"Out of an Abundance of Caution": A Prayer Amid a Pandemic

March 19, 2020Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler

Out of an abundance of caution, I’m staying home.

Out of an abundance of caution, I’m washing my hands for at least 20 seconds, sometimes singing the ABCs, sometimes singing the itsy-bitsy spider, and sometimes saying a prayer.

Out of an abundance of caution, I am telling people how much I love them every day, sometimes multiple times a day. I can get annoying.

Out of an abundance of caution, I am waving frantically to the stranger across the street while I am out for my walk, making eye-contact, smiling and saying hello.

Out of an abundance of caution, I am not using the expression “social distancing.” Physical distancing, yes; social distancing, no way.

Out of an abundance of caution, I have subscribed to a joke a day.

Out of abundance of caution, I am looking out for people who might be stressed and hungry for food and love and giving more than I have before.

Out of an abundance of caution I am paying attention more than ever to the words of my prayers.

Out of an abundance of caution, I have faith that love and kindness are contagious, too.

Out of an abundance of caution, I am telling you I am here for you, I care about us, I need you, and I want everyone to know we are all in this together.

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