Dear all,
Even before they could talk or even understand the concept, Maya and Eli learned how to say “Thank You.” (It was the wisdom of Ella – who has worked with us since before the kids were born. She helped plant the seeds of gratitude in our children).
I now hear them say “thank you” many times a day. I hear them, and I think deeply about how much our world needs to take a moment in time to share our gratitude:
When we smell the fresh ozone after rain, say “Thank you.”
When the candles drip from the Chanukiah, getting wax everywhere, say “Thank you.”
When the sun shines on our faces, say “Thank you.”
When we hear a bird chirping, say “Thank you.”
When our kids get all schmutzy, say “Thank you.”
When we are upset with someone we love, say “Thank you” (because we have someone to love in the first place).
When we exit a flight, even if it was a difficult one, say “Thank you” to the crew.
When we remember a mentor from years ago, contact him/ her and say “Thank you.”
When we cry over the memory of someone who has died, say “Thank you.”
As a country, Thanksgiving is once a year. As individuals, Thanksgiving can be every day!
ZEMR (Zach, Eli, Maya, and Ron) send you and all you love blessings for this season. Thank you for being who you are!
With love and shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
