The Mandell Jewish Community Center in West Hartford held a candle-lighting event Monday marking the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Ned Lamont (left) speaks with students at the Mandell JCC’s week of ‘Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience.’ Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

The Mandell Jewish Community Center is holding a week of “Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience” marking the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic, and West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor and Gov. Ned Lamont were among those who attended a day-long candle lighting event Monday.

The public was invited to participate in the remembrance event in the Chase Family Gallery, which began at 5:30 a.m. Monday and lasted until 8 p.m.. to light a candle to honor those who lost their life, to signify that their memory “still lives on and burns bright,” the JCC website states.

Lighting of a candle is also a way to reflect on the significance of a particular event or anniversary.

Candles, and readings of reflection, were provided.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, along with her husband, Michael Cantor (left) lights a candle Monday at the Mandell JCC’s week of ‘Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience.’ Courtesy photo

The intent of the week of Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience is intended is to give members of the community the opportunity to remember and reflect – and to embrace the resiliency of the human spirit.

The JCC is also sharing its gratitude for those who have been working tirelessly on the front lines of the pandemic.

“They tried to stay open during the pandemic taking care of kids, and it’s organizations like this that got us through a tough year,” Lamont said Monday, adding that “it’s springtime we’re turning a corner.”

Gov. Ned Lamont speaks with a young girl Monday at the candle-lighting event at the Mandell JCC’s week of ‘Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience.’ Courtesy photo

Other activities associated with the JCC’s week of Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience include:

Commemorative Rock Garden, March 22-26The community is invited to paint inspirational messages and scenes on a rock in remembrance for the many lives lost during the past year or in appreciation of the extraordinary sacrifices made by frontline workers. Painted rocks can be dropped off at the main entrance to the JCC anytime throughout this week.

Walk of Reflection, Friday, March 26, 1 p.m.

A physically-distanced walk of reflection throughout the JCC Zachs Campus will be held on Friday, March 26 at 1 p.m. Participants will meet at the front entrance and walk in silence and solidarity, remembering the events of the past year and reflecting on what this year has meant to you and your family. Face masks must be worn.

More information about the JCC’s week of Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience can be found here.

Gov. Ned Lamont speaks with Mandell JCC Chief Operating Officer Annie Keith at the Mandell JCC’s week of ‘Remembrance, Reflection and Resilience.’ Courtesy photo

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