Recognizing the Good

The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat hatov, which means “recognizing the good.” According to Mussar masters (mussar – moral conduct, instruction or discipline), expressing gratitude opens up our heart. After this past Shabbat, celebrating our new Sukkah and our 10th anniversary together, my heart is wide-open and overflowing with love and gratitude. Words simply can’t express the joy I was feeling by the end of the evening. There is something extraordinary when one knows the love they feel is reciprocated. Oh what a night!

This Friday night we again have the opportunity for more hakarat hatov, as we celebrate Simchat Torah, the joy of Torah. We will eat together in the sukkah, weather permitting. But if rain keeps that from happening, gam ze letov, that too is for the good! Opportunities to celebrate together are wonderful and I hope you will all be with us.

The Sukkot holiday is called zeman simchateinu, the “season of rejoicing!” We can’t argue with that! Have a wonderful continuation of the holiday and come dance with us Friday night!

May this be a week of great happiness and a Shabbat of peace,

Rabbi Debbie Israel