Purim is a special holiday that tells the story of a time when Mordecai and Queen Esther defeated Haman.
Our religious school children learn so much from this holiday. The first thing they learn is that it doesn’t always take an army to win a battle. In this case, it just took two individuals who loved the Jewish people to save them from elimination.
Purim also is a time for making gift boxes with hamantaschen, fruit and candy to deliver to members of the congregation who are unable to get to Temple.
Our children, with help from their parents, delivered those Purim boxes. They also presented a Purim play.
I was lucky to have been there to see it. All of the children of the Temple are important to the future of our people. We need to support them. All the parents were there, and I was the only one there who did not have a child in religious school.
Karen, Bruce embrace leadership roles
Karen Harris works diligently to make sure our religious school children receive their Jewish education. But she goes beyond teaching. Karen would drive out to the nursing home to bring the late Estelle Corrigan to see the children during holidays and to attend Shabbat services. Karen is an inspiration to me.
Bruce Black conducted Shabbat services on February 2, the Friday after Purim. I have heard the Purim story read many times but not the way Bruce told the story. I could envision every character as if watching a movie.
I could see Mordecai after King David had him dressed in white and purple silk, with a gold crown on his head, riding on the king’s horse.
I have spoken with other sisterhood presidents who serve small congregations such as ours and one told me her congregation only holds Shabbat service once a month, when a student rabbi is present.
We are so fortunate to have members who are capable and willing to conduct services when our student rabbi is not in town, and they do a great job.
Borrowed Hearts director to speak at April Sisterhood meeting
Please don’t forget to donate items for Borrowed Hearts, to benefit foster children.
The tables are set up in the Vestry Room and Borrowed Hearts Executive Director Sarah Gough will be our guest speaker at noon Tuesday, April 10.
I hope we can have a nice turnout for Sarah. Anyone who is interested in what the foundation is all about is welcome. The event will be a brown bag lunch.
Family sleep schedules adjust for newborn Robert
Now that I have all this covered, I can brag as all great-grandmas do.
I have a beautiful new great-grandson! Robert Hyman Sharp has lots of black hair and a face that can get by with anything. Mother and Dad are doing well with a little less sleep but that comes with a newborn.
I still sleep well at the other end of the house with a solid new door. I was ready for Robert.
Patty Lewis is president of UHC Terre Haute Sisterhood.