November Master's Letter: “I am Thankful for…”

Calendar:

November

11/05/25 (Wed) Annual Communication and Election of Officers
11/19/25 (Wed) Service Night at the Grotto.
December

12/03/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
12/06/25 (Sat) Installation (tentative time: 2pm)

Brothers,

Welcome to November, the month of humility. This is a month of both inwards and outwards reflections: what do we feel we owe thanks and acknowledgements for? A month when ‘self’ should be viewed in the context of ‘other’ more than in any other month.

On this thanks-giving month, let’s be thankful for being in a position that we can give by aiding and assisting our fellow men. Bro. Winston Churchill said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". Our partners of several years now at the “Hope Clinic” indicated that they are in a dire need of hygiene products. Accordingly, our Lodge bought about $1,400 worth of such supplies to be bagged and prepared for delivery in our next month special “Service Night at Grotto”. In addition and in the face of the looming stoppage of SNAP benefits, we are running a Food Drive. This is what food pantries are looking for: (*)

Hearty soups (preferably canned)
Canned meat (tuna and chicken)
Peanut butter and other nut and seed butters
Ready rice or lentil packets
Meal in a can (ravioli, chili with meat)
Breakfast cereal
Pasta and Pasta Sauce
Spices and spice blends (low sodium)
Condiments (mustard, ketchup, mayo, salad dressings)

(*) All food must be unopened and unexpired, AND easy-open cans are much preferred to those requiring a can opener.

Inside the Grotto next to the door, there is a large box that is ready to receive food donations. It is easy: open your heart and your pocket, and when you go shopping get an extra bag with any of the items above; drop them off at the Grotto box by our next special on November 19.

Going up a notch in specificities, this is the month to be thankful to those who serve and protect. Possibly one of the most overlooked holidays takes place on the 11th of November — Veteran’s Day. This date was chosen marking the end of World War I which took place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Originally named Armistice Day, it was later renamed Veterans Day in 1954. It is especially meaningful to our organization, as it is deeply imbued with patriotism: “That deeper patriotism which does not unfurl the flag on holidays alone or rattle the flashing saber in a menacing threat but rather that patriotism.” On this special day, I encourage each and every one to pause and give prayerful thanks for all those who have served this country. Especially those who made the supreme sacrifice so that we may continue to enjoy the liberties which they have secured for us with their lives. May God continue to bless and keep safe those who are defending us, wherever so dispersed.

And finally, on this next-to-last Master’s Letter, I want to go to the higher level of specificity and to thank you. Yes, YOU. My Brothers.

Thank you for the trust you put in me in that sacred station in the East; thank you, officers, for going above and beyond and stepping up when needed; thank you for making me proud of your dedication and quality work; thank you Brothers for showing up at Lodge — figuratively and literally; thank you Past Masters for making me comfortable asking, and knowing that I can count on your help and support when needed.

Thank you for helping me square my actions and for keeping me within due bounds with you, my Brother Masons.

Thank you.

In Friendship and Brotherly love,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master