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Why was Leah the first to truly thank God when others had brought offerings? The shiur develops the concept that authentic gratitude (hodayah) isn't merely thanking for the past, but dedicating one's entire future existence to revealing God's honor. Leah's naming of Yehuda—embedding God's name itself in her son—expressed that his whole being would serve as ongoing thanksgiving, establishing the spiritual foundation for malchus.
The shiur opens with the Gemara (גמרא)'s statement that when Leah gave birth to Yehuda and said "Hapaam odeh es Hashem (ה׳)" (This time I will thank God), she became the first person ever to thank God. This appears problematic since Adam, Noach, Kayin, and Hevel all brought offerings. Additionally, Rashi (רש"י) explains she thanked God because she prophetically knew there would be twelve tribes from four wives, and she had more than her share—but shouldn't one child alone warrant thanksgiving? Rabbi Zweig explains through a Gemara in Kesubos about "oseh tzedakah bechol eis" (does charity at all times). Rav Chisda applies this to one who supports his young children (when there's no obligation), while Rav Shmuel bar Nachmani says it refers to one who raises orphans in his home *and marries them off*. Why the addition of marrying them off? The shiur explains that when you marry off orphans, you give them the foundation for their entire future life. Every accomplishment they achieve thereafter—you have a share in. Your tzedakah works for you eternally, twenty-four hours a day, throughout their entire lives.
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Bereishis 29:35 (Vayeitzei), Bereishis 49:8
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