How to best express gratitude during the pandemic

By Steve McCloskey, President

In so many ways, 2020 was the most dismal year on record for many of us. Starting in about mid-March, the coronavirus literally upended our lives. Its deleterious effects were, and continue to be, worldwide and devastating in scope. The pandemic, global in its reach, has been a scourge for all of us, but most profoundly, it has wreaked physical and mental havoc on our health care workers, first responders, essential workers and their families.

While we rallied early on to support them in the spring and early summer, by honking, cheering for them and otherwise acknowledging their heroic efforts as they completed their shifts, in the ensuing months, our formerly fulsome praise has largely given way to indifference.

We Americans have a confoundingly cursory attention span.

How, then, can we honor those who have risked everything, both physically and emotionally, so that the rest of us can survive this dire threat to our well-being?

As these past 11 months (as of this writing) have so graphically demonstrated to over 330,000 families, it is all too often just a short downward spiral to death and despair from the onset of this lethal virus. Rather than delving into the myriad aspects of delusional, irrational or unprincipled opposition to scientifically based and reasoned public health measures, we should focus on the simple steps we can all take in the next months to ensure that those who have protected us, in turn, receive our thanks by the actions we take.

Donning a facial covering is not a political statement nor an infringement of some illusory constitutional right or unspecified “personal freedom;” rather, it is a personal and public affirmation

that we value all lives, not just our own. Despite protestations to the contrary, we do have a modicum of a societal obligation not to knowingly harm others, particularly when a simple task can alleviate that risk. This civic duty is especially critical as the more highly transmissible coronavirus variant first reported in the UK is here.

While we are awaiting COVID-19 vaccine shots, we must stay the course by continuing to physically distance ourselves when out, by avoiding gatherings and by staying home, other than when absolutely necessary to venture out. That these common-sense public health recommendations are unfairly maligned by many is a lamentable commentary on rigorous rumination being riven by the propulsive propagation of disinformation, misinformation and outlandish conspiracy theories peddled by some at the highest levels.

Far too often, we hear many people bemoaning their “COVID fatigue.” Admittedly, it has been 11 months of mostly isolation for many, particularly us senior citizens. However, we are not children. If we elevate selfishness over selfsacrifice in this trying time, demanding deference to the common good, what are we teaching our children?

In order to acknowledge the extraordinary courage and devotion of those tasked with caring for us, feeding us and providing us with the essential services we have needed throughout this pandemic, we need to take the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to us. We at NJC have pledged to do so.

Take a shot at demonstrating your deep appreciation for those Mr. Rogers lovingly called the “helpers,” by rolling up your sleeves to do your small part.

On a more personal note, my gratitude is extended to Rabbi Herman, Jane Galler, Alla Gorelik and Peter Weissman for our wonderful Zoom Shabbat services, as well as to Dick Lechtner, Charles Flum and Barry Goldenberg for orchestrating them. Check NJC out at www.naplesjewish congregation.org for more information.