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Good afternoon, Chaverim, 

As this year comes to an end and the pandemic rages on (and on…and on…), I could not resist sharing this short, but very sweet, gratitude quote from someone who lives his life joyfully despite the great adversity he faces every single day…  

Here is today’s Gratitude Thought in the Middle of a Pandemic:


“Since I am not sure of the address to which to send my gratitude,
I put it out there in everything I do.”

Michael J. Fox

While I don’t always succeed, I do make an effort every day to connect to my gratitude and put it out into the world…though not often in the beautifully written “thank you notes” my mother dutifully taught me to write.  And, while I agree with Mr. Fox that there is so much for which to be grateful that one must constantly act from and with that gratitude, I actually do know some of the particular addresses to which I must send mine.  

But, where to begin?  

I suppose I must begin with G-d/the Divine/the Universe/the Force that animates all of creation, although since He/She is without a physical address these days (neither the post office on Sinai nor the Temple in Jerusalem are currently operating), the best I can do is send out daily prayers of thanks for my life and its many blessings. (And, while I am on the subject, a special thanks is due to the “morning minyaners” with whom I have been privileged to share my prayers so many mornings on my journey around the sun this year).  

To my parents, the more tangible and obvious source of my creation, I am forever grateful to you for the gift of my life and for your ongoing love and support. To my brother, I will always be grateful for your generous, selfless, and loving caretaking of our parents…you are a true mensch!  

To Sam and our children and grandchildren, thanks for being an endless source of joy and love, you are all the lights of my life! To our extended family and dearest friends, thank you for your perpetual, incredible support…for worrying, for checking in, and for encouraging Sam and me during too many challenging days. To my clients, fellow Mussar students and chevruta, thank you for joining me as we learn and grow and support one another along our individual and collective “spiritual journeys” and as we struggle together to bring more love and kindness and light into the world.  Thanks are also due to the many amazing doctors and nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and aides who provided (and continue to provide) excellent care for Sam.    

And, finally, I am grateful to the Beth Am Israel community (with a special shout out to Rabbi David and Hazzan Harold and our incredible, hardworking Gemilut Hasidim chairs, Gaby and Irene) and everyone who fed us (for too many weeks in the spring and again in the fall), who offered to shop and run errands, and who constantly checked in with and said prayers of healing for us.  

It really has been quite a year at our house and, while I am anxious to see it go, I couldn’t let it go without sharing this important end of the year “gratitude thought in the middle of a pandemic”.             

Shabbat Shalom and my very best wishes to one and all for a safe, healthy and joy filled New Year, 

Marci