I became a dietitian because of my love for food. Food nourishes our bodies and provides us the energy to do our everyday activities. The taste of our favorite foods adds to our enjoyment in life. There is also a social aspect to food which is so important. People enjoy meals more when socializing with others and sharing the experience together.

As a dietitian at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, I have seen so many residents miss out on this important aspect of eating over the past few months. We were forced to stop communal dining and meals were served in individual rooms to contain the spread of the virus. As important as this was in saving lives, it came at a price. Loneliness, decrease in intake and overall decline in quality of life, just to name a few.

The other day, while visiting a resident during lunch in her room, she looked out of her window and saw an 18 wheeler truck driving down the road. “That must be the truck bringing us the vaccine! “ she said, tears in her eyes. “I need them to be bringing us the vaccine!”

Now, when someone asks me why I got vaccinated, I think of her and say: Because I can!

I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to bring us one step closer to ending this pandemic and I’m looking forward to following it up with the second dose in three weeks.

There is a blessing to be said when one feels like they were part of something incredible which benefits many people together. What better time than now to say the blessing of Ha’tov V’hamativ.

Looking forward to a bright future.

Gabi Moskowitz, RD lives in Teaneck.