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For many people, Shabbat is a distinctive day throughout every season of the year. During the summer, it can be an extra special time. Here are seven things you can do for rest, reflection, and fun.
- Listen to a podcast. To get in the mood for Shabbat, set time aside on Friday afternoon to sit outdoors – on a porch, under a tree, or in a park amongst city skyscrapers – and listen to a podcast. Whether it’s a Jewish story, a performance of acoustic music, or thoughts about the weekly Torah portion, this can help you slow down, unwind, and feel the anticipation of Shabbat.
- Explore a synagogue. Whether you’re traveling or enjoying your own neighborhood, find a congregation in the area and check it out. Congregations often vary their summer worship practices, so even if you’ve visited before, you may find something new this time!
- Enjoy a Shabbat picnic. Pack your favorite summer foods and head outdoors. This barley salad uses all those herbs from your garden and travels well. Wine jelly and frosted grapes are other cool options to beat the heat. Here are other recipes for terrific summer fare with a Jewish twist, perfect for Shabbat!
- Read a book in a hammock. Nothing says summer more than sinking down into a hammock with a book. Check out these books for a satisfying summer read, or read one of these books to learn more about Judaism. PJ Library sends Jewish-themed books to kids each month, so if you have children, invite them into the hammock to read with you!
- Take a Shabbat nap. When your eyelids grow heavy and the book you’re holding falls from your hands, give in and use your hammock for a nap. There’s nothing quite like an outdoor snooze, especially on Shabbat!
- Do a craft project. If a summer rain shower forces you indoors on Shabbat, use the time to make a challah cover or beeswax candles for your family’s Shabbat table.
- Celebrate Havdalah. As Shabbat ends, mark the separation between the sacred and the everyday in the backyard amongst the fireflies. Watch this video from Temple Israel in Memphis, TN, to learn how to perform this short, meaningful ceremony.
Shabbat shalom!
