D'var Torah: "And you shall rejoice with all the good that HaShem, your
G-d, has given you and your household" (Devarim 26:11). The phrase, "And you shall rejoice with all the good" holds a great secret. That is, "All the good" alludes to HaShem, Himself, Who embraces all goodness. In His unbounded love for man, HaShem requires us to rejoice by recognizing that we are connected to HaShem, the very Source of all good. And how is this happiness attained? By reflecting on the fact that HaShem is the Source of all goodness. He lovingly grants each one of us constant all-encompassing goodness, as a free gift. Indeed, His supreme goodness flows upon us with countless blessings, kindness, and enlightenment.
Moral: The beginning of spirituality is our awareness that our Creator commands us to be happy! What's more, we fulfill this commandment to rejoice in HaShem by recognizing the love that HaShem, the Source of good, constantly showers upon us.
Application: Reflect on the fact that HaShem cares about us so much that He requires us to attain happiness by recognizing His incomparable goodness. Envision King David singing to HaShem: "It is good to thank HaShem, and to sing to Your Name, O exalted One. To tell of Your kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness in the evening. Upon a lyre and lute, with singing accompanied by a harp. For You have given me joy, HaShem, with Your deeds, at the work of Your hands I sing a joyous song!" (Tehillim 92).
(Based on the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim)
