Man Embraces His Jewish Identity

Munster, IN – John Doherty of Griffith has acquired another name, thanks to Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov of Chabad of Northwest Indiana.

“You can call me Yehonatan Ben Avraham if you like,” he says to friends who still address him by his English name.

According to Doherty, since Zalmanov’s arrival, an awakening had occurred in his soul. He said it felt like the time had come to receive a Hebrew name that reflected his inner change.

Doherty was born Jewish, but his childhood experiences and memories lacked identification with the people of Abraham. Leading an assimilated existence, John did not receive a Hebrew name at birth.

Later in life, he joined Temple Beth El of Munster, a reformed congregation with a more liberal slant.

“Life is a series of transitions. My search began as a child and Temple Beth El was part of an important phase. A time comes for the spiritual journey to move on and reach the next level,” Doherty said.

Doherty credits Zalmanov’s patience and depth of knowledge for giving him what he has been searching for.

Aware that Jews living in small towns lack higher Jewish learning institutions while fighting to maintain Jewish identity, Rabbi Zalmanov has started an Orthodox synagogue complete with educational programs.

“We feel that what we were given while growing up in terms of a rich Jewish education must have a great purpose than just for living our own personal lives,” Zalmanov said.

Recently the congregation acquired a Torah scroll, containing the Five Books of Moses vital to a Jewish service, of its own. On May 29, in Munster’s Grove Park, the congregants welcomed the new Torah, and after the congregants sang and danced, the Munster police escorted the Torah and parade of followers down the street. According to Zalmanov, it was “truly a community milestone.”

Doherty was asked to carry a lighted torch and lead the way as the people followed their scroll to its new home. Doherty said a strange feeling came over him while serving his congregation.

“I felt I was like one who guided the Jews to the Holy Land after God Gave them the Torah on Mount Sinai,” Doherty said.