The JFGI NewsFebruary 2014Volume 53, No. 1

Adopt-A-Family Made Chanukah Bright

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Contest! Give This Magazine

a New Name!Page 2

The JCRC Goes to Washington, D.C.

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Hooverwood Residents

Celebrate the New Year

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As we turn the page on 2013 and begin fresh new 2014 I am happy to share with you an exciting update at your Jewish Federation of Greater In-dianapolis. The board of directors has decided to adopt the national Jewish Federations of North America logo as our own. The tag line “The Strength of a People. The Power of Community.”, perfectly summarizes our strong, dedi-cated Jewish community.

Much like our Jewish Federation, this new logo is root-ed in Jewish tradition and is based on building a strong collective asset. It is innovative, easily recognizable, in-viting and optimistic. The two arches over the flame sym-bolize the safety net and umbrella that historically epito-mizes the role of the Jewish Federation locally, nationally and internationally. The flame and the menorah symbol-ize our history and heritage. They also visually guide us upwards providing a sense of aspiration, hope and op-timism, all while being anchored in our Jewish tradition.

I am excited that our Jewish community has joined more than 112 other Federations in this national effort to bring our communities closer together. We are part of something bigger than our local Jewish community; we are part of a national system. For me, the most im-portant part of this change is that we are making a real effort to reach out to the young people in our commu-nity. This population moves around often, and now we have a logo here that is the same as the one they may see in other cities across the country and around the world. They recognize and trust it as being a symbol of a worthwhile place to support with both their time and resources. The Jewish Federation is about working and learning together and creating a strong, vibrant Jewish community. It ties us together.

I hope you enjoy this new format of our JFGI commu-nity magazine. All that’s left is to give it a new name. Call Julia Goodman at 317.715.9257 with your suggetions or email them to her at marketing@JFGI.org. This change, like our new logo, is one small step in making our amaz-ing work known throughout Jewish and non-Jewish Indi-anapolis.

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis NewsIn This Issue

Endowment 3Campaign 4Adopt-A-Family 5Young Leadership Division 6-7Israel Partnership2Gether 8-9Shaliach 10The PJ Library of Greater Indianapolis 10One Happy Camper 11Bureau of Jewish Education 11The Reuben Center 12Hooverwood 13Jewish Community Relations Council 14Jewish Communitiy Center 15The Hasten Hebrew Academy 16Birthright Israel 17Community News 18-19IU Borns Jewish Studies 19Super Sunday 20

Connecting With Jewish North America

Execut ive VPFrom the Desk of Debby Grant

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

JFGI NewsExecutive Vice President

Debra Barton GrantPresident

Paul A. KraftMarketing Director and Editor

Julia Goodman

Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc.Samuel Kroot Community Services Office

6705 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260-4120Phone: 317.726.5450 • Fax: 317.205.0307 • www.JFGI.org

Published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc., and in cooperation with its partner agencies: Jewish

Community Center Association, Hooverwood, The Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center Bureau of Jewish Education and Jewish Community

Relations Council.

People have lots of reasons for not having a will. Do any of these sound familiar to you?• I don’t want to think about death.• Only rich people need wills.• My family will divide things when

I’m gone.• I don’t own enough property to

warrant a will.• I can’t afford a will.• I don’t have an attorney.• I’m too young.

You can probably think of other reasons, as well. The point is that these are only excuses. None of them are re-ally valid for putting off one of the most important things you will ever do. It is the cornerstone of protection.

Every adult, regardless of your age, needs a will, if for no other reason than to make sure that whatever assets you have go where you want them to go. Otherwise, the state of Indiana will decide what and to whom your assets will go. If you have children and you fail to make a will, the courts will appoint a guardian who may not be the person you would choose. A will also makes life easier on your loved ones. Proper estate planning can reduce the expense of administering your estate, which means your beneficiaries will get more of your estate. In your will you can specify not only how much, but also what specific property will pass to your intended benefi-ciaries and what property will be used to pay taxes and costs. Do you have a beloved keepsake that you want your children or grandchildren to have? If so, then you need to have a will.

You can use a will to leave a legacy for future gen-erations. It can serve to express your desires, ideals and lifelong concern with the needs of others. For example, if you annually supported the needs of the Jewish com-munity, you might want to perpetuate that support. It can be a lasting expression of your life. You can achieve this through a gift in your will or living trust or by nam-ing the Federation or its agencies a beneficiary of your life insurance, retirement plan, savings or brokerage ac-count. By doing this you receive benefits—personal sat-isfaction of knowing that your caring and concern for the Jewish community will continue and a charitable tax deduction that reduces your taxable estate.

A will can benefit you, your loved ones and your Jewish community. The Federation Endowment staff is available to help you with any questions you might have about your lasting Jewish legacy.

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EndowmentEndowment

Why Everyone Needs a Will Scholarships and InternshipsThe Samual Kroot Internship Program

The Samuel Kroot Internship Program provides an opportunity for those who have completed at least one year of college to work at a Federation agency and to learn about the structure and social ser-vices in the Jewish community. Pos-sible internship placements for the summer of 2014 are with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapo-lis, the Bureau of Jewish Education, the Jewish Community Center Ad-vancement and Marketing/PR, the Jewish Community Relations Council and Hooverwood.

Descriptions of internships and an application can be found at www.JFGI.org. Submit application, resume, col-lege transcript and three letters of reference by February 14, 2014. To submit application and for questions, email internship@JFGI.org.

JFGI Academic ScholarshipsJFGI offers several scholarships for high school, col-

lege and graduate students.The Mark Pescovitz Scholarship is given to a Jewish

high school junior or senior with a record of outstand-ing service to the Jewish or general community or both in the greater Indianapolis area. The scholarship is not need-based.

The Eugene Friedmann Memorial Scholarship is grant-ed to deserving Jewish individuals seeking to further their education. Preference will be given to foreign born ap-plicants and applicants entering the fields of science, medicine or technology.

Len Perel Memorial Scholarship is granted to deserv-ing Jewish individuals seeking to further their education. Applicant must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence and volunteer experience in the Indianapolis Jewish community for greater than one year. Preference will be given to foreign born applicants.

Jules Dorfman Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Jewish Communal Service is granted annually to a qual-ified graduate student in Jewish communal service, so-cial work or Jewish education.

Email academicscholarships@JFGI.org with any ques-tions. Applications must be received by March 31, 2014.

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CampaignAnnual Campaign On November 18, we welcomed Micha Feldmann, author of On The Wings of Ea-gles: the Secret Oper-ation of the Ethiopian Exodus to Indianap-olis. Known as Abba Micha by the thou-sands of Ethiopians he has brought to Israel, Feldmann worked for the Jewish Agency for Israel beginning in 1970. In 1990 he was appointed as the Jewish Agency’s rep-resentative and Israeli consul in Ethiopia. He oversaw the immigration of over 14,000 Jews from Addis Ababa in the two-day Operation Solomon airlift. Since then he has devoted his life to the immigration and settlement of Jewish Ethiopians. His work is historic, and we were honored to have him here.

Feldmann spoke with students at University High School and fifth and sixth graders at the Hasten Hebrew Academy. The students were excited to hear his stories of how kids their age took amazing risks for a new life in Israel. Many told their parents to go hear Micha later that evening.

At the evening event, community members learned about the secret operation behind Operation Solomon and how this work inspired Feldmann personally. His sto-ries are part of our collective Jewish history. Many in the room remembered each aliyah and how they helped raise funds through Federation to support these efforts.

We have a Hoosier connection to this story, too. In 1984, while International President of B’nai B’rith, Gerald Kraft of Indianapolis played a key role in the facilitation of Operation Moses, the first major wave of immigration by Ethiopians to Israel. Kraft and Feldmann crossed paths during that time, so this was a reunion of sorts. To hear each man share his pride in the role he played shaping Jewish history was inspirational.

Many thanks to Bernard Hasten for helping us to bring Abba Micah to Indianapolis. Hasten traveled to Ethiopia with his teenage daughter two years ago, where they met Feldmann and participated in a flight bringing Ethi-opians to Israel.

This year the Jewish Agency for Israel officially closed the efforts the bring Ethiopian Jews to Israel. However, the work is not done. There are currently over 120,000 Ethiopian Jews in Israel. Our dollars support absorption efforts, vocational training and educational programs that cross generations and help this unique immigrant community participate fully in Israeli life.

Indy Welcomes Abba Micha

As co-chairs of the 2013 Annual Campaign, we would like to thank you all for your generosity in work-ing together to raise over $3,650,000 for our 2013 Annual Campaign.

Beginning in August 2012, through Super Sunday last February and to the finish line on December 31, 2013, you showed your generosity. This is truly a team effort that could not be completed without the support of our many volunteers, from those who call on donors every year to the people who made thank you calls at Super Sunday.

This cycle continues, as we now look to complete the 2014 Annual Campaign. This year’s co-chairs, Les Brail, Michelle Korin and Offer Korin, are off to a great start, working to close this campaign earlier than ever before. We encourage you to participate if you haven’t already.

Your dollars make a world difference here at home, in Israel and around the world. Together we do a world of good.

Chuck Cohen Gigi Marks Felsher Dick Leventhal2013 Annual Campaign Co-Chairs

We Could Not Have Done It Without You!

Save the Date: Super SundayIt's that time of year again

to set aside a couple of hours on Sunday, February 23 to help secure critical funds for our programs and agencies. Let's inspire Jewish communi-ty through volunteerism and tzedakah! Together we do extraordinary things.

Our volunteers find this day to be meaningful, as they learn about the important work of the Federation and our partner agencies and meet great people. In two hours, you can help transform lives.

Join us on Sunday (shfits from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m.) in the Domont Auditorium of the Bu-reau of Jewish Education or on Monday, February 24 in the JFGI offices (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Sign up for your shift at www.JFGI.org. Haven’t made your 2014 pledge? Click DONATE NOW on our website to support the critical ser-vices that make our Jewish community strong.

Drop off donations for Popsie's Pantry during Super Sunday. Necessary items include: canned tuna or chick-en, pasta, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, boxed dinners, baby wipes, deodorant, toilet paper and pa-per towels. 4w

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Micha Feldmann and Gerald Kraft

Dear Chanukah Harry and/or Cha-nukah Harriet, You were so amazing. I think you went a little crazy! So many things! Thank you very much and many mitzvahs to you!

Indy Welcomes Abba MichaLocal ImpactDoing Extraordinary Things

Our ninth Annual Adopt-A-Family Community Day on November 24 was unforgettable. The program was chaired by Matt Burnett, Marlo Katz and Wendy Keller. Over 50 people gathered at the Burnett home for breakfast and over 100 peo-ple met for lunch and wrapping at Etz Chaim Congregation. Many others dropped off donations and gift cards through-out November. Participants of all ages joined in the day from all of our congregations, BBYO, Goodman Bowling League, Sunday school classes and many other groups and organizations. All 45 Jewish families, including singles, were helped this Chanukah season. Thank you to everyone who donated, including those who gave blood during our Light Up a Life Blood Drive with the Indiana Blood Center. Next year will be our 10th anniversary of this event, and we look forward to making it bigger than ever!

Adopt-A-Family Made Chanukah Bright

To a thoughtful individual, please accept my sincere thank you for all of the wonderful Chanukah gifts you were so kind to give me. Your thoughtfulness, sincere, caring deeds surpass my wildest imagination and wishes. Thank you for caring so much for me. Wishing you a healthy, happy joyous and safe 2014.

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From a child: Thank you for all the Chanukah presents. Thank you for the miniature pool table and the Sorry game. Thank you so much!

Thank you for all of

the wonderful Chanukah

gifts. I get depressed when

I have nothing to give my

children. My children were

very surprised this year and

so happy!

contact this girl, nothing will happen, everyone will get off my back and I can continue my life the way I want. We met a week later. She broke up with her boyfriend the following day, and we were dating from that point forward. Every week, as I passed Meyer at the JCC, he would grin at me and say, “I told you she was beautiful. I told you she was smart. I found the perfect match.”

Meyer was born in 1924 in Poland where he grew up with his parents and four brothers. His childhood changed when Germany attacked Poland in Septem-ber 1939. Over the next couple of years, thousands of Jews were brought to Meyer’s village of Dvoretz. His fa-ther was taken to the Majdanek concentration camp in Lublin, Poland and was never seen again. Dvoretz was transformed into a labor camp, and Jewish residents were systematically killed without warning. Meyer, then 13 years old, recalls runaways from other camps sharing horror stories about mass executions by the Nazis.

It was at this point that Meyer decided to build a se-cret hiding spot for himself and his mother and brothers. He dug a hole in the ground underneath their home and covered the entrance with limestone to match the rest of the floor. In 1942 Meyer saw Nazi soldiers surround his village. Several buildings were on fire. He, his mother and brother hid in their secret spot, praying they would not be discovered. At one point, several Nazis searched the home. “I could see the boots of the Nazi soldiers above me through a crack in the floor, and I knew they were looking for me,” Meyer recalls. He was terrified that he and his family would be burned alive if they didn’t get out. That night Meyer and his mother escaped but were forced to leave his younger brother, who had polio, behind, because he couldn’t run—he was never seen again.

Meyer, his brothers and mother wandered for days trying to find a place to hide. Finally a woman gave Meyer a shovel and a loaf of bread. He dug a hole, which he describes as a deep grave, under a tree stump. They stayed there for three months during the winter of 1942-43, living mostly off of bread and melted snow. He’ll tell you that temperatures reached 30 de-grees below zero.

One day, Meyer heard about the Bielski brothers, four brothers who were leading a Jewish underground resistance group. They had escaped from Nazi-occu-pied Eastern Europe into the forests, where they joined with Russian resistance fighters and built a village to protect themselves and Jewish noncombatants. Meyer, his brothers and mother found them in the woods and lived with them for over two years in the Naliboki Forest (now Belarus, also known as “Jerusalem in the Woods”).

Meyer was nearly killed many times. Once, he was carrying a bucket of water and a bullet from a 6w

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It’s not every day that you meet somebody like Meyer Bronicki. Most people live their entire lives without meeting a person like him. I suppose that’s why, years after we were introduced, I feel compelled to share my story—one that is part love, part serendipity and part amazing, but 100 percent true. My story only exists as

a consequence of Meyer’s journey—and for those of you who have the lucky fortune of knowing Meyer, you know that he has quite a tale to tell.

I had completed my first semester of medical school in December 2008 and was playing basketball at the JCC every Sunday. One Sunday, my parents intro-duced to me as Meyer Bronicki. I remember feeling embarrassed when Meyer said that he knew a girl he thought I should date. Her name was Braca Benizry, and she was apparently a “beautiful and smart” stu-dent he had met at DePauw University. I had no time or desire to date. Every Sunday morning when Meyer and I would see each other at the JCC, he would remind me about the “beautiful and smart” girl he wanted me to meet. I had no intention of ever entertaining his matchmaking schemes.

In May 2009, I finally got in touch with Braca. I’ll

YLDYoung Leadership Division

Meyer Bronicki: A Survivor’s TaleBy Rob Cantor

YLD hosted an intimate and incredibly meaningful Shabbat dinner with Holocaust survivor and member of the Bielski Partisans Meyer Bronicki at the home of Ja-cob and Mary Gorden on Friday, December 13. Guests viewed a documentary about the Bielski Brothers and listened to Meyer speak. Meyer’s story happens to be intertwined with the story of two YLD members, Rob and Braca Cantor.

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Nazi shoulder went through the bucket, missing him by inches. Another time, he was under siege by several Nazi soldiers and recalls looking up to see a rain of pine needles sprinkling down on him as the bullets pierced through the forest vegetation. When asked if he feels lucky that he survived, Meyer responds, “God took me by the hand and led me around all the time.”

Meyer, his brothers and mother were among the first Jews to live with the Bielski company and one of the more than 1,200 who survived the Holocaust. Mey-er was trained for guard duty and perimeter control, and according to him, “I was a great shot.” He later became an expert in building shelters for over a thou-sand people without the use of nails. The Bielski brothers group was liberated on July 10, 1944 by the Russian partisans as part of Operation Bagration.

Meyer lived in Poland following the war and moved to Israel during the reparation efforts by Germany after World War II. In 1959, he married his wife Shoshana That same year, Meyer traveled to the United States with his wife, brother and mother as part of a sponsorship from the Jewish Federation. He lived a happy and fulfilling life in Indianapolis, raising two sons and established strong connections to the local Jewish community. Shoshana passed away in 2010, leaving Meyer with more than 50 years of cherished memories.

Meyer speaks about his experiences during the Holocaust around Indiana. His favorite audiences are young adults, likely because he was one himself during the war. Meyer visited his hometown of Dvoretz, but has not been back to the forest. When asked if he wants to go back, he simply says “No, never.” He denies ever questioning God’s existence during his journey and remains a faithful believer in God to this day.

My wife and I married in October 2011. Meyer will tell you that his reason for surviving the Holocaust was to introduce me and Braca. He will use terms like “des-tiny” and “fate” to describe our introduction, and thinks God’s plan for him involved his matchmaking that led to our marriage. As one of the few remaining survivors of the tragedy of the Holocaust, Meyer serves as a con-stant reminder that we should never forget those fateful years which transpired not so long ago.

Young Leadership Division Save the Dates Friday, February 21: Shabbat at the home of Matthew and Leslie TobeMarch 16-18: TribeFest National Young Leadership Con-ference in New OrleansFriday, March 28: Shabbat and Purim hamentashen bakingApril 2-4: Passover Food Drive for Popsie's Pantry Wednesday, April 22: Post-Passover pizza party with In-dyChai and Torah on Tap

YLDYoung Leadership Division90s Throwback Party

Chanukah Party With Hooverwood

This is YOUR Federation.Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support

all Young Leadership Programs.

This was a learning experience for me—a wake-up call I didn’t anticipate. Awareness and action counter-ing all forms of discrimination and bigotry is a lifelong commitment that we should all make. If we do not, what hope is there for mankind? For this experience, a huge thank you to Partnership and staff, to Albert Ben Shloosh of the Akko Festival and to the staff and dancers of Bal-let Austin. The four days with them were truly transforma-tive … I will never be the same again.

To view more photos from the Austin Ballet, go to www.freddiesfotosforever.com and open the gallery Ballet Austin: Light.

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P2GIsrael Partnership2Gether

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support

Israel programs in Indianapolis.

My Partnership Experienceby Naomi Zuckerman

I started the morning wishing I was at the beach. It was a beautiful day and with my time in Israel coming to an end, I was more worried about my tan than spend-ing a day touring the Partnership's projects. But at the end of our 12-hour adventure in the Western Galillee, I had a new understanding of the region and its people. At Sulam Tsor, a Kibbutz high school, I saw the students’ intrinsic motivation guide them through focused voca-tional projects. I had never seen tires transformed into chairs and flowerbeds! At the Ghetto Fighters Museum I viewed the Holocaust from a new perspective, one of empowerment. But the best was yet to come.

After a day of being more and more impressed with what the Partnership accomplishes in Israel we went to Hafuch al Hafuch. In this unique center for at-risk youth, volunteer soldiers and civilians mentor students with is-sues students all over the world deal with. While Hafuch al Hafuch does the same thing in Israel that I am doing here with BBYO and my job at an IPS high school, I fell un-der a difficult-to-describe spell, wishing that our hour at the center would not end. The whole visit inspired me to make connections out of my comfort zone, but Hafuch al Hafuch gave me a focus for those connections. See-ing Israelis working to create produc-tive relationships and arrive at practical solutions helped me see a side of the country I would have nev-er otherwise expe-rienced.

An Israel TravelogueHere, members of our community who traveled to Israel and our Partnership region in the Western Galilee write about their experiences. For information and tips on trav-eling to Israel, contact Michelle Hershenson via the Fed-eration office, 317.726.5450.

Israel Through PhotographyPhotos and article by Freddie Kelvin

Partnership enabled me to experience a life-chang-ing event in the Western Galilee. The project was to pho-tograph, along with Yochanan Kishon and two other Is-raeli photographers, the visit of Ballet Austin to the Akko Festival. There the company performed “Light: The Holo-caust and Humanity Project.” This work is part of a ded-icated, community-wide project in which awareness of the Holocaust and all manifestations of intolerance and hatred are discussed.

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Dr. Boaz Cohen Visits Indy

P2GIsrael Partnership2Gether

During the first week of December, Indianapolis had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Boaz Cohen, tenured facul-ty professor of the Western Galilee College and global-ly known for his research and publications in Holocaust Studies. Dr. Cohen was the keynote speaker for the Ho-locaust Studies workshop created and hosted by BJE Di-rector, Rabbi Paula Winnig and Assistant Director, Miles Roger. Teachers from public schools around Indiana and the Haste Hebrew Academy who teach Holocaust Studies attended the workshop.

During his visit Dr. Cohen met with professors from the Indiana University Bornes Jewish Studies Department program, Dr. Pierre Atlas, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director at the Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center for Global Studies at Marian University. Dr. Co-hen engaged our community on both academic and

community levels creating new ties and strengthening the relationship that Indianapolis has with the Western Galilee.

To receive the Partnership2Gether e-newsletter with in-formation on programs like this in our community, around the U.S. and in the Western Galilee, email Heidi Benish, JAFI marketing director, at HeidiB@jafi.org.

Let’s commemorate and celebrate together!More information to follow.

Save the Date!Israel Memorial Day and Israel Independence DaySunday, May 4, 3:00 p.m.

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PJ LibraryPJ Library of Greater Indianapolis

Save the Date Sunday, March 30: PJ Library and BJE Passover Matzah Baking at Rabbi Schusterman's Matzah Factory

For more information, contact Inna, PJ Library Pro-gram Coordinator at pjlibrary@jfgi.org.

Let’s Play with PJ Library!

Rabbis Brett Krichiver, Paula Winnig and Dennis Sasso

Silly Safaris

A Colorful Chanukah with the BJE

Story Time with Bubbe & Zayde and the Ann Katz Festival of Books BJE Bright Beginnings

Early Childhood Education

EmissaryIsraeli Shaliach

One night a few weeks ago a friends introduced me to a project called We Are Family. I wondered how a project like this could empower the emotional connection between us and the Lone Soldiers in Israel.

The idea is simple—there are only three steps:1. Gather all your family together. 2. Smile, and take a picture of this gathering while you hold

a sign that says, “We are family!”3. Send us the picture by posting it to my Facebook page

(Roy Swisa Indianapolis Shaliach) by March 10. Together with our Partnership friends we will gather the

pictures and build a collage from our community. Each Lone Soldier will get a big collage that he or she can hang on the wall. Through my experience as a commander in the Israeli navy, I know that these small gestures give a lot of power to the soldiers. To know that someone across the ocean is thinking about you, to know that you’re a part of a people and a family is big.

Roy Swisashaliach@JFGI.org

We Are Family! Keeping Up With Roy

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Summers at overnight camp are packed with fun activities—aquatics, arts and crafts, soccer, basketball, dance, archery, outdoor adventure and hiking and much more. Jewish summer camp weaves Jewish val-ues, culture and tradition into the fabric of camp, help-ing campers connect to their own identity and the larg-er Jewish community. Experiential learning is utilized to reveal what makes Jewish religion and culture so unique in today’s world. At camp, Jewish and Israeli culture is celebrated through song, dance, art and food.

Each camp designs its own program to be accessi-ble and enjoyable for all campers. Whether they’re tell-ing stories in their bunks, learning about the environment or playing tennis, campers explore what Judaism means to them in a safe, nurturing and fun environment.

Jewish camp’s impact is immediate. Campers return home with friends that will last a lifetime. And it doesn’t stop there. Children who attended Jewish camp are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes and take on leadership roles in their communities.

Jewish CampOne Happy Camper

One Happy Camper Grants

JFGI and the Foundation for Jewish Camp offer One Happy Camper grants of $1,000 for first-time campers in grades 3-11 who attend a non-profit Jewish camp for a minimum of three weeks. A stipend of $750 is offered to second-year campers who received the $1,000 One Happy Camper grant from the Federation for the first year of camp. These grants are not need-based. Vis-it onehappycamper.org to find applications for these grants. For further information about One Happy Camp-er Grants, contact ikolesnikova@JFGI.org.

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps make Jewish

Education accessible at the Bureau of Jewish Education through program funding.

BJEBureau of Jewish Education

BJE Bright Beginnings

Early Childhood Education

New Expanded

Hours Begin Fall 2014

Individualized, Judaic-based curriculum fostering inquiry and social development to unleash the potential in every student

Integrated education for the whole child including music, swim, gym, Hebrew, creative movement and so much more

Nutritious lunch in all programs

Programs for children 12 months–kindergarten

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Enroll Today

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ASRSCRCThe Reuben Center

This is YOUR Federation.Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps

support programs and services to the elderly and those in need.

It is an import-ant question—what can we do as a community to combat the issue of addiction? The first and most sim-ple answer is talk about it. Like any other issue that a family or individu-al struggles with, feelings of isola-tion and shame compound the problem. For those struggling with ad-diction, not having others to talk to, not being aware

of members of your own community who are in recov-ery, worrying that you and your family will be judged, rather than supported—these realities complicate seek-ing help and turning to your community for support. So, let’s talk about addictions.

Let’s talk about the numbers. Roughly one in four Americans will have alcohol or drug problems at some point in their lives according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Addiction rates in Jew-ish communities are about the same. Almost a quarter of a trillion dollars of the nation’s yearly health care bill is attributable to substance abuse and addiction. Half of our inmates meet the medical criteria for substance abuse problems.

Let’s talk about the faces. People in our community have been affected by alcohol and substance abuse. We hear the stories of grandparents raising their grand-children, parents struggling to care for young children while in recovery, adults unable to find work or housing as a result of decisions made before they were sober, parents of adult children looking for answers and sup-port, their life savings depleted through their efforts to assist their child. We also see the faces of those work-ing everyday to maintain their sobriety, and the strength and grace that enables them to give back by helping others still struggling.

Let’s talk about what is being done. There are many venues for support. Numerous treatment options exist in

Addiction in the Jewish Community: What Can We Do?

A new program has become available to Holocaust survivors in our community. The Blue Card, an agency that helps survivors, has funds to support seniors in their home through home care, house keeping and more based upon the seniors' needs. If you are interested in exploring this program for yourself or a loved one, please contact Julie Sondhelm at jsondhelm@JFGI.org or 317.536.1476.

Holocaust Survivor Home Care

our local community from hospitals such as Fairbanks for inpatient treatment to outpatient groups and AA. The Jewish community nationwide has responded in-kind. There are multiple resources that can be found online, offering support and guidance. Powerful books writ-ten by eminent Jewish authors such as Rabbi Abraham Twerski and Rabbi Kerry Olitzky provide support for re-covery. Some communities have advanced to establish Jewish group homes for addiction treatment.

In our local community, we offer a JACS (Jewish Al-coholics and Chemically Dependent Persons and their Spouses) support group that meets monthly. JACS is de-signed as a supplement to the traditional AA/Ala-Non group with a Jewish framework. The group, facilitated by Rabbi Aaron Spiegel, meets at the Reuben Resource Center. Jewish Social Services, also housed at the Reu-ben Center, can provide information and resources, as well as, crisis support. For more information about JACS or other local resources, please contact Julie Sondhelm at 317.536.1473.

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HooverwoodHooverwood

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps

support programs and services to the residents of Hooverwood.

Dedication, professionalism, high standards, perfec-tion and compassion are just a few words to describe Suzanne Irwin, RN who will be retiring from the Hoover-wood family in January. Suzanne has had a long and proud career at Hooverwood. Beginning in 1983, Su-zanne was a staff nurse, staff development coordina-tor and infection prevention coordinator. She was also the nursing instructor for our CNA and QMA certification classes. Many of the brightest and best employees in our nursing department today were Suzanne’s students over the years.

Suzanne left the organization in 1993 to pursue other career goals but returned to Hooverwood in 2002 as the staff development and infection prevention coordina-tor. Then in 2009, she further enhanced her education and training by becoming a certified MDS/clinical as-sessment nurse.

The Hooverwood family will greatly miss Suzanne’s energy, enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge. We wish her the very best of happiness and health as she enjoys her retirement with her husband, children and grandchil-dren. We thank Suzanne for making a difference in the lives of our residents.

Hooverwood Honors Retirement of Suzanne Irwin, RN

The warmth and love of our Guild volunteers filled the main dining room on a very cold day in December. This annual luncheon is the one opportunity each year for Hooverwood to sincerely thank the Guild for all that they do.

The dining room was beautifully decorated by the activity department with a Chanukah and winter theme. The food service department catered a beautiful pas-ta bar buffet with a fruit display that was of cruise ship quality. Entertainment was provided by very talented children from the Hasten Hebrew Academy under the coordination of DeAnn Silverman.

Marc Penner, Executive Director, thanked the Guild Board and the entire membership for all the endless hours of volunteer assistance that is provided to the resi-dents throughout the year.

Annual Guild Chanukah Luncheon Recognizes Dedicated Guild Volunteers

Our residents counted down to 2014 in style at a lav-ish celebration on December 31, 2013. The activity staff out did themselves in the glitter and gold decorations in the main dining room. While sipping champagne and noshing on hors d’oeuvres and petifores, the residents enjoyed fabulous entertainment provided by Bob Myers and his seven piece band.

Many thanks to a “secret angel” who provided the necessary donation to make this party festival. We thank you for your “Heart for Hooverwood.”

Residents Welcome 2014 at Noon Year’s Even Celebration

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JCRCJewish Community Relations Council

This is YOUR Federation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support the

JCRC, your public policy voice.

In October the JCRC conducted its fourth legis-lative mission to Washington, D.C. JCRC Executive Board members and staff escorted nine members of the Indiana General Assembly for a full day of policy briefings, legislative discussions and a visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The JCRC uses the legis-lative missions to build strong relationships and educate new members and leadership on both sides of the aisle about the roll JCRC plays at the Indiana General As-sembly.

Indianapolis Visit from Israeli Consul General to the

MidwestIndianapolis was visited for the second time by Israeli

Consul General to the Midwest Roey Gilad in Novem-ber. The JCRC played a key roll in securing a strong schedule for the Consul General during his visit, which focused higher education and the value of strong part-nerships between Israel and U.S. institutions of higher learning. The Consul General and JCRC met with Pres-idents Daniels of Purdue, McRobbie of Indiana Univer-

sity and Danko of Butler University, as well as other high ranking administration staff and professors. Consul Gen-eral Gilad was also able to meet with Indiana Attorney General were he discussed state wide Iran Divestment and Disbarment legislation, of which Indiana and JCRC has been a national leader. The educational tour by Consul General Gilad was a jumping off point for new and exciting partnerships to be created between Indi-ana and Israeli colleges and universities.

JCRC Plays Strong Roll in American Studies Associa-tion Boycott

In December the American Studies Association, an academic association devoted to the interdisciplinary study of American culture and history, passed a reso-lution boycotting all Israeli institutions of higher learning and collaborative partnerships between academics at its recent national convention. The controversial resolu-tion agreed to by one third of the organizations overall membership has been quickly condemned by universi-ties, academics, media and policy makers.

The list of universities condemning the boycott and even withdrawing their membership from the ASA continues to grow. Immediately after the vote JCRC communicated with IU President Michael McRobbie, expressing appreciation for his past denunciation of an attempt to boycott of Israel in 2007, and urging him to reconsider IU’s membership status in the ASA. Based on that communication and a strong opposition to the ASA boycott IU did withdraw its membership from the association. It is one of four universities to take that step. JCRC commends President McRobbie and Indi-ana University in the leadership that have played on this issue.

JCRC Legislative Mission to Washington, D.C.

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JCCJewish Community CenterThis is YOUR Federation.

Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support early childhood and adult education,

culture programs and fitness at the JCC.

JCC members, complete your own Ironman during February. Do it at your own pace, complete the chal-lenge and then enter a raffle for great prizes.

Get Started Writing Your Own Book!Tuesday, February 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Writing Center Program Director Barbara Shoup of-fers an evening of instruction, inspiration and Q&A. $18 general public/$13 members.

Camp Registration DaySunday, February 16, 12:30-2:30 p.m.Ages 3 years-grade 8. Most camps and childcare are dis-counted up to 15 percent! Gear up for summer at the JCC with ntertainment, games and snacks for the kids plus a mem-bership special offer!

The Roaring 20s: Daddy Daughter Date NightSaturday, February 22, 7:00-10:00 p.m.For girls ages 4-13 and their “date.” Dinner, semi-formal dress-up, dancing, keepsakes and a lifetime of memories. Come to the JCC’s soirée of the year. $75 couple general pub-lic/$65 member couple. $10 per additional child.

A New Year at the JCC Social Media 201: Twitter, Facebook and BloggingTuesdays, February 25-March 18, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Make social media work for you and your business. Develop a social media strategy to engage your audi-ence and boost interest. Laptop suggested, but not re-quired. $83 general public/$55 members.

Three Seasonal, Healthy and Delicious Cooking Classes6:30–8:00 p.m. $12 general public/$10 members per classSoups and StocksTuesday, March 4

Make your own stock to control the quality of the in-gredients, flavors and salt content. Learn fast and easy techniques to create and store your own soup bases and stocks.Healthy Dinners on a DimeTuesday, March 11

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. Learn creative, healthy recipes and stay on your budget.Ready for SpringTuesday, March 18

Gear up to explore the flavors of spring. This class will focus on healthy foods coming into season and how best to enhance their natural goodness.

The Books of Dara Horn—A Taste of the Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts, The World to ComeWednesday, March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join a discussion about a novel in-spired by a fine art heist in Manhattan. Dara Horn is a notable force in mod-ern American fiction. Butler University Professor Hilene Flanzbaum will guide readers through a new understanding

of this popular novel. $8 general public/$5 members.

Also Coming SoonLearn to Play the Blues Harmonica: February 18-March 25Calligraphy classes: February 19-March 26Presentation and Discussion about Global Warming with IU Bloomington Senior Scientist, Dr. Thomas Stei-man-Cameron: February 20Art Exhibit Opening: Jeremy Mallov, "Finding Time, Landscapes Painted in Stolen Moments": March 9

Heartland Award-Winning Films at the JCC: March 12Meditation classes: March 22-April 12

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The Hasten Hebrew Academy is very proud of Nate Meyers, class of 2010, on being a 2014 recipient of the prestigious Wells Scholarship. This scholarship ranks among the most competitive and prestigious awards offered by any American university. The Wells Scholarship provides all fees for four years of undergraduate study on IU’s Bloomington campus. Each year only18-22 such awards are grant-

ed. As a student at the Academy, Nate credits the per-sonalized attention he received from teachers and staff as motivation and inspiration for his achievements. “The Academy provided a solid foundation and instilled a love for learning,” he said. “When I entered high school, the transition was seamless, and I could immediately get involved in a number of opportunities.”

A National AP Scholar, Nate is currently president of Brebeuf’s Speech and Debate team, president of the Jewish Student Union and president of the 2014 senior class. He enters this year’s debate season as a National Forensic League Academic All-American, a three-time national qualifier and the state’s runner-up in Lincoln Douglas debate. Nate is also a member of Brebeuf’s varsity cross country and track teams. He will be enter-ing the Kelley School of Business majoring in economic consulting and sustainable business management.

An Interview With Ron Dermer, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., on the Occasion of His Investiture

by seventh grader, Udi RoseUdi Rose and his father

attended the investiture of Ron Dermer, the new Israe-li ambassador to the United States. Udi used the opportu-nity to interview the new am-bassador and get answers to some important questions. This would have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity just on its own, but for a student of

the Hasten Hebrew Academy it is especially relevant as throughout their years here the students learn about Is-rael on an intimate level and in eighth grade take a trip there. Read Udi’s interview at www.hhai.org and click on What’s New.

HHAIHasten Hebrew Academy

This is YOUR Federation.Your gift to the Annual Campaign helps support the educational programs at the

Hasten Hebrew Academy.

Hebrew Academy Alum Receives Wells Scholarship

Honor Roll Milestone ReachedNinety-six percent of Hasten Hebrew Academy middle school students qualified for the honor roll this trimester. In order to make the honor roll, students must qualify in academics, conduct/citizenship or both. Honor roll stu-dents were recognized at a special breakfast and pro-gram. And, congratulations, also, to the teachers who inspire them every day.

Fourth Graders Meet Governor and First Lady During Statehouse Visit

Fourth graders visited the Indiana State House to cel-ebrate its 197th birthday. While there, they met the First Lady and even got her autograph! After meeting the First Lady, they visited the House and Senate chambers and voted on a pretend proposed Senate bill. The final part of the celebration was Indiana's birthday celebra-tion with a Gordon bagpiper leading the procession of the Governor, First Lady, Justice Dixon and Senator Jim Merritt. Elijah Shemesh was chosen from the audience to share an original photograph of Corydon, our first State Capital with the entire audience!

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Community NewsOur Community

Indianapolis Hebrew CongregationLiturgical Hebrew, Tuesday, February 18-March 25, 6:00 p.m.

Explore the language and themes found in the Shab-bat siddur with Rabbi Brett Krichiver.Sundays with the Rabbi, Sundays, February 16 and 23, March 2, 9:30 a.m.

Join Rabbi Krichiver for a stimulating discussion en-hanced by a bagel and lox breakfast. Holiday Workshops: Passover

Passover 101, Tuesday, March 4, 6:00 p.m.: How to Conduct a Meaningful Seder with Rabbi Nadia Siritsky

Wednesday, March 12, 6:30 p.m.: Recipes for the Soul & Stomach of Passover: Music and Meal Ideas with Cantor Janice Roger.

Sunday, March 23, 9:30 a.m.: Breaking the Mold: Cre-ative Ideas for Seders with Rabbi Brett Krichiver

For more information or to RSVP contact Marcia Goldstein at marciag@ihcindy.org or 317.255.6647.

Bnai TorahDaily Prayer Services

Prayer services are offered every morning, afternoon and evening. Shabbat morning services begin at 9:00 a.m. For other service times, please check the calendar on our website at www.btorah.org.B’nai Torah’s Annual Dinner, Sunday March 2

Come join us for B’nai Torah’s Annual Dinner as we honor Mark and Anna Ruth Hasten for all of their hard work and dedication to Indianapolis and the entire Jew-ish community. Please call the shul office at 317.253.5253 or email the office at office@btorah.org for more info.

Purim Seudah, Sunday, March 16, 5:00 p.m.B’nai Torah will be holding our annual Purim Seudah.

Join us to celebrate the holiday and enjoy a festive din-ner with us. Please call the shul office at 317.253.5253 or email the office at office@btorah.org for more info.

Beth-El ZedeckEric Kimmel, Sunday, March 23, 2014, 12:00 p.m.

Children’s author and Jewish educator Eric Kim-mel will present a family education. He is the author of more than 50 children’s books, including Caldecott Honor Book and Newbury Honor Book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. What Jews Should Know About the New Testament and Jesus, Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

With Dr. Ron Allen, Professor at Christian Theologi-cal Seminary and Rabbi Dennis Sasso.February 9: What is the New Testament? Jesus in His Jewish Context Paul and the Gentile Church February 23: One Jesus; Four Stories From Historical Jesus to Divine Christ The New Testament and Anti-Judaism

(Semitism)Family Havdalah, Saturday, February 22, 6:30 p.m.

Come to Havdalah in your jammies! We’ll say goodbye to Shabbat and hello to a new week with sundaes, a service and songs. Parent Toddler Havurah, Sunday, February 23, 9:45 a.m

Gathering for families with children from toddler to pre-k. Experience Judaism through songs and crafts. RSVP to Maria Simon at 317.329.9656.

For more information on all these and other pro-grams, visit www.bez613.org.

Congregation Shaarey TefillaThe Observant Life: The Wisdom of Conservative Judaism for Contemporary Jews, first and third Wednesday monthly, 7:15-8:30 p.m.

Book discussion with Rabbi: moral/ethical behav-ior, to what our ancestors dubbed issues that define relationships between people as opposed to those defining our relationship with God, issues between grandparents/grandchildren, environment, individ-uals with disabilities, animals, dietary laws, Shabbat and Jewish life cycle.Torah on the Road, last Monday monthly downtown Indianapolis at Katz & Korin, last Wednesday month-ly in Zionsville at Schuckit & Associates,12:30-1:30 p.m.

Same topic each session for the month.Judaism 101 for Adults, second and fourth Wednes-day, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

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3D@CST, first and third Sunday monthly, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Open to all teens one to two years after being called

up for their B’Nai Mitzvah. Dessert, Discussion, & De-bate(3 D’s) with Rabbi.Great Voices, Sunday, February 9, 2:00 p.m.

Back to the Theatre: Opera arias and Broadway Family Favorites Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Charlie Brown and The Lion King.Birthday and Anniversary celebrations, First Shabbat (Friday and Saturday) monthly

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/CST.

Congregation Beth ShalomOur 2014 schedule promises to be full and engaging.

Visit www.bethshalomindy.org or event details.Understanding the Liturgy Class, January and February

Cantor Winston leads a free, informal, seven-week class open to everyone to practice saying and sing-ing prayers and learn their origins and how they’ve changed. Basic Hebrew reading ability is required. Purim Shabbat, Friday, March 14

This will be a full-family event. Enjoy food, stories, mu-sic and entertainment. The community is invited. Torah Study, first and third Thursday monthly

If you think torah study sounds boring, you haven’t been to one of ours. Rabbi Halpern presides on the first and third Thursday of each month with interesting topics. Book Club, one Sunday monthly

Like to read? Join our book club and discuss the cho-sen selection. Conversation is lively. Shabbat Worship Services, second and fourth Fridays monthly, 6:30 p.m., University High School.

We welcome the community to participate with us.

Bill & Frances Julian Program for Inter- and Intra-Faith UnderstandingThursday, February 27, 5:30 p.m.Walnut Room, Indiana Memorial UnionProfessor Elliott Wolfson will lead a panel on conversionwith IU Professors Jeremy Schott and Constance Furey

Monday, March 3Film screening and discussion of Hannah ArendtIU Cinema

“Levinas on Ethics and the Political” and “Levinas on the Political and Zionism”Monday, March 31, 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 2 5:00 p.m.IU Bloomington location TBA Professor Michael Morgan delivers Helen & Martin Schwartz Lectures in Jewish Studies

Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism Lectures

“Antisemitism, the Unending Passion”Sunday, April 6, 8:00 p.m. Professor Pascal Bruckner delivers Hart & Simona Hasten Lecture

“Breaking the Taboo: Reflections on Arab and Muslim Antisemitism”Monday, April 7, 8:00 p.m. Professor Robert Wistrich delivers Hart & Simona Hasten Lecture

Did You Know ...That eight IU Jewish Studies students and two IU modern dance students are studying at Hebrew University in Je-rusalem this semester?

BJSBorns Jewish Studies Program

For more information, please contact the Robert A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program

at 812.855.0453 or IUJSP@indiana.edu.

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Spring 2014 Event Highlights

JFGI Community CalendarThere are exciting things going

on in the Indianapolis Jewish com-munity! Stay in the know about events and meetings via the JFGI community calendar on our web-site, www.JFGI.org/calendar. You can also submit your events to ap-pear on the calendar.

Help Us Name Your JFGI Magazine!Your JFGI publication has a brand-new look! Help

us give it a new name, too. Send your suggestions to Julia Goodman at marketing@JFGI.org or call her at 317.715.9257.

It only takes a few minutes to change lives in our community and around the world. Popsie’s Pantry food bank to combat food insecurity, care for seniors, Israel experiences for the young—these are some of the solutions Federation supports with heart, innovation and decades of knowing what works. Seize the moment: Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. Answer the call on Super Sunday, February 23. Volunteer shifts will be at the Domont Auditorium at the Bureau of Jewish Education from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. and on Monday, February 24 at the JFGI offices from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sign up for a shift at www.JFGI.org.

SUPER SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23.FEED THE HUNGRY.

GIVE HOPE TO THOUSANDS.

SECURE THE FUTURE.BEFORE YOUR ALARM GOES OFF.

www.JFGI.org

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