Giving Thanks Together

Dear Friends,

Our Jewish tradition teaches that we should give thanks each day, and at numerous times during the day (e.g. when we eat), for what God has given us.   Ironically, the holiday we call, “Thanksgiving,” comes but once a year and it is not a Jewish holiday.  Be that as it may, there is no reason not to celebrate Thanksgiving and when we do so, to make it an opportunity to spend a moment actually giving thanks.  For prayers you can say, go to:  http://blogs.rj.org/reform/2011/11/thanksgiving-prayers-service.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rjblog+%28RJ+Blog%29

The other thing I highly recommend is to attend the Tenafly Interfaith Thanksgiving service this coming Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at The Church of the Atonement, 97 Highwood Ave. at Engle Street in Tenafly.  We have been joining together with several churches and representatives of the Islamic community in Tenafly for this service for several years now and I can say it has been a real treat.  Cantor Nitza works on the music and several of our Temple members participate. 

Joining together in prayer and thanksgiving is especially important at this time in the life of our community and our nation.  As you know, our civil society has been severely challenged in recent years and positive experiences in the public square are few and far between.  This service (and the wonderful reception that follows) is a great opportunity for us to take a stand against this trend by building positive relationships with our neighbors of other faiths.  Many of our neighbors came to Temple Sinai a few years ago when we hosted this service.  I hope you can find the time to reciprocate and join us at the Church of the Atonement this year.

If you are planning to attend and it is at all possible please bring a donation for the Center for Food Action of any of the following items:  dry milk, 100% juice, peanut butter and jelly, toothpaste, toothbrushes, supermarket gift cards, bar soap, baby formula, diapers size 4, 5, or 6, canned vegetables or canned tuna.  Also, checks can be made out to “The Center for Food Action”.

May you have a Shabbat Shalom and a Happy Thanksgiving.

Jordan