Life is messy. Wouldn't you agree? We carry a lot on our shoulders. This complexity is precisely why I love to get lost in the simple joys of life. Jewish belief emphasizes the importance of taking delight in the little things through daily gratitude, living in the present moment (Kavanah), reciting blessings, and feeling a deeper level of joy called Simcha. Here are a few personal stories of how I savor the simple joys in life.
Sometimes simple joys have four legs, fur, and love to cuddle. A few years ago, my family and I were heartbroken over the loss of our sweet dogs Pinkman and Holly, who passed away just two years apart. Months went by before we were ready to adopt again, and when the day finally arrived, G-d blessed us with an Australian Shepherd mix we named Miss Charlie.
As many of you know, dogs come with their distinctive personalities, and we quickly learned that Miss Charlie an extremely loving and affectionate dog. About a week after we adopted her, Miss Charlie was waiting for me at the top of the stairs, and when I was almost to the top, she stood on her hind legs and gave me a big hug.
Since that day, I have received hundreds of Miss Charlie hugs, and I never take them for granted. These sweet, affectionate little creatures are divinely appointed. Their job is to bring us comfort and joy every day. They truly are little angels.
According to Jewish wisdom, we are to replicate G-d's love and compassion toward all living creatures, something I am incredibly passionate about. Every day, I take great pride in my love and care for my dog and feel a sense of simcha in the bond we have. It's so simple but means so much.
I have long believed that lighting a candle ignites something special and brings us closer to G-d. I light candles every morning as I prepare for my day. It's a time of prayer and reflection -- a time to connect with G-d. During this time, I feel the immense calm and tranquility.
In Jewish tradition, light symbolizes G-d, creation, beauty, wisdom, Torah, and Mitzvot. When we perform a mitzvah, we create light within ourselves that shines for all to see. So imagine what the light from a candle can do for the soul each morning. During this early morning sanctuary, I light a candle and thank G-d for all of his blessings. I pray for those in need, and I set my intentions for the day. Experiencing this every morning is one of the simple joys in my life.
When I first joined the Jewish community, I remember thinking, where has Shabbat been all my life. It was, and still is, one of my greatest joys. The simple act of slowing down, unplugging, and spending time with friends and family was life-changing, and ever since, I strive to make it as memorable as possible.
Whether baking Challah or making my favorite Kosher recipes, each detail involves prayerful meditation. Each step is taken for the sake of heaven, and mindfulness is a must. I pay extra attention to the table setting, making sure each detail is beautiful and that every guest feels welcome. The time with friends and family is always joy-filled, and taking time to slow down and study Torah helps ground me in my faith. After the Havdalah candles are lit and the prayer is recited, I feel revitalized for the week ahead.
Thank you so much for reading this article. I hope that your life is filled you plenty of love, joy, tranquility and candlelight. May you have a wonderful Sabbath and may the hostages remaining in Gaza be returned home soon to again enjoy Shabbat with their families. Shalom, friends.
Interested in reading about my love for creating a beautiful and sacred space at home? Click the link below.