Sometimes it feels like people think about Judaism as a light bulb that can be turned on and off with the flick of a switch. This feeling is especially strong on the final Sunday of Religious School every May. I can almost feel some of the kids turning off the light switch, with a plan to leave it off until September.
I understand the instinct – the desire to draw clear lines between school year responsibilities and activities, and the experiences and freedoms of summer. And this instinct is not limited to kids. Every generation experiences summer as having its own energy and pace. And yet, we strive as a community for people to feel that Judaism is a core part of our identity in every season. How can we “keep the lights on” through the summer? How might we infuse Judaism into our plans?
Here are a few ideas:
- Shabbat: Not only does Shabbat happen every week, but the summer provides us with the opportunity to experiment with Shabbat traditions: set aside Friday night as family time, knowing that some family members may not have the same commitments they have during the year; think about unique ways to mark Shabbat in nature if you spend time at the beach or in the mountains; try attending Shabbat services while traveling so you can experience another community’s traditions.
- Jewish Learning: Religious School and adult education series may have concluded for the year, but there are many ways to continue learning: set a goal (adults and kids) to read at least three books with Jewish themes; download an app so you can learn new phrases in Modern Hebrew or brush up on your Hebrew reading skills; attend one of the adult-education sessions in Temple Beth El’s new series called Summer School Judaism: A No-Guilt Refresher on the Stuff You Missed.
- Creative Judaism: People express their Judaism in so many ways. Take time this summer to experience Judaism through a new medium: make a Jewish playlist to listen to on long card rides; hold a movie night to watch a movie with a Jewish theme; test out new recipes to cook for the High Holy Days.
- Jewish Camping: The greatest exception to the feeling that we are not Jewish over the summer is Jewish day camps and overnight camps, which infuse Judaism into every day. If children in your family are not already attending a Jewish camp, take time this summer to tour camps and plan ahead for next summer.
As we necessarily look ahead to the fall by renewing memberships and enrolling in classes, let us not forget that our Jewish identities have the potential to enrich our lives all year long. Seize the opportunity that summer’s slower pace provides to live your Judaism in new ways.
