Voices

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

As Israel turns 73, we mourn victims of war on Yom HaZikaron; celebrate on Yom Ha’atzmaut

By Student Rabbi Caitlin Brazner
unitedhebrewth Leave a comment

This week, beginning at sundown Tuesday, April 13, Israelis observe the twin national holidays of Yom HaZikaron, the Day of Remembrance, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day.

The largest and some of the most widely observed of Israel’s national holidays, Remembrance Day and Independence Day offer Israelis and indeed, Jews worldwide, an opportunity to reflect on the Jewish State and its importance in our lives.

Yom HaZikaron is a solemn day in Israel, memorializing Israeli soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the War of Independence and subsequent battles.

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, follows on Thursday, April 14, as an altogether different affair.

Read More

Sisterhood to lay stones at Highland Lawn, publishes large-format 2021-22 directory

By Patty Lewis
unitedhebrewth Leave a comment

With the arrival of Spring, I have a worthy project for Sisterhood and any Temple members who would like to participate.

Wilma, Jackie and I have twice visited Highland Lawn Cemetery to place stones on Jewish graves, and we’re planning to return on a to-be-determined day in May to do so again.

Placing a stone on a headstone is a simple way to remember those who played vibrant roles in our Temple community and are now gone, and whose family members are not here to honor them.

I also want to thank everyone for the phone calls and emails letting me know how much you have enjoyed the new large-format, 2021-22 Sisterhood directory we recently published and mailed.

Read More

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

By Betsy Frank
unitedhebrewth Leave a comment

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.

Read More

Echoing Leviticus, we are a nation of priests, sacrificing for the sanctity of human life

By Student Rabbi Caitlin Brazner
unitedhebrewth Leave a comment

This month, as Purim gives way to Passover, as snow turns to spring rains, we will come to the book of Leviticus in our Torah cycle.

With its chapters of priestly codes, sacrificial rites and often unmodern laws and restrictions, Leviticus can be challenging for some of us to read as contemporary, progressive Jews.

What does a user manual for Temple practice have to do with us, Reform Jews living a millennium after the destruction of said Temple?

What can we glean from its many teachings around sacrifice and ritual giving?

Read More