The month of November is one of gratitude. Weeks away from Thanksgiving, we enter into the mindset of recognizing what we are thankful for, as human beings, as Americans, and as Jews. In the upcoming week, we will observe Veterans Day, giving gratitude to those who served and continue to serve our country.

A few weeks ago, I was introduced to the organization, Heroes To Heroes, which connects United States and IDF veterans after their service. Two groups of people serving in opposite parts of the world, working to create a world of similar values.

This week, we read the familiar narrative of Abraham’s bargaining with God to save Sodom. Why did he begin with asking if the city would be saved with 50 righteous people? Rashi explains that there were five districts to Sodom, and each district needed a minyan, 10 people, to be saved.

For the last two years, we as a community have been privileged to meet righteous people at Sinai Temple. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to do so.

On November 20th, Omer Shem Tov, one of the released hostages, will be with us to tell his story. It is one of darkness to hope. Omer can speak of what it is to be a righteous person in Sodom, to recognize that light comes from within and without. As I recently heard, “Optimism is done by yourself. Hope is done with others.”

We each have a role to play in being one of the ten righteous ones and in finding the righteous ones as well. On the other side of the world, we have a job to do as well. Bianna Golodryga, CNN anchor, during the most difficult days after October 7th, helped create Hostages: The Road Home, to begin to tell the story. This week, her book, Don’t Feed The Lion, comes out, exploring how young people can grapple with antisemitism and prejudice. Bianna will be with us next Shabbat to share her journey.

Bianna and Omer’s journeys are linked because of their need to bring more of Abraham’s righteousness to the world.

Our stories are intertwined in the most complex ways. We need to show up. We need to see each other. For it is then that we can mark this month of gratitude and engage in righteous community.