As you read this blog on Wednesday, this week it has been Thanksgiving in Canada, Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the US, and Isru Chag, the day marking the end of the High Holy Day season, for most Jews in the Diaspora (Israeli and Reform Jews marked it on Sunday). We are aware of the situation in Israel and Gaza, and are following the news with great concern, especially those of us who have friends and family in the area.
Even in moments of fear, grief and crisis, and maybe especially in those hard times, it’s a good idea to stop and consider what might be cause for gratitude, despite everything else. It can be a great way to step off the worry treadmill, if only for a few minutes, to provide a little distraction and a positive direction for our thoughts, at least for a while.
The gratitude list will be different for everyone, of course, depending on their circumstances and what is going on in their lives. But even a sunbeam, a child’s hug, or a good meal can be the occasion of a grateful thought, a realisation that there is good in our world.
On Saturday night and Sunday morning we danced with the Torahs, despite our worry and fear, because that is what we do at this time of the year. I am grateful for the fact that my immediate family is safe in Canada, for the Internet that allows us quick connection with our loved ones in the danger zone, and for the community that lifts us up and dances with us, in good times and bad.
What is on your gratitude list?
