New Bedford Reverend and Rabbi Reflect on the COVID-19 Pandemic [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]

Both 2020 and 2021 have been difficult years for many, with COVID-19 being the reason why.

The pandemic limited our movements, kept us away from loved ones, and forced us to wear masks in buildings. Worst of all, it took thousands of live in Massachusetts – nearly 20,000 by the end of 2021.

What will happen in 2022? For starters, there is a surge of the Omicron variant that is said to be more contagious than the so-called Delta variant and poses a particular threat to those who have not been vaccinated.

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Reverend David Lima, Executive Minister of the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford, and Rabbi Raphael Kanter of the Tifereth Israel Synagogue joined Townsquare Sunday this week for a year-end assessment.

Both agreed that people are simply tired of the pandemic, tired of wearing masks, and tired of the uncertainty of it all.

Both explained the impact of the pandemic on their congregations and how they've managed to make things work. Both also had some hopeful thoughts for the New Year, which are helpful as the pandemic continues on.

Reverend Lima and Rabbi Kanter believe at some point, the pandemic will end, and life will return to normal, and that will be a blessed day indeed.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program heard every Sunday morning on 1420 WBSM. The program highlights individuals and organizations working to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.