Finding Home at IHC: Our Stories

As asserted in IHC's mission statement, our synagogue, "is an inclusive Jewish community where all congregants matter, are inspired to action through Jewish values, and experience Judaism in a meaningful way "

What does that look like, exactly? It depends who you ask Our Communications Specialist, Emily Kaufmann asked, speaking with five members of the congregation, about finding their home at IHC

As their children grew, religious school kept them connected to temple- including Mary Rose, who worked as a second grade teacher. Since joining the IHC Board of Directors earlier this year, Eric says he never realized just how many ways one could get involved with IHC, “it seems difficult to think you wouldn’t be able to connect to some passion of yours through Circles or committees.” Mary Rose feels similarly saying, “If your Judaism is important to you or there is some aspect of life that you want to pursue with other Jewish people. IHC offers that access point.”

As the Simons Family think about the upcoming High Holy Days, they are thankful that IHC has opportunities like the Rosh HaShanah Retreat which, they say, allows their children to engage with the holiday in a way much different from traditional services at temple.

The Retreat, seeing members and clergy at the forefront of social action, and even baking hamantaschen, make Mary Rose “feel like you are able to live Judaism [at IHC] and not just go through the motions [of Judaism].”

Mary Rose & Eric Simons

For Mary Rose and Eric Simons and their sons, Owen and Ari, IHC is home, even when their actual home was thousands of miles away from 6501 N. Meridian Street. In 2017, the Simons family moved to Puerto Rico, but continued their membership at IHC. During their time on the island, their oldest son Owen prepared to become a bar mitzvah. It was a multiple synagogue approach, which included IHC’s clergy team. When there was uncertainty about whether Owen’s bar mitzvah would be at IHC or at the synagogue in Puerto Rico, the Simons appreciated the clergy’s patience. “The clergy worked well together, no one made us choose… it was nice to have that extra support for Owen.”

Mary Rose and Eric appreciate that IHC is a community where there are so many ways to get involved, no matter where you are in life. When their sons were younger, that entry point was Tot Shabbat.

Linda & Bob Hewi

Linda and Bob Hew ago Both previously g t was never hard to find a synagogue in close proximity (there were five temples within a square mile of their home) Linda admits, at first, she was dismayed to learn there are just a handful of congregations in the greater Indianapolis area It was also difficult for Linda and Bob to replace the strong Jewish community they left behind in Illinois For the then interfaith couple (Linda raised Reform, Bob raised Lutheran), it was important that their new congregation not just be a house of worship, but a place they could find community and make friends

Shortly after becoming members, the COVID-19 pandemic began, which in a way, helped with their transition. Linda recalls, “IHC was doing so many things on Zoom. We were able to do those things and start feeling like [we were] more part of a community.” Once things reopened, Linda and Bob felt it was easier to connect with the faces they had seen on their computer screen. They both remember how people would bump into them at Oneg Shabbat and “really reached out to us. They didn’t just say ‘oh hi’ then walk away.” The Hewitts say they felt that same warmth from IHC’s clergy. Bob would eventually approach Rabbi Krichiver about formally starting the conversion process. In reflecting on his journey to become Jewish, Bob says, “It [conversion] felt right. And IHC felt right.”

Both Bob and Linda now see IHC as their home. Most importantly for Linda, IHC is a place where, “There is room for me to be my own Jew and to continue to be an evolving Jew.” Bob fully agrees. While his Jewish journey focuses on social justice and tikkun olam, Bob learned through his involvement in Brit Olam’s listening campaign that “people aren’t necessarily looking for what I am looking for… [but] whatever you are looking for, you can find at IHC.”

Carly knew it was vital to sustain their connection to IHC after finishing the conversion process in March 2021, so they were proactive in finding ways to get involved. For Carly, that involvement ranges from attending Friday Shabbat services to starting the Ga’avah (Pride) Circle. Carly feels IHC is a supportive, encouraging environment where anyone can pursue ideas or passions. They like that at IHC, you can be curious, ask questions, and most importantly, you can come as you are. Carly believes this synagogue not only has a welcoming atmosphere, but also is “good at welcoming people who relate to Judaism in all sorts of ways.”

Carly Traynor

It was not difficult for Carly Traynor to feel at home at IHC Raised Catholic, Carly (whose pronouns are they/them), says “the values espoused by Judaism” drew them in and inspired them to convert Throughout the conversion process, they remember the guidance and support they received, as well as, building community from taking classes. Conversations with clergy made Carly feel at home too, since they felt IHC clergy is more personal and accessible than in other faith traditions. “It made me see there isn’t a hierarchy necessarily in Judaism,” they say, “Everyone is obligated to make their contributions and impacts in whatever way they are called to do so.”

After reading these stories, we hope you take a moment to reflect on your own connection and relationship with IHC:

How does IHC let me experience Judaism in a way that is meaningful to me?

How does IHC inspire and support me in my Jewish life and journey?

What makes IHC my spiritual home?

Your spiritual home is ready and excited to welcome you back for the High Holy Days. As our clergy and staff prepare for 5784, we cannot help but think about how your support allows IHC to extend its reach and grow, like a tree, with each passing year.

In making a contribution to this year's High Holy Day Appeal, our community can keep growing taller and stronger. Each contribution, no matter the size, is truly valued and appreciated.

There are three ways to contribute to High Holy Day Appeal:

Check made payable to IHC with memo line "HHD Appeal".

Complete the High Holy Day Appeal form on ShulCloud.

Complete the High Holy Day registration on ShulCloud and include your contribution there.