D'var Torah: When Leah gave birth to her fourth son, "She named him Yehudah" (Bereisheis 30:35). The Talmud tells us that she was the first person in history to offer thanks to HaShem. Yet, surely, our holy Patriarchs gave thanks to HaShem. If so, what was the unique quality of Leah's expression of gratitude to Hashem? Leah reasoned that since Yaacov had four wives, each wife was entitled to have three of Yaacov's twelve sons. However, when her fourth son was born, she realized that none of Yaacov's wives have a claim of "entitlement." Instead, HaShem grants the son to each wife as a gift, according to His will. Leah realized that since each son is a gift from HaShem, she should always thank HaShem for his ongoing kindness. In light of this, Leah named her fourth son, Yehudah, which means "thankfulness." Each time she referred to Yehudah, she would remind herself to thank HaShem continuously.
Moral: Everything that we have, for instance, our lives, our children, our health, the Torah, our intelligence, etc. is a gift from HaShem. Therefore, since we are continuously receiving countless gifts from Hashem, it is appropriate for us to continually thank HaShem for His never-ending stream of gifts.
Application: Identify ten gifts that HaShem is granting you this moment. Write them down and reflect on them during the day. Thank HaShem continuously for His constant wellspring of gifts.
(Based on the commentary of Rav Yaacov Yoseph Herman)
