Remake of "Joyful Jewish Rituals to Fill Your Cup"
Preview
Whether you’re taking time for self-care on Shabbat or any other day of the week, these tips will ensure your day of rest is cozy and comforting:
1. Make some Jewish soups and stews for your Shabbat table to warm you from the inside out.
2. Bake a challah and eat it fresh out of the oven. You can also save it for later and warm the loaf before eating. Here's our coziest challah recipe for you to try!
3. Make some cookies and enjoy them as a pre-Shabbat dinner treat or dessert. Here's a recipe using leftover Hanukkah gelt for inspiration!
4. Elevate your kiddish wine by making some warm mulled wine - add a bottle of wine to a pot with some water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, orange zest and juice, and cloves. Bring it to a simmer and keep it on low heat for 20-30 minutes.
5. Take a bath with Epsom salt and lavender essential oils. When you get out of the bath, dry off with a fluffy towel before putting on your comfiest pajamas and coziest winter socks.
6. Do relaxing hobbies like knitting, crocheting, painting, reading, journaling, etc. to set the tone for a quiet Shabbat.
Here are some of my recommendations for your coziest Shabbat when Shabbat comes in the winter:
7. As an alternative to lighting Shabbat candles, you can light scented candles or, if you have a fireplace, make a fire before sitting back and watching the flames.
8. Go around the Shabbat table and say what you are grateful for this past week.
9. Have friends over to play board games.
10. Start off Shabbat morning with a sweet treat and warm drink.
11. Be present with your favorite people. I recommend going tech-free to enhance the feeling of togetherness.
12. Gather your friends for a winter clothing swap and donate whatever is left to those in need.
13. Set apart some time to read and discuss the weekly Torah portion with a friend or family member.
14. Spend time with some furry friends! Cuddling with a soft, warm pet (either your own or a friend's) is therapeutic and a perfect Shabbat activity.
15. Throw on your warmest coat and take a walk outdoors in a quiet place, filling your lungs with the fresh, cool winter air.
16. Make a blanket fort - you can make it extra special with fairy lights and pillows!
17. Practice meditation or take a nap.
18. Havdalah might just be the most hygge ritual of Shabbat. The light, warming spices, wine, and songs create a wonderful send-off to the peace of Shabbat, and a slow launch into the week ahead.
You can find more self-care suggestions from ReformJudaism.org here: https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/shabbat/18-tips-your-coziest-shabbat-yet
Happiness is contagious. By bringing more joy into the lives of others, you’ll bring more joy into your own life as well. Each act of kindness, no matter how big or how small, has the potential to create ripples of light and goodness in the world. Consider filling your week with one community-centered action each day to have a lasting impact on your own mental health and that of others. Reflect on the experience in your Jewish Joy Journal.
Sunday: Visit the Sick. Make a phone call or arrange an in-person visit to someone in your network who needs a friendly visitor–perhaps an older family member or neighbor.
Monday: Give Tzedakah (Charity). Make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Tuesday: Pay Someone a Compliment. Your words have tremendous power to uplift and bring joy.
Wednesday: Offer a Friendly Smile. Make a conscious effort to smile at friends, coworkers, and even strangers who you pass on the street. Sometimes, a smile is all it takes to create a sense of warmth and connection.
Thursday: Be Kind to an Animal. Did you know it’s a mitzvah to feed your pets before you feed yourself? Give your pup a few extra snuggles today, or spare a spider by relocating it outside.
Friday: Light Shabbat Candles. Take a few minutes to take some deep breaths, and use the candles as a way to step away from the problems of the week and embrace this period of rest and renewal.
Saturday: Share lunch with a friend. Host them in your home, bring a meal to them, or meet up at a favorite spot.
Fill your home with Jewish joy by having a living room dance party post-work week or anytime you need a little extra joy. Consider doing it solo or gathering your loved ones in real life or Facetime, put on some lively Jewish or Jew-ish music, and let the rhythm guide you. As you dance, focus on the joy of being alive, appreciate your body, and let the music carry you into a state of gratitude and renewal, distancing yourself from the work week. However you’re choosing to move or honor the music we hope your dance party becomes a living expression of Jewish joy.
You can create your own playlist or use this Jewish Joy! playlist created by ReformJudaism.org.
What feelings and blessings do you want to invite into your home? What do you want the vibe to be? Create your own blessing-poem. If you live with others, invite them to contribute too!
Let this home be filled with:
__________________________________
May those who dwell in this home be supported through:
_____________________________________________________________
May those who dwell here always feel:
_____________________________________________________________
We all know how hard it can be sometimes to wake up in the morning. Taking a few quiet moments before getting out of bed can help reset your mind and start your day with intention. The Jewish morning blessing called Modeh Ani (thankful am I) is customarily recited upon waking.
How to Practice:
As soon as you wake up, before getting out of bed, place one hand on your heart and the other on your abdomen. Take three slow inhales and exhales to center yourself.
Then, say to yourself or aloud, “modeh/modah/modet ani, I am grateful.” Reciting these words is a way to acknowledge that you’ve been given another day, another opportunity and that you’re grateful for it.
Some may prefer to recite the full prayer:
Modeh/modah/modet ani lifanecha, melech chai v’kayam, shehechazarta bi nishmati b’chemla, rabah emunatecha.
Which means: "Thankful am I in your presence, Spirit who lives and endures. For you’ve returned me to my soul with compassion, abundant is your faith!"
When offering blessings or expressing gratitude, feel free to swap in the language that resonates with you most on any given day. You might use words like Source, Beloved, Ruler, Sovereign, Creator, or any other term that feels personally meaningful. You can also say something simple like, “I give thanks for this new day” or “I am grateful for this moment of joy.” The intention is what matters most, so choose words that connect you to the sacredness of the practice in a way that feels authentic to you.
Whether you’re taking time for self-care on Shabbat or any other day of the week, these tips will ensure your day of rest is cozy and comforting:
1. Make some Jewish soups and stews for your Shabbat table to warm you from the inside out.
2. Bake a challah and eat it fresh out of the oven. You can also save it for later and warm the loaf before eating. Here's our coziest challah recipe for you to try!
3. Make some cookies and enjoy them as a pre-Shabbat dinner treat or dessert. Here's a recipe using leftover Hanukkah gelt for inspiration!
4. Elevate your kiddish wine by making some warm mulled wine - add a bottle of wine to a pot with some water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, orange zest and juice, and cloves. Bring it to a simmer and keep it on low heat for 20-30 minutes.
5. Take a bath with Epsom salt and lavender essential oils. When you get out of the bath, dry off with a fluffy towel before putting on your comfiest pajamas and coziest winter socks.
6. Do relaxing hobbies like knitting, crocheting, painting, reading, journaling, etc. to set the tone for a quiet Shabbat.
Here are some of my recommendations for your coziest Shabbat when Shabbat comes in the winter:
7. As an alternative to lighting Shabbat candles, you can light scented candles or, if you have a fireplace, make a fire before sitting back and watching the flames.
8. Go around the Shabbat table and say what you are grateful for this past week.
9. Have friends over to play board games.
10. Start off Shabbat morning with a sweet treat and warm drink.
11. Be present with your favorite people. I recommend going tech-free to enhance the feeling of togetherness.
12. Gather your friends for a winter clothing swap and donate whatever is left to those in need.
13. Set apart some time to read and discuss the weekly Torah portion with a friend or family member.
14. Spend time with some furry friends! Cuddling with a soft, warm pet (either your own or a friend's) is therapeutic and a perfect Shabbat activity.
15. Throw on your warmest coat and take a walk outdoors in a quiet place, filling your lungs with the fresh, cool winter air.
16. Make a blanket fort - you can make it extra special with fairy lights and pillows!
17. Practice meditation or take a nap.
18. Havdalah might just be the most hygge ritual of Shabbat. The light, warming spices, wine, and songs create a wonderful send-off to the peace of Shabbat, and a slow launch into the week ahead.
You can find more self-care suggestions from ReformJudaism.org here: https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/shabbat/18-tips-your-coziest-shabbat-yet
Happiness is contagious. By bringing more joy into the lives of others, you’ll bring more joy into your own life as well. Each act of kindness, no matter how big or how small, has the potential to create ripples of light and goodness in the world. Consider filling your week with one community-centered action each day to have a lasting impact on your own mental health and that of others. Reflect on the experience in your Jewish Joy Journal.
Sunday: Visit the Sick. Make a phone call or arrange an in-person visit to someone in your network who needs a friendly visitor–perhaps an older family member or neighbor.
Monday: Give Tzedakah (Charity). Make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Tuesday: Pay Someone a Compliment. Your words have tremendous power to uplift and bring joy.
Wednesday: Offer a Friendly Smile. Make a conscious effort to smile at friends, coworkers, and even strangers who you pass on the street. Sometimes, a smile is all it takes to create a sense of warmth and connection.
Thursday: Be Kind to an Animal. Did you know it’s a mitzvah to feed your pets before you feed yourself? Give your pup a few extra snuggles today, or spare a spider by relocating it outside.
Friday: Light Shabbat Candles. Take a few minutes to take some deep breaths, and use the candles as a way to step away from the problems of the week and embrace this period of rest and renewal.
Saturday: Share lunch with a friend. Host them in your home, bring a meal to them, or meet up at a favorite spot.
Fill your home with Jewish joy by having a living room dance party post-work week or anytime you need a little extra joy. Consider doing it solo or gathering your loved ones in real life or Facetime, put on some lively Jewish or Jew-ish music, and let the rhythm guide you. As you dance, focus on the joy of being alive, appreciate your body, and let the music carry you into a state of gratitude and renewal, distancing yourself from the work week. However you’re choosing to move or honor the music we hope your dance party becomes a living expression of Jewish joy.
You can create your own playlist or use this Jewish Joy! playlist created by ReformJudaism.org.
What feelings and blessings do you want to invite into your home? What do you want the vibe to be? Create your own blessing-poem. If you live with others, invite them to contribute too!
Let this home be filled with:
__________________________________
May those who dwell in this home be supported through:
_____________________________________________________________
May those who dwell here always feel:
_____________________________________________________________
We all know how hard it can be sometimes to wake up in the morning. Taking a few quiet moments before getting out of bed can help reset your mind and start your day with intention. The Jewish morning blessing called Modeh Ani (thankful am I) is customarily recited upon waking.
How to Practice:
As soon as you wake up, before getting out of bed, place one hand on your heart and the other on your abdomen. Take three slow inhales and exhales to center yourself.
Then, say to yourself or aloud, “modeh/modah/modet ani, I am grateful.” Reciting these words is a way to acknowledge that you’ve been given another day, another opportunity and that you’re grateful for it.
Some may prefer to recite the full prayer:
Modeh/modah/modet ani lifanecha, melech chai v’kayam, shehechazarta bi nishmati b’chemla, rabah emunatecha.
Which means: "Thankful am I in your presence, Spirit who lives and endures. For you’ve returned me to my soul with compassion, abundant is your faith!"
When offering blessings or expressing gratitude, feel free to swap in the language that resonates with you most on any given day. You might use words like Source, Beloved, Ruler, Sovereign, Creator, or any other term that feels personally meaningful. You can also say something simple like, “I give thanks for this new day” or “I am grateful for this moment of joy.” The intention is what matters most, so choose words that connect you to the sacredness of the practice in a way that feels authentic to you.
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