I was curious: how many ways can we say “thank you” that are distinctly Jewish? Interestingly, the first thing I discovered is that the word “Jew,” which comes from the Hebrew “Yehudi,” is itself linked to another Hebrew word, “hoda’ah,” meaning thanks. So, being thankful is actually central to being Jewish. From there, I came across several ways we express gratitude as Jews.
The easiest and most common one is “todah rabah”—thank you in Hebrew. For those of us who grew up in Yiddish-speaking homes—and I’m proud to count myself among them—the phrase “a sheinem dank” is another recognizable expression of gratitude. Another favorite is “yasher koach,” which roughly means “may your strength be focused” or “more power to you.” (For a laugh, check out comedian Modi’s take on it—it’s a gem.)
But perhaps the most Jewish way to say thank you isn’t with words at all—it’s through actions. Doing good deeds requires no language skills, just the determination to make the world a better place.
In my first seven weeks as Interim CEO of our Jewish Federation here in Greater MetroWest New Jersey, I’ve seen countless examples of this in action. Every day, our partner agencies say “thank you” through their incredible work. Whether it’s the dedicated professionals and volunteers at JSDD (Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled) helping individuals become more independent, the counselors supporting community members struggling with mental health at our JFS (Jewish Family Services), or the compassionate care provided to seniors at Daughters of Israel and the assisted living apartments at JCHC (Jewish Community Housing Corporation)—gratitude is woven into everything they do.
I’ve also witnessed the passion of our Jewish educators from more than 30 Jewish Early Childhood Centers, who recently gathered for a day of learning to elevate the educational experiences at their schools. And there’s the partnership between our JCC, Daughters of Israel, and JCHC to deliver Kosher Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors and those living in Federation housing in West Orange.
Each of these organizations, in their unique way, embodies gratitude by fulfilling their missions and improving lives—one person at a time. Their work is made possible through the support of our Jewish Federation, which provides annual allocations and countless other resources. And all of this is thanks to the generosity of donors to our annual UJA campaign.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I feel deeply optimistic about the future of our Federation and its ability to meet the needs of our community. I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Please take a moment to consider how you’ll say thank you—to your family, your friends, and especially those in greatest need.
A Sheinem Dank!