November 25, 2016 – Sarasota, FL
The holiday of Thanksgiving is so confusing to me because the story we learn in school represents a kind of peace type treaty between Pilgrims and Indians. If you dive into the authentic history of Thanksgiving, you will be quite disappointed by the story as it becomes a bloody struggle between the Puritans and the Pequot Indians. Other American holidays also misrepresent history such as Columbus Day. In addition, the Thanksgiving holiday can also add much pressure or stress to some families. So in order to be part of the solution, we choose to participate in performing mitzvot as it refocuses the purpose of the moment.
Watching the Macy’s Day Parade is one of our traditions for Steve and me. Last year was especially interesting as Erin, our daughter, was a candy cane stilt walker for Lindt’s Chocolate Company. We were glued to the television; it was remarkable to see our daughter on a national broadcast. Like last year, we chose a firehouse and prepared a special meal for the them. This year we chose Fire House #16 in our own Twin Lakes neighborhood as they have visited us many times this past year. Our kitchen stayed busy during the morning hours as Erin and I discovered the art of cooking and glazing a ham. Around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Erin, Jake, Steve and I delivered the ham, a fresh green salad, fruit bowl, cranberry sauce, roasted potatoes and iced tea to crew. We had a tour, good conversation, and Jake received some good advice on next steps as he begins his firefighting/EMT career.
Since both of our kids were home this year, we continued our family tradition of lobster and steak with new side dishes: baked sweet potato slices topped with avocado, saffron cabbage, green beans and mango key lime pie. It was simple, and Erin and I vied for our respective places on the couch afterwards!
After a scrumptious meal together, it was difficult to redo a meal for Shabbat. Jake worked, Erin had a show, and Steve and I decided that we needed to return to synagogue for some possible peace from the political antagonism that continues. We still have this unsettled tug in our stomachs as the future cabinet choices are made pubic. Anti-everything seems to roll on news feeds. Rabbi Shefrin reminded us that prayer is still a useful tool for hope. My brother-in-law, Mitch Weinberger, recently sent me an article, What my Jewish, immigrant father taught me about the American Dream. It reminds us “that there will be setbacks and hardship, but you’re not alone if you have optimism. That those across the country expressing hateful sentiments are just a minority in a nation filled with all kinds of people: wonderful, hardworking, awful, petty, amazing, complicated, striving people.” This was also Rabbi Shefrin’s message that night.
After services, we headed to the Oneg Shabbat (treats after services). I indulged in a delicious chocolate chip cookie with a plate of fruit, and then it happened, a particular comment during a discussion: “Obama is responsible for police brutality.” It is a comment I lost sleep over that night. I couldn’t understand the story behind it or how a president of the United States would be the cause of local police issues. So I investigated and found some articles that support the comment. I want to understand as many sides of an argument based on facts before I can comment. What I found ARE opinions. We are standing on a precipice; I have to believe good wins over evil. I have to hope this, and I have to believe that we as human beings want to be optimistic and do the right thing.
Shabbat Shalom.