By Robin Lemberg, JNS
Our core prayers, including the “Shehecheyanu,” are centered on the recognition of blessings in the present moment.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude—a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate the blessings in our lives. But for many families, it’s also a time of high emotions, tension and even division.
Conversations about politics, Israel or the state of the world can easily create rifts at the Thanksgiving table. For the Jewish community, these divisions often run deep, touching on personal identities, generational differences and competing visions for the future.
Yet Judaism teaches us that even amid conflict, gratitude and hope can be powerful unifiers. The Shehecheyanu is a central blessing to Judaism. It reminds us to celebrate life’s moments of newness and joy, giving thanks for the ability to reach this moment together. This prayer offers an important lesson: while we may not always agree, we can still come together to honor what we share—our values, our heritage and our collective hope for a brighter future.
Our work and other market research studies over the last year have shown that while Jews may be aware of other religions and their tenets, fewer non-Jews know about Judaism. It is a mystery, and we Jews are a mystery. Our values, however, are the cornerstone of Christianity and Islam, and, in turn, at the core of democracy and freedom.
So, perhaps it is incumbent on all of us, to remember and share the central prayers of our faith whether we are practicing or culturally Jewish only, or maybe had a great-grandparent and incorporate them into our celebrations simply because they are universal in their thought and hope. Noncontroversial and inviting.
The Shehecheyanu is recited during moments of joy, renewal or new experiences. It reminds us to pause and give thanks for life, sustenance and the opportunity to be present in the moment.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָֽינוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּ
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higiyanu, laz’man hazeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this moment.
Gratitude is at the heart of both Judaism and Thanksgiving. Our core prayers, including the Shehecheyanu, are centered on the recognition of blessings in the present moment. But Jewish values extend even further, offering a framework for finding common ground in challenging times.
Hope and positivity: Judaism has always centered on hope—on believing in a better tomorrow even in the face of adversity. This is the spirit of Chanukah, where a small band of brothers—the Maccabees—protected the Second Temple against overwhelming odds, and the oil to light the arc holding the Torah lasted not one day but eight. Chanukah is a celebration of faith and resilience; it’s a reminder that light can prevail even in the darkest of times.
Gratitude for freedom: As Jews, we are profoundly grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, imperfect as it may sometimes feel. We are thankful for the ability to practice our faith, express our beliefs and stand against antisemitism with the support of allies.
Unity in diversity: While we may disagree about Israel’s actions or political ideologies, we can unite around shared principles. Gratitude, respect for life and the importance of community are values that transcend our differences and anchor us as a people.
This Thanksgiving, as families and friends gather to reflect on their blessings, we have an opportunity to infuse the holiday with Jewish values and traditions that inspire unity and understanding. Incorporating the spirit of the Shehecheyanu into Thanksgiving is one way to do this—by embracing gratitude for the present moment and the people around us, no matter our disagreements.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
Express gratitude for shared blessings: Take a moment to reflect on what unites us: gratitude for family and friends who love and support us. Gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy in America, including the ability to practice our faith and share our beliefs. Gratitude for Israel, a homeland that has demonstrated resilience and innovation. Gratitude for hope, the belief that even amidst challenges, we can work towards a brighter future.
Share the miracle of hope: As Chanukah approaches, reflect on the courage of the Maccabees and the miracle of the menorah. Their story is a powerful reminder that no matter how divided or overwhelmed we feel, unity and resilience can lead to light and renewal.
Foster constructive conversations: Acknowledge that family members may hold different views but commit to approaching discussions with civility and respect. Gratitude for one another should be the foundation of every interaction.
Emphasize what we share across different faiths, not what divides us: Thanksgiving often brings together people of various backgrounds and beliefs. The Shehecheyanu highlights gratitude and presence in a way that resonates universally, offering a moment to reflect on shared values rather than differences.
The Shehecheyanu and the story of Chanukah remind us that gratitude is not just a feeling; it’s a practice. It’s a way of recognizing the good in our lives, even in the face of hardship. This Thanksgiving, let us embrace that practice. Let us be thankful for each other, for the values that guide us and the freedoms we enjoy, even when they feel imperfect.
As we approach the season of miracles, may we find light in the darkness, hope in each other and unity in these precious shared moments.
