Rav Shai's Torah on the Grow

My sister once noticed that an elderly man’s shoelaces were untied. So she tied them. He then put his hands on her head and blessed her. Who gets blessings from strangers? Even weirder, who gives blessings to strangers?

Edward L. Greenstein, a scholar of the Hebrew Bible, described the Torah’s world as a “modest utopia where people bless each other for being kind.” It’s very nice to be thanked or even praised, but it doesn’t compare to being blessed. It’s a rare occurrence, but when it happens it fans an inner ember. 

After God tells our patriarch, Abram, to leave his home, his next commandment is to be a blessing (Genesis 12:3). Most commentators understand that Abram should behave in a way worthy of being blessed. Ibn Gikitilla, a medieval mystic, offers a different interpretation based on a Rabbinic midrash: “Blessing has been given to you. Take it as you will, and know that it is not for you alone, but you may give it to anyone that you wish.” Like a single flame kindling other lights, we can bestow blessings without diminishing our own.

I don’t remember if my sister ever blessed me before she was blessed, but she has since. Many times. It was a bit strange to be blessed, and even stranger the first time I gave a blessing. But the discomfort quickly gave way to something like an endorphin rush. Try it—the blessing has been given to us, and we can give it to anyone we wish. (I do recommend, however, asking permission before putting your hands on anybody’s head.) Our modest utopia awaits.