יום ה Date: 7 Adar, 5775 (2/26/15) – Kesuvos#24 {Eliezer}

HIGHER PURPOSES

[24a bottom] R’ Yehudah and the Rabbis discuss the status of peoples’ claims on questionable produce “Duhmai,” if we believe them that tithes were taken off properly or not.
Stipler [GM’ Shabbos 23]: In general, we do make Brachos (blessings) on Rabbinic commandments, so perhaps we should also make blessings on Duhmai foods? Regarding blessings, we have higher standards because we are mentioning Hashem’s name.
R’ Rosner: [in GM’ Sanhedrin] If one steals wheat and grinds it into Challah dough, one may not make a Bracha on it because it is “disgusting.” Even though now (since its form has been changed and one is not liable to return it) there is no technical prohibition to use and eat it, the mentioning of G-d’s name requires elevated criterion and no blessing may be made upon it.

D-E-ep Thoughts: We must always recognize the motivations behind our actions, and make sure that they are being done for Higher Purposes. When we get lost in our day to day mechanical actions, it is too easy to slip away from our spiritual connections. By pausing to reflect and meditate on our purposes and processes, we will hopefully gain more insight and clarity into our immediate and neighborly worlds.