Voices

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

Legally speaking: What is power of attorney, and when do we need it?

By B. Scott Skillman
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Continuing my series on routine planning to assist family and friends in the event of incapacity or death, this month’s article focuses on the creation and use of a “power of attorney.”

People often assume that the phrase power of attorney has something to do with a lawyer. The term “attorney” often involves lawyers, but it actually applies to persons authorized to act on behalf of another. 

So, for our purposes here today, keep in mind that lawyers need not be involved at all. Which is not to say they should not be involved, but only that it is not required.

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Sisterhood takes time off until March, plans kitchen shower

By Patty Lewis
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Sisterhood held our final meeting of the season in November in the new Meadows Cafe at Meadows Shopping Center. We decided we enjoyed having lunch together and so each month we will find a different restaurant where we can get together. I’m going to check out the Fly-IN Cafe at Terre Haute Regional Airport for our next meeting in March 2019.

We also hope to schedule a shower to replenish the Temple kitchen, and could use some first aid items as well. We will be sending out a flyer between now and March and you can bring your items to the March meeting or drop them by the Temple.

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Speak out, reach out to enhance understanding and combat hate

By Betsy Frank
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During the seasons of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, both of which celebrate religious freedom, this is a column I did not want to write. But write I must.

On October 27, worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue were gunned down during a Shabbat morning service. This act is but one symptom of hate in our society and even our own Wabash Valley community, where anti-Semitic flyers have appeared.

As Jews, we have grown a bit complacent about our freedoms, including the freedom to pray in our synagogues without fear.

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When Hanukkah is not enough: Jews consider their place in Christmas culture

By Student Rabbi Jonathan Falco
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December in America is unlike any other month. The cold bite of winter finally sets in, the sky grows dark earlier and consumerism abounds.

A confluence of all these factors gives way to the general feelings of cheeriness that characterize this holiday season. In just about every city, it seems as though we are inundated with fake icicles and the fresh smell of evergreen furs while Nat King Cole takes over the radio and becomes the elevator music a la mode.

Nativity scenes fill suburban lawns and neighbors quietly compete for the best display of Christmas lights in the neighborhood. Every year around this time, many American Jews begin wondering, “What is my relationship to this joyful holiday season that purportedly stems from a holiday that is not my own?”

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