Three Simple Ways to Bring More Jewish Joy Into Your Life Right Now

In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the small but meaningful ways we can invite joy, connection, and purpose into our everyday routines. Jewish traditions and rituals are so deeply enriching, but finding ways to incorporate them into our day-to-day routines can seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be, though!

If you’re looking for ways to bring more Jewish joy into your life right now, you don’t need to make big changes. Even the smallest acts of meaning can enhance our sense of purpose and connection. If you’re looking for ways to bring more Jewish joy into your everyday life, here are some simple and meaningful ideas you can start incorporating right now:

1. Find Your People

We often hear that “community is everything,” and it really is true. Community is the oxygen that nurtures our souls. Whether you’re attending services at your local synagogue, hosting a Friday night dinner, or simply connecting with friends who share your Jewish values, community is what makes us feel like we belong.

I know finding a Jewish community is easier said than done. Maybe you live somewhere with a small Jewish population. Maybe you’ve had bad experiences trying to get involved in organized groups in the past, or just feeling uncomfortable in synagogue settings. Maybe you’re uncomfortable in large group gatherings.

The good news is that being part of a Jewish community doesn’t have to involve in-person get-togethers or local Jewish connections. Virtual communities can provide just as much warmth and support—and I know this is true because I see it every day in Smashing Life, my online community for Zionist Jewish women.

Smashing Life brings together women from all over the world to focus on what matters most: care, empathy, and togetherness. Whether you’re building a life you love, navigating deep questions about identity and belonging, or just craving a place to be proudly, joyfully Jewish, it’s the perfect Jewish bubble to retreat to when you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or disconnected—or even if you’re just looking to make some awesome new Jewish friends.

2. Anchor in Tradition

Over the past few years, engaging with Jewish tradition has brought me so much strength in facing challenges both personal and global. The sense of comfort and continuity I’ve gained has been invaluable. The feeling of being grounded in something timeless is so empowering, especially when times are hard.

And you don’t have to go all out to experience this sense of connection to our past, present, and future. One simple way to bring more Jewish joy into your life is to pick just one tradition that has meaning to you. It doesn’t have to be something complex—just choose one small ritual or practice to focus on. Maybe it’s something you used to do in the past but stopped because life got too hectic. Maybe it’s something totally new to you.

Maybe it’s lighting Shabbat candles each Friday evening, or hosting a Friday night dinner. Maybe it’s saying the Modeh Ani each morning when you wake up, or the Shema before bed. If baking is your thing, why not bake a batch of challah—or try a brand new recipe for a Jewish delicacy you’ve yet to sample? Personally, listening to Jewish or Israeli music is one of my absolute favorite ways to root myself in our heritage—and if you choose upbeat tracks, it’s a guaranteed mood-booster, too.

3. Make Space for Jewish Joy

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, creating space for joy can feel like a luxury. But joy is essential to our well-being, and it’s worth carving out time for it. This means setting boundaries and protecting your time in a way that allows you to focus on the things that truly matter to you.

Setting boundaries isn’t easy, but it can be so incredibly liberating. It’s about knowing when to say “no” to things that drain you and when to say “yes” to the things that nourish your soul. Protecting your time for rest, family, and personal reflection allows space for joy to flourish.

It could be as simple as turning off your phone for a few hours to enjoy a quiet Shabbat meal or taking time to meditate or read a book that inspires you. It could be setting aside time each day to write in your Jewish Joy Journal. The key is finding what brings you joy and making it a priority.

Bringing more Jewish joy into your life doesn’t have to require drastic changes. It’s all about embracing the little things—the rituals, the community connections, and the mindful choices that lead you to the life you want. Start with one small step and see where it takes you. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling more joyful, fulfilled, and connected to your Jewish identity and values.