What does it mean to be called a “Jew”? Being a Jew—being part of the people who descend from Judah—is much more than just a label; it’s a powerful statement of identity, resilience, and purpose.
The term “Jew” comes from the tribe of Yehuda (Judah), one of the twelve tribes of Israel. After the kingdom split following King Solomon’s reign, the southern kingdom—made up primarily of Judah, Benjamin, and some Levites—became known as the Kingdom of Judah. Over time, the term “Yehudi” (Jew) expanded to refer to all Israelites, regardless of tribal descent, symbolizing a shared destiny, covenant, and national identity.
But the word “Jew” isn’t just historical. Spiritually, it holds deep meaning. “Yehudi” comes from the Hebrew root lehodot, meaning “to thank.” To be Jewish is, at our core, to be a people of gratitude.
Our name reflects a mindset of acknowledgment, purpose, and faith. Jews are known for chutzpah—courage, boldness, perseverance—but beneath it all lies deep compassion, optimism, and a profound loyalty to God. Gratitude has sustained us through centuries of hardship and triumph.
The Spirit of Gratitude: “Gam Zu L’Tovah”
Jewish resilience is not simply survival—it’s seeing life with hope and gratitude. Nachum Ish Gamzu taught, “Gam zu l’tovah”—this too is for the good. Rabbi Akiva echoed this, saying, “Everything God does is for the best.” These teachings weren’t naïve optimism; they expressed a belief that every experience carries meaning.
Rabbi Akiva’s devotion went so far that when he faced martyrdom, he recited the Shema with joy, grateful for the chance to fulfill his faith. His legacy reminds us that to be a Jew is to hold gratitude as a guiding force, even in sacrifice.
Gratitude in Every Circumstance
In Judaism, gratitude isn’t limited to moments of joy. We thank God in painful moments as well. The Talmud teaches that one who dies sanctifying God’s name reaches the highest spiritual heights. Throughout history, Jews sang on their way to exile or even in concentration camps—testimonies to an unshakable inner wellspring of faith.
Today, too, we witness incredible acts of courage and devotion—soldiers and civilians who risk their lives for Am Yisrael with surprising joy, pride, and purpose. This, too, is part of what it means to be a Jew.
Expressions of Gratitude
Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi teaches that Jewish gratitude has many layers, each reflecting a different relationship with God. Just as Inuit languages have many words for “snow,” revealing its significance, our many expressions of gratitude reveal its centrality to Jewish identity.
1. Lehodot – To Thank in Recognition
The simplest form of gratitude—recognizing and appreciating the blessings before us.
2. Lehalel – To Praise Even in Darkness
A higher level—praising God even when we don’t understand the plan, trusting that everything holds purpose.
3. Leshabeach – To Ask for More
True gratitude creates longing for continuity. When something is good, we naturally want more of it—not from greed, but because joy wants to expand.
4. Lekales – To Publicize Miracles
Sharing the miracles in our lives spreads gratitude and inspires others to recognize God’s kindness.
5. Levarech – To Recognize Everyday Miracles
Blessing God for the ordinary—the sunrise, breath, family, food—cultivates awe in the everyday.
6. Leromem – To Elevate and Uplift
The highest level: gratitude that elevates us spiritually, inspiring us to live with holiness and purpose. This is the gratitude of people like Joseph, who saw God’s presence in every moment of his life.
A Legacy of Thankfulness
To be a Jew—part of the Yehudim—is to embody gratitude in all its forms. Leah named her son Yehuda as an expression of profound thanks, and from him came an entire people whose identity is rooted in acknowledgment and appreciation.
Our ancestors, our sages, and our modern heroes teach us that gratitude is not an emotion—it’s a way of life. Even in suffering, we say “Thank You.” Even in uncertainty, we say “Thank You.” Even in joy, we say “Thank You.”
In a world searching for happiness, Judaism teaches that simcha—true joy—flows from gratitude. We are not just a people who survived; we are a people who sing, praise, and thank, even when the path is hard.
To be a Jew is to carry this legacy forward—to look at life, with all its beauty and pain, and say: “Thank You—for everything. For life, for purpose, for challenges, for gifts, for being with us always.”
This is what it means to be a Jew: to live with gratitude, to find meaning in every moment, and to walk with God through every chapter of our story.
By admin
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