Don't skip that 2nd dose + freedom from tax prep | this week's Top 5

+ rushing to normalcy took a toll in 1918 US Edition - Today's top story: People gave up on flu pandemic measures a century ago when they tired of them – and paid a price [View in browser]( US Edition | 28 March 2021 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Welcome to Sunday! The top five articles of the week on our website are listed below. A good read you may have missed: In keeping with tradition, Jews are gathering this weekend with family and friends for Passover Seders. Most of these ritual meals occur on the first or second nights of the weeklong holiday, which began yesterday at sundown. With social distancing still keeping many people apart, much of this gathering is happening virtually for the second year in a row. That’s certainly the case for my own family – and for my congregation, which has always held boisterous Seders on the holiday’s second night. Zoom’s not ideal for worship, but I’ve been inspired by my community’s ability to thrive and grow during the pandemic while relying on this tool. Samuel L. Boyd, a scholar of the Bible and ancient Judaism at the University of Colorado Boulder, [explains what Passover is]( and conveys how the holiday has always allowed “those who celebrate to remember tragedies and loss in the past while also generating a real sense of hope for the future.” Emily Schwartz Greco Philanthropy + Nonprofits Editor Armistice Day celebrations on Nov. 11, 1918, worried public health experts as people crowded together in cities across the U.S. AP Photo [People gave up on flu pandemic measures a century ago when they tired of them – and paid a price]( J. Alexander Navarro, University of Michigan Americans were tired of social distancing and mask-wearing. At the first hint the virus was receding, people pushed to get life back to normal. Unfortunately another surge of the disease followed. UPS employees roll out first doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the UPS hub in Louisville, Ky., on Dec. 13, 2020. Michael Clevenger/Getty Images [How effective is the first shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine?]( William Petri, University of Virginia The vaccine rollout is underway, but what happens if there is a supply disruption? Would it be feasible to change strategy and give more people a first dose? An expert analyzes the data. - [Why can’t the IRS just send Americans a refund – or a bill?]( Beverly Moran, Vanderbilt University Dozens of prosperous countries save billions of dollars and hours annually by not requiring residents to fill out tax returns, so what is the United States waiting for? - [Why Christianity put away its dancing shoes – only to find them again centuries later]( Kathryn Dickason, University of Southern California Despite opposition from the early church, dance was an integral part of Christian devotion for many centuries before falling out of favor. - [How good is the AstraZeneca vaccine – and is it really safe? 5 questions answered]( Maureen Ferran, Rochester Institute of Technology AstraZeneca just announced results from its US-based trial. It found the vaccine to be 79% effective and safe for use, despite recent concerns around reports of blood clots. You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451