Rabbi Howard Morrison

As a proud dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, I rejoice in both countries. Never forgetting my roots, today is U.S. Thanksgiving. As a child, my family in Boston always celebrated with the same relatives and close friends. When my children were young, whether living in New York or Toronto, we would rotate celebrating the holiday either with my family in Boston or with my children's mother's family in New Jersey. In recent years, I have celebrated locally with American born colleagues and their families.

As a stand-alone holiday at the end of November, many American Jews celebrate Thanksgiving with all the trimmings. Of course, the turkey and side dishes are kosher. Canadian Thanksgiving in early October does not seem to have the same appeal among local Jews perhaps because its gets lost with the High Holy Days and Sukkot which surround it in the early Fall.

Being thankful is a daily obligation in Judaism. We start our day individually saying, "Modeh Ani Lefanecha - I give thanks before You, God." In the daily Amidah, we recite in the plural, "Modim Anachnu Lach - We give thanks to You, God." The blessings after meals, Hallel,  and other rituals are filled with verses of gratitude.

While I am grateful every day, on this U.S. Thanksgiving day, I am particularly thankful to God for my health, my family, and my community. I am grateful to arise each morning with purpose and fulfillment.

May we all be grateful for gifts which ought never be taken for granted, not only once a year but each and every day of our lives.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison