Shabbat She-Zoom

Last night, five of us girlfriends dialed into a Zoom room to light Shabbat candles and kibbitz.

The week before we were just two. But, that night, as we lit our candles and caught up on the week, we thought, why not spread the joy? So, we each invited a few friends. And, because our social circles barely intersect, everyone met someone new.

And so, Shabbat She-Zoom is born. A new, global, Friday night tradition. Because I say so.

In this world—where we feel so powerless—it feels awesome to be this bold.

We’ll invite friends. And friends of friends. And friends of friends of friends. We’ll reach across time zones and faiths. We’ll drink wine and break (or maybe bake) bread.

As word gets around, week by week, more faces and more flames will fill our screens—until the glow is so hot, so bright, so fierce, that we’re transfixed.

Or maybe not.

Maybe we five and just few others will show up occasionally. We’ll slow down and get to know each other more intimately while the world stands still. We’ll do our best.

Whatever happens, will be a gift.

In the Jewish tradition, women carry the torch. We’re the ones who maintain spirituality and peace in the home. We nurture. We bring the extra measure of light.

On Shabbat, Friday evening, girls and women across the globe light candles just before the sun goes down.

After years of trying and forgetting, trying and forgetting, the coronavirus has made me commit: I will be one of those girls. Every Friday. For the rest of my life.

I’ve ordered a boat load of candles from Amazon—enough to last me a year. I’ve got my “breaditation” habit started from my week at the Modern Elder Academy. This time, I’m committed.

As the world slows down and we stay home, we have a great opportunity to change our habits. To break old ones that no longer serve us. To form new ones that enrich our lives.

Everything is changing anyway. And it’s dark out there.

But we can be the light.