Have a joyous Thanksgiving Holiday.

Robin

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An interesting tidbit: The top turkey-eating country in the world is Israel, at 11.5 kg per person every year as compared to the United States at 7.7 kg per person.

Tomorrow afternoon many, if not most of citizens of this great nation, will sit at their tables enjoying a festive and bountiful meal with family and/ or friends. While the classic Norman Rockwell painting of a traditional Thanksgiving is probably more reflective of the exception rather than the rule (particularly in an age of tremendous national mobility and changing familial patterns), when we picture Thanksgiving in our minds a picture develops that focuses on the elements of family, friends, food, and football.

There is, however, also a dark side to Thanksgiving. There is the over indulgence of too much food and the waste that comes from far too many leftovers. There is the celebration of the holiday without even taking a moment to reflect on the countless blessings we have as residents of the great country. There are the full tables of family and friends dining together even though we know there are many, even within the Jewish community, who can barely keep their utilities on, let alone eat a full meal.

The folklore of Thanksgiving teaches that the Native Americans and Pilgrims came together to share of their bounty. This is a lesson that can resonate today. As residents of this United States of America have a special and unique obligation to share our bounty and our blessings. Whether we invite one in need to our Thanksgiving meal, or we commit ourselves to share through our financial support or volunteer time, Thanksgiving can only truly become a time of giving thanks when we give.

On this Thanksgiving holiday, let each of us take a moment before we slice into that succulent piece of turkey covered in gravy and cranberry sauce to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Even though we may not have everything we desire or need, when we look around the world it does not take much to recognize how truly fortunate and blessed we are.

Have a wonderful and joyous Thanksgiving holiday.

Rabbi Louis Feldstein