Thankful 11/23/23
Gratitude is a pillar of the Jewish faith, woven into the rhythm of our daily lives. Observant Jews thank Gd for being alive when they wake, and again at night for safekeeping their sleep. There are multiple chances for gratitude throughout the day, but I'd like to call out one my favorites: the opportunity to learn. I am thankful that my family supported me when their 40-something mom returned to school in the middle of COVID homeschooling and a generally upside-down 2020 life. I am thankful that my Rabbi's wife held weekly classes that inspired me to revisit Torah and Jewish learning. And I'm thankful that my small blog adds to the mounting wave of Jewish support and understanding. I named my non-profit Tikkun Now for a reason. It stems from the commandment to do good deeds, or mitzvot. Tikkun Olam is the task of healing the world and Tikkun Now is simply a play on words: it is a call to do good, now. As we continue to move the needle on good deeds, here are the things I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving:
I am thankful that my Jewish family in Israel, the US and Diaspora (though unsettled) is safe.
I am thankful for the Israelis in uniform and out of it, who are fighting on behalf of the entire West.
I am thankful to my non-Jewish friends for reaching out and using their voice. Yes, I'm going to quote Bob Marley: "True friends are like stars; you can only recognize them when it's dark around you." We see you clearly now, real friends. Jews are only .2% of the world population and we cannot win this battle without you. For all the might that antisemites attribute to us, know that our numbers are only 15 million worldwide, below the number of Jews that existed before the Holocaust.
I am thankful for the potential release of 50 hostages, though I'm baffled that the ratio is 1 innocent Israeli hostage to 3 convicted Palestinian prisoners (most jailed for murder or attempted murder). I am disheartened by the ongoing discount of Jewish lives.
I am thankful for Jewish thought leaders like Noah Tishby and Hillel Neuer. Tishby continues to do her former job as Israel's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, despite Bibi firing her for critiquing his administration on American TV. Way to work for free, Tishby! And Neuer tirelessly holds the UN accountable for its inaction and betrayals, like its latest appointment of Iran as Chair of the Human Rights Council.
I am thankful for the Jews with a platform who use it for good, whether they're businessmen like Bill Ackman, or entertainers like Michael Rapaport, Amy Schumer, Lee Kern or Brett Gelman. Their disregard for the mindless social scoring of "likes" and "unfollows" is commendable. And I will continue to call out with disgust those who have remained in the shadows: don't think your silence went unnoticed.
I am thankful for those in the Muslim community that have spoken up not only against terror, but in support of Israel, like IDF Strategic consultant Mohammad Kabiya, son of Hamas founder Mosab Hassan Yousef, and former radical Kasim Hafeez.
I am thankful that not since the creation of Israel, have the Jewish people been so united. Whether an observant Jew or cultural one; whether Ashkenazic, Sephardic or Mizrahi; we are one. I am thankful that my Jewish identity is not defined by who hates us, rather than by who we love. We are one people with one heart. We are a small nation, but a big family. Our solidarity is powerful. We will never forget those who showed their friendship and humanity in these dark hours. History will hold you in high regard. And to the people who aren't with us–you'll thank us later.
Happy Thanksgiving and Am Yisrael Chai