During this period of counting the omer, we realize the value of counting on each other

Just as had been my experience last year, I have fond memories of enjoying Passover Shabbat and seder with United Hebrew Congregation.

Again, the warm hospitality of the UHC community was on full display. Those who helped to purchase the food, prepare the meal, set the tables, welcome folks at the door, and share experiences and memories during the seder meal were key.

They helped to promote a welcoming environment for guests of different faith traditions who joined the celebration. I enjoyed singing together, the meal, the conversations, and the afikomen hunting escapades.

Thanks to the amazing efforts of Patricia, Debra, Karen, Scott and all who contributed to the effort. Also, a special shout-out to Norma and Bruce, who worked behind the scenes to make sure our congregational haggadot would be printed, overcoming technical challenges to make it happen.

Words from the Pirke Avot

As I finish this column, we are almost halfway through the period of the Omer, on day 22 of 49 days (we count the Omer during the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot.)

It is customary to study Pirke Avot (Portions of our Fathers), which is a book contained in the Mishneh, part of Jewish oral tradition, during this period.

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I?

One of my favorite sayings from the book — also lyrics from a song I learned while a camper at URJ Greene Family Camp in Bruceville, Texas, many years ago — is a quote from Rabbi Hillel: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And, if not now, when? (Avot 1:14).

Through this teaching, we learn that we must not only value our own lives but also the lives of others, and the time to demonstrate this teaching is always relevant.

How Jews learned to survive and thrive

With the congregation’s upcoming relocation from our synagogue building to a location still unknown, I am reminded of the story of the great Jewish sage Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai.

After the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, the Romans were not allowing living Jews to leave the city. The rabbi instructed his students to smuggle him out in a coffin and eventually was taken before the Roman governor, who was impressed by his wisdom and allowed him three requests.

One of the three requests — which miraculously was granted — was the establishment of a Beit Midrash (a house of study) in the town of Yavneh.

Our emphasis shifted from a physical place to a spiritual one. We rooted ourselves in one another and in the ethical and social teachings of our tradition.

It was this move to decentralize services that allowed Judaism to survive and thrive even after the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Our emphasis shifted from a physical place to a spiritual one. We rooted ourselves in one another and in the ethical and social teachings of our tradition.

We always remembered our ancient Temple, and we mourned the loss of a sense of place, but we did not need the Temple and its courtyard to survive as a community.

However, we do need to remember to be here for one another.

UHC recognizes Temple Sisterhood

During my May 22-24 visit, we will observe Shavuot. The Shabbat of Shavuot will be even more special as we will be celebrating Sisterhood Shabbat, honoring the many women who dedicated themselves to the UHC community over the years.

Patty Lewis, Wilma Turetzky and I have been meeting to prepare, and I am looking forward to honoring the long-term contributions of UHC Sisterhood over the years.

I hope you will be able to join us and that we, as a community, will continue to go from strength to strength. We can live out the words of Rabbi Hillel to be not only for ourselves, but also for others, in connection with our historical, current, and future challenges and opportunities.

Rabbi Jennifer Lewis will serve UHC Terre Haute during the 2025-26 academic year.