Slow down and be thankful

Fran Ostendorf, EditorAt some point in the last couple of weeks, someone called our office asking, “Do Jews celebrate Thanksgiving?” I found this question surprising. Remember the fuss last year over Thanksgivukkah when Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fell at the same time? It caused quite a stir.

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, filled with food, family, friends and festivities. To most Americans, it is a secular celebration. However, many congregations participate in interfaith worship services during the holiday. Regardless, giving thanks remains a part of all of our celebrations.

I did some research to see if I could discover any connections between Judaism and Thanksgiving. I found lots of interesting stuff, from the elementary to the rather detailed.

About.com has an article devoted to such topics as what makes Jewish people uncomfortable about the dinner (the traditional turkey dinner is certainly not kosher) and how Americans in Israel might celebrate.

Chabad.org offers a more traditional explanation on thankfulness, laced with inspiration from Torah, for a deeper perspective and insight into the connections between Judaism and Thanksgiving.

There are many kosher food blogs filled with appropriate recipes and instructions.

Clearly, we do celebrate Thanksgiving, but the how and why are fodder for questions. Do your own search. It’s fascinating.

So in the lead-up to this uniquely American holiday where families and friends gather to relax, have a nice meal together and celebrate their collective traditions, I thought I’d reflect on a few of the many things I am thankful for in my life.

I am thankful for my family, who have been very supportive in the months since I took this job. I look forward to spending time with my extended family who will be at our house on Thanksgiving day. Since nobody ever lets me eliminate anything from the menu, I will be calling on everyone more than ever to jump in and help. There will be no visiting in the living room this year!

I cannot ever offer enough thanks to our “little staff that can.” Without the hard work of The Voice team, there would be no newspaper. Additionally, I am thankful for my co-workers at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, who give me great support when I need it most – articles, photos, information.

Volunteers make any organization sing. I’m lucky to have a few very dedicated volunteers who help in the office, offer advice, copy edit and proofread. Never underestimate the power of a volunteer at a small newspaper like ours. (Anybody else want to jump in? We’re friendly and always grateful. Call me.)

I am thankful for patience, a trait I really value. Once, years ago, my 3-year old son asked his father what patience was.  Why? Because he wanted to give it to me as a gift since I’d said, more than once, that “I was losing my patience.” Well, I found it, thankfully, because I still have it, and a sense of humor, too.

And to you the loyal reader, I say, thank you and keep reading!