Friendsgiving is a popular adaptation of Thanksgiving.  Noting the idea that you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends, it’s nice to take time in November to celebrate friendships and community.   

MATERIALS:

• Food for sharing 
• Fall decorations 
• Tikkun Olam supplies (if going that route) 
• Resource sheet for Thanksgiving/Sukkot 
• Resource sheet for gratitude 
• Friendsgiving game ideas 

PROGRAM OUTLINE

• Program prep 
• Discussion of Thanksgiving or gratitude 
• Friendsgiving meal 
• Friendsgiving games or Tikkun Olam activities 

Program prep 

• Part of the fun of Friendsgiving is not having to do all the cooking by yourself. Ask people to bring a family tradition menu item to help with reduction of cost/work 
• Decorate your home with fall images, Friends images, or Thanksgiving decor 

Discussion of Thanksgiving or Gratitude (10-15 minutes)

• Discussion of Thanksgiving or gratitude. Consider having quotes about joy/gratitude on the wall or on tables so that as people gather, they can look at them. 
• Once people are there, set the mood for the evening by looking at some texts that teach about how Friendsgiving can relate to Judaism.   

Friendsgiving Meal (30 minutes)

Friendsgiving meal – if you asked people to bring a family tradition food item, go around the table and ask people to share. 

Friendsgiving games or Tikkun Olam activities (30-45 minutes)

• Friendsgiving games to continue with the theme of rejoicing and enjoy one another’s company (here is link to game ideas)
• If you wanted to go the Tikkun Olam route for this gathering, here are some ideas:  
• Volunteering or collecting for a food pantry
• Blessing Bags
• Packing meals or snacks for those in need
• Writing postcards for congressional support for school meals for children (here)
• Harvesting at a local community garden/farm
• Food mapping what is on your plate