Many wonderful teachings come from our Mussar tradition, a set of Jewish teachings that offer guiding principles and encourage us to pay attention to our highest values and most pronounced personal traits. This story told by the great Mussar teacher, Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian (1872-1970), reminds us of our sacred guiding principle of gratitude, particularly in unexpected or typically unnoticed places:

I was once speaking with one of my students following the morning prayers. As we connected with one another in conversation, I simultaneously removed my tallit (prayer shawl). It was my grandfather’s tallis, a large piece of cloth that needed extra love and care, and so, I placed it on a nearby bench to fold it gently. My student noticed that the bench was dusty and generously offered to fetch a towel to wipe it off. When he returned, I insisted on cleaning the bench myself, for I felt the need to show my gratitude to the reliable bench that allowed me a safe place to fold my grandfather’s prayer shawl. 

During this week of Thanksgiving, take special notice of even the modest things that are good in your life, and particularly, the people that offer you the most tender and loving support. After facing many months of unprecedented challenges, grief, and loss, acknowledging even the smallest aspects of goodness can help us open (or reopen) our eyes to the sweetness in our lives and breathe a bit easier.

— Cantor Emma Lutz