Creating Safe Spaces for Our Children
By Rabbi Brett Krichiver
Earlier this month, the recent spike in antisemitic rhetoric across the country hit very close to home when a cultural event at Smoky Row Elementary School in Carmel included a profoundly disturbing display. We have all become familiar with the signs and images included at anti-Israel protests on college campuses and in major cities, accusing Jews of genocide and other atrocities through our support of the Jewish state, but this display took matters even further.
The school invited families to represent their heritage, which might begin to explain the lax supervision of the many displays. One parent shared that the administration planned to use the 40 minutes before the event to ensure cultural heritage was the focus rather than blatant hate speech.
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Kabbalat Shabbat
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Visitors to the Palestinian table were treated kindly and given tea and treats. However, they were also subjected to the following large signs and their hate-filled propaganda: “The Children of Israel Have Always Been a Difficult Nation,” and “The Jews Plotted to Crucify Issa (Jesus).”
The school has since apologized once this lapse in judgment was brought to their attention. But we are living in a very different world than the world of our parents, and one published apology cannot undo the damage caused by the vitriol on display at this event. How many children witnessed these shameful posts? How many Jewish families were made to feel uncomfortable? How did this happen - that an event designed to celebrate the variety and multiculturalism of our schools could degenerate into deplorable and sinister lies about Jews? In 2025? In Carmel, Indiana?
The Jewish community responded well to this situation. Our relationships with school administration, teachers, and staff are strong. We will survive this embarrassment. We will continue to strive to educate, build new partnerships, and combat the ignorance and fear at the heart of this issue. But what does it say about our schools and community that this was allowed to happen in the first place? What possible place do signs like these have anywhere at Smoky Row Elementary or any of our schools?
One congregant expressed it this way – “Good intentions do not erase harm. These statements are not cultural education. They are dangerous, false, and deeply offensive tropes that have fueled centuries of hatred against Jewish people.”
We will continue to monitor this situation alongside our partners at the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Secure Community Network (SCN). If you experience antisemitism in any way, large or small, please report the event to us or one of our partner groups. Together, we will continue to create strong and healthy communities and safe spaces for our Jewish children.
Passover Seder Traditions New and Old
Passover is a time to come together and recount the story of the Hebrew people’s escape from Egypt.
Combining this age-old tradition with contemporary methods of storytelling adds a unique dimension to the holiday. By including different items on your seder plate, you can connect your family’s narrative to the broader story of liberation from Egypt. Creating new traditions, built on the foundation of the traditional seder, helps ensure that this holiday remains relevant and inspiring in modern times.
Incorporating items on the plate that represent various groups who have historically been marginalized or are in the minority is especially significant given the current political turmoil and rise in antisemitism in our society. It is important to remember those who have converted to Judaism, identify as LGBTQ+, or are immigrants, as this addition honors a tradition of celebrating marginalized communities, including the Jews.
In Your Own Words
PASSOVER SEDER: In Your Own Words
““I have a shank bone that’s probably 25 years old. Back then, I saw people get a lamb shank and put it in the freezer. Nowadays, if you go to get a shank bone, they’ll be shorter, about 4-5 inches. But this one is a real shank bone. It’s about 10 inches. I scraped all the meat off it when I originally used it, but then I put it in the freezer, and it’s still there.
There was a store called Atlas Supermarket, which was run by a Jewish man. They had all of the items for Passover, including lamb shanks. I don’t know if there’s any place with Passover items or lamb shanks available anymore. I haven’t hosted a seder in a long time, but now I am going to my friend’s seder.
I had surgery a few years ago, and we used to host about 20 people, and I couldn’t continue that. So, now they host, but we still have pretty much the same group of friends and know each other’s traditions.
— Barb Levy
I think we got our seder plate after we were married. I had just converted, and there used to be a day when everything was on sale, so as a newlywed couple, we waited until that day and then bought our seder plate from the [IHC] gift shop. That was about 30 years ago.
I don’t remember when we first took on hosting the Seder; my first few were at my in-laws’ house. My husband grew up here, so he had family members here, so we would sometimes alternate the holidays. We would use the Maxwell House Haggadah, and those prayer books were swift, and his family went through Passover quickly. It was a very good and lovely evening, but the actual reading of everything was a little faster.
When we took over, the only change we made was to make it a little longer. I converted after I married, about when my children were three years old and a newborn, so I learned about the seder and Jewish traditions in several ways. My kids went to preschool here, so that was all a learning opportunity for me as well, which was an easy introduction to being Jewish.
For Passover and learning things, I turned to my good Jewish friends. I called one friend my “rabbi.” Sometimes, approaching the head rabbi can be intimidating, so I would go to this friend and ask, “What about this?" “What about that?” and “Is this OK?”. [IHC] has been my home for over 30 years, and I’m always happy to come.
— Pat Goldstein
PASSOVER SEDER: In Your Own Words
I once went to Rabbi Jon Stein’s house, and he had collected seder plates. He had this large credenza in the dining room, full of seder plates. It was the most seder plates I’d ever seen, and it was impressive. I have a seder plate from growing up, but I don’t really use it. I use the one I got at the [IHC] gift shop years ago. I use it just because I like it. But that is a point: things change around, and you can find something else you like or something new.
My daughter-in-law was not born Jewish, but she converted, and they didn’t have a seder plate, so we went and bought one for her at the [IHC] gift shop. Now, this will be the second year she is hosting the seder. It is important because we’re passing it down to the next generations. My granddaughter is four, and she needs to know that the holidays can happen [at her home] because I host Shabbat every week. Hosting Shabbat every week is important to me, and I hate it when I miss a week.
We have our own haggadah, the book you read for the Passover seder, which is the order of the prayers and rituals. There are all different versions of haggadah. There’s the social justice haggadah, the LGBTQ haggadah, the women’s haggadah, the traditional haggadah, the orthodox haggadah, and so on. The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the union of the rabbis, just published new ones.
I collected a lot of them and followed the order — because you have to follow the order — but I picked and chose the ones I wanted to include. We had little kids then, so it was simple but fun. We still use it because I threw in some jokes, such as: “Why is matza called matza? Well, what else would you call it?”
— Andrea Pactor
ON THE COVER: Seder plates for use by IHC events are found in storage. The star-shaped plate is one from the “Interfaith Alliance
“ — Barb Levy
I have a shank bone that’s probably 25 years old. I scraped all the meat off it when I originally used it, but then I put it in the freezer, and it’s still there.”
PASSOVER SEDER:
In Your Own Words
“
Ruth’s Mix consists of sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, and raisins. All delicious on their own, but wonderful together. As we welcome everyone into our community, including those born Jewish, those who convert, and those who are not Jewish.”
— Patti Freeman Dorson
Learn more about some of the additional items that you can add to your seder plate by watching a video with Sara Weinberger and Patti Freeman Dorson. Patti shares creative ways to personalize your seder plate, celebrating your family's unique traditions during this cherished Passover celebration. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/seder-plateadditions-IHC.
IHC Passover Seder
Sunday, April 13 from 5 - 7 p.m.
DESIGNED FOR INTERFAITH FAMILIES AND THOSE NEW TO JEWISH TRADITIONS
IHC and our Engagement Committee look forward to our inclusive, second-night Passover Seder, at which our clergy will explain the customs, prayers, and components of a Reform Seder. See you there!
Social Justice Shabbat
We face a critical issue in Indiana. Nearly a million Hoosiers, including many working families, struggle to put healthy food on the table.
The Tzedek Committee hosted an eye-opening Social Justice Shabbat, followed by a screening of the film “Food, Insecure.”
The documentary highlights hard-working people who can lose hundreds of dollars of benefits by earning just $1 over the assistance bracket. This can be devastating to people trying to get out of the welfare system.
The panel discussion further opened our eyes to the dire needs in our own community. Learn more about “Food, Insecure” at workinghungry.org. Then, scan the QR codes to find different ways to take action. We are grateful for the donations to the food drive and know this food will assist the struggling families of Indianapolis.
UPCOMING SHABBATOT
Special Shabbatot supported by IHC Sisterhood.
Friday, Apr. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Tot Shabbat — Spring/Summer
Sign up at bit.ly/totshabbat-april25
Join us for Tot Shabbat! There will be a kid-friendly services with a fun activity following. We’re asking you to sign up so we can get a general sense of numbers for our craft and snacks. Please register by April 24.
Friday, May 2 at 6 p.m.
Family Shabbat Sign up at bit.ly/familyshabbat_may2
This service is perfect for our families with elementary-aged children and will take place in the Chapel. There will be pizza, snacks, and board games for all in the YAC after services!
Friday, May 16 at 6:15 p.m.
Congregants and clergy will gather around to be enveloped in sound at our new Shabbat experience with visual t’fillah and familiar music in a unique way.
APRIL/MAY
Friday, May 9 at 6:15 p.m.
Confirmation Shabbat
Join us as we celebrate our youth’s individual and group affirmation of commitment to the Jewish people.
Friday, May 23 at 6:15 p.m.
Home-Hosted Shabbat (Off-site)
Join us for our next Home Hosted Shabbat and celebrate Shabbat in a different way with the IHC Community. The service is followed by Shabbat dinners in members’ homes. This is a fabulous way to spend time with friends, make new ones and enjoy Shabbat dinners in small groups.
Olam Shabbat
UPCOMING EVENTS
DATES TO KNOW
Cantante di Liberta Concert
Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church
IHC Foundation's Block Fund and Music at Trinity proudly present "Cantate di Liberta: Exploring Choral Works by Italian Masters" with Cantor Marer and the IHC Choir.
Sisterhood Spring Raffle Order by Friday, April 25
Sisterhood does great things for IHC and our community with your help! We are asking all IHC members and friends to buy raffle tickets! Who knows, you may be one of our lucky winners! Prize winners will be drawn on May 1 at Sisterhood’s Spring Meeting. You do not have to be present to win. Please complete your order by April 25th. You decide which prizes you want to try to win!
Blood Drive
Sunday, April 27 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Donate blood and save lives! Each donation saves up to three local Hoosier lives. Make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating. donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedul e/5640474
UPCOMING EVENTS
DATES TO KNOW
Sisterhood's Spring Annual Meeting Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
All IHC women are invited to join! It’s time to ‘bloom together’ with a little bit of business and a lot of fun! Sip on a cocktail (or mocktail), Enjoy some desserts and meet up with old and new friends.Back by popular demand: Make your own floral arrangement. Please bring your own scissors. Register here by April 16, 2025. $36.00 per person, thanks to the bequest left by Mary J Fink.
Save the Date: Annual Meeting Sunday, May 18 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom
Mark your calendars for the IHC Annual Meeting on May 18. The meeting will be online only. An agenda and a Zoom link for the meeting will follow.
Honoring Rabbi Jonathan Stein, z”l Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday, June 6 at 6:15 p.m.
Join us as we honor Rabbi Jonathan Stein, z"l at Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday, June 6 at 6:15 p.m. Shabbat services will feature Susan Stein as a guest speaker and we will share memories of the legacy of Rabbi Stein, z"l. There will be a special Oneg Shabbat following the services.
If you would like to share meaningful remembrances or pictures, please drop them off at the reception desk. If you prefer to email, you can send to Marcia Goldstein at bubbe1422@gmail.com by April 20. Please know that we will not be able to return these items, so please make a copy or scan. We are planning to do a display as well as a slideshow so we would love to be able to share your memories.
Check out our calendar for more information about events:
A Wicked Purim
Why don’t we try Defying Bigotry!
IHC celebrated Purim in the most Wicked way! From our adult shpiel to our JLP carnival, we all journeyed down the yellow brick road to find merriment and delight. We hope to continue defying bigotry and stand up for the Jewish people.
Purim is a holiday to celebrate the Jewish people defending ourselves. The “Wicked” theme really pushed home the need to fight bigotry and to stand strong for our convictions. Both “Wicked” and the Purim story are about supporting ourselves and others in the face of evil.
Adult Shpiel
CREATIVE KIPPOT
WHOWOREITBETTER?
Check out these special kippot: a lilly pad, crochet pink, and witch’s hat!
Rabbi Chernow-Reader had some competition with Dakota HudelsonZipper for best dressed. They both look fabulous!
MAZEL TOV!
Congratulations to the Early Childhood Center
We are delighted that the IHC Early Childhood Center has been awarded the gold medal for Best Preschool in Suburban North Indy! There were a total of 910 businesses nominated, and over 36,000 votes cast. This recognition confirms what we've always believed — that the ECC truly stands out as an exceptional place for early childhood education. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who cast their votes and supported us on this incredible journey!
Welcome New Staff
youarecurrent.com/bestof2025
Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation is thrilled to add our new Member Services Coordinator, Shira Phillips, to our amazing staff.
Shira (Shy-ra) Phillips is the new Member Services Coordinator for Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. Her main responsibilities will be to coordinate the logistics and scheduling surrounding life cycle events such as b’nai mitzvah, support the clergy, and assist with programing.
Born and raised in Indiana, Shira graduated from Westfield High School, then later earned a business degree from Ivy Tech and then a degree in marketing from Indiana Institute of Technology. She has a diverse background working in industries such as higher education, broadcasting, advertising, and hospitality. However, despite the industry, Shira always gravitated to roles that centered providing support, problem-solving, organizing, and connecting with others.
In her personal time, Shira, enjoys being active, taking road trips, and partaking in various forms of art and design. She comes from a large, closeknit family with eight sisters and has a young niece and nephew whom she adores! Whether it be playing horsey with them until her knees hurt, or being offered soggy snacks that were already gnawed on, she loves everything that comes with being an aunt, and looks forward to having a family of her own someday!
Shira Phillips
ADULT EDUCATION
2025 CLASS SCHEDULE
Creative and vibrant Jewish education develops a strong and positive Jewish identity. Check out the upcoming schedule to enrich your life.
ISRAEL FOR THE WISE
Tuesdays, Apr. 8, May 20 | 7 p.m. Join Aviya, Indianapolis Community Shaliach (Emissary), for this fascinating class exploring a number of facets of Israeli life and culture. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you would like. IHC Members: Complimentary, Guests: $18
SAY WHAT???: READING REFORM RESPONSA
Apr. 16 & 30 | 7 – 8 p.m.; & Apr. 23 | 6 – 7 p.m. Join Rabbi Shapiro as we traverse through Reform Jewish Responsa dealing with a number of hot topics in Reform congregations. Responsa are created when Jews have questions and seek an “official” response. Come and explore the super normal and the wildly crazy questions and the responses.
IHC Members: Complimentary, Guests: $36
GUIDING THE PERPLEXED IN THE MODERN AGE
Apr. 29, May 6, & 13 | 7 – 8 p.m. No other Jewish philosopher had an impact on the Jewish world like Nachman Krochmal, and yet his legacy goes largely unknown. In fact, he only ever wrote half a book! In this course, we will explore Krochmal’s ideas and see how they have undoubtedly shaped our own. Prepare to be inspired.
IHC Members: Complimentary, Guests: $36
Check out our weekly eblasts, ihcindy.org, and/or our social media pages for updates and additions to educational and holiday offerings during the year.
Register for classes with our IHC Administrative Assistant, Beth MeadeHession, at BethMH@ihcindy.org or 317-255-6647.
Unless noted otherwise, classes are hybrid — offered in person and on Zoom. Zoom links will be sent to those who register. Please share with us whether you plan to attend in person or on Zoom.
Classes are included with your IHC membership, though material/ticket fees may apply for certain classes. If you are not yet an IHC member, see each listing for the guest fee.
IHC CIRCLES
NEXT OPPORTUNITIES:
Mondays, April 7 & 28 at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m.
A group gathers on Monday mornings or Thursday evenings to play Euchre. They join together for a friendly game and company. Some play cards with family at home or at a few other places, but they mostly play at IHC. They have been playing together for so long, that it is easy to visit while the game goes on in the background. “It relieves the tedium of day-to-day existence,” said Peter Wormser.
Some of the usual players include: Curt & Elyse Chuvalas, Monica Gotleib, Sonja Kantor, Karen Katz, Melissa Kushner, Diane Lutz, Donna Segal, Jeff Seidenstein, Peter Smithhisler, and Carol & Peter Wormser.
Have an idea for a circle?
EUCHRE CIRCLE
May Their Memory Be for Blessing ...
APRIL 19
Ida Arffa
Herbert L. Aronson
Robert Aronson
Gabriel Cohen
William Foster
Clara Joseph
Nathan Levinson
Dora Litt
Joe Star
Samuel Weiner
Joan Wolf
APRIL 20
Edwin Dauber
Rae Franco
Leonard Goldstein
Eugene Gotthelf
Christopher Hargis
Harold B. Kort
Edward Micon
Hattie Miller
Barbara Re Arnold
Morse Myers
Eva S. Pauker
Jack Rockmore
Sadie Russell
Sanford Sirkus
Thomas "Jeff" Jefferson
Smith
Irene Weiss Stein
Perl Stern
APRIL 21
Pauline Bash
Joseph N. Careskey
Franklin "Frank" Giles II
Albert Miller
Eli Schloss
Seymour "Sy" Schwartz
Helen Swiss
Arnold Waxman
Verne Weinbaum
Gladys A. Weiss
APRIL 22
Rosella Medias
Philip Rosario Miceli
Elsie Segal
Reid Zoll
APRIL 23
Maurice Blonder
Dennis Escol
Ann Glasser
Roslyn Stern
APRIL 24
Gerald "Gerry" Arffa
Rose Baker
Elizabeth R. Burke
Julie Chinsky
Harriet Greenwald
Arthur Klein
Jennifer Moss
Hilda Samuel
Simon Winograd
Samuel Yolles
Carol Zhiss
APRIL 25
Caryl Berman
Betty Eichler Blum
Jack Glick
Maurice Gould
Kalman Haber
Ella Hartman
Frank Honig
Rose D. Kahn
Jennie Kahn
Judith Karzen
Adolphe Pockrass
Monty Ruekberg
Steven Simons
Rebecca Wells Linville
Samuel Yolles
APRIL 26
Paul "Andy" Arvid Anderson
Abe Berman
Jack Falk
Maurice Gordon
Pauline M. Meyers
Marilyn Peachin
APRIL 27
Jerome "Jerry" Abrams
Edward Baker
Jacqueline Butterman
Phyllis Heller
Charlotta Katona
David Lebin
Betti Lurie
Morris Oscherwitz
Ruth Shott
Freda Winski
APRIL 28
Sam Abels
Meyer Bronicki
Joseph Burstyn
Ruben Glick
Ginger Lewis
Robert Lutz
George Mendlovitz
Rosalie Roberta Moskowitz
Cecilia Nahmias
Rose Nickbarg
Benjamin Nisenshal
Sarah Pomeranz
Isaak Silver
Jeanette Taylor
Fannie Winer
APRIL 29
Hyman Bank
Sheldon Breskow
Eric Freed
Evelyn Heisler
Edith Holowitz
Libby Hurwitz
William "Nick" Kelley
Gerald LaBounty
Issac Wolf
APRIL 30
Bertha Anderson
Joshua Batt
Sharon Broock
Stanley H. Freedman
Nancy Greenspoon
Florence Sosin
Harry Speyer
*as of 03/25/25
INDIANAPOLIS
HEBREW CONGREGATION
6501 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46260
IHCINDY.ORG | 317-255-6647
CLERGY
SENIOR RABBI
Brett Krichiver CANTOR
Aviva Marer
ASSOCIATE RABBI
Jordana Chernow-Reader
CANTOR EMERITA
Janice L. Roger
EDUCATION
DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG LEARNING
Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER DIRECTOR
Jodi Kaseff
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Leah Matthys
STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Peter Smithhisler
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Adrienne Aronson-White
MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR
Shira Phillips
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Sarah Brubaker
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Beth Meade-Hession
Kendra Steele
MAINTENANCE
Gary Davis
Joyce Patterson
SECURITY
Willard Mosley
Shawn Boone
Hawaii Lee
Stephfon Seymour
BOARD OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Sarah Freeman
VICE PRESIDENTS
Lorraine Ball
Eric Simons
TREASURER
Benjamin Abraham
SECRETARY
Jennifer Vigran
Immediate Past President
Mitchell Katz
Sisterhood President
Elyse Chuvales
Non-profit Organization
US Postage PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 819
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Jon Barefoot
Steve Bulloff
Andrea Burnett
Patty Goodman
Ken Gould
Michelle Lawrence
Marci Price
Julian Shepard
Polly Spiegel
Carly Traynor
Drew Soshnick
Carly Turow
Kulanu is published ten times per year by Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. For more information, please call the Temple office at 317.255.6647.
For most up-to-date information, make sure you’re receiving our weekly eNewsletter. Sign up on our website at ihcindy.org.