January 14, 2022

Dear Seacrest Residents, Families and Associates,

For almost two years we have endured the roller coaster ride of the Covid-19 virus. We have persevered through the highs, lows, twists, and turns of this pandemic which has held us firmly in its grip. No sooner do we see a glimmer of hope and the possibility of improvement, when suddenly, another variant comes along, and we are thrown into uncertainty once again. The past two weeks have been particularly difficult for all of us, as we see our cherished colleagues succumb to this highly contagious variant. We may have done everything “right,” and still, we see cases rise dramatically. Our hearts go out to those who have had or continue to experience symptoms and we yearn for their speedy healing and return to full activity. At the same time, we hold in our hearts those who are at home without symptoms, having to tolerate loneliness and isolation.

Ours is a large and diverse community and it is that diversity which makes Seacrest Village such an incredible place to live and work. We celebrate our differences and know that this gives us our strength. Some of us may believe in a Divine Power whom we call by a multitude of names. Others may identify as agnostic or atheist, and practice kindness, gratitude, and love in all they do. Still others consider themselves to be secular and find comfort through a spiritual practice of yoga, meditation or even journaling. Each of us seeks to find meaning and connection in our own way and none is any more legitimate than another.

From my faith tradition, I bring you the following. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the leading Jewish theologians and philosophers of the 20th century wrote:

“Prayer invites the Holy One’s presence to suffuse our spirits, the Divine’s will to prevail in our lives. Prayer may not bring water to parched fields, nor mend a broken bridge, nor rebuild a ruined city. But prayer can water an arid soul, mend a broken heart, rebuild a weakened will.”

Whatever your personal beliefs might be, I respectfully invite you to engage in the following practice. For just a few minutes each day, sit in quiet meditation and focus your thoughts on the health and well-being of our Seacrest Community. Send love and blessings to our residents and their families who have sacrificed so much over the past two years, our associates who are working tirelessly to cover the responsibilities of those who are temporarily not able to be on our campus, and especially to our Executive Team who has had to manage a myriad of decisions each day, both large and small. I genuinely believe there is immense power in this sort of communal intentionality and hope that you will join me.

B’yididut u’vracha (yours in friendship and blessing),

Rabbi Leah M. Herz, Director of Spiritual Life