In modern times, Jews are often wary of engaging in non-Jewish practices, even non-religious ones, since participation could lead to assimilation or a perversion of our values. In the case of the American holiday of Thanksgiving, not only should we, as Jews, not be hesitant to participate—we should embrace the spirit of this day and lead!
It took nearly 240 years for Thanksgiving to become an annual observance. Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1621, a century and a half before the United States of America was founded, by early pilgrims who wanted to express thanks for their harvest. During the American Revolution, the “>Thanksgiving Day Proclamation for October 3, 1789 (again a one-day observance). Finally, in “>Lincoln’s proclamations carry a specifically Christian message, so Thanksgiving could be celebrated by Americans of all faiths.
For many Americans today, Thanksgiving is just a day for turkey, football, and beer. But for many others the day represents much more: reconnecting with family, expressing thanks for those people and values we cherish most, and engaging in service for those in need. The continuing American commitment to family is evidenced by the estimate that this year, “>Uri L'Tzedek, the Senior Rabbi at Kehilath Israel, and is the author of ““>one of the top 50 rabbis in America!”
