As the crisp autumn air settles over Long Island and the trees blaze with hues of gold, amber, and crimson, we are reminded that every season brings its own beauty and renewal. The turning leaves whisper a simple truth: life’s constant change is itself a blessing.
Thanksgiving is a moment to pause, breathe, and remember how much good surrounds us. It is not only about the feast on our tables, but about the fullness of our hearts. From the laughter of family gatherings to the quiet gratitude for health, freedom, and opportunity, we are all connected by the same simple miracle: the gift of being alive and able to love.
Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has floated through the streets of New York, filling the sky with color and imagination. Each balloon, each marching band, each cheer reminds us of the joy we can create when we come together. Even the presidential turkey pardon, a lighthearted tradition, reflects something deeper: compassion, mercy, and the power of kindness in public life.
Let this holiday be more than a day of thanks. Let it be a call to action. Reach out to a neighbor, visit someone who is alone, share a meal, offer a smile. Gratitude becomes complete only when it flows outward, when it turns into generosity and care.
In these uncertain times, when the world can feel divided and weary, Thanksgiving gives us a sacred opportunity to remember what truly matters: love over hate, hope over fear, unity over division. The heart that is grateful sees abundance everywhere.
As you gather with family and friends, take a moment to count your blessings, not only the big ones but the small, quiet ones too: the sunrise, the laughter of children, the kindness of strangers, the promise of tomorrow.
May this Thanksgiving fill your homes with warmth, your hearts with peace, and your lives with joy. And may we carry that spirit forward every day, in every season, with every act of kindness. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, PhD
