davidfcooper

Thanksgiving Prayer by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi

As rabjeff points out, It follows the American mythology, so might not be considered politically or historically correct, but we could say the same about the Seder, right?

Anyway, I offer it to those who find it useful and appropriate. I'm not inviting discussion on whether it is appropriate, liturgical or politically, though of course that won't stop those who want to voice an opinion.

The Maggid of Mezerith, the successor of the Baal Shem Tov, needed someone to blow the shofar for Rosh Hashanah. Many people wanted the honor of this mitzvah, so a time was set aside for auditioning. In preparation for the audition, the men went to the mikvah, studied kabbalah, fasted and gave charity. The Maggid was present for the auditions to select the person. Each person had an opportunity to blow the shofar and share with the Maggid what he was thinking about when he blew. Each blowing was more beautiful than the next. When each man shared the complex and intricate kabbalistic intentions that were in his mind at the time, it was impressive.

Then Moshe, the water carrier blew the shofar. When asked what he was thinking about when he blew, he confessed, "I do not know kabbalah, so I did not have any lofty intention. I am ashamed to tell you, but when I blew the shofar, I was crying to God. I have four daughters who need to be married. I need a shidduch for each of them and money to pay for the dowry and wedding. I am a simple water carrier. Please God help me, I can't do it without You."

The Maggid selected Moshe, the water carrier, to blow the shofar for his congregation declaring that the prayers of a a sincere and broken heart open the gates of heaven. In the month of Elul, we need to remember that is our cries, our sincere prayers, our tears that are precious to God. Let's be real with ourselves,with others and with God by getting to the essence of what life is all about: What do we truly need and want. It is said that God is very close to us during this month.

Thanksgiving Prayer by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi


Alternative translation:


In the days of the Puritan pilgrims,
When they arrived in the land of their haven,
And suffered from hunger and cold,
And sang and prayed
To the Rock of their Salvation,
You stood by them in their time of trouble
And aroused the compassion of the native Indians,
Who gave them food and fowl and corn
And many other delicacies.
You saved them from starving and suffering,
And You showed them ways of peace
With the inhabitants of the land.
Feeling gratitude, they established therefore
A day of Thanksgiving every year
For future generations to remember,
And they feed the unfortunate
With feasts of Thanksgiving.
Therefore do we also thank You
For all the goodness in our lives.
God of kindness, Lord of peace,
We thank You.