Now that Chanukah has passed, we owe it to ourselves to ask, “what can we do to help get us through the remaining cold winter months?” One good answer is mindfulness.
In the quiet of winter, the rhythm of Jewish prayer and tradition offers a unique opportunity for mindfulness—a way to connect deeply with ourselves, our community, and Hashem. As we gather in shul during these colder months, we can embrace mindfulness as a spiritual practice, enhancing both our kavanah (intention) and our sense of presence.
When entering the synagogue, pause for a moment. Feel the chill of the air outside giving way to the warmth of the community inside. Notice the sounds of people greeting each other or the rustle of siddurim being opened. With each step into this sacred space, take a deep breath, and bring your attention fully into the present moment.
During prayer, mindfulness can transform our experience. As you recite familiar words, focus on their meaning as if hearing them for the first time. Let the rhythm of Hebrew blessings guide your breath, allowing the cadence to steady your thoughts. Whether you’re reciting the Shema, silently meditating during the Amidah, or singing along to a spirited melody, allow yourself to fully inhabit the moment.
Mindfulness also helps us notice the beauty of Shabbat observances: the flickering light of the Shabbat candles, the aroma of fresh baked challah, and the warmth of being surrounded by a community united in prayer and song. Even the quiet moments—between prayers, during a pause in Torah reading, or while sitting in silence—can be opportunities to practice mindful reflection.
In Judaism, the act of hoda’ah–gratitude–is central to our prayers. This season, let mindfulness guide your gratitude—not only for the miracles of our tradition but also for the smaller wonders: the warmth of a scarf against the cold, the glow of Havdalah candles, or the peaceful rhythm of snowfall after services.
By bringing mindfulness to our religious practice, we deepen our connection to Judaism and our community. Mindful reflection can bring joy and meaning not only in what we do but in how we do it—fully present, fully aware, fully alive.
I will be mindfully looking for you in shul.
Ann Berman