Who we are, Rosh Chodesh Elul, what's better than a whiteboard

Hi ,

It’s been a longgg time since we last connected through the virtual Unmasking Meaning event that we hosted for Purim… and we are heeeere with a giant iced coffee (savoring every single one, knowing that come winter they’re being swapped for steaming, cozy cuppas). 

We promised to connect regularly, and um, kinda like a lot of those things we plan to do regularly… it’s taken time for us to get here. 

Now we’re all set up, beanbags and fluffy pillows, and a vanilla-scented coffee station all ready for you. (We wish. But we’re hoping you’ll get those vibes when you settle in for your weekly read.) 

Our goal is to make this the coziest corner of your inbox. 💜

Ready? Yalla 👇

JUST THE BACKGROUND

We want to connect with you. With other women who, like us, have… just a minute (but seriously not more — the sink’s full, the bus is honking, washing machine’s beeping).

Our aim: To bring a mix of connection, inspiration, and recommendations to your inbox so you can grab-and-go, in just a minute, every week.

JUST A THOUGHT

As we shift from summer to school, I’m thinking about a powerful reminder I heard from Brookelynne Dukes, a parenting coach.

The gains:

♡ You communicate to your kids “I enjoy taking care of you.” (→ This really struck me. When I’m brutally honest, I can see that I sometimes might communicate: “You’re a chore and this is annoying.” Seriously ouch.)

♡ You connect. Laughing together bonds you together.

♡ You’re likely to get more compliance. (I said likely. 😉)

How to do this:

Try singing silly songs as you brush their teeth, playing peekaboo as you buckle their carseat, pretend to put their clothing on you when getting them dressed, tickle their toes, speaking gibberish. 

👉 How do you inject fun into the mundane? How would you adapt this for older kids?

JUST IN TIME

It can be so hard to access the koach of the time of year. So, before the kids are home for Yom Tov vacation, before you’re knee-deep in dirty dishes and delicious smells…

Listen to a shiur, now. Here are 3 I have on my to-listen list: 

• Setting a Gentle and Powerful Intention for these Special 40 Days by Rebetzin Tziporah Harris (6 min)

• Harnessing the Power of Elul by R’ YY Jacobson (1hr, 12 min)

• Yom Kippur: No Body, No World, Just Ein Od Milvado by R' Sholom Ahron Ehrenfeld (13 min)

JUST THINGS FOR YOU

• TIP:  Batch a few suppers this week, so you can pull them out of the freezer on the days that are too close to Yom Tov for you to whip up something fresh.

• PRODUCT: This dry-erase paper ($3.39, Temu) keeps my kids busy for hours. Tape it to the floor or wall and drink a coffee while it’s hot. 

• REC: I love using music to set the mood for me, especially around Yom Tov time. (Bonus: when you sing along — to most songs — you’re weaving tefilah into your day.) The gorgeous אלול תשע"ט album is my go-to for this time of year, from the Elul track that describes the mood, to Seder Ha’avodah that gives me chills every time. 

  Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or 24Six.

MOTHERHOOD MUSING

This made me pause: what do I value? What do I daven for?

JUST FOR LAUGHS

JUST A Q

How apropos that our first edition fell out on Rosh Chodesh — the Yom Tov for women — for a circle of women? We'd love to celebrate together with you monthly.

^{If you can’t access any of the links in this email, hit reply and we’ll help you out.}

Coming next week: the easiest Yom Tov menu planner, cooking hacks to know, and more.

And, that's all for today! 💜☕

Gut Chodesh!

The JAM Fam

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And — 

Typing into a void isn’t our jam. We want to connect. Hit reply when you have a thought, some feedback, an idea, or a suggestion for a topic we should explore. 

And of course — have a friend who should be JAMing with us? Send her here so she doesn’t miss out.