From the first Thanksgiving in 1621, through proclamations issued by Presidents Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt, Thanksgiving has become America’s quintessential holiday. Although we tend to think of Thanksgiving in connection with high school and college football, turkey dinners with family, a day or a weekend without work, to me it is all these things and much more. It is a singular way for me to express my gratitude for all of the benefits that I have experienced in my life in this country.

And I am able to express my gratitude with my friends and neighbors regardless of race, religion, gender, or national origin. It is a holiday that brings us together in a way that no other holiday does.

This year, TBE is participating in an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Saint John-Saint Paul Catholic Church with other faith communities in Wellesley. We at TBE have been and continue to be a catalyst in this sacred event as well as interfaith dialogue, study, prayer, and learning.

Last April 5, we hosted a Shabbat Service and dinner for clergy and members of the churches in Wellesley. More than eighty members and clergy from these churches attended. In the sermon I delivered at Shabbat services, I said:

“I want this evening to be a continuation of TBE’s strong relationships with the churches in Wellesley. I want this evening to be a new chapter in building and deepening our already strong connections.”

This interfaith service is another step in achieving this goal. I hope you and your families will attend.