People

People and personalities involved with United Hebrew Congregation Terre Haute.

Remember Terry Fear by these words: ‘Do Justice. Love Mercy. March Proudly.’

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“Do Justice. Love Mercy. March Proudly.”

These words guided Terry Fear, a fierce advocate for social justice. With boldness and a strong moral compass, Terry knew what she was called to do.

She planted herself firmly and deeply at the intersection of Judaism and social justice, believing that one cannot love God without a passion for justice. Terry showed her loving family and friends what is possible within a lifetime of good deeds.

Terry is remembered by her family and friends for the passion, generosity and grace with which she lived her life.

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Terry Fear sought mindfulness of injustice and God’s expectations that we repair the world

By Ken Turetzky
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On the first night of Hanukkah, Terry Fear brought her menorah to a site across from the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute. She lit a candle and recited prayers in quiet protest as the Justice Department carried out the execution of Death Row inmate Brandon Bernard.

Terry left a menorah with Sister Barbara Battista and fellow activist Abe Bonowitz to light a second candle the next night, as Alfred Bourgeois met his death.

To the end, Terry worked passionately for social justice while serving as a dynamic force in the life of United Hebrew Congregation. She passed away suddenly Sunday, Dec. 13, at age 66, at her home in Charleston, Ill.

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Louise Sommers, who devoted her life to family, friends and community, passes away at age 95

By Nancy Sommers
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Louise Levite Sommers died peacefully on November 30, surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers. She is remembered by her family and friends for her beauty and grace, her ever-present smile and her generous acts of loving kindness.

Born Liesl-Lotte Levite on April 24, 1925, in Straubing, Germany, to Irma and Max Levite, Louise could trace her family roots in Bavaria back to the 16th century.

When Louise was seven, her mother died tragically as the result of a carbon monoxide leak. At age 11, she and her younger sister Elsa escaped Nazi Germany, living first in London, then arriving in Terre Haute, where their one relative, her Uncle Salo Levite, lived.

About arriving in America, Louise remarked, “You can’t imagine how I felt when I first saw the Statue of Liberty. I think it waved to me, “Welcome, Stranger.”

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Women of Reform Judaism Central District awards Deborah Honor to Wilma Turetzky

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Women of Reform Judaism Central District recognized UHC Sisterhood member Wilma Turetzky with a Deborah Honor during its Nov. 6-8 Virtual Gathering.

In all, WRJCD named 18 women from 17 congregations in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky, based on nominations by their local Sisterhood organizations.

“The Deborah Honor gives each Sisterhood in Central District the opportunity to recognize a woman who exemplifies many of the qualities of our prophet and judge Deborah, such as solving problems, strategizing with military precision and providing wise counsel,” wrote Awards Committee Chair Lisa Kalson and Vice President Marketing/Communications Pamela Feldman-Hill.

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