Our nation sets aside one day a year to be especially Thankful. Thus, on Thanksgiving, it is traditional to gather in good cheer, with friends and family, around a well-appointed table that is brimming with good food.
If I am being honest, being thankful this year seems a bit harder. Between the California fires, the seemingly endless news of mass shootings, the early snowstorm that crippled the northeast, and the inability of people of differing opinions to be civil to each other, one might question where the room for "thanks" exists.
The good things exist, and thanks are due. I assure you that, when you look, the blessings will be there. While we are together, let's not lose an opportunity to point out those good things to one another.
Here is a simple exercise that I am suggesting we perform this Thanksgiving:
Go around the table and ask each person to answer the following question: "What am I Thankful for this year, and what do I hope to be thankful for next year?"
My strong recommendation is that we keep our answers about the smaller things in our lives (and the things that are within the realm of possibility). And please stay away from politics.
Our Rabbis of blessed memory strongly suggested that, every day, we should seek and acknowledge the blessings that we receive. This is not an easy task. But, perhaps, this Thanksgiving can be the first of many days this year that we recognize the good things that touch our souls every day.
For my part, I am thankful for my beautiful family, my dear friends, our awesome JCC community and its board, and our strong connection to each other and to Israel.
Next year I hope to be thankful for the JCC's continued physical and spiritual growth. I also want to be thankful for the increase in congregants who have reached out to me with comments and ideas for sermons and programs.
Gather, Be Joyful, Eat, and Give Thanks. (And travel safely)
Chag Hodahyah Sameach - Rabbi Michael S. Jay
Please feel free to use the following prayer at your Thanksgiving tables:
In this moment, mindful of our many blessings,
may we form an intent to carry gratitude with us continually.
May we leave fear and jealousy by the wayside,
making room in our hearts for contentment, satisfaction and compassion.
May we start each day counting our blessings:
the blessing of being alive,
the many miracles of the living world we are one with,
the ability we possess to love and to be loved,
the many gifts and talents we have been graced with,
the support we receive and the support we are able to extend.
May our gratitude lead to action. May we express our gratitude.
May we smile when we encounter each other on the path,
may we seek opportunities to share our talents with others,
may we express our love to one another,
may we give with no expectation of receiving.
May we seek to repair what is broken.
May we end each day counting the day's blessings,
those we have received and those we have bestowed.
May we be a blessing.
