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I Thank, Therefore I Am
Parshat Miketz, Shabbat Rosh Chodesh
Chanukah: Genesis 41:1-44:17, Numbers
28:9-15, 7:42-47; Zechariah 2:14-4:7.
A
Drug Enforcement
cal labeling, or is it a reflection of a
Administration (DEA) officer deeper identity? As a lifelong student
stopped at a ranch in Texas
of Jewish values, I have no doubt that
and told the old rancher, "I need to
gratitude is at the core of what Judaism
inspect your ranch for illegally grown
is all about.
drugs:' The rancher said, "OK, but
The very first word uttered by
don't go in that field over there'
a practicing Jew every morning is
The officer verbally
modeh, thanks. Immediately
exploded saying, "See this
upon awakening one thanks
badge? This badge means I
God for renewed life and says,
"Thanks, I offer before you, liv-
am entitled to go wherever
ing and eternal King, for You
I wish! Have I made myself
clear?" The rancher nodded
have mercifully restored my
soul within me; Your faithful-
politely apologized and went
about his chores.
ness is great:'
A short time later, the old Rabbi Tz vi
The rest of the day is perme-
rancher heard loud screams, Muller
ated with further expressions
looked up, and saw the DEA
of gratitude: for eyesight, for
officer in that very field, being chased
clothes, for intelligence, for shoes, for
by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis
Torah, for food, for forgiveness, for
bull. The officer was clearly terrified.
health, for our godliness, for a liveli-
The rancher threw down his tools, ran hood, for daily miracles, etc. In fact,
to the fence and yelled at the top of his Judaism instructs its adherents to
lungs, "Your badge, officer, show him
recite at least 100 blessings, expres-
your badge! Tell him it entitles you to
sions of thanks, every day.
be there!"
Why?
If left unchecked, our egos produce
When we appreciate being benefi-
their own "badges of entitlement:' The ciaries of so many gifts in life, we are
human ego creates a self-important
more generously inclined and happy to
identity that leaves us feeling entitled.
share some of those gifts with others.
We can be blessed with many gifts in
Gratitude prompts us to connect with
life and remain completely ungrateful
our fellow human beings with love —
because we feel that we deserve it, that with kindness.
we have it all coming to us. As Jews,
Of all Jewish holidays, Chanukah
we are reminded to check our egos and stands out as a holiday specifically
be thankful for everything we have. In
designated lehodot ulehallel, to offer
fact it's in our name, in our identity, in thanks and praise to the Almighty!
the title "Jew"
This Chanukah, let us shed any
Why are Jews, called Jews? What
sense of entitlement; be grateful for
does the word "Jew" mean, and what is what we have and be ever kinder.
its origin?
That's what it means to be a "Jew." A
The ancient Jewish kingdom was
Jew's badge says, I am unentitled! It
called the Kingdom of Judah. The tribe says, "Thank you!" Let us embrace a
of Judah was the predominant popula-
Jewish identity of feeling grateful.
tion and represented the political, and
While Descartes famously formu-
often spiritual, leadership of the Jewish lated cogito ergo sum: I think, therefore
people. The origin of the term Jew is
I am, the Jewish formula is: I thank,
a derivative of Judah. But what does
therefore I am!
the name Judah mean? Judah itself
May we have a happy and thankful
is derived from the Hebrew word for
Chanukah! *
thanks. (See Genesis 29:35.) "Judah"
Rabbi Tzvi Muller is the rabbi of the Birmingham
connotes the expressing of gratitude!
Bloomfield Chai Center and directs the Jewish
Is the fact that Jews are called
Values Institute.
Jews merely the evolution of histori-
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December 10 2015
December 10 2015
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