Betsy Frank is UHC para-rabbinic fellow and president.
The Hebrew calendar advises us that here in the northern hemisphere, the Ten Days of Awe, when we practice Teshuvah, occur during the fall (or in some years, late summer).
Sukkot also occurs in the fall. And on the secular calendar, students go back to school as fall begins.
This year, many of the seasonal celebrations have occurred virtually and parents, students and teachers are coping with online education.
Nevertheless, fall remains a time of new beginnings, even in a virtual environment.
Recently, a visitor to our website asked for information on Rabbi Samuel N. Deinard (1872-1921), who served our congregation during the last years of the 19th century.
My research took me to Herman Koren‘s Commemorative Book: 150th Anniversary of the Jewish Community in Terre Haute 1849-1999, where I came across a quote from the first ordained rabbi in Terre Haute, Dr. Alexander Lyons. At the dedication of the first Temple Israel in 1891, Rabbi Lyons described the synagogue as the “school house of the soul”.
I thought about this quote as the month of Elul, when we prepare for the High Holy Days, began. This year is certainly different because our Temple, since March, has conducted its business virtually.
The past year split abruptly into segments following two distinct realities — one pre-Covid and one post-Covid.
Before the middle of March, we worshipped weekly at the Temple. We celebrated monthly onegs when student rabbi Remy Liverman led services.
Religious school studied weekly under the capable leadership of Karen Harris with help from Debra Israel and Jennifer Garcia-Israel. Sisterhood gathered on the second Tuesday of each month, weather and health permitting.
Then, Boom! Zoom! A stay-at-home order changed everything.
Some Jews count the Omer. I sometimes do, but I am also counting weeks of self-isolation.
We have just concluded 49 days of counting, which began April 9 and ended May 28 (between the second night of Passover and the Shavuot holiday).
I could say, “Where does the time go?” But time does seem to pass a bit more slowly these days.
Our regular routines are disrupted. If we normally employ a cleaning person, that person isn’t coming. Book clubs may meet via Zoom or may not meet at all.
Still, technology has allowed our congregation to remain active. We hold weekly services, engage in Torah study with our student rabbi and hold virtual board meetings.