by Rabbi Stephanie Kennedy
January 6, 2025 • 6 Tevet 5785
As January unfolds, we find ourselves in a stretch of the calendar with no major Jewish holidays. It’s a quieter time, yet Judaism reminds us that holiness is not limited to festive occasions. Even in the rhythm of our ordinary days, there is endless potential for sacred connection.
Tevet, the Hebrew month, just began a few days ago, ushered in by the new moon. It is a deep winter month, a time when vegetation quietly grows, even as the earth seems still. The cyclical nature of the Jewish calendar offers times of action and moments of pause. This month, I invite you to reflect on how small, everyday moments can be infused with meaning.
Try pausing for a new or different blessing during your day:
Begin with the blessing of Modeh Ani, an expression of gratitude for the gift of waking up,
Recite Asher Yatzar, a post-bathroom blessing acknowledging the miraculous workings of our bodies,
Say Shehecheyanu when you experience something new,
Or offer a short prayer before eating, connecting you more deeply to how the food was grown and brought to your table.
What will you do to make your ordinary days extraordinary this month? Let’s embrace January not as an empty space but as an opportunity to elevate the everyday.
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