Last week’s Kiddush was sponsored anonymously by someone who simply wanted to express their gratitude to Hashem for all the kindness He has bestowed upon them.
They shared these beautiful words anonymously, and we felt they carried such a powerful message that we wanted to share them with our community:
"I always spoke to Hashem, even when I was little. Most often, it was when I needed something, when I was worried, or when a big moment was coming up. But later in life, when I started learning more Torah and listening to shiurim about building a personal relationship with Hashem, I began to understand that you can speak to Hashem about anything.
But how do you build that relationship?
I learned that gratitude is the beginning.
So I started small. Quiet thank-yous throughout the day. If I looked in the mirror before leaving for work and liked what I saw, I’d say, “Thank You, Hashem.” If I made the green light at that annoying intersection that always seems to take forever, I’d say thank You. And if I got there and it was red and I started to feel frustrated, I’d remind myself that I am exactly where Hashem wants me to be in that moment — and I’d still say thank You.
Over time, those small moments of gratitude became something meaningful to me. I felt myself building a relationship with Hashem not only in moments of need, but in everyday life.
And one day a thought occurred to me: what about gratitude for the big things? Not only quietly and privately, but publicly.
Growing up, my family would make a kiddush for major simchas — weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other special occasions. But there are incredible blessings happening every single day. Health. Family. Life itself. Wouldn’t it be beautiful to celebrate those everyday brachos the way people once brought a korban todah in the times of the Beis Hamikdash — simply to thank Hashem for His endless kindness?
But then I struggled with another thought. Gratitude should not become about me. I don’t need fanfare or attention for the blessings in my life. So how do you express a great public thank you to Hashem without ego getting in the way?
The answer, I realized, is a community kiddush.
A chance for all of us to come together and thank Hashem together.
Because in so many ways, I am you.
You who, if I asked what your greatest blessing is, would probably say your health. You who, if I asked what brings you the most joy, would say your family. You who, if I asked what your greatest treasure is, would say this precious life Hashem has given you.
And if any of those words resonate with you, then let us come together and say thank You to Hashem.
Let us thank Him with simcha, humility, and awe — to the One who created it all and continues to give us endless brachos each and every day."
