On the day after Thanksgiving, dozens of talmidim, parents and even grandparents gathered for a shiur by Rabbi Daniel Fridman on the topic of hakarat hatov. Rabbi Fridman developed the idea that the halachic concept of gratitude is to offer thanks not when one has all that one desires, but, on the contrary, for the blessings one does have. Hence, the Talmud explains that Leah was the first to offer gratitude, when she thanked God for her children, despite the fact that she still did not have Yaakov’s full affection. Likewise, the Talmud extols the Jewish people for enacting an obligation to recite Birkat HaMazon despite the fact that we have not been fully satiated. This halachic notion of gratitude is echoed by the origins of Thanksgiving, when in 1863, President Lincoln felt that it was vital to set aside a day of gratitude for the many gains of the Civil War, despite the fact that the war was not over.

TABC aims to offer shiurim on days when school is not in session throughout the year and is proud of the learning that takes place during and outside school hours.