Rabbi's Message

Gratitude is a foundational value of our tradition. Prayers of gratitude fill our liturgy and encompass our day. In his book Thanks a Thousand, A.J. Jacobs coined the term “gratitude trail.” In doing so, he suggests that for each blessing in our life, we should trace the manifestation of that blessing from its origin to its reception and express gratitude for each step along the way. His example is his morning coffee, reflecting on each step of his enjoyment, from bean to barista. 

Gratitude is an important theme of this season, particularly tomorrow, the 18th of Iyyar, the 33rd day of the Omer, also known as Lag B’Omer. Jewish tradition suggests that several events took place on Lag B’Omer that call for gratitude and appreciation. 

First, according to our rabbinic tradition, the manna, miraculous food from heaven that sustained our ancestors, began to fall on Lag B’Omer. This miracle highlights our gratitude to God for all of the blessings He bestows upon us.

Second, one of the most well-known reasons for celebrating Lag B’Omer is the cessation of the deaths of Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students. A lack of respect for each other is the explanation given for why this plague took place. Today, of all days, we should make sure to repair this transgression by showing gratitude for the people in our lives instead.

Third, Lag B’Omer is the day our tradition tells us that the great sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai died. Yet, our custom is not to grieve on his Yahrzeit but to hold a celebration with bonfires and gatherings. Instead of looking at the tragedy of his death, our tradition invites us to show gratitude for all that he accomplished in life.

Finally, the Kabbalistic tradition associated with him assigns an attribute to each day of the Omer. The attribute associated with Lag B’Omer is Hod Sheba’hod. Hod is from the word Hodu or Modeh, which mean “to thank.” Therefore, according to the Kabbalah, Lag B’Omer is an important day to focus on gratitude.

And so, as we turn to Lag B’Omer, let us reflect on the blessings in our lives and all for which we are grateful.  Let us explore our gratitude trails as we seek to adopt “attitudes of gratitude” towards God, towards loved ones, and towards ourselves.

It’s not only tomorrow that we reflect on the blessings in our lives, but this weekend, as well, as we look forward to joining together as a TBS community this Sunday evening for an Evening of Tribute celebrating Rabbi Peltz’s 18 years at TBS. He occupies a special place on all of our gratitude trails. How grateful we are for his leadership and guidance today and every day. 

Shabbat Shalom.