Making Time Your Ally: Jewish Wisdom for Transforming Your Relationship with Time
How often do you look at the clock and feel like time is slipping through your fingers? Whether you’re racing to meet a deadline, juggling responsibilities, or simply wishing for a moment to catch your breath, the sense that there’s never enough time is universal. But what if time wasn’t an enemy to conquer, but a friend you could partner with? Jewish wisdom offers a deeply refreshing perspective on how to relate to time, one that redefines productivity and purpose in every day.
Seeing Time as Your Greatest Asset
Imagine waking up each morning and feeling genuinely energized for what lies ahead—not because you have fewer demands, but because you see every hour as an opportunity instead of an obstacle. Rabbi Simon Jacobson teaches that time is not simply a resource that gets depleted; it’s a dynamic force that can fuel your growth. Like a river constantly flowing, time holds energy that can nurture, recharge, and uplift us—if we learn how to channel it.
Turning the Clock from Enemy to Friend
Most of us fall into the habit of measuring time by what we must accomplish. The looming calendar, the endless to-do list, and the pressure of deadlines can make us feel disconnected or even defeated. Jewish thought invites us to rethink this anxious relationship. Time isn’t something to beat—it’s an ally we ride with, a partner that can support our journey toward fulfillment. This transformative mindset lets us find power in every moment, rather than losing ourselves in the chaos of the day.
Three Steps to Reclaim Your Day
- Reframe Productivity: Instead of equating a productive day with ticking boxes, ask yourself: Did I elevate this moment? Did you use your energy meaningfully—in kindness, in learning, in connection? Productivity becomes less about how much you squeeze into an hour, and more about how deeply you live each minute.
- Pursue Your Mission—Not Just Your Schedule: Rabbi Jacobson notes that life isn’t just about meeting deadlines. It’s about aligning your days with your highest calling. Each person’s time is unique and precious—a canvas on which to paint your mission. Before the rush, take a few moments to set an intention for the day: What is one deeper purpose I want to advance today?
- Make Every Moment Count: Jewish tradition encourages us to see every second as brimming with potential. Think of a mundane hour—waiting in line, commuting, or even washing dishes. Can you turn it into a moment of awareness, gratitude, or learning? Small, mindful pauses elevate ordinary minutes into meaningful memories.
From Racing Against Time to Riding with It
Consider the Jewish view that time, space, and the soul interact to propel us forward in life. When we attune our actions to spiritual moments—whether lighting candles on Friday night or making time for silent reflection—our days become richer and more energized. Time becomes not a thief, but a teacher, guiding us toward wholeness.
Let Jewish Wisdom Guide Your Timing
Approaching your schedule this way doesn’t mean abandoning ambition or obligation. Instead, it’s about inviting purpose into the structure of your day and finding spaciousness within what is often packed tight. With intention, awareness, and the insights of Jewish tradition, each hour can be a step toward a more vibrant, meaningful life.
Ready to change your relationship with time? For practical tools and deeper inspiration, watch the full class: The Kabbalah of Time: 4 Time Management Tips that Will Change Your Life.
