Dear Rabbi Brody. Firstly the Puritan/Indian relations should be judged within the historical context of that time. Secondly Thanksgiving celebration was not a thanksgiving to the Indians, it was thanksgiving to G-d. The American holiday's true origin was the New England Calvinist Thanksgiving. The Puritan observances were special days set aside during the week for thanksgiving and praise in response to events that the Puritans viewed as acts of G-d's special providence.
11/26/2012
You can see how the Lubbavitch Rebbe compares Hannuka and American Thanks Giving to G-D, and talks about the pilgrims and founding fathers and their faith in G-d and divine providence. You can see how Puritan Thanks giving is truly rooted in the Jewish scriptures. Check: http://www.chabad.org/therebbe/livingtorah/player_cdo/aid/454534/jewish/Stars-Stripes-and-Lights.htm
11/18/2012
Dear Rabbi Brody. Firstly the Puritan/Indian relations should be judged within the historical context of that time. Secondly Thanksgiving celebration was not a thanksgiving to the Indians, it was thanksgiving to G-d. The American holiday's true origin was the New England Calvinist Thanksgiving. The Puritan observances were special days set aside during the week for thanksgiving and praise in response to events that the Puritans viewed as acts of G-d's special providence.