How To Do Jewish During A Pandemic

We are certainly in strange and difficult times. We are all adjusting (and then readjusting) to shifting realities. There is fear, anxiety, loneliness, and boredom. I hope there are also moments of joy, connection, hope, fulfillment, rest. For some of us (hi working parents!) we are figuring out how to juggle and fit everything in. For other,s we are figuring out how to meaningfully fill our time.

So here are some suggestions, broken into two categories: Busy Bees vs Hermit Crabs (you figure out which is more you):

Busy Bees: 

Slowwwww Downnnnn.

I am a busy bee so I know how hard this is. But it seems like we have no choice now but to stop for a while. Are there at-home projects you’ve been waiting to do? Are there people you can connect with by phone or online instead of your usual coffee dates? Can you make more time for rest, napping, writing, meditating, whatever will make you feel good and not like you are under house arrest? 

Hermit Crabs:

Don’t let this be an excuse to hermit your way through spring! If you are someone who often is alone, I’m going to suggest that you explore new ways to connect during this time. Find someone who will teach you how to use Facebook and jump into some great groups (see below). I’ll be leading coffee dates and other programs by Zoom. Zoom is an online platform that’s really easy to use from any computer or smart phone. If this is something that sounds intimidating to you, use this as an opportunity to get comfortable with new technologies. 

Everyone: 

Don’t forget to take care of yourselves and each other!

Remember Jewish teachings: Tradition, Torah, Tikkun Olam

Tradition: this might be a great time to build a Shabbat practice. I have been playing with tech Shabbats (no screens) and really liking it. Our newsfeeds are overwhelming these days. Take a break! Light some candles! Maybe bake a challah?

Torah: It doesn’t have to be literal Torah but think of Torah broadly as learning. Are there books you’d like to read? Explore museums that have virtual tours. Or peruse sites like My Jewish Learning and Jewish Live. There is so much we can do when we suddenly are at home with time on our hands. 

Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World

The people who will be hit hardest by Covid-19 are the already vulnerable and marginalized. People who are immunocompromised, the poor/homeless, those without adequate healthcare. Even consider all the kids relying on breakfast programs who may go hungry these next few weeks or months. As people are stockpiling toilet paper, don’t forget to give to food banks, check on your elderly neighbours, and look out for opportunities to practice good deeds (mitzvot). Consider offering to help folks with tasks like putting the garbage out (while maintaining social distancing). And continue to advocate for sound health and other policies while at home. 

Take care of yourselves! Eat healthy foods that will boost your immunity, get outside as you can (you can have social distance and go for a short walk or sit in a backyard/on a balcony), make sure you are connecting with others — by phone or online, and don’t forget to rest and sleep. Maybe we’ll emerge from this crisis a well-rested bunch! And, of course, wash your hands... all the time... 

If anyone is struggling, sad, or anxious, please reach out to me by email or phone. I’m around, like everyone else!