Rashi explains that the individuals who complained, “We have nothing to anticipate but the Manna,” were countered by Hashem, Who said, “The Manna was like a coriander seed with a color similar to crystal.” As the commentators explain, it had the taste of dough saturated with oil. Rashi understands that Hashem was alluding to the world, “Look at what My children are complaining about! They say the Manna is nothing worth waiting for, and I show you that it is indeed quite special.”
This does not mean that the Jewish People were full of complaints. It is possible that they conceded that indeed everything else was actually great, but there was one issue about which they had criticism: the Manna. Horav Gamliel Rabinowitz, Shlita, notes that, sadly, there are people whose lives are filled with good fortune: wealth, great wife, wonderful children, nachas, satisfaction and acceptance in the community. Everything in their lives works – except for one issue which they have. Do they express and demonstrate gratitude for all of the good and positive aspects of their lives, or are they consumed by – and obsess constantly about – the one area of their lives that does not work to perfection?
This is what angered Hashem. Everything about Klal Yisrael’s life was almost perfect. They were no longer in Egypt serving as slaves to a despotic ruler. Whatever they asked of Hashem, they received. Were they thankful? No – all they could do was issue complaints about the Manna, complaints which were not valid.
This is an important lesson for all of us. No one has a perfect life. One thing is not always one hundred percent the way we would like it. Do we make the effort to thank Hashem for everything else, or do we focus all of our energies to complain about one thing that does not meet our standards? Before we complain, or even ask for that one thing that is missing, it might be a good idea to first look around and thank Hashem for our many blessings.
