Five Jewish Things to Brighten Up Your Winter

I was interviewed by the Jewish Women’s Archive podcast last week, and got asked a truly perfect question: In our current Jewish calendar lull between Hanukkah and Purim/Passover, what am I reading, doing—and, let’s be real, buying—to stay Jewishly inspired? 

It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. We go so hard for Hanukkah—the lights, the presents, the parties—and then once the new year hits, we sort of go dark for a few months. It’s cold (at least in New York), it’s dreary, it can feel like a slog to get all the way to spring. 

But these are arguably the times we need Jewish brightness the most. Which is why my answer to that question was simple: The Shabbox. 

I first heard about the Shabbox (yes I will be saying that as much as I can) from my friend Olivia. You have to see the Shabbox, she told me. It’s the cutest thing. 

It really is. 

Created by mom-of-three Danielle Rayman in partnership with longtime nursery school teacher Lori Plotkin, the Shabbox grew out of one of Lori’s classroom projects that Danielle’s son brought home. “As part of the curriculum, the children created their own Shabbat pieces, and the experience left a lasting impression on our family,” Danielle told me. “We turned that classroom experience into Shabbox—so families everywhere could enjoy the same joy, connection, and tradition at home.”

The Shabbox is exactly what it sounds like: a decorate-it-yourself Shabbat kit designed for ages 3-10. Inside are a set of candlesticks (two little glass jars that you fill with colorful beads, seal shut, and affix two candle holders atop), candles, a challah cover with a stencil and markers, and a Kiddush cup (basically a plastic champagne flute) with a pack of adhesive gems. The boxes are themed, with options like Magic Mix or Blast Off, and impressively curated bead collections in each.  

“Our favorite item is the candle holders,” Danielle told me. But she admitted what every parent already knows: “Kids’ favorite is usually the Kiddush cup—they love covering it in sparkly gems.”

Yup. Danielle sent over a Sunny Smiles kit, which arrived just as I was heading out one evening. When I came home after bedtime, I found the box open, its contents spilled across our coffee table, and this in-progress bedazzled kiddush cup. 

My daughter Edith, who is four and a half, loved the whole thing so much that she insisted on throwing what she called a “sparkle Shabbat party.” I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant, but on one of those recent no-school days, we invited a few friends over and set up Shabboxes for each of them on a picnic blanket in our living room.

It was magic.

These kids got to do something they love—crafting, personalizing, and yes, bedazzling—all in a deeply Jewish way. And they went home with adorable handmade candlesticks and Kiddush cups to use with their families.

Danielle described it perfectly: “Shabbox is a shared experience—kids create a Shabbat set that’s uniquely theirs, and parents bring in the meaning through prayers and ritual. Together, it builds family connection and helps carry Jewish tradition forward in a simple, joyful way.”

In the middle of winter, when everything feels gray, there’s something profoundly bright about a four-year-old proudly setting the Shabbat table with something she made herself.

And so, in my own attempt at a sparkle party, today I’m sharing my five Jewish picks to brighten up your winter. 

Shabbox Set 

Here’s Edith’s masterpiece. Danielle is offering our readers 15% off all Shabbox products through Feb 27 with code GOLDA.

Pink Tapestry Napkin by Goldie Home

Goldie Home’s new collection features the bright, beautiful colors we need right now. Stock up now for Passover—use code CELEBRATE for 15% off.

Nu Reads by the Jewish Book Council

Allegra Goodman’s new novel, This Is Not About Us, is the latest pick in the Jewish Book Council’s popular subscription series—and it comes with a recipe for Adeena Sussman’s apple bundt cake. Get 20% off your first year of Nu Reads with code NuGolda.

School of Fish Round Tray by Jonathan Adler

Nothing is better than a little gift from Jonathan Adler—for yourself or someone you love. While you’re at it, check out The Mad MAD World of Jonathan Adler at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City, which runs through April 19 and prominently features his fun and funky Judaica. Because who else would make an entire furniture collection inspired by the architecture of Reform synagogues?

Gursha by Beejhy Barhany 

I’ve been thinking a lot about the afternoon I spent at Beejhy Barhany’s Tsion Cafe in Harlem last year, when she fed me delicious Ethiopian dishes and shared her passion for uniting people through food. Beejhy, an Ethiopian-Israeli Jew, recently announced that she was closing the restaurant in response to ongoing harassment, and turning the space into a private event venue. Her cookbook Gursha is the perfect encapsulation of this warm and wildly generous woman, who we would all do well to learn from.

GOLDA may earn a few shekels from purchases made through links in this article.

I’d love to hear how you’re keeping things bright. Reply or tell us in the comments. 

This weekend I’ll be in Louisville, KY for a very special Jewish conference. More about that when I’m back. In the meantime, it’s events season! Here are some virtual and IRL chances to get your GOLDA on: 

March 16th at 6 p.m., I’ll be hosting the virtual kickoff conversation in the Unpacking the Book series in partnership with the Jewish Book Council, The Jewish Museum, and GOLDA. I’m excited to interview authors Ben Markovits and Jes­si­ca Bril­liant Keen­er about their fabulous new books. Sign up here—and stay tuned for the next two events in the series. 

March 19th at 5:30 p.m. I’ll be in conversation with ORA Magazine founder Elina Furman and Modern Jewess co-founder Diana Fersko at the Minnie Rose store in New York City. We’ll be talking about building modern Jewish media, and I’ll be buying cashmere after. Get your free ticket here. 

March 24th at 5 p.m. I’ll be moderating a virtual conversation about BRCA, Oncofertility & Proactive Family Building with Dr. Matthew Lederman of RMA of New York – Westchester and Melissa Rosen of Sharsheret. It’s a topic that’s very important to me, and you can join us here. 

And hello, D.C.! On Tuesday, Apr 14th at 7 p.m. I’ll be in conversation with Jewish Insider senior national correspondent (and GOLDA interviewee) Gabby Deutch about how Jewish identity is being redefined by a generation seeking ritual, connection, and community in new and creative ways. There will also be a shoppable pop-up market. Register here!

Do a mitzvah: tell your friends to subscribe to GOLDA! Send them this easy link: goldaguide.com/subscribe

Stay GOLDA,

Stephanie