A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - April 2021

In April, we recognize the important contributions of Arab Americans with National Arab American Month.

Arab Americans and Americans of Middle Eastern heritage represent a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, cultures and faiths, and have a long history in the United States. They have influenced our diverse culture in many ways such as through the arts, sciences, politics and education.

On April 7, we celebrate World Health Day, a health awareness day organized by the World Health Organization to highlight a global health concern each year. Without a doubt, the major issue facing the world today is the coronavirus pandemic. It's been more than one year since the pandemic began, and many lives have been lost. However, much progress has been made with thousands across the country having received one of three FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. As the journey to ending the pandemic continues, LifeBridge Health is doing our part to ensure everyone in the community who wants the COVID-vaccine receives it.

The evening of April 4 is the end of Passover (the Jewish holiday began the evening of March 27). Lasting seven or eight days (seven in Israel and in Reform Judaism, eight for Orthodox and Conservative Judaism), this Jewish holiday celebrates God liberating the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. According to tradition, when the Pharaoh refused to heed Moses' request to release the Israelites, God inflicted 10 plagues upon the ancient Egyptians, "passing over" the houses of the Israelites before the Pharaoh released his Israelite slaves. To celebrate this gift of freedom, those of the Jewish faith will share the story of Passover and enjoy a ceremonial meal called a Seder.

Considered the most important Christian holiday, Easter takes place on April 4 (May 2 for Orthodox Christians). Easter celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion-the central event in Christianity. Typically, Easter traditions include attending religious services and enjoying a festive meal with family and friends. Holding egg hunts, decorating eggs and gifting Easter baskets are also common traditions.

The spring Hindu festival Rama Navami takes place on April 21 to celebrate the birth of the Hindu god Rama, one of the most widely worshipped Hindu deities. The festival is a time for moral reflection and being especially charitable to others. Customs typically practiced by followers of the Hindu religion include, visiting temples, reciting prayers and reading the story of Lord Rama. Temples and houses are decorated, charitable events and community meals are also organized.

On Earth Day, April 22, everyone is encouraged to adopt environmentally safe practices. First proposed by former Sen. Gaylord Nelson, the day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970-a call to action to raise public awareness of pollution and shine a national spotlight on environmental causes. "Going green" is how many refer to the practice today. To do your part, you can think of ways to implement the three Rs of waste management in your daily living: reduce the amount of waste you produce; reuse items whenever possible; and recycle.

At LifeBridge Health, we embrace diversity, and these monthly Diversity messages are meant to recognize and celebrate the richness of our team members' cultures and that of our country. We celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same-our shared purpose of caring for communities together.

Thank you for the commitment you make every day to CARE BRAVELY and live our LifeBridge Health values.