As we remain isolated in our homes, our day to day activities are built around a new set of priorities:  keeping ourselves healthy, supporting our families, trying to keep our jobs and our work relevant and impactful, helping those most in need in our communities, and finding new talents and new ways to utilize our talents. As an employee at Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL) my days now are busy (even frenetic) but my struggles with these very issues are consuming.  HSL’s 3000 seniors across 8 campuses are sheltered in place.  They’re asked to stay in their apartments.  Food, groceries, and mail are being delivered to their apartments.  Many do not have computers and the distractions of the internet, and they can not spend time with those who regularly bring joy and meaning to their lives.  I’ve been spending my days, and often my nights, thinking about how to help people keep their spirits intact as we move through this pandemic.

So when a colleague suggested that we entertain our hardest hit community from their courtyard, a few of us jumped into action.  It was simple. Several beautiful voices to share.  Four songs that everyone knew.  A beautiful day.  A guitar.  Magnetic energy.  A couple of amps.  Open windows.  A sing-a-long for 275 residents followed, and it brought me and others to tears as residents danced and sang in their windows.  We could see them.  They could see us.  But they couldn’t see one another.   Everyone “felt” each other though, and there was a moment of true joy in the midst of such tragedy and loss.