KA CC Archive Nov 2024

The Jewish tradition loves questions.  And debating topics of importance.  And topics that are not so important, but are worth the debate.  The Talmud is full of these discussions, asking questions, debating the answers and sometimes reaching an answer. For each of our Jewish holidays there are pages and pages of conversation about how exactly the holiday should be celebrated, what happens if someone has a different way of observing a holiday, and questioning all elements of the observance.

Recently my friend and colleague, Rabbi Howard Tilman, sent me the following:I sometimes like to imagine what a Talmud, a rabbinic conversation determining the laws of Thanksgiving would look like.

“One is required to eat turkey and no fewer than two side dishes. But whoever eats more sides, הרי זה משבח, haray zeh m’shubach”, this is praiseworthy.” 

“There are those who begin their Thanksgiving feast before sundown and those who begin it after sundown. Those who begin while it is still light, do so in memory of the first Thanksgiving that was celebrated during daytime. Those who begin after sundown, do so in anticipation of the festivals of light in the upcoming month of December.”

“Following dinner, one is required to eat Pumpkin Pie.”

But even that’s not as simple as it seems. Because it begs us to ask the question as the rabbis might have, “is the essence of pumpkin pie the pumpkin or the pie?” “For those who view pumpkin as the essence of the tradition, have you fulfilled your obligation with pumpkin cake? For those who view pie as the essence of the custom, have you fulfilled your obligation with apple pie?”

And the rabbis’ answer? Just be quiet and pass me a slice.

I had many questions about this.  What about those who don’t eat turkey?  There’s nothing in here about watching football (or alternatively, not watching football).  What about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade?  Should there be discussions about some sort of mashed starch?  Regular potatoes or Sweet potatoes?  Marshmallows on the yams or no marshmallows?  Is it Thanksgiving if you don’t tell the story of the pilgrims or go around the table and say what everyone is thankful for this year?

Of course, however you celebrate Thanksgiving is up to you and your family.  I hope that your holiday is warm, your food is delicious, and your heart feels full.  

This Shabbat, bring your questions for an “Ask the Rabbi” session during Shabbat morning services.  And enjoy some pie!