Rabbi Howard Morrison

Being born in the Boston area, today I observe U.S. Thanksgiving. As a child, my family always celebrated with relatives and close friends. My mom always cooked up a storm with the traditional foods.

Once I moved to Toronto, my family would alternate visiting the two sides of the family when the kids were young. In more recent years, I would gather with local American born rabbis and their families.

In Judaism, every moment is a time for Thanksgiving. Each morning, we begin our day by reciting " Modeh Ani - I give thanks." In every Amidah, we recite in the plural "Modim Anachnu - We give thanks."

In Parshat Vayetze, we read the birth of Judah- Yehuda, from whom all Jews are called. The name is based on its meaning, "I will give thanks."

Even amidst our challenging times, we must be true to our ideals, which begins with Thanksgiving.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison