A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer - October 2022
A meaningful commitment to diversity and belonging is one of our most essential priorities here at LifeBridge Health. With these monthly Diversity Messages, we aim to celebrate the unique cultures and rich diversity represented by our team members across the network, honoring our differences and reflecting on our common purpose - to care for our communities together.
October is National Filipino American Heritage Month, honoring the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the United States, on October 18, 1587. Throughout the month, all are encouraged to learn about the rich history of Filipino Americans and the significant role this community has played in the development and identity of the nation.
October is an important month for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. October is not only LGBTQ History Month - it also includes National Coming Out Day on October 11 and Spirit Day on October 21. LGBTQ History Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the community's struggles and achievements - a history which is often underrepresented. National Coming Out Day is honored each year on October 11 to celebrate those who've come out of the closet, revealing their authentic identity to those around them and to help empower others to do the same. Spirit Day, observed on October 21, uplifts the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community in standing up against the bullying that its youth face all too often and stresses the need for allies to join in support as well.
This year, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Tuesday, October 4. Yom Kippur is considered the most significant holiday for those of the Jewish faith and is the culmination of the 10 days of awe that follow the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. Known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur commemorates the repentance of the Israelites after they committed the sin of idolatry by worshipping a golden cow. During Yom Kippur, Jews attend synagogue for special services, fast for the 25-hour duration of the holiday and abstain from bathing, the use of lotions and creams, wearing leather shoes and engaging in sexual relations. Five days after Yom Kippur, Jews begin the weeklong observance of Sukkot, which celebrates harvest and the protection God is said to have given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. Following Sukkot, diaspora Jews celebrate Shemini Atzeret for one day and Simchat Torah the next (only Shemini Atzeret, the first day, is celebrated in Israel).
In the United States, Indigenous Peoples' Day is observed on October 10 to honor and celebrate nation's many indigenous peoples. The term "indigenous" refers to those who are the original inhabitants of a given place or region. First officially recognized in October 2021, Indigenous People's Day celebrates the enduring legacy, cultures and history of the nation's native community and provides an opportunity to reflect on the perseverance and diversity of the peoples indigenous to the continental United States.
In India and around the world, October 22 marks the beginning of Diwali, a five-day celebration also known as the festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and a broad global community of people with Indian heritage. The significance of Diwali differs regionally among Indian Hindus and holds unique meaning for Jains, Sikhs and a small number of Buddhists as well. In Bengal, for example, Hindus honor the goddess Kali during Diwali, whereas in north India, Hindus also celebrate the return of Rama to the city of Ayodhya after his battle with Ravana, king of the demons, which ties Diwali to the Hindu festival of Dussehra celebrated on October 5. Common Diwali traditions include the lighting of earthenware lamps, donning colorful clothes, attending special religious service, fireworks, gift exchanges and more. We wish a very happy Festival of Lights to all of our patients and team members who celebrate!
The Festival of the Twin Birthdays or the Twin Holy Birthdays refers to two successive Holy Days in the Bahá'à calendar that celebrate the births of both the Bab (October 26) and Baha'u'llah (October 27), the two prophets associated with the Baha'i revelation. These double Holy Days-when Baha'is gather to pray, read from the Baha'i writings, sing and dance and celebrate-hold enormous joy and meaning for Baha'is all over the world. The notion of "twin Manifestations of God" is a concept fundamental to Bahá'à belief, describing the relationship between the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. Both are considered Manifestations of God in their own right, having each founded separate religions (Bábism and the Bahá'à Faith) and revealed their own holy scriptures. To Bahá'Ãs, however, the missions of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh are inextricably linked: The Báb's mission was to prepare the way for the coming of "Him whom God shall make manifest", who eventually appeared in the person of Bahá'u'lláh.
Calls to Action
"* Raise awareness of and support LGBTQIA+ youth who experience bullying by wearing purple on October 21 and signing the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) pledge.
"* Attend the LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group picnic on Thursday, Oct. 13 at Reisterstown Regional Park. Beverages will be provided.
"* Learn more about Filipino heritage on Monday October 25th from 1-2pm at a special panel discussion. Register by sending an email to JEDI_Office@lifebridgehealth.org.
Thank you for the commitment you make every day to CARE BRAVELY and live our LifeBridge Health values.