The 8 Moments of Awe: A Series
Post 1: The Awe of Connection
Life can often feel like a rush from one task to another, especially for those whose days involve getting others to school or preparing classrooms. But within the steady rhythm of our routines lie small moments of beauty and connection—opportunities to pause, reflect, and reconnect. These “moments of awe” reveal the world in new ways, bringing joy, calm, and unity. By noticing them, we enrich our lives and invite our children to experience life more deeply, where sacredness and mindfulness are woven into each day.
In Jewish tradition, gratitude is foundational, a guiding principle that calls us to notice the blessings embedded in daily life. Each morning begins with Modeh Ani, a simple prayer of thanks for the gift of life itself. This act of “beginning with gratitude” sets a tone of reverence and presence that we can carry with us, even into the busiest moments. Just as Modeh Ani provides a sacred starting point, these moments of awe serve as anchor points throughout the day, helping us stay present, find wonder, and share that sense of amazement with our children and community.
In this series, The 8 Moments of Awe, I hope to explore unique opportunities to deepen our sense of presence in everyday life. Each post offers a different lens for seeing the world more vividly. This first moment, The Awe of Connection, reminds us that these shared experiences—whether in stadiums, synagogues, or wherever life brings us together—enrich our lives in ways that last far beyond the moments themselves.
Post 1: The Awe of Connection
We were up high in the stadium, looking out over a sea of blue and orange, the stands packed to capacity with fans who had waited for this moment for what felt like a lifetime. It was game four of the National League Division Series, and the Mets were down 1-0. Each pitch seemed to stretch time, as tension built and hope fought to stay alive. Decades of anticipation—since the last World Series win in 1986—felt as though they were culminating in this one game, this one inning, this one swing of the bat. And then, in one stunning moment, Francisco Lindor, the breakout star of the season, connected with the ball, sending it soaring over the field—a grand slam.
The air crackled with an energy so electric it felt almost tangible. Seventy thousand voices erupted in a roar that shook the stadium, chants rising together in joyful unison. Strangers high-fived and hugged, swept up in a shared euphoria; some clutched their faces in disbelief, overcome with emotion. I glanced at my husband, whose love for the Mets stretched back to his childhood, and saw tears in his eyes, the awe of a dream fulfilled. This wasn’t just a game; it was a celebration decades in the making, a moment born of loyalty, resilience, and a kind of shared miracle.
This was more than just a game; it was a moment of connection. In that stadium, surrounded by people from all walks of life, we were united in shared excitement and pride, bound by a story that held the highs and lows of a long season. It was a powerful moment that capped off a dramatic and emotional journey. We brought our kids to Mets games from the very start of the season, even when the team struggled. Our youngest, just a few weeks old, attended her first game bundled up and nestled close, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the stadium. The energy around us was subdued yet hopeful, filled with fans clinging to a deep, unspoken loyalty that only a hometown crowd knows.
As the season went on, we watched the team begin to find its rhythm, picking up momentum with each game. The change was palpable—where there had once been quiet sighs, now there were bursts of cheering, clapping, and shared moments of triumph. Month by month, we returned with our children, who were slowly becoming fans themselves, captivated by the same game their father had loved since he was a child. There’s something incredibly special about watching your children fall in love with the same things that have captured your own heart, and sharing that journey as they discover it for themselves.
While these grand, electrifying moments of connection are unforgettable, there’s also a quieter, equally powerful magic in the small, everyday connections that enrich our lives. Connection isn’t only born in the roar of a stadium or the crescendo of voices in a sanctuary; it’s cultivated in the laughter shared with a close friend, in finding a shared interest with a colleague, in a warm gaze into a child’s eyes, or in witnessing a student’s “aha” moment as they grasp something new. These subtle exchanges remind us of the beauty of being with others and of being truly present. In these small, quiet moments, we nurture the bonds that hold us together, building the love, curiosity, and understanding that define our relationships.
Then there are those remarkable moments of connection we feel when we gather with others in sacred spaces, united by shared purpose and emotion. Standing at the start line of the New York City Marathon, surrounded by runners from all over the world with a common goal—to run—is an experience that feels almost electric. The nervous excitement, the hum of anticipation, and the collective dedication that brought us all here unite us in a way words can’t fully capture.
In our community, the High Holiday services at the synagogue are another, where we gather together, filling the sanctuary with song and prayer. Many people join for these services once a year, coming from different paths, but all drawn to the same place in a spirit of renewal and reflection. As we stand side by side, our voices rise together, building from a soft murmur into a crescendo of song and prayer. The melodies are timeless, woven into the fabric of each person’s memory, passed down from generation to generation. It’s as if our voices, singing ancient words of hope, redemption, and strength, are threading together, floating upward, carrying with them our collective longing, gratitude, and resilience. Children’s voices mingle with adults', their words sometimes trailing off into giggles or whispers, adding a poignant innocence and newness to the moment.
These shared experiences, whether grand or subtle, are even more meaningful when we consider the struggles that many of us have faced to be here. I remember my own doubts, having faced serious health challenges in early adulthood, wondering if the dreams of family or simple joys would ever be possible. In any large gathering, there are countless others who have endured hardships—illness, trauma, or the quiet resilience needed to navigate daily life. To “get” to be in these moments of collective joy and connection feels like an extraordinary gift. Together, we find strength, with these gatherings acting as balm for life’s hardest days, reminding us that in unity, we are resilient.
In Jewish thought, each person is created b’tzelem Elohim—in the image of God. This belief calls us to honor the divine spark within each person, to cherish their individuality, and to recognize their inherent worth. When we come together in these moments—whether through sports, prayer, or shared daily life—we’re reminded that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. In each other’s presence, we glimpse one another’s stories and struggles, discovering awe in our shared humanity and purpose.
Fostering the Awe of Connection in Everyday Life
Create Family Rituals: Whether it’s a weekly game night, a shared reading ritual, or gathering to cheer for a favorite team, these shared moments help foster connection. These small traditions become pillars of family life, and over time, these shared experiences deepen bonds and create a sense of belonging. This could be as simple as learning something together, sharing a story, or creating a goodnight ritual.
Pause and Reflect Together: After an outing or a family moment, take a few minutes to reflect together. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite part of the game?” or “How did it feel to be part of the crowd?” or “What did you notice when we all played together?” These questions encourage children to savor the experience and recognize the value of shared moments.
Encourage Small Acts of Kindness: Encourage children to look for ways to connect with others, whether it’s by high-fiving a friend after a game, offering encouragement to a sibling, or participating in community service. These small actions cultivate empathy and show children the power of positive connection.
Embrace “Modeh Ani” Moments of Gratitude: Incorporate small moments of gratitude into daily routines. Start the day with a brief expression of thanks or end it with a reflection on favorite moments of the day. Encourage children to see even the mundane as sacred—a moment spent writing a sentence, a shared laugh, or the way the sun streams through a window. Adults can model this by voicing gratitude for simple things aloud, like saying, “I’m so grateful we had time to read together,” or “I love that we get to share dinner each night.” You might be surprised to feel how moving it is when they realize and express gratitude for the small moments of life.
To make gratitude even more tangible, consider creating a “Jar of Sacred Moments.” Set out a mason jar along with marbles, rocks, or colored beads, and invite children to add one each day to represent something they felt grateful for. Over weeks and months, the jar fills with memories, sparkling with moments of appreciation that can be revisited any time. If a jar isn’t available, an alternative is a Sparkle Sheet. On a simple piece of paper, add sparkly stickers, hearts, or smiley faces each day, watching the sheet fill up with reminders of shared joy and gratitude. This simple ritual helps children develop a habit of noticing the beauty in each day and builds a visible reminder of life’s everyday blessings.
A Life Rich with Connection
As I watch my children grow and find their own interests and passions, I’m reminded that connection isn’t something we can force; it’s something we nurture. Each time we take them to a game, join them in cheering or singing with the crowd, we’re teaching them about being part of something bigger. These shared experiences are more than just fun family outings—they are lessons in connection, resilience, and joy.
In these moments of connection, whether found in a stadium, on a marathon course, or in a synagogue, we find a glimpse of something larger than ourselves. By nurturing these experiences, we enrich our lives and those of our children, teaching them that awe, gratitude, and connection are gifts waiting to be discovered in every corner of life. Especially during challenging times, these moments are essential—they serve as a balm against life’s stresses, offering resilience, grounding, and joy. When we pause to connect, we find strength and support in each other, reminding us that we are never truly alone.
Call to Action: This week, notice one moment of connection with those around you. Consider adding a token to your Jar of Sacred Moments or placing a sticker on your Sparkle Sheet as a reminder of that shared experience. Over time, your jar or sheet will become a sparkling reminder of everyday gratitude and connection, grounding you in the beauty of each day.
Next in The 8 Moments of Awe series, we’ll explore The Awe of Beginnings and and the quiet promise of a new day, project, or dream…
