Giving thanks. It's a good thing.

        What a difference a year makes. In many ways, my life is completely different than the last time I wrote my thanksgiving thoughts; in many ways, it is very much the same. At this point last year, I was in the most serious relationship I have ever experienced, I was on NFTY board, the reality of the Bencher was a mere point in the future, I was barely involved with ASUCD and AEPi. While the venues of these commitments and involvements has changed, in a more general sense, the time that I dedicate to each has remained the same. While I am not in a romantic relationship, I have taken that time to make sure that I keep friends. I know, this seems obvious, but I am learning that keeping friends close is a difficult task even though it is one of the more important things in life. While I am no longer on NFTY board, I am still heavily involved with the Reform youth movement. I am constantly song leading and these opportunities have turned into a real job - a web site, business cards, a resume, compensation, and all. The Bencher was published. Now, I've taken it on myself to think of creative ways to market the book so that NFTY can get returns on their investment and, more importantly, the Bencher can be used for its intended purposes. While I was considering a Senate bid for a while, I have decided that two years will be a good amount of time to dedicate to ASUCD. This means that I will work my ass off for the commission, finish out the year as the External Affairs Commission chair, cut my losses, and run like hell. As you can see, I have a lot to be thankful for, and there are many people who deserve thanks.
        First, of course, my family. My family is in good health, and they're all happy. And there is nothing else I could ask for. My incredible sister has a great job that she really enjoys, she keeps getting more and more involved with the business side of things, and she has become (and I never thought I would actually say this) a true adult. But not one of those "I'm an adult so I'm better than you" kind of adults, Becky's one of those "I'm an adult which means I can do cool things, even though I know my responsibilities" kind of adults. She's a great person and is always willing to take the extra step to make me remember why she's the best sister in the whole entire universe.(Pause for the obligatory "aw"s) Becky is also very lucky. Almost two years ago, she met Eric. I am really thankful to have Eric in our family. Even though it's not official, he's always at family get-togethers in the bay area (which seem to happen more often than get-togethers in San Diego) so it pretty much seems like he's a MOG(member of the Gimbels). He's such a great guy, and I'm so glad that "Frank" and "Gimbel" are so close in the alphabet so it provided Becky and Eric to sit together on the flight to Israel. My parents. I am so thankful that so many great things happened to them in the last year. My dad's new business has finally taken off and he is able to sleep at night. I am also really thankful that my Dad and I are able to have more meaningful conversations about mutually interesting topics. One of my favorite days this past summer was when the two of us went guitar shopping. We must have spent a good six to eight hours together going from place to place. We had not had the time to bond like that in a very long time, and it was great to catch up with him on so many levels. I am so thankful that we have reconnected and now that the song leading gigs have picked up, he is always my first call before making a business decision. This was also a very big year for my mom. Though, I think every year after last year's birthday will be considered a "big year". I am so thankful that we have finally found a venue where I come to her for advise: food. It's so great that we're able to bond over simple things like how to boil water, and how Emril can kill a recipe with one ingredient. I am really thankful that we have a certain level of distance so that we actually appreciate the time we spend together.
        Second, I am very thankful for my friends. I lost contact with some friends, and others I reconnected with. Remaking connections is always something I really enjoy because I feel like it gives us another chance to keep in touch. I really hope that I keep those connections. Every time I get the chance to, I always thank my friends; however, like last year, I feel it necessary to mention a few people in particular: my board(NFTY Board and Soffer...they will always be "my board"), Arielle, and Sarah
        Soffer - In short, I could not have had this past year without you. Your support and guidance during our time on board was inspiring. I know I must sound like a broken record by now, but you really deserve a great deal of thanks for your help on the Bencher. And you should also know that every time I presented something in the Bencher during Biennial (at the PSW Council dinner doing candles and kiddush, and the HUC alumni breakfast doing Birkat Hamazon), I thanked you. I could really go on and on, but the truth is you embodied what a Rabbi should be: a mentor, a mensch, and a machor(macher? good person in yiddish...). I always look forward to our conversations about all things Jewish and secular, and I'm excited to continue our conversation on how for an american, going to Israel is kind of like going to Grandma's house. I am so thankful for you and Jen and I hope you both have continued happiness. You did it!
        My board - BASBHAT. 'Nuf said. No, not 'nuf said. You all made this past year so incredible for me, and I am so thankful that you are all a part of my life. I know that we are all going to stay close because every time we speak or meet up, it is as if no time has passed. We're still close, and I know that we will meet up on many future occasions. (Hopefully one this summer...) You all really mean so much to me, and I hope you all know that I will always be there for you.
        'Relle - Not gonna lie, we had an awkward moment this past June. But it made me realize that considering you a "good friend" wasn't enough. I realized that if I wanted to change our status from "good friend" to something more substantial, we actually would have to put the effort into keeping in touch. I am so glad that we have put the time in and reconnected. You helped me get through some trying times, and you were there during the times when all I could think of was track 1 on the new Jason Mraz album (it's "Life is Wonderful"). You helped me realize that what is important in life isn't the spur of the moment events in life, the important part is what you do after those moments. You mean so much to me, and I am so glad that our friendship has started to flourish, again. Some day, at some big life event, I'm going to get you a bottle of Jonnie Walker Blue with a note: "Bartlet for America".
        Sarah - I am so thankful we have remained close though all this time. You have been there for me when times were tough, when they were good, and when they just were. Even though we had some interesting events and situations during the summer, I never feared that our friendship would be affected. We really have gotten to that point in our relationship where I know that however our relationships change with others, ours will not. It's a comfortable place, and I am very thankful that you are such an influential part of my life. I hope you have a safe rest of your trip and I'm so excited to see you in December.
        Lastly, I want to apologize to those who I have hurt in the last year. I know this is something I should have done on Yom Kippur, but I believe that it is never a bad time to repent and forgive. I try to do my best to say I am sorry when it is necessary, but there are many times in life when your actions hurt others, even though you don't know their ramifications. So to those who are distressed because of my actions, I truly and sincerely apologize. I hope that you will bring this to my attention so that I don't make the same mistake twice. A person's friendship is something I truly treasure, and I hope I can help mend wounds.
        I'll conclude the same way I did last year. Not because I'm trying to be vain by quoting myself, but because I am still struggling with my questions: Something bothers me about Thanksgiving. I understand how one can be thankful, I can understand how one can be appreciative, but how does one give thanks? It is going up to someone and saying "thank you"? Is that giving thanks? Or maybe it derives from a sacrificial ritual from the early Temple days which would prove that Thanksgiving is REALLY a Jewish holiday. Maybe. It's something to ponder, and maybe there is no right answer. All I know is that life is good.