Lilli Jennison's 2022 Passover Message

Getting to the Other Side of March 2020

Our lives all changed two years and one month ago: March 2020. Everyone was scared and no one knew much of what was going to happen. Now, COVID, BH, is on the downturn. I am so thankful to almost be on the other side of the pandemic. Big family get-togethers are back and (hopefully) here to stay! It is time to focus on things we put aside during the pandemic.

After two years and 2-3 vaccines per person, I finally got to see my cousins and had a big brunch with everyone. These kids I used to babysit are all grown up! The oldest just got into college (Mazel Tov Shosh!) I can’t believe how grown up they all are now. It was so nice to be together. We moved into our house in January 2020. Only now was the first time the majority of my family got to see my “new” house.

Two years ago, my family of five couldn’t even be together for seder. We each cooked a part of the meal and delivered it to each other’s house and zoomed the seder. On the other side, this year we have been invited to a friend’s house for seder. There will be about 20 people there. We are all very excited!

A few months ago the staff at AJT wrote about our resolutions for 2022. I know I am not alone when I say some slipped through the cracks. The biggest resolution I had was self-care. I have taken that resolution very seriously these past 4 months. I have been taking care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Self-care is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Whether it be eating better, walking the dog, treating yourself, or even taking a nap, I encourage everyone to do something for yourself at least once a week. Being on the other side of COVID means businesses are open and wanting to thrive. Go to a local nail salon and get a pedicure. Or go out to eat with an old friend and support a local restaurant. We were stuck in the house for two years afraid of the outside. Now is the time to rejoin the world.

You may notice every December, AJT puts on a Chanukah art contest. This year we are excited to announce our Passover and Rosh Hashanah Art Contests! These contests, as well as Chanukah later this year, are open to adults and children! Be sure to check out our beautiful submissions for Passover later in the paper and online.

Be on the lookout for our Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah contests later this year.

Cheers to a healthy and happy Passover!

Lilli Jennison is creative director at Atlanta Jewish Times.