Baruch Hashem: Embracing Life’s Blessings.

I never truly understood the meaning of Baruch Hashem*.
I wasn’t raised with much observance of Judaism, and expressions like Baruch Hashem weren’t part of my vocabulary. So when I came to New York and heard these Hebrew words spoken so often, they felt foreign to me—like an expression that belonged to someone else's world, not mine.
I vividly remember a dear friend who would respond to every question about how he or his kids were doing with unwavering conviction: Baruch Hashem. I never said it aloud, but in my mind, I mocked him. I found it almost unattractive—overly pious or unnecessary.
At that time in my life, I was a bit lost, though I didn’t realize it. I had three young kids who were easy to raise, a loving marriage with a husband who was supportive and undemanding, and a fulfilling career. Life felt manageable, and I was confident—too confident, in hindsight. Looking back, I see I was cocky, judgmental, and took far too much for granted.
I even remember attending Kabbalah classes out of curiosity, thinking I might gain some spiritual insight. During one session, the teacher asked who in the room was dealing with a major issue in their life. Nearly everyone raised their hand—except me. I wasn’t struggling; I didn’t think I needed help. I thought I was there just to "learn." In truth, I believed I had everything figured out.
And then came that phone call.
My 23-year-old daughter, Chloe, had discovered a lump in her breast. The radiologist confirmed our worst fears: “I’m afraid Chloe has cancer. Please schedule a visit tomorrow.”
In that instant, everything changed. Life as I knew it crumbled, and for the first time, I was confronted with a depth of fear and pain I had never known. It was the hardest period of my life—but also the most transformative.
Through that painful journey, I finally grasped the meaning of Baruch Hashem—the power of gratitude.
I had always been the girl who saw the glass half-empty, the one who focused on what was missing rather than what I had. I criticized easily, compared often, and believed I deserved everything good that came my way. I thought life’s blessings were earned, not gifted, and that they’d always be there.
But when life throws you into chaos, you realize how quickly it can all be taken away. It was during that journey with Chloe that I learned to pause, reflect, and whisper, Thank you.
We all strive for more—the next goal, the next success, the next piece of luxury. But there comes a time when we must stop and acknowledge what we already have. Now, every night before I fall asleep, the words Baruch Hashem are the first to leave my lips. And when I wake up, before the day unfolds, it’s the first thought that comes to mind.
Gratitude isn’t just a practice; it’s a way of being. It’s a realization that even in the darkest times, there is something to be grateful for. And for that, I now say, Baruch Hashem.

Happy Thanksgiving!

*Baruch Hashem" translates to "Blessed is God" or "Thank God" in Hebrew. It’s a common expression of gratitude, acknowledgment of divine blessings, or a way to recognize God’s role in life’s events.