Thanksgiving in Halacha

Thanksgiving is here and that means time for a special HalachaBoy edition. While as Jews we are quite proficient in offering thanks (we do it a minimum of three times a day), are we allowed to celebrate this secular holiday named Thanksgiving? Rav Doniel Rapp, Rav in YU and one of the top three funniest Rabbis alive, [ I have to put Rav Dovid Orlofsky and Rav Neil Fleischman up there also) provided this insight into the matter: [ You can listen to the shiur here http://yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/706550/Rabbi_Dani_Rapp/Is_Thanksgiving_Kosher-_The_Halachic_Debate ] The source for the problem of Thanksgiving is the prohibition of Bechukosehem Lo Telechu – in the Goyim’s ways we should not follow.Now clearly we are allowed to breathe and have two eyes like the Goyim so what exactly is prohibited? The gemara in Sanhedrim brings down there used to be a minhag that when Jewish kings would die they would burn all the kings possessions. However, the gemara asks shouldn’t that be a violation of Bechukosehem as the goyim do that also? And the gemara answers that since we did it first it’s ok. Interestingly the gemara in Avodah Zara asks same question but offers a different answer. That answer is that the prohibition of Bechokosehem only applies to senseless things (chukim) the goyim do, however the burning of the kings possessions was to show honor for the kings and thus even though the goyim do it, we can do it also. Tosfos in Avodah Zara asks the obvious question of why the Gemara offers two answers for one question, and answers that both apply. If the activity is for avodah zarah or immorality then we can’t do. If it is senseless, we can only do if we did it first. Thus, according to Tosfos wearing neck ties (which clearly serve no functional purpose) would be forbidden. In fact, the Vilna Gaon subscribed to this understanding. The Rama, quoting the Ran and Maharik, argues and says that only activities that encourage immodest or avodah zara behavior are forbidden. Further, any activity that you don’t know for sure the source you need to worry it has immoral connotations and thus forbidden. However, any activity that has a productive purpose, even if the goyim did it first, we can do. So doctors can wear white coats (as that labels them as MD’s and not janitors). Who do we follow? Well, simply look down and see if you’re wearing a tie. Most people now-a-days follow the Rama (Chassidim are the notable exception, which is ironic because that means they paskin like the Gra) and thus any activity that has a productive purpose, even if the goyim did it first, we can do. What about Thanksgiving? Well as Thanksgiving was enacted by President Abraham Lincoln after the civil war to create camaraderie and not for avodah zara or immorality it would seem that according to the Rama it would be no problem. Rav Moshe Feinstein in a number of responsa (spanning the years 1953-1991) discussed this issue and concluded that he thinks thanksgiving is just a regular secular holiday, and no different than labor day. Eating turkey on Thanksgiving should be allowed according to the Rama, provided you enjoy eating turkey, and are not just eating it because of Thanksgiving. In terms of turkeys being kosher for all year see a wonderful written article by Halachaboy in ParshaMan Parshas Shemini 2008 or just click here: http://parshaman.blogspot.com/2008/03/momma-shes-being-meanie-take-away-her.html