Next year, in person

No, President Trump, COVID would not be over by Easter, and there would not be “packed churches all over our country.” That Pollyannish prediction, actually a dangerous fantasy, came from the White House when America had fewer than 100,000 virus cases and under 1,000 fatalities. A year later, there have been more than 30 million cases and deaths exceeding a half million.

So, Easter 2021 and Passover 5781, of which Sunday is the final day, fall again under the COVID cloud, just like last year’s spring celebrations of faith, family and friends. Last year, it was still early during coronavirus, so precautions were taken and people were still being careful. But it’s been a long time now.

The calendar says it’s time to gather. The season brings deep hunger for rebirth. The science says not yet, as COVID loves a crowd and hitches a ride from one nostril to the next. Festive meals, singing, hugging reinforce tradition and all lift the spirit, but also spread the virus. Remember to keep it outside, keep it small, keep it masked. And get the vaccine. Everyone, get the vaccine. Any vaccine. That will allow the next Passover and next Holy Week to be enjoyed the regular way, without a human health fallout.

Last year’s Thanksgiving and Hanukkah and Christmas and New Year’s all proved that holidays and pandemics don’t mix happily, as infections rose in their wake. And infections lead to sickness. Which lead to hospitalizations. Which lead to death.

What’s different now is that the end can been seen through the vaccine vials with millions of shots happening every day. All adults are eligible and there will be enough supply available to cover everyone. The fully vaccinated can already gather and travel.

Each spring, the centrality of Christianity’s and Judaism’s faith are renewed. And while the plagues of long ago are recounted for the next generations to learn, it is the plague of today that must not be forgotten. Don’t make this year’s celebrations a prelude to tomorrow’s tragedies.