July 2015
Jewish Federati n A publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis The strength of a people. The power of community.
News
LIFE & LEGACY: The Most Important Gift You’ll Ever Make Page 4 Shaliach Roy Swisa Says Goodbye to Indy Page 6 Jewish Family Services Throws Birthday Party for Community Members 90 Years and Older Page 12 Register Now for JCC Youth Programs Page 16 July 2015 JFGI magazine.indd 1
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E x e c ut i v e VP
In This Issue
July 2015 From the Desk of the Executive VP 2 Planned Giving and Endowment 3 LIFE & LEGACY 4-5 Engagement 5 Shaliach 6 Jewish Travel 7 Young Leadership Division 8 PJ Library in Greater Indianapolis 9 Community News 9 Annual Campaign 10-11 Jewish Family Services 12 Hooverwood 13 Bureau of Jewish Education 14 Jewish Community Relations Council 15 Jewish Community Center 16 Hasten Hebrew Academy 17 IU Hillel 18 Synagogues 19
Our Agencies: Bureau of Jewish Education Since the Bureau of Jewish Education’s opening in 1910, its mission has been to provide Jewish education to all of central Indiana. The core value of the BJE is to provide a place where all Jewish children in the community can come to meet each other and learn. With the diverse options for schools in central Indiana, the extended geography of the community, and the variety of synagogues, the BJE is the sole establishment that breaks down divisions and brings everyone to one place. The BJE is often the first point of contact for many educators when it comes to the topic of Judaism. It offers an extensive Holocaust education program for teachers in the state of Indiana, which focuses on changing the methods of Holocaust instruction and providing teachers with resources to properly interact with this monumental event. In the last year, Holocaust Tolerance Trunks have reached over 10,000 students through educators who have been trained in the BJE’s programs. These educators are being exposed to Jews and Judaism as living culture and people, not as victims stagnant in time. The BJE not only provides Jewish education to its youth, it also offers educational classes for all ages. Adult education classes and teacher’s training are provided through the Jewish Educational Director’s Council. The Council and the BJE focus on fostering a new sense of community through communal learning and engagement throughout the year. The BJE is currently working on numerous projects to advance the community. Kehillah College aims to provide further involvement for students in high school. The expansion of the Holocaust education program is in the works in cooperation with the Indiana Historical and Jewish Historical Societies. This expansion will include a trip to Poland and Israel for teachers in 2017. In keeping with its mission, the BJE will continue its advancement and lifework of providing Jewish education to all members of the community.
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis JFGI Young Leadership Division JFGI Israel Connections @JFGIndy @JFGIYLD @JFGIndy
STRENGTHNews OF A PEOPLE. JewishTHE Federation
OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS
Executive Vice President THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. Debra Barton Grant President Paul A. Kraft Marketing Director and Editor Julia Goodman
www.jewishindianapolis.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.jewishindianapolis.org Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc., in cooperation with its partner agencies: The Jewish Community Center, Hooverwood, Jewish Family Services at The Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center, The Bureau of Jewish Education, and The Jewish Community Relations Council.
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Debra Barton Grant Executive Vice President
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Pl a nne d G i v ing a nd E nd owment A Celebration of Legacy Honoring Winnie Goldblatt and our Endowment Community Photos by Denis Kelly Jr. On Wednesday, June 24, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and over 140 community members honored Winnie Goldblatt in her retirement after 27 years of dedicated service to the Jewish community. The evening included comments from Katy Cantor, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Planned Giving and Endowment; David Vonnegut-Gabovitch and Dick Leventhal, Planned Giving and Endowment Co-Chairs; and Chuck Cohen, the evening’s emcee. Winnie was surprised with a tribute video, a stunning necklace made by Estelle Nelson, and the inaugural Or L’dor (Light Unto Generations) award—a beautiful glass piece made by Jeff Rothenberg. Winnie began her career at JFGI in 1987 with the Men’s Annual Campaign and the Young Leadership Division. As the Planned Giving and Endowment Director, she focused on charitable gift planning, multi-generational family philanthropy, and endowment development. Under Winnie’s leadership, JFGI’s Endowment program saw great success, including the $100 million Our Vision. Our Promise. Our Legacy. campaign. Winnie was instrumental in bringing JFGI’s newest initiative, the LIFE & LEGACY program, to Indianapolis. She has worked tirelessly and passionately to ensure the future of this community, and we look forward to her involvement as a volunteer.
Barb Bailie, Estelle Nelson, and Elliott Nelson
Wendy Cohen and Winnie Goldblatt
Joanne Smith, Winnie Goldblatt, and Beth Tishler
Dr. Harold Smith, Jeff Smulyan, Dick Leventhal, and Elliott Gold
Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Barbara Levy, Gregory Silver, and Ira Jaffee
Dick Leventhal, Winnie Goldblatt, and Barbara Leventhal
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Leon Mordoh and Marvin Silberman
David Klapper and Dr. Stephen Klapper
www.jewishindianapolis.org
Janie Maurer and Karen Cohen
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LI F E & L E G A C Y
We all strive to leave the world a better place through
our children, our good deeds, our generosity
This could be the most important gift you ever make. LIFE & LEGACY is an innovative new program to help our community secure resources for generations to come. Contact Paula Goldberg at pgoldberg@JFGI.org or 317.715.6980 to learn more.
www.jewishindianapolis.org
Mazel Tov to the community partners in LIFE & LEGACY! Bureau of Jewish Education Chabad/Lubavitch of Indiana Congregation Beth-El Zedeck Congregation B’nai Torah Congregation Shaarey Tefilla Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis
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OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS
Hillel Foundation at Indiana University Hooverwood Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council Jewish Family Services Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
Planned Giving and Endowment
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E nga gement
LIFE & L E G A C Y
New Mothers Circle Class This November!
A Gift from the Heart
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Movie: Little White Lie The Athenaeum 401 E. Michigan Street Indianapolis Thursday, August 20 7:00 p.m.
Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts and JFGI present the film Little White Lie at The Athenaeum (Mass Ave District) in partnership with The Athenaeum and IndyHub. What defines our identity, our family Lacey Schwartz at the age of 2 of origin, or the family with her mother, Peggy that raises us? How do we come to terms with the sins and mistakes of our parents? Lacey Schwartz, a woman with light brown skin and a cascade of dark curls who grew up in a Jewish household believing she was white, discovers that answering these questions is not simple. She must understand her parents’ stories as well as her own. She pieces together her family history and the story of her dual identity using home videos, archival footage, interviews, and episodes from her own life. Little White Lie is a personal documentary about the legacy of family secrets, denial, and the power of telling the truth. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase at the showing. This program is free. For more information, contact Keren Ayalon at kayalon@JFGI.org or 317.715.9261.
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps us welcome everyone interested in finding Jewish meaning and community.
www.jewishindianapolis.org
Joe Zuckerberg is a trailblazer. Joe is the first in our community to sign a letter of intent to make an after-life gift to a partner Jewish organization in the LIFE & LEGACY Program. Inspired by the extraordinary education his grandchildren received, Joe indicated his intention to make a gift to Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis. He feels strongly that his grandchildren’s future has been shaped by the Rabbi and teachers at the Academy. “My grandchildren deeply identify with Judaism and were kept on the ‘straight and narrow’ by their teachers at the Academy,” said Joe. Joe feels the Academy gave his grandchildren discipline and the desire to achieve they might not have found in a public school setting. He believes the Academy established his grandchildren as well rounded, educated citizens, and provided a solid foundation on which to build the rest of their lives. Joe’s eldest grandson recently graduated from high school and will attend Florida State University in the fall. His granddaughter teaches dance classes and has aspirations of performing on Broadway. Family is very important to Joe. A longtime member of our community, Joe is owner of the Style Store for Big & Tall in Indianapolis, a business founded in 1918 by his grandfather Abraham, as A. Zuckerberg & Son. At 78 years of age, he continues to lead the business and has no plans to slow down. A trip to Israel ignited Joe’s connection to Judaism. There he experienced the vibrancy of Jewish life, making him feel very proud to be Jewish. Joe’s intention to benefit the Academy with his gift is a tangible expression of his love for his family and for the Jewish community in Greater Indianapolis. It is this love that Joe seeks to pass on to this grandchildren. LIFE & LEGACY is a two-year partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that assists communities across North America to promote after-lifetime giving benefiting local Jewish synagogues, social service agencies, Hillels, day schools, and other Jewish entities. The Indianapolis Jewish community is among a select few communities chosen to participate in the LIFE & LEGACY program.
The Mothers Circle offers free education and support for women of other faith traditions who are raising Jewish children. Mothers in all family constellations are welcome and participants do not have to be affiliated with a Jewish institution or have any prior knowledge. Classes meet approximately twice a month for about eight months and focus on how to create a Jewish home, celebrate Jewish holidays, and share Jewish values with your children. Free childcare is available! Meet moms just like you by joining this warm and nurturing environment and feel empowered to take on the responsibility of raising children in Judaism. Questions or want to register? Please contact Patti Freeman Dorson by phone at 317.715.9273 or by email at connect@JFGI.org.
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S h a lia ch
Moreover, we made these two years full. We experienced the full spectrum of emotions, from the sorrow and sadness of Israel Memorial Day, to the care and support in the Israel rally last summer, to laughter and enjoyment of the packed gathering on Israel Independence Day. I’m taking the words of Jim Valvano to their full meaning, “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.” Indeed, it has been something special. Goodbye, there are no endings, just new beginnings, and Indianapolis will always be in my heart. In case you are interested what I will be doing next year, I will start my first year at the Techinon Institute in Haifa as a student in Industrial Engineer and Informatics Systems. I would love to meet up with you if you ever visit Israel, feel free to reach out to me at Royswisa@gmail.com.
After Two Meaningful Years, It Is Time to Say Goodbye
בנאי.” י.זה רק הסוף, שלום זה לא נגמר,”להתראות Miss you already, Roy
www.jewishindianapolis.org www.jewishindianapolis.org
Jonathan Glass, Roy Swisa, and David Glass
Earlier this summer, I returned from Israel after leading a Birthright trip. During the trip I felt a bit homesick. I missed Indy; I missed the people. I was surprised to have this feeling because I was at home in Israel, but I found that I missed my other home away from home. I spoke to my best friend and shared some of my experiences working in Indianapolis. I told him that in the two years that I’ve been working here, I have never experienced being alone on Shabbat, and how on the first night in Indy a large group of young Jewish adults welcomed me so nicely and escorted me safely back to my home. I have gotten to know very talented people who are prominent leaders both in their field of occupation and in the community. I admire how they are able to combine their passions in life, and I see them as exemplary role models. Then my friend told me, “Roy, you know, you’re one of those people who are lucky in anything they work in.” I thought about that for a while, and, as our conversation continued, I corrected him. Not only am I one of those lucky people who enjoy their work, but I am also lucky that I work what I love, and l love what I work. Without you—the people of Indianapolis and all the former shlichim, (plural of shaliach) who worked together to make this tangible relationship happen—we couldn’t have reached the new heights that we did. Thank you for embracing me into your community, your home, and your heart. This community showed me how you can live a vibrant Jewish life outside of Israel and how people can carry a strong connection to our beloved Israel, my home and yours as well.
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Kenny Lambert, Roy Swisa, and Naomi Zuckerman
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Maya Shmoel’s Hasten Hebrew Academy 2014-2015 class
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J ewis h Tra v el
Upcoming Trips to Cuba and Israel JFGI Mission to Cuba October 14-20, 2015 Extension Trip: October 20-23, 2015
Celebration Trip to Israel March 28-April 7, 2016
Travel to Cuba with the Federation! Connect with the Jewish community in Havana and tour the country. Visit Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo. Explore the history and markets. Visit the Centro Safardi and the recently opened Holocaust exhibit. Trip co-chairs: Stacy Segal and Aaron Girson.
Cross-Israel Road Bike Trip October 19-24
Partnership2Gether is offering a once in a lifetime experience to discover Israel by bike—from the northern border with Lebanon in the Western Galilee, to the eastern border with Syria along the Golan Heights, to southern Israel in the Jordan Valley to Eilat. This opportunity is for serious bike riding enthusiasts who want to explore Israel in a unique way with Israelis. Professional bike instructors, support vehicles, and a tour guide will accompany you and assist with transportation of equipment and other needs. Option to ride 50-100 miles a day. Cost: $1,900 not including airfare and private health insurance. Single supplement: $350.
Special two-part trip! Travel through Israel and the Western Galilee region. Discover new places, culture, history, art, and archaeology. Then take part in the special P2G@20 Partnership2Gether Mega Event with more than 1,000 people celebrating 20 years of Partnership2Gether! P2G@20 will be based in Tel Aviv with touring opportunities spanning the country. Part One: March 20-April 4 Touring Israel. Cost: $2,550/person Part Two: April 4-7 P2G@20 Partnership2Gether Mega Event highlighting Partnerships around Israel. Cost: $990/person. Sign up for Part One or Part Two. If you sign up for both parts, you’ll receive a $1,000 subsidy from our P2G Central Area Consortium. That’s like registering for P2G@20 for free!
Partnership2Gether Teen Trip to Israel December 20-30, 2015
Add a Jewish Flair to Your Travels
The Partnership2Gether Mega Teen Mission is your opportunity as an American teen to experience teen life in Israel. Joining Israeli teens, we promise you a memorable experience and friendships that will last a lifetime. Cost: $1,920 (flight from New York City).
Contact Michele Boukai at mboukai@JFGI.org or 317.475.4274 with questions or for more information about any of the above opportunities.
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support Israel-related programs in Indianapolis.
www.jewishindianapolis.org
Traveling to Israel or Europe this year? We can help you plan an interesting, personal visit around Israel, especially our Israel Partnership area in the beautiful Western Galilee. Going to Europe? We can offer suggestions, connect you with the local Jewish community, or help you find a guide. Contact Michele Boukai, Israel and Overseas Director, at mboukai@JFGI.org or 317.475.4274 for assistance.
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Y oung L ead e r s h i p D i vi s i o n
Community Trip to CANDLES Holocaust Museum
Passover Food Drive
photos by Kiel Majewski The Young Leadership Division took a group of community members and supports and dancers of Dance Kaleidoscope’s upcoming “REMEMBRANCES: A Ballet in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust” to the CANDLES Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute on Sunday, June 14. The day included a private tour of the museum, lunch (generously provided by the CANDLES Holocaust Museum), and a chance to speak with Eva Kor, Holocaust survivor and twin who was part of a group of children subjected to dangerous genetic experiments under the direction of the notorious Dr. Josef Mengele.
YLD and Jewish Family Services hosted a Passover food drive at Hooverwood for Popsie’s Pantry. Volunteers made over 60 Kosher-for-Passover food packages for local families in need. Hooverwood residents enjoyed a Passover concert by the students of The Julie, Kenna, and Emilie Sondhelm, and Lynne Alkobi Hasten Hebrew Academy and JFS’s Ruthie Gal on the accordion. Over $1,000 of donations for Passover food packages came in online. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success!
Deanna Van Lue and Yaniv Shmukler
Hasten Hebrew Academy teacher Hagai Moalem and students put on a concert for Hooverwood residents.
first last name and Eva Kor
Rachel Patterson, Lea Levy, Michael Gorin, Daniel Mak, Alan Eidelman, Max Feigenbam, Guy Preskil, and Alex Rosenblum
Lag Ba’Omer Bonfire Indianapolis Jewish community group in front of CANDLES Holocaust Museum
Katie Potere and Ashley Conner
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Rachel Waldorf and Bernie Stern
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps connect young adults to our Jewish community through Young Adult programming.
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C ommunity News
P J L ibra r y i n G r e ate r I nd i a na p o l i s PJ Library in Indianapolis and the Young Leadership Division Celebrate Earth Day
The Circle of Life Program at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
PJ Library in Indianapolis and the Young Leadership Division celebrated Israel’s 67th birthday and Earth Day with the magic of flight. Kids decorated their own kites with birthday messages for Israel and watched them fly. They also learned about how Israel cares for our Earth.
By Sybil Mervis
For more information about PJ Library, the PJ Library Play Date, and other upcoming programs, contact PJ Library Coordinator Inna Kolesnikova Shmukler at 317.715.9264 or pjlibrary@JFGI.org.
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www.jewishindianapolis.org
PJ Library Save the Date Monday, August 10: PJ in the Park Play Dates
The Circle of Life is a twinning program at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. It seeks to educate our next generation about the Holocaust, now mostly a part of “ancient history” to many youngsters. It is a way to remember a Jewish child who did not have the opportunity to be called to the Torah at age 13. The experience personalizes the Holocaust by twinning the child with someone who might have shared a birth date, a town of origin, a name, or may have been a distant relative. Zoe on her bat mitzvah Our granddaughter, Zoe of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum when she was 12. The trip made a deep impression on her. We met with Lillian Gerstner, director of Special Projects for the Museum, who explained the Circle of Life program to Zoe. Mrs. Gerstner inquired about the countries from which Zoe’s grandparents had immigrated. Then she asked about their names in the Old Country. Zoe had thought she’d like a girl whose birth month and day was close to hers. Then, Mrs. Gerstner showed Zoe how to search the Museum’s database, which lists the millions who perished in the Holocaust. Zoe found a family with the same last name as her maternal grandmother’s family, in the same town from which the ancestor had immigrated. The girl, who met her death at age 5 with her family in a mass murder, was named Zivia. Her name began with a ‘Z’, like Zoe’s. Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow, who was not yet acquainted with the program, was touched and most cooperative. We included photos and information about the family—a dentist, his wife and two young children—in the service program, represented Zivia’s presence with a tallis on an empty chair on the bimah, recited Kaddish for her and her family, and thus educated many of the attendees, including young friends, to the ultimate sadness of the Holocaust, a young life tragically annihilated so early. What did all this mean to Zoe? “For me, it meant being able to give Zivia her adulthood, in a sense, her place in the Jewish community. That was very special to me. I am glad that we kind of shared a name and that she may have been a distant relative.” This program may appeal to other families in Indianapolis who might want to help educate others. Visit www.ilholocaustmuseum.org for further information about the Museum and the Circle of Life program.
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Our history is only our beginning. July 2015 JFGI magazine.indd 10
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Help us carry our legacy into the future. The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis has been supporting Jewish life for over a century. Today there’s still vital work to do. And we need your support. Contribute to Federation and you’re helping to care for our entire Jewish community—at home, in Israel, in Ukraine, and in over 70 other countries around the globe—enabling your gift to be used wherever it’s needed most. To learn more or to donate today, visit us at www.jewishindianapolis.org or call 317.726.5450.
Our Overseas Partners World ORT
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J ewish Fami l y S e r vi c e s a t The R e ub e n Ce nt e r 90s Birthday Bash Photos by E. Thaddeus Andrews
by Barton Grant, Katy Cantor, Michael Skolnick, Margo Fox, and Lori Moss present to schmooze and enjoy everyone’s company! If you, or someone you know has or will be celebrating 90+ years, please contact Lori Moss at 317.259.6822 so we add them to our list for next year’s luncheon.
Jewish Family Services’ annual celebration lunch planned by JFS staff for friends 90 years old and above was held on Tuesday, May 19 at Broadmoor Country Club. Close to 40 people enjoyed a festive lunch, birthday cake balls, a pecan ball, and a short presentation on activities that JFGI is providing in Indianapolis. JFS was fortunate to have many JFGI staff, including Deb-
Al Profeta, Anne Calderon, and Katy Cantor Michael Skolnick, Mimi Werner, Irv Katz, Bess Roth, Marian Aronstam, Selma Stein, and Faye Weissman
Debby Barton Grant and Inda Singer
Parents Night Out
Ernie Lorch, Eve Perlstein, Jodi Stoner, Florence Leshnover, Ibby Goldbach, and Inda Singer
Saturday, August 8 6:00-10:00 p.m. Arthur M. Glick JCC
www.jewishindianapolis.org
AARP Smart Drivers Class
An evening for children with special needs and their siblings (ages 2–11). 3:1 ratio. $5 per child. Space is limited. No walk-ins accepted. Register with Julie Sondhelm at 317.259.6822, ext. 6 or jsondhelm@JFGI.org by Saturday, August 1.
Thursday, October 1 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Arthur M. Glick JCC
Participants are encouraged to join our congregant lunch for $2.00 or bring you own. A brief half hour lunch will be provided. $15 for AARP members/$20 for non-members. RSVP to Cindy Wides for the class and lunch at 317.259.8048. This class is open to the public. Sponsored by Jewish Family Services at the Reuben Center.
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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.
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Hoov erwood
Fiesta Forever—Hooverwood Honors Residents and Staff During National Nursing Home Week
Hooverwood Board of Directors Celebrates 45th Annual Meeting
Each year, Hooverwood’s talented Activity Department raises the bar higher and higher in order to create a fun and fabulous week for the residents and staff. In conjunction with the national industry theme, Hooverwood’s “Fiesta Forever” celebration began on Monday, May 11, 2015 and continued all week with fiestas galore.
The Hooverwood Family of residents, staff, volunteers, and board members gathered on Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the Fireside Lounge for the 45th Annual Meeting. A lovely brunch was catered by Chef Natasha and the Food Service Department. Outgoing Board President, Mark Sniderman, was honored for his dedication and leadership during his two year term. Incoming Board President, Mindy Shapiro, was proudly sworn into office. Mindy spoke beautifully about her goals for the next two years and expressed appreciation to the officers and members of the Board for their continued dedication to the organization. Marc Penner, Executive Director, reflected on the last year and sincerely thanked everyone for their commitment to excellence at Hooverwood. Many thanks to everyone who attended this special gathering. Happy 45th Birthday Hooverwood!
Hooverwood Launches Capital Campaign Celebrating the Tradition and Future of Hooverwood
This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support rehabilitation services for the residents of Hooverwood.
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Dreams are becoming reality as Hooverwood is planning for the future. The buzz around town regarding Hooverwood’s upcoming renovation and construction plans is creating excitement, energy, and commitment throughout our community. After years of research and planning, Hooverwood’s future will soon include a completely renovated building that will transform our Home into a modern, state-ofthe-art nursing and rehabilitation center all while minimizing disruption to current residents. Improved features will include a new lobby and social hall, private rooms with showers, new dining rooms in each resident neighborhood, and new teaching and training facilities. In addition, luxury assisted living apartments will be built on our campus in order to provide a more complete continuum of care to our community. This project would not be possible without the generosity and support of endowments, foundations, and individual donors. Many friends of Hooverwood gathered on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at the home of Janie and Mickey Maurer to officially launch the capital campaign. Paul Kraft, Hooverwood Foundation CoChair, and Marc Penner, Executive Director, presented an emotional video and slide presentation highlighting Hooverwood’s past, present, and future. This capital campaign includes a number of naming opportunities that will allow donors to honor their loved ones. For more information regarding capital gifts and naming opportunities, contact Marc Penner at mpenner@hooverwood.org or 317.251.2261.
www.jewishindianapolis.org
The week began with an amazing performance by the Latin band, “Mundo Beat.” It was so fun to see the residents and staff dancing and moving to the Latin rhythm. On Tuesday, the residents were treated to a “Fiesta Fashion Show” that featured colorful outfits donated by Thrifty Threads and modeled by Hooverwood employees. On Wednesday, everyone enjoyed a festive taco bar lunch catered by Hooverwood’s Food Service Department, along with a memorable slide show of celebrations throughout the years. The Hooverwood employees raved about the bright lime green t-shirts they received and look forward to wearing them on Fridays. The fiesta continued on Thursday with a Zumba Gold party and a dance performance by the Continettes. Last, but certainly not least, the celebration on Friday featured an interactive Flamenco dance presentation. Many thanks to Kira, Andre, Davon, Jameka, and Katikka in our Activity Department for an outstanding week that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next year.
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Burea u of J e w i s h E d u c a t i o n 2014-2015 Dalet Graduation dy, Adam Zeitlin, and Joshua Doherty. Director’s Awards were given to Allison Barret, Jonah Grant, and Eva Chaifetz. The Board of Directors’ Scholarship was awarded to all of the above students and Helena and Sara Leshnover, Braden Baker, Lauren Cooler, Collin Eaton, Isaac Hurwitz, Sloan Nelick, Mason Petrofsky, and Ryan Plaskoff. Following the graduation ceremony, families treated the students to a celebratory party with entertainment by Tim Fuller, DJ. Photographs were provided by Scott Romer.
www.jewishindianapolis.org
Photo by Scott Romer
On Sunday, May 17, the BJE held its 2014-15 Dalet Graduation. The 58 students of the Dalet class led a commemoration of Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, reading poetry and liturgy in honor of the reunification of the city of Jerusalem in 1967. Graduates received many awards, including the Sara and Albert Reuben Award for Excellence, which was given to Ben Goldstein, Emma Covitz, and Mackie Malinzak. Additional award recipients were Sam Balanoff, Cate Jacobson, Madison Mun-
Summer Learning Series
Hebrew Classes for Children and Adults
Wednesdays, July 15, 22, and 29 7:00-8:30 p.m. Domont Auditorium, BJE
Registration is open for the 2015-2016 Hebrew school year. Students entering third grade in public school can join the BJE Aleph class to begin their four years of Hebrew education in preparation for B’nai Mitzvah tutoring (also offered at the BJE). All BJE programs run in cooperation with the community synagogues and other educational institutions. For more information go to apply.bjeindy.org. Adult Hebrew classes will begin in the fall including advanced Biblical Hebrew text classes. Watch your mail and the BJE website for more information.
This summer, the BJE will again host a gathering of our community’s scholars for a summer of learning and exploration. July 15 will feature Miriam Gettinger, teaching “The Ethics of Our Ancestors: Pithy Quips for Life Practices.” On July 22, Rabbis Benjamin Sendrow and Brett Krichiver will team up to teach “Tisha B’av: Remembering, Lamenting, and Learning for Today.” The series will end on July 29 with Rabbi Paula Winnig and George Kelley teaching “Forgive and Forget? What is the Jewish Obligation?” The series costs $25 for all three classes or $10 for each class. No pre-registration is necessary.
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps bring Hebrew and Holocaust education to children in our community and around the state.
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2015 Indiana General Assembly
Je wi sh Co m m un ity Rela tions C ouncil
The 2015 legislative session of the Indiana General Assembly adjourned on Wednesday, April 29. Roughly 1,200 pieces of legislation were proposed by the General Assembly this year with about 250 reaching the Governor’s desk for his approval. The JCRC was happy to see many positive outcomes for legislation it monitored, including the budget. The session ultimately came to be defined by the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which the JCRC actively opposed. The fallout from RFRA was covered in state, national, and international media. Tens of millions of dollars in convention and visitors business has already been lost as a result. A language “fix” was negotiated by the Republican leadership and leaders in the state-wide business community. Negotiation of this new language consumed almost two full weeks of the Legislature’s time. Other issues included a repeal of the Common Construction Wage, legislation changing the structure and governance of the Indiana Board of Education, and the legalization of needle exchange programs to deal with the HIV outbreak in Scott County and assist other communities with high levels of intravenous drug use. This session saw the passage of a resolution supported by the JCRC condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Indiana is the second state in the country to pass such a resolution.
Israel Action Network Training The JCRC has kicked off the creation of a local Israel Action Network. On the national stage the Israel Action Network is a joint partnership of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. Its purpose is to provide local communities the support needed to combat the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The JCRC has identified and begun working with roughly thirty leaders and emerging leaders in our community to build relationships with key constituency groups in order to combat the key arguments being used by the proponents of BDS. In March and again in May the Indianapolis contingent trained with staff from the national Israel Action Network to better understand the BDS movement and how best to accomplish our strategic goals to stymie it here in Indiana.
Community Conversation with Congressman André Carson On Wednesday, May 27 the JCRC kicked off its regular series of community conversations with elected officials at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck. After initial comments by Congressman Carson regarding his relationship with the Jewish community and a number of current policy issues, the Congressman took questions from the attendees. The Congressman expressed his deep appreciation to be able to have the opportunity to continue to engage with the JCRC. The JCRC will continue to provide regular opportunities for community members to meet with members of our Congressional delegation and other elected officials.
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support the JCRC as it represents the Jewish community before the Indiana General Assembly.
www.jewishindianapolis.org
Front row: Debbie Herold, Debby Barton Grant, Lauren Morgan, Lindsey Mintz, first name last name, Congressman André Carson, Caryl Auslander, Shelby Anderson Back row: Jamie Rich, Rabbi Sandy Sasso, Rabbi Dennis Sasso, Greg Maurer, David Sklar, Jason Secore
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Jewish C ommu n i ty C e n t e r
Gymnastics Wednesdays beginning August 19 4:00-4:30 p.m. (Ages 3-5) Thursdays beginning August 20 4:15-5:00 p.m. (Ages 6 and up)
JCC Sunday Farmers Market Sundays 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
$164/$136 for JCC members
Shop year-round at the front JCC parking lot every Sunday for fresh local produce, baked goods, and dairy products. Visit www.jccindy.org for a list of summer vendors.
Parents Night Out Saturday, August 8
For children with special needs and their siblings, ages 2-11 and staffed at a ratio of 3:1. Contact Julie at jsondhelm@jfgi.org to register or for more information. Advanced registration required.
Yoga on the Lawn Second Sunday of the Month
iPhoneography Exhibits and Workshops
Join us on the front lawn next to the farmers market for yoga by donation. Just another way we’re reinforcing our mission to inspire total health!
International Mobile Photography Competition and Exhibit Gallery & Awards Reception Thursday, August 6 at 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Talk by iphotographer, Rad A. Drew
JCC Youth Programs Dog Days Post-Camps
This exhibit highlights the emerging art form of mobile photography and the power of social media and smart phones as a means of creative expression and connection. The competition will be judged by a jury of renowned photographers.
With different start dates for school, the JCC provides three weeks of care to cover the in between period. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade and grades six through eight: weeks of July 27 and August 3. Children in grades six through eight: week of August 10. Cost per week: $225/$150 JCC members. Cost per day: $50/$35 JCC members
iPhoneography Basics Workshop Sunday, August 16 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Soccer
For those who want to improve the photos they take with their smart phones, the JCC is offering an iPhoneography Basics workshop. Taught by local artist and internationally-recognized photographer, Rad A. Drew, students will learn about a host of apps and processing techniques. $75/$60 JCC members
Kindersoccer for children 4½ as of September 1, 2015 and not in first grade. Soccer for first through fourth grade. Register by August 3 to avoid a $10 late fee. Games begin Sunday, August 23. $90/$80 JCC members for seven games.
Heartland Film Festival Movie East Side Sushi Thursday, August 27 7:00 p.m.
www.jewishindianapolis.org
Photo by JCC soccer coach, Matthew Holbrook.
Karate Tuesdays beginning September 1 4:15-5:00 p.m. (ages 4-10) 5:00-5:45 p.m. (ages 7-13)
Single mom Juana can slice and dice anything with speed and precision. She takes a job at a Japanese restaurant, and learns to make a multitude of sushi on her own. Juana attempts to become a sushi chef, but finds out she is the “wrong” race and gender. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, determined not to let anyone stop her from achieving her dream. $9/$6 JCC members
$95/$79 JCC members for 11 sessions
Tiny Tot Athletics Thursdays beginning August 13 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Sports and games for ages 3-4 that improve hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and team-building. $74/$60 JCC members for eight sessions.
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This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support early childhood and adult education, cultural programs, and health and fitness at the JCC.
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H a sten Heb rew A ca d emy
Hasten Hebrew Academy Finishes Year with Awards and Trips Hasten Hebrew Academy students had a big 20142015 school year, working very hard and receiving many academic accolades. Here’s a look back. HHAI student Rivkah Bunes, pictured here with Ruby Bridges, participated in the Letters to Ruby program at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. Ms. Bridges was the first African-American child to attend an all-white school in the South. Rivkah’s letter was chosen to be read by Ruby Bridges, and Rivkah attended a workshop led by Ms. Bridges. This is the sixth year that a HHAI student has had this opportunity. Seventh-grader Michaela Geller-Montague won national essay contest, “Better 2 Write,” sponsored by the Legacy Heritage Fund. Michaela was awarded funds to go toward Jewish summer camp or gap year studies, and the school received a contribution to its scholarship fund. The essay contest is part of the “Better Together” inter-generational program that all Hebrew Academy middle school students participated in this year. Once a month, middle school students visited either Hooverwood or Morningside of College Park to talk with seniors and write memory books, teach i-Pad use, paint ceramic mugs, or plant flowers. In addition, students spent time learning from their elders, completed a genealogy project, and learned about Jewish laws on respecting our elders and the “spiritual DNA” passed down from our patriarchs and matriarchs.
Fourth grade students won the statewide I Love to Read challenge sponsored by WISH TV and other fine Indiana organizations. Fourth grade students were chosen in a statewide drawing and represented all fourth graders from Indiana at an awards ceremony held at the Children's Museum. HHAI students were awarded their class honor by First Lady, Karen Pence and news anchors from WISH TV News. For the second time, eighth grade student Cy Orentlicher represented the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis and Marion County in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. He was one of 285 spellers from all 50 United States and American Samoa, the Bahamas, Canada, China, Europe, Ghana, Guam, Jamaica, Japan, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. HHAI graduation culminates with its annual capstone trip to Israel as students genuinely experience Yom Ha’zikaron and Yom Ha’atzamut and walk the Biblical pathways of their Jewish heritage. The trip synthesizes ancient and modern Jewish history, nature, and spirituality into a "taglit” junior creating emotional memories that will last a lifetime.
This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support the educational programs at the Hasten Hebrew Academy.
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www.jewishindianapolis.org
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I U Hillel
for Israel on the IU campus. Students were inspired by this trip to deepen their connection to the Jewish community and Israel. “It’s such a proud feeling!” said one student. “While growing up my dad tried to Visiting the Western Wall force Judaism on me. I was just so confused. I didn’t really see the point of Judaism. I just felt so stubborn and didn’t want to do anything with Judaism up until this trip,” another student explained. “Now I have realized how proud I am of being a Jew. This trip really opened my eyes about how much I have missed out over my life. I know I will be more involved in Hillel and Judaism when I get home.” Students will be able to get even more involved with Jewish life on campus, including Israel programming like Taglit-Birthright Israel trips and follow-up programming thanks to the generosity of several Indianapolis area individuals and Students at Mount Scopus, riding families. IU Hillel will camels, and hiking in the Negev be hiring an Israel Fellow (shaliach) to join our staff in August. IU Hillel want to sincerely thank the donors who have made this program possible.
IU Hillel Taglit-Birthright Israel—A Life-Changing Experience
www.jewishindianapolis.org
This summer, the staff of Hillel at Indiana University accompanied 50 students to Israel on Taglit-Birthright Israel. Students described their experiences as impactful and life-changing. As always, the Taglit-Birthright Israel experience is a whirlwind. In addition to common tourist sites, the trip included rafting down the Jordan River, hikes in nature reserves, and exploring Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada, the Dead Sea, Tsfat, the Golan Heights, and so much more. While it is difficult to single out any event as the highlight, the celebration of three Indianapolis area students Annabelle Bluvshteyn, Vera Kotlyar and Ellen Voskoboynik becoming B’nai Mitzvah on Shabbat afternoon in Jerusalem was a particularly memorable Three Indianapolis students celebrate their moment. A visit to Save a Child’s Heart Bat Mitzvah (SACH) marked another highlight of the trip. SACH, an Israeli-based humanitarian project providing life-saving heart surgeries and follow-up care for children from over 50 countries in the developing world, saves the lives of as many as 250 children each year. The group shared another impactful moment when they stopped at a border crossing into the Gaza strip and saw at least 50 trucks during their brief five minute stop going into this territory to provide food, supplies, and building materials. The group could feel the vulnerability of Israelis, not only in the region of Gaza, but also extending further north as far as Tel Aviv and Haifa. The IU Hillel group visited the Stand With Us Mifgash and Advocacy Seminar at Tel Aviv University where students discussed issues including Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), Operation Protective Edge, Israel advocacy, anti-Semitism, and much more. Students further developed valuable skills to advocate
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Sy na gogues
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck Table Settings 2015: Sunday and Monday, August 9 and 10, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Join us for our 15th anniver-
Etz Chaim Sephardic Synagogue
sary of beautiful, inspiring table designs by local designers, florists, decorators, and retailers. Daily demonstrations at 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. $10/person. Tickets available at the door. Refreshments included.
Services Etz Chaim has daily morning services and invites you to attend. Fast of Tisha B’Av (Ninth of Av): Sunday, July 26
Special services for the Fast of Tisha B’Av. Etz Chaim synagogue was proud to host the annual JCRC meeting on Tuesday, June 16, which honored Todd Mauer with the Cook Award. The synagogue also extends its congratulations to all high school and college graduates and wishes them much success in their future endeavors! As we are approaching the high holidays, by the beginning of the month of Elul, we will start our traditional Sephardic style Slichot. You can find more information on our website, www.EtzChaimIndy.org.
Early Childhood Center: Wednesday, August 12 School begins for the 2015-16 year. To see the
current brochure, visit bez613.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/ECC-2015-2016.pdf.
Writing Ourselves into Torah Sofer Visit: Sunday and Monday, August 16 and 17 Be a part of Beth-El
Zedeck history and leave a legacy for generations to come by helping to write a Torah. For more information, contact Bonnie Craig, bcraig@bez613.org.
Save the Date! Rick Recht at Shabbat Service: Friday, October 30 Save the Date! Spirit & Place Festival “Wrestling with the Infinite”: Sunday, November 8, 3:00–5:00 p.m., the Artsgarden This event will include four different
Congregation Beth Shalom 2015 has been a good year for Congregation Beth Shalom so far, as the congregation continuse to grow and add new members. CBS still retains the warmth and friendship it is known for and welcomes all those who choose to bring their talents and energies to the congregation and join activities. CBS Progressive Dinner: Saturday, August 22 The very popular Progressive Dinner is coming up. Watch the website for details. Book Club Second Sunday of each month Selections are announced in advance. Torah Study Regular, fun, lively, and painless learning with Rabbi Halpern
forms of artistic expression—visual arts, dance, music, and writing/poetry—and will feature artists who have participated in Butler University’s Religion, Spirituality, and the Arts seminars, directed by Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso.
Congregation B’nai Torah Service Times Services are offered every morning, afternoon, and evening. Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:15 a.m. For other service times, please check B’nai Torah’s website at www.btorah.org. Classes B’nai Torah offers a variety of classes each week. For all regular weekly classes, please refer to the website at www.btorah.org. Annual Dinner: Sunday, August 23 B’nai Torah is having its annual dinner. For more information and to RSVP, contact the shul office at office@btorah.org.
Adult Education class: Regularly each quarter Religious School CBS’s religious school is growing
by leaps and bounds. Contact the congregation now at info@bethshalomindy.org if you are interested in enrolling a child or grandchild.
Shabbat services: second and fourth Friday of every month, 6:30 p.m., University High School open to
all who would like to attend. For information on upcoming High Holiday Services and all other events, visit www.bethshalomindy.org.
Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
school in August at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla. This program is for ages 2-PreK. Call 317.733.2169 for more information.
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www.jewishindianapolis.org
Northwest Cooperative Preschool: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 a.m. NW Cooperative begins their pre-
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Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis 6705 Hoover Road Indianapolis, IN 46260-4120
Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 362 Indianapolis, IN
Travel to Jewish
Cuba
October 14-20, 2015
Optional Extension until October 23 Visit Jewish Cuba with the Federation! This trip promises to be an engaging combination of cultural discovery and humanitarian work. Discover the history and dynamics of the small but vibrant Jewish community of Havana and meet with their leaders. Cost per person (from Miami): $2,610 (double occupancy) Single occupancy supplement: $250 A $500 deposit is required by August 17, 2015. Final payment due by September 4, 2015. Please contact Michele Boukai at 317.475.4274 or mboukai@JFGI.org for more information and a trip itinerary. July 2015 JFGI magazine.indd 20
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