If justice is up to us as God’s people, we must lead with compassion and not anger

By Student Rabbi Remy Liverman
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During the Jewish festival of Sukkot, a part of the Jewish High Holy Days, we read from the Book of Exodus where God instructs Moses to chisel new tablets upon which God will engrave the Ten Commandments.

As Moses takes the new tablets up to Mt. Sinai, God reveals His glory to Moses, proclaiming His 13 Attributes of Mercy:

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished…. (Exodus 34:6-7).”

The dilemma we face when interpreting this sacred text involves understanding a God of forgiveness, love and compassion and yet also punitive retribution for the guilty.

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When routine becomes intention, we bring our own meaning to spiritual practice

By Betsy Frank
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Although I am not shomer Shabbat by any means, attending Friday night services has become a part of my routine.

Dick and I either eat out or order takeout before services. We do the same for Saturday morning breakfast, following up with a visit to the Terre Haute Farmer’s Market.

When scheduled, Shabbat also includes Torah study for me. All these activities are a part of Shabbat in the Frank household.

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Sisterhood focuses on growth in 2022, sets ‘meet, greet and eat’ event for Dec. 19

By Patty Lewis
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I would like to invite all current and future UHC Sisterhood members to my home at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, for a “meet, greet and eat” event.

Covid has kept us apart for much of 2020 and 2021. But in the meantime, the congregation has added a few members and we’d love to welcome them.

Call Norma at the Temple at (812) 232-5988 to RSVP or use our contact form.

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Like the Maccabees of old, we can dispel the darkness with faith and Jewish pride

By Student Rabbi Matt Derrenbacher
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With so much of our time spent in the dark (before the winter solstice occurs Dec. 21), this time of year can be particularly difficult for a lot of us.

The pandemic rages on; antisemitism continues to run rampant in communities and on college campuses; social and political division drives communities, friends and even families apart.

It is at this time of deep darkness that we need to let the light in. But how do we accomplish this difficult task?

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