Hi,

You’ve heard the clichés.

Every day should be Mother’s Day.  And every day should be Thanksgiving.

The thing about clichés?

They may not be the whole story.

But there is truth to them.

Every day should be Mother’s Day, but it’s okay to make one day special.

As long as we don’t forget about Mom the rest of the year.

When it comes to Thanksgiving?

Judaism is clear.

Every day should be Thanksgiving!

In fact, Judaism has a wonderful tool to help us remember not to forget.

A little daily prayer.  As soon as we wake up.

Because we know how it is.

The alarm goes off.  It’s a new day.  With a lot ahead of us.

And before we know it, what are we thinking about?

Maybe it’s the mess waiting for us at the office.

Or the dentist appointment we dread.

And we know that in the big picture of life, they’re not such a big deal.

But it’s still so easy to get caught up with our problems.

Which is a real pity.

Because we know that we have so much to be thankful for.

Judaism says make it a habit.  A ritual.

Each and every day.  Before you get involved in anything else.

Before you even think about anything else.

Think about all that you have.  And especially about the greatest gift of all.

Life.

And say thank you.

The prayer is called ‘Modeh Ani’.

It says a lot.  The bottom line?

It says: ‘Thank G-d I’m alive.’

… Here are two ideas to help add meaning to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Print out the text of the Modeh Ani prayer below and have everyone say it together.

Transliteration

Modeh ani lifanecha melech chai v’kayam shehechezarta bi nishmosi b’chemlah, rabah

emunsecha.

English translation

I gratefully thank You, living and eternal King.  For You have returned my soul within me with compassion.  Abundant is Your faithfulness!

 And if you want to make it your most meaningful Thanksgiving ever?

Resolve that every day will be Thanksgiving!

That you won’t wait a whole year to say “Thank G-d I’m alive” again.

Keep this printout and try saying Modeh Ani every morning!

It takes 10 seconds.   It’s the right thing to do.

And it will change your life!

Please let me know how it goes!

… Already say Modeh Ani?

Great!

And if you’re like me?

We can both say it even better starting tomorrow!

All the best,