Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is the most Jewish of all secular holidays. We are Yehudim, identified with the tribe of Jacob and Leah’s 4th son, Yehudah, a name drawn from the three-letter root of the word that means “to give thanks” or “to praise.” (Genesis 29:35)
My children learned this touching Israeli song titled “Todah” written by Haim Moshe when they were at TVT. We sing it every year at our Thanksgiving table, in Hebrew and English.
We are sharing some fun and inspirational resources to enjoy with family during this most unusual Thanksgiving holiday:
Rabbi Jill Zimmerman, founder of Cultivating a Path with Heart, has prepared a downloadable ebook/workbook on gratitude that walks us through dimensions of nurturing a deeper appreciation for all that we have, even in troubled times.
At the core of this workbook, which is intended to be an accessible resource for both Jews and others on a spiritual path, is the premise that Jewish tradition is filled with amazing teachings about gratitude and blessing for everything. Also, gratitude practice can be a core tool for healing withing ourselves, our families and our communities. It includes texts, thoughtful quotes, worksheets, music and poetry. “Grateful” - https://ravjill.com/grateful - can be downloaded and shared with friends, family and loved ones.
Last Saturday night, Rabbi Jill was our teacher at "Havdalah Together,” a heartwarming program hosted by JCoOC every Saturday night at the end of Shabbat that has become a unique kind of “OC’s Got Talent.” CLICK HERE to see her presentation. This coming Saturday (November 28) our presenter will be infectious disease specialist, Dr. Robert Kaplan. His presentation - titled "The Pandemic Influenza of 1918 to 1920: Lessons, Parallels and Contrasts" – promises to be highly engaging and informative. Please join us on Zoom or Facebook at 5:30pm.
On a sillier side, it is our pleasure to share JewBelong’s 2020 Thanksgiving Hagaddah/Booklet. The Jewish Collaborative is a big fan of JewBelong materials because they are whimsical, substantive and a wonderful way into Jewish celebration and learning. This year’s Thanksgiving edition is filled with activities, readings, original songs and ideas for meaningful conversation at the Thanksgiving table. ENJOY!
Finally, we at the Jewish Collaborative are trying do our part to give thanks through sharing our blessings with those in need. Please consider joining our Backpacks of Love Campaign. The collective goal is to adopt 100+ backpacks that will be filled with winter clothing and personal care items for our neighbors currently living in shelters and out-of-doors. This ambitious campaign will be open until December 20. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
To learn more about the state of homelessness in OC, register for our virtual Homelessness 101 Workshop on December 3 from 6-8pm led by United Way expert, Atty McLellan. This thorough presentation is designed to educate and foster engagement with the housing and homelessness crisis in our community.
On behalf of JCoOC’s Board of Directors and collaborative partners, we wish you a safe and meaningful holiday. Please know how thankful we are for YOU!
B'todah,
The Jewish Collaborative Team
The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County innovates, supports and collaborates on community programming that enriches the landscape of Jewish life in OC and beyond, encouraging individuals, couples and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.
Jewish Collaborative of Orange County 2200 San Joaquin Hills Rd. Newport Beach, CA 92660
