Weekly Emails

Thursday, November 24, 2022  |  30th of Heshvan  |  Rosh Hodesh Kislev

It is good to acclaim the Lord, to sing Your praise, exalted God. 
To proclaim Your love each morning, to tell of Your faithfulness each night. 
Tov l’hodot L’Adonai, u’l’zamer l’shimkha elyon / L’hagid, baboker hasdekha, v’emunatkha baleilot
(Psalm 92)

​​​​​Dear Friends,

The essence of Judaism is rooted in a never-ending expression of gratitude for miracles large and small that touch us daily.  Three times a day, in our personal conversations with God, we say the following: 
 
“We thank You and praise You morning, noon and night for Your miracles which daily attend us and for Your wonderous kindnesses.  Our lives are in Your hand: our souls are in Your charge."  
 
The fixed liturgy in the Jewish tradition understands that it is easy to feel grateful in times of plenty and comfort. The greater challenge is to be cognizant that, even in troubled times, there are ever present miracles that, when acknowledged, will help us navigate the darkness with a sense of hope. 

To enhance your Thanksgiving celebrations, we happily share a few special resources curated by JewBelong and Hadar's Rising Song Institute:

Download this Thanksgiving companion reader that contains thoughtful readings, songs and conversation ideas to inspire your Thanksgiving meals.

Todah is a collection of musical expressions of gratitude by Jewish artists titled "Songs of Thanks and Praise." Connect to Spotify and ENJOY!

This year, Thanksgiving coincides with the first day of Rosh Hodesh Kislev, which means that Hallel will be chanted on Thursday and Friday mornings in daily minyanim across America.  Please join me and Kohennet Rachel Kann on Zoom, Friday November 25 at 10:30am for a special Rosh Hodesh program that will include highlights from the morning service and Hallel favorites.  

Tis' the season for celebrating new friendships.  With Giving Tuesday around the corner, consider making a donation to help JCoOC underwrite OCJCR's first "Newcomers Friendsgiving Dinner" on Sunday, November 27. Over 100 new residents from the Ukraine and Afghanistan will celebrate their first Thanksgiving in America. JCoOC is proud to partner with Anaheim United Methodist Church and the OC Jewish Coalition for Refugees to bring this beautiful gathering to fruition. Donate Here. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Our sages understood what we know to be true:  The experience of gratitude and sharing our blessings with others can be transformative and healing. In the wisdom compendium Ethics of the Fathers, Ben Zoma asks this question:  “Who is considered wealthy? [The answer]: One who is satisfied with their portion.”  

On this Thanksgiving and in the entire year to come, may we all be blessed to cultivate and express daily gratitude and inspire others to join in this transformative practice. The entire Collaborative Team joins me in wishing all of you a meaningful and safe Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Hodesh Tov - Happy Rosh Hodesh Kislev,
Rabbi Marcia Tilchin

The Zoom link to join is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81267741931.
No RSVP is required.

JCoOC is honored to underwrite a post-Thanksgiving celebration for refugee newcomers and the volunteers supporting their transition to life in the US. If you'd like to sponsor the cost of a dinner for an individual or a refugee family, we invite you to click here.

Learn more about the Newcomer's Friendsgiving Dinner here.

The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County is a creative, collaborative, and compassionate community mosaic dedicated to innovating and supporting local and national programming that enriches the landscape of Jewish life and encouraging individuals and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.