Gratitude in the Month of Cheshvan

Happy November Temple Beth Israel,

Now that we have firmly landed in the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, coined mar

Cheshvan by the rabbis since the lack of Jewish holidays in the month leaves us feeling

bitter. Well, I personally think that it’s nice to have a break from all those holidays to

appreciate regular time, the fall season with weekly Shabbat gatherings. The

Thanksgiving family dinner is the most iconic event associated with the month of

November; turkey, football, and pumpkin pie are constants across every American home.

While it is not technically a Torah-based festival, the original Thanksgiving meal has

deep roots in the Bible. Many believe that the Pilgrims were trying to reenact the fall

harvest holiday of Sukkot when they sat down to break bread with the Native Americans.

Some of the various ways we hope to honor Thanksgiving this year is through the

Plattsburgh Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Prayer Service, which will be held on

Sunday, November 22nd at the First Presbyterian Church at 3pm. If you attend, and we

hope everyone does, please consider donating a non-perishable food item to our Interfaith City Food Shelf. Thanksgiving is the perfect moment on the calendar to think about what we are grateful for in our own lives. This year, I am grateful for so much and for so many. This past summer my mother, sister, and nephew were finally able to visit me in the North Country. Even though they all live in New Hampshire, I have grown far closer to my sister and mother since I moved to Plattsburgh, and I count my relationship with them as a true blessing. Additionally, in particular this year, I am also leaving lots of space to show gratitude to the amazing lay-leaders of Temple Beth Israel. I am so proud of all the time, energy, and resources our leaders dedicate to constantly build this community. Over the last few months, I have noticed a tremendous outpouring of interest and activity around community outreach. Folks are invested in serving on committees, volunteering time and knowledge, and it warms my heart.

Who or what are you thankful for this year? Please, whenever possible, take the time to let them know that you are appreciative. So, if Cheshvan leaves you feeling bitter, don’t fret, Kislev and Chanukkah are right around the corner. In the meantime, pass the stuffing.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Rabbi David Joslin