If they’re American they do! Though there is no official religious connection to the holiday, Thanksgiving is an American tradition that transcends religious boundaries. For Jewish families, who have a full slate of holidays all throughout the year, Thanksgiving presents a unique opportunity to celebrate in a uniquely American way.
Thanksgiving’s message of gratitude aligns well with Jewish values. Judaism and our teachings emphasize the importance of “Hakarat Ha’Tov,” or recognizing the good in all things. Blessings and prayers of thanks are woven into our daily lives, from blessings before and after meals to special prayers for health, safety, and success.
Another common question we encounter: Thanksgiving revolves so heavily around food, does it interfere with keeping kosher?
The short answer is no. Thanksgiving is very kosher-friendly. The holiday’s staples—turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and roasted vegetables—can easily be prepared in accordance with kosher dietary laws.
Of course, Jewish families often put their own twist on the Thanksgiving cornerstones. Some bring in elements of Jewish cuisine, serving challah stuffing, matzo ball soup, or even adding a Middle Eastern flavor with dishes like sweet potato latkes or pumpkin hummus. It’s a time to get creative in the kitchen, merging American tradition with Jewish culinary heritage.
In the past, Thanksgiving has even intersected with Jewish holidays. Because Thanksgiving falls in late November, on rare occasions it can overlap with Hanukkah.
This once-in-a-lifetime event, known as “Thanksgivukkah,” happened in 2013 and brought together Thanksgiving and Hanukkah traditions in joyous ways, with dishes like cranberry-applesauce and latke-stuffed turkey making special appearances.
In the end, we celebrate Thanksgiving because it gives us an opportunity to share meaningful moments with our family. So, yes, we absolutely celebrate Thanksgiving—and we do it with a splash of Jewish flavor.
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