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APRIL 1998 EDITION
The blessing we say for matzah is the same blessing we say before eating bread. "Blessed are you, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe--hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz--who brings forth bread from the ground."
This blessing doesn't seem to be giving credit where credit is due. Granted, G-d may bring forth wheat from the ground, but when was the last time you saw a farmer harvesting loaves of bread? Bread comes from the ovens of bakers and bubbies, not "from the ground"! And, if you want to be a stickler about this, G-d doesn't even deserve all the credit for the wheat. Isn't the farmer the one who prepares the soil for planting, properly sows the seeds, and then harvests at just the right time? If anything, the production of bread and matzah is a partnership, with G-d acting as the junior partner.
There is an idea in Jewish law which seems to reinforce the problem with the way the blessing of hamotzi is worded. Jewish law states that upon saying hamotzi one should be careful to hold the loaf with all ten fingers. This is to remind us that the production of bread is a ten step process. From the preparation of the soil, to the planting, harvesting, grinding, and right through the kneading and baking of the dough, is a full ten, steps. Aren't all of these steps in the hands of man, as the Jewish law implies, and not in the hands of G-d, as the blessing implies?
When I floss my teeth and thereby forestall the creeping advances of tooth and gum decay, do I deserve a pat on the back and a round of applause? Do I hold my head high and flash a proud contented smile? Or, do I say, "thank G-d I've got the brains and ability to prevent my teeth from becoming premature mush." Judaism says take pleasure--not pride--in the constructive choices you make in life. The Jewish view of the man - G-d partnership boils down to this. You make the sensible choice to floss your teeth: the rest is a gift. The cognitive aptitude necessary to grasp the hygienist's instructions on how to floss. The ability to consistently judge whether or not you've pulled out the right amount of floss. The dexterity required to gently maneuver the floss between tooth and gum. Each of these disparate abilities along with countless others are gifts from G-d. A fresh loaf of bread, like a well-flossed tooth, is a marvelous accomplishment. We take pleasure in our accomplishments, and are thankful that we chose to use our many gifts in a constructive and meaningful manner.
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