Appreciation

There are many forms of expressing appreciation and gratitude. It may be a simple verbal “thank you”, an email or text message, and of course a thank you card or gift.

Showing appreciation consists of more than just paying lip service and fulfilling our social duties, it is an acknowledgement of the true source of the wonderful gifts we have received.

Expressing gratitude and appreciation go to the heart of who we are as Jews. The definition of the word Jew in English, or Yehudi in Hebrew, is derived from the word “Hodaah”, which means to thank or acknowledge G-d. The Talmud explains, “anyone who rejects idolatry is called a Yehudi (i.e. One who acknowledges G‑d's existence and submits to His authority)”.