Thanksgiving Meditation: Making Space for Gratitude

Thanksgiving Meditation: Making Space for Gratitude

The Thanksgiving season invites us to gather, to celebrate, to give thanks — and sometimes to navigate the particular joys and challenges of being with family.

Before the holiday arrives, take a moment to pause and prepare. In this online meditation gathering on Tuesday, November 17, at 7:00 PM ET, we’ll explore Jewish wisdom and mindfulness practices that can help us move through the season with greater presence and patience.

Together, we’ll practice opening our attention to what we are grateful for, using the breath to create a little more space between stimulus and response. We'll also practice bringing mindfulness to one of the most fundamental parts of this holiday gathering — eating. If you’d like, you’re welcome to have a small snack nearby (a few berries, a piece of chocolate, or some crackers, for example) and to participate in whatever way feels comfortable for you.

Whether you’re looking forward to the gathering, feeling some trepidation, or simply hoping to be more present for the people and moments around you, this is an opportunity to slow down and set an intention for the days ahead.

Open to people of all backgrounds and levels of meditation experience. Cameras are optional, and beginners are especially encouraged to join. You are welcome to come as you are.

About the teacher

Oren Kaunfer (he/him) is Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Educator/Director of Jewish Life) at JCDS, Boston’s Jewish Community Day School. Drawing on a diverse background ranging from Camp Ramah, the Carlebach Shul, and years producing animation at MTV, Oren is a fresh voice of Jewish spirit. Oren infuses music into his work and has a particular interest in creating lively and engaging t’fillah. Oren led JCDS’s participation in the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s program, Educating for a Spiritual Life and is a trained leader in their Gift of Awareness for Educators program. Oren continues to study, practice, and teach mindfulness as part of the Jewish experience.