Sometimes the world just feels too heavy to fight. During these moments, it’s okay to take a break. If your heart isn’t in it some days–give yourself the rest you need to stay strong and resilient. Taking care of yourself first is key to being able to care for others. 

When you’re ready to pick up your social justice practice again, the collection of words and songs on the next few pages can help fill you with inspiration, motivation, and the urge to once again fight for the causes and issues you care about. After all, the world won’t change unless we change it. 

As you listen to and read through the words on the pages that follow, consider writing down your own thoughts and reflections. Does anything stand out to you? Do any of these words make your tummy flip or your heart ache? How does your body feel while you read these poems and listen to these songs? Do you feel an urge to fight, or help? Take note of what resonates, and use it as an inspiration and guide as you continue on this journey.

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. 

VISIT THE SYNAGOGUE SANCTUARY TO LOOK AT THE ARK AND THE TORAH SCROLLS.

Ask a rabbi or other authorized person to take a Torah from the ark and show it to you. If you do not have a real Torah available to you use a miniature one that has Hebrew writing. Look at the beautiful cover on the Torah. It is called a mantle. It is there to protect the Torah scroll. See how the Torah is rolled up. Look at how the letters are written in a special way called calligraphy. We use a  yad , which looks like a hand to point to the words when we read the Torah.

MAKE FLAGS TO USE FOR MARCHING AROUND WITH THE TORAH.

An easy method is to use foam sheets and self sticking foam shapes (now available at dollar stores) for the flag and attach them to wooden dowels with heavy tape

MAKE A WEARABLE MANTLE (TORAH COVER).

Using an on old bed pillow cover for each child, cut a hole for the head in the end opposite the opening and two arm holes near the top of each side. Let each child use a variety of materials to decorate their mantle. Wear them to march with the Torahs.