Hakaras Hatov is an attitude and a required[3] part of the Jewish way of life:[5][3][6] It is internal, whereas by contrast HoDaa, giving thanks, is an action.
[8] Rabbi Yissocher Frand explains the sequence: we must first admit we needed someone before we can thank them.
He lacked hakarat hatov for all that Yoseph had done for the Egyptian people,"[11] Jews are expected to do their part in giving recognition.
"We owe a debt of gratitude even to our oppressors for the small kindness they may have done for us",[12] even though the Egyptians "did not know of Yoseph".
There is a publicly said prayer for giving thanks for surviving an illness or danger, Birkhat HaGomel,[13] which is recited before a Torah scroll.