On Thanksgiving



This past year was eventful; to say the least.

There is a lot to worry about.

Inflation. Oil. COVID. Politics. Israel. Antisemitism.

We also have a lot to celebrate. Locally and globally.

Thanks to zoom, opportunities for Jewish engagement are at an all-time high. Now more than ever before people are connecting with each other and Hashem.

“So, Is Thanksgiving a Jewish Holiday?” (It’s not.)

But it kind of is because The name “Jew” comes from Judah, which means to thank.

We are a nation that constantly thanks.

And we can learn from Judaism how to give thanks in 2021.

There is a special prayer that we say before the day even begins.

It’s called Modeh Ani - we thank G-d for giving back our soul, refreshed and alive.

We thank even before we get out of bed!

Why? What happens if we have a bad day?

Because we know that even when we don’t see the good, we still thank G-d for the good that is hiding.

One more thing,

I want you to know that I thank G-d for you.

I value you, your friendship, and your unique perspective and talents.

So while the USA is celebrating Thanksgiving, allow me to say this.

I am thankful for you.

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