Once a year, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving—a day to pause, reflect and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. This tradition—often linked to the Pilgrims’ 1621 celebration of a successful harvest—resonates deeply with Jewish values. In Jewish tradition, expressing gratitude is not confined to a single day or event; it is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, prayers and mitzvot. The Torah emphasizes gratitude as fundamental to human existence, teaching us not only to thank others but also to live with an ongoing sense of appreciation for all that we have.
In the times of the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple), a person who experienced a life-saving event would bring a Korban Todah (thanksgiving offering). This offering—accompanied by 40 loaves of bread—was shared with others. The abundance ensured the individual would gather a community to celebrate and share the story of their gratitude. This public acknowledgment of Hashem’s kindness reinforces the communal aspect of thanksgiving—expressing thanks not only to God, but also inspiring gratitude among others.
The Talmud (Brachot 54b) teaches that four categories of people must bring a Korban Todah: those who crossed the sea, journeyed through the desert, recovered from illness or were freed from captivity. These moments of salvation remind us that gratitude is not reserved for monumental occasions alone. Even in daily life—as Rav Avigdor Miller taught—every breath we take is a reason to say “thank you.” Gratitude turns routine moments into spiritual experiences, connecting us to Hashem in profound ways.
The midrash on parshat Bereishit highlights three things for which the world was created—all called “reishit” (firsts): Israel, Torah and the mitzvah of bikkurim (first fruits). The mitzvah of bikkurim is especially striking. Farmers would bring their first fruits to the Temple and declare their gratitude for the land and Hashem’s blessings. The Alshich explains that bikkurim exemplify the essence of human purpose—hakarat hatov (recognizing the good). This mitzvah underscores that gratitude is not merely a virtue, but a foundation of existence. The world itself was created so that humanity could live in a state of appreciation.
The Torah demonstrates gratitude through the treatment of animals, teaching us the timelessness of hakarat hatov. Two poignant examples include the following: The midrash recounts how birds ate the manna that Datan and Aviram maliciously scattered on Shabbat to discredit Moshe. In appreciation for their loyalty, we feed birds on Shabbat Shira. This custom reminds us to recognize even the smallest acts of kindness and to express thanks for them.
During the final plague in Egypt, the dogs miraculously remained silent, allowing Bnei Yisrael to leave Egypt peacefully (Shemot 11:7). As a reward, the Torah commands that non-kosher meat be given to dogs (Shemot 22:30). If we are obligated to show appreciation to birds and dogs, how much more so must we show gratitude to the people in our lives—parents, spouses, teachers, mentors and friends.
Gratitude extends beyond human interactions. Every morning, Jews recite “Modeh Ani”—thanking Hashem for restoring our souls and granting us another day of life. The simple act of waking up healthy is a miracle. As the Ramban famously wrote, “A person should always acknowledge the hidden miracles that surround us daily, for they are the foundation of our faith.”
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let us remember that gratitude is not just an annual event but a daily practice. We must thank Hashem for the blessings in our lives—our health, our families, our homes and our opportunities. Gratitude transforms us into better people, fostering humility, connection and joy.
Rabbi Abraham Twerski offers a powerful insight: “The Hebrew word for gratitude, hodaah, also means ‘acknowledgment.’ When we express gratitude, we acknowledge that we are not self-sufficient and that others—and Hashem—play a role in our successes and well-being.”
May this Thanksgiving inspire us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude—not only on this day, but every day. By recognizing the daily miracles in our lives and expressing thanks to those around us, we fulfill the purpose of creation itself. “Hodu laHashem ki tov, ki leolam chasdo—Give thanks to Hashem, for He is good, His kindness is everlasting,” (Psalms 118:1).
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
