A visitor looks at a self portrait of Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh on the ground floor of the Vincent van Gogh museum on November 25, 2014 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Image by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

By Talya Zax April 9, 2020

Welcome to your daily distraction, our recommendations for ways to stay engaged and entertained while we socially distance ourselves to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak. You can find our past recommendations here; many of the opportunities we’ve highlighted are ongoing.

Chag sameach! Whether you’re off of work for Pesach, or trying to observe the holiday while keeping up with day-to-day obligations, take some time today to connect to the world around you. If you can safely do so, go on a walk (remember your mask!); if you can’t, here’s a tip with how to experience nature from your home.

Color van Gogh

Museums have really stepped up in this moment when no one can enter their doors, putting exhibits and educational materials online. Among their offerings have been unusual takes on the adult coloring trend, of which the Van Gogh Museum’s are some of the most charming. Print-outs of their coloring pages of van Gogh’s paintings make a great activity for adults and kids alike, and provide a creative way to feel engaged with the outside world. My preference at the moment would be for his “Almond Blossom” or “Sunflowers,” but every option available promises a nice respite from the current daily drag.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $325,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount