Today our bellies are full, but then again, so are our hearts. Even though our Thanksgiving traditions had to be modified this year to ensure the safety of our loved ones, we were able to spend the day seeing friends and family in small gatherings or on Zoom or FaceTime. We are feeling hopeful for the year ahead and, God willing, filled with a sense of gratitude for all the goodness in our life, despite this year’s many challenges.
Although the Thanksgiving table looked a bit different this year, the festive meal was still delicious! While we are familiar with the blessings our tradition calls upon us to recite before eating and drinking, uplifting prayers like the Motzi and Kiddush prayers that we will recite tonight before our Shabbat meal, our Torah teaches that the greater obligation is to bless and thank God after we have eaten in great fulfillment: “You will eat, then you will be satisfied, then you will bless God” (Deuteronomy 8:10). Our tradition understands that one can offer a more earnest blessing after experiencing that wonderful feeling of satiety that follows a holiday feast—there is nothing like a full belly and a smiling face to elicit a genuine blessing. And for those of us who have been lucky enough to enjoy Jewish summer camp, sharing in Birkat HaMazon with friends after even a mediocre meal can truly fill the heart to the brim!
So today, take an extra moment to express gratitude to those who prepared food for you, those who showed up for you or called, and those who kept their distance or planned carefully with you to keep your circle safe. On this Shabbat Thanksgiving, may we open our hearts to acknowledge the nourishing food and the many blessings in our lives.
Enjoy your leftovers, Shabbat Shalom.
— Cantor Emma Lutz