Betsy Frank is UHC para-rabbinic fellow and president.
For this issue of Hadashot, I had planned to write my usual welcome back from the summer. However, the events of these past few weeks have caused me to go in a different direction.
How can we respond to the hate that surrounds us? Many of us attended the vigil in support of Charlottesville held in August at the Vigo County Courthouse.
I spoke, as did Sara Wormser-Waltermire. Others in the congregation also attended and brought their children. But this demonstration is just the beginning.
As the prophet Micah stated so long ago, “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk modestly with your God.”
We must, wherever we can, speak out against hate and promote justice for all. As the prophet Micah stated so long ago, “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk modestly with your God. Then will your name achieve wisdom.” (JPS translation)
I also urge you to read Terry Fear‘s commentary, ‘The blights of society take precedence over the mysteries of heaven’.
And please look at the statement on violent events in Charlottesville published by the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council.
I also encourage you to “Like” our page on Facebook.
As we approach the High Holy Days, let’s examine our hearts and souls and seek ways in which we can do justice and love goodness as we walk together with God and our entire community.
Dick and I and our families wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.
In other news, please welcome our student rabbi, Kylynn Perdue-Bronson, a second-year student from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati.
Congregations such as ours play an important role in educating the next generation of rabbis. Let’s all help Kylynn grow and learn during her year with us.
Shalom,
Betsy Frank