The Joy of Nintendo Switch
Xandre Maldonado  

The Nintendo Switch is meaningful to me because it brings me a lot of joy and fun. The pandemic felt bad, annoying, and stupid — that's why I'm glad I could play with a lot of my friends and my brother online. 

Chuchazo o Capicú: No Talking Over the Table
Xiomara Maldonado  

We play in the park with Abuelo’s dotted tiles, 
Reminding each other of a rule that existed before 
Coronavirus: “No talking over the table!” 
 
When we win, we bump our fists and smile within masks, 
and then we spray our knuckles and sanitize the flags 
of my grandparents’ birthplace – La Isla del Encanto. 

Roll of the Dice
Scharisse Sierra

One day, before the pandemic, I mentioned in passing to a colleague (who also happened to be a parent in my classroom) that I always wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons, but I didn’t know anyone “nerdy” enough to play with. Her response was:  “You do now!” We tried several times to get together to play, but something always came up. Then the pandemic hit. I was about three months pregnant. Like most people, we were quarantined at home, fearful of what contracting Covid-19 could do to my growing baby.  
 
Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of joy, family and community, but instead, we were unnaturally isolated from our loved ones and the outside world. After a few weeks of quarantine, my colleague reached out, saying that she and her husband were playing D&D through and online platform, and wanted us to join; we jumped at the opportunity.
 
I went from being pregnant with cabin fever, to having something to work on and look forward to every week. Imaginations were sparked, characters created, campaigns were waged and much laughter was shared. I also forged a lovely new friendship, which is so hard to do as a grown-up! So whenever I look at this set of dice, I remember the laughs and silliness of the game, and how it gave my partner and I a bit of respite from being pregnant and alone during Covid-19. 

Handwashing
Maria Lemire

The Covid-19 pandemic has (hopefully) changed the world's perspective on the importance of hand-washing. There is a rich history of this Jewish ritual that contributes to the survival of our people. Pictured here is a N'tilat Yadayim — which translates to "lifting up of the hands," a vessel for creating a sanctified experience of cleansing our physical and spiritual self. The four elements of earth, water, fire, and air help create this sacred ceramic object. The ceramics studio has been a haven for me in times of prosperity and despair; I am so grateful to have the opportunity to produce this fitting piece for where we are at in space and time.  
 
Baruch Atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam Asher Kidshanu B’mitzvotav Vitzivanu al Netilat Yadayim. 
 
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe who has sanctified us with divine commandments, and commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.