Can Orthodox\/Traditional Jews and Messianic Believers Observe Thanksgiving?

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Introduction

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday that raises questions for communities deeply rooted in Torah and Biblical values. For Orthodox and Traditional Jews, its secular nature invites debate: Can they meaningfully and halachically participate in its customs without compromising their spiritual principles? Thanksgiving’s themes of gratitude, unity, and blessings resonate with the values of hakarat hatov (recognition of the good) and shalom bayit (peace in the home). However, concerns regarding chukot hagoyim (adopting non-Jewish customs), dietary restrictions, and historical context require careful consideration.

This essay explores the permissibility of Thanksgiving observance from halachic and Biblical perspectives. It examines the rulings of halachic authorities, insights from traditional Jewish thought, and the nuanced approach Messianic believers may take toward this secular holiday. Ultimately, it seeks to clarify how these communities can navigate Thanksgiving meaningfully while maintaining their religious and spiritual integrity.

Thanksgiving’s Origins and Secular Nature

Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival celebrated by early American settlers. Its themes of gratitude for blessings and providence became secularized when Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863. Unlike explicitly religious holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving lacks theological overtones tied to Christianity or pagan rituals, focusing instead on gratitude and family.

Halachically, Thanksgiving is not considered chukot hagoyim (imitation of non-Jewish practices). The Torah prohibits adopting customs associated with idolatry (Leviticus 18:3, Deuteronomy 12:30). However, since Thanksgiving is a national, secular holiday and not tied to any religious worship, most halachic authorities, including Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe, YD 4:11), do not view it as violating this prohibition. For observant Jews, Thanksgiving’s neutral and universal themes allow for participation under specific guidelines.

Orthodox and Traditional Jewish Perspectives

Halachic Opinions on Participation

Orthodox Jews, guided by halacha (Jewish law), approach Thanksgiving with careful consideration. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ruled that Thanksgiving observance, such as enjoying a festive meal, is permissible as long as it remains cultural rather than religious. Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, quoted in Nefesh HaRav, shared this perspective but advised moderation, ensuring Thanksgiving does not eclipse Shabbat or Yom Tov celebrations.

Dietary Laws and Turkey Debate

Orthodox observance of Thanksgiving involves adherence to kashrut(Jewish dietary laws):

1.All food must be prepared according to kosher guidelines.

2. Turkey, a traditional Thanksgiving dish, has sparked debate regarding its mesorah (tradition). While most halachic authorities permit turkey (kosher), some, like Rabbi Hershel Schachter, avoid it due to its unclear mesorah. For those following stricter rulings, alternative kosher meats or vegetarian options may be served.

Balancing Thanksgiving with Jewish Priorities

Some Orthodox authorities caution against placing undue emphasis on Thanksgiving. While the holiday promotes gratitude and family unity, it should not overshadow uniquely Jewish celebrations like Shabbat or Sukkot. Thanksgiving should enhance, not replace, Torah-centered expressions of gratitude.

Traditional Jewish Perspectives

Traditional Jews, including those less strictly observant, often embrace Thanksgiving as a harmonious blend of Jewish and American values. Gratitude is deeply ingrained in Jewish practice, as seen in daily prayers like Modim Anachnu Lach and blessings such as Birkat Hamazon. Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to express this gratitude in a national context while fostering family unity.

For many Traditional Jews, Thanksgiving serves as a neutral cultural celebration that complements their Jewish identity and freedom to be Jewish in The United States and Canada in peace. However, they, too, remain mindful of ensuring that Jewish holidays and rituals take precedence in their spiritual lives.

Messianic and Hebrew Roots/Adherence Perspectives

Messianic believers, who integrate Torah observance with faith in Yeshua (Jesus), often find Thanksgiving’s themes of gratitude, family, and blessings compatible with their beliefs. Thanksgiving provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on God’s provision and express gratitude in alignment with Biblical principles.

Biblical Foundations of Gratitude

The Bible emphasizes gratitude as a central aspect of faith. Scriptures such as Psalm 136:1 (“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good”) and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (“In everything give thanks”) resonate strongly with Thanksgiving’s themes. For Messianic believers, the holiday becomes an occasion to celebrate God’s goodness and strengthen communal bonds.

Avoiding Syncretism

While Thanksgiving aligns with Biblical values, Messianic believers are cautious about syncretism—blending religious practices with secular traditions. To maintain a Torah-centered observance, they often approach Thanksgiving as a secular holiday devoid of religious or pagan elements. This perspective ensures that their participation reflects Biblical principles rather than cultural assimilation.

Adaptations for a Torah-Centered Celebration

Messianic Thanksgiving observances often include:

• A focus on Scriptural readings and blessings emphasizing gratitude.
• Meals prepared according to kosher or dietary laws.
• Family discussions and reflections on God’s blessings.

For many Messianics and Hebrew Root Adherence, Thanksgiving serves as an opportunity to share their faith with others by hosting inclusive meals or participating in community outreach, reinforcing their commitment to spreading God’s love and gratitude.

Shared Values: Gratitude and Unity Across Communities

Thanksgiving’s universal themes of gratitude and unity resonate across Orthodox and Traditional Jewish communites. The concept of hakarat hatov—acknowledging and appreciating the good—is a cornerstone of Jewish and Biblical thought. The Talmud (Berachot 54a) underscores the importance of expressing thanks for blessings, a practice mirrored in Messianic communities through prayers and Scriptural meditations.

Additionally, Thanksgiving fosters shalom bayit(peace in the home) and strengthens family bonds. For all three groups, the holiday provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on their blessings while engaging meaningfully with family and friends.

Concerns and Sensitivities

Overemphasis on Secular Holidays

Some critics, particularly within Orthodox and Traditional Jewish circle, caution against excessive focus on secular holidays like Thanksgiving. They argue that overemphasis could detract from the spiritual priorities of Jewish or Biblical holidays, such as Shabbat or Sukkot, which have deeper spiritual significance.

Historical and Ethical Awareness

Thanksgiving’s roots in American history trace back to the 17th century when the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest festival in 1621 alongside the Wampanoag Native Americans. This festival marked their gratitude for surviving a harsh winter and reaping a successful harvest. While its early celebration had Christian undertones, the modern Thanksgiving, formalized as a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, was framed as a secular occasion for national unity and gratitude to God. This shift to a broader, non-denominational observance made Thanksgiving accessible to people of all faiths, including Jews, who could appreciate its universal themes of gratitude and family.

For American Jews, Thanksgiving presented an opportunity to engage in a uniquely American tradition while maintaining their Jewish identity. As immigrants sought to integrate into American society in the 19th and 20th centuries, many embraced Thanksgiving as a means to express their patriotism and gratitude for the freedoms they found in the United States. Jewish participation in Thanksgiving became common, with traditional Jewish values like hakarat hatov (recognition of good) harmonizing naturally with the holiday’s themes. Despite some initial debates within Orthodox communities about whether it constituted chukot hagoyim (imitation of non-Jewish customs), most Jewish authorities permitted and even encouraged Thanksgiving as a day of cultural, rather than religious, significance. Over time, it has become a day where Jews, like other Americans, gather with family and express thanks for their blessings.

Conclusion

Orthodox Jews and Traditional Jews can observe Thanksgiving meaningfully within their spiritual frameworks. For Orthodox and Traditional Jews, halachic rulings like those of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein affirm that Thanksgiving’s secular nature allows for participation, provided it aligns with Torah values and adheres to kosher dietary laws. Messianic believers, too, find Thanksgiving compatible with Biblical principles of gratitude, emphasizing its Scriptural and communal dimensions.

Ultimately, Thanksgiving’s themes of gratitude, family, and unity resonate deeply with Jewish and Messianic values. By approaching the holiday thoughtfully—whether through halachic adherence, Torah-centered adaptations, or ethical considerations—these communities can celebrate Thanksgiving in a way that enriches their faith. Thanksgiving becomes not only a day of feasting but a meaningful opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings, express gratitude, and foster unity in family and community.

Sources

Igrot Moshe, YD 4:11 – Rabbi Moshe Feinstein’s ruling on Thanksgiving.

Nefesh HaRav – Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s perspective on Thanksgiving.

Talmud Bavli, Berachot 54a – Jewish teachings on gratitude.

Bible: Psalm 136:1,

Christian Bible 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Biblical principles of thanksgiving.

Torah Mitzvah on chukot hagoyim – Leviticus 18:3, Deuteronomy 12:30.