Diana Cole's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2022

In my opinion, as humans, we are supposed to be social. To be cooped up with my husband and children during the pandemic was amazing, yet stifling. I yearned for outside, in-person communication and touch. I never knew how much I needed to be hugged. I remember my first hug after the quarantine was lifted. It was euphoric.

I kept telling my children and their friends, “this is not how it is supposed to be.” I saw what the pandemic did to the classes of 2020 and 2021. I hoped so badly that my son and daughters would have the educational experience that they were supposed to. My older two had Homecoming (altered a bit to reflect the times) and Prom.

My son got his graduation and class trips. My older daughter had her cheerleading (sidelined due to a concussion). Unfortunately, my youngest did not get her class trip (she’s still bitter). My son had his entry into college, just like it was supposed to be.

I also never knew how much I missed going to shul. To hear the familiar verses of the Torah being read in person made me feel at peace and provided a calmness. Thank you, Rabbi Jordan, and Cantor Mike.

I value being able to go out and experience the world. I love being near people. I am not meant to be locked up in my room watching Netflix. One of my favorite things to do is just watch people. I learn so much by observing the differences in people.

I am a very touchy-feely person and need to experience people in-person. I, for one, am elated to be back in life again.

Diana Cole is the Atlanta Jewish Connector coordinator for the Atlanta Jewish Times