What Opportunities Do I See in the Upcoming 5782 New Year?

Harley Tabak, President & CEO

My daughter, Abra, is an actor/comedienne in New York. She has a gift for finding humor in just about anything, and oftentimes at my expense. As the pandemic took over, I proudly watched as she leaned into her craft, teaching online improv classes and finding other ways to make people laugh at a time when there was little hope and even less humor.

We have come a long way since then. Thankfully, Abra is still making people laugh and making her dad proud. And once again science has created an opportunity for hope. The day we had our first vaccine clinic at Jewish HomeLife was one I will never forget. The hope emanating from our staff and residents was palpable. Watching our staff applaud and cheer as each of their colleagues was immunized…Seeing the residents from the Jewish and Zaban Towers waiting hours in line for a chance at normalcy…Going floor to floor with the pharmacists and nurses at The William Breman Jewish Home to vaccinate the remaining residents, knowing that had this vaccine been available months earlier others might have lived.

I strongly believe that the COVID vaccine is essential for us to return to enjoying our lives in a way we have grown accustomed. The choice to vaccinate should be seen not as a choice, but as an opportunity—to finally unmask safely, to laugh or sneeze in a crowded room, to hug family and friends, to visit loved ones, to enjoy an evening out, to have job security, to protect those who are more vulnerable than ourselves. To have hope that as a people, we can rise up and work together for the common good.

If COVID is contained nationally and in the Atlanta region, I am confident 5782 will be full of new opportunities for all of us. Please encourage those you love to get vaccinated.

L’Shana Tova. May you be inscribed in the Book of Life.

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