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December 10 • 2015 35 A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officer stopped at a ranch in Texas and told the old rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher said, "OK, but don't go in that field over there." The officer verbally exploded saying, "See this badge? This badge means I am entitled to go wherever I wish! Have I made myself clear?" The rancher nodded politely apologized and went about his chores. A short time later, the old rancher heard loud screams, looked up, and saw the DEA officer in that very field, being chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull. The officer was clearly terrified. The rancher threw down his tools, ran to the fence and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Your badge, officer, show him your badge! Tell him it entitles you to be there!" If left unchecked, our egos produce their own "badges of entitlement." The human ego creates a self-important identity that leaves us feeling entitled. We can be blessed with many gifts in life and remain completely ungrateful because we feel that we deserve it, that we have it all coming to us. As Jews, we are reminded to check our egos and be thankful for everything we have. In fact it's in our name, in our identity, in the title "Jew." Why are Jews, called Jews? What does the word "Jew" mean, and what is its origin? The ancient Jewish kingdom was called the Kingdom of Judah. The tribe of Judah was the predominant popula- tion and represented the political, and often spiritual, leadership of the Jewish people. The origin of the term Jew is a derivative of Judah. But what does the name Judah mean? Judah itself is derived from the Hebrew word for thanks. (See Genesis 29:35.) "Judah" connotes the expressing of gratitude! Is the fact that Jews are called Jews merely the evolution of histori- cal labeling, or is it a reflection of a deeper identity? As a lifelong student of Jewish values, I have no doubt that gratitude is at the core of what Judaism is all about. The very first word uttered by a practicing Jew every morning is modeh, thanks. Immediately upon awakening one thanks God for renewed life and says, "Thanks, I offer before you, liv- ing and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me; Your faithful- ness is great." The rest of the day is perme- ated with further expressions of gratitude: for eyesight, for clothes, for intelligence, for shoes, for Torah, for food, for forgiveness, for health, for our godliness, for a liveli- hood, for daily miracles, etc. In fact, Judaism instructs its adherents to recite at least 100 blessings, expres- sions of thanks, every day. Why? When we appreciate being benefi- ciaries of so many gifts in life, we are more generously inclined and happy to share some of those gifts with others. Gratitude prompts us to connect with our fellow human beings with love — with kindness. Of all Jewish holidays, Chanukah stands out as a holiday specifically designated lehodot ulehallel, to offer thanks and praise to the Almighty! This Chanukah, let us shed any sense of entitlement; be grateful for what we have and be ever kinder. That's what it means to be a "Jew." A Jew's badge says, I am unentitled! It says, "Thank you!" Let us embrace a Jewish identity of feeling grateful. While Descartes famously formu- lated cogito ergo sum: I think, therefore I am, the Jewish formula is: I thank, therefore I am! May we have a happy and thankful Chanukah! * Rabbi Tzvi Muller is the rabbi of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chai Center and directs the Jewish Values Institute. » t o r a h p o r t i o n 35 December 10 • 2015 Rabbi Tzvi Muller Parshat Miketz, Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Chanukah: Genesis 41:1-44:17, Numbers 28:9-15, 7:42-47; Zechariah 2:14-4:7. I Thank, Therefore I Am 31,380 RIDES Were Given 764 OLDER ADULTS Received Support Services 805 INDIVIDUALS Received Counseling 679 FAMILIES Received Crisis Assistance Who would you turn to for help? So many are counting on your generosity. When you give to our Friends of the Family campaign, you help a family of four struggling to make ends meet, despite two full-time incomes. You make it possible for a senior to stay in her home safely. And you help someone in crisis; someone who just last year made his own donation to JFS. To contribute, visit www.jfsdetroit.org or contact Jenny Kabert at 248.592.2339 or jkabert@jfsdetroit.org 6555 West Maple Road | West Bloomfield, MI 48322 In The Last Year… 2040230