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November 28, 2025 - 8 Kislev 5786
Dear Friends, We hope you had an enjoyable and meaningful Thanksgiving. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the emergency food drive. We collected over ten bags of much needed food and personal items, which will make a difference in the lives of many people, so thanks for your generosity! The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as Giving Tuesday. It is the annual day to demonstrate your support for the charitable organizations you love and cherish. As you plan your giving, please keep us in mind. And as always, thanks for your support! Next Saturday evening, December 6th, Beryl & Harold Steinbach are opening their home to us for Havdalah. Everyone is welcome to attend, but we are trying to attract new members and supporters, so please bring a friend who might like to get to know us. We will gather at the Steinbach’s at 5PM on December 6th. We had a great time last year, so be sure to RSVP soon. Please see below for details. Some of you know that the holiday of Thanksgiving is my favorite. And I don't mean favorite not Jewish holiday. I mean favorite holiday. It is not only the chance to be with and enjoy the company of most of my favorite people in the world, and not one or two but three football games to watch, but it also serves as a bit of a reset button. In the craziness of the world we feel and so often get caught up in, Thanksgiving comes right on time at the end of November to remind us, at the end of the day, what's really important, and how truly blessed we are. Our tradition is filled with and based in an attitude of gratitude. Our Sages teach that we are encouraged to recite 100 blessings every day (!), which requires open eyes and open hearts to do genuinely. And, if that wasn't enough proof that Thanksgiving is actually a "Jewish" holiday, the Hebrew word Hodu means to give praise, as in "Hodu L’Adonai," which translates as "Give thanks to the Lord." It also is the word for a turkey! Hodu L’Adonai indeed! From Tali, Jonah, Gabriel, Caleb, and me, we send heartfelt wishes for a very, very happy Thanksgiving to everyone and your families. We're thankful for all of you and this wonderful community. Hope to see you for Shabbat! Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Joshua Strom
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