Voices

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

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

By Betsy Frank
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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.

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

By Student Rabbi Caitlin Brazner
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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?

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A good argument can lead to healthy transitions, if we agree to resolve our differences

By Betsy Frank
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All life involves transitions. We move from one place to another, sometimes willingly, sometimes not.

Our family relationships change due to marriage, divorce, birth and death.

Yet, we survive and our lives evolve into other forms. In January, we witnessed the transition from one U.S. president to another.

Disagreements are a part of our Jewish heritage and yet our people­hood — our religion — remains intact.

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Amanda Gorman’s faith meets Esther’s courage to commemorate a Purim story of resilience

By Student Rabbi Caitlin Brazner
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Barely one month ago, this country exercised one of its more profound and significant rituals: the peaceful transfer of power from one political leader to the next.

The inauguration of a new president is a shining example of democratic excellence and a testament to our nation’s devotion to the groundbreaking ideals enshrined in our Constitution.

This year’s Inauguration Day proved no exception. Though threatened two weeks earlier by insurrectionist violence at the Capitol, the peaceful events of Jan. 20, 2021, affirmed Americans’ unflagging commitment to our democratic ideals.

Among the many fine speakers at the inauguration, one in particular stood out — 22-year-old Amanda Gorman.

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