A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - March 2018

Every year, March is designated as National Women's History Month to honor the many contributions and accomplishments of women throughout American history. It corresponds with International Women's Day on March 8, which commemorates the movement for women's rights.

Women's History Month began as a weeklong local celebration in California when the Sonoma, California school district initiated a "Women's History Week" in 1978 to raise awareness of women's contributions to the country. Soon after, similar celebrations spread across the country and in 1981, the National Women's History Project succeeded in lobbying Congress to designate Women's History Week to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8. By 1986, 14 states had declared March as Women's History Month. A year later, Congress declared March National Women's History Month in perpetuity.

The Jewish holiday Purim, which commemorates the Jewish people being saved from extermination in ancient Persia, begins February 28 and ends March 1. The story of Purim comes from the biblical Book of Esther. In it, Haman, a high-ranking advisor to King Ahasuerus, planned to kill all the Jews in ancient Persia because Mordecai, a Jewish leader, refused to bow to Haman.

However, Mordecai and his cousin Queen Esther (who also was his adopted daughter) foiled Haman's plans. Esther was a beautiful woman who had hidden her Jewish identity and eventually became queen. Mordecai persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people, which she did. She revealed Haman's plot to the king and persuaded him to have Haman hanged. Today, the Jewish community celebrates this day of deliverance with feasting and rejoicing. Part of the holiday includes giving gifts or charity to the poor, and packages of treats and goodies are often sent to friends and family.

Many people will be wearing green on March 17 for St. Patrick's Day (or the Feast of Saint Patrick). The day coincides with March also being Irish-American Heritage Month. In the United States, the first St. Patrick's Day observance took place in 1737 with the Charitable Irish Society of Boston organizing a gathering of Irish immigrants to celebrate their heritage much like today where it celebrates Irish and Irish American culture. On St. Patrick's Day expect to see a variety of festivals and parades celebrating Irish culture as well as many wearing green attire or shamrocks.

This year, the International Day of Nowruz, the Iranian or Persian New Year, takes place on March 21. The day was proclaimed as an official UN observance because it promotes peace and solidarity, particularly in families. Iranians and other groups across the world celebrate it with traditions and rituals over the course of several days. Events may include folk dance performances, tree-planting ceremonies along with visiting with friends, family and neighbors.

At LifeBridge Health we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same - our shared purpose of caring for communities together.