Giving Thanks in Hard Times

By Nina Fondiller Woldin

I found it challenging to celebrate Thanksgiving during this precarious time of war and antisemitism. While I have many blessings in my life, I strongly feel the pain of our collective condition, and it was difficult for me to enjoy what I have. So I went to my go-to sage, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. He reminded me that gratitude is a cornerstone of Judaism.

Citing that the founders of the United States were steeped in the Torah, Rabbi Sacks showed me a path I could follow to celebrate Thanksgiving being grateful for what I have, not in spite of – but as part of – caring about the world around me.

Image from The Forward

I strongly feel the pain of our collective condition,
and it was difficult for me to enjoy what I have.

He wrote: “On 3rd October 1863, at the height of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving proclamation, thanking God that though the nation was at war with itself, there were still blessings for which both sides could express gratitude…” Lincoln reminded everyone to show “humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, [and to] commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, [and] mourners…”

You may be familiar with studies that show that personal physical health is greatly affected by gratitude. Rabbi Sacks made a point that we can all carry with us as we go from Thanksgiving to Thanksgiving:

“What might such a declaration [of Thanksgiving] made today – in Israel, or the United States, or indeed anywhere – do to heal the wounds that so divide nations today? Thanksgiving is as important to societies as it is to individuals. It protects us from resentments and the arrogance of power. It reminds us of how dependent we are on others and on a Force greater than ourselves. As with individuals so with nations: thanksgiving is essential to happiness and health.”