Rabbi’s Monthly Message

Dear Coalition Community,

At the end of this month, Americans around the country will gather for Thanksgiving. The

holiday, which actually has its origins in the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, is often marked by a

family gathering symbolizing abundance and gratitude. The Times of Israel wrote that the

pilgrims harvest feast is seen as an imitation of Sukkot, with an acknowledgement of God’s

bounty being central to the observance.

Judaism is not a religious tradition that is short on gratitude practices. In fact, we are taught by

the early rabbis that cultivating a daily ritual of gratitude is central to Jewish life. It is the first act

of our day, waking and reciting the Modeh Ani prayer which thanks God for returning our soul

back to us after sleeping. The morning Psalms are full of words of thanksgiving – Hodo Ladonay

Ki Tov, Ki Le’olam Hasdo (Give thanks to God because God is God, God’s loving-kindness is

everlasting). Judaism sees gratitude and thankfulness as central, essential, and powerful.

Many years ago, I began to keep a gratitude bin. It was not something that started all at once,

but over time I realized that it was important to recall the moments when I had been especially

grateful for the people in my life, in my work, and in my circles of connection. Whether it was out

of thankfulness for the ways in which they showed up for me, thankfulness for the moments we

shared together, or thankfulness for the ways in which they had offered specific support, I found

comfort in being able to return to that bin and see the collected stories. In that bin I have the first

thank you note I ever received from a couple I married, a small gift from a dear friend who did a

thru-hike with me many years ago, and a letter from a refugee family that my agency resettled

shortly after I arrived at JFS in Springfield. These are all special moments that I carry with me.

As we approach the holiday of Thanksgiving, I invite you to explore what it is that you are

grateful for this year, who it is that you are grateful for, and when as your gratitude been most

apparent to you. Through this exploration, I think we can find the meaning of this holiday –

connection with the ones we love and connection to the Earth that sustains all of us.

However you celebrate, I hope that your Thanksgiving is one of celebration, community, and

connection to the gratitude we all share.