Our Torah portion this week,  Chayei Sarah , begins with the passing of our Matriarch Sarah, and ends with Abraham's passing. But before Abraham dies, the Torah tells us that Abraham was blessed with "BeKol" with everything. 

Abraham lived a very long life. He started with nothing, had a family, started a nation, amassed a large amount of wealth, and fame. He had everything he could have ever wanted and more. But according to the Hasidic Master, the Ohr LaYesharim, when the text says that Abraham was blessed with everything, that is not what it was talking about.

According to the Ohr HaYesharim, being blessed with everything, meant that Abraham was blessed with contentment. Despite everything he had accomplished, whatever it was that was going on in Abraham's life, what made Abraham so blessed, was that he was able to be content, and at peace, with whatever it was that came his way. This echoes one of my favorite sayings from Pirkei Avoth: "Who is rich? One who is happy with their lot."

When I think about Abraham, and about Pirkei Avoth, what makes us rich, what makes us blessed, has less to do with what we have, and more to do with how we feel, and the mindset that we take. Which is why it is my hope and prayer for all of this Shabbat and beyond, no matter what it is that is going on our lives, that like Abraham, we can take a step back, breathe a deep breath, and find peace. Doing so, will enable us to appreciate the many blessings in our lives.