Thanksgiving is here! College students are returning home. Today, I picked up my son from the airport. It was his first trip home since he left for college in August. He made the adjustment to college without trouble, but as the holidays neared he counted the days to Thanksgiving. So did we. My wife and I have visited with him on Skype (Internet video chat), but there’s nothing like having him here at home for a little while. When he asked me what my plans were for the weekend, I told him, “If you don’t mind, I’m going to sit and stare at you.” He laughed. I don’t think he’ll mind the extra attention.
I trust that you have similar plans to rejoin family and friends. It’s a time to set aside daily concerns. It’s almost a relief that the markets will be closed on Thanksgiving and nothing much will change. We’ll all pick up where we left off, but not before we’ve paused to take stock. As you get ready to carve the turkey or indulge on anything that tastes good, please consider your thanks and gratitude this holiday. For a little or a lot, there are reasons to be thankful. Here is a prayer you may want to share at your table:
“Ruler of the universe, creative Source of all being, from you come our blessings from day to day and from year to year. How great are Your love and kindness: the majestic mountains and the shaded forests, the flowing streams and the bountiful earth. For this land so richly blessed, we give thanks.
O God of justice and right, inspire all who live in our beloved land with loyalty to the ideals of its founders. Give us wisdom and strength to labor for its well-being, on the firm foundation of justice and truth. Fill us with the spirit of kindness, generosity and peace, that this land may shine as a beacon to all who strive for freedom.” (adapted from “Gates of the House” pub. CCAR)
You might also add the Jewish prayer of thanks. In English it says,
“Praised are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.”
In Hebrew, “Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, she-he-che-yanu, v’ki-ye-manu, v’hi-geyanu laz-man hazeh.”
On Shabbat this week, come together for worship at Beth Israel. In the Gordon Chapel at 6:30pm, with guitar and familiar prayers, Ali Lavine and Ben Baron, two college students, will share their reflections on “Being Jewish on Campus.” And, Friday December 5th, at 6:30pm, in the main sanctuary, join us for Shabbat Shira, the magnificent musical service that everyone loves. It’s not too early to mark your calendar for our Chanukah Family service on Friday, December 26th, in the main sanctuary.
May you and your family find God’s blessing in the gathering of family and friends, in memories of those who have gone from life, and in all the ways you feel grateful.
From my desk to yours, Happy Thanksgiving and Shabbat Shalom.
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