When I began to think about celebrating Hanukkah and Thanksgiving on the same night, doubling up on the already bountiful foods and pleasures of both holidays, I reflected back on my summer trip to India with the American Jewish World Service and how much food insecurity there is in the country. I considered how privileged I am and asked how I might meaningfully mark this year’s Thanksgivukkah calendar quirk.
While Thanksgiving is traced back to the colonial Pilgrims, the celebration on the fourth (originally third) Thursday of November is the result of a proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It was meant to generate a sense of unity for all Americans in the midst of the Civil War. In hindsight, the “success” of the Pilgrims, as well as the reunification and development of the United States after the Civil War, could certainly be thought of as miracles.
The idea of miracles also forms the core of Hanukkah’s meaning. However, in my mind, the miracle is not that the single cruse of oil that was found by those rededicating the Temple lasted eight days. Rather, the miracle is that those who found it had the courage and faith to light it. I cannot imagine that they were expecting a miracle to happen. And from this realization I can only wonder why they decided to light the menorah when they did.
Consider for a moment what that action meant for them in their time and what it might mean for us today. How many times do we fail to act because we lack the courage and faith to do what needs to be done because it seems unlikely to be successful?
Miracles. Lots of them, focused this year around this weekend. What might we learn?
Miracles are not random occurrences. They are continually happening around us, but most of the time we don’t pay close enough attention to notice them. If we did, we might lead very different lives. Maybe that is what this weekend can be for us — an opportunity to stop, pay attention to the miracles that are everywhere and then respond to them appropriately.
As you celebrate Hanukkah and Thanksgiving on this long weekend, pay attention and reflect on the miracles. If you do, I have faith that you’ll not only eat to your heart’s delight but will realize that, because of your bountiful blessings, you have an opportunity and a responsibility to respond to others.
Consider that so many in our community have so little to eat — so much so that there are now words to describe the hunger that exists in our midst, like food insecurity and food desert. If you decide to learn more, also take some time to read about the Supplemental Nutrition Program, or SNAP — the food stamp program — and understand the impact of the cuts Congress has made, as well as the potential impact of additional cuts being considered.
Abraham Joshua Heschel said, “Few are guilty, but all are responsible.” We don’t need to feel guilty that we are blessed. We only need to remember that, because we are blessed, we have the responsibility to act.
I’m going to try to pay attention to miracles and blessings this year, and I encourage you to do the same. I’m going to try to have enough courage and faith to act, even when I feel powerless. I’m going to try to make sure I do my part to alleviate some of the hunger that exists just outside my door.
Rabbi Marvin Goodman is executive director of the Northern California Board of Rabbis.