Incorporating Jewish traditions into your Thanksgiving

By Rabbi Ariel Boxman, Director of Lifelong Learning

Thanksgiving is an all-American holiday that we all look forward to, Jews and non-Jews alike. I mean, who doesn’t love turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie? However, just because Thanksgiving is not a traditional Jewish holiday, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate it in a Jewish way, especially when Thanksgiving and Channukah fall so close together this year!

At Temple Shalom Preschool, we are very excited to celebrate both holidays and spend time reflecting on what we are grateful for! Here are some fun and meaningful ways to incorporate Jewish traditions into your Thanksgiving celebration with your family.

1. Begin your meal by saying the shehechiyanu blessing, thanking God for bringing your family to this special day in the secular year. We say the shehechiyanu prayer on all special moments as we give thanks for being present at a joyous moment. The words to shehechiyanu are, “Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha’Olam Shehechiyanu Vikiyamanu Vihigiyanu Lazman Hazeh.”

Saying “Thank You to God” on Thanksgiving

2. Make a turkey-shaped challah instead of traditional dinner rolls. Go to this link for instructions on how to do so: https://tinyurl.com/turkeychallah.

3. Go around the table and have everyone share what they are grateful for this year. Traditionally, Jews give thanks every day when we recite the words of the hoda’ah blessing in the Amidah. Why not offer an extra special moment of gratitude on Thanksgiving?

4. Finish your meal with an Ashkenazi Jewish-inspired delight: tzimmes cake! It is the perfect combination of all our favorite Thanksgiving staples in a unique and tasty dessert. Go here for a recipe to try: https:// tinyurl.com/tzimmescake.

Turkey challah

5. Say the birkat hamazon, our blessing after eating, upon completion of your delicious meal. This musical blessing is well known to many of our kids who attend Jewish Summer Camp as they recite it twice a day at camp all

summer. Have the kids lead the blessing and give a musical thanks for all the tasty food they have consumed! Follow the links for words and the tune at https://tinyurl.com/mealthanks.

6. Donate the money you would have spent on Black Friday shopping to a charity of your family’s choosing. The best way to truly give thanks is to give others a reason to be thankful!

I wish each and every one of you a delicious and meaningful Thanksgiving (and Happy Channukah!) with you and your loved ones!