Dearest TBC Family,
Our Sages taught that we are supposed to say 100 blessings (of gratitude) each and every day. At TBC, I am continually surrounded by blessings – in truth, we all are because each of you is a walking, living, breathing blessing for which I am eternally grateful. So in thinking about gratitude as I awoke this morning, this is where I found my heart.
Until I looked at my phone and discovered new reports of senseless violence and terror, both on our shores and in Israel. So today, as we begin to gather with family and friends, I ask you once again to think of all those left broken-hearted by gun violence and terrorism.
It is unimaginable that so many families will now be sitting down at Thanksgiving and Shabbat tables facing empty chairs that were full only a week ago. Let us mourn with them and recommit to working for sane gun policies, and an end to terrorism in Israel and here in the United States.
May God be with the broken-hearted and with all of you around your tables this Thanksgiving and may each of us dedicate ourselves to advocating for peace and for sane laws that will help to ensure such tragedies are no longer commonplace.
And while we are gathered with our loved ones, I invite you to hold them close, and tell them just how important they are. Treasure every moment together, and fully embrace this beautiful season of warmth and gratitude for all our many blessings.
With heartfelt wishes for a joyous and meaningful Thanksgiving…
B’shirah U’vrachah (In Song and Blessing)
Cantor Harriet Dunkerley
