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“A Prayer of Gratitude” Rabbi Zecher’s Shabbat Awakenings

Friday, November 26, 2021

Welcome to Shabbat Awakenings, a weekly reflection as as we draw near to Shabbat.

It is the day after Thanksgiving and I still have gratitude on my mind. We all could. To be thankful is, according to Abraham Joshua Heschel, the way we can learn to pray. Heschel wrote:
How good it is to wrap oneself in prayer, spinning a deep softness of gratitude to God around all thoughts, enveloping oneself in the silken veil of song! 

As we move to Shabbat, let the appreciation we feel for family, the ability to gather, the beauty of smiles, a perfectly prepared meal, and the glorious gift of nature carry us through this day. I share a piece from Mishkan T’filah that always speaks to me as we offer it each Shabbat morning that repeats a chorus of thanksgiving:

Modim anachnu lach. מודים אנחנו לך
We are grateful to You.

For the expanding grandeur of Creation, worlds known and unknown,
galaxies beyond galaxies, filling us with awe and challenging our imaginations,
Modim anachnu lach. מודים אנחנו לך

For this fragile planet earth, its times and tides, its sunsets and seasons,
Modim anachnu lach. מודים אנחנו לך

For the joy of human life, its wonders and surprises, its hopes and achievements,
Modim anachnu lach. מודים אנחנו לך

For human community, our common past and future hope,
our oneness transcending all separation,
our capacity to work for peace and justice in the midst of hostility and oppression,
Modim anachnu lach. מודים אנחנו לך

For high hopes and noble causes, for faith without fanaticism,
for understanding of views not shared,
Modim anachnu lach. מודים אנחנו לך

For all who have labored and suffered for a fairer world,
who have lived so that others might live in dignity and freedom,
Modim anachnu lach. מודים אנחנו לך

For human liberties and sacred rites: for opportunities to change and grow,
to affirm and choose,
Modim anachnu lach. מודים אנחנו לך

We pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes, not by our words but by our deeds. Blessed are You, Adonai, Your Name is Goodness,
(Adapted from Eugene Pickett)

Shabbat Shalom!
And Happy Chanukah, starting this Sunday night!

Connect with me HERE. I look forward to corresponding with you and to hearing your thoughts.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Elaine Zecher