On September 3rd, a small group of women at the Technion chose to take a break from their hectic final exam schedules to embrace an evening of reflection and relaxation in honor of Rosh Chodesh. Hosted by JLIC Technion and led by Tova Levine, the intimate gathering provided a chance for self-care, spiritual introspection, and community bonding.
The evening began with refreshing piña coladas and light snacks, creating a relaxed atmosphere for the participants. Seated in a circle, each woman shared a personal aspiration for the coming year. As the group reflected on these hopes, the importance of self-introspection took center stage, especially during this pivotal time leading up to Rosh Hashanah.
In the weeks before Rosh Hashanah, Jewish tradition emphasizes teshuva, or repentance, which invites individuals to turn inward and evaluate their actions and character over the past year. It’s a time for honest self-assessment, aiming not just to identify areas for improvement but to actively pursue personal growth. In this Rosh Chodesh Spa night, the women mirrored this process—engaging in deep reflection on their lives, their goals, and their values as the Jewish New Year approached.
The evening also included tefillot for the soldiers of Israel, the wounded, and hostages. In the spirit of Rosh Chodesh, the women reflected on the unique power of women’s prayer during this sacred time, adding a sense of unity and purpose to the gathering.
The night’s theme of self-reflection extended into a creative activity—decorating mirrors. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson’s [Wo]“Man in the Mirror,” the participants acknowledged the idea that real change begins within. In Judaism, this notion is at the heart of teshuva: the belief that by first confronting our own actions, behaviors, and intentions, we can inspire meaningful transformation, both in ourselves and in the world around us.
This time of year, with Rosh Hashanah on the horizon, is particularly ripe for introspection. The Jewish New Year is not just a time for celebration but also an opportunity to reset, refocus, and renew one’s spiritual journey. It’s a moment to ask, “Am I the person I want to be? What can I do better?” and to use that self-awareness as a springboard for action in the year to come. As the women decorated their mirrors, they symbolically embraced this call for self-examination and growth, realizing that their reflections are the starting points for lasting change.
Laughter soon followed as the group moved on to face masks and nail painting, a lighthearted way to balance the evening’s serious introspection. The twinkling of fairy lights provided a calming ambiance as the participants pampered themselves and enjoyed the company of friends.
By the end of the night, the women felt not only rejuvenated but spiritually enriched, ready to face both the demands of exam season and the deeper work of personal growth ahead of Rosh Hashanah. This Rosh Chodesh Spa night blended self-care with self-reflection, offering the perfect space for physical relaxation and spiritual renewal as the new year approaches.
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