It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to write this week’s article. I want to start by wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving on behalf of my personal family and the Temple Jeremiah staff. During any given week throughout the year, you allow us to be an integral part of your and your family’s lives, and that is something we do not take lightly.
Thanksgiving is often a time to share gratitude. Whether you visit Temple Jeremiah multiple times a week, once a year, or whenever the time feels right for you, know that we are grateful for you and are here to support you through any times of need.
While Thanksgiving brings opportunities to show thanks and spend time with loved ones, I also want to acknowledge that no two families are alike. Some may be eagerly diving into the turkey and playing games to see who gets the drumstick, while others may be struggling during this time. It is important to remember that family gatherings are not guaranteed to be large, peaceful, or even possible.
When I reflect on Temple Jeremiah’s tagline, “The Joy of Belonging,” I think about how the joy comes from each of us doing our part to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging.
This week’s Torah portion, Toldot, highlights family dynamics that resonate with this idea and offer much to consider during the holiday. At the beginning of the portion, we learn that Isaac and Rebecca endured “twenty childless years” before miraculously giving birth. As leaders of an entire nation, I can only imagine the comments and questions they faced regularly.
The portion then shifts to the story of their sons, Jacob and Esau. As we read, the brothers frequently quarreled and competed, culminating in the controversy over Jacob receiving Isaac’s blessing during his final years.
Toldot reminds us that sibling rivalries and family complexities are not new—they have been with us since biblical times. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and each one is unique. A lesson I take from this portion is the importance of greeting one another with kindness and the best intentions whenever possible. As the text suggests, we may not always know the full picture of what is happening in each other’s lives. This is a perspective worth holding onto, especially as we celebrate Thanksgiving.
Once again, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. May you find warmth and happiness throughout this week and beyond—and please don’t forget to bring the Temple Jeremiah staff your favorite leftovers!
Shabbat Shalom,
Matt Rissien