A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer - September 2021

At LifeBridge Health, we embrace diversity, and these monthly 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 our communities together. 

Often referred to as the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day takes place on September 6. Traditionally, held on the first Monday in September, the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on the first Tuesday (September 5, 1882) to honor the American labor movement, as well as the contributions and achievements of workers to the country. 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 and wearing masks still encouraged, many will celebrate these last few days of summer with activities such as watching sports, enjoying barbecues and spending time with friends and family.

The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, will be observed from sundown on September 6 through sundown on September 8. Recognized as one of Judaism's holiest days, Rosh Hashanah will be observed by those of the Jewish faith around the world with customs including sounding the shofar or ram's horn, attending synagogue services and refraining from working. Other customs include lighting candles and enjoying festive foods such as challah bread and apples dipped in honey to symbolize hope for a sweet and fruitful year to come.

On September 11, Patriot Day (commonly known as 9/11) remembers those who were injured or died and the heroes who lost their lives to save them during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. 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 City. People will also lay flowers and wreaths on the graves of loved ones who were lost, visit memorials and attend special services to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 people injured that tragic day.

September 12 is National Grandparents Day, which celebrates grandparents and the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. It helps children become aware of the strength, guidance and information that older people can offer.

The holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur, begins the evening of September 15 and ends the evening of September 16. The day is also known as the Day of Atonement or the Sabbath of Sabbaths, and its purpose for those of the Jewish faith is to ask God for forgiveness of their sins over the past year. In observance, many Jewish people will refrain from working, eating and drinking (even water), and some will spend the day in prayer at a synagogue.

National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the influence and contributions of those of Hispanic and Latino descent to the history, culture and achievements of America. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 but was extended to a month-long observance in 1988 and enacted into law that same year. 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 September 18, respectively.

International Day of Peace is recognized around the world on September 21. 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.

We welcome the fall in the northern hemisphere on September 22 with Mabon, a Pagan holiday, or the Autumnal Equinox. On this day, the number of daylight and nighttime are equal (both are 12 hours) and after this day, the sun begins to rise later and nightfall comes sooner.

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