I am patiently waiting. According to Governor Ned Lamont, vaccination for my age group will open around March 22. I am  eager to get vaccinated. I am yearning to re-open our synagogue. I am longing to visit the sick, the lonely, anyone in need. I cannot wait to see my brother again. I will be thrilled to sit with my friends again, to talk and have coffee. But I can wait for my vaccine.

This pandemic has spotlighted inequalities. Minority and poor communities, as always, have been hit much harder. State agencies have intentionally steered vaccines and vaccination sites toward socially vulnerable communities. Keeping vaccination grouping based on age except for educators supports this strategy. Inequities in educational outcomes have a generational impact. It makes sense to focus on educators to get all of our children safely back into classrooms full time.

As simple as the rules have been up to this point, I have heard numerous private testimonies from affluent white people going far out of their way to register for vaccine appointments in less affluent, predominantly Black and brown communities. This confounds efforts toward equity. Please be patient. There will be enough vaccines for everyone soon.

Rabbi Marc E. Ekstrand

New London