It is almost universally accepted today that the mythology of Thanksgiving has no relation to history. On the one hand, the story as it is performed, practiced, and retold in American grade schools and town squares has some notion that a band of New England “Indians” (who are universally never named) helped the Pilgrims through their first winter, and as a sign of gratitude and thanks, were invited to celebrate a Thanksgiving feast together after the harvest. Read more...

As I re-read this week's Torah portion (the first of four which narrates the story of Joseph and his brother), I was struck anew by the Torah's description of Joseph's journey into slavery. Read more...

I love Thanksgiving.  I love it for the turkey and stuffing, for the company of friends and family, and even for the football on the television set. And, I love it for the reminders that come from the very name itself – the invitation to give thanks for what we have, how we live, the food we eat, and the freedom we live.   Read more...