January/February 2019
A publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis The strength of a people. The power of community.
Page 12: Commemorating the Holocaust
The Alber t & Sara Reuben Holocaust Memorial Garden
January/February 2019 In This Issue Women's Philanthropy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Planned Giving & Endowment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 LIFE & LEGACY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Annual Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Israel & Overseas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jewish Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Jewish Youth Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Commemorating the Holocaust . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NEXTGen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PJ Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Jewish Family Services (JFS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Jewish Community Center (JCC) . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). . . 18 Hooverwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Jewish Life at Indiana Universities. . . . . . . . . . 20 Hasten Hebrew Academy (HHAI) . . . . . . . . . . 22 Synagogue Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis JFGI NEXTGen JFGI Israel Connections @JFGIndy @JFGINEXTGen
@JFGIndy @JFGINEXTGen
Jewish Federation News Exec. Vice President/CEO Debra Barton Grant
Art Director Sam Deddens
President Michael J. Rubin
Editor Hanna Fogel Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc. 6705 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260-4120 Phone: 317-726-5450 • Fax: 317-205-0307 www.jewishindianapolis.org The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis is the central fundraising and community planning organization for the Indianapolis Jewish community. Since 1905 the Federation and its agencies – Jewish Family Services, the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and Hoover wood, a residential nursing home – have played a vital role in providing programs and services that ever y day support roughly 2,000 individuals in central Indiana—Jewish as well as non-Jewish. The Federation, with an Annual Campaign of $4 million, resides on and manages a 40 -acre campus, and its impact enriches the lives of Jews locally, nationally, in Israel, and around the world.
OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS
THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
Remembering the Past, Confronting the Future Each year on January 27, the world commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. While the day is always important and meaningful, this year’s anniversary feels especially significant given the murder of 11 Jews at Shabbat services at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in November in the largest antisemitic attack in American history. In recent years, FBI and ADL reports have shown a consistent and alarming increase in antisemitic incidents and sentiments. "Never Again!" feels more like "Never Again?". Our 2017 Indianapolis Jewish Community Study found that 29% of Jewish youth (ages 6-17) reported personally experiencing antisemitism in the prior year. While these facts are indeed disheartening, even alarming, at the same time we have much to be proud of and many reasons to be hopeful. I'm proud that our Greater Indianapolis Jewish community is embracing a proactive approach to combatting antisemitism. The Federation has partnered with the CANDLES Museum and our own Jewish Education department to hire and share a full-time Holocaust Education Coordinator (read about Amber Maze on page 13). We have and will continue to work with all of our Jewish organizations and synagogues to strengthen our security measures in partnership with SCN and local law enforcement. Our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has successfully launched several new programs in the past year as part of their “Stand Up! Speak Out!” initiative to engage, equip, and empower Jewish youth to speak with confidence about their lives as Jews. I encourage you to learn more about this program and our community’s Combatting Antisemitism Fund at indyjcrc.org/combatting-antisemitism. What encourages me even further is the rest of Greater Indianapolis’ response to both the vandalism at Shaarey Tefilla and the shooting in Pittsburgh. Thousands of Hoosiers entered our synagogues to stand with us at the solidarity and memorial gatherings we organized. Additionally, thanks to the JCRC's statewide leadership, we are starting to see real positive movement on the passage of bias crimes legislation by the Indiana General Assembly. My son Ben’s bar mitzvah took place the Shabbat after the Pittsburgh shooting. Instead of feeling vulnerable when I entered the synagogue, I felt inspired and proud to see the sanctuary packed with visitors and guests who wanted to show their support of the Jewish community. I am proud to be Jewish, to be raising a Jewish family, to be a Jewish professional in this particular Jewish community, and to share that with the world.
Debra Barton Grant, Executive Vice President and CEO
Women's Philanthropy Women of Action, Leading Community and Inspiring Change Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis (JFGI) is a network of compassionate and committed volunteers who inspire and empower each other to be change makers and community shapers. These women are dedicated to building and supporting Jewish life for today and future generations in their local community, Israel and throughout the world.
Upcoming Events In Doubt or Living Without: A Discussion About Food Insecurity in Our Community Wed., Feb. 6 | 7 pm | Home of Megan and Greg Maurer (address provided upon RSVP) Part of Common Threads, a series of programs that bring women together to discuss current topics of interest in the community. Join Women’s Philanthropy for a dynamic panel discussion featuring Dr. Lisa Harris (CEO, Eskenazi Health), Lori Moss (Executive Director, Jewish Family Services), John A. Elliott (President and CEO, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc.), and moderator Hayleigh Columbo (City Affairs Reporter, Indianapolis Business Journal). Light dessert reception; dietary laws observed. Please bring feminine hygiene products to help fill Popsie’s Pantry. Visit jewishindianapolis.org/common-threads to register.
Mon., April 15: Common Threads program "The
Choices We Make" featuring Jeannie Opdyke Smith.
S ave the Date
Details TBA.
Tues., April 16: Lion of Judah/Pomegranate 2019 Campaign event "The Power of One" featuring Jeannie Opdyke Smith. Details TBA.
Random Acts of Flowers On October 26, JFGI Women’s Philanthropy gathered together to learn the basics of floral design and created arrangements to brighten up Hooverwood Shabbat tables.
Madison Hromadka and Ally Weiss
(L-R) Olivia Fox, Myrna Weinberger, Debbie Pelletiere Blatt, Ruth Nisenshel, Polly Spiegel, Diane Evans, Margo Fox, Jackie Barrett, Karen Rothbaum, Sonja Kantor, Barbara Solomon, Barb Leventhal, Betsy Forgash, Laura Steele, Cynthia Yosha-Snyder
Jackie Barrett, Sonja Kantor, Myrna Weinberger, and Debbie Pelletiere Blatt
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Planned Giving and Endowment Professional Advisors Group JFGI Endowment is pleased to announce the formation of a Professional Advisors Group. Financial and legal professionals are welcome to join and receive the following benefits: Inclusion in a list of highly qualified professionals Education about JFGI’s work for the community Regular updates on JFGI’s philanthropic activities and opportunities for your clients Invitations to educational and networking events For more information and to be added to the mailing list, please contact Paula Glanzman Goldberg, Director of Legacy Development, at 317-715-6980 or pgoldberg@jfgi.org
Snowbirds Do you spend your winters where it’s warm but still want to keep up with the Indianapolis Jewish community? Gather with friends and JFGI staff at the following events:
F lorida
Florida Snowbird Gathering Wed., Jan. 16 | 6:30 pm Home of Larry and Anne Schuchman in Naples, FL Please RSVP by Wed., Jan. 9 to Pamela Eicher at 317-715-6981 or peicher@jfgi.org.
Arizona
Arizona Snowbird Gathering Wed., Feb. 6 | 6:30 pm Home of Phyllis Vernick in Scottsdale, AZ Please RSVP by Wed., Jan. 30 to Pamela Eicher at 317-715-6981 or peicher@jfgi.org.
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Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
LIFE & LEGACY
Judaism is a Way of Life “Judaism has always been a way of life for me. Most of my friends are Jewish and the organizations that I volunteer my time to are Jewish organizations. I have made legacy gifts to Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and Jewish Family Services. These gifts were all made to ensure the survival of the Jewish community and innovative programming to match the ever-changing needs of the community. Formalizing these gifts was as simple as making each of these organizations a beneficiary to an existing retirement plan; I didn’t even have to change my will. The whole process took less than 10 minutes to complete. Please spend 10 minutes and leave a legacy to your favorite charity or charities!”
- Diane Lutz
Do You Believe in the Future of Jewish Indianapolis? Through the LIFE & LEGACY program, 375 of your fellow community members have created their personal legacies, passing down their values to those who will come after them. LIFE & LEGACY is open to everyone regardless of age, wealth, or affiliation.
What matters most is what's in your heart. The Future Starts With You Interested in talking about your Jewish legacy? Contact Paula Glanzman Goldberg, Director of Legacy Development, at 317-715-6980 or pgoldberg@jfgi.org. OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS
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Annual Campaign Donor Appreciation Night Thanks to all who attended November’s Donor Appreciation “Night on Broadway” in conjunction with the performance by Broadway actress and singer Alexandra Silber at the 20th Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts! And thank you to everyone who supports the community's Annual Campaign–helping those in need and making so many things possible!
Elaine Southwood and Judie Doehrman with Alexandra Silber
Leslie Rubin and Debby Barton Grant enjoying dinner
Arlene Grande, Jackie Barrett, Karen Rothbaum and Michael Rothbaum enjoying each other's company
Gayle and Jerry Ancel
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Caryl Shideler and Elliot Yolles.
Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
Nancy and Brad Bell
Campaign Update Congratulations and thank you for helping close out a successful 2018 Annual Campaign! The Annual Campaign team looks forward to reporting final results for 2018 in the next issue. As a reminder, the 2019 Annual Campaign is now underway, although the Campaign calendar has changed and will formally “kick off” with events in April. This means there will not be a Super Sunday event in February (stay tuned for Super Sunday later this fall!).
Hola
Howdy
Please visit jewishindianapolis.org/donate to support the community and make your gift to the 2019 Annual Campaign any time!
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Trivia Quiz
JFGI's Annual Campaign supports...
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B r u ch im
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Do you know where in the community these photos were taken? Email your answers to campaign@jfgi.org for a chance to win a $50 Shapiro's gift card! Hint: All of these areas are on the Max & Mae Simon Jewish Community Campus! Interested in showcasing your business by donating a prize? Email campaign@jfgi.org. w w w.jewi s h i nd ia nap ol i s .o rg
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Israel & Overseas Indy International Festival Thanks to all who visited and volunteered at the Israel booth at this year’s Indy International Festival!
Ready to go at the Indy International Festival, which about 20,000 people attended!
Sharing Israel with students
Benny Auslander teaching the ins and outs of playing dreidel.
Partnership2Gether Presents: Using Creativity and Theater to Connect and Bridge Conflict and Diversity This program is presented in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council, in alignment with the “Support for Needs Locally, in Israel, and in Jewish Communities Around the World” strategic focus area from JFGI’s 2019-2021 Strategic Plan. This February, learn from two unique Israeli theater artists! Public and group events are being planned. Contact Michèle at mboukai@jfgi.org for a schedule of events. Peter Harris, PhD, is Chair of the Theatre Studies Department at the Western Galilee Academic College and a lecturer in the Theatre Arts department of Tel Aviv University. Professor Harris’ research interest is “inter/multicultural dialogue in the dramatic space,” and he has international experience and expertise in applying “theatre of the oppressed” practices for empowering human rights issues, dialogue in conflicted communities, relations in the workplace, and prisoner and substance user rehabilitation.
Guy Itzchak Alon, a 26-year-old from the Western Galilee and alum of the WG College Community Theatre and Education programs, is an actor, singer, theatre creator, and facilitator of theatre groups in the community. Guy wrote, produced, and starred in The GAY Show, a one-man performance for teens and adults that shares the experiences of the LGBTQ community in the geo-social periphery of Israel.
Tu B’Shvat Seder Sun., Jan 20 | 4:30 pm | Shaliach House (address provided upon RSVP) Celebrate the holiday of the trees! Enjoy all kinds of fruits at this festive meal. To RSVP, call or text Israeli emissary Lian Bar Zohar at 317-800-9350.
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Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
Shlicha (Israeli Emissary) Lian's Recipe Corner Shalom! More than four months have passed since I arrived in the U.S., my first time in this wonderful country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your warm hospitality—Indianapolis truly reminds me of where I grew up in the Western Galilee, Indy’s Partnership region in Israel. I am proud to work in your community, and if you’d like to know more about what I’m up to, follow my Facebook page at Lian Bar Indy Shaliach! Those who have already met me know that cooking, baking, and hospitality are a love I inherited from my dear mother. In this and upcoming magazine issues, I’ll be sharing a tasty and easy recipe with you, and I also have recipes posted on the ‘Israel wall’ in the JCC’s east lobby. If you make one, take a photo and tag me! The recipe below is a delicious fruitcake that is perfect for Tu B’Shvat, the Festival of the Trees. Enjoy!
Lian Bar Zohar
Lia n's De lic iou s Fr uit ca ke Ingredients: 2 egg s 1/3 cup sug ar 2 tbs p hon ey 1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup ora nge juice powder 1 cup flou r plu s 1 tsp ba kin g 1/3 tsp cin nam on al) 2 tbs p gro und coconu t (option lnu ts 1/3 cup coa rse ly cho pp ed wa
Lian's fruitcake recipe bakes in only 30 minutes, so you can get to that delightful taste quickly.
1/3 cup drie d frui t mix ture ts, pru nes , etc.) (ra isin s, pitted dates , ap rico al) sug ar for decoration (option Sliced alm ond s or powdered
Delicious
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix eggs, sugar, honey, oil, and juice, then stir. Add flour, cinnamon, and coconut, then stir again. 3. Combine fruit and nuts, then add to mixture and stir lightly.
Fruitcake
4. Pour into a greased cake pan and sprinkle with sliced almonds or powdered sugar. 5. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until poked-in toothpick comes out dry. Do you have any favorite holiday recipes? Email marketing@jfgi.org to share them with the community!
Tu B'Shvat commemorates the coming of spring, so a fresh fruitcake is perfect for the occasion.
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Jewish Education BJE Maurer Jewish Community Library Hours: Mon. and Thurs., 10 am–2 pm | Tues., 1–4 pm For more information or to volunteer at the library, contact Library Coordinator Marcia Goldstein at library@jfgi.org or 317-614-1837, or visit jewishindianapolis.org/library.
Staff Recommended Reads In response to the tragedy at the synagogue in Pittsburgh and to rising antisemitism in the U.S., the Association of Jewish Libraries created a series of book lists for young readers entitled "Love Your Neighbor." The first list in the series, "Standing Up For Each Other," features stories of Jews and non-Jews working out differences, and confronting prejudice. Visit jewishindianapolis.org/library to learn more.
Teaching Community Teachers
Chai Mitzvah
In alignment with the “Leadership Development and Capacity Building” strategic focus area from JFGI’s 2019-2021 Strategic Plan, JFGI invests in education through professional development programs for teachers in Jewish settings and public schools and for teens who work as madrichim (aides) in local congregations.
JFGI's Chai Mitzvah Teens enjoying their learning circle. (L-R) Abby Bladen, Eitan Price, Simon Silverman, Jonah Grant, Zach Ohrn, Emma Covitz, Josh Goldstein, Ally Foster
Throughout the fall semester, teens from local synagogues participated in workshops that introduced them to the "Schwab’s Commonplaces" educational framework and helped hone their ability to understand classroom dynamics.
On Dec. 6, JFGI hosted a “Confronting Bias and Blindspots in Our Classrooms” workshop facilitated by an educator from the Facing History and Ourselves organization. Over 40 local teachers attended this four-hour session that provided them with strategies for addressing bias.
Marquette Manor's Chai Mitzvah group (Front row) Linda Leary, (middle row L-R) Carolyn Leeds, Fern Frankovitz, Bebe Weinstein, (back row) Rae Pitzele Not pictured: Phyllis Goldman
Are You Looking to Get Involved? If you don’t know what youth or teen programs are out there or which program is right for you, let JFGI help! Contact David Heilbron, Director of Youth Philanthropy & Connection, at 317-715-6974 or dheilbron@jfgi.org.
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Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
Youth Programs Youth Philanthropy Indy (YoPhI): On A Mission The Youth Philanthropy Indy (YoPhI) Teen Board gathered in November for their Fall Retreat to articulate their grantmaking mission for the year:
To empower the youth of Greater Indianapolis, the 2018-19 YoPhI Teen Board, inspired by our Jewish values, will invest in educational experiences that promote appreciation of diversity, empathy, and a strong sense of community. As the board launches its fundraising efforts in the coming weeks, the teens will begin to review grant proposals and visit potential grantee organizations in preparation for allocation decisions in the spring. Stay tuned!
Chanukah Dedication In December, the YoPhI Teen Board and their families dedicated a collection of philanthropy-related books to the BJE Maurer Jewish Community Library and lit the community menorah with partners from Jewish Teen Funders Network (JTFN) and the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. Thanks to the partnership with JTFN and the Lake Institute, the YoPhI Teen Board will meet with professors from the Lake Institute at a January board meeting and will receive certificates of completion from the Lake Institute at the conclusion of their learning and philanthropic leadership as part of the YoPhI Teen Board. Some of the YoPhI (Youth Philanthropy Indy) Teen Board members with Wayne Green, Director of Jewish Teen Funders Network (Back L-R) Sam Fang, Sarah Klapper, Ruthie Yosha Snyder, Rachel Morrison, Alex Weiss, Elise Nachlis, Daniel Eherlich, Wayne Green (Front L-R) Mimi Carafiol, Alexis Maurer
Community
Upcoming Community Youth Events (grades 3–12) — Open to All BBYO
Fri.–Sun., Jan. 18–21: Regional Convention in Cincinnati, OH Sun., Feb. 3: Spring Kickoff Super Bowl Party!
Stay up to date with both Indy AZA (boys) and B’Yachad BBG (girls) events by signing up for their Remind! Text @indyaza or @byachad to 81010.
Youth
Interested in being involved in BBYO? Contact City Director Roz Knapp at indianapolis@bbyo.org.
Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC)
Sat., Jan. 12: Rishonim (grades 3-5) goes to Gleaners Food Bank
Sun., Jan. 20: Annual high school ski trip to Perfect North Slopes
More events are being planned. Check the calendar at ihcindy.org/calendar (select “Youth Group”) for the most up-to-date schedule.
Events
For more information, contact Lea Coleman at 317-255-6647 or leac@ihcindy.org.
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck (BEZ)
Sun., Jan 27: Join 8th–12th graders at the 2 pm IRT production of Anne Frank. To register and purchase tickets, contact George Kelley at 317-253-3441 or gkelley@bez613.org. Visit bez613.org/groups/youth-groups for more information.
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Commemorating the Holocaust KAVOD Art Therapy Jewish Family Services' KAVOD program, which provides support to local Holocaust survivors, continues to find new ways to relieve social isolation for them. Thanks to a generous gift from the Leonard and Marion Freeman Charitable Fund, Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors and their families enjoyed a unique art therapy program. Tanya Ilina, an art historian from Chicago, delivered a series of four lectures entitled “Jewish Artists of Paris School,” featuring artists such as Marc Chagall, Amedeo Modigliani, and Chaim Soutine. The venue for the series was provided free of charge by another member of the Russian-Jewish community,
(L-R) Standing: Vladimir Ilin, Olga Streltsov, Arkadiy Korsunskiy, Mila Sapozhnikova, Zhana Kuznetsova, Ludmila Tan, Galina Vaysburd, Era Solyar, Leah Adelfinskiy, Katya Klauz, Sophia Ilin, Josef Brodskiy. Sitting: Lyolya Dubovaya, Raisa Levrenova, Tanya Ilina, Irina Smulevitch, Sophia Muchnik.
artist and educator Irina Smulevitch, in her newly opened Carmel Art Education Studio. A granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor herself, Irina was thrilled to host these events for such a meaningful cause. The program concluded with a hands-on session at Pottery
By You, where the group spent a couple of hours painting ceramics. The KAVOD group loved the art therapy and mentioned in their feedback that they feel invigorated, engaged, and appreciative. KAVOD hopes to continue these series in the future.
Beautifying the Albert & Sara Reuben Holocaust Memorial Garden To earn his Eagle Scout rank, the highest possible Boy Scout rank, local teen Josh Friedman was tasked with developing, leading and executing a community service project benefitting a religious institution, school, or community. His involvement in the Indianapolis Jewish community inspired him to renovate and beautify the Albert & Sara Reuben Holocaust Memorial Garden, located on the Max & Mae Simon Jewish Community Campus. The Idea “In late 2017, I decided I wanted to find an Eagle Scout project to do [that had] a connection to the Jewish community. One day after Sunday school at Beth-El, I walked over to the JCC to see if I could find some ideas, and I decided that the project with the most impact and the one I felt was most needed was cleaning up the Holocaust memorial,” Josh recalled. The Project Josh’s project consisted of several tasks: pressure washing the sidewalk, coating and cleaning the wooden benches, cleaning out the fountain, removing dead plants, planting flowers, and re-lettering the names of the concentration camps on the outside of the fountain. The project took around 200 hours of planning and execution, and on October 6 and 7, 36 people put in over 100 hours of work to help Josh complete the beautification. The Impact
Josh Friedman (second from right) and fellow Boy Scouts in front of the Holocaust memorial.
“One thing I hope results from the beautification of the memorial is people taking more advantage of [it],” Josh said. “I hope that because of my project, people will visit the memorial more and it will be a nicer and more beautiful place for people to use."
Are you looking for a mitzvah project? Contact JFGI at 317-726-5450 or info@jfgi.org to learn what you can do for the Jewish community!
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Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
Commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day Sunday, January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks 74 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Throughout January, in alignment with the “Jewish Learning and Experience” strategic focus area from JFGI’s 2019-2021 Strategic Plan, the Jewish and greater Indianapolis community are hosting a variety of events and educational programs:
Welcome Amber Maze, Holocaust Education & Program Coordinator
Art & Refugees Community Event: Exploring Stories of Holocaust and Displacement Tues., Jan. 8 | 7 pm | JCC Laikin Auditorium KAVOD Holocaust survivors will share their refugee stories, followed by reflections from the artists who developed the Art & Refugees: Shine the Light exhibit. Art & Refugees: Shine the Light exhibit Wed., Jan 9-Thurs., Jan. 31 | IUPUI Cultural Arts Gallery (420 University Blvd., Indianapolis) A multi-arts exhibit from project director and playwright Deborah Haber, featuring a cast glass and cement installation by Laura Donefer, photography by Charlotte Schmitz, and excerpts from a documentary by filmmaker David Marshall. 5th-8th Grade Holocaust Education Program Sun., Jan 27 | 9:30 am | Domont Auditorium JFGI Education Center (6705 Hoover Rd., Door 1) Students from synagogues and HHAI are invited to learn with Adam Strom, Executive Director of Re-Imagining Migration, by encountering Holocaust testimonies related to displacement and sharing what they learn through a memorial service. IUPUI Holocaust Commemoration Mon., Jan 28 | Noon| IUPUI Hine Hall Auditorium (875 W. North St., Indianapolis) This community-wide ceremony will incorporate contributions from scholars, members of the community, and survivors. Refugees of the Holocaust, Refugees Today Tues., Jan 29 | 7 pm | IUPUI Hine Hall Auditorium (875 W. North St., Indianapolis) This panel presentation will include educators, scholars (including Adam Strom, Executive Director of Re-Imagining Migration), and refugees, who will explore the intersection between Holocaust refugee stories and today’s nearly 25 million refugees. In partnership with Exodus Refugee Immigration and the Immigrant Welcome Center.
JFGI is excited to announce the hire of Amber Maze as its new Holocaust Education and Program Coordinator. This shared position, a collaboration between JFGI and CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center, will greatly strengthen Holocaust education in Indiana for both students and teachers. Amber brings expertise and graduate work in the area of Genocide and Holocaust Studies to her new position. Her research and experience visiting concentration camps and meeting with survivors will enable JFGI and CANDLES to update Holocaust curricular resources and strengthen the programs offered to schools and the broader community.
The Diary of Anne Frank Fri., Jan. 25-Sun., Feb. 24 | Indiana Repertory Theatre (140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis) This powerful play highlights a story of resilience, optimism, and a young girl's extraordinary spirit. JCRC and JFGI will coordinate special panels and programs as a bonus feature of some performances. Stay tuned! w w w.jewi s h i nd ia nap ol i s .o rg
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NEXTGen Light It Up
Light It Up was a campaign event and Chanukah celebration for 20–40-somethings in greater Indianapolis. Shown here are a group of attendees.
Chad Mills and Johnny's Cougar perform to a sold-out crowd at Light It Up.
NEXTGen committee member Rachel Birenbaum and Marty Weiss
Marlee Ribnick and NEXTGen committee member Perry Chencin
Matching Grants for Jewish Community Social Media Jewish community professionals: Are you inspired by industry social media expert David Yarus and his workshop here last August? This year, NEXTGen is excited to offer small matching grants to Jewish community organizations and synagogues for paid social media advertising, in order to further promote programming and engage constituents! This initiative aligns with the “Engagement and Community Building” strategic focus area from JFGI’s 2019-2021 Strategic Plan. For more information, contact NEXTGen director Matt Kramer-Morning at 317-715-9261 or mkmorning@jfgi.org.
NEXTGen Wants Your Input Do you have ideas for NEXTGen programming or suggestions on how NEXTGen can improve? Share them! Visit jewishindianapolis.org/nextgen to fill out a survey and give your feedback.
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Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
PJ Library Menorah Building at Home Depot
For the second year in a row, PJ Library in Greater Indianapolis and Chabad Center for Jewish Life co-sponsored a menorah building workshop at Home Depot.
Chanukah at Gymboree
Playing with bubbles and painting fun at Chanukah at Gymboree 2018!
JFGI is hiring a new PJ Library Coordinator! Is it you or someone you know? Visit jewishindianapolis.org/career-center for this and other JFGI job postings.
PJ Baby Connect Over the past few months, PJ Baby Connect has helped build community and friendships among families with children ages 0-2 through accessible, neighborhood-based programming. Along with monthly Bring Your Own Baby classes at the JFGI Education Center on Sunday mornings, meetups have been held at Lions Park in Zionsville and Founders Park in Carmel, among other places. Visit jewishindianapolis.org/pj-library to sign up, and find PJ Library in Greater Indianapolis on Facebook to join the “Zionsville and West Carmel” or “Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield” parent groups! w w w.jewi s h i nd ia nap ol i s .o rg
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Jewish Family Services (JFS)
Thanks to all who attended the 14th annual Adopt-a-Family Community Day and made Chanukah even brighter for dozens of local Jewish families! More photos at facebook.com/JFGIndy
Kathryn and Eric Dunnivant at the Adopt-a-Family breakfast.
Children doing a PJ Library activity led by BBYO teens.
Thanks to JFGI Women's Philanthropy for sponsoring lunch! (L-R) Gigi Marks Felsher, Lynn Abrams, Diane Lutz
(L-R) Zach Cohen, Norm Rappaport, Ilene Rappaport, Shayna Cohen, Hannah Rappaport, and Mattie Cohen getting ready to take on their list.
Terry Hugo and Sarah Simons feeling good about giving back.
Jason and Charlie Rich doing some shopping at Target.
(Back L-R) Levi Herold, Debbie Herold, Paul Geyer, Rebecca Geyer, Nathan Geyer (Front L-R) Dan Fox, Ari Herold, Ilana Felix, Hailey Fox, Sam Geyer, Charlie Geyer
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Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
Mary Gorden and daughter Eva wrapping gifts together.
Jewish Community Center What's Cooking? Cooking Demo with MasterChef’s Tannoria Askew Sun., Jan. 27 | 3 pm | $15 You’ll find healthy eating can be delicious at this cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Tannoria Askew of the hit TV series MasterChef. Born in Chattanooga, TN, and raised in Indianapolis, Tannoria Askew of MasterChef season 7 Askew puts a modern spin on American comfort food. She blended her passion for cooking and for diversity and inclusion to create Unity Tables, a safe space for women of different races, cultures and backgrounds to gather around a dinner table. Food donation partner: Market Wagon
Opening Reception | Mix of Six: IndyArtWerkz Thurs., Jan 17 | 5:30 pm | Free IndyArtWerkz (IAW) is a collective of six mixed-media artists from central Indiana. They met through a mixed media class at the Indianapolis Art Center and officially organized in 2015 after friendships were made and a creative chemistry was sparked. Register now for youth programs in aquatics, sports, tennis and dance! Visit JCCindy.org to sign up.
Karen Lichtenfeld and her daughters shop for their wishlist at Target.
Svetlana and Michael Kaplan enjoy volunteering their time.
New Year's Resolutions for Good
Sean (Parents Night Out volunteer) and Sarah Murphy in front of the Indiana Blood Center truck at Adopt-a-Family
This year, forget those daunting New Year’s resolutions you won’t want to keep come March. Make a resolution you won’t regret: giving back. Volunteering can be as big or small a commitment as time allows, but it’s always time worth spending. Not only are you lending a hand to those in need, you’re guaranteed to feel good about it, too.
New Year;s
Make 2019 the best year yet! Consider making a commitment to one or more of these goals, and join JFS in making a difference: Purchase food for Popsie’s Pantry
Resolutions
Spare a square! Donate a roll of toilet paper
Volunteer at Parents’ Night Out, a program for children with special needs Organize a food drive at your office
Host a fundraiser (like a jewelry party)
Sign up to receive JFS’ “Indy Needs” emails
Participate in JFS’ seasonal campaigns like the Passover Food Drive or Backpack Attack Help share the work JFS does – "like" Jewish Family Services Indianapolis’ posts on Facebook w w w.jewi s h i nd ia nap ol i s .o rg
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Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
Save the Date
Indiana Jewish Community Lobby Day at the Indiana General Assembly Tues., March 5 | 7:45 am-2 pm Are you curious about: •
What policy issues are unfolding at the Statehouse?
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How to engage directly on the issues?
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What Jewish community advocacy looks like?
Join JCRC to discuss issues like bias crimes, education, public health and safety, and immigration. After a legislative briefing and discussion of strategy and advocacy tips, the group will meet with legislators at the Indiana Statehouse. For more information, contact JCRC Communications Coordinator Aaron Welcher at 317-926-2935 or awelcher@indyjcrc.org.
Fall JCRC Highlights
Israel Engagement Fellowship students with Gil Hoffman, Chief Political Analyst at the Jerusalem Post, who visited Indianapolis in mid-November.
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100 people attended October’s “Symposium on Antisemitism” at the Central Library
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2,500+ people attended community solidarity gatherings in response to antisemitism (Carmel vandalism and the Pittsburgh shooting)
Fall JCRC
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1,500+ people attended the Indy Festival of Faiths, where JCRC organized the Jewish community booth
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Hosted two Spirit & Place events, “Hummus & Happiness” and “Jewish and…”
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Partnered with 13 outside organizations, including the Muslim Alliance of Indiana, CANDLES Holocaust Museum, Center for Interfaith Cooperation, Indianapolis Public Library, Storytelling Arts of Indiana, IndyFringe, Anti-Defamation League, David Project, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Israel Action Network, Institute for Curriculum Services, Onward & Upward Strategies, and the Unity Project
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Hosted eight Israel Engagement Fellowship sessions with 10 high school students
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Presented the “Student to Student: Combatting Antisemitism” program to 250+ students
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Held first ever Media Relations Luncheon
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Participated in 24+ radio, television, and print interviews
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Held a legislative luncheon with the Israeli consulate
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Hosted two high-level community talks, with 60+ people attending both talks
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Held countless community outreach and partnership meetings
Highlights
Participants in "Hummus and Happiness" hummus-making competition.
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Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
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Hooverwood
KRAFT COMMONS
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• One-bedroom, Studios, and two-bedroom units • Amenities including outdoor dining, library, theatre room, fitness center, resident activity room, access to JCC, community garden, chef-inspired kitchen • Nursing and medical care services available w w w.jewi s h i nd ia nap ol i s .o rg
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Jewish Life at Indiana Universities IU Hillel: Changing Students’ Lives The Hillel Foundation at Indiana University is the Jewish home away from home on IU’s campus. In the first two months of the fall semester, IU Hillel welcomed 1,976 students into the campus Jewish community, and 540 of those students came to Hillel six or more times. IU Hillel touches close to three-quarters of IU’s 4,000-4,500 Jewish students over the course of a year through Shabbat, holiday, cultural, educational, social, and Israel programs; classes for IU credit taught at Hillel; winter and summer Birthright Israel trips; programming in the Greek community, in residence halls, on campus, and more.
A celebration of Hillel's student leaders.
Discovering Jewish Identity Through these programs and experiences, so many students have reawakened or discovered their Jewish identities. There’s the story of a student who recently took Hillel’s “Jewish Cooking” course. When the class began, students were asked why they had decided to enroll in the course, and one particular student said that he didn’t know whether or not he was Jewish. He has a Jewish mother, and though he was never raised with any Jewish identity, he said that he has always felt like he is “more Jewish than anything else.” When he was told by the rabbi that according Students explore Israel and their Jewish to Jewish law, he is Jewish, the smile that spread across his face identity on Birthright Israel with IU Hillel. illuminated a new sense of Jewish identity and connection. As he went through the semester learning about Jewish foods and Jewish life, his interest in Judaism deepened and he announced that he would like to go on a Birthright Israel trip to learn more about Judaism and to connect to the land of Israel in person. A similar story unfolded during IU Hillel’s Birthright Israel recruitment process. A student wandered into Hillel because she saw a sign in the front yard welcoming students to sign up for their free trip to Israel. The student said that she wasn’t sure whether she qualified, and when she was asked to share her story, she said that her father was Jewish, and though she wasn’t really raised with any religion, if she had to choose something she thinks of herself as Jewish. She was excited and a little nervous when she learned that she qualified for a free Birthright Israel trip. To say that her life was changed by her 10-day journey throughout the land of Israel with IU Hillel staff and students is an understatement: upon her return, she became an active Hillel participant and thirsted for continued Jewish knowledge. “A Warm, Welcoming Jewish Family” These stories are but a sample of the many lives that are impacted and transformed through Hillel’s presence and work on the Indiana University campus. Since its founding 80 years ago, IU Hillel has formed strong relationships with students and nurtured involvement on campus and in the local community in order to establish and value Jewish identity.
Unsticking White Supremacy in Indianapolis Armed with a utility blade and the words of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav (“All the world is just a narrow bridge and the most important thing is not to fear at all”), members of the IUPUI Jewish Student Association
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(JSA) and Jewish Faculty and Staff Council (JFSC) removed stickers promoting white supremacy from the pedestrian bridge over the Central Canal near the corner of College Ave. and Westfield Blvd. in Broad Ripple. The stickers were first spotted by psychology doctoral student Alexis Grant, and the IUPUI Jewish community moved in to remove these messages
Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
which foster an environment of hate and violence. After the stickers were taken down, students, faculty, staff, and alumni were hosted by BRICS (Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station) and discussed how ideologies of white supremacy, white nationalism, and antisemitism intersect.
IU Borns Jewish Studies Program (JSP): Upcoming Events “Antisemitic Soviet Policing after Stalin and the Reponse of the Soviet Yiddish Writer” Fri., Jan. 18 | Noon | Global & International Studies Building, Room 4067 JS faculty-graduate student workshop with Charles Bonds, Borns JSP Ph.D. Minor Candidate Breath | Light | Stone and Mr. Gaga film screening Sun., Jan. 20 | 4 pm | IU Cinema Co-sponsored by the Borns JSP and the Olamot Center for Scholarly and Cultural Exchange with Israel, in partnership with IU Cinema and the IU Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance “Dahn Ben-Amotz and Multiple Identity Politics” Fri., Feb. 1 | Noon | Global & International Studies Building, Room 4067 JS faculty-graduate student workshop with Roy Holler, Borns JSP Ph.D. Minor Candidate “Marking and Seeing Jewishness” Thurs.-Fri., Feb. 7-8 | Dogwood Room, Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) 7th Annual Jewish Studies Graduate Student Association conference “Am I a Text? The Politics and Nuances of Jewish Studies” Thurs., Feb. 7 | 7:30 pm | Dogwood Room, IMU Jewish Studies Graduate Student Association conference keynote address by Professor Susannah Heschel, Eli Black Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College. A Lillian Solotkin Lecture “Nazism Has Conquered Our Entire World: Understanding the Mind of the Oppressed” Tues., Feb. 12 | 4 or 5:30 pm | Location TBD Lecture by Dr. Amos Goldberg, Chair of the Department of History and Contemporary Jewry at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Presented by the Olamot Center for Scholarly and Cultural Exchange with Israel “Haskalah, Jewish Nationalism, and the Multi-National Middle Class in the Late Ottoman Balkans” Fri., Feb. 15 | Noon | Global & International Studies Building, Room 4067 JS faculty-graduate student workshop with Tamir Karkason, Spring 2019 Olamot Fellow Visit by Israeli filmmaker Avi Nesher | Mon.-Fri., Feb. 18-22 Includes a public lecture, a meeting with students, and Q&As after film screenings. Presented by the Olamot Center for Scholarly and Cultural Exchange with Israel and the IU Cinema “Those Who Remained: The Jewish Community in Iraq Since 1951” Tues., Feb. 26 | 2:30 pm | Global & International Studies Building, Room 1060 Lecture by Marc Smith, graduate student in the Department of History and Jewish Studies Program. Funded by the American Academy of Jewish Research
IUPUI students and faculty scraping off white supremacist stickers in Broad Ripple.
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Hasten Hebrew Academy STEAMapalooza! In November, HHAI participated in STEAMapalooza as part of the JCC's Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts. Students and staff led activities for over 300 participants at four different stations celebrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math: •
Technology teacher Michael Voskoboynik and his students shared their experience coding in the CoSpaces virtual reality app.
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Math and science teacher Lonica Solomon created hexaflexagons and played math games with parents and children.
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Librarian and humanities teacher Tricia Berg used a green screen to take photographs with creative backgrounds.
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Math teacher and assistant principal Matt Tucker and his students showed children how to use a Makey Makey kit to take over a computer keyboard.
Working together to build a scientific craft at STEAMapalooza
HHAI students use a directional pressure plate they just created.
STEAMapalooza attendees gather around the arts and crafts table.
Mazel tov to HHAI's Early Childhood department for achieving Paths to QUALITY Level 3 for ongoing commitment to high quality early education!
3rd Annual HHAI PTO WinterFest Fundraiser Sun., Jan 27 | 3–6 pm Open to the entire Jewish community, WinterFest is a great activity for families! Funds raised help to fund innovative and academic enhancements to classrooms and the school as a whole. This year’s goals include improvements to the elementary/middle school playground, Early Childhood light studio, and ongoing staff professional development.
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Making History Come Alive This year, HHAI students in grades 5-8 will transform the school’s Holocaust memorial room into an interactive museum. Groups of two to four students will each create an exhibit highlighting a specific Holocaust-related topic. These exhibits and the transformed room will serve as an educational tool not only for HHAI students but for other schools in the area as well. Students have already begun using the Design Thinking process to come up with ideas for their exhibits and will soon begin the prototyping process. The final products will be showcased at HHAI on May 5, in conjunction with the Community Holocaust Day.
Jewish Federation News | Januar y/Februar y 2019
Synagogues Toddlers through 1st-graders and their adults are invited to a special monthly service of songs, stories, and toddler-style snacks with Clara Sharon. Davin, Dinner, and Drinks: Wed., Jan. 16, 7 pm. At the end of minyan on the third Wednesday of each month, a group will be organized to go out to a local restaurant to eat, drink, and socialize. Open to all (no need to be a CST member). Each person is responsible for their own purchases.
Do you know where these are? Answers below!
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
Congregation Beth Shalom
Friday Night Live!: Fri., Jan. 4 and Feb. 1, 6 pm. Features spiritually uplifting music to welcome Shabbat.
CBS Book Club: Sun., Jan. 6, 3 pm. Join in a discussion of NBC News foreign correspondent-turned-author Martin Fletcher’s novel The List, a gripping story of a young Jewish family struggling to stay afloat after World War II. Contact Susan Meyers at susmey4014@gmail.com for details.
Introduction to Judaism: Sun., Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 10, 24; 9 am. All are welcome to this course with Rabbi Shelley Goldman. Topics are Jewish history’s biblical period, rabbinic period, medieval period, and modern period respectively. Parent-Toddler Havurah: Sun., Jan. 13 and Feb. 10, 9:45 am. Families of preschool children get a taste of Religious School as they meet to learn about Shabbat, holidays, and Jewish ritual through crafts and stories. Shabbat Shirah: Sat., Jan. 19, 10 am. The “Shabbat of Song” celebrates the triumph of freedom and rejoicing in song after the Exodus. Registration for 2019 summer camp and 2019-2020 Early Childhood school year begins in late January! Contact Joanie Waldman at 317-259-6854 or jwaldman@bez613.org for more information. Tot Shabbat: Sat., Feb. 2, 9:30 am. For newborns to 3-year-olds and their families, with Rabbi Shelley Goldman. RSVP to sgoldman@bez613.org. Cocktail Judaism: Mon., Feb. 4, 7:30 pm. Conversation, humor, and spirits with Rabbi Dennis Sasso. Check the BEZ website for topic and location. Congregational Retreat: Sat., Feb. 23 at GUCI. A fun and refreshing Shabbat for everyone! Details on the BEZ website. Save the Dates: • Purim Shpiel and Carnival: Sun., March 17, 9:30 am. • Adults-Only Purim Carnival: Wed., March 20, time TBA. Visit bez613.org or @CongregationBEZ on Facebook for more information.
Tu B’Shvat Seder: Thurs., Jan 17, 6:30 pm. All are welcome to participate in the annual CBS seder observing man’s extraordinary relationship with trees and all their bounty.
Casino Night and Silent Auction: Sat., Feb. 23, 7:30 pm. Bid on amazing silent auction items and enjoy Las Vegas-style cash gambling. Appetizers and drinks included in ticket price; contact CST office to purchase. More details coming soon. Visit shaareytefilla.org or @ShaareyTefilla on Facebook for more information.
Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation Community Tu B’Shvat Seder: Sun., Jan. 20. Join Etz Chaim for this ritual that began in Israel to welcome spring and bless the first harvest of the year. Surprise speaker on Sun., Feb. 17! More details to come.
Active Shooter Presentation with the Indiana State Police: Sun., Feb. 17, 2 pm. All are welcome to attend this important and informative talk.
Visit etzchaimindy.org or @EtzChaimIndy on Facebook for more information.
Temple B’nai Israel (Kokomo)
Visit bethshalomindy.org or @BethShalomIndy on Facebook for more information.
Congregation B’nai Torah On October 28, B’nai Torah honored longtime members Marty and DeAnn Silverman for their contributions to the synagogue and the Indianapolis Jewish community. Thanks to Parisa and Israel Keisari for catering this beautiful evening! Visit btorahindy.org or @BnaiTorahIndy on Facebook for more information on daily services, classes offered, and more.
Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
It’s closer than you think! Visit the synagogue at 618 W. Superior St. for Shabbat services on Fri., Jan. 18 at 7:30 pm. For more information, call 765-452-0383 or email TempleBnaiIsraelKokomo@gmail.com.
Answers: Stained glass wall: Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation Yahrtzeit wall: Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation
“Parent and Me” Infant Directed Music Class: Thurs., Jan. 10, 11 am. Dana Goot leads this monthly session for children ages 0-2 and their caregivers to gain confidence and skill through singing and making music, which contributes to growth and development. Tot Shabbat: Sat., Jan. 12, 10:30 am.
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Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis 6705 Hoover Road Indianapolis, IN 46260-4120
Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 362 Indianapolis, IN
Do you know any: Children who want to go to Jewish overnight camp this summer? Teens or young adults who wish to visit Israel? College-bound or graduate students seeking to further their education? Individuals who have completed at least one year of college and want to intern as a Jewish community professional? 2019 JFGI scholarship and internship opportunities are now available! Visit jewishindianapolis.org/scholarships-internships to learn more and apply.
