You may be challenged to find gratitude when the world is burning. Our greatest spiritual teachers encourage us to find gratitude in even the smallest things. This practice builds our resilience and endurance so that we won’t be consumed by grief and fear.
As we come to the sixth night of Hanukkah, with the increasing light, it reminds us to be grateful for light itself, and the knowledge that light will be returning as the days get longer.
Judaism itself is all about gratitude practice. For example, in the Talmud we are taught to offer 100 blessings of gratitude every day! As we express gratitude, we embody an awareness of the source of the blessing or gift for which we are expressing gratitude. The source could be… a dear friend or family member; a coworker; a beloved pet; a stranger we pass on the street; God…
On Hanukkah, our gratitude can be rekindled – we are reminded that even one small candle can light up the darkest of times. One small “thank you” or blessing can light up our day.
It is worth repeating this beautiful teaching by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel:
“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ….
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
get up in the morning and look at the world in a way
that takes nothing for granted.
Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible;
never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.“
Being Grateful for the Good
The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat hatov, which means “noticing the good.” Practicing gratitude means you intentionally look out for the good. You notice what you often take for granted.
Gratitude is rooted in remembrance. Therefore we must make a conscious effort to recall how others have helped us; if we don’t do this, we will forget…As a corrective against forgetting, try each day to remember at least one favor or kindness extended to you.
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
Find a few key memories that bring you joy, and for which you are grateful. Share in the comments.
— Consider using these stories as touchstones for you, especially when you need help to bring you back to gratitude or “illuminate the light” when you are not feeling it.
From Our Community
Here are some hopes that are shared by members of our Hineni Spiritual Community:
I’m grateful that I get to be alive to answer this questionnaire, celebrate becoming Jewish, and that I’m so very embraced by Rabbi Jill and the entire Hineni community.
Elizabeth Crouch
Shoshana Stombach
My family and particularly my grandchildren. That both my son and daughter have found life partners who are good for them. To live here, in Washington state. The Evergreen state. To be able to use my gift of music to lift others.
Franny Alexander
I am always grateful for Andy – my husband. I am blessed that we are so good together always despite troubling times I am grateful for my safe and cozy home – an old farmhouse with bucolic views.
Tonight we light the shamash (helper candle) and then six others.
Click here for the Hanukkah Blessings to say each night.
Happy Hanukkah,
Rabbi Jill and the Path With Heart Community Team
