ITW Blog
We (Jews) Have So Much To Give Thanks For
It is too easy to sink into despair.
As Americans sit down today to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, let us all remember what we have to be thankful for.
We have a State of Israel.
For centuries, the Jewish people were unable to defend themselves from our enemies, being strangers in the land of others. We now have a homeland. Just imagine the darkness that would enshroud the world today were it not for Israel.
We have friends.
Perhaps the United States isn’t perfect, but it’s nice to have the greatest Democracy in the history of the world – and a powerful one at that, on our side. Thanks, too, for Australia, the Marshal Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and Palau. When the United (Arab) Nations General Assembly votes to condemn Israel for trying to survive, these six nations are not swayed by political expediency, self-bidding or by anti-Semitism.
We have an army.
The men and women who put their lives at risk to protect the nation of Israel and all the good that she represents are Tzadiks – righteous ones. In numbers they are tiny, miniscule. But in spirit and dedication, they are powerful and the foundation upon which the Jewish people reside.
We have strong voices.
Yes, the government of Israel is currently less-than-inspired in its leadership and vision. But we can openly criticize it without fear of retaliation or imprisonment. Our voices do rise in troubled times and they make a difference. We can and will be heard.
We have each other.
Through the Internet and other modern technologies, none of us is alone. A single idea can spread quickly around the world and have impact. When we need support, there are others out there who will gladly provide it.
We have faith.
At the core of Judaism and Israel is the knowledge that we are not in this struggle alone. We believe that our destiny is guided by a power so good, so grand and so mighty that we cannot even imagine. Hashem is our rock and our redeemer. Blessed be his name forever and ever.
Our blessings are too numerous to count.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving
