Seven Words for the Summer / בין הזמנים

Rav Ben David, שבת נחמו 5786

A few Torah thoughts for a happy, healthy, and kosher summer ahead.

1. Safety – ונשמרתם מאד לנפשותיכםDrive carefully. Don’t text and drive. Wear helmets. Use sunscreen. Watch children carefully around pools. Don’t swim without a lifeguard — even calm water can be dangerous. In Judaism, protecting life is a mitzvah.

2. Wonder – מה רבו מעשיך ה׳Get out of the café and go see Hashem’s world. The Rambam writes that contemplating creation deepens our love and awe of God - אהבת ה' ויראת ה. Take a hike, see a sunset, and enjoy Eretz Yisrael.

3. Health – גומל נפשו איש חסדExercise is not just a hobby — taking care of our bodies is part of avodat Hashem. The Midrash describes Hillel calling self-care a mitzvah. Summer is a great time to get moving.

4. Torah – Take it with you.Vacation does not mean a vacation from Judaism. Kashrut, davening, Torah learning, and Shabbat travel with us — whether in Ra’anana, Paris, or the Greek Isles. Rav Hirsch notes that the Aron’s poles remained attached all the time to teach us that Torah goes wherever Jews go. Take out some time to learn with your kids now that they are off from school - ושננתם לבניך. 

5. Shabbat – Make it special.Pools and beaches are wonderful — for six days a week. Shabbat invites us into a different space and mindset. Create a warm, meaningful Shabbat atmosphere that your children will want to be part of.

6. Tzniut – והצנע לכת עם ה׳ אלוקיך In a world obsessed with exposure, Judaism teaches dignity, privacy, and holiness. Tzniut shapes how we dress, speak, present ourselves, and engage with others — online, on vacation, at the beach, and at home, both for men and women. And naturally, part of honoring Shabbat and the Beit Knesset is coming to shul dressed appropriately. Let us strive to be בני ובנות תורה wherever we are. 

7. Pause – Recharge your soul.Summer offers something many of us desperately need: space. Take time to rest, reflect, reconnect with your values, and return renewed for Elul.

Bonus for parents: Looking for quality screen time? 

1. Rav Rimon’s Run to the Mishnah program is an outstanding way for kids to learn Torah over the summer with thousands of children around the world.

2. Torah Live - Funny and exciting Torah videos on many different topics

Chodesh Tov — and wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, healthy, and uplifting בין הזמנים

Rav Ben David