Tools for Challenging Times

Parashat Yitro is one of the most pivotal moments in the Torah—the revelation at Mount Sinai, where the Jewish people received the Aseret HaDibrot, the Ten Commandments. This awe-inspiring event was more than just the giving of laws; it was a Divine encounter, a sacred covenant that shaped the moral and spiritual foundation of Judaism.

Jewish tradition teaches that every soul—past, present, and future—stood at Sinai. This means that the commandments are not relics of the past but living principles, calling us to engage with them anew in every generation. Rather than seeing them as restrictive rules, the Commandments are an invitation to holiness—a guide to creating a world rooted in kindness, justice, and divine connection. They call us to be partners in building a better world, just as they did when they were first given at Sinai.

I tried to capture the timeless transcendence of being at Sinai in “At the Mountain“.

The Commandments as an Invitation

The Commandments are not just Divine decrees—they are an invitation to build a world rooted in righteousness and holiness. The Torah, and other sources of Jewish wisdom, were my inspiration to develop “10 Tools for Challenging Times.”

10 Tools for Challenging Times

Find Strength in Community – “Two are better than one… If one falls, the other will lift them up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
✨ We strengthen one another when we offer support to those in need—and allow others to support us. In times of darkness and despair, community reminds us that we are not alone.

Open Your Heart to Possibility – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
✨ Even in deeply challenging times, possibilities exist. Look for the blessing in every situation—especially the most difficult ones. Often, it is the challenges we face that cause our souls to grow.

Hold onto Hope – “Though I sit in darkness, God is my light.” (Micah 7:8)
✨ Hope is the candle that continues to burn, even when we are lost in the dark. It is the soul’s anchor in difficult times. Even when we cannot see the way forward, we can hold on to the belief that what we do matters, and that the light we desperately need will return.

Extend a Helping Hand – “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)
✨ Small acts of kindness can have a big impact. When we lift one another, we all rise.

Strive to Make a Difference – “Whoever saves a single life, it is as if they have saved an entire world.” (Talmud, Sanhedrin 37a)
✨ Never underestimate the impact of your actions—each act of kindness and justice can change the world.

Keep Going – “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” (Pirkei Avot 2:16)
✨ When we have the ability to make a difference, we have the responsibility to act. Even the smallest steps can create ripples of change.

Rest, Reflect, and Recharge – “Six days you shall labor, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Adonai your God.”(Exodus 20:9-10)
✨ Our bodies and souls need rest to thrive. Give yourself permission to put down your burdens and stop for a while. Practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and breathwork can help you stay grounded when life feels overwhelming.

Show Up as Your Best Self – “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” (Deuteronomy 16:20)
✨ Show up with kindness, integrity, and courage, and speak up for what you know is right. Let your words, actions, and presence be a reflection of your highest self.

Respond from a Place of Love – “The whole world is a narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to be afraid.” (Rebbe Nachman of Breslov)
✨ We don’t always get to choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond. Do not let fear of the future prevent you from setting the intention to act from love and choosing words that align with your highest values.

Be a Light in the Darkness – “A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.” (Baal Shem Tov)
✨ Each of us carries a spark of Divine Light. When we shine together, we can illuminate—and change—the world.

Please let me know if this concept resonates– and if there are tools you think should be added to the list. You can leave a comment in the box at the top of the blog. And, you are welcome to share the blog and invite people to subscribe to my newsletter: www.JoanneFinkJudaica.com. 

The 10 Commandments

In honor of this week’s parasha, I thought I’d share three versions of 10 Commandments inspired art. The first is a set of ten canvases (one for each commandment!) that my friend Laurie Snow Hein and I did many years ago. The installation is displayed in the social hall of the Congregation of Reform Judaism in Orlando, FL.

This version is part of the Torah Illuminations series that I’ve been working on for the past few years.

And this version, which you are welcome to download and color, is included in my L’Chaim: Celebrate Life coloring book.

Click the link to download the coloring page: 10 Commandments Coloring Page.

Click the link to purchase a copy of the L’Chaim: Celebrate Life coloring book.

As always, you are welcome to share!

Keep hope in your heart and shine your light!

L’shalom,

Joanne