This week marked the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg address.  As I heard, at various times over the past couple of days, words from President Lincoln's famous address I am reminded just how impactful his words became.  For a two hundred and seventy word address, they are quite profound. (1)  I recall asking teachers over the years how long a particular assignment or essay needed to be.  The often heard response, and something I now say to Bar and Bat Mitzvah students, is that it is about quality not quantity.  Well, Lincoln, sure taught us that lesson.  The timing, the event itself, the country's needs at the time, President Lincoln's charisma, or any number of factors play into the staying power of the address.  However, it is episodes like this one that are pointed to as a turning point in history.  Simply by the way his words have been remembered, do we recognize that dedication of the Soldier's National Cemetery at Gettysburg became not only an important monument to the lives lost, but a monument in time.

There are many events, or points on the timeline of history that remain as turning points.  They are dates we all remember, like 1776 and 1492.  Perhaps it is the year 164 BCE, the first Hannukah that sticks out in our mind this year.  Just as timely, it was Abraham Lincoln who fixed Thanksgiving as a National Holiday on the final Thursday of November beginning in 1863, and maybe that represents a turning point.  And while Thanksgiving seems to be a fixed date, so many have asked what is with Thanksgivingukah!  The convergence of Thanksgiving and Hannukah may mark a turning point too.  (Read more about this phenomenon by clicking here>>.)  Well, not really!  Its importance, that of the overlap, certinly isn't of great significance like the address, like 1776 or 1492.  But, it certainly has marked a great coming of age for American Judaism and popular culture.  The widespread curiosity has certainly been fascinating.  

Profound moment in history or not, turning point or not, this reality certainly provides for an interesting overlap of themes.  Hannukah, a celebration of lights, Jewish identity and the miraculous brings rich traditions in each Jewish home.  Thanksgiving certainly has its share of family traditions, regional observances and the like.  One commonality is the way these two holidays bring families together.  The Thanksgiving table can ring as one of the great gathering places in Americana.  The Hannukah party (or parties in some families) brings a similar gathering to mind.  As we prepare for the Great Thanksgivingukah of 2013/5774 I hope we all enjoy great opportunities to be with family, friends and community.  
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Evon