Voices

Bylined opinion and news columns published by United Hebrew Congregation Terre Haute.

Student Rabbi Matt Derrenbacher: Let’s heal relationships with others, and ourselves

By Student Rabbi Matt Derrenbacher
unitedhebrewth Leave a comment

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?

Read More

Learn to balance work and life, and take satisfaction in that Shabbat day of rest

By Debra Israel
unitedhebrewth Leave a comment

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.

Read More

The People of the Book can always benefit from a good group study session

By Betsy Frank
unitedhebrewth Leave a comment

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.

Read More

Guided by mentors, Caitlin Brazner prepares to carry the flame forward, l’dor vador

By Student Rabbi Caitlin Brazner
unitedhebrewth Leave a comment

My journey to rabbinical school began with a meaningful conversation with my mentor, Rabbi Educator Vicki L. Tuckman, zichrona livracha.

After a great day working alongside Vicki at URJ Camp Harlam, a Jewish summer camp in Kunkletown, Pa., we found ourselves sitting on her cabin porch around midnight as the stars rose over the Mahoning Valley.

I still remember her exact words: “You’re going to be a rabbi — you just don’t know it yet.”

I laughed it off; a well-intentioned but incorrect prediction, I thought.

Eight years later, as I wrap up my fourth year of rabbinical school, it would seem an “I told you so” may be in order.

Read More