Thanksgiving as an Immigrant Jew

We all know that gratitude is deeply embedded in Jewish identity. But what you may not know is that the Hebrew term for Jews, “Yehudim,” originates from the word “Yehuda,” which means “praise” or “thanksgiving.” This profound connection to gratitude traces back to Leah’s expression of thanks to God upon the birth of her fourth son. She declared, “This time, I will praise God,” giving the name Yehuda its enduring significance.

Gratitude permeates Jewish life and practice. Every brachah, blessing, recited throughout the day and week is an acknowledgment of the gifts we receive and experience in each moment, as a Shehecheyanu moment. Judaism teaches us to embrace life as a present, appreciating each day as an opportunity. That’s why we call this time “present.”

We could also add that perhaps the closest Jewish holiday where we give thanks and gather as a family/community to eat and enjoy the gifts of the earth is Sukkot. This is a holiday in which we recognize our fragility as human beings—dwelling under a temporary roof that allows the light of the sky to shine through—and we lift our humble voices in gratitude and supplication to God, singing: “Ana Adonai hoshia na” a plea for salvation, meaning “Save us” or “Deliver us,” followed by “Ana Adonai Hatzlicha Na” which could be translated as “O God, let us prosper” or “Grant us well-being.”

All this does not mean that the Thanksgiving holiday lacks profound meaning for Jewish families in North America. While for Judaism, every day is truly an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy daily, it is also true that national holidays provide cultural identity for all people living in the country, regardless of religion or skin color.

How does this holiday affect me, an Argentine cantor who arrived in this country just three years ago?

On one hand, I feel it is beautiful to see how national celebrations can unite people in fraternity and harmony. I will never forget the year I lived in Israel when I attended a famous park during the Yom Ha’atzmaut holiday. It brought me so much joy to see how every family gathered on a blanket to eat their traditional food, with their unique smells, customs, songs, and even their differences! But there they all were, in the same park, celebrating the creation of the Jewish State.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Annual Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). As every year, discussion tables were set up where members of different communities could talk about very important topics such as “How can we move from polite conversation to honest, respectful, and meaningful dialogue about our differences?” I found this debate extremely interesting and it was very inspiring to speak with clergy from other religious denominations and feel this sense of partnership and joy in sharing.

On the other hand, as an external observer, I also feel much sorrow on Thanksgiving. I feel empathy for those Native Americans for whom Thanksgiving is a day of mourning and protest, since it commemorates the arrival of settlers in North America and the centuries of oppression and genocide that followed.

I believe that being Jewish today in such a polarized and violent world also leads me to think about those who suffer during this holiday and to want to do something for Tikkun Olam – to improve the world so that there is more justice and peace for everyone.

That is why I want to invite you this weekend to Shaaray Tefila to celebrate and also take action. Whether by attending tonight’s Shabbat service or coming over the weekend to help make possible the distribution of over four thousand food packages for those in need during this holiday.

This Sunday at 4 PM, we will be sharing an inspiring interfaith Thanksgiving service in our Sanctuary among local religious communities. Our Junior and Adult Choirs will participate, and we are truly looking forward to having you close by and singing together on such a special day!

I am sharing with you a Thanksgiving Jewish Seder which you could include in your family’s celebration this year.

Modah ani l’fanecha… I give thanks to You, God, for compassionately restoring my soul every morning. For granting me temperance and compassion in my heart so I can live alongside those who think and feel differently from me.

May we soon enjoy a time of peace sustained by individual wills across the world striving for coexistence and respect for the life we have been gifted.

Shabbat shalom!

The final speaker at the Annual Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast organized by the AJC, Rabbi Adam Baldachin from the Shaaray Tikvah temple, asked us all to stand and take a photo to share on our social media, spreading the message that unity and peace are possible during these upcoming holidays.