Some FriYay: Happy Reads Before Shabbat

While we’re all learning to navigate this new way of gathering virtually, of embracing physical distancing as a form of self- and community-care, we are looking for more ways to spread that Shabbat love and Friday night magic. Each week, we’ll be gathering good, light news here. We hope that you check it out before dinner and that it gives you something joyful to focus your Shabbat convos on, whether irl or digital. (One of our Core Values is joy, oneg, after all.) Let us know what you think, or add your own good news links in the comments.

We will only be sharing things that can be passively listened to, read, or watched – because we know you’ve all done enough work.

LISTEN

More good news: The Good News Podcast is your daily reminder that not all news is bad, produced by Colleen and Neil from Cards Against Humanity.

Podcasts to cast you elsewhere: The New York Times has put together this list of podcasts to serve as a distraction for you.

Streamed sonatas: The musicians of the Seattle Symphony have generously volunteered to share free broadcasts with everyone during this time of uncertainty. All broadcasts can be streamed through the Symphony’s social media channels on YouTube and Facebook.

Photo of an orchestra wearing all black, playing their instruments while looking at sheet music

READ

Poetry to soothe you: Alicia Jo Rabins has been writing a lot of incredible bathtime poetry for our world right now.

Listicle: “Stay Virtually Connected with Friends” – the LA Times has put together this great list of ways and reasons to gather online beyond the Shabbat dinners you’re planning.

Taking care of your mental health: “It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events. We can always choose our response. If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty.”

WATCH

We challenge you to recreate a work of art with objects (and people) in your home.

🥇 Choose your favorite artwork
🥈 Find three things lying around your house⠀
🥉 Recreate the artwork with those items

And share with us. pic.twitter.com/9BNq35HY2V

— Getty (@GettyMuseum) March 25, 2020

Call him Big Tuna, because he’s on a roll: John Krasinski highlights some good news from around the world from his adorable home news desk.

photo of John Krasinski on the phone, sitting in front of a computer and GoPro Camera with colorful poster with the letters SGN behind him.

Keep on swimming: Take a break and watch the awesome animals of the Monterey Bay Aquarium be totally unbothered by the lack of human visitors on these livestreams.

Photo of brown bears swimming in water with small waterfall and big rocks in the background

Great outdoors, indoors: While nature feels far from so many of us right now, we can bring it into our homes with these livestreams.

Netflix & Chat: Netflix Party is a way to watch all your trash tv with your Shabbat guests and collecting wonder in the chat if dating in pods is truly the future.

Singing in the streets: “Deserted Italian street rings out with song as people lean out of windows to sing together during lockdown” – It’s magical.

“Visit”: “Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch”