A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer - September 2020

Labor Day takes place a little later this year, on September 7.

Often referred to as the unofficial end of the summer, Labor Day was originally designed to honor the American labor movement, as well as the contributions and achievements of workers to the country. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on a Tuesday (September 5, 1882) with a parade featuring labor organizations in New York City. Soon after, the holiday was moved to the first Monday in September, and in 1894, Congress passed legislation making it a national holiday.

With social distancing encouraged, many will find ways to celebrate these last few days of summer. But whether you celebrate watching sports, enjoying barbeques or spending time with your family, I wish you a safe and healthy Labor Day holiday.

On September 11, many will take the time to remember those who were injured or died, and the heroes who lost and risked their lives to save them, during the largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil in 2001. Flags will be flown at half-staff and many will observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. (EDT)-the exact time when the first plane flew into the World Trade Center in New York. Communities may hold special services, people may visit memorials, and others will find creative ways to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that tragic day.

We recognize the culture and contributions of those of Hispanic and Latino descent to America during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 to October 15. Enacted in 1988, September 15 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the independence of Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and September18, respectively.

Those following the Jewish faith will observe Rosh Hashanah from sundown September 18 to sundown September 20 to celebrate the beginning of the New Year, according to the Jewish calendar. During this time, Jewish customs include 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.

On September 21, International Day of Peace is observed around the world. The United Nations established the day in 1981 as a day for everyone to devote themselves to strengthening peace within and among all nations and to building a culture of peace.

September 22 is the Autumn Equinox, more commonly known as the first day of fall in the northern hemisphere. It's the day when there are 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness at all points on the earth's surface. After this date, the nights become longer than the days. For many Pagans, the autumn equinox is called Mabon, and celebrated as a time to pay tribute to the coming winter. Mabon rituals include building an altar with harvest fruits and vegetables, meditating on balance, gathering and feasting on apples, sharing food, and counting one's blessings.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, begins the evening of September 27 and ends the evening of September 28. Also known as the Day of Atonement or the Sabbath of Sabbaths, the purpose of this day is for those of the Jewish faith to ask God for forgiveness of their sins over the past year. On this day, many will refrain from working, eating and drinking (even water), and most will typically spend the day in prayer at a synagogue.

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.