With so many of us still reeling from what I called PESD (Post-Election Stress Disorder),I'm grateful that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.While it's not a Jewish holiday,I've always felt a strong Jewish connection to Thanksgiving.今年，I think it's more important than ever that I incorporate some Jewish elements into our Thanksgiving celebration for my almost 5-year-old son to see.If you're looking to do the same,here are three easy ways to get started:
1。Dive into the Jewish concept of being thankful
My son has been taught to recite the Modeh Ani prayer every morning,which is a prayer of gratitude whose name translates to "I am thankful." Traditionally,it's the first prayer you're supposed to say upon waking up in the morning.(For an awesome musical rendition of the Modeh Ani,check outthis video当我们刚开始做的时候，I'd stop and explain what the words mean.But when we're deep in the throes of the morning rush and I'm scrambling to get my son and twin daughters dressed,联邦调查局人员，and out the door,it's not always feasible to stop and dissect what I consider to be one of the most important morning prayers.
这就是为什么我认为感恩节提供了一个完美的机会来讨论犹太人感恩的概念。As you sit around the dinner table this year sharing in whatever culinary delights you and your guests whip up,have everyone take a turn at his or her own Modeh Ani prayer.Whatever it is you're particularly thankful for at that moment,say it out loud,thank God for it in front of your children,and encourage your kids to do the same.(Oh,and don't get discouraged if the thing they're most thankful for is a new toy or that apple pie that's sitting on the counter for dessert.I've come to realize that there's nothing wrong with allowing young children to be grateful for the simpler things in life.)
2.Say a blessing before and after you eat
Even if you don't normally recite a blessing before you eat or read the Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) once you've finished dining,do it this one time.If you don't speak or understand Hebrew,把你的手放在英文版上，和你的孩子一起唱或者读。While the Modeh Ani exercise focuses more on general thankfulness,the Birkat Hamazon is a specific way of showing our gratitude for food—food that sustains us and brings us together on Thanksgiving,荆棘，and other such positive occasions.
三。Givetzedakah
In my house,我们有奉献的习惯tzedakah(charity) before lighting the Shabbat candles every week.但对我来说，感恩节不仅仅是为了感谢我们所拥有的；it's about giving back to those in need.By encouraging your kids to give to those who aren't as fortunate to have a festive meal,you can highlight the meaning of Thanksgiving while incorporating a key Jewish practice.
If dropping coins into atzedakahbox doesn't strike you or your kids as super meaningful,想想那天另一种形式的慈善。Volunteer with your (older) kids at a local soup kitchen,or invite an elderly neighbor without family to join you at your dinner table.There are so many ways to use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to be charitable,所以不要害怕跳出思维的框框。
What tips do you have for a more Jewish Thanksgiving?
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