The true meaning of being called Jewish
Some ask: “In today’s times, why are we not called Hebrews?” “Or even Israelites?” We are Jews, Yehudim, and our name means that we are descended from the tribe of Judah1. But there is a deeper meaning. The Hebrew word derives from the root word for thankfulness and gratitude, Hoda’ah. So, in actuality, we are a people who appreciate the gift of life and abundance. Judaism is about blessing and life.
From the moment we awaken, the traditional prayer of Modeh Ani2 (Thanks, I) ensures that we begin the burst of life with gratitude. But the very configuration of those two words is odd. In proper Hebrew, the words modeh ani would be reversed, so we’d actually say Ani Modeh. Why the switch? The spiritual message is that in order to truly experience appreciation for our very lives, we need to suspend our egos a bit. We don’t come first, therefore, we place our thanks before the ani, the I. We aspire to that level of gratitude.
This message is powerful and we can go even deeper into the meaning by an analysis of the word modeh (related to hoda’ah) which also means to admit and to acknowledge. Our day starts with the recognition that there is a power greater than us that brings all to existence. We admit to the jarring reality that we might not have woken up at all! The idea is that we have graciously been given another day in which to bring more kindness, more generosity, and more appreciation into the world…because that is a fulfillment of God’s greater purpose.
When we don’t live up to our name, and relegate gratitude to the bottom of our priorities, there are consequences we feel in our very soul. The Torah tells us (Deuteronomy 28:47) that it is essential to express appreciation for all that is good and plentiful in our lives—-recognizing not ourselves as the agents of our abundance, but God.
When we receive a special present, is it not proper to acknowledge the giver? Would we focus our words of praise solely on the gift? We wouldn’t ignore giving our thanks to the person who actually gave us the gift. So, when we gather with loved ones and friends on Thanksgiving, it’s not enough to be thankful for the gifts we’ve been given. Let’s not cut short the process of appreciation by simply expressing gratitude for what’s on our table, or the wonderful things in our lives—- without recognizing its true source, the One who gives.
Judah was one of Jacob's twelve sons (forming the twelve tribes of Israel). Most Jews are descended from the ancient kingdom of Judah. “Judaism" is from this name, actually "Judah-ism".
I thank you, living and enduring sovereign, for You have graciously returned my soul within me. Great is your faithfulness! Modeh ani l'fanecha melech chai v'kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b'chemlah, rabah emunatecha.