Do you get the Winter blues? The lack of sunshine, vitamin D depletion, and a disruption in the circadian rhythm can all lead to sadness during the colder months and I’ll be the first to admit I fall victim to the winter blues each year.
It’s usually about this time when the lightbulb goes off and I am suddenly aware that I’ve been feeling down in the dumps. The fast pace of life has kept me so preoccupied that the state of my well-being has gone unchecked, but this year things are different. I have learned to retreat to the soul-soothing warmth of Jewish Traditions to reignite that spark within.
Now I embrace jubilation through Jewish music, food, and study. The results have been phenomenal. What we feed our minds truly matters especially during this time of year. Here are a few things I’ve been doing to kick the winter blahs to the curb and keep the joy flowing.
Surround Yourself with The Joy of Jewish Music
Music truly is a healer. So when the winter blahs strike, it only makes sense to listen to music that inspires, motivates, and nourishes our souls. This winter I embarked on a journey searching for contemporary Jewish music to bring about pure joy and found talented artists including Elana Jagoda.
Elana’s brand of Jewish family music brings about feelings of joyful inspiration. She often has children singing along with her which always makes my heart skip a beat. This music is fun, festive, and a celebration of Jewish tradition. Every morning I listen to the most beautiful version of the Modeh Ani prayer featured on Elana’s 2007 album titled Zum Gali Gali. If there is one song on this earth that can bring about feelings of complete peace and praise, it’s this one.
Elana Arian is another fabulous singer. She, like Elana Jagoda, is among the best when it comes to contemporary Jewish music. Her music is all about praise. It’s upbeat, fun, and spiritually moving. My favorite song by Elana is Hinei Mah Tov from her 2017 album A Spark of Light. I love the choir of “littles” singing along with her. The kids add such a sweet spirit of joy to her music, I listen to it every morning. Her songs are such a blessing.
Nefesh Mountain has quickly become another one of my favorites. Their songs are a unique blend of Americana and bluegrass music with Jewish tradition woven throughout. They exemplify true musicianship and are a delight to listen to.
I’ve been listening to their 2016 self-titled album and it’s phenomenal. I love their version of the Modeh Ani prayer as well. Although, it’s completely different from Elana Jagoda’s peaceful and prayerful rendition. Nefesh Mountain’s Modeh Ani makes you want to clog dance while praising God. It’s hard to feel down while listening to their music.
Make delicious Jewish Comfort Food
The concept of “working with your hands” is woven throughout Jewish tradition and is said to be a form of worshiping God. Chabad.org says “In the work of our hands dwells God himself, the source of all light.” So, using our hands to create delicious Jewish food is one of the most uplifting and praiseful things we can do.
I have completely immersed myself in cooking and baking this winter. Just this morning, I made a batch of potato kugel; it was life-changing. My family loved it! I previously attempted to make noodle kugel and to say it was unsuccessful is a serious understatement. This time it was completely different. Potato kugel will now have a permanent spot at our table. Interested in making it yourself? I used Tory Avey’s Passover Potato Kugel recipe.
It’s nearly hamentashen season and this delicious Purim treat is a big hit in my house. These triangular shortbread treats have filling in the middle and can be made sweet or savory. I always go with sweet and fill mine with Nutella. I am determined that this year my hamentashen will retain their triangular shape. They taste fabulous either way but making cosmetically appealing hamentashen is my goal. My favorite recipe is by Anneke at Cooking with Carbs.
Before winter is over I plan to develop my matzo ball soup-making skills. Thus far, I have avoided this one due to the complexity of it but I am now ready to give it a go. I will follow Sara Tane’s recipe at thekitchen.com. This dish combines chicken, fresh herbs, and, of course, homemade matzo balls. I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Would you like to try it too? Let me know how it goes in the comments below or on my socials.
Immerse yourself in Jewish Wisdom
Going back to what I said earlier. What we feed our mind matters and throughout this winter I have found that reading Jewish wisdom has done wonders for my mood. It anchors me in my faith and fills my heart with joy. Being Jewish is a lifetime commitment and studying the Torah is a mitzvah.
First and foremost I read the Tanakh, the foundation of Jewish studies. Most recently, I read the book of Exodus located in the Torah portion of the Tanakh. I love learning about our Jewish ancestors and the roots of our faith. The version I read is by the Jewish Publication Society.
Next on my winter reading list is The Book of Jewish Values by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. This is an amazing book. It contains a short reading for every day except Shabbat and covers ethical living—this book has been life-changing for me. Telushkin covers issues like what to do when hearing sirens nearby. I now pray for those needing to be rescued when I hear an ambulance siren. This is a must-read book.
During this last leg of winter, I will be reading The Spiritual Gardner. I have been interested in gardening and homesteading for a long time, so finding a book that combines Jewish wisdom with gardening is incredibly valuable. Plus, spring is right around the corner, and what a great way to prepare for gardening season. Are you interested in this book? Let’s read together! Reach out to me in the comments below or on my socials.
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful winter full of joyful music, delicious food, and thought-provoking reading! I would love to hear your feedback, leave a comment and follow me on social media. Shalom friends!
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