For many of us, the circumstances of the past twenty months have kept us at home far more than we planned for or desired. And yet, during these cold-for-California months of winter, I find myself feeling so grateful for extra hours at home: time to recharge, to read, and to enjoy the coziness of warm meals and slow conversation. Indeed, the Talmud teaches us that “A home not made for rainy days is none” (Yoma 75a). Our sages, too, understood one’s residence as a place for study and prayer as well as for warmth, rest, refuge, and enjoyment.
One of my dearest friends from childhood, Kate, grew up with me in the Bay Area, but both of her parents were born and raised in Denmark. In the rainy winter months, when we would complain about not being able to spend time outside, her mom would teach us about “hygge” (pronounced “HOO-guh”), the Danish concept of feeling at home, an almost indescribable coziness of the soul. Hygge is about atmosphere, experience, company, and memories rather than goods or possessions. Kate and I always complained less about not going out in the rain when we could sit together in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa.
Although we enjoy (as our sages did in ancient Israel and Babylon) many more hours of light in the winter months than in Denmark, and though we may have fewer rainy days than in years past, I hope that we can all connect to a deep feeling of gratitude for the luxury of restfulness and enjoyment of home. Wishing you contentment as you seek inner light and satisfaction during the cozy days ahead.
— Cantor Emma Lutz