My Obsession with the Nutcracker

and its invitation into mid-winter magic

Photo by Kurt Weigel on Unsplash

I am in love with The Nutcracker Ballet.

You might find this a bit odd, given that I am a practicing Jew. (Though there is a more interesting and complex history to be explored there.)

Here’s the thing: at its core The Nutcracker is about wonder, and if that’s not a Jewish value then I truly don’t know what is.

Judaism is steeped in the practical belief that this life is the only thing we are guaranteed, and we know all too well how short it can be. It is a tradition full of gratitude and wonder at the changing of the seasons, of the times and tides, of being alive amidst the continually unfolding work of creation. We are taught to look for the daily miracles and wonders all around us, which is, I think, exactly what The Nutcracker ballet does.

We know that spring awaits buried deep underground, tucked up under a blanket of snow, just as we would like to be tucked up and resting cozy at home while Winter does its magic all around us. Preferably with f…