According to writer and Orthodox Rabbi Avi Safran, the Hebrew word for “turkey” can be interpreted to be the same as the Hebrew word for “turkey" and possibly connect us with “thanksgiving.” However, it has nothing to do with the fact that the bird itself, in all its magnificence, is traditionally part of American Thanksgiving feasts. That association is, rather, the result of Christopher Columbus’ famous blunder. You remember the one about discovering America, the “promised land” he reported to his monarchs, when all the time it was just a navigation error—alas!
Such blundering or blunder-busting is inevitable. That’s why we pray and ask forgiveness so much. But don’t run away, and don’t overdo your explanatory confession. If you do need to say it out loud, say it to yourself softly and just between you and your god. Or one simple sentence once, like I’m sorry I hurt you.
Forgivingness is the point of life, really. We all make blunders, which are mostly inevitable. No need to overdo it and shame yourself. As a slogan used in Twelve Step programs puts it: Keep it simple, stupid. I say: Keep it simple, sweetie.
