JFGI Magazine April 2014 by Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis

April 2014 Volume 1, No. 1

Jewish Federati n The strength of a people. The power of community.

News

Super Sunday Success! Page 4 Fifty Years of Libby Fogle Lunch Bunch Page 10 Hasten Hebrew Academy Eighth Grade Wins National ACLU Contest Page 15

Lior Balavie & Hooshir A Capella Group to Perform for Israel Indpendence Day Page 7

The Federation News Volume 1, No. 1

Scholarships and Internships

In This Issue

The Samuel Kroot Internship Program provides an opportunity for those who have completed at least one year of college to work at a Federation agency and to learn about the structure and social services in the Jewish community. Possible internship placements for the summer of 2014 are with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, the Bureau of Jewish Education, the Jewish Community Center Advancement and Marketing/PR, the Jewish Community Relations Council and Hooverwood. Descriptions of internships and an application can be found at www.JFGI.org. Submit application, resume, college transcript and three letters of reference by Friday, April 25, 2014 (extended deadline). To submit application and for questions, email internship@JFGI.org.

The Samual Kroot Internship Program

Endowment 4 Campaign 4-5 Young Leadership Division 6 Shaliach 6 Israel Partnership2Gether 7-9 The PJ Library of Greater Indianapolis 9 The Reuben Center 10-11 Bureau of Jewish Education 11 Hooverwood 12 Jewish Community Relations Council 13 Jewish Community Center 14 Hasten Hebrew Academy 15 Jewish Campus Life 16 Community News 17-18 Synagogues 19 Passover 20

Keep in Touch! Let’s stay in touch! Have you moved? Did your phone number or email change? We like to keep our records as up-to-date as possible in order to let you know of upcoming programs and events. Please let us know of any changes in your contact information by emailing us at updates@JFGI.org. Get current news, information about programs and initiatives, and photos and recaps of events via our monthly e-newsletter, Facebook and Twitter. If you don’t receive the JFGI e-newsletter, subscribe by calling the Federation office at 317.726.5450 or send us an email at marketing@JFGI.org. Find plenty of information about the Federation and the Indianapolis Jewish community on our website, www.JFGI.org.

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Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis JFGI Young Leadership Division JFGI Israel Connections

The Federation News Executive Vice President Debra Barton Grant President Paul A. Kraft Marketing Director and Editor Julia Goodman

Need Extras of the JFGI News? Have you or a family member been in a recent issue of the JFGI News and you’d like extra copies? The Federation has archives of past issues. Stop by the Federation offices and see Julia Goodman to get your extra copies to share with friends and family.

Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc. Samuel Kroot Community Services Office 6705 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260-4120 Phone: 317.726.5450 • Fax: 317.205.0307 • www.JFGI.org

www.JFGI.org

Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc., and in cooperation with its partner agencies: Jewish Community Center Association, Hooverwood, The Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center Bureau of Jewish Education and Jewish Community Relations Council.

OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

Commemorating Yom HaShoah Please join the Jewish Federation as we come together to commemorate the Holocaust during the week of April 27. There are many opportunities to remember, honor and pay tribute at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, the Jewish Community Center and downtown Indianapolis and Carmel. Turn to pages 18 and 19 for details.

Executive VP

From the Desk of Debby Grant

need a strategic approach with national support and coordination. In 2010, the Jewish Federations of North America, representing 150 local federations, allocated significant resources so that the Israel Action Network could serve this purpose. The Jewish Council for Public Affairs—with its 16 national member organizations, including all four of the religious movements, and 125 Jewish Community Relations Councils, which work with non-Jewish coalition partners on a range of international and domestic concerns—was the JFNA’s obvious partner. One principle that guides this work is that we should understand our audiences. When we speak with others, we should do so with respect for the sensitivities of that constituency so that our important messages are authentically heard. Whether on a campus or in a church, we should always be clear that we stand as partners, sharing the goal of a future with peace and security— not one of conflict and BDS. Experience and research demonstrate that what works best is not an all-good-vs-all-bad characterization of Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, a more nuanced narrative is more likely to defeat the one-sided and hostile stance of those seeking to delegitimize Israel. This means honestly conveying the situation’s complexity, expressing empathy for suffering on both sides (without implying moral equivalency), and offering a constructive pathway to helping the parties move toward peace based on two states for two peoples. In addition to exposing the true goals of the boycotters and their allies, Israel’s supporters must also go on the offensive and drain the swamps of ignorance that allow the poisonous ideas of the Jewish state’s opponents to incubate. Thus, we are taking the initiative to inoculate vulnerable politically progressive sectors, presenting a factual perspective on Israel and taking prominent leaders to the region to see the real situation firsthand. There is no imminent threat to the critical and broad North American support for Israel. But American support for Israel is not something to be taken for granted in light of the organized campaign we now face. While we should not be panicked, we cannot be complacent either. We pledge to continue to work hard to prevent any erosion of that support.

Beating Back the Assult on Israel’s Legitimacy On March 11, 2014, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) published the following op-ed written by the CEO/Presidents of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA; Jerry Silverman) and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA; Rabbi Steve Gutow). With permission, we are reprinting excerpts of this article below. JFGI is proud of our JCRC, which works to strengthen the understanding of and support for Israel among the policy, civic, business and faith leaders in the greater community. In the coming months, JCRC plans to roll out programming that will help members of our Jewish community become confident advocates and effectively combat the efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel. You may contact Linsey Mintz at lmintz@indyjcrc.org for more information.

www.JFGI.org

NEW YORK (JTA)—Leaders of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement say they are simply protesting Israel’s policies in the West Bank. They are doing far more than that. BDS advocates routinely oppose a two-state solution and seek to delegitimize the sovereign, Jewish State of Israel. In some cases, BDS becomes the latest form of anti-Semitism. The BDS movement aims to isolate and punish Israel, using the same techniques applied to apartheid South Africa. Not hesitating to misrepresent facts and ignore context, these Israel bashers take advantage of ignorance and naïveté within civil society circles to advance their anti-Israel agenda. BDS advocates cite the security checkpoints that make life difficult for Palestinians, but conveniently overlook the reasons for those checkpoints. They ignore the fact that hurting Israel’s economy would also hurt Palestinians who earn their livelihoods from Israeli-owned businesses. They don’t bother to protest the many countries that have horrific human rights records, instead singling out the world’s only Jewish state, often based on false information. With calls for BDS escalating in the mainline Protestant churches, on college campuses and elsewhere, Jewish community leaders realize that the situation calls for more than an ad hoc approach: local communities

Endowment

Campaign

Endowment

Annual Campaign

Wherever You Go

Super Sunday Success!

www.JFGI.org

Recently I was reading the Jewish Federation of Collier County newspaper and was amazed at the number of opportunities to connect to the Jewish community of Naples and Ft. Myers, Florida. If you wanted to see Israeli films, learn mahjong, hear fabulous speakers or just meet new friends, you had a buffet of options. It hit me that just about anywhere you go there is a Jewish community— Singapore, Savannah, Lisbon, Havana, Honolulu. Whether we are permanent or part-time residents, or passing through on our way home and whether we choose to connect or not—Jewish communities have resources available to us. Synagogues, Federations, chavurah, Hillels, Chabad and JCCs offer connections. I know that when my parents traveled overseas, they always made it a point to visit the local synagogue or make a connection to the local Jewish community. When I was younger, I wondered why these stops were part of their itinerary. Now, as a parent and grandparent I understand. Knowing that there are “members of the tribe” or “landsmen” in these foreign locations helps to ease the fact that we are “strangers.” By making a connection, we were unconsciously saying, “We are your relatives; we have a commonality; even though we might not speak the same language or eat the same food, we are all family.” It is that sense of comfort, familiarity and genetic memory of our ancestors that links us. Our Indianapolis Jewish community offers connections through our magazine, website, flyers, phone calls, tweets, emails, our agency programs and services and our synagogues. Whether you are young or mature, there are ways to be linked to a caring community. You are a part of the Indianapolis Jewish family!

Thank you, Indianapolis, for answering the call on Super Sunday! Our volunteers joined together on February 23 and 24 for the Jewish Federation’s annual phone-athon and together raised a total of $96,000! Many thanks to event co-chairs Matt Tobe, Emily Gurwitz and Marina Grabovsky for all of their work planning this special event. A special thanks also goes out to the young men and women of the BBG and AZA youth groups for making calls to thank our donors. Thanks to the staff of the Bureau of Jewish Education for their hard work in hosting this event. Congratulations go to our prize winners! Vladimir Ostrovsky got the most increases, Emily Gurwitz and Jennifer Rosenberg brought in the most new donors, Jennifer Rosenberg also completed the most cards and Mary Smith raised the most money. Quinn Buckner, Pacer Sports and Communications Vice President of Communications spoke to volunteers about the power of community service. He thanked them for their commitment to making Indianapolis and the world a better place. Thanks to Dr. John Abrams for inviting Mr. Buckner to join Super Sunday activities. Super Sunday is an Annual Campaign tradition, raising funds that support our local agencies, and help meet essential social service needs in Indianapolis, Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Thank you for answering the call and supporting this important effort.

Endowment Director

Annual Campaign

Ca mpaign

www.JFGI.org

YLD

Young Leadership Division

February Shabbat

www.JFGI.org

Shabbats with YLD January Shabbat

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support all Young Leadership Programs.

Youg Leadership Division Save the Dates Tuesday, April 22: Post Passover Pizza Party with Indy-

Chai and Torah on Tap Saturday, May 3: YLD Israel Independence Day Celebration

Sunday, May 4

Commemorate & Celebrate Israel

Israel Memorial Day Yom Ha’Zikaron

Bureau of Jewish Education 6711 Hoover Road Soldier Stories on Display

3:30 p.m. B ureau of Jewish Education

Memorial Day Program 4:00 p.m. Domont Auditorium

It is customary to wear a white top and dark bottoms. For more information visit www.JFGI.org or contact Roy Swisa at 317.800.9350 or shaliach@JFGI.org.

Israel Independence Day Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Lior Balavie and Hooshir A Cappella Group 5:00 p.m. Laikin Auditorium, Arthur M. Glick JCC 6701 Hoover Road

Israeli-Style Buffet 6:30 p.m.

D omont Auditorium

$10/person, $18/couple, $30/family (up to four children)

An Israel Travelogue

Emissary

Israeli Shaliach

In Israel

by Michelle and Marv Hershenson

www.JFGI.org

How Do New Experiences Shape Who You Are? The night of December 8 was my first encounter with the word “blizzard.” I will be honest, I liked it. Everything was coated in white from all the snow. I was excited to see how pretty it was. I woke up at 6:00 a.m. to do a tour around my white-coated home. I walked and listened to the sound of silence. This was wonderful, but was it the most meaningful experience from my first six months in the U.S.? In the last six months I have gotten an understanding about how the U.S. and Israel are similar, but also different. In the U.S. we have almost half of the Jewish population. In Israel, we can find most of the other half. Even though most of the Jewish population lives in these two countries, we find it hard to have a Jewish conversation. What would the questions be? How will we need to react here in the U.S. to the Pew report? What will be the future of the conservative movement be? Why aren’t the ultra-Orthodox part of the IDF? We will find these great gaps of interest between our two Jewish cultures. Here in Indianapolis I have found myself as a two-way bridge. I bring to this community Israel and I take the U.S. Jewish culture with me. I see us as one big community. In the future, we will need to use more bridges between our two cultures. To be able to get to know the Israeli culture better, we will need to have real conversations with Israel. We need to have a real connection to Israel. We need to be there. Here in our community we have already built bridges that are waiting for you. Birthright is a free 10-day trip to Israel for ages 18-26. MASA offers internships in Israel in a large variety of fields. Partnership programs like “The Same Moon” match you with a family in Israel from our Partnership area who will bring you to Israel or will bring Israel into your home. You can host an Israeli JCC camp counselor for 10 weeks in the summer. These are all wonderful opportunities to build a connection between our two cultures and start a Jewish conversation. If you want to be a “bridge” and to learn more about Israel, I will be very happy to provide you with a suitable program. Roy Swisa shaliach@JFGI.org 317.800.9350

The saying goes “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Never was this more profound for us than distinguishing the difference between knowing our Indianapolis community was part of a partnership area in Israel and experiencing it firsthand. We are so proud and privileged to see our Federation funds firsthand in process. Our deepest gratitude goes to Michele Boukai and Michelle Korin for the detailed arrangements. In 28 hours, my husband, Marv, my sister–in-law Marilyn and I saw the best of the best. Our first stop was at Sulam Tzor High School, which overlooks the Lebanese border. Most touching was the display in the lobby with pictures of every student or family member of a student who was killed in war. Contrasted with North Central High School’s Hall of Fame, these former students contributed their lives. Unfortunately the gallery is growing. The school was quite resourceful in using recycled products in its décor outside, and even captures rainwater for later use in the toilet flushing process. Lunch with administrators revealed details about the Israeli education system. It requires community service hours from all students, who are pulled from many rural communities and must function despite the proximity of possible attacks. The afternoon was spent in Bustan HaGalil visiting the “Wings” program, which enables young people with disabilities to be independent, learn critical employment skills and, if able, learn resourceful behaviors to serve Israel other than the traditional army service. We were impressed with the director Susan Nirens and her relationship with the residents, who transformed their lives in a few short months. Our dinner with Partnership volunteers at a local Rosh Hanikra restaurant included a visit with Tali Mashraky Dan, who lived in Indianapolis as a high school student when her parents taught at the Hasten Hebrew Academy for three years. Read the rest of Michelle and Marv’s article about their trip to Israel at www.JFGI.org.

P2G

Israel Partnership2Gether

others went to live temporarily with family in other areas of Israel and suffer from PTSD. At Nes Ammim, we witnessed the power of interfaith dialogue. Founded 51 years ago by Dutch Christians and rooted in the Shoah, Nes Ammim was a sign of solidarity with the Jewish people, marking a change of view in post-war Christian thinking and theology. Volunteers live and work at the kibbutz and, with the support of European churches. Nes Ammim is a place where people of all different nationalities and religions meet, talk and study together. These are but a few ways we connected with Israel and her people through Partnership2Gether. Your possibilities to connect are as endless and creative as your own imagination. Start dreaming!

Profound Connections

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support Israel programs in Indianapolis.

PJ Library

PJ Library of Greater Indianapolis

Play Pals Play Pals is a free program open to children ages 0-24 months and takes place in the Big Muscle Room of the Hasten Hebrew Academy between 8:30-10:00 a.m. RSVPs are appreciated, but not necessary. Contact Naomi Secore at nlsecore@gmail.com with questions.

Save the Date Sunday, April 27: Kite Flying at JCC’s Earth Day Cele-

bration

www.JFGI.org

by Patti Freeman Dorson and Sonja Kantor “We would love to participate in the Jewish Leadership Mission to the Western Galilee, but what is this Partnership thing?” That was the question on our minds as we began making plans to join folks from Louisville and Dayton in a weeklong visit to northwest of Israel. The night we arrived we began to learn about the Partnership. Through The Jewish Agency for Israel, 12 cities in the middle of the U.S. are connected with the Mateh Asher region in the Western Galilee, comprised of multiple kibbutzim, moshavim and Arab villages, as well as the historic city of Akko. The Partnership comes to life through its four task forces: Arts and Community, Education, Medical and Resource Development. But understanding how the Partnership is organized and governed does not explain the magic of connection. At the heart of this extraordinary endeavor lie as many opportunities to build connections to the land and the people of Israel as one can possibly imagine. To illustrate the limitless potential for connection, one need only meet the passionate and committed staff and volunteers of Partnership2Gether. Judy, Michael, Heidi, Tania, Miri, Noa, Orit, Albert, Avital and so many more … new friends pouring spirit and soul into this human bridge spanning continents and connecting hearts. We also built connections with Rabbi Stan, Katie, Karen, Kathy and Peter from the U.S.—new friends who explored the Western Galilee with us. At the Hafuch al Hafuch Center in Akko, a program for at risk youth, we met Director Stasz who connects teens from Arab and Jewish sectors with chess tournaments and sports activities. These connections go beyond just the program, with participants from youth centers in other citDirector Stasz and a teen at the Hafuch Center ies as well. The teens are able to set aside their political differences and exhibit coexistence, mutual esteem and respect and even friendship. We were inspired, encouraged and hopeful about this program, as well as similar programs at Sheik Dunun Community Center. With Arie, we walked right up to the gate that separates Israel from Lebanon. We heard stories of the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war and how that dispute affected the lives of people in the Partnership area. Some were comforted by the presence of members of the IDF;

ASRSCRC

The Reuben Center

Making Life Easier

Libby Fogle Lunch Bunch

Do you want to continue to live in your home safely and securely? Do you know someone who might enjoy a friendly visit or phone call? Do you need medical or grocery store transportation? Do you need a grab bar or handrail in your home? Do you need an emergency response button? Call Cindy Wides, Assistant Director of the Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center at 317.259.8048 to help you plan for what you might need. We are here to make life easier.

For the last 50 years the Libby Fogle Lunch Bunch, formerly known as the Golden Age Club, has been meeting twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Laikin Auditorium at the Arthur M. Glick JCC. This group is comprised of adults 60 and older who come together to enjoy a balanced lunch, socialization and entertainment. The cost to attend the lunch is $2 and is subsidized by CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions.

Help Us Help Others

Everyone has loose change lying around, everyone wants to put money in the pushke and everyone wants to help others. We need your help in filling our tzedakah houses to offset the costs of assisting our older adults and the general community. To get your pushke house, call Cindy Wides, 317.259.8048, or ask any of our staff and start collecting today. We even deliver empty "houses" and pick up full ones. Thank you for helping us to help others! Each month our menu changes to offer a variety of selections. Ongoing programs include drum circles, sing-alongs, and musical entertainment. In January we began Falun Gong, which is an ancient practice for the modern age. Falun Gong is a form of meditation based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. It is taught free of charge by volunteers. As part of Money Smart Week on Thursday, April 10 the Libby Fogle Lunch Bunch hosted the movie Fleeced: Speaking Out Against Senior Financial Abuse emceed by Kim Hood. Panelists included Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Director of Outreach Michelle Mayer, Indiana Attorney Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, Public Affairs Specialist at the Social Security Administration Charo Boyd, Jeffrey Stinson, Elder Law Attorney, and Nancy Stone, Program Director, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Please encourage your loved ones to come check us out. We love to have our seasoned members as well as new faces enjoy our programming. Our programs are subject to change, so please call The Reuben Center at 317.259.6822 for updates!

Save the Date: Older Americans Month 2014 Celebraton

The Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center proudly presents "Safe Today Healthy Tomorrow," the Older Americans Month 2014 Celebration. Plan to join us Thursday, May 8 for our panel discussion and Q&A with the Postmaster and the Prosecutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office on fraud. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Cindy Wides at cwides@JFGI.org or 317.259.8048.

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support programs and services to the elderly and those in need.

BJE

ASRSCRC

Bureau of Jewish Education

The Reuben Center

Hebrew School Enrollment Now Open for 2014-2015

Parents Night Out Thanks to the generosity of the Leonard & Marian Freeman Fund, we are able to offer our Parents Night Out program four times a year. This program gives parents of children with special needs a much-needed chance to have a night to themselves while their children enjoy a fun program of activities and socializing with friends. Some of the children need oneon-one assistance, others are able to be more independent, but everyone is included and participates. One child recently came skipping down the hallway of the JCC to the program shouting, "This is so fun!" One parent told staff that even if they (the parents) just sat in their car in the parking lot to get some alone time, it would be appreciated. Our upcoming dates for the next PNOs are Saturday, May 10, Saturday, October 11, 2014 and Saturday, January 24, 2015. If you would like more information or want to register your child, please contact Julie Sondhelm at jsondhelm@JFGI.org or 317.259.6822. If you'd like to volunteer and enjoy a very rewarding evening with these amazing children or if you'd like to donate to expand the programming we are able to offer to our families with children who have special needs, please contact Julie, as well.

kochav

Enrollment for the 20142015 Hebrew school year is now open. BJE Hebrew school offers students from the entire community the opportunity to learn our sacred language and about our homeland, Israel, with students from other schools and synagogues. Our curriculum of both tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;fillah and modern Hebrew exposes students to the rich heritage of our people and connects them with our larger Jewish community. Any child entering third grade in August 2014 can complete an application for Hebrew school. Transportation from most schools is available in cooperation with the JCC. Details are available at www.bjeindy.org or by calling the BJE office at 317.255.3124.

Summer Adult Education Opportunities

The Bureau of Jewish Education, in conjunction with Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Congregation Beth Shalom, the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapoils, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and Congregation Shaarey Tefilla will once again offer learning opportunities for older students this summer. These programs will offer a unique look into the diversity of Jewish life and traditions. Watch the BJE website for program details and registration information.

Helping Handbags

Spring is coming ... at least that's what our calendar says! Help others when you do your spring cleaning this year! As you clean out closets, consider donating your gently used handbags to our Helping Handbags project. Helping Handbags accepts gently-used purses and fills them with goodies (comb, brush, mirror, lipstick, tissues, etc.). Then we deliver them to local social service agencies, like the Julian Center or the Villages, where they will be presented as gifts for Mother's Day and all year round for other special occasions! Bring your donations to the Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center, 6905 Hoover Road. You will be helping so many!

Did You NOT Attend the Purim Ball?

On Saturday, March 22, we invited you to not attend the Annual BJE Purim Ball. The community had a wonderful evening with family, going to the fine restaurants of their choice or having a special night with friends. Proceeds benefited BJE scholarship funds, Holocaust education programs, classroom technology and so much more. If you did not have an opportunity to not attend the Purim Ball, there is still time to celebrate your own special evening. Visit www.bjeindy.org today to learn more. www.JFGI.org

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps make Jewish Education accessible at the Bureau of Jewish Education through program funding.

Hooverwood

Hooverwood Family Honors Dedicated Employees

Hooverwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Sweethearts Luncheon On a snowy day in February, Hooverwood proudly hosted the annual Sweethearts Luncheon in the beautifully decorated Fireside Lounge. Residents invited their special sweetheart to enjoy this wonderful afternoon. Twenty couples were treated to a candlelit luncheon catered by Chef Natasha. The menu included tilapia, pasta, garlic bread and a fresh garden salad. Couples posed for a photo in the Hooverwood Kissing Booth and received delicious cupcakes and a red rose. Many thanks to our Activities and Food Service departments for coordinating this special and meaningful event.

With pleasure and pride, the Hooverwood family honored the following professionals for their dedicated years of service during the annual Employee Recognition Luncheon:

Five Years of Service

Ann Marie Campbell Nursing Anne Evans Receptionist Tamara Smith Nursing Nathaleen Wolo Nursing Elsie Yarney Nursing

10 Years of Service

Maria Agbonhese Nursing Susie Hancock Receptionist Gail Hassler Administration Gita Shkiler Nursing

15 Years of Service

Sandy Miller

Environmental Services

20 Years of Service

Mike Prince Environmental Services Keita Taylor Nursing

25 Years of Service

Andre Fall Activities Larry Foster Maintenance Wanda Saunders Nursing Congratulations! We sincerely thank you for your continued dedication to our residents.

The Hooverwood Prom Hooverwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Main Dining Room was filled to capacity during the annual prom. Residents were dressed in their very best and enjoyed the live musical performance of Lonnie Lester and Greg Anderson. Residents, family members and staff danced and swayed to the lively music. After weeks of nominations and voting, the prom king, queen, prince and princess were all crowned. The reaction of our winners was priceless. The prom court was presented with gift certificates to the Hooverwood beauty shop, fresh flowers, a crown and a sash. Everyone enjoyed homemade strawberry cake with vanilla frosting catered by the Hooverwood kitchen. It was an event to remember!

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support programs and services to the residents of Hooverwood.

Jewish Community Relations Council

JCRC

Legislative Breakfast On Friday, February 14, the JCRC hosted its Legislative Round Table Breakfast. Over 50 leaders from our community participated in this discussion, which provided the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with central Indiana state legislators. Prior to the arrival of our state legislators, JCRC Government Affairs Director David Sklar gave a legislative briefing and Indiana General Assembly update to help prepare participants for their conversations. We then enjoyed breakfast and conversation together, not only communicating the Jewish community’s policy priorities for the 2014 legislative session, but also educating them about the range of programs and services offered by our Jewish agencies, synagogues and membership organizations. Senators Pete Miller, Jean Breaux and Greg Taylor and Representatives Christina Hale, Cherrish Pryor, Robin Shackleford and Ed DeLaney were the legislators in attendance.

Yom HaShoah Names Reading Ceremony As part of this year’s week long Central Indiana Holocaust Days of Remembrance, the JCRC has organized our community’s first Names Reading Ceremony. It will take place at the Indiana Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 30 at 12:00 p.m. during the State’s official Holocaust observance. A name reading ceremony is a symbolic and personal way of remembering individual victims of the Holocaust. Programs like this are conducted by numerous Jewish communities all around the country. If you would like to participate as a reader please send us an email at volunteer@indyjcrc.org.

Screening of Documentary Unmasked Judeophobia On Wednesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m., the JCRC will be screening the award-winning documentary Unmasked Judeophobia at the Hasten Hebrew Academy. Through incisive interviews with leading scholars, analysts, political leaders and experts in international law and security, Unmasked Judeophobia presents a serious and sometimes terrifying analysis of how anti-Semitism, often masked as anti-Zionism, has permeated modern life and discourse worldwide. After the screening of the documentary, Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld, Director of the Institute for the Study of Contemporary Anti-Semitism at Indiana University, will be on hand for a short discussion. www.JFGI.org

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support the JCRC, your public policy voice.

JCC

Jewish Community Center

Art Exhibit: William Rasdell “My City, My World: Beta Israel”

Earth Day 2014 Volunteers are welcome and appreciated! Two-hour shifts available. Visit www.JCCindy.org to sign up.

April 23-June 27 Opening reception: Thursday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. In our ongoing effort to build global relationships through broader understanding, "My City, My World" captures a contemporary profile of Ethiopian Jews settled in Israel. Internationally renowned photographer and visual artist William Rasdell traveled to Israel to explore themes of ethnic migration and convergence, focusing his attention and lens on Beta Israel, the Ethiopian community.

A Day of Bridge with Grand Master Eric Rodwell

Wednesday, June 11 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Seminar topic: Playing Defense Against a Suit Contract Bridge lovers, spend a day with Eric Rodwell, one of America’s most renowned bridge players. Eric holds many honors, including being one of the all-time top masterpoint holders in the American Contract Bridge League. For decades, Rodwell has maintained a partnership with Jeff Meckstroth to create one of the most successful pairs of all time. The JCC’s Day of Bridge includes a light breakfast, seminar, lunch and sanctioned game. Each registration includes a raffle ticket for a chance to play with Eric Rodwell. In cooperation with the Indianapolis Bridge Center. Early registration $85 members/non-members. After Sunday, May 11 $100.

www.JFGI.org

Nightwords: A Liturgy on the Holocaust

Tuesday, April 29 7:00-9:00 p.m. We will mark this year's Days of Remembrance with a special event that links the past to the spiritual, intellectual and ethical challenges of the present. Nightwords is an interactive play that confronts the enormity of evil while still maintaining faith in life. Audience members can elect to be part of the story, and all are witnesses to the action as it unfolds. Nightwords is more than a memorial piece. It is an experiential event that provides a link from yesterday to today and speaks to all generations.In partnership with the JCRC and The Circle: Jews, Germans and Hoosiers in Conversation.

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support early childhood and adult education, culture programs and fitness at the JCC.

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support the educational programs at the Hasten Hebrew Academy.

HHAI

Hasten Hebrew Academy

Hasten Hebrew Academy Eighth Grade Wins National ACLU Contest

pressing their appreciation for the Constitution.” On February 25 this group of proud eighth graders met representatives from the ACLU of Indiana at the Hasten Hebrew Academy to view the winning artwork and meet the students who created it. Jane Henegar, Executive Director, and Kelly Jones Sharp, Director of Communications and Education, were pleased to meet the students and were very impressed with their work. Teachers Sarah Snider (Humanities) and Mary Ellen Fellegy (Art), who devoted many hours working with the students on both the written and art elements of the contest entry, got to meet with ACLU of Indiana representatives as well. Also present was Ellen Shevitz, parent of two Hasten Hebrew Academy graduates and the person who first told the school about the contest. Her encouragement in this and all things associated with the Hasten Hebrew Academy is greatly appreciated.

Hasten Hebrew Academy eighth graders were the $10,000 grand prize winners of the “Constitution Day, Brought to You by the ACLU” art contest sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Students were required to submit a 10’ x 10’ mural and a written piece depicting the theme “Wall of Rights.” This was the inaugural year for the contest, so the students were the first ever winners, setting the bar for all to come. The $10,000 awarded to the Hebrew Academy will help to provide curricular materials and support the eighth grade Israel trip. Contest judges were not only impressed with the artwork students created, but also with the educational content of their entry. Below is a description written by eighth graders Hannah Glazier and Sammy Bruns of the entry created by our students.

HAI-Life Awards Dinner to Be Held Sunday, June 1

As responsible Americans, we must educate our youth in hopes of a better future. Students need to be educated on their rights, the sacrifices made to secure those right, and how to responsibly participate in civil society. The eighth grade created the centerpiece modeled after the flag made by Jasper Johns. The flag is made up of articles about civil rights from the 1950s. Around the flag are important rights, freedoms and movements that helped to secure those rights. In an email to the Hebrew Academy, ACLU representative Tori Mends-Cole wrote, “Our celebrity artist judge, Shepard Fairey, LOVED your students’ submission and it was awarded FIRST place! ... Congratulations again; your students did a fabulous job ex-

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The Hasten Hebrew Academy is proud to announce its HAI-Life Award recipient for the 2014 HAILife Awards Dinner. Marcy Ekhaus. Ekhaus is retiring after 17 years as the school’s Administrator. The dinner will be held on Sunday, June 1 in the Cultural Arts Center of the Hasten Hebrew Academy. Mrs. Shulamit, Hasten Hebrew Language teacher, is the teacher honoree for 2014. For more information about the dinner or to purchase ads as a way of honoring the honorees, contact the Hasten Hebrew Academy at 317.251.1261 or email Sharon Merin in the school’s administrative office at smerin@hhai.org.

Butler Hillel

Jewish Campus Life

Butler Hillel Hillel students enjoyed painting flower pots to be filled and taken to the residents of Hooverwood!

Hillel cheers on our Lady Bulldogs, especially Israeli Zoe Reichman!

dents to Israel on Taglit-Birthright Israel— the gift of a free trip to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18-27. IU Freshman Max Fader described the trip, “Taglit-Birthright Israel was a life-changing experience! Not only did it give me the amazing opportunity to visit the homeland of my ancestors, but it helped me realize my personal Jewish identity.” This summer, Hillel plans to take another 120 IU students to Israel. Visit freeisraeltrip.org for more information. The phone has been ringing off the hook as students who are feeling under the weather call The Mordoh Matzah Ball Soup Hotline. Thanks to the generosity of Leon Mordoh, we are able to deliver matzah ball soup anywhere in Bloomington. Call us at 812.336.3824. Sybil Mervis, the founders and funders of Taglit-Birthright Israel and Leon Mordoh exemplify the fundamental Jewish principals of tikkun olam and tzedakah. It is through experiences like these that our students learn about Judaism.

IU Hillel

Jewish Campus Life

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Inspiring Guests at IU HIllel Last month, IU Hillel was fortunate to have Sybil Mervis talk to Hillel’s Student Leadership Board about the inspiring work she has done. She exemplifies the ideals of tikkun olam and tzedakah, and sees that her life’s mission is to improve the world. Mervis is a businesswoman, community volunteer and philanthropist, as well as a former teacher. She is passionate about children and education, and strives to fulfill her life’s calling through volunteer service. Students were in awe of what Sybil has accomplished in her life. She challenged them to seek out their own ways to repair the world. This past December, IU Hillel staff went with 60 stu-

GREAT JEWISH FILMS WITH GREAT JEWISH STORIES MEANS GREAT IMPACT From Hasidic Jews confronting their homosexuality (Trembling Before G–D); to four overweight Israeli men who find Sumo wrestling their way to be appreciated and honored (A Matter of Size) — nine Jewish movies in the premier Indianapolis Jewish Film Festival for you to view, review, consider and enjoy.

Buy your tickets online now at indianapolisjewishfilmfestival.com

FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP May 3-10, 2014 Saturday, May 3 - 7:00 p.m. Central Indianapolis Public Library

David

Sunday, May 4 - 7:00 p.m. Central Indianapolis Public Library

The Band’s Visit (Gala Event)

Monday, May 5 - 7:30 p.m. Landmark Theatre and Indie Lounge

Where I Stand

Tuesday, May 6 - 7:30 p.m. Landmark Theatre and Indie Lounge

A Matter of Size

Wednesday, May 7 - 7:30 p.m. Landmark Theatre and Indie Lounge

Time of Favor

Thursday, May 8 - 7:30 p.m. Landmark Theatre and Indie Lounge

The Other Son

Friday, May 9 - 7:30 p.m. University High School Saturday, May 10 - 12:00 p.m. Christian Theological Seminary Saturday, May 10 - 7:00 p.m. Light of the World Church

Six Days in June Trembling Before G–d Live and Become

INDIANAPOLISJEWISHFILMFESTIVAL.COM

Central Indiana Days of Remembrance Yom HaShoah 2014

Nightwords: A Liturgy on the Holocaust

Tuesday, April 29 Doors open at 6:30 p.m., performance begins at 7:00 p.m. Laikin Auditorium, Arthur M. Glick JCC

Interactive play organized by The Circle: Jews, Germans & Hoosiers in Conversation Seating is limited. Register by calling the JCC at 251.9467 or visit www.jccindy.org or a JCC membership desk.

State of Indiana Holocaust Observance and Reading of Names of Holocaust Victims Wednesday, April 30, 12:00 p.m. State House Capitol Rotunda 200 W. Washington Street

If you would like to participate by reading names, email volunteer@indyjcrc.org.

City of Carmel Holocaust Observance Friday, May 2, 12:00 p.m. The Tarkington Civic Theater 3 Center Green #200, Carmel

OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

Bureau of Jewish Education

Educating Central Indiana Since 1911

A Constituent Agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis

Synagogues

more information!

Congregation Shaarey Tefilla

Shavuot Celebration, Tuesday, June, 3 6:15 p.m. Celebrate with our third annual cheesecake and kugel bakeoff, opportunities to study and learn and a brief service led by our clergy with the confirmation class.

Yom HaShoah Service, Sunday, April 27, 7:00 p.m., Congregation Shaarey Tefilla. Congregation Shaarey Tefilla cordially invites the entire community to a special service for Yom HaShoah v’HaG’vurah, the Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust and the Heroism. Rabbis and cantors from our local congregations have been invited to participate. The service will feature students from the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis presenting a program based on their grandparents’ Holocaust experiences, a candle lighting ceremony with survivors and their descendants, as well as readings and musical selections. We hope all who read this will join us as we honor the lives of those who survived and the memories of the six million who did not.

Jazz Shabbat Under the Stars, Friday, July 11, 6:15 p.m., location TBA. Experience Shabbat prayers in a non-traditional way—jazzed up and sitting under the stars. Details coming at www.ihcindy.org. Early Childhood Center Director Position Available. IHC is accepting resumes for the Early Childhood Center Director. If you or someone you know has a passion for working with children and families and might be interested in applying, the position description link is on our website, www.ihcindy.org, on the right hand side of the site under NEWS.

Music at Shaarey Tefilla, Monday April 28, 7:30 p.m.

Bnai Torah

Solo Pianist Jerome Lowenthal, music by Mendelssohn & Rochberg, “A pianist in the grand manner.” - The New York Times.

Service Times. We offer services every morning, af-

ternoon and evening. Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:00 a.m. For other service times, please check our website at www.btorah.org. Classes. B’nai Torah offers a variety of classes each week. For all of our regular weekly classes, please refer to our website. Shavuot Learning, Tuesday, June 3. On the first night of Shavuot, B’nai Torah is having an all-night learning session beginning around midnight. Snacks and drinks will be provided. For more information, please contact Rabbi Gettinger at rabbi@btorah.org. Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday May 11. B’nai Torah’s Men’s Club is honoring mothers with a Sunday brunch. More details can be found on our websiteor by contacting the shul office at office@btorah.org.

Beth-El Zedeck

The Dog Days of Summer Early Childhood Summer Camp 2014

Registration is now open! Join us for one or both summer sessions, June 2-27 and June 30-July 25, for ages 12 months through 5 years. Contact Joanie Waldman at jwaldman@bez613.org or 317.259.6854 for more information.

Where Great Things Come In Small Packages—2014-2015 School Year. The school year begins August 13, 2014 with

flexible times, a creative curriculum and enriching arts. Contact Joanie Waldman for more information.

Congregation Beth Shalom

Post Passover Pasta Palooza, Friday, April 25, 6:00 p.m. Celebrate the end of Passover with a fun family friendly service followed by a pasta dinner. Watch our website for more details and to register.

Special Shabbat Service, Friday, May 9, 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a special Shabbat service honoring High School Seniors, Religious School Teachers and Board of Directors. Special oneg to follow. For more information on all these and other programs, visit www.bez613.org.

Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation

Last year there was standing room only! Contact Rabbi Nadia at nadias@ihcindy.org or go on Facebook for

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IndyChai Young Jewish Professionals Community-Wide Post Passover Pizza Party, Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 p.m. Break Passover at Roselli’s with pizza and fun!

February: The first graduates of the Understanding the Liturgy class taught by Cantor Winston led worship services and received diplomas at a gala Shabbat celebration on Friday, February 28. Additional liturgy classes are being planned. March: Tot Shabbat was on Saturday, March 8. We hold these several times a year for the little ones. Book club met March 9. Book club meets monthly. Saturday, March 15 everyone enjoyed an outrageous Purim Extravaganza with Havdalah, food, activities for the entire family and a hilarious Purim skit. Friday, March 28 saw a special New Member Shabbat, plus a noted speaker in honor of Disability Awareness Month. Upcoming Events: In addition to regular worship services the second and fourth Fridays will be a barbecue in the park and summer movie and picnic. See our website at www.bethshalomindy.org for full details.

Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis 6705 Hoover Road Indianapolis, IN 46260-4120

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 362 Indianapolis, IN

At the seder table we recline. Many have no bed. We taste bitter herbs. Others face grim hardships. The Jewish Federation is the safety net for our community here at home, in Israel and in over 70 countries around the world. Through our efforts and with your help, a hungry child in Kiev receives hot meals. Medicine gets delivered to a fragile Holocaust survivor in Haifa. Shelves are stocked for families in need here in Indianapolis. And much more. Change hardship into hope today. Give now at www.JFGI.org.

OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.