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| Sat, 21 Dec 2024 19:56:31 -0600 — |
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JCHC Beginnings |
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In the late 1970's Dr. Herman "Hy" Miller and a handful of Jews,
began what has grown into the Jewish Community of the Hill Country.
Dr. Miller's childhood was that of Jews in the wilderness of America,
in that his family was one of a few immigrant Jewish families from Eastern Europe,
who lived scattered around the tiny town of Harlan, Kentucky.
His family held Shabbat services in their home to which they invited others.
Soon others began hosting services.
Eventually a congregation of twenty families rented a building and created for themselves a Shul. Dr. Miller, upon moving to the Hill Country, assigned to the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in the podiatry department, thought he and his boss were the only Jews living in the area until a patient sat before him and said in Yiddish, "Bist du Yid?" to which he replied, "Vos den?" Learning there were three Jews, Dr. Miller reasoned there may be more. He began advertising, planting stories in the local newspapers and inquiring after other Jews in the area. Slowly up to twenty-five fellow Jews, who thought they were alone in their religious belief, contacted the doctor. They formed a group, elected Dr. Miller as their first president and named themselves "The Jewish Community of the Hill Country" (JCHC). Members of the JCHC began hosting services in their homes as in Dr. Miller’s youth, but the expanse of the Hill Country was much greater than in Kentucky, making it difficult for weekly gatherings. Hy Miller seized upon the idea of a monthly Shabbat potluck dinner and services. The JCHC also held their first Passover Seder in the basement of the Methodist church. The very first Oneg Shabbat was held in September 1982. It was held at the chapel at the VA Hospital; it was a magical night, with about 20 in attendance. The JCHC was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation on December 17, 1985. In 1995, the congregation realized we were missing one important ingredient which would be a solidifying symbol for them — a Torah. To see photos of our scroll and learn the fascinating history of how the Czech Scrolls were rescued, please see Our Torah page. |
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Site Last Updated: Copyright © 2015–2024— |
May 31, 2024
by The Jewish Community of the Hill Country |