Holidays

Jewish holidays at United Hebrew Congregation Terre Haute.

High Holidays 5782 schedule to begin with Erev Rosh Hashanah services Monday, September 6

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Student Rabbi Matt Derrenbacher will officiate High Holidays services in the sanctuary at United Hebrew Congregation for the New Year 5782, beginning with Erev Rosh Hashanah services at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6.

All attendees must wear masks and practice social distancing between families or pods. One person or family may use the restroom at one time. Please stay home if ill with any respiratory or gastrointestinal issues. In-person attendance schedule subject to change, according to Vigo County COVID prevalence.

Members may also attend via Zoom conference. To request an invite, contact Betsy Frank, send a Facebook message or use our contact form.

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Temple sets second virtual Passover seder for Saturday, March 27. Next year in Terre Haute!

By Betsy Frank
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As the old saying goes, “Love is lovelier the second time around.”

However, a virtual Seder is not necessarily lovelier the second time around. Alas, one more time with feeling, we will be holding our second consecutive remote Passover celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 27.

It won’t necessarily be lovelier but we will be together with our community, and that is what matters.

Student Rabbi Caitlin Brazner will conduct the event. And like last year, we will perform the ceremonial parts of the Seder online before individuals and families enjoy their own main meals.

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Hanukkah reminds us to seek light, and unity, in moments of darkness

By Student Rabbi Caitlin Brazner
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As winter approaches and 2020 (finally) nears its end, it’s hard not to think back and reflect on what’s been. After a year of divisive and polarizing politics, racial unrest and injustice, and a global pandemic that continues to ravage our country (among other issues), I can’t help but think that our season of darkness began much sooner.

This year hasn’t been easy. We feel divided and disillusioned, disappointed and disheartened.

We are entering a holiday season that many of us, due to COVID restrictions, will be forced to spend socially distanced, if not alone. We have spent endless months grappling with big questions and big challenges; that wrestling has left us tired.

And yet, at the darkest (in daylight terms) time of year, our tradition calls for the lighting of candles in celebration of a miracle — a flame that lasted against all odds and provided light when we needed it most.

Hanukkah is a story of hope and renewal, of light and warmth for these coming cold nights.

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Try these Tashlich tips to safely cast off your sins this Rosh Hashanah

By Student Rabbi Emily Dana
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While we can’t be physically together Rosh Hashanah afternoon for Tashlich (the throwing of bread or birdseed into water to represent the casting off of our sins), here are some resources that will help you observe on your own.

This holiday season may be very different than the ones that you have experienced in the past, and that is OK. Do your best to create sacred space and time in any way that works for you.

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