Plymouth Rock. Turkey. Pumpkin Pie. Thanksgiving. Routine calls. Familiar, comfortable, expected. The sun rises in the east. My home awaits my return at day's end. Oxygen is inhaled mindlessly. 2020 jolts us. Anticipation is entitlement. The obvious is questioned. A new paradigm. Appreciation for the things we took for granted. Prayer and hope for the future. The ability to find happiness and contentment when not all is how we'd like. It's an age-old Jewish concept. Jacob on the run from his murderous brother Esau. Sleeping on a mountaintop without access to wifi, memory foam pillow replaced with rocks to protect against wild animals. A pretty hostile and lonely environment. It's at this point that Jacob envisions a ladder reaching heavenward with angels descending to shelter him. Upon awakening, the message is clear. In the darkest moments, Hashem's angels are right there, holding his hand. He emerges thankful and indebted. The reality is no different, however, his perception has undergone a cosmic shift. Modeh Ani. We begin each day thanking Hashem, not for all of the trinkets and accouterments we've collected, but for returning our soul to us giving us another day. Setting a tone of gratefulness for every blessing in our lives. (The Hebrew word Todah, thank you, is etymologically connected to the word Hoda'ah, acknowledgment. Thankfulness is a result of a humility that allows us to acknowledge our blessings and from whence they originate.) It is no wonder that these words - Hodu La'Hashem - Thank you, Hashem, have become the marching song in the Jewish community to welcome those returning home from a covid hospitalization. My friend, Yudi Dukes, returned home yesterday after 241 days(!) of every challenge imaginable, to his wife and children. One can only imagine the gratitude of walking through his front door. Tonight, when we sing Shalom Aleichem - breath. Inhale the presence of the Shabbos angels (and the aroma of Devorah's pumpkin Challah, which I am also grateful for!). Feel the divine unwavering support. Recognize that while it may be 2020, the reality hasn't changed. Hashem has been there for us throughout, and like in Jacob's dream, has demonstrated that He will continue to do the same until V'shavti B'Shalom - I return home in peace. Todah! I am grateful for each and every one of you for being yet another blessing in my life.
ב"ה