Remembering & Forgetting: Thanksgiving

“That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks”

George Washington

It is only fitting that that Thanksgiving follows Presidential Elections. President Washington was keenly aware of the need for a time for the nation to unite. Many struggle the concept of getting together after engaging in almost a year’s worth of campaign rhetoric. The Human Mind’s very nature assists in this process.

The Human Mind differs from computers. Not only does the brain have the ability to remember, it has the capacity to forget. Forgetting plays an essential role in living life as much as remembering.

With respect to remembrance, the Torah appreciated that societal memory requires vigilance. Both Decalogue versions in the Torah employ “remembrance” when it comes to the Sabbath. While Exodus’ version evokes remembering God’s creation of the world and keeping the Sabbath holy, Deuteronomy’s version focuses on recalling the emancipation from slavery.

While the Sabbath Commandment’s rationales are different, they use the same Hebrew word Zachor. Zachor means remember. (Exodus 20:8, Deuteronomy 5:15)

What matters should have an edict to be remembered?

Thanksgiving this year is a challenge like it is every four years. It follows a contentious Presidential Election. It is likely a friend or family member who voted for the other party is sitting next to either the mashed potatoes or stuffing. In these moments, the brain’s capacity to forget is invaluable. Dislodging the year’s rhetoric from the grey matter may be the prescription increases survival and decreases ones’ blood pressure. Remembering Thanksgiving’s values may bring oneself respite when asking for the green beans to be passed by a red or blue piller.

George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, brilliantly expresses the holiday’s values. His words are so eloquent that an injustice is done to edit or summarize them.

Courtesy of the the Smithsonian, they are as follows:

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation—for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed—for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord—To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us—and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.”

George Washington’s beautiful words deserve a place at the holiday table. They are a reminder of the past; a reminder of our values.

Be well!!

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