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?
Student Rabbi Matt Derrenbacher will officiate High Holidays services in the sanctuary at United Hebrew Congregation for the New Year 5782, beginning with Erev Rosh Hashanah services at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6.
All attendees must wear masks and practice social distancing between families or pods. One person or family may use the restroom at one time. Please stay home if ill with any respiratory or gastrointestinal issues. In-person attendance schedule subject to change, according to Vigo County COVID prevalence.
Members may also attend via Zoom conference. To request an invite, contact Betsy Frank, send a Facebook message or use our contact form.
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.
