EDUCATION IN OUR OWN WORDS

For the past seven years, I’ve taught religious school at the synagogue, and it's some of the most gratifying “work'' I do I teach sixth grade, and this year I have 19 kids I began teaching when my cousin, who I’d always admired for being a longtime religious school teacher, asked me to teach I immediately said yes, though I’d never taught anything and was pretty clueless I don't know that I'm better now, but I sure enjoy it And the kids well, no one's falling asleep in class

I don't remember what I taught that first day seven years ago; I do recall telling the kids I wasn't going to be lecturing, rather I'd introduce a 'nugget' (an assigned topic), then we'd discuss it That's what I've done every class since, and I've yet to have anyone doze off, or even stare out the windows My style's unorthodox, if it's even a style, but it seems to work More often than not, the discussion gets going, the kids engage and ask questionseven of each other - and we run out of time At their ages (11 and 12), it's a pivotal year in religious school, right before their bar or bat mitzvahs I hope to do my small part preparing them, especially as public speakers, which for the most part, I do without them realizing they’re speaking publicly By the time we're a few weeks into the religious school year, my kids are used to speaking in front of each other, even debating one another

I also enjoy when a shy student comes out of his or her shell I was a shy kid, and I think being that way has made me more empathetic, and maybe a better teacher I also get a kick out of seeing disruptive students become engaged and forget to be troublemakers I always say at the beginning of the school year, if you want to participate, great, and if you don't, that’s OK, but don't ruin it for those of us who do

I treasure the notes I've received over the years from my students and their parents It’s so gratifying, teaching I love when my former students drop in and say hi, and I enjoy seeing ‘my’ seventh graders every week in the sanctuary for T’filah and Boker Tov

Above all, teaching has shown me how sharp and inquisitive IHC middle schoolers are, and I always learn more from them than they do from me There’s a quote that says “When one teaches, two learn,” and so, I'd like to thank my class this year, and all the kids I’ve had the privilege to teach the past seven years: You’re all an inspiration and a blessing

Jeffrey Cohen JLP Teacher

I began exploring conversion to Judaism in March 2021. After approximately a month of reading and attending virtual Shabbat services, I could tell that the Jewish community was where I needed to be, and with the support of Rabbi Roxanne, I began the formal process of converting to Judaism.

In addition to guiding me into a new spiritual home, Rabbi Roxanne also helped me heal. My last religious world was Mormonism; being a gay man and a faithful Mormon was harrowing. When I began to tiptoe out of the closet, my religious leaders threatened me with excommunication, making it abundantly clear that because I was gay, I was not welcome. Therefore, even though I knew that Reform Judaism was inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people before I ever reached out to Rabbi Roxanne, it was hard to make myself vulnerable and ask a new religious leader to allow me into their space.

Through our regular one-on-one meetings and Intro to Judaism classes, Rabbi Roxanne made me feel like there was a place in Judaism for me because of my sexuality--not in spite of it. I was able to process the pain that Mormonism inflicted upon me and grow into a person who is able to be fully queer and fully Jewish at the same time.

On May 25, 2022, I had my beit din and mikveh. For my Hebrew name, I chose Chever Tavas. Tavas means “peacock” in Hebrew, and I intentionally chose this as an homage to my queer identity. As we were leaving the mikveh together, Rabbi Roxanne said, “Congratulations Chever Tavas, and welcome home,” cementing my place as a gay Jewish man.

Dakota Hudelson Recent Convert & Adult Education student

Numbers Of Note

Adult Ed Classes offered in 2022: 17

Average class size for Introduction to Judaism: 30

New member families: 35

New member families with relatives at IHC: 13

Our family has been attending IHC-ECC since August 2019. Our oldest son, Tyler, had three wonderful classroom teachers and many other teachers who supported his growth, development and love for school. Our youngest daughter, Courtney, is currently in the 3 year old llama classroom. IHC-ECC's awesome teachers, programs and activities have made learning fun! We are so fortunate to have found a home away from home at IHC-ECC for our children to learn and grow Thank you to the wonderful teachers and staff for all they do!

We cannot express enough gratitude for IHC ECC We feel so blessed to have found ECC after moving to Indianapolis last year We felt welcomed and a part of the community right away The teachers and staff treat our daughter like family and give her the attention she needs and they know how to make learning fun and enjoyable Rose and Jessica have both had a positive impact on Margot’s growth since she started attending ECC We were very worried about having our daughter switch schools due to moving to a new state, but it was such an easy transition for our family Our daughter truly felt at home and a part of the class her very first day Rose and Jessica communicate with us on a daily basis and are always there to support our daughter, but also us as parents.

We have seen such a positive impact and growth in our daughter since she started attending ECC. She is learning manners, how to count, the colors, animals and animal sounds, and so much more. Most importantly, she is learning how to have fun and make friends. The diverse and accepting atmosphere has also allowed our daughter to learn about and appreciate different cultures and traditions. ECC has provided our child with a safe and nurturing environment to grow and learn. We most certainly feel so lucky we are a part of this school and community.