Susan Fogle Auster and Michael Auster, z”l,on the marriage of their daughter, Abbie,to Chris Stowell (below),son of Maria Stowell and Bill Stowell of New Hampshire on Feb.18,2022.
Steve and Marlene Calderon, who became grandparents through their son, Robbie,and his wife, Alizee,who are both plant biologists at Umea University in Sweden. Elwood Isaac was born April 9,2022.His maternal great-grandmother is Betty Calderon
Scott Romer (right),who,in May, received the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame’s 2022 Friendship Award from NIASHF president,Ron Onesti. Then Onesti flew out to Italy to meet with The Pope.It was such a magical moment,even former Champion of the World,Antonio Tarver (left) took a selfie.
brated her 95th birthday on June 23rd while her son, Barry,(left) was visiting from Israel.
Jeanne Bunes, (wife of Sol, z”l) who celebrated her 95th birthday on Aug. 10,2022 with her son and his wife, Charlie and Stacey Bunes ,their daughters, Chava (via video from Philadelphia) and Rivkah, together with Jeanne’s good friend and Stacey’s “aunt”, Marilyn Shimberg, celebrating her 80th birthday which was on Aug.2.
Daniel L. Klein,on the marriage of his daughter, Eliana,to Jason Macanian (below) on Aug.10,2022 in Long Island,N.Y.
M arlene Dorfman , on her new granddaughter through her daughter and son-in-law Melinda and Joe Blake Lucy Jax (above,center),born June 15, 2022 weighing 7 lbs., 13 oz. and 21 in. long,has an older sister, Nora.Her pater-
Abbie and Marty Lande,the birth of their son, Joseph Parker Lande,on July 25, 2022 weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz.and 21 in. long.His grandparents are Ellen and Jamie Gray and Phillip Lande,and his great-grandmothers are Doreen Gray and Anne Lande.Joseph with his older sister, Charley (below).
Marvin and Michelle Hershenson (below),who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug.11,2022.
Rabbis Dennis and Sandy Sasso,who were honored twice in the same week.
On July 28, 2022, they received a Hoosier Living Legend Award (right) from the Indiana Historical Society,and IBJ Media recognized them among the most Influential Leaders in Indiana.
When Oprah interviewed Franciscan Friar Father Richard Rohr a few years ago on her TV program, Super Soul Sunday, he was about 70 years old.He said over the years it was nice when he received praise for a job well done but the satisfaction from that was short lived.However,he discovered what really caused him the most growth was weathering the very challenging situations he experienced.
Although,he added,until approximately 30 years of age young people need that praise to help build their confidence.He said that number is random depending on the person and situation.This is why acknowledging the 36 under 36 is so important (see page IN 19).Also that number has a special significance for Jewish people because according to gematria (assigning numbers to Hebrew letters),it is double chai,meaning “life” and good luck – times two.
About 23 years ago, when I started helping my father at his office, he was already more than 90 years old and had been publishing a weekly newspaper for 70 years.I was about 20 years older than that random age of 30 Father Rohr mentions,nevertheless it was something I had not done before so the encouragement I received from others who were older and had more life experience was invaluable.Three of those people passed away since our last edition so I will write briefly about them.
I was sad to hear about the passing of Michael (Mike) Blain on May 15,2022. After almost every edition he would discuss with me in detail the contents. I felt like he must have a photographic memory because even though I had just spent hours working on it,sometimes I had to look up what he was talking about. These conversations continued even after he and his wife Sylvia moved back to Cleveland to be near their son Daniel.He and Sylvia, who had been the administrator at the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis for 21 years,remained interested in what was going on in our local community
See Obituares page IN 14
These obituaries will be in our next edition: Myra L. Epstein, 83,died August 7; Melvyn (Mel) Tishler, 93,died August 13; J. Henry Schwartz, 93,August 14; Miriam Calderon ,Aug.16; Larry John Essley, 79 , August 27; Rory Rabin Samberg died Sept.4; Florence “Flo”Tamler Stillerman, 94,died Sept. 5; and Michael Ira Auster, 64, Sept.8; Jack Kline, 99,died Sept.17.
where they had lived for 40 years and raised their three sons.
I wanted to believe that I was one of only a few of Mike’s friends who were made to feel special by him but I saw that he made everyone feel important.In return,like me,all those people admired him immensely.This trait of his was even more cherished after learning he was a Holocaust survivor who had lost his parents,four siblings and many other relatives during World War II.People would have understood had he been a bitter person,but he was the opposite. Read about his many accomplishments in his obituary on page IN 14.
Then exactly one week later Charles Roth,the managing editor of our New York office from 1953-1983 passed away at age 97.My father died in 2007 and others who were knowledgeable about the newspaper such as Rabbi Sam Silver who wrote a column for 59 years from 1948-2007 were no longer living.If I had a question about something,I could always call Charlie and he would have good suggestions.
In fact in 2006,he responded to an editorial I had written about Eva Kor It was a review of the movie about her life titled, Forgiving Dr. Mengele.His message is apropos for this time of the Jewish year. Below in italics is part of that response.
I read Jennie Cohen’s piece on forgiveness in the Nov 8 issue and it was very moving. The Talmud teaches “d’varim ha yotzim min halev nichnasim la lev” (That which comes from the heart reaches into another heart).
Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi teaches that when one holds a grudge, it is as though you are holding the person against whom you have the grudge in jail. But if you are holding the person in jail, you are the jailer and have to sit in jail keeping your prisoner there. And you will have to remain in that jail so long as you keep the grudge. So drop the grudge and let yourself out of prison.
More sad news was hearing about the passing of Robert (Bob) Borns on July 31, 2022.A couple of years after I became involved in the managing of the newspaper, I must have called him with a business question.I was surprised that he offered to come all the way downtown to meet me in person.The newspaper office was south of the circle on Meridian Street.This was a man who owned several properties in greater Indianapolis.Surely he had more important things to do.
I should have been nervous when he arrived but he was at ease and that calmness spread in waves out from him and that made me feel relaxed. After we talked for a little bit,I took him into my father’s office. With a twinkle in his eyes,my father says to him,“Are you able to afford three square meals a day?”Then they both grinned.
Simcha Announcements
Jennie Cohen: (Editorial)
About the Cover
2
3
4
Miriam Zimmerman: (Holocaust Educator)
Back Home Again in Indiana… 6
IJHS 2022 Hoosier Legends 10
Cantor Janice Roger: (New Music Review) Fragments by Yoni Avi Battat 11
Swatez Named to Execs Cohort 11
JCRC Names New Exec
CANDLES Holocaust Museum
11
Presents “An Evening of Light” .....12
Exhibit by Jewish Women Artists 12
Grabovsky Running for IN 7th 12
IU Student Wins 1st Place 13
South Bend Rabbi Receives Spertus
Institute Master’s Degree 13
Etz Chaim Softball Champs 13
Obituaries
14
HHAI Celebrates 50th Anniversary......15
JFGI 36 under 36
19
Rabbi Sasso’s Newest Book 19
Alpha Epsilon Pi Names New COO 20 Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC Merges
With Katz Korin Cunningham 20 Ambassador to Israel Receives Historical Marker in Indiana 24
Jewish News and Opinion since 1935.
1389 W 86th St.#160 Indianapolis,IN 46260 email: jpostopinion@gmail.com phone and fax: (317) 405-8084 website: www.jewishpostopinion.com publisher & editor: Jennie Cohen graphic designer: Charlie Bunes
See Historical Digital Issues of The Jewish Post & Opinion since 1930 at
When you read his obituary on page IN 21 you can see why. He contributed to so many causes and organizations over the years.Perhaps the best known locally is the Borns Jewish Studies Program at Indiana University-Bloomington. Bob’s support to me continued until the last time I spoke to him on the phone a couple of years ago. He was home from being in the hospital with COVID.I said I wasn’t sure if anyone was still reading the paper and he said he definitely thought so.
I have something to add to Miriam Zimmerman’s column on page IN 6.One sweet aside of the Eva Kor exhibit at the Indiana History Center was the related items for sale in their gift shop (photos). With the comparatively small Jewish
reward.The individual seen upholding the Torah reflects the responsibility placed on people today to uphold God’s teachings. Here the Torah is overlaid on the “Tree of Life”(Etz Chaim),as it is often referred.
The love required to achieve our destiny is signified by the words of the Shema prayer found in the sounds coming forth from the shofar.The rainbow shofar represents the call to all and the universal aspects of love.The individual upholding the Torah scroll symbolizes our responsibility to be a light of the nations.This picture is based on a large stained glass window designed also by Bruce.
Bruce DavidThe Torah is portrayed as the means by which people may obtain two of God’s greatest gifts,life and peace.These ideals are represented by the Hebrew calligraphy for each word depicted in the upper two corners of the picture.
reflect the importance of these notable stepping-stones to the fulfillment of our Jewish destiny.The three stained glass window designs,when joined together, make up the series entitled,“Covenants... Dor L’Dor.”
Each stained glass window is almost 6.5 feet tall and 4.25 feet wide,and resides in Louisville,Ky.,at the Anshei Sfard Synagogue.They were made using 100% full antique hand blown glass from Europe.
From the covenant with Abraham and his descendants,to the generation of Jews today,this design teaches the value of individual responsibility.Abraham, following God with all his heart,set an example for individual accountability to God and earned his covenant.So too modern day Jews,by showing the same desire to fulfill God’s will,can earn their place as part of the covenant and in the world to come.
Found situated in the lower part of the design,the ram (caught in the thicket) and the sacrificial fire are indicative of the place where Abraham gained his promised
The large shofar denotes the Jewish life purpose to be a light of the nations by sounding God’s call.The rainbow colors underscore the universal aspect of God’s love for all life.Love is an important part of our heritage and is necessary for getting closer to God.In the composition,the two parts of the Shema prayer,in Hebrew calligraphy,reinforce the necessity of the love required to achieve our destiny.
Hear O Israel... You should love the Lord your God.
This composition is part of a set of three stained glass windows whose design touches on the past, the present and the future.They portray many of God’s most prominent covenants as they are seen passing from one generation to the next. From the beginning covenant with Noah and all life,to modern day individuals,to the ultimate time of peace, these designs
This artwork is also a card and is part of Hallmarks “Tree of Life”line,A Division of Hallmark Cards,Inc.©,Hallmark Licensing, Inc.,Heart & Soul© Bruce David.
Bruce David has dedicated the past 30+ years of his life tomakingcreative, engaging, art and Jewish educational resources that provide people with the opportunity to discover and experience the contemporary values of a “Wholistic” approach to Judaism. He can be reached atbrucedavidcreations@ gmail.com.His art may be viewed at www.davidart.com. ✡ ✡
population in Indiana,in addition to these wonderful exhibits,I was surprised to see an assortment of special blank greeting cards and envelopes with inspiring quotes by Eva Kor,jewelry with the Hebrew word for “healing”and “forgiveness”and a large selection of books on the Holocaust.
After all the places we visited that day and with all the divisiveness going on in the world today,it was heart-warming to experience a day full of kindness and civility.It is gratifying that The Indiana Historical Society and The Children’s Museum see the importance of making accessible to everyone the messages of forgiveness and tolerance that Eva Kor and Anne Frank espoused.
Together with Alex Kor,I was invited to speak at the CANDLES Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute,Ind.,on the topic of “From Terror to Terre Haute: A Path to Peace”.It is abouthowhis mother Eva Mozes Kor andmy father Werner Loewenstein,M.D.,came to Terre Haute after experiencing the trauma of genocide in Romania and Germany respectively.
Their stories have happy endings where both were able to raise their families and work together to promote understanding. The program took place on June 5,2022. It wasrecorded and can be viewed at the following link: www.youtube.com/watch? v=Otv7cG2m7ug.This column is about what took place before, during, and after my speech.
Two days before the program,I met Sister Carol Nolan of St.Mary-of-theWoods College in West Terre Haute at the Panda Gardens on South Third Street.Sr. Carol knew both my parents,now of blessed memory Dad played the alto recorder in her Renaissance recorder group.We reminisced over Chinese food,a cuisine my mother loved.
I forgot to ask Sr.Carol about her most recent ministry.She established“Providence in the Desert” (spsmw.org/2017/07/28/ changes-store-providence-desert) in 2002, which “provides English as a Second Language instruction for adults, music lessons for children,and other services as needed.”Sr.Carol taught music to the children of immigrant farm workers in southern California.
This 90-plus year-old might be retired from her ministries and from teaching German and music at St.Mary’s,but her brain is just as active as ever.She proceeded to describe a new book she is reading, Cathonomics: How Catholic Tradition Can Create a More Just Economy by Anthony M.Annett.Bonus: she gave me a primer on Enlightenment thinking and how those values influence us today.Over three hours later, I returned to my hotel on Seventh and Wabash,my head swimming with new ideas for a more equitable and just society I hope that I will be as sharp
and as relevant as Sr.Carol when I reach her age.
Two days later,Dr.Alex Kor and I each spoke about our late parents,both of blessed memory,at the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center.Eva moved from Israel to Terre Haute in 1960,the bride of Michael “Mickey”Kor,also a Holocaust survivor. Dad arrived in there in 1937,a penniless Holocaust refugee.
I will never forget the look on Dad’s face when he said to me,“You’ll never guess who moved to our town.”I couldn’t guess. “Eva Kor,a Mengele twin!”was his awed answer.My blank look inspired him to give me a crash course on Nazi medicine and human experimentation during the Third Reich.I was in middle school at the time.
In 1934,Dad graduated from the University of Berlin Medical School in the last year that Jews were allowed to obtain a professional degree.While a medical student,he witnessed the demise of the medical profession in Nazi Germany.He could fully appreciate what Eva had endured as a twin experimented on by Mengele.Eva and Dad worked together tirelessly to educate the public about the Holocaust.The Kors and the Loewensteins remained close friends for the rest of their lives.
In 2006,at dinner after the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival showing of Forgiving Doctor Mengele,Eva related stories to me about my parents.She explained how influential my mother, Hazel,had been in her life.Always active in the Jewish community,Mother wanted Eva to follow her as president of the Terre Haute chapter of Hadassah.Eva asked what would she have to do.In her explanation,Mother included,“running meetings”and “speaking before groups.”
“I told Hazel that I do not like speaking in public.Hazel told me to take a public speaking course at ISU (Indiana State University),” Eva paused and added with a grin. “I did.” As a result,Eva became a world-class speaker,talking to diverse groups, from school children to diplomats, to business and political leaders; always with poise,distinction,and humor.I never did learn whether or not she became president of Hadassah.
Eva Mozes Kor, Founder of CANDLES, Indiana’s only Holocaust museum. (Photo courtesy CANDLES.)The day after my dinner with Sr.Carol and the day before the CANDLES presentation, I was treated to lunch by friends from high school.Jackie Stohr Lower, Linda Wilson McGlone,Linda King Smith, Georgia Thompson Bosworth,
Madonna Robertson Johnson and I met at Logan’s on Fruitridge and Wabash Ave. Since my hotel was on Wabash,it was impossible for me to get lost.We reminisced,we laughed,we talked of our children and grandchildren.Yet,these were the girls who could make me break out as a teenager.We all had a good time. I did not break out.
After saying goodbye,I walked between the booths of handmade crafts,jewelry, and T-shirts in the middle of Wabash Ave.It was closed off to accommodate Terre Haute’s first ever Pride Parade (today.indstate.edu/announcement/rootedin-pride-terre-hautes-first-pride-festival) and rally,right outside Candlewood Suites. Accustomed to the very visible LGBTQ community of the San Francisco Bay Area,and at the risk of stereotyping, the Gay and Transgender people I encountered in Terre Haute seemed every bit as authentic as those in the Bay Area. They exuded the same pride and confi dence in who they were, and did not shy away from attire that more conservative individuals would shun.
Back in California later that month,I marched in the 52nd annual S.F.Pride Parade (sfpride.org/grand-marshals) with my daughter and a contingent from the Brandeis School,where two of my grandchildren matriculate.I reflected on the contrast between the two celebrations,in terms of size,duration,and longevity. Terre Haute’s late entry into Pride celebrations was a measure of how far the town has come since the 1950’s and 1960’s,and how long it took.
Before the CANDLES program,I saw the Einstandig sisters in the audience.Max and Bess Einstandig, both of blessed memory,were also close family friends.I discovered from reading Max’s obituary obituaries.tribstar.com/obituary/maxeinstandig-727165152) that he had been born in Vienna.He served as the first board president of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society.
Barbi Einstandig Stenacker drove in from Fishers (a suburb of Indianapolis) with her sister Elaine Einstandig Zukerman of Indy.They joined their sister-in-law Jo Einstandig of Terre Haute.Barbi,whom I adored, had been a babysitter and counselor at Girl Scout Camp.Jo and her late husband Jerry had been youth group leaders at Temple Israel when I was a teenager.My husband Richard’s genealogical research established that he and Elaine’s husband Howard shared great-grandparents,making the men second cousins.Our parents would have been delighted that the two husbands made us all mishpocha (family).
Classmates from Wiley High School and Gerstmeyer Tech also attended the CANDLES presentation.Along with Madonna and Linda from the previous day’s lunch,Vicki Leventhal Bauer,Patty Beveridge Steele,Bess Enright,and Dixie Webster Haag gathered at CANDLES in support.Since Sr.Carol and another nun from St.Mary’s also attended,I began to feel as if I had stacked the audience in my favor.
In contrast to Alex who cited antisemitism while growing up in Terre Haute, I experienced none.I should have asked my high school friends why no one discriminated against me and the few other Jews in our class.One answer: no one thought about it.Antisemitism was not part of the undercurrent of intolerance that pervaded Alex’s experience and which is so prevalent now.The 15-year age difference between Alex and me could be a factor.During that time,Israel successfully fought the Six-Day War in 1967,endured the Munich Olympic massacre of 1972,and won the Yom Kippur War in 1973.Perhaps negative attitudes toward Jews become more prevalent when Jews demonstrate strength or become more visible. In addition, perhaps the memory of the Holocaust began to fade during those 15 years.
Terre Haute native Troy Fears wants to prevent the memory of the Holocaust from fading. Troy became CANDLES’ Executive Director last year.After graduating from Purdue University,he returned to Terre Haute and began a career in high school teaching and administration before attaining his current leadership post at CANDLES.
In a recent phone conversation,Troy related to me his goals for CANDLES.The Museum is now emerging from the downturn experienced by many businesses and nonprofits as a result of the two-year pandemic.Compounded by the loss of Eva on July 4,2019,followed by Mickey’s passing on October 19, 2021, “We are just now emerging into the ‘new normal,’” Troy explained.
“The post-pandemic world without Eva is new territory for CANDLES.How do we tell the story without Eva?”he asked rhetorically “Eva was the main attraction when she was here.Now,more than ever, [her story] is needed in our society.”
After the pandemic hiatus, school children started visiting the Museum again last spring and the fall schedule looks good.The Executive Director sees a bright future for the Museum.Four fall programs,including renown Holocaust scholar Dr Michael Berenbaum and Christopher Browning,famed author of Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland are among the fall speakers.
Plaque at the Eva Kor Mural in Indianapolis (see below). (Photo by author.)
Troy would like to raise the profile of CANDLES,“Indiana’s only Holocaust museum,”to be the voice for Holocaust and antisemitism awareness in Indiana. “Learning about Eva and the Holocaust can help fight bigotry throughout Indiana,” he maintained.I agree.Eva’s message is about inclusion, forgiveness, and hope for a better future.
Right now,CANDLES has temporary competition from the Indianapolis Historical Society (IHS) at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center (IHC) in downtown Indianapolis.Opened on March 12,the exhibit,“Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana” (indianahistory.org/ eva),successfully tells Eva’s story.Amy Lamb,a museum vice president,gave Indiana Jewish Post & Opinion (P&O) publisher,Jennie Cohen,and me a personal tour on June 7.
As a Holocaust educator,what attracted me the most were the interactive stations, some with touchscreen controls.They translated Eva’s story into multimedia snippets,chunking information in an accessible manner for today’s media savvy young people.
In partnership with CANDLES,the IHS also opened the Dimensions in Testimony (indianahistory.org/events/dimensions-intestimony) feature.This exhibit “allows an unparalleled interactive experience in which visitors can take a virtual reality tour of Auschwitz with Eva and converse with her via a hologramlike projection.”
Together,the exhibits “explore how Eva’s life and legacy teaches us about the horrors of the Holocaust,the realities of antisemitism,and the power of an individual to make change,”according to the Historical Society website.
Once again,as a Holocaust educator,I appreciated how engaged students become using the latest film technology Prerecorded videos enable students to ask questions of Eva herself.The technology is so good, thanks to the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation (sfi.usc.edu/dit),it is as if Eva is right there
before you,on stage,answering individual questions.Even her sense of humor comes through.The exhibit will run through January 2024.
Ms.Lamb took us through the other floors of the museum.I wished we had time to linger in the “Documents that Shaped America”(indianahistory.org/ events/documents-that-shaped-america) exhibit,showcasing “significant historical written works such as a 1350 edition of the Magna Carta,a first edition 1788 U.S. Constitution (one of five known copies),a first edition of the Gettysburg Address, and an early edition of Life & Times of Frederick Douglass (1893).”If you live in Indy,you have the chance to see this exhibit through January 2023.
Just ended was the “Looking Forward, Giving Back”exhibit by Kenneth L. Turchi,author of the book of this title,with the subtitle, The Jewish Merchants of Downtown Indianapolis.Turchi,a former dean of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law,traced “the 150-year history of Jewish merchants of downtown Indianapolis,while offering a glimpse of a more genteel time when shopping downtown was a special experience. From the bargain-priced selections at the Star Store to the gleaming marble arcade at Block’s and the courteous salespeople at Wasson’s
departments stores,downtown offered something for everyone – and everyone shopped there [emphasis added].”
“Everyone”included my family.From our annual fall shopping trips to Indianapolis, I remember that Blocks Department Store was Mother’s favorite.I do not remember a marble arcade.I was amazed that the IHC had two exhibits of Jewish content at the same time.
Jennie had to pull me away from a restoration studio,where children are taught document restoration,in hands-on demonstrations.We said our good-byes to Ms.Lamb and enjoyed a late lunch at the Museum’s indoor-outdoor Stardust Terrace Café,located along the canal.On our way out,we stopped at the well-stocked gift shop including Eva memorabilia for sale.
Where was this fabulous museum when I was growing up in Indiana?
Jennie wanted me to see the 53-foot Eva Kor Mural at the 500 Festival Building (500festival.com/news/500-festival-buildingto-feature-mural-in-honor-of-eva-kor).
After days without much exercise,I was delighted to take a long walk through Indy’s Civic Center We encountered a plaque commemorating Indiana’s unfortunate participation in the Eugenics movement. The plaque clearly indicated that Indiana took responsibility for passing the first Eugenics law in the United States.Eugenics legislation in this country inspired Hitler’s Nuremberg race laws.
3Indianapolis Civic Center plaque commemorating Indiana’s infamous Eugenics Law. (Photo by author.)
I was not disappointed by the mural honoring Eva.The huge likeness visually demonstrated Eva’s enormous influence, despite her 4’ 9” stature. The words,“hope, healing,and forgiveness”to the right of Eva’s image nicely sum up her life’s work as a Holocaust survivor and activist.
One more stop before heading back to my hotel. Jennie invited me to see the sapling,taken from the dying chestnut tree that inspired Anne Frank during her
The Indiana Jewish Historical Society
2022 Hoosier Legends:
Dr. Marcia Goldstone
Marcia was the face and voice of the Indianapolis Jewish Community.She worked to combat antisemitism,educated the public about issues like the Holocaust and Soviet Jewry during her time as the Executive Director of the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council.
Eugene, z’l, and Marilyn Glick, z”l
Both gave personal leadership contributions and with their property management company developed an emphasis on lowincome housing both in the state and nationwide.
Ted Green
Ted created the Emmy Award winning documentary “Eva A-7063”about Eva Kor. A non-Jewish Hoosier, Ted’s five-year journey has done more for the Jews of Indiana than any other person over the past several decades.
Has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally.Named Sagamore of the Wabash by the State of Indiana.Hart was one of the founders of the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis.His life story,I Shall Not Die tells it all.
Dr. Mark Hasten, z”l
A visionary leader.An engineer,an entrepreneur in banking, real estate, and health care.His memoir book,Mark My Words! is one of determination,ingenuity, and abiding religious faith.
Abe Silverstein (no one pictured for him)
The National Aviation Hall of Fame labeled him the Father of Apollo.He named and planned the first three manned space flight programs – Gemini, Mercury,and Apollo,“The Architect of the US Space Program.”
months as a hidden child of the Holocaust. The sapling stands behind a sculpture depicting a page in Anne’s diary in the Anne Frank Peace Park,at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. I was amazed to see how much it had grown since my last visit,from a spindly seedling into a robust adolescent tree.
In a 2010 P&O article on page 2 (jewish postopinion.com/pdf/NAT_1-13-10.pdf) about the diary sculpture, Jennie inter viewed creator Michael Donham of Accent Limestone & Carving in Spencer, Ind. “Donham and [his assistant] Abrams did some research to make sure that the leaves on their sculpture were precisely
those of a Chestnut tree.”Together,the sapling and the sculpture diary are a powerful tribute to and reminder of the story of Anne Frank,another child who made a difference.
Anne Frank and Eva Kor,born five years apart,are two children whose tragic stories touched the world.Each told her story in her own way.Both transmitted messages of optimism,hope,and reconciliation, with a promise for a more equitable and just society.I am proud that my home state of Indiana has chosen to honor them.
Dr. Miriam Zimmerman is professor emerita at Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) in Belmont, Calif., where she taught the Holocaust course for 25 years. She can be reached at mimzim@aol.com. ✡ ✡
Eva Kor Mural on the 500 Festival Building, 21 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. (Photo courtesy Jennie Cohen.)
Yoni Avi Battat poses a difficult question in his liner notes for the album Fragments.He asks, “So,how do we access memories that we don’t remember?” Fragments is an extended effort to answer this question. Battat,who was born in America,is descended from Iraqi Jews who left Baghdad.However,he also has Polish ancestry and grew up in a largely Ashkenazic community.Battat is a classically trained violinist who has studied Arabic and Yiddish and the cultures from which they grew.His work with the Jewish Arts Collaborative as a Community Creative Fellow resulted in a melding of cultures.That fusion is evidenced in the album Fragments.
Listeners are encouraged to use their senses as they listen to the music.Battat tells us, “Allow these smells,textures, tastes, and sounds to transport you to a place and time you have never been.”
One aspect of his work with the Collaborative involved food and cooking. The third track of the album focuses on aspects of cooking — reminding us that cooking and music are related arts.Both have recipes/formulas which enhance the finished product. In cooking it is herbs and spices; in music it is textures of sound.
The music of Fragments,much of it original compositions by Battat,combines traditional string instruments (violin,viola, cello) with traditional Arabic instruments (qanun, nay, joza, and riq to name a few). Listeners will recognize the sounds of the shuk (market) on many of the tracks.
In his liner notes, Battat notes his growth as a maqam practitioner. Maqam is a modal system which is the foundation of traditional Arabic music.Its parallel in the Ashkenazic Jewish world is nussach.Both are scale based but also rely on repetitive melodic patterns and ornamentation techniques.The music of the Iraqi-Jewish world absorbed ideas from the maqam, which is evident in the nine compositions on this CD.
Marc Swatez, the new CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis,has been named a member of the first cohort of the new Leading Executives national program.
Leading Edge has selected 20 senior-most executives leading Jewish nonprofits who will inaugurate the program Leading Executives (leading edge.org/page/leading-executives)to learn and connect to face future challenges.
From September 2022 through February 2023,these leaders will receive leadership training,coaching,and opportunities for connection and mutual support.When the program ends,they will join the growing alumni network of Jewish nonprofit leaders who have completed Leading Edge Executive Programs.A successor to the CEO Onboarding Program,one of Leading Edge’s original flagship offerings, Leading Executives expands the core elements of that program, while streamlining the experience to offer it to more leaders, more frequently.
The second cohort of Leading Executives will run from January through June of 2023,meeting in person April 16–19 in Greensboro,N.C.Information about applications for that cohort will be available in November 2022.To be sure you see this information when it is released, sign up for Leading Edge’s newsletter at www.leadingedge.org/contact-us/. (photo by Greg Kicinski Photography) ✡ ✡
Several of the pieces use texts created by authors and poets whom Battat discovered in his studies of Arabic and Yiddish. “Water and Air” is based on a poem by Anwar Sha’ul,an Iraqi Jew of the 20th century.Arabic,Yiddish and Hebrew are the languages of “Vapor.”An anonymous 10th century woman composed the text of “Will Her Love Remember.”“El Eliyahu”is a text by 12th century poet and philosopher Abraham Ibn Ezra.A well-known Iraqi song,“Hatha Mou Insaf Minnak”is the foundation of track 8. The final track, “From the Fragments,”is an original work. It seems to be a coda and summation of Battat’s process and hopes for the future.
The album is both performed and produced with integrity and professionalism. The liner notes help the listener to under stand Battat’s motivation and as well as his process.Fragments is an education for the ear and the soul.
Janice Roger is the Cantor Emerita of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, which she served from 1979 until 2017. Now retired, she serves as chaplain for Jewish
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in Indianapolis has selected Jacob Markey as its new Executive Director.
A native of Milwaukee,Wisc.,Jacob received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.Since then,he has devoted himself to Jewish communal work.He served as a fellow with Otzma (an immersive 10month Federation-sponsored program where he learned Hebrew,interned and volunteered extensively); served as the Coordinator for Israel Engagement at Brandeis’Hillel; and worked as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Union for Reform Judaism’s High School in Israel (URJ Heller High).
In May 2018,Jacob completed a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership and a Master of Public Policy from the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University.Before he came to Indianapolis,Jacob was the JCRC Associate with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.
His interests include following his local sports teams (especially his Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers),traveling, and trying new foods and restaurants.He especially loves traveling to Israel with Birthright,having staffed ten trips.(Photo and information from thetribe.org.) ✡ ✡
Rabbi Avi & Nini Grossbaum, Rabbi Eliezer & Chana Zalmanov, Rabbi Avrohom & Shaindy Gluck, Rabbi Yehoshua & Zlata Chincholker, Rabbi Zalman & Sarah Gansburg, Rabbi Dovid & Chana Grossbaum, Rabbi Levy Yitzchok & Sheina Cunin, and Rabbi Levi & Leah Danow of Lubavitch of Indiana send Best Wishes for a Joyous and Inspiring New Year.
May all be inscribed for a year of life!
Join us for Free High Holiday Services at the Chabad Center, Carmel, IN
Family Services and volunteers with Indiana Reading and Information Services (IRIS), The Great American Songbook Foundation, and Classical Music Indy. She is married to Brandon Roger and they have two sons, Eddie and Miles.
Please join us as we recognize individuals in Indiana for their dedication to sharing Holocaust education in their communities.The evening will be hosted at the Indiana Historical Society on Oct. 22, 2022 from 6-9 p.m. featuring Executive Director Emeritus of USC Shoah Foundation, Stephen D.Smith,Ph.D., with Michael Berenbaum, the Project Director of the U.S.Holocaust Memorial Museum.
A discussion will follow on the importance of Holocaust education,Eva Kor’s impact,and how each of us can make a difference.
For more information go to candlesholocaustmuseum.org.Tickets can be purchased at: betterunite.com/candles-shinethelight dinner Cocktail attire is suggested.
Indiana Historical Society is located at 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202. ✡ ✡
Too often,people are not as aware of the deep and profound feminine influence of their faith formation and faith journeys because of the patriarchal nature of religion in general.
Please join us at the Indiana Interchurch Center for “Holy Sparks: Celebrating 50 Years of Women Rabbinate” – 24 works by Jewish women artists celebrating 24 women rabbis on this 50th anniversary of women in the rabbinate – a celebration of the feminine in spirituality,and faith.The exhibit emphasizes the feminine through music,art,sculpture,spoken word,and food – running Nov. 1-30, 2022.
On Nov. 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.,the Center is offering a special,free event. Using the “Holy Sparks”art exhibit as a backdrop,attendees are encouraged to contemplate and identify the feminine influence on their own faith formation and faith journey.Stories from sacred texts will be shared along with stories from individuals that identify,recognize, honor, and celebrate the stories of women,how they have shaped faith practices, communities, and individual faith journeys.
After viewing the exhibit that evening, guests are invited to explore these feminine influences by hearing from a panel of women of diverse religious leaders,a poet,sculptor,and musician.
The panel speakers include: moderator Katherine Tyler Scott (Managing Principal Ki ThoughtBridge), Rabbi Sandy Sasso (Rabbi Emeritus,Congregation Beth-El Zedeck), Dr. Anita Joshi (Hindu Temple of Central Indiana Board),and Reverend Dr. Marilyn Gill (Executive Director of Indiana Christian Leadership Conference). Featured artists include Deepha R. Maturi (poet), D. Del Reverda-Jennings (sculptor),and Dena El Saffar (musician).
This is a Spirit & Place Festival event,a partnership between Center for Interfaith Cooperation,Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, and JCC-Indianapolis.Contact the event organizers at 317-318-5304 or charlie@ centerforinterfaithcooperation.org.Walkins welcome,but registrations is strongly encouraged by Nov.7.
Indiana Interchurch Center is located at 1100 W.42nd St.,in Indianapolis. ✡ ✡
Angela Grabovsky is running for election to the U.S.Houseto representIndiana’s 7th Congressional District. She is on the ballot in the general election onNov. 8, 2022 on the Republican Party ticket.She advanced from the primary onMay 3,2022.
Grabovsky was born in Odessa,Ukraine, which at the time was a part of the Soviet Union. Growing up she saw firsthand the impacts of communist ideology,big government,and radical policies.In 1989, she and her family fled the USSR and came to America as political and religious refugees. Upon arriving in America,Angela and her family had 3 months to learn basic English and find jobs.They refused government assistance,and through grit, sweat, and hard work,reached success. She became a Board-Certified Financial Planner and a wealth manager.Grabovsky earned an M.B.A.from Northwestern University in 2007.Her career experience includes working as a private wealth advisor and the CEO of Impact Financial Group with Ameriprise Financial Services. During the last 25 years she built a firm that services individuals and business in Indiana,helping them make smart choices about their money.Angela is running for Congress in Indiana to defend the freedoms we all share.
StandWithUs is proud to announce that Indiana University’s Lila Caplan, has won 1stplace for its “Movement Builder Award for Creativity and Impact 2022.”
The award is presented to an exceptional StandWithUs Emerson Fellow each year who approached and successfully implemented Israel programming with a specific and dynamic strategy tailored to their campus climate.The award is named after the StandWithUs Movement Builder platform, which is designed to help student leaders articulate their campus climate,map out their goals,and develop an effective strategy for Israel education that will maximize their impact.
StandWithUs is an international nonpartisan education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism, with an office in themidwest.The oneyearStandWithUs Emerson Fellowship, Founded in 2007, trains, educates, and empowersstudent leaders around the world.They learn how to strategically navigate antisemitic activity on their campuses and inspire their peers to run impactful educational events and campaigns about Israel.
Lila Caplan was eager to connect with new communities on campus.She used her Emerson Fellowship training to engage students of all backgrounds and organized 14 successful and impactful programs with various student clubs and organizations including ROTC,Greek life, among others. When she noticed a rise
in antisemitic incidents on campus, Lila joined Indiana University Hillel’s Antisemitism Task Force to help mobilize and support her community.Lila also represented StandWithUs within the ICC National Council of Fellows,where she worked on national campaigns for students across the country.Lila’s leadership exemplified everything StandWithUs stands for – Israel education,empowerment,and standing up to antisemitism.
Lila is also an alumna of the StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship,which gave her a strong foundation for campus leadership.
States Lila,“After participating as a Leventhal Intern,I thought I knew what was possible.Then I became an Emerson Fellow and was given a platform to engage 35,000+ people.I set one tangible goal for myself – to stop preaching to the choir and work with groups that don’t typically engage in Israel-related programs.This led to meeting with the President,Dean of Students,and Provost of the university,organizing educational spa nights in my sorority house,flying out a Patriots cheerleader (and former Emerson Fellow) to talk about combating antisemitism, and planning many more programs across my campus.Being involved with StandWithUs for the last four years has led to incredible opportunities,and I know it will lead to many more in the future.”
Sophie Shafran is the 2022-23 StandWithUs Emerson Fellow from Indiana University.She isparticipating in the August training conference and will attend the “Israel in Focus”International Conference in January. ✡ ✡
Lifelong learning is a hallowed Jewish tradition because it expands our knowledge,roots us,and builds bonds.It makes our lives richer and our communities stronger.The recent graduates of Spertus Institute’s acclaimed master’s and doctoral programs embody this tradition,including South Bend resident Dr. Rabbi Michael Friedland of Sinai Synagogue.
The team representing Congregation Etz Chaim has won the 2022 Indianapolis Synagogue Softball League Tournament – repeating its 2021 success. The Team included: Michael Saccucci, David Calderon, Brad Korn, Jared Palmer, Robin Gonzalez, Joshua Chinsky, Musa Suriel, team captains Joshua D. Abrams and Jose Suriel, coach & book keeper Mark Sigman, Aaron Senzell, Jacob Hall, and Spencer Mishelow. Not pictured are: Sammy Cohn, Abe Benson, Brian Hoffman, Ben Schiller, and Joel Bustamante.
Friedland received his Doctor of Hebrew Letters, completing an individu alized program aimed at rabbis and other Jewish professionals.The program demands academic excellence balanced with skillbased knowledge directly applicable to those who desire to make a significant contribution to Jewish life.Friedland completed the program, which includes extensive course work and a dissertation, while juggling his professional role as a full-time congregational rabbi and his personal commitments to his family and community.
Rabbi Mendel and Fraidel
and family of the Indiana Jewish Discover Center
you a Happy and Healthy Shana Tova!
Patricia Anne Bartholomew Calderon, 80,of Fishers, Ind.,passed away on April 3,2022 at her home.She was born on April 7,1941 in England to the late Denis and Estella (Caulfield) Iremonger.
She attended Indiana University, graduated from the University of Missouri St.Louis,and practiced both as a RN and Industrial Hygienist living in Crawfordsville,Indianapolis,and most recently,Fishers.Pat was very artistic, she loved to paint and enjoyed her family and animals.
Survivors include her daughter,Laura Jo (Brian) Elmore; sons,Robert William (Amy) Bartholomew and David Carroll (Anne) Bartholomew; sister,Linda Gambrell; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by husbands, John Carroll Bartholomew and Herman Calderon; her parents; and sister,Barbara Hilgert.
Services were private and burial took place in Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation North Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to the Hamilton County Humane Society,10501 Hague Rd., Fishers, IN 46038.
Michael A. Blain, 94,a Holocaust survivor,passed away May 15,2022 in Cleveland.He was born in a village in Sub Carpathian Ruthenia, which was part of the former Czechoslovakia,later part of Hungary and now part of the Ukraine. He left home at age 14 living in Hungary,the former Soviet Union,England and for brief periods in other countries before coming to the United States at age 21 in 1949. Shortly after arriving he was drafted into
the U.S.Army and served in the Korean War.He holds a B.S.degree from Rochester Institute of Technology where he was the founder and first president of Hillel and edited the college newspaper.
After moving to Cleveland in 1957, Mike was president of his B’nai B’rith lodge and its 1971 Man of the Year; vicepresident of Ohio State and Greater Cleveland B’nai B’rith Lodges; vice-president of Toastmasters club; editor of the Cleveland Craftsman ,a prize-winning technical magazine; and was named “Outstanding Craftsman of the year”in 1970,and “Editor Emeritus”in 1974.
The Blains moved to Indianapolis in 1971 where Mike served on the boards of Beth-El Zedeck,B’nai Torah,JFGI, JEA/BJE,JCRC,Lubavitch of Indiana and the Hasten Hebrew Academy where he had been vice-president and scholarship committee chairman for over 20 years.He was also past president of Keren L’Israel Investment Club,and a founder of the Indianapolis Yiddish Club.
He has been a leather craftsman,printer, writer,editor,lecturer,teacher,and volunteer.Until his retirement in 2007,Mike headed the Indiana-Illinois-Iowa regional office of Israel Bonds for 33 years. He joined Israel Bonds in order to “better serve and do something meaningful for our people.”During his tenure,Mike’s office generated some $100 million investment capital for Israel.
Mike is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash (1999); the Hasten Hebrew Academy’s prestigious HAI-Life Award (1995); the Jewish Federation’s Frank Newman award for outstanding professional (2003); and the State of Israel Guardian of Peace/ Shomer Shalom award (1999).
The Blains were members of Congregation B’nai Torah and Beth-El Zedeck, the JCC., the Indiana Jewish Historical Society, Simon Wiesenthal Center,Yad Vashem, AIPAC,United States Holocaust Museum and other national organizations.They were active in resettling newcomers from the former Soviet Union.The Indianapolis chapter of PNAI – Parents of North American Israelis,Inc.was founded by the Blains. The Jewish Post & Opinion awarded “Bouquets of the Week”to Mike twice for his work in bringing Yiddish back to Indianapolis, and for his work in the community
Mike met his wife Sylvia Kramer while a student in Rochester, N.Y.They lived in Cleveland from 1957-1971 and then in Indianapolis until 2010 when they moved back to Cleveland to be near family.In 2018, they were honored by Cedar Sinai Oheb Zedek Synagogue for their leadership and dedication to the synagogue,the community and Israel.
Mike is survived by Sylvia,his wife of 65
years,sons Rabbi Zvi (Julie) Leshem, David (Susan) Blain and Daniel (Miriam Rosenberg) Blain,12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.Graveside services were held May 17th at the Mt.Olive Cemetery in Cleveland.
Friends who wish may contribute to the Holocaust Educational Fund c/o Hasten Hebrew Academy 6602 Hoover Rd. Indianapolis,IN 46260 or the Cedar-Sinai Synagogue.Family and friends who were unable to attend the service may view it by going to YouTube (search under Michael Blain Funeral Service).
Scott Allen Nahmias, 72,passed away on May 27,2022.He was born on April 20,1950,in Indianapolis,to Morris P. Nahmias and Cecile R. (Weinberg) Nahmias.He grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and graduated from North Central High School and Vincennes University.
Scott was a lifelong member of Etz Chaim Congregation in Indianapolis where he was an active participant and volunteer, lending many years of service to the annual Etz Chaim picnic. Scott also was a long time participant in the Indianapolis Chevra Kadisha , which provides sacred burial rites.
He was a kind and gentle soul who always brought a smile to your face and lived a simple life that was richer than most.Despite his many health challenges in recent years,he continued to give to others. He will be remembered fondly as someone who would help in any way he was able,who could put a smile on your face, and asked very little of others.He was an example of a life well lived.
Scottwas preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his sister, Nancy D.Thompson and brother,Paul R.Nahmias, DDS,(Sarah),and nieces and nephews: Leslie Thompson (Ben Pecar), Greg Thompson (Lani),Leah Nahmias,Emily Nahmias Brown (Adam), David Nahmias, and Michael Nahmias.He also leaves behind a wealthof very dear friends.
Funeral services were held on June 1st at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home and burial followed in Etz Chaim Sephardic Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to Etz Chaim Congregation.
Charlotte Rose Tamler Zuckerberg, 84 ,lifetime resident of Indianapolis,left behind a beautiful legacy of family, friends,and memories on May 28,2022.Charlotte was born in Indianapolis on July 19,1937,
Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis (HHAI) held their 50th Jubilee Celebration on August 25,2022.Dr.Stephen and Monica Rosenfeld were honored and Esther Epstein was recognized.The Keynote speaker was Founder and Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center Rabbi Marvin Hier.The Emcee was Naomi Pescovitz Ruchim,who is a 2001 graduate of the school.(2 photos to the right by Michael Voskoboynik,all others by Tzirel Rutstein.)
Students and teachers of HHAI celebrate their 50th anniversary.
HHAI eighth grade graduating class of 2022.
The Rabbi, Board of Directors, Sisterhood, and Members of Congregation B’nai Torah extend the best New Year ’s wishes to the entire Jewish Community!
L o ri Halperin , on becoming Vice Principal at Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis.(photo by Tzirel Rutstein.)
Mickey Farahan,son of David and Vica Farahan ,on his engagement to Libby Durbin (below).
Eddie Roger (below),son of Brandon and Cantor Janice Roger on his engagement to Allie Brooke Staub,daughter of Larry and Beverly Staub of Carmel,Ind.
Rick Bentley and Caryn Vogel, on their new grandson from their son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Beth.He is named Moshe after Caryn’s,father Mike. ✡ ✡
Daniel Dorson (right, above),son of Patti Freeman Dorson and Roland Dorson, on his upcoming wedding on Oct. 29 in Columbus, Ohio to Colleen Hollern Patti and Rolandcelebrated their 39th wedding anniversary on Aug.27 (right, below in 1983).
to Irving and Mary Glanzman Tamler.She was a 1952 graduate of Shortridge High School and the Indiana University School of Dentistry with a dental hygienist degree in 1958.Charlotte worked for many years as a dental hygienist for Dr.Epperson.Later, she worked at The Gazebo,an upscale ladies’boutique.
Charlotte was a lifelong member of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck,an active member of Hadassah,and the congregation’s Sisterhood.Charlotte enjoyed playing tennis and was an avid Mahjong player.
She is survived by her children,Rhonda Zuckerberg,Mark (Lois) Zuckerberg,Jill (Dr.Robert) Batler; grandchildren, Mitchel, Allison,Taylor,Rachel,Josh, Jacob,Max,Danny,and Abby.Charlotte was preceded in death by her brother, Jerome Tamler.
Funeral services were held on May 30th, 2022, at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home Burial followed in Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery
Jerry Yale, 97, beloved father and Papa Jerry,passed away peacefully on June 2,2022. He moved to Indianapolis to be closer to his daughters and built a nice life for himself.He was a proud Army veteran,and a warm-hearted friend to many.
Jerry is survived by his daughters,Nancy Barnese and Michelle (Dr. Scott) Himelstein, and son, Howard Yale; grandchildren,Jessica and Loren Barnese,and Max and Jenna Himelstein.Funeral services were June 5th in Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation Cemetery North. Memorial contributions may be made to Popsies Pantry.
Bebe Yosha Garber Weinstein, 91, died June 4, 2022. She was born Sept.16,1930 in Albany,N.Y.,to Mollie and David Yosha and grew up in the upstate NY village of East Nassau, N.Y.–population 500 people. Her parents owned a general store/gas station/tavern/dance hall and Bebe worked in the family business from a very young age.
When her dad died,Bebe moved to Indianapolis at the age of 14 with her mother to join her brothers Michael and Albert Yosha and sister Anne Yosha Abraham,all of whom predeceased her.
She attended Manual High School.
At the age of 22,Bebe married the first love of her life,Lewis Garber,and they had their daughter, Gayle.Unfortunately,
Lewis died of cancer four years later.Bebe worked in the accounting department for the U.S.Government at Fort Benjamin Harrison and then the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis.At the age of 33, Bebe married the second love of her life, N.William (“Bill”) Weinstein,and they merged families.
Bebe served on the boards of Hadassah, Jewish Educational Association Auxiliary, Hooverwood Guild,and the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis Women’s Major Gifts Division.During retirement,Bebe travelled around the world with Bill.They were married almost 50 glorious years until Bill’s death in 2013.
Bebe is survived by her children,Anne Weinstein Weiss of Elazar Gush Etzion Israel; Rachel Weinstein (Geoffrey Rotwein) of Greenbrae,Calif; Gayle Garber of Indianapolis; and David Weinstein (Debbie Morguelan Weinstein) of Louisville,Ky.Bebe was blessed to have 10 grandchildren,19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.The family thanks Bebe’s caretakers Allah,Minnie, Maria,and Joyce for their tireless devotion.
Graveside services were held at Beth El Zedeck South Cemetery on June 7th. Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-RubenNelson Mortuary .In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beth El Zedeck Synagogue (https://bez613.org/give/donateto-a-fund/)or the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis (https://www.jewish indianapolis.org/about-jfgi/financial/waysto-give).
Douglas “Doug” J. Popp, 77 , passed away peacefully,following a year long struggle with leukemia,on June 6, 2022. He was born in Indianapolis to Roger and Marijane Popp on Dec.20,1944.He graduated from Broad Ripple High School and attended Indiana UniversityBloomington.
Doug had the personality to match his career as a dynamic sales man when he embarked on a long and successful career working with his father and oldest brother,Ron,at Roger Popp Inc. In 1979 Doug and Ron took over RPI as the owners and grew the business until it was sold to Acorn Distributors in 2004. Throughout his career he served in leadership roles including with the Purchasing Agents Association
Doug was the youngest of three brothers and had a close and loving relationship with them,especially his middle brother Richard. Doug happily retired to Florida and found a wonderful and full life in Sarasota and finally Lakewood Ranch caring for his orchids,floating in his pool in the home he and Sharon lived in.
Doug loved to play golf and when work was over for him you knew he’d have a tee time and he’d be playing at least 18 holes! He belonged to Broadmoor Country Club, traveled with his friends to courses all over and loved his golfing buddies,the Popp’s Players at Legacy Golf Club at his course at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.
He was active at his synagogue,Temple Emanu-El,in Sarasota,Fla.and served as a past member of the board of directors,a member of their cornerstone committee. He was a past president of Hooverwood Nursing Home in Indianapolis,The Jewish Club at Lakewood Ranch,and the caring community of Temple Emanu-El.
Throughout his life he had many loves including the mother of his sons,Judith B.Lichtenberg,his beloved Bobbi,and his soulmate,Sharon Linder.Doug was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ronald,Judi,and Bobbi.
He is survived by Sharon F.Linder,sons Brian (Rachel Geib) and Jeremy (Rebecca) Cohen and their children Jori,Pearl, Annabelle, and Juliet,Amy Greenberg (Colleen) Broderick their son Dylan,Hal Greenberg and his children Jessi and Brandon, Wendy (Neil) Jaffe and their son Adam; his brother Richard L. Popp and his sisters-in-law Janis Popp and Susan Popp. His nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews adored him.His Indy friends,his golf buddies and everyone he ever met are left to cherish his memory
A memorial service was held at Temple Emanu-El.Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to: Temple Emanu-El 151 McIntosh, Sarasota,FL 34232
Nathan Harold Miller, 88 ,of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on June 17,2022 surrounded by family.Nathan was born on May 15, 1934, to Dave and Ida Rose Miller in Davenport,Iowa.He graduated from Shortridge High School and Indiana University, where he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.Nathan served in the United States Army during the Korean War where he served as a tank commander. Following his service, he returned to Indianapolis and started his career with Morris Plan,a savings and loan.
Later, he joined his father-in-law Arthur Cassell at Arch Beverage.Arch was sold in 1973. While considering his next business venture Nathan took this time to become president of IHC (Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation).Nathan then went out on his own, forming three liquor distributor ships across the state with partner Dan Domont.They were Miller Distributing, Columbia Liquors and Heritage Liquors.
He expanded to Illinois with the purchase of Great Lakes Wine Company in 1976, which sold in 2000.Nathan never formally retired.He kept busy with his love for stock trading,and volunteer commitments with IHC.Nathan will be remembered for his kind and generous nature.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years,Joan Cassell Miller and his loving children,Gregory (Melissa) Miller and Beth (Richard) Conen; grandchildren, Aaron Miller and Joseph Edmonds,Sarah (Andrew) Pernikoff,Alana (Joseph) Bernstein,Jared (Andrea) Conen,and Adam Conen,and great grandchildren, Julia and Eliana Pernikoff; sister,Nanette Shane.His brother-in-law,Robert Shane preceded him in death.
Graveside services were held on June 20th in IHC South Cemetery.Arrangements by Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary . Donation can be made to IHC.
Er nest Lorch, 99 , passed away June 29, 2022.He was born in Nuremberg, Germany on May 15,1923 as the only child of Fritz Lorch and Alice Eckman Lorch. He had an enjoyable childhood until Hitler came to power.In 1938,just before he and his family were to emigrate to the United States, on Kristallnacht,his father was killed while in the hospital and the family jewelry store was ransacked.
Ernie and his widowed mother went to New York City in 1939 where they both had factory jobs and he finished high school at night.Just before joining the army in 1943,he went on a blind date and met Ellen Rosenheim, with whom he corresponded throughout the war.
Ernie was very proud of his work in the Intelligence Service during WWII.He interrogated prisoners of war and high commanding Nazi officers and politicians. At the end of the war,he worked for the War Crimes Commission and in what can certainly be called retributive and restorative justice,he officially delivered prisoners to the tribunal in Nuremberg,the city of his birth.Before leaving Germany, he found his grandmother who had been in the Dachau Concentration Camp and brought her to the United States.
After the war,Ernie and his bride,Ellen moved to Indianapolis where they raised two children,Ken and Karin.Ernie spent most of his working career as a manufacturer’s representative,selling children’s clothes to stores in Indiana and Michigan.He was on the board and then became President of the Bureau of Wholesale Sales Representatives, the trade association for his profession,and was given their Arthur Rice Lifetime Service Award in 1995.He was an avid tennis player,enjoyed art and the symphony,and was an enthusiastic traveler.
It was in retirement that Ernie became an ardent volunteer.He was on the boards of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Hooverwood, the Jewish Federation,and the Central Indiana Council on Aging (CICOA). He served as president of the boards of the Asian Art Society and Park Regency Senior Apartments.He was a member of Broadmoor Country Club, active with the Executive Service Corps,and a member of the Service Club of Indianapolis.
In hopes that the Holocaust never be forgotten or repeated,Ernie frequently spoke to school children and civic groups about his life in Germany and the Holocaust. He received the Federal Republic of Germany Friendship Award from Germany in 2009,the Mossler Community Service Award from the Jewish Federation in 2019, and the Sagamore of the Wabash award from the Governor of Indiana in 2020.
After his wife, Ellen passed away,Ernie spent a dozen years enjoying life with Elaine Klineman. Ernie is survived by his son,Ken (Susan) Lorch; his daughter, Karin (Dick) Miller; four grandchildren: Lesley (Ryan) Kraft,Erica Lorch (Brian Boruszak), Avi Miller, and Carrie Miller Tyler; and three great-grandchildren.
Services were held July 1st,at IHC North Cemetery.Donations may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, 6705 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260,www.jfgi.orgor the Executive Service Corps of Indianapolis.
Raya (Kofman) Vengerko, beloved wife,mother,grandmother and great grandmother died peacefully at Hooverwood Living on July 2,2022.
Graveside funeral services were held
on July 5,2022 in Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation’s North Cemetery.
Arrangments by Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home
Zelik Kantar, 83,beloved husband, father and grandfather died on July 17, 2022.He was born inVitebsk,Belarus to Abram and Riva Kantar on Sept.12,1938. Zelik was a high ranking management official in a manufacturing plant before coming to the United States in search of a better life.
He is survived by his loving wife,Bella; hisson,Nikolay (Irina) Kantar,and daughter,Irina (Alex) Melnikova; grandchildren,Andrey Melnikov,Lonya Melnikow and Katya and Anna Kantar.
Funeral services were held July 20th at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home Rabbi Dovid Grossbaum officiated. Burial followed in Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation North Cemetery.
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Klapper, 73, passed away on July 30,2022 from complications due to dementia. Born in Park Ridge, Ill., on June 26, 1949, She was one of four daughters of Robert and Ann Bliss.
After high school,Betty enrolled at Indiana University eventually majoring in French. In 1969, on the advice of a mutual friend,David Klapper asked Betty out to dinner after she finished work at Sugar and Spice,the bakery in the student union at IU Thus,began a love affair for the ages. Hopelessly smitten,David decided to ask for Betty’s hand in marriage in August of 1970. Ring in hand,David hitchhiked to New York that summer and proposed to Betty outside the terminal at JFK.
Betty and David were married in the Bliss’s home in Arlington Heights,Ill.,the following year.Betty then moved to Indianapolis and began her teaching career in the Indianapolis Public School system, teaching French. One of her assignments just happened to be P.S.70 which was David’s elementary school. Lucky for Betty,David’s reputation had faded by the time she started.
In addition to becoming a dedicated young mother of two boys,Betty’s love and counsel were invaluable to David as he sought new career opportunities.She possessed a fervent belief in her husband and she encouraged him to pursue the opportunity to open an Athlete’s Foot franchise along with his childhood friend Alan Cohen. A few years later David and his partners decided to create their own athletic footwear company,but were in need of a name.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis (JFGI) has chosen its first 36 Under 36 List,which honors outstanding Jewish young adults who make a difference in their professional work,volunteering, and involvement in the community.
JFGI joins several Federations across the country that annually celebrate Jewish leaders in their community.This inaugural class was honored on Sept.12.(photo by Greg Kicinski Photography)
Mazel Tov to:: Erica Abrams, Joshua Abrams , Cara Berg Raunick , David C alderon , E lyssa DiRaddo , M arina Grabovsky, Chana Grossbaum, Dovid Grossbaum, Rachel Gershman, Ryan Gershman , Michael Gorin , Ben Grande, Alexis Grant, David Heilbron, Brian Hoffman, Eli Isaacs, David Katz, Rachel Katz, Abbie Lande, Andrew Lodolo , Henry Mestetsky , Hanna Mordoh, Ilya Rekhter, Daniel Resnick, Rebecca Schalit-Newman , Katherine Schwartz, Alexandra Segal, Nathaniel Shere, Ruth Siegel, Julie Singer, Jenny
Rabbi Sandy Sasso announces her newest book “I Am Not Afraid”. To be published Feb. 2023, this children’s book provides comforting reassurance for a child experiencing nighttime fears and anxieties. In this creative retelling of Psalm 23, a child imagines scary shadows chasing away her sleep and peace as she reaches out to God her Comforter. For ages 4-7.
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity (AEPi),the world’s leading Jewish college fraternity, has named Brother Michael Waitz (DePaul,2009) as its Chief Operating Officer,As COO,Waitz will be responsible for helping manage AEPi’s growing professional staff and overseeing external relationships.
“These are particularly difficult times for Jewish students on college campuses with everincreasing antisemitism and increasing disconnect between student groups and university administrations,”said Rob Derdiger,CEO of Alpha Epsilon Pi International.“Having Michael join our professional staff will be a huge asset.His experience working with our organization coupled with his professional Jewish communal experiences will be ideal to help AEPi thrive.”
Waitz
Waitz, a 2009 graduate of DePaul University, has worked for Jewish nonprofits (including AEPi) for several years. Previously, he served as North American Director at Shorashim and as AEPi’s Director of Centennial Development and
Two well-respected regional law firms have joined as one. Kentucky and Indianabased Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC (“SKO”) has merged with Indianapolis-based Katz Korin Cunningham, effective July 1, 2022. Leaders from the firms: (front row) Ron Katz, Norris Cunningham, Beth McMasters; (back row) Mark Hurst, Doug Barr, Michael Gabovitch, and Offer Korin.
night,David asked the family for advice on what to call this new venture.Betty’s suggestion was The Finish Line,and the next day the four partners agreed that that was the best choice.The rest of course is history!
In later years,Betty was a devoted caretaker for her own mother who also suffered from dementia.Spending many days a week at Hooverwood attending to her needs,Betty insured that her mother was treated with dignity and love in her final days.During this time she formed many strong relationships with the women that helped care for her mother.Years later she would even help care for one such woman in her own later years.
A woman of boundless energy,Betty became an aerobics instructor and could be found perfecting her routines at 5:30 a.m.,in the middle of the kitchen to the sounds of the Footloose soundtrack.And taking a walk with Betty was never just a “stroll,”it was a workout and quite likely a therapy session too.Betty put people at ease whether they had known her for a lifetime or only a matter of weeks.She possessed a genuine interest in others which people sensed and thus opened up to her.
We will miss Betty in all the places we spent time with her but none more so than in her kitchen.A woman whose reputation for cooking and baking fine delicacies only grew over the years,we will always remember the long conversations she had with us,her sisters,and her many friends as she effortlessly produced delicious items. Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate souffle, Betty’s chicken,Betty’s challah…The list goes on and on!
Betty is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years,David.She is also survived by her sons, Jacob (Annie) Klapper of Chapel Hill,N.C,.and Matthew (Suzanne) Klapper of Washington,D.C.She also leaves behind six grandchildren,Ashley, Taite, Rory,Eloise,Easton,and Avi.She is also survived by two of her sisters,Ginney (Rick) Bailey and Peggy (Drew) Appleby. She is preceded in death by her sister, Lucy Thompson.
The family would like to thank Story Cottage and the many caregivers who cared for Betty over the two years she lived there.They were instrumental in helping her maintain her dignity and providing a safe place for her in her final days.
A celebration of life took place at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation on August 12th.One may view the video at: https://indianapolishebrewcongregation. livecontrol.tv/f63eceda Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arn-
Ronald E. Elberger, 77 ,peacefully passed away July 31,2022 surrounded by his loving family.Ron was born in Newark,N.J.,on March 13,1945.Growing up,Ron loved music and was an avid saxophone player.Later in life,Ron enjoyed playing piano for family and friends.At a young age,Ron took an interest in martial arts. Ron was a multi-degreed black belt and helped train several police forces on defense tactics through the proper deployment of martial arts.Ron received his B.A.at George Washington University, followed by his law degree at American University in Washington,D.C.
In 1971,Ron came to Indiana on a fellowship to work with Legal Services Organization of Indianapolis,Inc.and became Director of Litigation,Chief Counsel.In 1972,Ron began practicing at Bose McKinney and Evans,where he became partner in 1981.Ron practiced litigation,constitutional/civil rights law, entertainment law,sports law,appellate law,and professional responsibility/disciplinary law.Ron was proud of his work with the American Civil Liberties Union (Board of Directors); Indiana Civil Liberties Union,Inc.(President and Chairperson); National Council for the School of Media and Public Affairs of The George Washington University; Flanner House,Inc.(Board of Directors); Flanner House of Indianapolis,Inc.(Advisory Board); The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (Board of Directors & Distinguished Advisor); Medical Licensing Board of Indiana (former President and active board member for 16 years); and as a Research Assistant for United States Supreme Court Justice,Abe Fortas.
Ron led a successful and colorful law career for over 50 years,practicing law up until April of this year.A partner at BME for 40 years, he had a diverse law practice including: civil rights law,major litigation, entertainment law,legal ethics,and appellate law.Ron had an exceptional career and was honored with many accolades for his expertise and the time he gave of himself to his community.He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana. Ron was also recognized as a Distinguished Barrister and Fellow by the Indianapolis Bar Association,Indianapolis Bar Foundation,and Indiana State Bar Foundation. For over 20 years,Ron was also included in Best Lawyers in America®.
Ron vigorously represented his clients, but his family was his life.Ron loved nothing more than to experience life with his immediate family.Ron was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather Ron
Director of Programming.
“I am thrilled to return to Alpha Epsilon Pi to work alongside my friend,Rob Derdiger, and help lead AEPi.It is a dream to work for an organization that means so much to the Jewish community and which I am so passionate about,”said Waitz.
Waitz resides in Highland Park,Ill.,with his wife,Aviva,and two their children, Jonah and Emma.
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always enjoyed an exceptional meal and his lobster feasts.Ron delighted in telling stories,sharing experiences,traveling with his family,spending time at his lake house,fishing,listening to and playing music,gardening,and bird watching; all with his wife,children and grandchildren. Ron also loved going to art fairs,watching movies,attending the theatre,and seeing/ hearing comics.
Ron is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rena Elberger; son Seth (Liz) Elberger; daughter Rebecca (Josh) Elberger Brown; six grandchildren Sophia,Nayomi,Aleeza, Marion, Brodey,and Sydney; and sister, Dorothy Fishman.Ron was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Spyro Elberger; sister,Ida Baum; parents,Morris and Clara; and Uncle Sol and Aunt Mary Lefkowitz.
In his loving memory donations can be made to theNational Kidney Foundation (911 E 86th Street, Suite #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240),orThe Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (3000 N.Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208).
Services were held August 4th at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.The video is availableat: https://indianapolis hebrewcongregation.livecontrol.tv/0a3c2b2b
Robert “Bob” Borns, 86, passed away on July 31,2022.He was born Oct. 24, 1934, the son of Irving and Sylvia Borns, who fled the pogroms of Eastern Europe for a new life in America, Di Goldene Medina (Land of Gold.) He was raised to reflect the values of his treasured parents: eternal optimism,a love of Judaism and the then,new State of Israel,a deep commitment to family and a belief in America as the land of opportunity.
Bob was a self-made man who embodied the American dream.As a youth he worked in the steel mills of Gary,Ind.,to put himself through Indiana University As an adult,he founded Borns Jewish Studies, the largest Jewish Studies Program in the country,at that same school.
After graduating with a Business degree
from I.U.’s Kelley School,he returned to Gary with his bride,Sandra Solotkin Borns, then moved to Indianapolis to work as a stock broker.He left this job because,as his wife always says,“The Borns family is allergic to working for other people.”
The couple moved to Indianapolis, where they founded Borns Management, a real estate development company that started with South View,a small apartment complex,and grew to include over 20 significant developments,including rental
apartments,condominium projects,housing developments,hotels,office buildings, restaurants,and shopping centers.In addition to this,he was responsible for sparking the revitalization of downtown Indianapolis with his development of the old Union Station as one of the first festival marketplaces in the United States.
He would tell you that his many accomplishments were not his alone.He and Sandra were partners in all that they did. He often said,“The most important decision you make in life is choosing the right spouse.And with Sandra,I hit a home run.”
Rich or poor,Bob’s life was defined by
generosity.When he and Sandra were newlyweds,so poor their electricity was turned off,they helped Bob’s cousin through college by sending him what they described as,“Money we didn’t have.”
Throughout his life,Bob gave generously of his time and money to universities,cultural institutions and charities benefiting Israel,Indianapolis,Palm Springs,and beyond.
Bob served on numerous boards, including The Northern Trust Company, The Indianapolis Power and Light Company, the Indianapolis Water Company,The Barbara Sinatra Center for Abused Children, The Air Museum of Palm Springs,The Indianapolis Children’s Museum,The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra,Marion University,St.Vincent’s Hospital,The Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Jewish Welfare Federation of Indianapolis. He was Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Indiana University Foundation,and of Israel Bonds for Indiana.
Among his numerous awards were an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Indiana University,the Peace Award from the State of Israel,an Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Indianapolis and the Award for National Excellence from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
His memberships included the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity,the Tamarisk Country Club, Temple Har-El in Palm Desert, and Congregation Beth-El Zedeck of Indianapolis.
Near the end of his life,our father told us something that shaped every aspect of his life: “When I was a child,I decided I wanted to spend my life being a giver,not a taker.”If Robert Borns had a bumper sticker,that would be it.Bob was not afraid to take chances in business or in life.In 1970,he and Sandra took Betsy and Stephanie to Rome for a year and, in 1989, spent a year in London with Emily.When his daughters asked why they were doing such a crazy thing, he said what he always said in the best and worst of times: “Girls, it’s all part of the fun…”
Robert Borns is survived by his wife of 64 years,Sandra,their three daughters, Stephanie Borns-Weil and her spouse Alex, Betsy Borns and her spouse Jonathan Shapiro and Emily Borns and her partnerNolan McFadden; his six grandchildren,Yonah Borns-Weil,Sarah, Abraham,and Ezekiel Shapiro,Indiana and Lorelei Behr, his sister and brother-inlaw Judy and Sid Laikin and all of his beloved nieces,nephews,and their children.
Funeral services were held on August 3rd at Forest Lawn in Cathedral City,Calif. In remembrance of Robert Borns’life,the family asks that donations be made to the Borns Jewish Program of Indiana University.
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A historical roadside marker honoring Ambassador James Grover McDonald was unveiled August 11,2022 in Albany,Ind. Ambassador McDonald(Nov.29,1886 –Sept.25,1964),a humanitarian,United States diplomat,and human rights activist extraordinaire,served as the firstU.S. Ambassador to Israel.
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James Grover McDonald1886-1964
Diplomat James G.McDonald grew up in Albany and taught history at Indiana University by 1910.Representing the Foreign Policy Association,he met with Nazi officials in 1933,including Adolph Hitler who was quickly rising to power. McDonald warned U.S.leaders about “Impending tragedy”for European Jews and began advocating for refugees fleeing Nazi persecution.
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Commissioner for Refugees (1933-35) and the chair of President Roosevelt’s refugee advisory committee (1938-45),McDonald battled xenophobia,antisemitism,and restrictive quota systems to find asylum for thousands of persecuted Jews.In 1949, President Truman appointed McDonald the first U.S.Ambassador to the new State of Israel.
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Installed 2022 Indiana Historical Bureau,Indiana Jewish Historical Society, Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation and the Delaware County Historical Society. ✡ ✡
James McDonald (right), as the Special Representative of the United States to Israel, meets withIsraeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion (left), in 1948.
Historical roadside marker honoring Ambassador James G. McDonald.