Bylined opinion and news columns published by United Hebrew Congregation Terre Haute.
Often before the High Holy Days, I write a column that says, “Welcome Back”.
In thinking about this theme, I realized that “Welcome Back” is totally incorrect. This small but vital congregation never goes away. Like the Eveready Bunny, we keep on going.
Over these past 18 months (or is it 18 years?) of the pandemic we have continued to worship weekly and hold meetings via Zoom.
Shanah Tovah to all!
Hello United Hebrew Congregation of Terre Haute!
My name is Matt Derrenbacher and I am a fourth-year rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati.
I am super excited to spend this coming year with you all, praying, learning and creating meaningful Jewish spaces together.
During this month, we listen to the beautiful blasts of the shofar and begin to look inward and evaluate the past year.
Mah nishtanah ha-shanah ha-zeh? How is this year different than other years?
Every week at Shabbat services, we read that God finished all of the work of creation in six days and took a day of rest.
We also take a day of rest, for this reason, on the seventh day.
This spring, I started thinking more about the idea that we need to “finish our work” in order to take our day of rest.
In our busy world, with many demands on our time and indeed many things we each want to accomplish — for work, family, friends, creativity or social justice — it is difficult to imagine feeling as if our “work” is ever finished.
Jews are known as the People of the Book.
We have a long tradition of studying our sacred texts. We engage with these texts alone and in groups.
Not only do Jews study these sacred texts as part of life-long religious education, but this tradition of studying has led many Jews to careers as academics and professionals.
Our parents have encouraged us and we have fostered learning in our children and grandchildren.