As November arrives, our calendars quickly fill up with grocery lists, family travel plans, and preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. While the holiday is celebrated across the country with turkey, autumn leaves, and gathering around a shared table, the core essence of Thanksgiving feels intimately familiar to Jewish life.

In Judaism, thanksgiving is not an annual holiday—it is a daily spiritual discipline.

The Hebrew phrase for gratitude, Hakarat Ha-Tov, translates literally to "recognizing the good." It implies an active awareness: the good is already present in our lives, but it is up to us to notice it, name it, and honor it.

Our tradition weaves this rhythm into every part of the day. The very first words spoken upon opening our eyes in the morning are Modeh Ani (“I give thanks”), anchoring gratitude before our feet even hit the floor.

As we look around our own Sisterhood, there is so much "good to recognize." We see it in:

• The hands that show up: Members who cook for families in need, organize events, and support our congregation behind the scenes.
• The connections that sustain us: The laughter shared over shared tables, study sessions, and creative projects.
• The community we nurture: A warm space where multi-generational friendships flourish and every woman has a seat at the table.

This Thanksgiving, as we pass the dishes and share what we are grateful for, may we take that spirit beyond a single Thursday afternoon. May we carry Hakarat Ha-Tov into the coming year—noticing the small miracles, lifting up those around us, and cherishing the gift of community.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and meaningful Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 8, 2026

We're still in great need of some volunteers to help with set-up, especially clean-up, and some shifts during the event. Please sign-up to help even for a short time. 

For every donation of $25 to Beth Torah Sisterhood, you will receive an entry into the drawing for an electronic mah jongg table.

Raffle Prize description: Automatic Mahjong Table with 2 Sets of 152 Tiles (36mm), Folding Mahjong Table with Wheels Suitable for American Mah Jongg, including 4 player racks. Valued at approximately $950. Note: Table comes unassembled with online tutorial available for set-up.

Raffle drawing will take place at the end of the 8th Annual Esther Cohen Mah Jongg Tournament on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Congregation Beth Torah, 720 W. Lookout Drive, Richardson 75080. You do NOT need to be present to win. We will notify the winner if not present. Table will be shipped to your home.

Get your official 2027 Mah Jongg Card and support Beth Torah Sisterhood. The card will be mailed to your address by the NMJL.

Small print – $16 & Large print – $18

This is a fundraiser. For each card purchased, $5 will be donated back to Sisterhood's ongoing projects.

Board Meeting on November 12 via Zoom, 7:30 pm

Contact: Rhonda Duchin at sisterhood@congregationbethtorah.org

Sisterhood is providing the opportunity to purchase Tanakhs for Beth Torah in memory of or in honor of someone special.

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Beth Torah Sisterhood

720 W. Lookout Drive
Richardson, TX 75080