Dear Families,
Though, as Jews, we are in the habit of expressing our gratitude, now more than ever, we give thanks for the gift of our strong and safe Jewish community. As we pray for the safe release of the hostages, we are reminded that all Jewish people are family, and we must look after one another. Whether single or married, widowed or engaged, empty-nesters or Double-Income-No-Kids, you are part of the Temple Emanu-El family, and we are thankful for you.
On Thanksgiving, just as on Shabbat, my family goes around the dinner table to reflect on the past. In this case, all of the family events of the past year since last Thanksgiving. As I am sure it is with all families, we have all shared many joys and oys—moments of exultation and sorrow. As Jews, as a forever hopeful people, I believe it is an ingrained part of our culture to have these complex moments of gratitude. We experience sadness or suffering, yet we also find moments to appreciate the goodness and love around us.
This Thanksgiving, I hope you will take a moment or two before your meal to go around the table and share moments of reflection from last Thanksgiving to this one. We have all been touched by grief in these last six weeks, but we have also celebrated triumphs as well.
This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the blessing of our strong, safe, and supportive community.
May we feel surrounded by the love that comes from being a synagogue family, and may your Thanksgiving meal be filled with the warmth of good feelings, food, and family.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Max
