I don't have much to say, my dear readers. We are all in a state of shock of how quickly we lost our normal pace of daily living. We all have no idea of when and how all this will end. It's very normal to be fearful. Uncertainty itself creates fear.

One thing I could say which I don't see stressed enough is: sleep a lot!

Sleep is the best booster of the immune system. Most viruses and bugs catch us when we lack sleep. Of course, the first thing is to be protected by not coming into contact with the virus. This requires social distancing and hand washing, as the health officials instruct us. The second precaution after contact protection is sleep. A full night's sleep is vital every day when the virus is around.

My family goes to sleep an hour earlier than regular, and I encourage you to do the same. A mid-day nap is also not bad if it doesn't disturb falling asleep at night. Close all devices a few hours before bedtime, so the body starts winding down. Also, don't be nervous to fall asleep... that makes it difficult to do so. It's important to know that lying in bed without devices and distractions is also very good. I heard that it's like 40% sleep, but I don't know if the percentage is true. It's a form of sleep, albeit less than full sleep. So, if you had the courage and thoughtfulness to be in bed early, even if you don't fall asleep yet, you are improving your health manifold and you should be proud about yourself!

The famous quote of Franklin D. Roosevelt, “there is nothing to fear, but fear itself”, is appropriate in these times. Upon taking the appropriate measures of protection and staying healthy, one should not worry or be afraid. The fear itself makes a person into a lousy mood and it weakens the immune system too.

I'm consuming less news these days because I don't want to be overtaken with thinking about it. Once or twice a day is enough to be in the know of important developments. The little money that I have in stocks is not important enough that I should be on the emotional roller coaster which we call the stock market.

Prayer is also very important. After a good night's sleep, an early morning coffee and then prayer, is a sweetness that very few things compare to! Asking the Creator for health for oneself and for the entire world is very powerful. We can turn this sour period into a sweet one, if we'll come out of this ordeal stronger, emotionally, psychologically, or spiritually.

We are being tested to reconsider who we are in our essence and how we react in times of stress. We'll all look back at this period in our lives as an important one. How much more significant will it be if this time made us improve with something important in our lives.

Passover, one of the most important Jewish Holidays is coming in less than two weeks! I don't have enough space here to elaborate on this beautiful holiday. I'll share one nugget.

Passover always falls in the spring because Passover signifies renewal. It's the birthday of the Jews as a people. A birthday is really a funny thing. How come we celebrate renewal every year? Every year that passes by we are less new!

The answer is that one can renew themselves even if they are old! Like we see the spring renewing every year. The earth is much older than we are, still it can always renew. We are also lucky to renew every day after a good night's sleep. Let's pray that this period of distress should bring a renewal of blessings to the world and to each one of us like we've never seen before!

If you need assistance or food for Passover, please call the Monticello Shul (845) 794-8470.

Comments? Email me: Moshe@jaketv.tv