An activity for someone who has lost a loved one and is experiencing the unique grief that is endured during the pandemic. The document includes excerpts from essays on grief.
Jamie Beth Cohen talks about the sudden change in rules in March 2020 and how she and her children had to adjust their lives to these new rules. Their family took on "siyag la-Torah" which is the idea of creating rules to keep from breaking other rules. Now, with shifting guidelines, she revisits this concept.
Jordana Horn talks about the prayer of shehecheyanu she made while receiving her COVID-19 vaccine, as well as when her 17-year-old son received the vaccine.
Michael Kramer wrote a song in order to encourage members of the Jewish community to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The video is set up as Kramer convincing a skeptical friend to receive the vaccine.
Yvette Alt Miller talks about the parallels between the values of surviving the pandemic as well as Jewish values. Notably, the importance of knowing your neighbor and keeping a sense of community even while we are apart.
Talya Jankovits describes the bittersweetness of returning to the synagogue after so long. She follows the news of antisemitic attacks across the country and describes her worry for her family as they return to shul.
Holly Lebowitz Rossi offers advice for readers who are planning a bar and bat mitzvah. The advice covers in-person celebrations, through Zoom, and hybrid options.
Cantor Rebecca Moses tested positive for COVID-19 early on in the pandemic and has since struggled to return to her cantor duties. Her symptoms made it difficult for her to struggle and restrictions have also halted services for the time being.
