I also am no fan of this early darkness. I live in Northern Washington, very close to the Canadian border. Dark by 1600 is depressing. It feels like the day is over and you can't do anything after work.
I, too, am in the "it is what it is" camp about the election. I allowed myself about an hour of confusion and sadness and then I moved on to trying to understand the "why" of it. My expertise is in political science and public policy, so it was actually a self soothing action. And it worked. Now, I'm just going to watch quietly, and save my action for the really big important things.
I think we're all on cortisol burnout. The last 10 years have been one shock and hell dimension after another. We just don't have it in us to be shocked or offended or activated over the small fry stuff anymore. I'm appalled by the Gaetz appointment. But I'm not going to get up in arms unless the Senate approves.
Yes, the world feels dark in more than just the winter way. Things feel heavy and exhausting. But the beautiful thing about humans is that we always find a way through and a reason to celebrate. (Jews, in particular, are very good at this.)
I am looking forward to the festivals of lights, whatever religious connotations they may have, because it's a tiny spot of joy in an otherwise bleak darkness.
Thank you for your comment and reading my post. I am finding that alot of people think like we do. It's a wait and see attitude. truth is it seems we both live in blue states so we know our senators will not call to confirm Gaetz. Beyond that I don't really think there is much we can influence as far as taht is concerned too.
Hanukkah is nice. Especially since we light 3 hanukiote and on the last night the living room is all aflame in joy!
I also am sitting out current post-electionsangst and agree with you re feelings of a shift. I first noticed it this year around the time the riots started. Dunno, things are different somehow. Spiritual? Nice to hear the news about your son's interest in most things Israel - that's a positive.
I prefer standard time. I'm a morning person and like getting up early. One of my quiet pleasures is lighting a candle to eat dinner by, making standard time something that's appreciated.
Speaking of candles, while not a Jew (although a solid friend), I've been thinking lately that I might light shabbat and Havdalah candles - even though I don't know the traditional prayers or kiddush. Or would that be inappropriated or upsettting to those practicing the traditional ways?
Hanukkah while actually not in the Jewish liturgy of any kind, is the first story of a religious fight for freedom, butis historically accurate nonetheless. Nothing wrong with remembering that by anyone!
I also am no fan of this early darkness. I live in Northern Washington, very close to the Canadian border. Dark by 1600 is depressing. It feels like the day is over and you can't do anything after work.
I, too, am in the "it is what it is" camp about the election. I allowed myself about an hour of confusion and sadness and then I moved on to trying to understand the "why" of it. My expertise is in political science and public policy, so it was actually a self soothing action. And it worked. Now, I'm just going to watch quietly, and save my action for the really big important things.
I think we're all on cortisol burnout. The last 10 years have been one shock and hell dimension after another. We just don't have it in us to be shocked or offended or activated over the small fry stuff anymore. I'm appalled by the Gaetz appointment. But I'm not going to get up in arms unless the Senate approves.
Yes, the world feels dark in more than just the winter way. Things feel heavy and exhausting. But the beautiful thing about humans is that we always find a way through and a reason to celebrate. (Jews, in particular, are very good at this.)
I am looking forward to the festivals of lights, whatever religious connotations they may have, because it's a tiny spot of joy in an otherwise bleak darkness.
Thank you for your comment and reading my post. I am finding that alot of people think like we do. It's a wait and see attitude. truth is it seems we both live in blue states so we know our senators will not call to confirm Gaetz. Beyond that I don't really think there is much we can influence as far as taht is concerned too.
Hanukkah is nice. Especially since we light 3 hanukiote and on the last night the living room is all aflame in joy!
I also am sitting out current post-electionsangst and agree with you re feelings of a shift. I first noticed it this year around the time the riots started. Dunno, things are different somehow. Spiritual? Nice to hear the news about your son's interest in most things Israel - that's a positive.
I prefer standard time. I'm a morning person and like getting up early. One of my quiet pleasures is lighting a candle to eat dinner by, making standard time something that's appreciated.
Speaking of candles, while not a Jew (although a solid friend), I've been thinking lately that I might light shabbat and Havdalah candles - even though I don't know the traditional prayers or kiddush. Or would that be inappropriated or upsettting to those practicing the traditional ways?
I see nothing wrong if you would like to greet your sabbath with candle lighting and prayers. This explains candle lighting
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/lighting-shabbat-candles/
Havdalah:
https://www.jewfaq.org/prayers_havdalah
Now the story of the havdalah candle which is a 3 branch twisted candle is how high you hold it in the air is how tall you want your spouse to be...
Hanukkah
https://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm
Hanukkah while actually not in the Jewish liturgy of any kind, is the first story of a religious fight for freedom, butis historically accurate nonetheless. Nothing wrong with remembering that by anyone!
I'm on it!
Gee, thanks for the encouragement and info. 😊
Not at all. We welcome your desire to celebrate Shabbat. The first candles, at least two, start and the Havdalah concludes the Sabbath.
We actually could use an extra hour of DST in the winter instead of a return to standard time. 😎
I agree. I think we should keep DST amd make that standard time now.