The Cup of Coffee

It is told that Rav Yisrael once saw how much a stylish restaurant asked for a single coffee. He went to the owner and asked what justified the price, since a little hot water, some beans and a spoonful of sugar cost only a few cents.

The owner explained that at home one could indeed make coffee for a few cents, but the restaurant also provided beautiful decor, soft music, trained waiters and the finest china.

Rav Yisrael's face lit up, and he thanked the owner. He said he now understood the berocha of Shehakol, said before drinking water. Until then he had thought only of thanking Hashem for the water itself. Now he saw that the word all includes the fresh air breathed while drinking, the beautiful world around us, the songs of the birds, the colorful flowers and the fresh breeze, and that for all of this we thank Hashem when we drink our water.