December Recommendations
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Hibernation Shabbos: Sometimes, I need a shabbos where I take “אַל־יֵצֵא אִישׁ מִמְּקֹמוֹ בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי,” “not a single person should leave their place on the seventh day,” (Shemot 16:29) literally. A shabbos of couch time and soft clothes, waking up late and then taking a nap. This is why I am a strong advocate of owning comfy velvety pants – they are the day version of shabbos pajamas (which you also need, tbh). I finally made the plunge and got a library card in Berlin, and so my novel-reading possibilities have expanded dramatically.
Aside from the hygge vibes (Dutch and not German but oh well) of Hibernation Shabbos, I find it to be an intimate time with Hashem. Shabbos as time when I am in my body and the only other being I interact with is God. I daven, I make kiddush, I bentch, all as solitary activities. Ein Keloheinu is really fun to sing alone in your apartment. What I really recommend, though, around Hibernation Shabbos, is figuring out how your relationship with the Divine can be nourished through pleasure and intimacy. How can you be cozy with Hashem?
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