Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in Jewish history, linking America’s founding to the story of the Exodus. The Pilgrims viewed themselves as a new Israel, drawing parallels between their journey and the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. This spiritual connection influenced the moral foundation of the nation, with gratitude serving as a unifying force against modern divisions. However, antisemitism and political distortions threaten this shared heritage, undermining the original meaning of Thanksgiving as a celebration of freedom and faith.
The article highlights how antisemitic narratives, such as claims of Jewish control over politics, distort the original meaning of Thanksgiving. The author criticizes these distortions by emphasizing that chosenness in Jewish tradition represents moral responsibility, not superiority. The Pilgrims and nation’s founders saw themselves as a new Israel, chosen not for privilege, but for purpose. The article argues that the original Thanksgiving spirit was about gratitude for liberty, not power. The author points out that the story of the Exodus teaches that freedom must be grounded in faith, gratitude, and justice. Jewish leaders have long recognized this connection, with the Rebbe calling Thanksgiving a Yom Tov, a day of joy. The author also references historical examples, such as George Washington’s letter to the Touro Synagogue, to illustrate how the American promise was rooted in gratitude rather than power. The article concludes that Thanksgiving represents a cure for division, reminding Americans of the importance of gratitude and humility in preserving freedom. The author stresses that when we forget to thank, we invent enemies, and thus Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the need to maintain unity through gratitude and a shared understanding of freedom.