Happy New Year and Shalom friends. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I for one, am still glowing from a festive and joyfilled Hanukkah. My holiday was simple. I spent time with family and feasted on latkes and sufganiyot while being completely mesmerized by the warmth of a candlelit menorah.
This is hands-down my favorite part of Hanukkah. I am fascinated by the spiritual symbolism of light in the Jewish tradition. It’s a metaphor for God, the Torah, and life, to name a few. Every synagogue has an eternal light above the ark that stores the Torah scrolls. This light is called “Nir Tamid” and represents God’s everlasting presence and covenant with the Jewish people.
The symbolism of light is tightly woven into the fabric of Jewish life and I am reminded of this even more during Hanukkah. So, while basking in the divine glow of the menorah this past holiday I became inspired not only to receive the light but to become a beacon of light. Here are my top 3 ways we can shine brighter in the new year.
Let Go of What or Who Weighs You Down:
Before we can shine, we must rid ourselves of the mental sludge that dims our light. For years, I let negativity steal my joy. I shed many tears after being hurt by others but I have since learned to let them say and do what they will. God knows the truth and wrongs will be made right.
Now I forgive them and let them go with love and light. I choose to focus on those who love and respect me. I’ve learned to replace the pain with positive thoughts, prayer, and meditation. I plan to fine-tune these self-care skills in the new year to make 2025 the best year yet. The more we clear our minds of what doesn’t serve us, the more God chases us with blessings.
According to The Jewish Chronicle, positive thinking isn’t just a wise choice, it’s biblical:
“The Torah teaches us to use words that do not have negative connotations so that they do not bring negativity into our lives. Since a person’s words come from their thoughts, the mind is the source of our positive or negative language. The opposite is also true; our words influence our thoughts.”
Positivity is vital to living a joyfully Jewish life. The more good we think and speak the more we truly reflect God’s love.
Give Tzedakah (Charity)
Many believe giving is the right thing to do but in Judaism, it’s more than that, it’s an obligation. Giving of oneself is considered a Mitzvah (a commandment); a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. What’s more, giving is simply good for the soul. It feels wonderful, improves our mood, and makes us feel needed.
In the new year, I plan to make giving a way of life. We can have the best intentions but if tzedakah is something that never makes it out of our heads and into our actions what is the point? Oftentimes I plan to give, but with the hectic pace of life, it sometimes gets brushed to the side. But, not this year.
Many Jewish homes have a tzedakah box in their home and they make it a ritual to put money into the box Friday afternoons before lighting candles for Shabbat. I love this tradition and plan to add it to my Shabbat routine. Meanwhile, giving isn’t only financial. We can also give our time and talents; feed the hungry, visit the lonely, or volunteer at a local charity organization.
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
~Maya Angelou
Practice Self-Care
Oh, how I have struggled with this one in the past. Life is hectic and full of long to-do lists making it easy to put yourself on the backburner. Trust me, I have been there many times. But this year that will change. I made a vow to take excellent care of myself in 2025 and I hope you have too.
Self-care isn’t just something we should do, in Judaism, it is a mitzvah. Reform Judaism explains:
“Our tradition calls it sh’mirat haguf – literally, guarding the body. In the book of Deuteronomy, we find the verse, “Guard yourself and guard your soul very carefully” (Deut. 4:9). Biblical commentators have understood this passage to be the religious imperative for taking care of both body and soul.”
So, don’t hesitate. Take a walk, go to the spa, or bake some challah. Whatever self-care is to you, be sure to make it a priority. I hope we all shine brighter in the new year. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I would love to hear from you, leave a comment or drop me a line on social media if you would like, and click below to learn more about my Jewish journey. Shalom friends.
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