God’s Providence and the United States

A miracle occurred, and they were able to light from the flask of oil for eight days. The next year, they established and made it a holiday, with thanksgiving and praise.

–Shabbat 21b

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—that we may then all unite in him our sincere and humble thanks…

–George Washington, Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789