The Light at the End of the Tunnel
A Message From Touro President, Dr. Alan Kadish
The re-opening of businesses, religious institutions, parks and schools is more than welcome news—it is a thaw after a brutal winter. But we are still a great distance from day-to-day life being the same as it was before the current pandemic. We are in a time of great upheaval and the ability to change and adapt will continue to be vital.
Touro’s highest priority—the safety and well-being of our students—demands that we proceed with cautious optimism. The good news is that we have already weathered the worst part of the storm by employing creative and intelligent solutions to the need for distance learning. Moreover, our students, faculty and staff across the entire Touro College and University System have displayed a nimbleness that allows for optimal learning, and a compassion for others that is impressive.
No one knows precisely what the future holds, but we can help shape our destiny—and the destiny of others—by recognizing the need to make a difference. In that vein, I urge all of you to continue to harness your inner hero as society begins to reopen. I can assure you that opportunities to help others, and to help society, will continue to present themselves. Everyone from health care professionals to students has already stretched beyond what we considered our limits, but in so doing, discovered how far our capabilities, strength, creativity and perseverance truly extend. Let us infuse an even greater sense of communal responsibility into “the new normal” as it is being defined.
The Jewish holiday of Shavuos, which arrives this weekend, celebrates the receiving of the Torah, God’s divine plan for mankind. In commemoration of this turning point for humanity, may we all merit to experience renewed strength and the blessings that are elicited from compassionate service to mankind.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alan Kadish
