Kulanu: October 2023

At a Glance: October Highlighted Calendar of Events

View our most up-to-date calendar on the IHC website.

Mitzvah Stitchers, Sunday, October 1 at 10:00am

If you love to knit, crochet, sew or embroider and love to schmooze while you stitch, then Mitzvah Stitchers is perfect for you. Email Barb Levy (bcl@bclevy.com) to be added to the email distribution list so she can provide you the Zoom link for meetings. This group also meets on Sunday, October 8, 15 & 29 at 11:00am and October 22 at 10:00am.

Pizza in the Hut, Sunday, October 1 at 12:00pm

The entire IHC community is invited to enjoy pizza in the IHC sukkah for lunch.

It's Wine O'Clock Somewhere, Sunday, October 1 from 4:00-6:00pm

Join this IHC Circle at Urban Vines in Westfield for a casual get-together. Questions? Email Circle leader Melissa Noparstak Williams.

Sisters in the Sukkah, Tuesday, October 3 at 6:30pm

Euchre Circle, Thursday, October 5 at 6:00pm

All levels of play are welcome to come and have some fun, meet new people, and compete for a prize. Sign up to play here. This Circle also meets on October 16 & 30 at 10:00am.

Yizkor & Festival Service, Friday, October 6 at 10:30am

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 (and Passover, Shavuot, and Yom Kippur) we feel their absence more acutely, and we gather for the traditional festival service including the yizkor prayers

Erev Simchat Torah Shabbat, Friday, October 6 at 6:15pm

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.

Sippin’ in the Sukkah, After Erev Simchat Torah Shabbat Services

We invite our members 21 and older to gather in the sukkah for a bourbon tasting led by our Executive Director. Sip and sample some bourbons and enjoy noshing with one another. This tasting experience costs $18 per person. RSVP here.

Trivia Night with LAF (Life After Fifty), Thursday, October 12 at 6:00pm

Join LAF for a night of trivia and socializing at Sugar Creek Winery in Carmel. Soda, water, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. You are welcome to bring your own dinner and snacks. Please RSVP to Stacy Rubens or Linda Hewitt by October 5.

Family Adventures Circle, Saturday, October 14 at 10:30am

Join the Family Adventures Circle for a Shabbat morning play date at the pumpkin patch at Driving Wind Berry Farm. Questions? Email Circle leader Monica Allardt.

IHC Blood Drive

Sunday, October 22 from 8:00am-12:30pm

Donate a pint of blood that could help save a life! It takes less than an hour to complete this mitzvah. Sign up for a donation time slot here.

Justice and Judaism: A Fireside Chat with Chasten Buttigieg, Tuesday, October 24 at 6:30pm

See more details on page 5, which includes the link to register.

Family Shabbat, Friday, October 27 at 6:00pm Family Shabbat is aimed at families with elementary school-aged students. The evening will include family-friendly Shabbat services followed by food and board games. Come celebrate Shabbat and get to know other IHC families.

Educational Opportunities

Intro to Judaism, Wednesday, October 18 & 25 at 6:30pm

Join the rabbis as they take you through an exploration of Judaism. This class is designed for those on a journey toward Judaism and those who need a refresher course. This is a two-part class, with one segment in the fall and one in the spring.

Register for all non-weekly classes with our Assistant to the Office of Lifelong Learning, Beth Meade-Hession, at BethMH@ihcindy.org or 317-255-6647.

We Celebrate the B’nai Mitzvah of:

Sadie Smith, who will be called to the Torah on October 21, 2023. She is a seventh grade student at Orchard School. She loves musical theatre, dancing, writing, art, and filmmaking. Sadie’s parents are Kylea Asher-Smith and David Smith. She has a younger brotherNoah.

Julian Micah Reader will be called to the Torah on October 21, 2023. He is an eighth grade student at Clay Middle School. He is involved with school musicals, choir, robotics club, and student government. Julian is also a madrich in JLP and is in National Junior Honor Society. His parents are Rabbi Jordana Chernow-Reader and Luke Reader. He has a younger sister- Eleanor.

We Celebrate:

New Members:

Adriana Cowdin

James Blake

Corey & Becca Friedman

Jodi & Josh Greenwald

Joel Lebowitz & Lisa Oakes

Ruth Ann & John Leightner

Allison Nimtz

Abby & Samuel Perry

Katherine Rappaport & James Strickland

Andy & Karina Rosenthal

Sam & Brittany Sachs

Marti Wein

Brian & Kessem Winger ~

The baby naming of Laura & Mike Dreyfuss’s two daughters, April & Eve. Irwin & Jane Malament are the girls' grandparents.

Jon Efroymson, who became grandfather to Caleb, son of Anna Efroymson & Matt Norris, on July 2, 2023.

Shaina Cavazos and Ryan Nye, on the naming of their daughter, Charlotte Elise (Chaya Esther).

Katie Rappaport & James Strickland, on the naming of their daughter, Rose. Rose's grandparents are Steve and Pam Rappaport.

David & Stacy Rubens, on the naming of their granddaughter, Leona. Leona's parents are Mark & Alyssa Rubens.

The birth of Greg and Renny Silver's granddaughter, Ramona, on June 19, 2023.

The birth of Theodore David McKinney on September 3; grandson and great-grandson of Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Mossler and Harriet Mossler Horwitz.

Johanna Kitchell, who was named District Teacher of the Year in the Hamilton Southeastern School District.

Joan & Peter Wells, parents of Jennifer Wells, who married Josè Ramos on May 13, 2023. Nieces Madeline, Lauren, and Gabby Linville (daughters of Rebecca Wells Linville z''l ) served as bridesmaids in the ceremony.

Paula Reiss, who received the Lev Award from the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, for leading and forming the Newish to Jewish Circle.

Dana Katz, who received the Kappa Delta's Order of the Diamond award, for her service and commitment to her sorority Alpha Epsilon Phi, as well as, the entire Panhellenic community.

Cole Bush and Sammy Bernstein for medaling at the JCC Maccabi Games in Israel. Cole’s soccer team took home gold medals, while Sammy’s basketball team won silver medals.

Thomas & Flo Mary Mantel, celebrating 72 years of marriage.

Gaye Kerschner, who received the Meritorious Achievement Award at the Crisis Prevention Institute's Instructor Conference.

We Celebrate:

Josh Lodolo, on his new position at Indiana University, where he will serve the College of Arts and Sciences as Senior Director of Advancement.

Miriam Dant, for being named one of The Best Lawyers in America- Government Relations Practice, for 2024. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2007.

We Mourn with:

Phyllis Becker and family of Mark Becker z''l

Jeff and Philip Berebitsky, and Doug (Kimberly), Ari, Rachel, and Zachary Berebitsky, family of Edward Berebitsky z''l

Collen & Scott Shapiro, family of Diana Chenoweth z''l

Joyce Kleinman, sister of Al Danenberg z''l

David, Rachel, Lilia, Aleni, Holden, and Elliott Fingerhut, family of Bruce Fingerhut z''l

If you have IHC Family News to share, or have news to share about a fellow IHC member, please email our Communications Specialist at: communications@ihcindy.org emilyk@ihcindy.org.

Andrew (Josh) Lodolo, grandson of Louise Fritschle z''l

The family of Louise Lieberman z''l

Jack & Susan Moss, Marla (Adam) Wald, and Adam (Brooke) Moss, family of Herbert Moss z''l

Edward Pattinger, Marcy Pattinger, and Ethan Pattinger, family of Judith Pattinger z''l

Cathi Weiner, Shira (Jarrod) Malone, Corrine, Lyla, & Caleb Malone, family of Saddelle Ray z''l

Deborah (Steve) Klineman, Hannah, Chelsea, and Matthew Klineman, family of Christopher Sapecky z''l

Phyllis Schahet and Greg Schahet, family of Gary Schahet z''l

z''l stands for stands for zichronam livracha, which means "may their memory be for blessing"

A Message From Your Clergy

One of my favorite aspects of being a rabbi is officiating at lifecycle events.

When I meet with wedding couples, I want the hear the story of how they met and what they love about each other. I enjoy hearing about their plans for the future and the life they hope to build together. I love seeing the delight in their eyes as they walk down to aisle to greet each other under the chuppah. I have married young couples with big dreams, older couples who surprised themselves when they found love or love again, and many others. Each couples’ story is unique and a Jewish wedding ceremony fits them all.

Recently, I officiated at a baby naming for a couple whose wedding I did two years prior. There is a special sweetness in being part of baby namings as anxious parents welcome their child into the Jewish people. As part of the ceremony, I give parents the opportunity to explain the names they have chosen and what it means to them. Usually these names honor the memory of important people in their families and represents the parents’ hopes for their child. Often multiple generations gather together to celebrate, eat and share stories.

In these lifecycle events, I see so much wisdom in Jewish tradition and how to mark these important moments in our lives.

The lifecycle event on my mind this month is bar mitzvah. After officiating so b’nai mitzvah and celebrating with families, it is now my turn to be a mother of a bar mitzvah student.

While in some ways it does not feel that long ago that Luke and I stood under the chuppah at our wedding or were with anxious parents holding a newborn at Julian’s naming, it also feels like a lifetime ago It is hard for me to believe that I am now the parent of a teen

I am appreciative of this opportunity to Jewishly recognize this transition in our lives I am grateful to this ritual to celebrate Julian’s growing independence and the person his is becoming. I am thankful to my colleagues who are preparing him for this day so I can be a proud mom marveling with wonder at my growing child as takes his place in our Jewish community.

I invite you all to come celebrate as Julian is called to the Torah for his bar mitzvah on October 21 at 3:00pm. Light refreshments to follow the service.

Rabbi Jordana Chernow-Reader

Rabbi Jordana Chernow-Reader pictured with her family Dr Luke Reader, Julian Reader, and Eleanor Reader

While this event is free and open to all, please plan to register ahead of time. Register now at http://tinyurl.com/4ce2mdzv

Celebrating Volunteers & Our Community

IHC is a community filled with dedicated volunteers.

Within our synagogue, we have volunteers who: serve on committees, the Board, or as Circle leaders, organize and execute temple-wide events, share their specific skillsets to support our infrastructure, and enhance Jewish traditions and customs throughout the year.

Outside of our walls, there are IHC volunteers who: beautify spaces around Indianapolis, support underserved groups including schoolchildren and food insecure families, encourage civic engagement, and get involved with interfaith initiatives and programs.

Joinusaswecelebrate volunteersandtheIHC communitythefirstweekend ofNovember.

Friday,November3

VolunteerShabbatat6:15pm

IHCwillrecognizeandhonorall volunteers,whodedicatetheir timetoIHC,duringShabbat services.AspecialOnegShabbat willfollowservices.

Sunday,November5at2:30pm

“WhoKnowsOne”Gameshow withCongregationBeth-El Zedeck

WhoKnowsOne?isahilarious showthathasbecomeacultural hitintheJewishcommunity, reunitingoldfriendsandcreating newoneswithaninnovativegame

that combines Six Degrees of Separation and Jewish Geography. Now the creator of Who Knows One? is bringing the live show to Indianapolis! Come see how we're all connected to each other and share a few laughs along the way and maybe even be a part of the show yourself!

Temple Library

Retirement

A word or concept certainly not on my mind when I submitted a request to become librarian of the Temple Library at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation in early February 1990

Fate intervened and a few weeks later my husband suffered a massive stroke Life was touch and go for a while. I was uncertain I could follow through on my application. Luckily, my husband’s condition did improve in certain areas, and on May 1, 1990, I became the congregation’s librarian, Thus began a 33 year adventure that was totally unanticipated but totally rewarding for me and, I hope, for the congregation.

I was not a professional librarian, but had volunteered in school libraries – my own and my children’s – for years. Also, with the encouragement of an IHC library committee member when the “new” library was being established during a major construction project in the late 1980s, I had volunteered to set up a teen section in the revitalized Temple Library

First things first – I visited the public library to look for books about establishing a library, sought manuals focusing on Jewish synagogue libraries, and arranged for temple library to continue or initiate membership in Jewish, interfaith, and Indiana library associations relevant to a special library. Despite my lack of professional scholarship, it was important to me to be as professional as possible by nurturing the development of a collection the congregation could take pride in. It was equally important to provide an environment where everyone who stepped into the library should feel comfortable and at home. Temple Library was, and is, not my library; it belongs to the congregation.

There are many memories to share and so many people to thank for granting me this honor and privilege. To avoid leaving out anyone, I won’t name specific people, but here is a brief sampling we can reminisce about together

Storytelling Sundays Our wonderful storytellers read to the students Often families – parents, grandparents, siblings – have volunteered to help with the borrowing of books Among them was a middle schooler who asked to volunteer and did so throughout his high school career

Librarian Emerita Evelyn Pockrass

And how about our reading incentive program?

During more than 20 years students read thousands of books, one kindergartner commenting that the book she chose was the first she ever had read entirely by herself Basic record keeping was maintained by devoted parents.

Remember our family oriented book fairs? Each year you assisted with the inventory of hundreds of books, the Sunday 7:30am setting up of 15+ tables, manning the payment tables, and volunteering to help attendees – adults and students whose classes visited the fair.

How about our intrepid book club attendees? Since 2002 we have read 200+ books and still are going strong One of our members who usually liked most selections, would occasionally remark that although she may not have liked a book, she always enjoyed the discussion!

Countless congregants and members of the community have walked through our space, and it has been our honor to help them find a library book or material to meet their needs We even had a bishop from Bulgaria come and were able to donate several extra books of Jewish content for him to take back home.

We appreciate all the time and effort that IHC library committees, donors, Boards of Directors, super clergy, professional and support staff have given enabling the library to function.

Being IHC’s librarian has afforded other opportunities including initial proofreading of publicity items For years, I volunteered for the lHC Foundation in several capacities such as arranging for memorial plaques for congregants’ loved ones. After my husband died in 1993, I later became active locally and nationally in an interfaith library association. This involved participation as a workshop leader, writing book reviews, contributing to publications, chairing committees, co-chairing a national conference, being active on local and national boards, and serving three separate oneyear stints as national president.

Opportunities, challenges, rewards, to serve and represent IHC Now it is time for new people with new ideas to care for one of IHC’s most cherished assets. It is my retirement time and I will be cheering you on from the sidelines.

Much love, Evelyn epockrass@iquest.net

Up Next at IHC

Save the Dates for Tot & Family Shabbat: Tot Shabbat, Fridays from 5:30-6:30pm, aimed at our friends 5 and younger.

November 3, 2023

December 1, 2023

February 2, 2024

March 8. 2024

May 3, 2024

Family Shabbat, Fridays at 6:00pm, aimed at families with elementary school-aged students.

February 9, 2024

April 19, 2024

Annual IHC Choir Open House, Wednesday, November 1 at 6:00-7:30pm

HC Music presents: VOCE Concert, Sunday, November 10 at 4:00pm

Watch your inbox and IHC’s social media pages for more details on this upcoming concert.

Hanukah-Palooza on Friday, December 8 at 6:15pm

Join us for Hanukkah Shabbat services for all ages. Bring your menorah to light in our sanctuary for all to see. Watch for more details on this Hanukkah celebration on the IHC website and social media pages.

Designer Purse Bingo, February 22, 2024

Sisterhood is planning our first ever Designer Purse Bingo in February. We are currently

looking for volunteers to help us plan and execute this fun evening to help raise money as a way to honor our commitments of gifts to IHC. If you aren’t able to help now, don’t worry, there will be plenty of volunteer opportunities. To join the planning committee, contact Stacy Rubens

Upcoming Educational Opportunities

A Call for Justice: Prophets in the Text and In Our Time, Fridays, November 3, 10, 17; 12:00-1:00pm

Sisterhood’s Hanukkah Sip & Shop

December 6 from 6:00-9:00pm

Extended Hanukkah hours:

November 28 to December 14, 10:00am-4:00pm

November 29, 5:00-7:00pm

Fridays, 5:15-6:15pm

Sundays, 9:30am-12:00pm when JLP is in session

Between November 14 and December 22, each IHC household can get 20% off one item in the Gift Shop.

How did the prophets speak truth to power? What happened when they did? What was their vision for a better world? What is ours? This class will explore how the ideals of the prophets are still relevant today

Chance for Peace in the Middle East, Tuesdays, November 7 & 14 7:00-8:00pm This course will explore the most up-to-date information from a variety of sources regarding the dynamics of the peace process between Israel, the Palestinian people, and other countries in the region. No prior knowledge necessary.

Kids Today, Sunday, November 19 10:0011:00am

Raising children in the world today can be stressful. Come learn from Jewish tradition about how we can support each other as we face these challenges together.

Hiddur Mitzvah: Chanukah Edition, Sunday, November 19 3:00-5:00pm

Hiddur Mitzvah is the principle of enhancing the mitzvot (commandments) handed down to us. These sessions are hands-on, encouraging creativity, yet no skill is required. RSVP required by December 1.

View the full class guide by clicking here.

Temple Donations

ADULT EDUCATION FUNDS

BRAUNSTEIN/BELLE ADULT EDUCATION

Honor of Genevieve Davis & Ella Davis

Bryan & Marcie Hecht

YOUTH PROJECTS FUNDS

GOLDBERG FAMILY ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP

Honor of Ramona Weiss

Beverly Harrison & Bob Glenn

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES FUND

JOSEPH CANTOR LIBRARY

Memory of Herbert Moss

Dodie Stein

IHC FOUNDATION FUNDS

FOUNDATION GENERAL FUND

Antonio Paolo Zavattini

DISCRETIONARY FUNDS

SENIOR RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY

Nancy Reiter

Honor of Leila Olivia Lloyd

Reiter Lloyd family

Honor of Ramona Gene Weiss

Carol Weiss

CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY

Honor of Cantor Aviva Marer

Emily Reuben & Jeremy Rogers

Memory of Adlah Grossman

TEMPLE GENERAL FUNDS

TEMPLE GENERAL FUND

Anonymous

Anonymous

Memory of Diana Chenoweth

Jeff & Lynn Abrams

Memory of Fyodor Zamorsky

Irina Zamorsky

Memory of Herbert Moss

Jon & Linda Abels

THE CANTOR JANICE L. ROGER MUSIC AND CULTURAL ARTS FUND

Memory of Fedor Zamorsky

Mr. & Mrs. Mikhail Malyovanny

YAHRZEIT MEMORIAL FUND

Memory of Sophie Hersh

Harriet Horwitz

Memory of Wendy Mossler

Harriet Horwitz

Memory of Bryan Davis

Myrna Davis

Memory of Louis Rapoport

Myrna Davis

Memory of Suzie Tobin

Mitchell Tobin

CEMETERY FUND

Memory of Gladys & Gary Garelick

Susan & Bob Garelick

Memory of Hilda & Irving

Rockmore

Susan & Bob Garelick

Memory of Samuel Winograd

Susan Popp

Memory of Eddie Berebitsky

Diane Lutz

SOCIAL JUSTICE

CHEVRAT CHESED – CARING COMMUNITY

Memory of Herbert Moss

Jerome H. Fleisch & Marlene L. Cohen

HUNGER PROGRAM

Memory of Herbert Moss

Marlene & Steve Calderon

Jay & Jackie Dorman

Carol & Ken Joseph

Morrie and Jan Maurer

Keith & Rita Pitzele

SECOND HELPINGS

Memory of Sol Bergstein

Jerry & Renee Bergstein and Stephanie Fleck

Memory of Hilda Bergstein

Jerry & Renee Bergstein and Stephanie Fleck

Memory of Morris Hillman

Jerry & Renee Bergstein and Stephanie Fleck

GLEANERS FOOD BANK

Memory of Herbert Moss

Renny & Greg Silver

SHELLEY SHANE SOCIAL ACTION

Memory of Gary Schahet

David Lurvey

Peter Z. Grossman

Connect with Us

IHC Front Office

ECC Office

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317-255-6647

317-254-2186

www.ihcindy.org

www.facebook.com/IhcIndy

@ihc.indy

Worship Schedule

All services, unless otherwise noted, can be viewed live on IHC website

Kabbalat Shabbat service

Fridays at 6:15pm

Shabbat Morning Service

Saturdays at 10:30am

Join us for Oneg Shabbat following our Friday evening services (or before services on the second Shabbat of the month).

It is a mitzvah to sponsor an Oneg Shabbat, whether it is for a special occasion (b'nai mitzvah/baby naming/anniversary) or just because you want to step up to help! You can host alone, as a family, or get a group together to co-host. Click here to sign up to host.

Learn with Us

Torah Talk

Select Wednesdays at 9:30am

Join Rabbi Krichiver to discuss Jewish sacred source texts in a non-intimidating way. Unless otherwise noted, you can attend in person or online. Proudly presented by Sisterhood. You can find the Zoom link to participate by clicking here.

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Saturdays at 9:00am

Led by IHC clergy, the group is guided through the weekly Torah portion text seeking understanding of the teaching for the time and discussing its message for today. Unless otherwise noted, you can attend in person or online. No prior knowledge is necessary and all are welcome. You can find the Zoom link to participate by clicking here

The next printed issue of Kulanu will be mailed out at the end of October.

You can access all past issues of Kulanu online at ihcindy.org/kulanu-archive/

Sisterhood Gift Shop

Tuesdays-Fridays: 10:00am-2:00pm

Fridays: 5:15-6:15pm

Sundays from 9:30am-12:00pm when the Jewish Learning Program is in session.