Spring feels sacred. After winter’s stillness, the world awakens — buds bloom, daffodils rise, and we, too, begin to stir. In Jewish tradition, spring brings Passover, a time of freedom and fresh starts. But renewal is for everyone, no matter your background. On a recent walk, I saw crocuses breaking through snow. Their quiet resilience reminded me: we all carry the power to begin again. As nature renews, so can we. A favorite Hebrew phrase says, Chadesh yamenu k’kedem — “Renew our days as of old.” Spring invites us to rediscover hope, purpose, and the truest parts of ourselves.
So how can we tap into the spirit of spring in meaningful, mindful ways? Here are a few gentle suggestions:
We often rush through our days with heads down, but spring rewards those who look up. Take a short walk with no agenda other than noticing what’s blooming. Smell the air. Listen to birdsong. Let nature remind you that change is not only possible — it is inevitable and beautiful.
Just as many cultures practice spring cleaning, we can clear mental and emotional clutter too. What thoughts or habits are you ready to release? What relationships or routines need refreshing? Making space isn’t about perfection — it’s about making room for what matters.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful spiritual tools we have. Each new leaf, each soft breeze, is a reminder that life renews itself — and so can we. Begin or end your day by naming one thing you’re thankful for. Even small acknowledgments shift the spirit.
Spring encourages growth, but growth doesn’t have to be grand. Start a journal, plant herbs on your windowsill, reconnect with an old friend. Each beginning, no matter how modest, is a seed planted in hope.
Not everything blooms at once. Some seasons of life require patience and trust. The tree doesn’t worry if its blossoms are slower than the one next to it. It simply blooms when it’s ready.
For me, spring is a whisper from the Divine — a soft, persistent voice saying, “You are not stuck. You can begin again.” Whether you find renewal in prayer, in poetry, in planting tomatoes or in spending time with those you love, this season offers us all a chance to breathe deeply and move forward, a little more awake, a little more alive. May this spring bring you warmth, growth, and gentle new beginnings.
Happy Spring!
Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, PhD
