How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain

Can we train ourselves to see the good — even when the world feels difficult, disappointing, or dark? In this uplifting conversation, Rabbi Mendel Kaplan explores the Torah’s powerful approach to gratitude, positivity, and spiritual resilience. Drawing on the daily practice of Modeh Ani, morning blessings, and the Rebbe’s instruction to “look with a better eye,” this message reminds us that seeing the good is not naïve — it is a discipline we can train ourselves to develop. Rabbi Kaplan shares a moving story about his grandfather, Rabbi Avraham Hecht, and the lesson he received from the Rebbe: when looking at another Jew’s work, another community, or even our own circumstances, we must learn to focus on the positive without ignoring reality. In challenging times, we do not deny the darkness — but we also do not allow negativity to become our dominant narrative. With gratitude, faith, and action, we can illuminate the world and help bring it closer to the coming of Moshiach. Maybe today is the day. #RabbiMendelKaplan #Gratitude #SeeTheGood #TheRebbe #Chabad #Yiddishkeit #Torah #Moshiach #JewishInspiration #ModehAni