes listed? Why?
• Are there additional ones
that you would include?
What are they?
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How do these pictures remind us about
hakarat hatov (appreciation)?
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Modeh Ani
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Rise and Shine
The prayer “Modeh Ani” thanks God for
returning our souls to us each morning.
• When you wake up in the morning, what
are you most thankful for?
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Appreciation In Action
• Choose a particular person (or event) in
your life to whom you would like to show
appreciation. Write that person a letter to
tell them why you appreciate them.
• If you have time, decorate your letter, too.
• If you want to mail the letter, you can. If not,
you can keep it in your pocket as a
reminder to practice hakarat hatov.
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