The Shikker Dovid would like to wish all a happy and healthy new year.

Today’s daf deals with the blessings from “benching”, or grace after meals and zimun (gathering for benching). What is most interesting is how the material is introduced on page 46A. The Talmud states, Reb. Zera was sick the Rabbis came to visit. The discussion flows from this biker choler visit.

The message for the new year is that whatever mitzvot we are doing, even if seemingly between man and gd, there is alway a component of chesed or concern for one’s fellow man. We must integrate our service to hashem with our concern for fellow man. They are seamless, one in the same. Whether benching is three or four blessings, our concern must always be for the man next to us in the zimun.

May all be inscribed in the book of life, for happiness, health, parnasa and all good things.