Thanksgiving emerges as more than a simple American holiday; it acts as a conduit linking America’s founding story to a profound Jewish narrative. This connection stretches back to the early Puritans, who viewed themselves as a new Israel. They meticulously interpreted the Hebrew Bible, framing their exodus from England as akin to the Israelites’ escape from Pharaoh. Such interpretation posits America as Canaan, a promised land where moral purpose and exceptionalism are intertwined with divine covenant.
The powerful imagery of the Exodus permeated the thoughts of America’s founders. Benjamin Franklin, envisioning a fitting depiction for the Great Seal, insisted it should display “Moses lifting up his wand and dividing the Red Sea.” Such proposals reveal an underlying belief that America carries on the legacy of the Israelite story. This idea of “chosenness” is rooted in moral responsibility rather than arrogance. It reflects a commitment to a higher standard of living—a sentiment shared by the Pilgrims when they embraced their new home.
However, this rich narrative faces distortion. Antisemites hijack the very concept of Jewish “chosenness,” transforming it into a weapon that perpetuates accusations of domination and control. Such misconceptions blur the original message, which framed “chosenness” as a call to embody moral integrity and justice. The Pilgrims themselves, grappling with brutal hardships, remained thankful not for abundance, but for survival and divine providence.
In their journey, the Pilgrims echoed biblical themes, capturing gratitude as a communal response to struggle. Governor William Bradford’s reflections in Of Plymouth Plantation resonate deeply: upon landing, they “fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven.” This act of thanksgiving was not merely about achieving comfort; it was an acknowledgment of their survival against insurmountable odds.
Yet today, Thanksgiving risks being co-opted by various factions. Christian nationalists twist the notion of a “chosen nation” into a narrative of racial destiny, exclusion, and power. On the other side, left-wing activists portray America’s foundational stories and modern Israel as rooted in theft and oppression. Both narratives miss the truth embedded in the Exodus: that freedom must rest upon faith, gratitude, and justice.
This essence of gratitude resonates through Jewish teachings. The Rebbe’s sentiments emphasize Thanksgiving’s spiritual kinship with Judaism, elevating it to the status of a Yom Tov, or day of joy. Being a Jew—Yehudi—reflects an inherent connection to gratitude, with the Hebrew word (hodaa) signifying acknowledgment as well. This acknowledgment cultivates humility, which binds society together. The Pilgrims, too, exemplified this shared spirit, finding solace and community amid hardship.
Thanksgiving serves a dual function: it counters division and fosters unity. It reminds people of their interconnectedness, affirming that true freedom derives not from dominance but from a collective expression of gratitude. History shows that when society forgets this essential element of thankfulness, it risks fracturing into tribalism and conflict.
The significance of Thanksgiving is illuminated further through the cherished words of George Washington. His 1790 letter to the Touro Synagogue in Newport emphasizes the promise of safety and goodwill among different peoples, where every individual may “sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree.” This message resonates beyond the Jewish community, encapsulating the American promise that gratitude, not power, upholds true liberty.
United by shared values of humility and thanksgiving, a diverse society can derive strength from its differences. America’s legacy is intertwined with the Jewish narrative of hope, survival, and shared gratitude. These stories intertwine to shape a national identity, founded not on power struggles but on reverence for life, liberty, and the bonds that link a community together.
Ultimately, Thanksgiving transcends cultural heritage, serving as a remedy for division. As people across the spectrum—Jews, Christians, believers, and skeptics alike—gather to give thanks, they forge connections with one another that honor the essence of America’s memory. Reflecting on this truth solidifies the notion that gratitude can act as a unifying force, reminding us all of the common threads that bind humanity together.
"*" indicates required fields
