Several of my sixth graders were surprised to discover this week that Thanksgiving is not a Jewish holiday. I found this a bit odd, and also a bit sweet. Odd because Thanksgiving is such an American entity, celebrated by people of all religious denominations and beliefs. And sweet because, at least for some of my kids, any holiday that promotes gratitude, family, and communal gathering seemingly has its roots in Judaism.
We are a religion so deeply rooted in gratitude. Traditionally, the first prayer we utter when we wake up in the morning is Modeh Ani - a prayer which states, "Thankful am I before you, living and eternal king, for you have mercifully restored my soul to me." After laying down to sleep for several hours - the closest a healthy person comes to death - one is incredibly grateful to have their soul restored upon waking. The prayer reminds us to be thankful each and every day, from the moment our eyes open and we rise from our slumber.
In the traditional weekday Amidah, the three final benedictions focus on thanksgiving - expressions of gratitude to God. The words Modim Anachnu Lach - thankful are we to you, our God - are a recurring theme we see throughout our liturgy.
And as I learned at my home synagogue tonight, the first Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621 echoed themes of Sukkot, the Jewish fall harvest holiday. The original intent of the Pilgrims was to thank their Native American neighbors for helping them survive their first winter. Their communal gathering was an expression of gratitude for the bounty of the land and its abundant harvest. Similarly, the concept of Sukkot and the expressions of gratitude to God therein conveyed a tremendous sense of thanksgiving, reverence to the land, and communal responsibility.
Thanksgiving is by no means a religious holiday. It is a secular celebration meant to commemorate an American historical event. No prayers are uttered, no commandments required. And yet, as least for my family, Thanksgiving is the most ritualistic event of our year.
Every Thanksgiving morning, the four of us wake up, bake cinnamon rolls (which have in recent years become gluten-free) watch the Macy's Parade and football, head to the movies, and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our dear family friends the Browns. The consistency of this ritual is astounding, considering my beloved family is admittedly a little less than consistent when it comes to Jewish holidays, including Shabbat.
Perhaps it's simply easier to observe Thanksgiving when the entire community - and country - is also celebrating that same day. Perhaps it's just become an easy thing for my family to get used to - given that our respective work and school schedules allow and encourage the celebration.
Yet I believe that at its core, the ritual of Thanksgiving does represent something intrinsically Jewish: the desire to express our gratitude for the bounty in our lives, the need for communal and familial gathering, the coming together over food and drink. It is in many ways a grand prelude to Shabbat; a day of rest, renewal, and if you're very lucky, a hugely satisfying meal.
Yes, Shabbat and Thanksgiving are distinct from one another. Thanksgiving comes once a year; Shabbat is Heschel's holy "cathedral in time" for which the six days of the week serve as a warm-up. Thanksgiving is a national entity celebrated by Jews, Christians, Muslims, and atheists alike. Shabbat is an undoubtedly Jewish concept. The two are different, and come to represent different things. Yet at their core is gratitude - a human expression of thanks intrinsic to all faiths and cultures.
On this holiday weekend, we must also recognize that so many people in our communities are unable to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving. People who cannot afford a full holiday meal, who are homeless, living on food stamps, disconnected from society, from family and friends, or who cannot physically gain access to a festive celebration.
On the front page of the LA Times this morning was a listing of various charitable organizations working to provide Los Angelenos with free Thanksgiving meals today. Hundreds of people volunteered their time and energy to provide those less fortunate not only with food, but with the warmth and spirit of the season. It never ceases to amaze me how many people dedicate a portion or all of their Thanksgiving holiday to those they may not even know. And it never ceases to move me how willing so many are to give back. That, to me, is the sincerest expression of gratitude there is.
So on this Thanksgiving weekend, I hope you are surrounded by those you love. I pray you are able to recognize that for which you are thankful - in life, in love, in your jobs and your studies, in your homes and communities.
Finally, I encourage us all - no matter our personal struggles, our troubles, our fears and our doubts - to wake up each morning with expressions of gratitude on our lips.
Modeh Ani L'chem, Grateful am I to all of you.
Jaclyn
Amen and thank you for your beautiful and insightful thoughts
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