By Josh Neirman, Immersive Experiences Mentor and Hannah Phelps, Pods Network Manager
According to Rabbi Abraham J. Heschel (20th Century), Shabbat is a “palace in time”. If built with intention, it gives us a weekly opportunity to inhabit a unique space. Time may look and feel a little different these days. Here are some tips and tricks to let Shabbat be an opportunity to transform your week!
If you live by yourself and want to connect with others:
- Join one of the many online services happening around the country
- Invite friends together for a Zoom, WhatsApp or Google Hangouts Shabbat dinner or pre-Shabbat get together
- Go totally unplugged and write a letter to a loved one
- Let in some fresh air, move any work materials out of sight and do a quick sweep
- Use dishware/placemats/a tablecloth that have been collecting dust
- Create a festive table setting with flowers or plants
- Light a scented candle or use a diffuser
- Light Shabbat candles – consider adding more than usual this Shabbat to increase the light and warmth of the space
- Change up the lighting
- Change your clothing: maybe something fancier, or cozier, or both?
- Create or find a special Shabbat Spotify playlist to listen to during Shabbat preparation or dinner
- Decide for when and how long you want to turn off your phone – for dinner, after dinner until Saturday morning, for the full 25 hours?
- Try something completely new: rearrange your furniture for your meal, get grounded with a Shabbat picnic on the floor, or create a progressive dinner in different rooms in your home
Ready to get into the flow? Use these conversation cards to shift your conversation around the dinner table.
Want to print out the conversation cards to use at the table? Click here!
