I saw a video the other day about an individual who had been barely managing on disability payments, unaware that a blanket in his possession was worth $1.5 million. Navajo Native Americans had woven it approximately a 150 years ago. An ancestor of this man bought it, and it stayed in the family for generations. When he learned that it might be worth something, he took it to an auction house, where they estimated that he might get $200,000 for it. Then came auction day. The bids kept climbing, first by $50,000 a bid, then by $100,000. As he watched what was happening, his face changed from excitement, to disbelief, to sheer happiness. The bidding had escalated, in about a minute's time, from $150,000 to $1.5 million.

When the new millionaire was interviewed, he said, "It's like winning the lottery. I had no idea . . . This is going to change my whole life . . . It couldn't have come at a better time."

In the morning prayers, we say, "Ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu umah noim goroleinu umah yofo yerushaseinu—We are fortunate, how good is our portion, and how pleasant is our lot, and how beautiful is our inheritance." And the prayer goes on to explain what our good fortune is—that twice a day, morning and evening, we say the Shema, proclaiming G‑d's Oneness.

We all possess a precious heritage, a priceless treasure handed down to us from our parents: the belief and awareness that G‑d is One with us, helping us every moment, and rejoicing with us when we accomplish good things. Sometimes, like the man with the blanket, we don't always realize this. But when we become aware of our beautiful treasure, it fills us with immense happiness. The knowledge that G‑d is always with us can change our whole life, inspiring us to do good deeds and bring the world closer to the ultimate Redemption, when G‑d's glory will be revealed to everyone.

When we discover the treasure that we've always had.