In our American tradition, Thanksgiving is a time for expressing gratitude. This is a wonderful custom and worth exploring and doing. Acknowledging our blessings, and expressing gratitude for them, provides us with an opportunity to reflect and share. When we give thanks as a group, the impact of the thankfulness becomes amplified.
Our Jewish tradition, too, provides opportunities for giving thanks. On many holidays, we have a special prayer service, called Hallel, the sole purpose of which is to give thanks to God. At special celebrations we say the Shehechyanu blessing, which thanks God for bringing us to a happy moment. But did you know that we are actually required to say One Hundred blessings a day. This consistent expression of gratitude enables us to be present to the good things we experience in real time.
This year our thanks may be somewhat muffled because our beautiful country and the world seem to be on the verge “spinning” out of control. For our Jewish community, this has manifested itself in an ever increasing spate of antisemitic incidents.
All of this is disconcerting and needs to be addressed. However, I would like to suggest that we tamp down our concerns for the holiday and focus on the things we are grateful for. As a sign of connection to our Judaism, I would like to suggest that at our meals we say the Kiddush over the wine and that we say the Motzi over bread. And a prayer for peace couldn’t hurt. Try this one:
Grant us peace. Your most precious gift, O Eternal Source of Peace, and give us the will to proclaim its message to all the peoples of the earth. Bless our country, that it may always be a stronghold of peace, and its advocate among the nations. May contentment reign within its borders, health and happiness within its homes.
Strengthen the bonds of friendship among the inhabitants of all lands. And may the love of Your name hallow every home and every heart. Blessed is the Eternal God, the source of Peace.
- From The Gates of Prayer: The New Union Prayer Book, by the Central Conferences of American Rabbis
In order to make Thanksgiving as meaningful as possible, I would suggest preparing questions that guests can ask each other either before, or during your Thanksgiving dinner. Place your questions on index cards and hand them out as guests arise. Use my suggestions below, or create your own.
1) What was your best day? Your worst?
2) What book has most influenced you through the years? What movie?
3) What are you most proud of in your life?
4) Can you name one goal that you have for the next few years? Do you have any plans to work towards it? Why or why not?
5) What was the best piece of advice you ever received, and why?
6) What was your happiest moment?
7) What skill did you learn that’s been most useful?
8) What are you most grateful for?
9) How do you express that gratitude?
10) What would be your perfect day?
11) What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?
12) Where did you buy the turkey?
Before you begin eating your meal, say a prayer. Below is one suggested prayer, but you should feel free to create your own.
Thanksgiving Prayer
by Rabbi Maralee Gordon
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.
From our Thanksgiving table to yours:
May we all continue to go M’Chayil El Chayil, from strength to strength.
Hodu L’Adonai Ki Tov, Ki L’olam khasdo – Give thanks to God, for God is Good, God’s love endures for ever.
Happy Thanksgiving and Shabbat Shalom – Sheri Horowitz-Jay and Rabbi Michael S. Jay
