Rabbi's Blog

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Dear OZ family,

When Thanksgiving weekend coincides with Parshat Vayetzei, we have a double reminder of the value of gratitude. The Jewish people derives it’s name from Leah’s expressway of gratitude when giving birth to her 4th son Yehuda.

When we wake up every morning, the first word on our lips, is also an expression of gratitude, when we say “Modeh ani l’fanecha”, thanking God for another day. When we consider every day a gift, life takes on greater significance and we take nothing for granted.

It is important to note that the origin of this early morning prayer is from the prophet, Yirmyahu, who, even in the midst of horrible suffering, thanked God every day for his renewed strength with which he was endowed,  to face his daily struggles. ( See Eicha 3:23). Let us also remember that the original observance of Thanksgiving in this country came as a result of the Civil War, that threatened to tear this nation apart. In the end, the fulfillment of the words of our founding fathers, that “All men are created equal”, that took more than four score of years to fulfill, made us a stronger nation.

Israel today is also struggling through a very difficult period, perhaps more difficult that anything in its close to four score history. The nation was close to being torn apart by internal strife. We are where we are, and people will surely debate the next steps the Israeli government takes. But one thing is clear. Alongside terrible stories of great loss, are phenomenal stories of incredible heroism, selfless acts of chesed, and great unification of purpose the likes of which Israel has not seen in a long time.

We must do our part from where we are with our time and resources. Many people have vacation time in coming weeks. It is worthy to consider a trip or mission to Israel to offer assistance, moral support, and further show that we are one nation. We will present opportunities for such assistance in the coming days.

Let us all feel the daily message of Modeh Ani L’fanecha

Stay well and healthy.

Rabbi Allen Schwartz