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The Tikvah Podcast

Ari Lamm on the Biblical Meaning of Giving Thanks

Nov 29, 2024
Ari Lamm, CEO of Bnai Zion and a rabbi well-versed in the Hebrew Bible, dives into the essence of gratitude and its biblical roots. He discusses how daily expressions of thanks begin with 'Modeh ani l’fanekha.' Lamm contrasts Leah's deep biblical gratitude against Cain's resentment, examining faith's role in our connection to the divine. He highlights the enduring significance of thanksgiving in religious practice and calls for a meaningful revival of gratitude in contemporary civic life, urging actions that reflect genuine appreciation.
51:13

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • The phrase 'Modeh ani l'fanecha' exemplifies how gratitude serves as the first conscious thought for observant Jews, setting a daily tone of appreciation.
  • Leah's gratitude for her son Judah illustrates how authentic thankfulness can arise from understanding one's significant role in a divine narrative.

Deep dives

The Foundation of Gratitude in Daily Life

Expressing gratitude is fundamentally important in the daily lives of traditional Jewish individuals, who begin each day with a conscious acknowledgment of thanks to God. This practice, encapsulated in the phrase 'Mode' ani l'fanecha,' sets a tone of appreciation that informs their perspective and decisions throughout the day. The discussion of gratitude particularly resonates during the season of Thanksgiving in America, highlighting the universality of this sentiment across cultures and religions. By exploring its biblical roots, one can understand how gratitude is more than mere acknowledgment; it is deeply intertwined with one’s personal identity and destiny.

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