Our parasha, Chayei Sarah, begins with the death of Sarah. The Torah tells us how old she was when she died –127. But it tells us in an unusual way. It tells us that Sarah was 100 years old, 20 years old and 7 years old. We are meant to add up the years of her life. Why does the Torah give us her age in this layered fashion? Because we are meant to notice and be grateful for her life in all its varieties and stages.
Thanksgiving gives us the chance to do the same. During this national holiday, we have the chance to think back on the past year, with all its ups and downs, and celebrate the good.
As Jews, despite anti-semitism, we continue to be grateful to live in this country where we can participate actively in society, have our voices heard, and even be elected to office.
I offer you this Thanksgiving prayer and Psalm 100 which express our hopes this year.
A Thanksgiving Prayer - by Rabbi Naomi Levy
For the laughter of the children,
For my own life breath,
For the abundance of food on this table,
For the ones who prepared this sumptuous feast,
For the roof over our heads,
The clothes on our backs,
For our health,
And our wealth of blessings,
For this opportunity to celebrate with family and friends,
For the freedom to pray these words
Without fear,
In any language,
In any faith,
In this great country,
Whose landscape is as vast and beautiful as her inhabitants.
Thank You, God, for giving us all these. Amen.
In thanksgiving : Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Eternal, all the earth.
Worship the Divine with gladness;
come before God with joyful songs.
Know that the Eternal is God.
It is You who made us, and we are Yours;
we are Your people, the flock of Your pasture.
Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving
and God’s courts with praise;
give thanks to the Eternal and praise God’s holy name.
For Adonai is good and God’s love endures forever;
Your faithfulness continues through all generations.
