This Wednesday is Veterans Day. I would like to suggest that our community take a moment to recognize it.

The freedom to learn, to daven and to raise Yiddishe children in peace is not something to take for granted.

Hakaras hatov is not a minor middah for us. We teach our children to thank the bus driver, the rebbi, the cleaning help and the crossing guard. We say Modim three times a day. Surely we can find a way to say thank you to the men and women who served, and who still serve, our country.

Some practical ideas: If you have an elderly neighbor who served, a plate of cake and a card from your children could mean a great deal. Rebbeim could take five minutes on Wednesday to explain to talmidim what Veterans Day is and why a Yid says thank you for it. And if you see someone in a veterans cap at the store, stop and say, “Thank you for your service.” It takes three seconds.

We are, rightly, quick to speak up when our community needs something from the wider world. Let us be just as quick to show gratitude for what we have already been given.

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