Recently, in a conversation I had with our Kiyum students (those who are in 10th Grade this year and will study with the Cantor and I in the Spring) I posed the following question to them: “Do you consider yourself to be a Jewish American or do you consider yourself to be an American Jew?” After debating whether or not there truly was a difference between the two statements, (This could be a question for all of us to contemplate and consider. I look forward to hearing your responses!) We came to the conclusion that being an American and a Jew, or being a Jew and an American, both titles that we have in life are extremely important in identifying who we are, how our value and ethical systems are shaped and how we make democratic and religious decisions on a regular basis.
The Fall Season for us as Jews who live in America gives us the opportunity to celebrate at two specific times in our lives. These two holidays when we give thanks and appreciate both the freedom and nature we have around us are the Jewish Holiday of Sukkot and the American Holiday of Thanksgiving. It is not coincidence that these two holidays occur during the same time of the year and are certainly opportune celebrations when we can enjoy the blessings of being Jewish and being American.
The Book of Psalms, composed by and attributed to King David shares a powerful Psalm with us (Psalm 100) that provides for us the feeling we should have during our Fall Festive Season of Sukkot and Thanksgiving. There is a phrase within the Psalm that says: “Ivdu Et Adonai B’Simkha, Bo’u Lefanav Birnanah- Worship God in Gladness; Come Before God with Joyous Song.”
As we celebrate our Holidays of Sukkot and Thanksgiving, we have the ability and are commanded to sing, celebrate, rejoice and acclaim the beauty and holiness that we have been given to live, to learn from others and to teach unto others the glory of freedom and the natural resources around us.
May our Thanksgiving Holiday this year (and our Sukkot experience from last month) be one where we appreciate and recognize what an honor and privilege it is to be a Jew and an American (or an American and a Jew). May the goodness that has been given to us be the example for the goodness and Torah that we will bring to the rest of the world!
Michelle, Brianah, Julia and I wish everyone a wonderful and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday!
Kol Tuv, All the best,
Chag Sameyakh, A Happy Holiday To Everyone!
Rabbi Micah Caplan
