This famous quote depicting the hope for freedom is relevant to our history, which transcends thousands of years.

Those inspiring words reflect the release from the chains of blatant discrimination, as expressed in Martin Luther King’s resounding address at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. The powerful speech also brings to mind Passover and the celebration of freedom for Jewish slaves more than 5,000 years ago. Our own people were held captive for 210 years in Egypt and endured a 40-year journey to the coveted Promised Land.

And, perhaps, one can argue that these everlasting words of freedom epitomize the immediate past two years as well, from the spring of 2020 to the spring of 2022 with the effects of the ubiquitous coronavirus impacting all of our lives throughout the world.

Finally, in March 2022, we can breathe freely all over again. Overall, many mask mandates have been relaxed by our elected officials; local governments and institutions are formulating their own individual policies. This is welcome and refreshing. The children who had to get used to daily mouth coverings can be released from their barrier; people gathering in groups are not required to look like zombies anymore; and the attitudes of isolation are slowly shifting.

First it was Governor Murphy announcing the statewide lifting of mask mandates in New Jersey schools on March 7; New York Governor Hochul recently followed suit regarding schools effective March 2; and in New York City, Mayor Adams will eliminate mask mandates for schools, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters by March 7. Just think, a world in the near future with no masks, no remote air hugs and elbow bumps, but a transformation back to our coveted social mores of welcoming handshakes, warm embraces and proximity to our friends and family.

Of course, precautions are not lifted totally: Mask-wearing for travel remains in place, and we all will continue to err on the side of caution until we are convinced that we have beaten the virus, that we have the means to combat COVID and its variants, with the goal of treating it like the flu, without the devastating fatalities.

It’s (almost) time to discard our supply of masks. After the spring of 2021 when we started to let our guard down, I chose to hold onto the many masks I bought at shul boutiques, making sure to match my outfits with corresponding colors and designs. The leopard pattern was my favorite, and I actually started liking it somewhat to complete my wardrobe. The dilemma was brewing whether to throw the masks or keep them for a rainy day. I held onto my collection, and I dare say I was correct. Sure enough, there was a harrowing, swift rebound in the fall of 2021. My multiple masks were unfortunately put to good use all over again. Closed airports and major COVID restrictions continued to prevail until finally now, in March 2022, things are starting to ease up.

This Purim, we can all celebrate and gleefully look forward to a life of normality, with caution, in this generation of experiencing how a virus can wreak havoc. There are a few trivial downsides: We have to report to school and work without excuses; make-up must be the order of the day since our faces are fully visible again; and amateur haircuts done at home will be frowned upon. For sure, the positives far outweigh any negatives without a doubt, but with a bit of humor.

What is interesting to me as a realtor is the effect of COVID starting back in 2020 and its opposite impact on the real estate market. As soon as the isolation regulations were mandated, we had mega interest and lines around the corner to see homes in the suburbs on any given day with, of course, the COVID protocols in place. At first it was the mask and gloves, and then, just the masks and booties in touring a home.

Suddenly, people who happily lived in a crowded, bustling city yearned for the open space and privacy that the suburbs offer. Highly competitive offers, bidding wars, and “Highest and Best” were the order of the day. It continues today and the seller’s market is still strong, even with threats of inflation looming and higher interest rates further minimizing the value of the dollar.

It is important to recognize that the initial 2022 real estate market is reflecting a spillover from 2021 in which existing home sales reached their highest level since 2006. Sales were up a whopping 8.5% compared to the previous year as home buyers rushed to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates. Home sales would have been steeper if not for soaring sales prices and a shortage of homes for sale in many areas. Stay tuned as the market unfolds for the spring of 2022 with evolving new factors in play.

Soon, Purim will again arrive with costumed masks, frivolities and seuda gatherings. It is glaring as the holiday’s central theme depicts the opposite of what is happening in real life right now … L’hefech, the gallows of Mordechai transformed to the hanging of Haman and our lives in March are finally returning to enjoying our inherent freedoms that we always took for granted.

It is said that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Finally, welcoming open travel to Israel which started March 1, requiring only a PCR test before and after arrival, eliminating the intricate and often confusing forms needed to determine final approval and eligibility to visit our very own Holy Land. Perhaps this landmark, monumental March of 2022, where we can again enjoy our Purim seudas and parties, with only an underlying caution of awareness, are back again! Freedom, I welcome you! Literally a “breath of fresh air” for us all to enjoy all over again. B”H.

Chag Purim V’Sameach to all!

And, at this time, a special solemn shout-out to the courageous Ukrainian community who are steadfastly defending their right to uphold the very ideals of democracy we all hold so dear.

Ruby Kaplan is a seasoned realtor with many years of experience licensed in both New Jersey and New York. She partners with her husband, Bobby, as a realtor team to fully service the housing needs of their seller and buyer clients jointly. Their passion is to help people realize their housing goals and dreams. They are sensitive to their clients’ needs and have a driven commitment to oversee all transactions with integrity, knowledge and dedication. Sellers will receive 21st century social media exposure, while buyers will get alerts on all new housing information within their area of criteria. Ruby can be reached at 917-576-4177/ [email protected]; Bobby at 201-314-4152/[email protected]  www.rubykaplan.exprealty.com