GUIDE TO THE HIGH HOLY DAYS AT INDIANAPOLIS HEBREW CONGREGATION
5785 | 2024
ROSH HASHANAH 5785/2024
During the High Holy Days, our liturgy reinforces, over and over again – there is no time like the present to make our lives and our world over again in a better image. Nowhere is this more elegantly expressed than by the sage Hillel who taught (Pirkei Avot 1:14), “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”
We have taken Hillel’s words as a challenge, a set of questions to try to answer together in the coming year. It is true that we face societal problems larger than any one person might resolve. But it is also true that the only chance we have to move forward comes when each of us recognizes the power we have to make a difference.
In the days to come we will encounter the difficult prayer known as the Unetaneh Tokef –“On this day it is decided, who shall live and who shall die: who by fire, and who by water…” Our lives often feel to us like a decree from On High. Many of us feel the unfairness of the world when loved ones are taken too soon, or our own fortunes fail.
Yet this remains our season of renewal and hope, and at the prayer’s end we read, “Repentance, Prayer, and Charity relieve the severity of the decree.” Filling our own lives with meaningful activity; working for change, praying with full hearts, and reflecting on our past mistakes – these are the stepping stones on the path to fulfillment and redemption.
In a sense, Hillel’s words provide a pathway for us to understand the Unetaneh Tokef, and all our High Holy Day liturgy: on these days we answer for our shortcomings and misgivings, but we hold our hope for God’s grace and forgiveness, and we ask the same from our loved ones. If we stand only for ourselves, we cannot stand at all.
And the only time to act is right now, cry the sages. There is time now to find forgiveness, time for new beginnings, time for first steps along the pathway to a fuller and richer life.
We welcome you and your friends and family to join with this beautiful IHC community. The staff, leadership and clergy have been working hard to ensure meaningful experiences for all our members and every guest, of every age and stage. We hope you will find the pages of this book filled with rich and varied services and programs (and childcare) to inspire us all for these Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe).
Whether you join us in person, stream services from our website, or listen over the radio on WICR 88.7 FM, it will be so very meaningful for us to feel as one on these Holy Days. Our time is now, for our community, and for the world.
L’shanah Tovah – blessings for a sweet and good New Year to you all!
L’Shalom, Rabbi Brett Krichiver
Rabbi Brett Krichiver
Cantor Aviva Marer
Rabbi Jordana Chernow-Reader
Executive Director Peter Smithhisler
Cantor Emerita Janice Roger
Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro
TO OUR IHC COMMUNITY
As we stand on the threshold of another Jewish New Year, it is my honor and pleasure to extend a heartfelt welcome to you all as we prepare to observe the High Holy Days together. Since 1856, IHC has gathered as a community to celebrate the new year, revel in our relationships, and focus on the true reason why we come together in this holy place.
The theme for this year’s observance is inspired by the timeless wisdom of Hillel: "If not now, when?" This question challenges us to consider the present moment as the perfect time for action, change, and growth. It reminds us that each of us has the power to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others, starting now. With this theme in mind, we invite you to join us for a series of meaningful services and programs designed to inspire and uplift.
As you have done in past years, we ask that you please register in advance for each service you plan to attend. We will send you an email confirming your registration. We will do everything possible to make this process easy, efficient, and accessible. Please review the schedule and complete the online registration process. Call the office if you need help or are not comfortable with the online process. We will register you via phone.
Watch the Weekly Updates for information about programming or updates about services.
IHC will again provide a professional, top-notch livestream experience of all our services. If you are more comfortable joining us through that platform or through the simulcast from WICR 88.7 FM, we are glad that you are still able to be part of the experience.
Our commitment to the health and safety of our congregation remains paramount. We encourage all attendees to observe recommended guidelines and protocols, which will be communicated in detail as the dates approach.
As we gather to observe these holy days, let us embrace the theme "If not now, when?" and commit to making the most of this moment. Thank you for your continued support and participation. Together, let us welcome the New Year with open hearts and a shared sense of purpose.
Wishing you and your loved ones a sweet, healthy, and peaceful New Year.
L'Shanah Tovah,
Peter Smithhisler, Executive Director
FELLOW CONGREGANTS
On behalf of the IHC Board of Directors, l’shana tova umetuka -
As we approach 5785 and prepare to enter Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, I’m filled with the annual rush of emotions and questions — hope and trepidation; did I pack sunscreen and bug spray for the Rosh HaShanah retreat; anticipation and uncertainty; is it okay to drink coffee to avoid a splitting caffeine headache on Yom Kippur; sorrow and love; am I worthy of the gift of my existence?
Observing and celebrating the High Holy Days with my family and friends at IHC answers those questions and evens out my emotions. As a community, we bear the burdens and grief and share the joys and elation — together we taste the sweetness of apples and honey and together we shed tears during Yizkor. At the Rosh HaShanah retreat, I can borrow bug spray from a friend and loan my chair to someone who needs to rest. On Yom Kippur, I’ll be assured that my health and well-being are essential to a meaningful experience.
My hope for all of us is that we, as a community, both receive and provide the love and support that we need and deserve. The community we create transforms IHC into more than a geographical location, more than a physical space – it is where we return to ourselves and explore new beginnings. May 5785 be a year of love, joy, and abundance, and may you experience some of that love, joy, and abundance at IHC.
G’mar
chatima tova,
Sarah Freeman, IHC Board President
BE PART OF OUR HIGH HOLY DAYS IN PERSON OR FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE
IHC will offer in person services and experiences this year. If you are planning to join us in person, here is what you need to know:
You must register in advance to attend services at IHC or the Rosh HaShanah Retreat at GUCI. You will find both forms to register at: indianapolishebrewcongregation.shulcloud.com.
If you have questions or need assistance with the registration form, please call the IHC Office during business hours at 317-255-6647.
● Registration will open to IHC members and active conversion students on Tuesday, August 20.
● Registration will open to the public on Tuesday, September 3. We ask you to consider a minimum donation of $36 per guest, per service.
● Childcare will be available for our morning services on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. You must request childcare by Friday, September 20 using the registration form at indianapolishebrewcongregation.shulcloud.com.
WATCH US LIVE
You can livestream High Holy Day services that take place at IHC on our website at ihcindy.org/streaming. You can also find all archived services at that link.
RADIO
Each year, we are proud to offer our main High Holy Day Services on WICR 88.7 FM. This year is no different. We will broadcast our services for Erev Rosh HaShanah, Rosh HaShanah Morning, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur Morning. We will also broadcast our Yizkor service.
IHC CARING COMMUNITY
IHC’s Caring Community is gearing up to connect with congregants and families during the High Holy Day season. If you are homebound and would like a copy of the High Holy Day prayer book, we have a few to loan. If you need assistance with accessing the service on livestream, please let us know. For assistance from our Caring Community, please contact our Caring Community Chair, Andrea Burnett, at ihc.caringcommunity@gmail.com or leave a message for her by calling the IHC office at 317-255-6647.
REMEMBRANCE BOOK
Each year, IHC Brotherhood publishes the Elmer Wohlfeld Memorial Book of Remembrance. If you are joining us in person for our Yizkor service, you can receive a book there. If not, you can find a digital version of the book at ihcindy.org/HighHolyDays. Simply click on the link for the Book of Remembrance. If you have not yet confirmed your list of loved ones to send with your contribution to be included in the book, please do so by September 13. Visit ihcindy.org/memorial for the online form.
CHILDCARE
IHC offers free childcare for children ages 1-8. When you complete your High Holy Day registration form, you will have the option of reserving childcare for the services you plan to attend. Please register by September 20 to reserve a spot.
SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP
Beginning Sept. 8, the Sisterhood Gift Shop is reopening daily, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Gift Shop is always open before Shabbat services on Fridays at 5:15 p.m. and during religious school on Sunday mornings. If you are unable to shop during our regular hours, you can schedule a time to shop by emailing ihcsisterhoodgiftshop1@gmail.com or by calling Bonnie Foster at 317-697-5642.
HAPPY CHALLAH DAYS
The IHC Sisterhood is proud to partner with Singing Crust bakery again this year for their delicious round challahs, Haute Honey, and their sweet local honey. Visit ihcindy.org/challahandhoney/ to place your order by September 24 at 5 p.m. Then pick up your order at IHC on Tuesday, October 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A reminder email will be sent. Limited bottles of honey will be available in the Sisterhood Gift Shop. All proceeds come right back to IHC through grants from Sisterhood to help offset IHC’s expenses for our Jewish Learning Program, Tot Shabbat, Camp Scholarships, Shabbat, High Holy Day enhancements, and more.
SERVICES
& EXPERIENCES
SELICHOT: TEXT STUDY WITH KNIVES
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Join us to discover new ways of exploring the themes of Selichot. Husband and wife team Isaac and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik will teach us new paths into the High Holy Days that combine art with deep Jewish scholarship.
SELICHOT SERVICE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 6:15 P.M.
Isaac and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik will offer reflections on the High Holy Days through a visual sermon. Following the service, we will create art as a community.
TEXT STUDY WITH KNIVES: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 4:30 P.M.
Isaac and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik, known for their hands-on paper cutting workshops for adults, will lead us in a text study art experience followed by a light dinner and Selichot services. We will cut up comics to create a personal commentary on the Torah portion. No experience or “artistic ability” is required, all materials are provided.
ROSH HASHANAH
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 & THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
Rosh HaShanah is our celebration of the birth of the universe and all humanity. We gather to hear the call of the shofar and to be in radical amazement of the world around us. Our spirits are filled as friends, family, and Jewish communities from all over the world are drawn together for a day of reflection and renewal.
EREV ROSH HASHANAH TRADITIONAL SERVICE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 AT 7:30 P.M.
This service features beautiful melodies and prayers found in the Mishkan Hanefesh machzor, will help us usher in these Days of Awe and inspire us to make meaningful change in our lives.
ROSH HASHANAH RETREAT: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 9 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Find yourself at peace in nature at the Rosh HaShanah Retreat at Goldman Union Camp in Zionsville. The retreat begins with Rosh HaShanah services in the outdoor chapel (weather permitting), followed by lunch. In the afternoon, you can participate in a range of activities for adults, families and children including: text study, post card writing for the upcoming election, yoga, drum circles, board games, art projects, nature walks and more. There will be a Tashlich service at 3 p.m. and we will conclude with a beautiful Havdalah at 3:45 p.m.
The retreat theme this year is: “If not now, when?” This teaching from Pirkei Avot (The Ethics of Our Ancestors) urges us to not wait to make changes either in our lives or the world around us. The cost of the retreat is $40 per person. Financial assistance is available to ensure all may attend the retreat, please contact Rabbi Chernow-Reader. Register early as spots tend to fill up quickly. Register and pay by Wednesday, Sept. 18 to receive lunch.
TOT SERVICE: 9 A.M.
Families with young children, preschool to kindergarten, will enjoy this fun-filled experience celebrating this special time of year. While this experience is intended for children under five years of age, all are welcome.
FAMILY SERVICE: 9:30 A.M.
Join us for a multi-generational experience designed for school-aged children and their families. The melodies will transport us and the prayers will uplift us.
TRADITIONAL SERVICE: 11:30 A.M.
Our morning traditional service combines beautiful melodies and prayers from the Mishkan HaNefesh machzor (High Holy Day prayer book). Our High Holy Day choir will accompany our clergy as we usher in the new year. Childcare will be available for services before 8 p.m.
ROSH HASHANAH
SECOND DAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Join us “out and about” to hear the call of the shofar. Choose from these times and locations:
⊲ 9 a.m. Shofar Blowing at IHC Parking Lot
⊲ 12:30 p.m. Shofar Blowing at Shapiro’s South Parking Lot 808 S. Meridian St., Downtown Indy
⊲ 5:30 p.m. Family Shofar outdoors at IHC with early Oneg Shabbat and services
KEVER AVOT: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 AT 2 P.M.
In Remembrance of Our Loved Ones: Memorial Services at our Northside and Southside Cemeteries.
The ancient custom of Kever Avot, includes visiting the “graves of our ancestors.” Visiting the resting place of loved ones during the High Holy Days period helps connect us to the themes of renewal, repentance, reflection, and growth through memories of them.
EREV YOM KIPPUR
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
KOL NIDRE CREATIVE EXPERIENCE: 5:30 P.M.
A dramatic reinvention of the traditional Kol Nidre service. Come prepared to experience something new; to be challenged and to explore the traditional themes of Yom Kippur using music, meditation and theatre. This service will include instruments without our IHC choir, and selections from the Kol Nidre prayer.
KOL NIDRE TRADITIONAL SERVICE: 7:30 P.M.
Kol Nidre gives us permission to pray with each other, with all of our imperfections and longings for healing. The liturgy, paired with ancient melodies, invites us to break new ground and create space for renewal.
YOM KIPPUR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
This is the day we all pass before God–a God who is merciful, compassionate, abounding in love, and forgiving. We ask to be granted atonement for sin. We seek to be made whole, to begin anew, to move forward with our lives with all of the potential and promise that lies within each of us.
OUTDOOR YOM KIPPUR SERVICE AT GOLDMAN UNION CAMP INSTITUTE (GUCI): 9 A.M.
Experience Yom Kippur surrounded by nature and our community. Immersed in the beauty of Goldman Union Camp, we will bring spirituality to the traditional liturgy through song. Limited space is available, but we hope you will join us in this meditative and peaceful outdoor space.
TOT SERVICE: 9 A.M.
Families with young children, preschool to kindergarten, will be inspired by this Yom Kippur experience. While this experience is intended for children under 5 years of age, all are welcome.
FAMILY SERVICE: 9:30 A.M.
Join us for a multi-generational experience designed for school-aged children and their families. The melodies will transport us and the stories and prayers will connect us to the meaning of this day.
TRADITIONAL SERVICE: 11:30 A.M.
Our traditional morning service is complete with beautiful music, prayers, and a litany of confessions asking God (and ourselves) to forgive us so we can start the new year with a clean slate. Traditionally, we fast and practice self-denial in order to create a pensive space for personal reflection. Childcare will be available for all services before 8 p.m.
HEALING SERVICE: 1:30 P.M.
Join our clergy for a service intended to bring comfort and healing through beautiful music, readings, and prayer.
LEARNING
SESSIONS: 2:30 P.M.
Meditate, educate, and soothe your soul! Spend part of the afternoon with us to be present on this day of repentance with several opportunities meant to guide and inspire you.
YIZKOR SERVICE: 4 P.M.
This service honors and celebrates our loved ones, and is scheduled for each of the three festival holidays (Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot) as well as during the afternoon of this most sacred day of Yom Kippur. All are welcome to this somber moment of remembering, but some believe there is special significance to reciting the yizkor prayers after one’s parent has died. On Yom Kippur, this service is always especially moving.
NE’ILAH/HAVDALAH: 5 P.M.
As the gates of repentance begin to close, join our clergy team to conclude Yom Kippur and to hear the final blasts of the shofar. Challah and juice will be available after the service to break the fast.
SUKKOT & SIMCHAT TORAH
Sukkot begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 16 and runs through sundown October 23.
The IHC Brotherhood along with volunteers from the congregation will build our sukkah for the festival of Sukkot on October 13. Watch the Weekly Update and IHC’s social media pages for details on different ways to connect with one another in the sukkah.
IF NOT NOW, WHEN? TURN, TURN, TURN
On Sukkot, we dwell in the sukkah and focus on the fragility of our environment. We are sheltered in the sukkah and invite others to join us. This Sukkot and Simchat Torah, IHC will focus on what we can do to spread this “canopy of peace” across our greater community. We invite you to join us as we turn the work of our hands and of our hearts into celebration.
TURN, TURN, TURN COLLECTION: OCTOBER 17 – 23
Each day we will focus on a different need in our community.
SUKKOT SHABBAT SERVICE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT 6:15 P.M.
SIPPIN’ IN THE SUKKAH: AFTER SERVICES ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
After Sukkot Shabbat Services, we invite our members 21 and older to gather in the sukkah for a cocktail or mocktail.
SISTERS IN THE SUKKAH: THE EVENING OF TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
All women of IHC are invited to attend one of Sisterhood’s most beloved events of the year. You can find more details on this event at ihcindy.org/sisters-in-the-sukkah.
FESTIVAL SERVICE WITH YIZKOR:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 AT 10:30 A.M.
Please join us for a traditional service to honor our loved ones who have died in recent days, and those we have lost in years past. Their memories are always with us, but on Sukkot we feel their absence more acutely, and we gather for the traditional festival service including the yizkor prayers.
TURN, TURN, TURN SIMCHAT TORAH CELEBRATION and “Mitzvah Mishugash”
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 AT 5 P.M.
With dancing and traditional Simchat Torah music featuring our 65th Street Klezmorim, we will unroll the Torah and chant the end of Deuteronomy and the beginning of Genesis, as we always do, in order to celebrate the circle of the year.
HIGH HOLY DAY APPEAL SUPPORT IHC AND REDUCE FOOD INSECURITY
There are three ways to contribute:
1. Fill out this form and mail or deliver it with your check (payable to IHC) to Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation: Attn: HHD Giving 6501 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46260
2. Complete the High Holy Day Appeal form on ShulCloud.
3. Complete your High Holy Days registration on ShulCloud and include your contribution there.
Yes, I/We are ready to support IHC! Enclosed please find my/our donation of:
□ $5785 (New Hebrew Year) □ $3600 □ $1800 □ $360 □ $180
□ $90 □ $54 □ $36 □ $18 □ Other $
The amount you would like to include to tackle food insecurity in Indianapolis: $
Total Amount of Gift Enclosed $
For donor recognition, please list my/our name(s) as:
□ I/We would prefer to give anonymously
Name(s)
Address City
□ Enclosed is my/our check, made payable to IHC
□ Please use my credit card □ Visa □ Mastercard Card number:
Security Number:
Expiration Date: (month/year)
Signature:
SEND HIGH HOLY DAYS GREETINGS
As the New Year approaches, let it be our job to feed our clergy and staff with love and care. Let it be our sacred calling to lift them up as they lift us up. —Alden Solovy
Sisterhood invites you to honor and show your appreciation for our clergy team, professional staff, and their families at Rosh HaShanah. Sisterhood will send a beautiful greeting card, including your name(s), to each of our clergy and staff.
Your contribution supports the YES Fund (Youth, Education and Special Projects) of the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ). The YES Fund provides scholarships and educational loans for students at Hebrew Union College and supports youth activities around the world. Locally, your contribution supports Sisterhood’s funding of youth and adult programming at IHC.
The deadline is Sunday, September 22. There are three easy ways to contribute:
⊲ Use the form below and mail it with your check, payable to IHC Sisterhood (write HHD Greetings in the memo line), to IHC at 6501 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, In 46260. Attn: High Holy Day Greetings.
⊲ Order online at ihcindy.org/highholydaygreetings with a credit card.
⊲ Download the form at ihcindy.org/highholydaygreetings and send with your check to the address above.
If you prefer, you may order online at www.ihcindy.org/highholydaygreetings. I/We would like to be included on the High Holy Day greeting card to:
(Select the clergy and staff you would like to greet).
□ Rabbi Brett Krichiver & Family □ Cantor Aviva Marer & Family
□ Rabbi Jordana Chernow-Reader & Family □ Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro & Family
□ Executive Director Peter Smithhisler & Family □ Cantor Emerita Janice Roger & Family
Please list my/our names on the card as:
Name(s):
Address:
City State Zip
Email:
We suggest a minimum donation or $18 per listing, but any contribution is appreciated. Be included on all 6 greeting cards for $100.
We are enclosing a total contribution amount of $
SELICHOT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Service – 6:15 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Text Study Art Experience – 4:30 p.m.
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Traditional Service – 7:30 p.m.
ROSH HASHANAH
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
Rosh HaShanah Retreat at Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) 9 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Tot Service – 9 a.m.
Family Service – 9:30 a.m.
Traditional Service – 11:30 a.m.
ROSH HASHANAH SECOND DAY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Shofar Blowing at IHC Parking Lot – 9 a.m.
Shofar Blowing at Shapiro’s South Parking Lot – 12:30 p.m.
Shofar Blowing/Tashlich at IHC– 5:30 p.m.
KEVER AVOT
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
IHC North Cemetery – 2 p.m.
IHC South Cemetery – 2 p.m.
EREV YOM KIPPUR
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
Kol Nidre Creative Experience – 5:30 p.m. Kol Nidre Traditional Service – 7:30 p.m.
YOM KIPPUR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Outdoor Yom Kippur Service at Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) – 9:00 a.m.
Tot Service – 9 a.m.
Family Service – 9:30 a.m.
Traditional Service – 11:30 a.m.
Healing Service – 1:30 p.m.
Learning Sessions – 2:30 p.m.
Yizkor Service – 4 p.m.
Ne'ilah/Havdalah – 5 p.m.