A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - September 2018

In September, we recognize several ethnic groups, religions and significant historical moments, all of which illustrate the richness of diversity in our nation.

On September 3, we celebrate Labor Day. While commonly thought of as the unofficial end of the summer season, the day was originally designed to honor the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the country. The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 with a parade in New York City. Two years later, the holiday was moved to the first Monday in September and by 1894, it became a federal holiday. This Labor Day, many Americans will take the time to rest and reflect on the values of their hard work. Many also will enjoy barbecues, watch parades and spend time with their families.

The Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah, which celebrates the Jewish New Year, begins on September 9 at sundown and ends at sundown September 11. According to the teachings of Judaism, it is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. During this celebration, people of the Jewish faith will participate in a number of customs including sounding the ram's horn (shofar), attending synagogue services, lighting candles and enjoying festive foods such as apples dipped in honey to symbolize hope for a sweet and fruitful new year.

September 11 marks one of the saddest days in American history-the anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001. To commemorate the day, the flag will be flown at half-staff at LifeBridge Health facilities and a short prayer service will be held at Sinai Hospital and Carroll Hospital.

The Islamic New Year falls on September 12 with Muharram, the first and holiest month of the Islamic calendar. During the month, different Islamic denominations (Shi'a and Sunni) and cultures will celebrate in various ways including praying, fasting, making pilgrimages and participating in parades.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins September 15 and ends October 15, is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Enacted into law in 1988, September 15 was chosen as the beginning of the celebration because of its historical significance. It is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

The evening of September 18 is the beginning of the holiest day of the year for Jewish people, Yom Kippur. Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur (which ends at sunset September 19) is a day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year.  It is a complete Sabbath; therefore, no work can be performed on this day. Jewish people will refrain from eating or drinking (even water) and spend most of the day in prayer at synagogue services.

International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The United Nations established the day in 1981 as one "devoted to strengthening the ideas of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples." LifeBridge Health's core values include compassion, respect and teamwork. It is through these values that we are able to make our organization as strong as it is today.

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.