July 2014 Volume 1, No. 2
Jewish Federati n A publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis The strength of a people. The power of community.
News
Simple Decisions Make Remarkable Changes: Birthright Israel Page 8 Ambassador of Israel to the United States Ron Dermer Visits Indianapolis Page 9 Hooverwood Dances Through the Decades Page 12 Russian Students Search for Jewish Identity Page 18
A Night of Wonder with The Mentalist Sidney Friedman
Campaign Kick-Off and Advanced Gifts Dinner Page 4
E x e c ut i v e V P
In This Issue July 2014
Remarks from the 109th Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis Annual Meeting
From the Desk of the Executive VP 2 Planned Giving and Endowment 3 Annual Campaign 4 Young Leadership Division 5 The PJ Library of Greater Indianapolis 5 One Happy Camper 6 Partnership2Gether 6-7 Shaliach 8 Israel Connections 9 The Reuben Center 10-11 Hooverwood 12 Jewish Community Relations Council 13 Jewish Community Center 14 Bureau of Jewish Education 15 Hasten Hebrew Academy 16 Hillels 17 Borns Jewish Studies 18 Indianapolis Russian School 18 Synagogues 19 Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis JFGI Young Leadership Division JFGI Israel Connections @JFGIndy @JFGIYLD @JFGIndy
The Federation News Executive Vice President Debra Barton Grant President Paul A. Kraft Marketing Director and Editor Julia Goodman
www.JFGI.org
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 Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc., in cooperation with its partner agencies: The Jewish Community Center Association, Hooverwood, The Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center, The Bureau of Jewish Education and The Jewish Community Relations Council.
OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS
THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
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I am honored to have had the privilege of serving this Jewish Federation and Jewish community for the past nine months as your Executive Vice President. During this time, I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people and have been blessed to work with and learn from a Federation staff and board of directors who are dedicated, passionate and inspiring people. The professional staff at the Jewish Federation is an incredible team; they have welcomed me with open arms, aided me in so many ways during this transition and are dedicated to making this a strong and vibrant Jewish community. Our agency executive directors, the leadership at the Hebrew Academy and our congregational rabbis are an incredible group of intelligent, passionate and dedicated leaders. I want you all to know how lucky this community is to have Jewish professionals of this caliber leading our organizations and synagogues. My 8- and 5-year-olds suggested that I tell you some things that you might not know about me, and that I should start with the positive and not talk so much about the challenges. I am going to follow their advice. I am a passionate Jewish communal professional who believes in the power of what we can do when we put our intelligence, leadership, determination and dollars together. I value each and every donation and gift to our Annual Campaign and to our agencies from our $18 donors to our largest contributors. I believe that we all, and when I say all I really mean all, need to financially support our Jewish community. I almost always see the glass as half full, vehemently believe that more is simply and powerfully more and believe in breaking down walls in order to work collaboratively. I know that together we are stronger and can move our Jewish community forward in a thoughtful way. I come to Indianapolis from a small but dedicated Jewish community and know firsthand what it feels like to live in a place that does not have all of the incredible opportunities that we have here. We are lucky to have a Jewish Federation that unifies the entire Jewish community. Hooverwood is one of the best skilled nursing facilities in the state. We are lucky to have a Jewish Community Center that meets and exceeds our communal, cultural and activity needs. Our children are given a Hebrew education at the Bureau of Jewish Education. We are lucky to have the JCRC out in the community as our voice and conscious on all issues relevant to our Jewish community. Our Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center, a true
E nd o wm e nt a nd Pla nned Giv ing
Jewish Family Service organization, is there for us in so many ways throughout critical times in our lives. We are lucky to have our Hasten Hebrew Academy where those Jewish families who desire a top quality Jewish and secular day school education for their children are able to receive one. Without each and every one of these entities working cooperatively we will not attract or retain young Jewish adults and families to come and make their homes in Indianapolis nor support those who have lived here for many years. I invite you to take advantage of all that we have to offer here. I encourage you to share your ideas with us, and I urge you to actively join the many volunteers we are honoring this evening to help make the Jewish Federation and Jewish community an exciting and vital part of your lives.
Endowments Strengthen Jewish Lives The Federation’s Planned Giving & Endowment program continues to impact the lives of community members young and old. We have a detailed wish list to meet growing needs in our Jewish community. New endowments this current year will enable young adults to experience Israel through Birthright trips, assist people in financial crisis, educate Indiana teachers about the Holocaust and provide the financial resources to improve the quality of life for Hooverwood residents. These are but a few of the ways that your generosity enables the Federation and its agencies to help strengthen Jewish lives here in Indianapolis. Whether you can create an endowment fund during your lifetime or afterwards, our staff can help you fulfill your dreams for our Indianapolis Jewish community. Let us show you how. Call me at 317.715.9266 or email me at wgoldblatt@JFGI.org.
Share Your Celebrations The Jewish Federation would like to join you as you celebrate your simchas, weddings, graduations, births, engagements, etc. Please send them, along with a photo, to Julia Goodman at jgoodman@JFGI.org. We will share them in each issue of the magazine.
Commemorative Bricks—Be a Part of Jewish History
Endowment Director
Have you ever taken a walk around our Jewish Community Campus? A scenic brick walk leads from the east side of the Arthur M. Glick JCC through the wooded grounds to the Sablosky Camp Pavilion. Be a part of the brick walk with a commemorative brick paver. For a contribution of $75, one 8” x 5” brick will be inscribed with the name(s) of your choice. This is a special way to honor loved ones and celebrate special occasions. Fill out an order form at www.JFGI.org or contact Elliott Gold at 317.715.9270 or egold@JFGI.org.
What is your
Jewish
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We can help you think about it.
call 317.715.9266 3
www.JFGI.org
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legacy?
An n ua l Ca mp ai g n
A Night of Wonder with
The Mentalist Sidney Friedman Wednesday, September 3 2015 Annual Campaign Kick-Off and Advanced Gifts Event
This is your chance to experience America's premier mentalist, and a favorite of celebrities, corporations, clubs and especially Jewish organizations across the country, Sidney Friedman.
The 2014 Annual Campaign is Ending! Help Us Reach Our Goal! We need your help to meet the community’s needs as we close the 2014 Annual Campaign! Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Jewish Federation makes a difference in the lives of countless people. We continue to work to repair the world and to keep Jewish life thriving, and could not do it without support from people like you. The money you donate goes directly to helping people in need here in Indianapolis and Jewish communities around the world.
Fill out this donation form, cut it out and mail it to: 2014 Annual Campaign Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis 6705 Hoover Road Indianapolis, IN 46260 Name: Phone number:
Street address:
City: Total donation amount $
Email:
State: Payment type:
www.JFGI.org
Credit card number: Authorization Security Code:
ZIP: Check
Signature:
Please make check payable to the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis.
Visa
Mastercard
Expiration date:
AmEx
Yo u ng L ea d e r s h i p D i vi s i o n
The PJ Library of Greater Indianapolis
ats
One Night, Three Shabb
Post Passover Piz z
he JCC Ear th Day at t
a Par ty
ence Day d n e p e d n I l e a r Is
Tzedakah Boxes the Hebrew Aca with demy Young Leadership Division Save the Dates Friday, August 15: Shabbat dinner barbecue at the
home of Carli and Laurence Bolotin. Saturday, November 22: Jegas! YLD’s biggest event of the year is a night of Vegas-style entertainment, delicious hors d’oeuvre, casino games and amazing prizes. For more information about the PJ Library, email PJ Library Facilitator, Inna, at pjlibrary@JFGI.org.
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www.JFGI.org
This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support all Young Leadership Programs.
Jew ish Summe r C amp
Isr a e l Pa rtners hip 2Gether
Funding the Summers of a Lifetime
Advocacy2gether by Stacy Segal Advocacy2Gether was a spiritual and intellectual leadership development program through Partnership2Gether for those who wished to take action in their communities while collaborating and building strong relationships with the global Jewish community. Participants learned about advocacy and compared Jewish life in Israel and Hungary, while building a network of internationally connected leaders. During the 10 days participants were in Indianapolis, they visited each Federation agency. They also visited Lubavitch, met Andrea Pactor of Women’s Philanthropy Institute, Lonnie Nasatir of the Anti-Defamation League, Shannon Cohen of Zeta Beta Tau and Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld at Hillel in Bloomington. Topics included leadership, connections, advocacy, anti-semitism, philanthropy versus charity and planning for the future. Our participants included three from Israel, five from Hungary, one from Louisville and three from Indianapolis. Each had an incredible story to tell. I chaired the program, but couldn’t have done it without Megan Maurer, Education Task Force Chair of our Partnership Consortium, and Michelle Korin, local Partnership co-worker, and Federation staff. These 10 days were a very meaningful experience for everyone. Below is an excerpt from participant Ben Rubenstein’s blog. “I was the only U.S. delegate not from Indy, and even now it is hard to discern which of the Indy crew were delegates, guests or speakers. But that is the way it should be, because it just speaks to the open environment that was within the seminar from the first moment. It was truly incredible to see how we seamlessly worked with whoever was joining us for that program or day. “That night we celebrated each other and everything that we had learned the past week. We gathered around a bonfire and shared what it was we were taking away from this experience. I think it was a realization for all of us the role we were stepping into not just in Partnership2Gether or our own Jewish communities, but the global Jewish experience. We are now leaders in the Jewish movement and have taken on our shoulders some of the weight of moving our people, culture and beliefs forward.”
www.JFGI.org
by Debby Barton Grant As the days have grown longer and warmer here, saying the word summer brings me immediately back to my Jewish summer camp experiences. I spent more than a decade of summers at Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) in Zionsville. Many experiences shaped my Jewish identity, but none as strongly as the time I spent at camp. Singing Jewish songs in the chadar ohel (dining hall), stories of the bal shem tov around the campfire and learning about Jewish customs, history and values in an accessible environment made Judaism feel like it was mine to own. I couldn’t leave out the friends, sports, freedom, games and fun. I was thrilled when I got to sign up my oldest son, Jonah, for his first summer at GUCI two years ago. This year Scott and I are excited to be able to give all three of our boys a Jewish summer camp experience both at GUCI and at JCC day camp. We can’t wait for them to return home singing camp songs and with great new friends. JFGI is honored to have helped 37 Indianapolis kids have the opportunity to call Jewish overnight camp their home this summer. The list of camps includes hometown favorites like GUCI and Camp Livingston, far away favorites like Ramah Outdoor Adventure and university programs like Genesis at Brandeis. This year campers received incentive grants and scholarship funds from our Endowment Fund and One Happy Camper incentive program. This program has been primarily funded by Elaine Reuben in honor of her parents the past five years, letting us to give out close to $50,000 each year in incentive grants and scholarships. We need to fund this program again for next year and have secured a $25,000 challenge grant to get us started. Now we need your help to raise the additional $25,000. Even better would be to find a donor or group of donors interested in endowing our One Happy Camper program for $1.2 million for a named gift. If you love Jewish camping as much as I do please call Debby Grant at our Federation office, 317.726.5450, and let us know how you can help ensure that the children of our community can afford to share in the incredible gift of overnight Jewish camp.
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Isr a e l Pa rtners hip 2Gether
r
Israel Lior Balavie
A Commemoration A Celebration
by Patti Freeman Dorson Photos by Julia Goodman
Hooshir A Capella
Photo by Josh Kitterman
On May 4, the community came together for a poignant commemoration of Yom Hazikaron, Israel Memorial Day with prayers, poems and solemn music presented by children from the Hasten Hebrew Academy. From this moment of remembrance, the 65th Street Klezmorim from Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, children from Beth-El Zedeck and dancers from the Russian school transitioned the day to a joyous, energetic celebration of Israel’s 66th birthday. The Jewish group Hooshir A Cappella from Indiana University kicked off the celebration, followed by headliner Lior Balavie, whose Israeli songs inspired a true connection to Eretz Yisrael and got everyone up on their feet dancing the afternoon away. This amazing day concluded with a yummy Israeli feast in the Domont Auditorium at the BJE. Thank you to everyone—especially to the committee and our many volunteers—for making this day so meaningful and special. Photos from the event may be found at www.facebook.com/JFGIndy.
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www.JFGI.org
This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support Israel programs in Indianapolis.
I srael i Sha lia c h
The most remarkable day was Shabbat. When we arrived in Jerusalem, we visited the Western Wall. Later, we had a Shabbat service, sang Lecha Dodi and other songs together, and shared a meal. For more than half of the group it was their first Shabbat meal and service. During the day of Shabbat, four participants came to me and shared their unique personal stories with me, and they all made the same decision—to have a bar or bat mitzvah on Masada! On Monday at 5:00 a.m., we started to climb up Masada. It was so dark that you could notice the stars. As we arrived we beheld the beauty of the sunrise reflected in the Dead Sea. We gathered in the old synagogue of the stronghold. I took aside the bar and bat mitzvahs while the rest of the group to sang Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu. The bar and bat mitzvahs were nervous to read in front of the group. We entered into this 2,000 year old synagogue to singing and clicks of cameras. Each one read his or her part of the Torah portion and said a few words. We all gathered together in one big achim (brothers) circle, hugged each other and danced with the joy and happiness of this remarkable moment. I thought that I went on Birthright to make sure that the participants got everything and more out of the trip, but they were there for me, too. They showed me how it’s important to question yourself and wonder about who you are, to strengthen your identity and to be a part of a community—one that has 3,000-year-old roots. We Jews cover the world with our branches. Here in our Indianapolis community, we have a strong limb that has a lot of twigs. But, trees need sun, water and a lot of care. We have to continue to invest in our identity any way we can.
Simple Decisions Make Remarkable Changes
www.JFGI.org
Photos and story by Roy Swisa On May 11, I met my Birthright Israel group for the first time by the El-Al desk at the JFK airport. They were just faces with smiles and a look of wonder in their eyes. My group was made up of young adults ages 22 to 26. Some were from Indiana, some were from other states. Some grew up in a Jewish environment, some did not. For a handful of them, this would be their first visit to Israel. They were teachers, lawyers, accountants, engineers and more. They all shared the same simple decision—to go on an educational and exuberant 10day journey to reclaim their birthright. As we entered the airport in Israel, we noticed a bunch of crazy Israelis waving and dancing toward us. A few of them were wearing uniforms. As I approached the group one jumped on me and gave me a big hug. I was shocked. This naval officer was my solider two years ago. He was going to be on my Birthright trip. He and the other Israelis arrived from all over Israel. Omri is a captain in the navy; Noy is an army officer; Yossi, Shlomi and Gill are students at Tel-Aviv University; Omer is an officer in the IAF; Illana made aliyah to Israel from Florida after she graduated university. Today she is an officer in the IDF spokesperson unit. Together as one group we bonded, hiked, traveled, partied, and discovered and strengthened our identity as Jews. We reinforced our notion of solidarity for the Jewish people. We ask questions and tried to get a better understanding of what we as Jews are responsible for around the world. We established a connection to the people and land of Israel. Soon the faces became friends. This magical moment happened one night in Jaffa when we went to a concert of an Israeli singer. You could barely notice who was American and who was Israeli because everyone sang together in Hebrew and English.
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An Israel Travelogue
Is ra el C onnections
The Klapper and Anderson Families Visit Israel
Ambassador of Israel to the United States Ron Dermer Visits Indianapolis
by Stephen Klapper
Photos by Denis Ryan Kelly Jr. In March, the Indianapolis Jewish community hosted the new Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer on his first official trip outside of Washington, D.C. and his hometown of Miami. The JCRC worked in cooperation with JFGI staff and volunteers to plan a day that included an address to nearly 300 members of the Jewish community, an appearance on the Greg Garrison radio show, a lecture to 100 IUPUI students and faculty and a speech on the economic relationship between the U.S., Indiana and Israel to 150 business, civic and political leaders. The day’s success was possible with support from and collaboration with JFGI, the Hasten Hebrew Academy, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, IUPUI's Office of International Affairs and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, along with the dozens of staff and volunteer leaders who put in countless hours of work to ensure that Ambassador Dermer met the best of Indianapolis.
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www.JFGI.org
We have been honored to host Brigadier General (Res.) Eival Gilady at our home during several of his visits to Indianapolis. While he always provides us with updates on the current security situation, Gen. Gilady is passionate about improving the lives of Israelis in the Western Galilee. As Chairman of the Board of the Western Galilee College in Acco, he helped transform this community college that serves students from Arab, Christian, Druze and Jewish communities. Gen. Gilady hosted our group at the college and gave us a wonderful campus tour. We learned how education is changing this underserved area and bringing Jewish and non-Jewish Israelis together. During our visit to the Golan Heights we took a jeep tour near former Syrian mine fields, and then proceeded to the Mount Bental overlook for a view of Mount Hermon and Syria. We saw a group of Israeli soldiers learning about the military history and amazing tank battles that took place in what is now called the Valley of Tears after the Yom Kippur War of 1973. We spoke with U.N. soldiers from the Irish Army who were completing their six month tour of monitoring the demilitarized zone that separates Israel and Syria. As we sat on a former Syrian bunker and looked out into Syria, we were shaken by two large explosions from the Syrian civil war. Not only did we learn about the history of this critical region, but we experienced the ongoing conflict and gained an even greater appreciation of the tough landscape in which Israel exists.
T h e R euben C e n te r
Get on the Road to Safety AARP Driver Safety Class Tuesday, September 9 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Arthur M. Glick Jewish Community Center
Project Hungarian Israeli Partnership
The Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center proudly offers to the public a driver safety class with AARP. All participants are welcome to join the Libby Fogle Lunch Bunch. You may join our CICOA congregant lunch for $2 on site at the JCC or bring a brown-bag lunch with a drink and eat in the classroom. The class runs four hours long. $15 for AARP members/$20 for non-AARP members. Facilitator: Dick Huber, M.D. RSVP to Cindy Wides at 317.259.8048.
Visitors from Budapest, Hungary and the Jewish Federation’s Partnership2Gether region in Israel wanted to do a community service project while in Indianapolis for the Advocacy2Gether conference (see page 9). They graciously helped three senior households with much needed yard work. Thank you to all who volunteered!
Help Us Help Others
Everyone has loose change lying around, everyone wants to put money in the pushke and everyone wants to help others. The Reuben Center need your help in filling tzedakah houses to offset the costs of assisting older adults and the general community. To get your pushke house, call Cindy Wides, 317.259.8048, or ask any of the Reuben Center staff and start collecting today. Staff will even deliver empty "houses" and pick up full ones. Thank you for helping to help others!
Life Dances
The Reuben Center has volunteers who want to hear your story! If you were born before 1950, volunteers wants to meet with you, hear your story and publish it in an anthology as part of this year’s Spirit and Place program! Call Lori Moss at 317.259.6824 for more information!
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The Libby Fogle Lunch Bunch Gets Down with Zumba!
Popsie’s Pantry July Needs: Kid-Friendly Snacks, Food, Juices and School Supplies
ry
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With kids home from school for the summer, the challenge of keeping enough food in the house becomes even greater for Popsie’s Pantry families. When you are on a grocery run, please consider buying some extra kid-friendly foods! Popsie’s Pantry is collecting school supplies for those 6905 Hoover Road families in need in our comA Program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis munity. Drop off supplies to Julie Sondhelm at the Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center, 6905 Hoover Road, from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
sie’s pant p o
OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS
THE ALBERT & SARA REUBEN
Senior Community and
RESOURCE CENTER
Reuben Center Support Services Are you an older adult who is looking for clubs, outings or concerts to attend? Call the Reuben Center for details at 317.259.6822. Wheels to Wellness provides medical transportation to older adults. Could you benefit from this serivce? Call Christy Morris at 317.536.1475 for scheduling. Community Action offers assistance with electric bills for the summer. Could you benefit from this service? Contact Julie or Christy via the Reuben Center’s main number, 317.259.6822.
Celebrate With a Mitzvah! Do you need a great idea for a centerpiece? Help families in need as your decorate for your bar/ bat mitzvah, holiday dinner, baby shower and birthday parties. Create a basket full of groceries as your centerpiece and donate them to our Popsie’s Pantry. Call Cindy Wides at 317.259.8048 for specific Pantry needs.
www.JFGI.org
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support programs and services to the elderly and those in need.
H o ov erwo od
Hooverwood Board Celebrates 44th Annual Meeting
Residents and Staff Danced Through the Decades in May
The Hooverwood Board of Directors, residents and staff proudly gathered on Monday, June 23, for the 44th Annual Meeting in Hooverwood’s Fireside Lounge. The evening included speeches by Board President Mark Sniderman and Executive Director Marc Penner along with a presentation by Pivot Marketing, which highlighted the marketing and social media activities during the last year. Mark Sniderman led the award presentation. Judy Laikin presented The Sylvia Borns & Frieda Laikin Employee Award to Hawa Mansaray. Hawa, a Licensed Practical Nurse, has been employed at Hooverwood since November, 2012, and works the day shift primarily on the 2B nursing unit. Hawa was awarded Employee of the Month in April 2014 by the management team due to her remarkable dedication and compassion to Hooverwood’s residents. According to Nursing Administration, “Hawa sees the big picture and never hesitates to jump in as a team player … she is always pleasant, personable and caring … and a role model for our newer staff.” The Jack & Ruth Ellen Nassberg Volunteer Award was presented to Hooverwood resident Sheila Nachlis. Sheila joined the Hooverwood family in January, 2012, when she moved to Indianapolis from Pittston, Pennsylvania. After an initial transition period, Sheila soon became involved in resident activities and now serves as the President of the Resident Council. On a daily basis, Sheila leads the residents in the Main Dining Room in a lunch time blessing and then provides the residents with various announcements including resident birthdays, news events, jokes and scheduled activities. Recently, Sheila has participated in new employee orientation by meeting with the new staff and sharing valuable insight from a resident’s perspective. In addition, Sheila often leads the residents in the Shabbat blessings on Friday evenings and assists the Hooverwood Guild with their mailings. Sheila is a proud mother and grandmother and greatly enjoys the fun times she is able to experience with her family. She is an inspiration to many other residents, and our community thanks her for all she does for Hooverwood each day.
Once again, Hooverwood’s talented and creative Activity Department exceeded all expectations in the planning and coordination of this year’s National Nursing Home Week celebration. The fun began on Mother’s Day with a beautiful brunch hosted by the Food Services Department. Residents and their family members enjoyed a wonderfully delicious buffet. This year’s theme, “Dancing through the Decades” began in the 1950s on Monday with homemade milkshakes and soda shop bingo. On Tuesday, Hooverwood visited the 1960s with Motown performer Lonnie Lester. For 1970s day, staff partnered with local store Thrifty Threads to present the fifth annual Hooverwood Fashion Show. Thursday’s 1980s theme featured the movie The Breakfast Club and a gourmet waffle bar. The week wrapped up in the 1990s with the Wendy Reed Band and the Heritage Line Dancers leading staff in the macarena dance. Everyone truly had a fantastic time. Many thanks for everyone’s cooperation and teamwork in making this such a special week for residents and staff.
This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support programs and services to the residents of Hooverwood.
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Senator Donnelly Keynotes JCRC Annual Meeting
Je wi sh Co m m uni t y Rela tions C ouncil State of Indiana Holocaust Observance
In April, over 100 people packed the State House Rotunda to hear remarks from Governor Mike Pence and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard at the 16th Annual State of Indiana Holocaust Remembrance program, which is coordinated in partnership with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and the BJE. This was the first year that the JCRC and BJE conducted a Names Reading Ceremony, where both Jewish and non-Jewish volunteers read names of those who perished in the Holocaust.
JCRC was thrilled to have Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly at its Annual Meeting in May. Senator Donnelly spoke candidly about a range of domestic and international issues. He shared details of his recent trip to Israel and Ukraine, reiterating his support to strengthen the relationship between the US and Israel, as well as his commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. JCRC honored Zeff Weiss with the David Cook Memorial Award, which is presented to those who demonstrate exemplary service to and leadership within both the Jewish and general communities.
Upcoming Programs Hate Crimes: How Should Indiana Address Hate Violence? Thursday, July 24, 7:00 p.m. Laikin Auditorium, Arthur M. Glick JCC
It has been 15 years since our Jewish community last explored the theories behind and impact of hate crimes statutes. The JCRC will examine hate crimes as part of our Political Action Workshop series because violence against particular groups and individuals continues to increase, and because this issue may come before the Indiana General Assembly. Miriam Zeidman, the Anti-Defamation League’s Midwest Civil Rights Counsel, will share the reasons why so many states have adopted hate crimes statutes and what the impact has been. This forum is the first step in determining whether our community’s consensus position has shifted. We invite all members of the community to join in this program.
Festival of Faiths Sunday, September 7 1:00-5:00 p.m. Veteran’s Memorial Plaza and the Indiana War Memorial
Film on Contemporary Antisemitism
Please join in learning about and engaging with, the interfaith community by attending the largest celebration of Central Indiana’s diverse and vibrant religious community. Last year’s event attracted over 1,000 visitors to peruse nearly 50 colorful and educational displays and participate in interfaith conversations. Call Simon Efroymson or Yaniv Shmukler at 317.926.2935.
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support the JCRC, your public policy voice.
www.JFGI.org
In May, the JCRC attracted a notably diverse Jewish audience of nearly 200 people to watch Unmasked: Judeophobia, a feature-length documentary that examines rising anti-Jewish ideology and the proliferation of anti-Israel bias that denies Israel’s right to exist. After the film, Greg Maurer, JCRC’s Israel Committee Co-Chair, facilitated a discussion with panelists Professor Alvin Rosenfeld, Director of IU’s Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, and Professor Guenther Jikeli, a visiting scholar at the Institute. JCRC thanks Gadi Boukai, JCRC’s Israel Committee Co-Chair, as well as the Federation’s Young Leadership Division and the BJE for partnering with it on this event.
J e w ish Co mmu n i ty C e n te r
Sundays, June 1-October 26 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Front parking lot of the Arthur M. Glick JCC
New, extended dates due to popular demand! Fresh, locally-sourced produce and artisanal foods are at the new JCC Farmers Market as a convenience for our members, guests and neighbors. It’s only natural that the JCC would have a farmers market—diet and nutrition are large components of the healthy lifestyle we promote . Eat well, live well!
Third Annual JCC Member and Staff Art Exhibit July 1-August 8
The JCC’s got talent! Members and staff wielding brushes, cameras and computers submitted pieces to make up this amazing exhibit. LISA BEN
Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet Thursday, August 21, 7:00 p.m.
• SNAP • POST • SHARE •
www.JFGI.org
What happens when you are on top of the world when suddenly stricken with an incurable disease? This inspiring documentary about Jason Becker, a 19-year-old guitarist, with the gig of a lifetime ahead of him when he learns he has Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is poignant, entertaining and full of great music. $8/$5 members. Free to persons with ALS. Profits will be donated to the ALS Association, Indiana Chapter. Director: Jesse Vile, 2012; Not rated. Some scenes may not be appropriate for children.
This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support early childhood and adult education, culture programs and fitness at the JCC.
JAMIN
Juried Mobile Photography Exhibit August 12-September 5 Gallery and Awards Reception Thursday, August 14 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The best camera you have is the one on you when something spectacular happens right before your eyes. Enter our first juried Mobile Photography Competition and Exhibit. Whether you already have photos you love stored on your smart phone or you want the challenge of snapping some new ones, you may enter by submitting up to three entries in any of these five categories: youth (12 and under), landscape, portrait, Indiana photographers, other. Awards will be given for first, second and third place in each category, as well as a certificate of recognition for all work displayed in the gallery. This competition will be judged by a jury of renowned photographers. Contact Lev Rothenberg at lrothenberg@JCCindy.org or 317.715.9230 for more information.
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B ur e a u o f J ewis h E d uca tion Mazel Tov to Our Graduates On Sunday, May 18, the Bureau of Jewish Education Hebrew School Dalet class was recognized for completing four years of Hebrew studies. The students prepared a program to explore the Jewish year and to celebrate the holidays. Students were recognized for high academic and personal achievements.
Hebrew School Registration Reminder Please remember to complete your child’s Hebrew school registration if you have not already done so. Any student entering third through sixth grade should be registered for Hebrew school to meet all synagogue Hebrew requirements for b’nai mitzvah. Information on how to complete registration may be found online at www.bjeindy.org or by contacting the BJE office at 317.255.0265. Classes for the 2014-2015 school year begin in August.
BJE Annual Meeting On Monday, June 2, the Bureau of Jewish Education held its Annual Meeting. At the meeting, Mark A. Roger was recognized for his two years of dedicated service as President of the BJE Board of Directors and Dr. Zev Winicur was installed as President. Installation of new officers was conducted by Brandon Roger, Past President of the BJE Board of Directors. Accomplishments from the BJE’s Jewish American Songbook Education Initiative and Holocaust Education Center of Indiana were also discussed.
This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps make Jewish education accessible at the Bureau of Jewish Education through program funding. www.JFGI.org
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H as te n Hebr e w A c ad e my
“From the moment we stepped onto the streets of Israel our class experienced an unfamiliar feeling of belonging. Everywhere around us were proud Jews speaking the language we either heard in a classroom or at synagogue. It was hard to not fall in love with the environment we were blessed to be surrounded with. “We learned about and saw the history of our religion and gained a fuller understanding of biblical stories and modern controversies. In America, we observe artifacts that are, at the most, 500 years old. However, in Israel we actually walked and touched history that is thousands and thousands of years old.” Read the rest of Hannah’s thoughts of the eighth grade trip to Israel at www.JFGI.org.
Student Travels Cap Off School Year
www.JFGI.org
The end of the school year at the Hasten Hebrew Academy was a very busy time. Middle school students were traveling—sixth grade to Chicago, seventh grade to Philadelphia and eighth grade to Israel—as the culmination of their Jewish studies at the Academy. In Chicago, the sixth grade visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, the Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier. The seventh grade Philadelphia trip included The Franklin Institute, the Liberty Bell, the Jewish American History Museum and the United States Mint. In the evening they attended a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game.
The eighth grade Israel trip is the culmination of years of Judaic studies at the Hasten Hebrew Academy. Seeing their studies come to life is a life-changing experience for the students. Mrs. Gettinger, school principal, says, “It is a privilege to go to Israel with the students and to observe the students as they take it all in.” Hannah Glazier expressed it best when she wrote in her reflections:
2014 Graduating Eighth Grade Class
The Hasten Hebrew Academy is proud to present the graduating class of 2014: Samuel Bruns, Hannah Glazier, Lauren Schwartz, Isaac Siegel, Ben Solomon and Koby Tavel. The Hebrew Academy is so proud of this year’s graduates and wishes them well as they move on to high school. They are on the road to success, as many students have already taken and passed high school exams in many subjects. Sixth through eighth grades took the Algebra end-of-course exam and two-thirds of the eighth grade took and passed the English 10 end-of-course exam.
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support the educational programs at the Hasten Hebrew Academy.
IU Hillel
IU Hillel Students Discover Birthright Israel
international non-profit that supports, educates and advocates for Israel on college campuses around the world, countering anti-Israel propaganda. They also visited Save a Child’s Heart, whose mission is to improve care for children with congenital heart disease from developing countries including Syria, Jordan, parts of Africa, China, Gaza and the West Bank who would not have access to surgery. One of the buses was lucky to have the Israeli soldiers for all 10 days instead of just five days thanks to the Seed the Dream grant. The Israeli soldiers participate on the trip alongside the American. One of the students said, “The five soldiers are similar to us in age, but they live a completely different life than any of us. Learning about their daily routine in the Israeli Defense Forces really puts into perspective how different our lives are.” After these 10 days, the students were inspired and had deepened their connection to Israel and Judaism. One student shared, “I had an incident in September and it made me wonder if I had to take my (Jewish) star off because I’m not religious enough. I learned in Israel through seeing the soldiers and meeting Israelis that I can have a source of pride in this star and in the Jewish culture. It’s really brought me back home.” The life-changing experiences and feelings were deepened through the strong and meaningful relationships that the students built with one another, the Hillel staff members, Rabbi Sue Silberberg, Phillip Silberberg, Ally Turkheimer and Jon Schulman, the Israeli soldiers and the tour educators. Follow-up plans include fundraising by students for Save a Child’s Heart and the Western Galilee Partnership2Gether and working with Stand with Us promoting pro Israel advocacy on the IU campus.
Seventy-seven students from IU Hillel went on Hillel Taglit-Birthright Israel trips this summer with IU Hillel staff. Another 10 IU Hillel students went on national Hillel trips. As they began their 10-day journey, students spoke about the gift of Birthright and why they had chosen to join the trip, giving a wide range of reasons for attending. The group traveled to the Negev, hiked Ein Avdat Nature Reserve, ate and slept in Bedouin tents, rode camels and visited Masada and the Dead Sea. They journeyed to the Galilee and Golan Heights and rafted on the Jordan River, stood on the top of Mount Bental overlooking Syria and experienced Kibbutz life. They learned about the Partnership2Gether at the Western Galilee College and Hospital. They visited the Shuk Ha-Carmel, Independence Hall and the beach in Jaffa and Tel Aviv. In Jerusalem, they visited Yad Vashem, the Old City, the Western Wall, the Jewish quarter and the excavations. The group not only toured around Israel, but also learned about some of the meaningful work that Israel does to repair the world and to bring about a more fair and just world. Thanks to a grant from the Seed the Dream Foundation, students visited Stand With Us, an
www.JFGI.org
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Bo r n s Jewish S tu d i e s P r og r a m
parents got involved and delivered lectures about Jewish musicians and Klezmer music, pogroms, life in a kibbutz, Jewish scientists and artists. Among the guest speakers were Hart Hasten, who talked about preserving Jewish identity in atheistic Kazakhstan, Debby Grant, who delivered presentation about Jewish agencies in the Indianapolis and North Central student Awiad Karmazin with his inspiring speech about opportunities for Jewish youth in BBYO. The class baked challah and matzo with the Shustermans and celebrated several Jewish holidays there. Chanukah on ice was a riot, as well as Jewish dance class. . For the final project, students had to learn about family histories and make a family tree. The project brought forth many amazing, but often heartbreaking stories. Emily Fridman discovered that her grandmother’s relative was famous Russian poet Osip Mandelshtam who, after writing a grotesque poem about Stalin, perished in Gulag. During World War II, Misha Rekhter’s grandfather was on the front lines from 1941 to 1945 and left his autograph on Reichstag. Misha’s two great grandfathers were killed during that war; one was 32 and another was 36. Shira and Ethan Moran’s uncle co-authored the music of the Israel national anthem “Hatikva”. The older sister of Anya Klauz’s grandmother died from hunger during the Leningrad’s siege. The meaning of the Leo Soyfer’s last name was “Torah script scriber”. Sam Nief’s great grandfather was killed by Nazis. They tied him up and pushed his from the second floor of a building. The family histories reflected the life and fate of Jews in the former Soviet Union and other parts of the world. As we, the parents, were listening to our kids explaining the lives of the people on the brittle, yellowish photographs, we felt proud of their knowledge and their passion. They had an identity, a Jewish identity, that stemmed out of Jewish roots.
Some of the fine Jewish communal professionals in Indianapolis are graduates of the Borns Jewish Studies Program. Debra Barton Grant is Executive Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis; Lindsey Mintz is Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council; Miles Roger, past Assistant Director of the Bureau of Jewish Education; Inna Kolesnikova-Shmukler is PJ Library Program Facilitator, Young Leadership Director, and Donor Relations Manager at the Jewish Federation; and hundreds of IU JSP alumni like them across the U.S. and in Israel are dedicating themselves to the future of the Jewish people. For more information about the Robert A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program please call 812.855.0453 or email IUJSP@indiana.edu.
I n dia na polis Ru s s i an S c h o o l
www.JFGI.org
The Search for Jewish Identity by Natalia Rekhter On Friday, May 30, students from the program Shorashim-Roots presented their final projects. The program started two years ago at the Russian School by the initiative of the Jewish parents from the former Soviet Union republics who wanted their children to know more about Jewish life and Jewish culture. The Jews from Eastern Europe are often faced with a dilemma of triple identities. Their children grow up in the American culture and are Americans. They are also Russians, despite the fact that their families have emigrated to the U.S. from Ukraine, Moldova, Belorussia or other corners of the post-Soviet world. Their parents reinforce the Russian language at home, cite Russian poetry and historic events, while simultaneously cursing Soviet regime and anti-Semitism. The kids also hear that they are Jews, that their parents and grandparents couldn’t get accepted to good universities, obtain good jobs and overall were discriminated against because they were Jewish. The parents want their children to learn more about their Jewish culture, something they were deprived of. Raised in the world where all religions were prohibited and substituted by one, communism, they were not used to religious traditions, but felt very connected to their Jewish roots and wanted their offspring to feel the same. After dozens of discussions and meetings, the solution finally emerged. A 14-year old graduate of the Hasten Hebrew Academy, Clara Fridman, wrote a two-year curriculum and took charge. Parents helped with goals and objectives, but mostly with words of encouragement. In 2013 the program Shorashim-Roots, aimed at introducing Jewish children from Soviet Union to Jewish culture, was born. During these two years, the kids learned about Jewish history and holidays and their meanings. The
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Sy na gogues
Congregation Shaarey Tefilla Congregation Beth Shalom
Are you under the age of 30? The new CST Young Associate membership opportunity is for you! CST realizes that the future growth of our Jewish community is the importance of your affiliation with a synagogue. They would love for you to become part of their CST family and find a place you can feel at home. The Young Associate dues category is $100 and includes a seat for high holidays. Call the CST office at 317.733.2169 for an application.
New Congregation Beth Shalom Religious School
Beth Shalom’s religious school begins this fall for children ages 3 and up with personal bar/bat mitzvah assessment and training by our own clergy. If you have a child or children you would like to enroll, please contact Rabbi Halpern or Cantor Winston as soon as possible at info@bethshalomindy.org.
Jewish Film Festival
Hebrew School Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 p.m. Sundays 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The first annual Jewish Film Festival May 3-10 was a success! Congregation Beth Shalom was immensely proud to be a driving force behind this important community event, and thanks all who sponsored or attended. Planning for the 2015 Jewish Film Festival is already underway. Stay tuned!
With a successful inaugural year under their belt, registration for next CST Hebrew school year is open until Thursday, July 31. Children in third grade are required to start this program and complete the four year program, plus one year with Rabbi Sendrow. In order to participate, families must be dues-paying members in good standing at CST.
Other Events
Religious School Sundays 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Registration is now open for next school year. Forms available at www.shaareytefilla.org.
Check CBS’s website at www.bethshalomindy.org for other plans, which include a summer movie and picnic, high holiday schedule, break the fast, food drive and progressive dinner. CBS holds book club and Torah study monthly, plus Shabbat services every second and fourth Friday at 6:30 p.m. at University High School open to all.
Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
Taste of Judaism September 16, 23, 30, 6:00 p.m.
Early Childhood Registration Open
The new school year begins Wednesday, August 13 with flexible times, a creative curriculum and enriching arts. Contact Joanie Waldman at 317.259.6854 or jwaldman@bez613.org for more information.
Whet your appetite for a three-session exploration of Judaism: spirituality, values and people. A Taste of Judaism offers a modern Jewish perspective on living in today’s complicated world. No charge. For reservations contact the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation Education office at 317.255.6647 extension 219.
Summer Splashin’ Shabbat Friday, July 25, 6:00 p.m.
Plan to come to this outdoor family service with lots of music, storytelling, water and fun!
B’nai Torah
Kol Haneshamah Friday, August 1, 6:00 p.m.
B’nai Torah’s Annual Dinner
Celebrate in an inspiring and participatory Shabbat experience for the whole community.
You are invited to B’nai Torah’s Annual Dinner on Sunday, August 24 as they honor Mark and Anna Ruth Hasten for their hard work and dedication to Indianapolis and the entire Jewish community. Call the shul office at 317.253.5253 or email the office at office@btorah.org for more info.
14th Annual Tablesettings from Around the World Sunday and Monday, August 10 and 11 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
The menu for this event will include area designers, florists, decorators and retailers who will join together to display china, glassware, silver, linens and floral designs for the community to view. $10/ticket
Service Times
For more information on all these and other programs, visit www.bez613.org.
Classes
B’nai Torah offers a variety of classes each week. For all of our regular weekly classes, please refer to our website.
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www.JFGI.org
B’nai Torah offers services every morning, afternoon and evening. Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:15 a.m. For other service times, please check our website at www.btorah.org.
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis 6705 Hoover Road Indianapolis, IN 46260-4120
Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 362 Indianapolis, IN
THEY SEE SING-ALONGS. YOU SEE SELF-CONFIDENCE. WE SEE ONE HAPPY CAMPER. Start a child’s “summer of a lifetime” at Jewish overnight camp. From ziplines to waterskiing to singing under the stars, at camp children can discover who they are while having a total blast. JFGI incentive grants and scholarships have given over 230 children an overnight Jewish camping experience. We have secured a $25,000 challenge grant to get us started to fund the One Happy Camper program next year. Now we need your help to raise the additional $25,000 for our goal of $50,000. Let’s send our children to Jewish summer camp! Call Debby Grant at 317.726.5450 to help us ensure that the children of our community can afford to share in the incredible gift of overnight Jewish camp. OneHappyCamper.org