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One of God’s aims in creating the world was to share His beneficence with us, His creations. Of that kindness, the greatest gift He gave us is the ability to connect with Him, the Source of life. This connection has profound effects that bring the world life and blessing (the purpose of the Jewish people). Among the best ways to connect with God is by thanking and blessing Him for the goodness He gives us.
Additionally, everything God created reveals an additional aspect of God’s infinite abundance. We can even say that everything sings in perfect harmony in the "Song of Creation." Therefore, as the Sages say, “Someone who benefits from this world without first reciting a blessing is considered to be stealing from God and the Jewish people” (Berakhot 35a). They are stealing from God by damaging the song of creation and stealing from the Jewish people by interfering with the blessing they bring the world. Conversely, when one recites a blessing and acknowledges God’s goodness, not only is one not hurting the creation, but one is showcasing its purpose and divine source. Thus the Sages inform us the world belongs to God until a blessing is recited, , and we are not entitled to benefit from it. This is reflected in the verse which states, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that it holds, the world and its inhabitants” (Psalms 24:1). Once a blessing has been recited though, God wants us to enjoy everything He created for us, as it says, “The heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He gave over to man” (Psalms 115:16). Obviously, God does not need our gratitude. Rather, He wants to help us by giving us the ability to connect with Him through the blessing. What an amazing privilege – to recite a blessing with the knowledge He considers it valuable. This imparts meaning and blessing to all of life.
The word “berakha” (blessing) often indicates increase and expansion. If so, the question arises: How can mere mortals bless God in this way? He is already perfect and infinite! Rather, through blessing, we are increasing and expanding the manifestation of the Divine Presence and His blessing in the world. With every blessing we recite, we are creating a pipeline of abundance which channels life and blessing to the world.
