Betsy Frank is UHC para-rabbinic fellow and president.
Once again, the month of Elul is upon us and at the end of September, Rosh Hashanah.
This yearly cycle gives us all the opportunity for cheshbon hanefesh, or engaging in an audit or accounting of the soul. This accounting provides us the time to consider how we might improve our personal lives and rectify wrongs done to others.
Our congregation also looks at its collective soul, which is grounded in UHC’s mission statement.
Personal soul audits are not the only audits we can perform. Our congregation also looks at its collective soul, which is grounded in UHC’s mission statement. What have we accomplished as a congregation? What more can we do to live out our mission statement?
Are you familiar with the UHC mission statement?
Do you know what our mission statement is? It’s posted prominently on our website and I have started publishing it on each board meeting monthly agenda. Everything we do as a congregation should relate to our mission statement:
United Hebrew Congregation is committed to maintaining the Jewish presence in the Wabash Valley by providing religious, spiritual, educational and social programming.
United Hebrew Congregation is committed to maintaining the Jewish presence in the Wabash Valley by providing religious, spiritual, educational and social programming.
We strive to broaden and strengthen our connections with all members of the Jewish community. We value our historical role as an integral part of the wider Wabash Valley community and endeavor to contribute to its welfare.
So, how do you think we are doing as a congregation? As you begin the month of Elul, take an accounting of not only your own soul, but the congregation’s.
Let us know what more we can be doing to live out our mission. And let us know what you can do to help us achieve our mission.
Shalom,
Betsy Frank