Thanksgiving is Everyday

I had just finished officiating a wedding for two of my former students and their families, both of whom I know for many years. It's always such a pleasure for me personally to share in such “Simchas" (joyous occasions) with the families and especially with the children who grew up with me as their rabbi. 

Afterwards, at the reception, the discussion at the table focused on "catching up" with a number of people from my former congregation, whom I had not seen in years. People told me I looked good and that I seemed much happier. Yes, for me, learning to be happier is a work in process. One person wanted to know just how I managed that! I responded that I found much wisdom in the old saying, "Count your blessings." I make a concerted effort to become aware of my blessings, especially the ones that happen daily. Even if one has no Higher Power, he or she can still be aware of and thankful for their "blessings", or however they refer to such things.

I added that, we come from a tradition which recognizes at least 100 blessings a day. Not because the Creator needs our blessings, but to make us aware that those things are gifts that are given daily. Learning to be GRATEFUL, THANKFUL AND APPRECIATIVE is part of the process of learning to be happier.

The "GIVING" part of Thanksgiving is directly tied to TOV! (words, thoughts and actions which Protect Life, Preserve Life, Make Life More Functional and Increase the Quality of Life) Making sure the most vulnerable people and animals have food, clothing, shelter, A CHANCE, is not one day a year!  It is EVERY DAY! Please, enjoy your families, enjoy your food, enjoy your company, enjoy the warmth, and enjoy the season!

"THANKS" + "GIVING" = TOV!

Doing and teaching TOV and Choosing Life helps me to be happier. I'm enjoying my children, my work, my home and my life, right now, not someday! Thanksgiving is Every Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor

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BAR+BAT MITZVAH IS NOT A DAY…2.0

I recently started working with a new student towards a Bar Mitzvah ceremony and experience suitable to his needs. I was sitting there with his parents discussing which service we would use and the requirements. I was teaching about what the concept of being a Bar Mitzvah means and his father suddenly said with a gleam in his eye, "I just had a wonderful idea! I was never offered the chance to become Bar Mitzvah. I would love the opportunity to study with my son and share this experience!"

The son thought it was a great idea. I told his dad, by studying, he will fulfill one of the most important "mitzvahs" there is, to "Teach these instructions to your children." How can a parent teach their children values and lessons which they themselves don't know? Why sit in the Bliss of Ignorance, when one can benefit from learning and practicing the Wisdom of the Ages? This knowledge opens up whole worlds and provides guidance and a values system that helps create a different reality for the common good!

Lately, I've been encountering more and more people who want "More" out of life. They are searching for meaning and purpose beyond their daily routine. In Jewish tradition, there is the concept of a person who doesn't even know enough to ask a question. If one is honestly searching for meaning, especially in a Spiritual Sense, they should at least be literate. What does the ancient wisdom tell us, what lessons do the stories teach? How does this apply to my life and my choices?

Both father and son in this case chose to learn about the idea of TOV from Genesis 1. They felt it was the beginning of a new "creation" for them both.

Do TOV Choose Life!

Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor

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