Letter to the Editor: Rich Lapin

Letter to the editor,

Many thanks to Allen Lipis and Dave Schechter for their respective articles in the Aug. 31 issue of the Atlanta Jewish Times. They diligently and objectively tried to explain the self-centered rationale of the anti-vaccine and anti-mask folks among us.

As Jews, our focus during the recently concluded Days of Awe was about self-examination and creating a better self. Because we don’t live in isolation, we are reminded that we live among others. That obliges us to apply our better selves to G-d’s service and the well-being of the communities where we live and work.

Consider the advice of our revered sage Hillel: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am for myself alone, what am I? If not now, when?” The short takeaway is to get vaccinated now to benefit yourself, your family, and your community. Do it for your kids, and if they have children, do it for your grandchildren who might not be old enough currently to qualify for vaccines.

If you are unvaccinated, you may be entitled to your opinion, but this does not relieve you of your commitment to the community. Get the jab and allow shalom bayit (peace in the house) to prevail in your household and the larger community.

Rich Lapin, Dunwoody