At the moment, my mom, sister and law, niece and nephew are in the kitchen. Uncle Joel came in with fresh bread from Whole Foods. My house is full of baking smells and people I love.
Hakarat haTov, recognizing the good.This is a day to recognize and appreciate the good in the large and small things. The every day moments. Hakarat haTov isn’t just about saying thank you. Its also about taking a moment to notice. Creating a practice of noticing the things small and large that are good. Even in darkness, we can find light. We can be light.
We appreciate the blessings of good moments, good health, laughter thats easy. We’re blessed to have food on our tables. Three generations of family in the house. A dog that loves challah.
We don’t need Thanksgiving to practice Hakarat haTov. We can do this every day.
Practical Ways to Practice Hakarat HaTov
1. Daily “Three Goods”
Each day, pause and name three moments of goodness. They don’t have to be big or dramatic — often it’s the small, quiet gifts that shift us the most.
2. Acknowledge the Helpers
Offer appreciation to someone whose effort you might normally pass by. A simple “I see you — thank you” can deepen connection in beautiful ways.
3. Let Blessings Be a Practice
Our tradition invites us into 100 blessings a day — tiny openings to notice light breaking through the ordinary. Each blessing says: there is good here.
4. Reframe the Narrative
Rebbe Nachman teaches: If you can see what’s broken, you can also see what’s whole.
Hakarat hatov is choosing to hold the fullness of our story — the broken and the whole — and recognizing that goodness is always present, even if subtle.
I am thankful for Kabbalah Experience, a space that held me through my son’s illness and death, became a place of healing teaching and connecting and incredible personal growth.
I am thankful for David, Mindy and Rabbi Jamie. For our Board of Directors, our donors, and students…. for our web and marketing people, bookkeeper, and community of partners…. and for each of you. Our community would not be the same without your life stories, your narrative, experiences, and beautiful souls.
Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for being part of our story.
with gratitude,
Melanie
