The Spiral of Time: Jewish Wisdom on Harnessing Life’s Rhythms and Momentum
Imagine stepping out of the frantic rush of daily life and seeing time not as a relentless line, but as a spiral—a living, breathing rhythm that pulses beneath every week, month, and season. Jewish wisdom, as illuminated by Rabbi Simon Jacobson, invites us to rethink our relationship with time, revealing an ancient blueprint that turns mundane cycles into moments of meaning and momentum.
The Spiral of Time: Beyond the Linear Clock
Most of us treat the calendar as a convenience—a way to plan our days or mark off obligations. But in the mystical heart of Judaism, time is much more than a tool for scheduling. It’s understood as energy, a flow that carries unique spiritual opportunities. Think of time as a spiral rather than a straight line: every week, every holiday, and even every birthday is not simply a commemoration, but a touchpoint with a recurring current of spiritual energy waiting to be tapped.
For example, the Shabbat isn’t just a pause from routine—it’s a weekly return to a specific energy that refreshes, elevates, and realigns us. The Hebrew calendar, filled with cycles of joy and sorrow, mirrors the journey of the human soul, with each phase offering new possibilities for transformation.
Life’s Ebb and Flow: Navigating Highs and Lows
Rabbi Jacobson uses the metaphor of a Ferris wheel for life’s cycles: sometimes we rise to exhilarating heights, other times we descend into valleys of challenge or sadness. In the Jewish calendar, this dynamic is reflected in months of mourning and loss, followed closely by seasons of compassion and celebration.
This awareness transforms setbacks and struggles from random interruptions into essential parts of our personal growth, much like the heart’s steady rhythm of contraction and expansion. The secret is recognizing that every downturn is also setting the stage for renewal and rebound.
Aligning with Time’s Rhythm: Practical Steps
- Mark the Peaks and Valleys: Take a moment each week to identify your own highs and lows, using journaling or reflection. Noticing these rhythms helps you harness the energy of each phase, avoiding burnout and developing resilience.
- Create Momentum Rituals: Just as Shabbat or holidays break routine with spiritual celebration, build your own rituals—weekly walks, digital detox hours, or moments of gratitude—to reconnect with your inner self and realign your actions with deeper purpose.
- Plan with Purpose: Use the spiral model of time to set goals aligned with natural cycles. Begin new projects as you sense an ‘upswing’ in energy—be it at the start of a new month, week, or season—so every effort is buoyed by the momentum of the moment.
Seeing Your Life in Spirals, Not Circles
Instead of feeling like you’re running in circles or stuck at a standstill, Jewish wisdom encourages you to notice how each cycle actually lifts you to a new vantage point. Even when you “return” to where you started—your birthday, a meaningful holiday, or a challenging season—you’re not the same person you were before.
This perspective isn’t just spiritual poetry; it’s a practical guide for living with empowerment. When you feel stagnant or caught in repetition, recognize that you’re moving along a spiral—each pass offering a new chance to grow, heal, and reach higher.
For those seeking to experience the full depth of the Jewish calendar’s wisdom and the power of living in sync with life’s natural rhythms, watch the full class: The Spiral of Time.
