In 2005, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania did a study in which they explored psychological interventions that increased happiness. From a psychological lens, it is an early-morning cognitive restructuring, before the day begins, we orient our consciousness toward gratitude, gratitude for life itself. You see, the “happiness and gladness of heart” spoken of in this week’s parsha, is yours to create, not yours to be given. There are many more curses than blessings in Ki Tavo, reflecting on our natural human inclination towards negativity. *Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members.