Dear Friends,
There is one section of the Jewish prayer service that the Cantor cannot fulfill for the congregation. That prayer is called “Modim – The Thanksgiving Prayer”. The reason for this is no one can say thank you for you, only the individual themselves who feels gratitude can properly give thanks.
Even during the difficult year that has passed since last Thanksgiving, hopefully, there are many things as a community and as individuals, we can be thankful for. While it is true that things could be better, it is also true that things could be worse. Our challenges and tribulations can give us the opportunity to appreciate the many positives we have in our lives even more than we would typically.
During the holiday season, precautionary limiting of the size of social gatherings will be the norm for most of us this year. While lessening some of the joy that can be brought about from social interactions, focusing on smaller, more intimate family gatherings with a limited number of our closest family members and friends may present a qualitative enhanced level of joy that we otherwise might have missed out on.
I think we can all be thankful if we have been able to remain healthy during a global pandemic which has claimed the lives of many and endangered the lives of many more. While we can all appreciate our in-person contact with close family members at this time, I must admit that having the technological capabilities of programs such as Zoom to help reach loved ones who are far away, have made it possible to limit the impact of social distancing to some degree and for that I am thankful.
Please let me take this opportunity to thank those of you who have participated and will be participating in our Friends of Addlestone fundraising campaign. Thank you for keeping us in mind in your end of year family philanthropic giving plans. If you would like to give securely, online please click here. I am truly grateful to be part of such a kind and caring community and I wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season.
Shalom,
Rabbi Elisha Paul
Head of School
