Tag: thanksgiving

The Core Idea of Thanksgiving- Be Thankful and Do Thankful

The wedding ritual of breaking the glass is central to the Jewish marriage ceremony. One meaning is to recall the destruction of Jerusalem.  It reminds us that even in times of joy, we are reminded of sadness and brokenness.

I am ambivalent about this. Is it appropriate to remember sadness all the time? The answer is probably no. There is enough sadness in our world without being reminded of its presence; time enough to cry and too little time to celebrate. We should lean into the joy without any equivocation or hesitation.

Many people felt compelled during Thanksgiving to remind us of the less fortunate. While this is important as a thought, it is more important to translate it into positive action.

We should find joy in our moment, celebrating its beauty.  And instead of lamenting another’s plight, we can do something positive. Even on the days after Thanksgiving, we can provide food for the hungry, bring clothing for the naked, and support shelters for the homeless. These are the positive experiences that will reinforce the true meaning of being thankful by sharing the blessings that we have with those who are less fortunate. So, this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, embrace the joy. Wishing everyone a happy holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving thought~

It is easy to focus on how far we’ve yet to go and forget how far we’ve come.  I am reminded of the classic family vacation/car trip.  No sooner are we in the car before someone cries from the back seat, “Are we there yet?” which is drowned out by “I need the potty!”  The finish line never seemed so far away.

But for those familiar with the experience, the fact that we got everything packed into the car and started the trip (without leaving any children behind) is quite an accomplishment.

So, by way of silly segue and flawed metaphor, let us find grace and thanks on this Thanksgiving.  Our journey is far from over, and the aspirations for a free and just society are far from realized.  But we have many blessings for which to be profoundly grateful. So, find the space in your heart to embrace these and share them with others.  They become the wellspring from which to draw strength in all of the work we have yet to do.  For no my sweet child, we are not there yet, but we are on the way!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

A Thanksgiving message from Toldot

So, it turns out that maybe mine is not the only family described as dysfunctional.  Family dynamics have always been difficult.  Toldot shares unique stories of the tensions that can exist, based on things like sibling rivalries, deception, favoritism, and selfishness.

We can see ourselves and our own family of origin in Toldot, even if not quite as extreme as portrayed here or in other cultural storytelling such as Game of Thrones, Succession, and an almost countless list of movies and literature.  Any story involving family draws on the deep well of our own experiences creating drama that imagination alone could never rival.

I am blessed to have a special brother.  We have found each other again after too much time apart.  He is a person I admire and respect as well as love, but it took a while for me to mature enough to put the sibling rivalry in its proper place and embrace him.  Families are complicated.

The members of a family are individuals, each with distinct personalities and gifts.  Each of us is different.  But, we can still be united in the bond that is family.  It is said that Blood is thicker than water (a saying traced back to 13th century Germany)[1]. I always knew that my brother would be there if I needed him, as I would for him, regardless of where we were.

Isaac, Rachel, Esau, and Jacob all had parts to play in the strange stories we recount in Toldot.  The drama played out in ways that left indelible stains, scarring people like blood on cloth.  Overcoming bad actions or even bad actors is a great challenge. This is a crucial message of this week’s Torah portion.   Although we are unable to control things happen to us,  we can control how we respond to them.   Events and life experiences can shape our view of the world and our relationships.  How we understand those lessons will determine our course.

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the blessing in my life. Today is not the day to dwell on past disappointments (unless your football team loses perhaps).  We can approach today with an open heart.  Although my brother and I will be at different tables, he and his family are present in my heart.   I hope that we all find ways to come together united in friendship, fellowship, and love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[1]           https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_is_thicker_than_water

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2017

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.

This is an interesting year indeed. It seems that each day brings new issues testing us in new and often uncomfortable ways. However, this Thursday is Thanksgiving. Let us take time to celebrate our many blessings. For many of us enjoy a bounty. Try to use this time to gather loved ones, families and friends, and recognize the many reasons you have to be grateful.

Let us also use the time to acknowledge we have a long way to go on the journey to fully realize the values that guide us. For there are too many in our country who do not fully enjoy all of its blessings. This is the time to rededicate our efforts to make this a kinder, gentler and fairer place for all.

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

thanksgiv-dayA simple Thanksgiving message

I invite us all to take a moment to express gratitude this Thanksgiving Day for the blessings we share.

Eat a lot, watch the parades, watch football, and be with family and friends.

Our country remains among the greatest on earth. We still have much work to do to bring the full blessings of America to all Americans. Now is the time for each of us to figure out what we need to do to make this a reality, to roll up our sleeves and rededicate ourselves to the values that make America great. Perhaps, Black Friday is the day for us to do that. But on Thursday, take the time to enjoy and share with others.

Happy Thanksgiving!