The thanksgiving offering survives in Rabbinic Judaism in the birkat Hagomel, for “one who has survived a hazardous situation.” Rabbi Sacks considers the meaning of a hazardous situation: Psalm 107 describes crossing the sea, crossing a desert, recovery from serious illness, and release of captivity. However, there are many other situations today that merit this blessing. He cites sociologist Peter Berger, who described “signals of transcendence” as the phenomena that point to “something beyond” – the capacity to find meaning in the depths of suffering, and the instinctive desire to give thanks. Please follow the link below to read the full article:
