OpinionThe JewishPost&Presenting a broad spectrum of Jewish News and Opinions since 1935.

Volume 83, Number 1 • October 21, 2016 • 19 Tishrei 5777www.jewishpostopinion.com • www.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/collections/JPO

Indiana Edition

Cover art by Jackie Olenick (see About the Cover, p. IN 3).

2 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN October 21, 2016

Sydney Alex Weinstein (below) bornJune 4, 2016 in San Francisco to Lisaand Adam Weinstein. The maternalgrandparents are Barbara and DickLeventhal and paternal grandparents areRita and Rick Weinstein.

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Zachary Albert and Jennifer Sparado,(below) married on July 17, 2016 in Beverly,Mass. Zachary is the son of David andNancy Albert of Texas and the grandsonof Rachel Albert of Indianapolis. The chuppah is made of branches from birchtrees from the bride’s childhood home inVermont. Jennifer got her masters atBoston College and teaches school.Zachary graduated from BrandiesUniversity and works for The ShoahFoundation. They honeymooned in Arubaand will reside in Newton, Mass. Relativesin attendance from Indianapolis besides

Simcha AnnouncementsMazel Tov to…

Zachary’s grandmother Rachel were hisaunt and uncle Eileen and HowardShorr, cousins Sam and Mina Shorr andJoey and Alyssa Shorr.

Lynne Maor Alkobi (below), daughterof Saar and Shirley Alkobi on becominga Bat Mitzvah on Aug. 20 at CongregationB’nai Torah. Grandparents are SuzanAlkobi and Hertzel and Julia Tzadok.Other relative in attendance were Tomerand Ayelet Alkobi, Esther HadassahAlkobi, Gabi and Eti Boganim, Tzvikaand Vivian Garber, and Yoav Raichel.The Parashat was Va’etchanan, ShabbatNachamu. Saar and Shirley also celebratedtheir 15th wedding anniversary that week.

Ryan Plaskoff(right), son of Dr.Josh and RobynPlaskoff, grand-son of Dee andSanford Schwartzon becoming a barmitzvah at Beth-ElZedeck Sept. 2–3.He has a youngerbrother Ian. (Seehis reflections on his bar mitzvah, p. IN 12).

Katherine Michelle Voskoboynik (topright), daughter of Michael Voskoboynikand Irene Fox-Voskoboynik, grand-

daughter of Faina Voskoboynik andSimon Fox all of greater Indianapolis,upon her marrigae to Jason AlexanderSchwartz, son of Fred and MarciSchwartz of Roswell, Ga. The weddingwas held at the Hillcrest Country Club onSept. 4, 2016 and Rabbi Sue Silberbergofficiated.

Ringbearers were Jared Fox and Peterand Sammy Shmukler, and flower girlswere Azalea Nagel and Esha Gulati. Inattendance were the bride’s siblings Ellenand Anna Voskoboynik and the groom’ssiblings Michael Schwartz and LaurenMintz. The bride and groom met at aJewish Federation of Greater IndianapolisYoung Leadership Division event.

The ring that the bride was married in isan heirloom from the 1890s belonging tothe groom’s family.The family tradition forthe bride to get married in this ring hasbeen in place for several generations. Forexample, the groom’s mother and auntswere married in this ring. It was a privilegeand an honor for the bride to participate inthis special tradition. The couple honey-mooned in Puerto Vallarta and they willreside in Indianapolis.

Simona and Hart Hasten on the marriage of their granddaughter ShaneHaLevy. Shane is the daughter of theirdaughter and son-in-law Renee and EyalHalevy. The beautiful wedding tookplace in Jerusalem on Sept. 24, 2016.

Michael Voskoboynik, technologyteacher and coordinator at HastenHebrew Academy, who has been invitedto teach at The International School forHolocaust Studies of Yad Vashem globalconference in Jerusalem Dec. 26-29, 2016.The conference is titled, “The Shoah andJewish Identity – Challenges in JewishEducation”. The conference will addressthe challenges of teaching the Shoah todifferent age groups, the impact of theShoah on Jewish identity, antisemitismand more – in order to create a vision thatwill ensure the legacy of the Shoah forfuture generations. Voskoboynik’s topicwill be “Using technology – unique programs in the Jewish world to ensurethe legacy of the Shoah.”AAAA

317-863-2356 plande@atlasrealty.com www.remax-atlasgroup.com

From Indy to Israel,we are here to be of service!

L’Shana Tova!

Photo credit: Peter Jonathan Images

October 21, 2016 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 3

Inside this IssueSimcha Announcements.........................2Editorial.....................................................3About the Cover ......................................3Community Events .................................4B’nai Torah honorees ..............................5Holocaust events at BJE .........................5Letter from Consul General Ezra .........7Rabbi Benzion Cohen (Chassidic Rabbi)

Jewish Meditation ................................8Seniors in Place .......................................8Hanna Fogel (Jews in Sports)

Up-&-Comers .......................................9DeLaney at Jewish Lawyer Group.....10Hadassah annual donor luncheon .....10JWRP Leadership Conference ............10Cong. Shaarey Tefilla Kallah ..............11Plaskoff’s Bar Mitzvah/project ...........12Obituaries ...............................................13HHAI’s 1st volleyball champs ............16JFGI Adopt-a-Family ............................16

1427 W. 86th St. #228Indianapolis, IN 46260email: jpostopinion@gmail.comphone and fax: (317) 405-8084website: www.jewishpostopinion.compublisher & editor: Jennie Cohengraphic designer: Charlie Bunes

OpinionPost&The Jewish

Jewish News and Opinion since 1935.

actually making a difference.Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a day set

aside once a year for the purpose of con-tacting them and letting them know whata difference they made in our lives? Whatthey did was important even if they weresimply doing the job they were paid to do.

This, of course, could and should bedone every day, but sometimes it helps tohave a specific time when others are alsodoing the same, just as we Jews ask forforgiveness during the High Holidays.

Advice columnist, Ann Landers, ofblessed memory, proclaimed April 2 asReconciliation Day, a day for people whohad been close but had a falling out andstopped communicating. It is a time forthem to contact each other and rekindletheir relationship.

I had suggested Nov. 2 as AppreciationDay because it is in between the Canadian(Oct. 10) and the American ThanksgivingDays (Nov. 24). This year that day is alsosix days before elections. If we were alleither giving or receiving appreciation,wouldn’t that elevate our moods beforeElection Day?

The most recent lecture I heard byDeepak Chopra was titled “Peace is theWay”. This and the following two para-graphs is an excerpt from that. He said thefastest way to achieve peace in the worldis to be peaceful. He quoted MahatmaGandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” If there is a critical massexperiencing peace, there will definitely be peace, he remarked.

“Peace is our natural state before it getsdisturbed by the fragmented mind, by thehypnosis of social conditioning. Right nowthere is a lot of turbulence in the collectiveconsciousness, but just remind yourself thatyou do not have to be part of it. Find thatplace within yourself that is already peaceful

I have been following Deepak Chopra’steachings for at least the past 25 yearssince the days when I lived in the SanFrancisco Bay Area. At that time he was afrequent lecturer there. Today anyone canwatch him on Facebook where he giveslive lectures about twice a week.

Recently he has said that our politicalcandidates are a reflection of ourselves,and if we are not happy with them, weneed to examine ourselves and see howwe can improve. Then we will draw betterpeople to represent us in the political arena.

This might have seemed farfetched hadI not just heard a similar explanationabout the Al Chet prayer at Yom Kippurservices. That prayer is a litany of sins forwhich every person in the congregation is expected to ask forgiveness, even if heor she never committed them. The rabbiexplained that we still all ask to be forgivenfor them. When we say this prayer, it is notthat we are only asking for forgiveness forourselves, we are asking together as awhole community for everyone in it.

In previous editorials, I have suggestedone way that we could make improvementsis to observe an annual Appreciation Day.In my October editorial from 2003 andcontinuing every October after that, Iwrote about establishing a special day oncea year to express appreciation to thosewho have helped us in some way butwhose efforts we had not acknowledged.

I gave the example of meeting myfather’s cousin Milton Rosenbaum and hiswife Jean, both of blessed memory, at theKing David Hotel in Jerusalem on my first trip to Israel when I was 18. As I wasintroduced to them in the lobby of thehotel, we shook hands.

Jean took me aside and whispered tome that my extended hand was like a limpfish, and she showed me how to give afirm, confident handshake. I thought itwas rude of her to tell me this, until I started having job interviews. Then Ibecame very grateful that she had taken thetime to share that information with me.

Many different people come into ourlives, some only briefly, and they help usimprove ourselves. Often we are either too distracted to notice or, in my case,unappreciative, so their kindness goesunacknowledged.

These are not just relatives and friends.Some are helping professionals, such asteachers, counselors, firemen, clergy,healthcare professionals, lawyers andlibrarians. They can be of different ages,races, genders, religions and socioeconomicstatus. These people put forth a great dealof effort, sometimes wondering if they are

Editorial

(see Editorial, page IN 9)

“Spread Over Us Your Shelter of Peace”By Jackie Olenick

“I painted this image with its blessingof peace, in honor of Israel’s 60th birthday.The clouds are formed as though they are wingsof Shekinah hovering protectively over animpressionistic view ofJerusalem. The belovedblessing comes to us fromthe Hashkiveinu service.”

Jackie Olenick is a Judaic artist and jew-elry designer residing in Bloomington,Ind. Her work can be seen on her website:www.jackieolenickart.com, and she will beat the Indianapolis JCC Holiday Bazaar onNov. 20, 2016 AAAA

About the Cover

by practicing mindfulness, meditation,yoga, observing your breath and the sensations in your body. …Other peace

Jackie Olenick

j i

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Simchas Welcome! Had a recent joyousoccasion in your family or Jewish organization? The Jewish Post & Opinion– IN Edition welcomes your announce-ments for placement in our Simchasection (see page 2). Submit photos andtext to: jpostopinion@gmail.com. NextDeadline: Nov. 11, 2016. All decisions on publishing, date of placement, size ofphoto, and length of announcement are atthe sole discretion of the publisher.

4 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN October 21, 2016

cultural and educational adventure whilehelping represent Israel! Sign up at:signupgenius.com/go/20f0c45afa622abf85-volunteers for a volunteershift. General Admission is $10. Ticketsfor children 7–12 are $8. Children 6 yearsand under are free. Advance discounttickets for $6 may be purchased from AlmaSmith (NCI Treasurer) 317-442-7039 oremail her: treasurer@nationalitiescouncil.org or buy online: on.spingo.com/e/40th_indy_international_festival. For more info,go to http://nationalitiescouncil.org/indy-international-festival.

Second Sunday Concerts atIndianapolis Hebrew Congregation

Sun., Nov. 13 at IHC, at 2 p.m. TwoHarps and a Flute, A Romantic Escapade.Sisters Kim Glennie and Wendy Mustonalong with Miriam Sosewitz will playlovely French music, tangos, Spanishdances and a few surprises. On Dec. 11will be IHC’s Music Treasures. Free andopen to the public. For more info call 255-6647.

Hadassah’s Lunch and LearnFall schedule at Donato’s near Thrifty

Threads on the southwest side of 86th &Ditch. Meetings are on Wednesdays; start

film by Ted Green Films. When all-blackCrispus Attucks High School was built inthe 1920’s, it was designed to fail. But itdidn’t. For more than 40 years, the stu-dents who came of age within the brickwalls of Attucks became surgeons andteachers, scientists and politicians, world-class musicians and athletes. This docu-mentary film features students OscarRobertson, Maj. General Harry Brooks,Angela Brown, David Baker and manyother Attucks graduates. Following thefilm, Ted Green, the producer, will speakand participate in a question and answersession. Presented in Partnership withWFYI Public Media and Ted Green Films.Sponsored by Butler University Center forFaith and Vocation, and Congregation Beth Shalom.

International Festival 40th anniversary

Thurs.–Sat., Nov. 10–12 at the BlueRibbon Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds,1200 E. 38th St., General Public Hours areThurs. & Fri., 2–9 p.m., and Saturday, 9a.m.–9 p.m. Over 50 ethnic groups andcountries will share their rich cultural histories and traditions, and Israel is oneof them. In order for us to celebrate Israelas part of this festival, we need volunteers!Join our shlicha, Inbar Nadir, for a multi-

Libby Fogel Lunch BunchEvery week on Tues., and Thurs.

noon–1 p.m, until Dec. 30, 2016. Enjoygreat food and conversation with friendsin the Laikin Auditorium of the JCC.Thesewell-balanced lunches are available toanyone over the age of 60 for only $3. Themeals are subsidized through CICOA,Aging and In-Home Solutions. You don’tneed a daily reservation but some specialevents require a “heads-up”so we can planaccordingly. Upcoming Holiday LunchDates (please RSVP for these specificdates): Thanksgiving Lunch: Thurs., Nov.17, and Chanukah Lunch: Thurs., Dec. 29.RSVP by calling 317-259-6822 or emailChristy (cmorris@JFGI.org) or Ruthie(yarning@hotmail.com).

NCSY Laser Tag & Cosmic BowlingSat., Oct. 22, 8:30–11 p.m. at Woodland

Bowl, 3421 E 96th St. Open to students6–12 grade. Cost $5. For more info contactParisa Keisari at pkeisari@hotmail.com.

Hooverwood Guild Fall Luncheonand Fashion Show

Wed., Oct 26 from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., atBroadmoor Country Club. Fabulous raffleprizes. Vegetarian meals available uponrequest. Cost $33. For more informationcontact Babs Cohn 317-844-9001.

Jewish Lawyer’s Luncheon GroupThis group meets for lunch at noon

usually on the fourth Wednesday of eachmonth at Shapiro’s downtown and thespeaker typically starts at 12:30 p.m. Thenext meeting will be Wed., Oct. 26, andthe speaker is Chief Justice of the IndianaSupreme Court Loretta H. Rush. She wasappointed to the Indiana Supreme Courtby Governor Mitch Daniels in September2012. She became Chief Justice on August18, 2014. Prior to her appointment, shewas elected Tippecanoe Superior Court 3judge and served for 14 years. For moreinformation contact: rshevitz@cohenand-malad.com.

Ann Katz Festival second Unity Project Program

This year, the festival is starting withtwo Unity Project programs. The UnityProject is a new community initiative withthe mission, “To help build respect andunderstanding between various commu-nities, especially the Black and the Jewishcommunity through arts and dialogue.”To find out more about the Festival seetheir ad on page 6.

Weds., Oct. 26 at 7 p.m., at the JCC, themovie Attucks: The School that Opened aCity is an outstanding new documentary

Community Events

(see Events, page IN 7)

Erica Siegel, L.Ac. (licensed acupuncturist) andDipl.OM (practitioner of traditional oriental medicine)has been an acupuncturist in Indianapolis for morethan 10 years.

Some of the common ailmentshelped by acupuncture:

• Pain (Chronic & Acute)• Allergies, Asthma• Arthritis• Women’s Health• Men’s Health• Auto-Immune Disorders• Anxiety/Depression• Insomnia

Testimonials:Acupuncture with Erica Siegel has virtuallyeliminated my tinnitus and back pain andhas given me significant relief from allergies.~ Stephanie J.

What has Indy Acupuncture done for me?My restless leg syndrome was gone in onevisit. ~ Debbie A.

Locations:Broad Ripple 6155 N. College Ave.

DowntownIndianapolis111 E.16th. St.

Find out more at: www.Indyacu.com or call 317-255-3030

October 21, 2016 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 5

B’nai Torah honorsRep. Brian Bosma,Drs. Rick Bentley and Caryn Vogel

Congregation B’nai Torah’s annual dinner took place on Sept. 24, honoringSpeaker of the House Brian Bosma withthe Community Service Award and Drs.Rick Bentley and Caryn Vogel with thePillars of the Torah award. Also attendingwith Mr. Bosma was his beautiful wife,Cheryl, and their son and daughter-in-lawChristopher and Katherine Bosma.

Brian Bosma was primary author ofAnti-BDS (Boycott, Divestment andSanctions) legislation for the state of Israel passed on May 20. It is the strongest legislation of its kind in theUnited States and Bosma pushed itthrough the Indiana Legislature.

Representative Bosma was first electedin 1986 to represent House District 88,which today encompasses the northeastportion of Marion County and parts ofsouthern Hamilton County. He wasselected as Republican Floor leader in1994 and Republican Leader in 2000. AfterRepublicans became the majority party in2004, Bosma was selected as Speaker ofthe House.

L to R: Simona Hasten, Speaker Bosma, AllonFriedman, Elliot Bartky and Hart Hasten.Photo by Rick Bentley taken May 20, 2016 at the signing of the anti-BDS legislation.(Simona and Hart were not able to attendthe dinner because they were in Jerusalemfor their granddaughter’s wedding.)

L to R: Rick Bentley, Allon Friedman, ElliotBartky, Rabbi Yisroel Gettinger, BrianBosma, and his wife, Cheryl.

Caryn Vogel and Rick Bentley were honored with this painting of Jerusalem

Bosma is a founding director of BosmaIndustries for the Blind, Inc., whichemploys over 85 blind and visuallyimpaired Hoosiers in Central Indiana.In 2009, he founded and now chairs the Bosma Visionary OpportunitiesFoundation which supports programs for the blind and visually impaired.

Because of his warm introductions and humorous stories, Rabbi YisraelHomnick made an excellent Master ofCeremonies. Allon Friedman introducedand praised Representative Bosma and

Holocaust exhibit & event at BJEThe Holocaust Education Center of Indiana is pleased to host

The Spungen Holocaust Postal Exhibit,“The Nazi Scourge: PostalEvidence of the Holocaust and the Devastation of Europe”– Nov.15, 16, and 17, 11a–8p at Bureau of Jewish Education 6711Hoover Road, Door #1Indianapolis, IN.

The stamps, postcards, letters, moneyand other artifactsbring to light everydayactivities of peopleduring the time ofWWII including letters

and stamps fromConcentration Campsand Ghettos.

Also, a specialKristallnacht com-memoration servicewill be heldNovember15, 7:00pm. Formore

information abouteither event or toreserve a group visitcall 317-255-3124 or email admin@bjeindy.org. AAAA

(see B’nai Torah, page IN 14)

6 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN October 21, 2016

(see Fogel, page IN 8)

October 21, 2016 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 7

at 11:30 a.m. For more information contactPhyllis Russell at Therussells46032@aol.com.Nov. 16, Phyllis Russell will present theLife of Ida Cohen Rosenthal, founder ofMaiden Form; and Dec. 7, Phyllis Kaplanwill present Life of Lillian Rifkin Blumenfeld,educator and safe toys advocate.

JCC Holiday Artisan BazaarSun., Nov. 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Shop in a

relaxed atmosphere for one-of-a kindhandmade gifts – ceramics, jewelry, glass-ware, textiles, and much more – fromCentral Indiana’s most talented artisans.Admission and parking are free.

Hadassah Book ClubSun., Nov. 20, at 2:30 p.m., Debt of

Tamar by Nicole Dweck. Hostess: JudyKoor 3539 Inverness Blvd, Carmel, andfacilitator Shirley Aprison. Sun., Dec. 18 at2:30 p.m., A Man Called Ove by FrederickBackman. Hostess: Marcia Raushcer, 3529Inverness Blvd., and facilitator Judy Koor.For more info or to RSVP contact HelaineHerman at helaineh1@gmail.com. AAAA

EVENTS(continued from page IN 4)

To a Good New Year!from

Perfect Touch Cleaners

8435 Ditch Road259-7837

Serving your community for over 25 years.

Dear Friends,As the new Consul General of Israel to

the Midwest, allow me to extend a heart-felt Shana Tova, and my warmest wishes toyou and yours for a happy,healthy and joyous newyear. On a personal note,I would like to thank the Jewish communitiesthroughout the Midwest,as well as the consulatestaff for their gracious and warm welcome.I am grateful to have found an exception-ally warm and supportive reception. I amconfident that together we will collaborateto deepen the connection to our belovedState of Israel.

The High Holidays are a time for intro-spection and reflection. They also serve asan opportunity to assess what we haveaccomplished in the previous year andwhat we strive to achieve in the timeahead. For me this Rosh Hashana brings anew post as Consul General, with itsunique set of challenges and opportunities.

Chicago and the Midwest are home tosome of the strongest and most vibrantJewish communities in the United States.You are among the most strategic partnersto the State of Israel. As Consul General Iwill work tirelessly to help maintain andstrengthen the inexorable and unshakablebond between the United States and theJewish homeland. This will take place inthe form of continued cooperation in sev-eral key areas: joint economic projects,cultural collaboration, as well as continuedtechnological partnerships, especially inthe realm of innovation.

I will also work to promote Jewish identity and continuity throughout theMidwest vis-à-vis the state of Israel, andto support and strengthen these exempla-ry communities. Referred to as America’sheartland, this region is truly the beatingheart of America; its very core. It is, there-fore, hardly surprising that the Jewishleadership therein represent some of thestrongest and most vibrant individuals inthe United States. Chicago alone, boasts aJewish population of an estimated 300,000– and while other Midwest Jewish communities may not be as large, they are equally as tenacious in maintainingtheir identity and creating a thriving communal life. We must continue to work together to maintain and enhancethis passion for our shared roots and heritage, as well as our joint concern forthe State of Israel, which serves as the veryembodiment of Jewish continuity.

I seek your help as Israel faces a myriadof challenges, including security threats to its very existence. The Middle East isexperiencing turbulent winds of change,with an as yet to be determined outcome.But this much is clear, the region’s radicalforces are not getting weaker: Hezbollahin Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and al-Qaidain Sinai are all working tirelessly todestroy the Jewish State. Iran continues tosupport terrorist organizations financiallyand militarily, causing havoc throughoutthe Muslim world and in the UnitedStates, the BDS movement continues toundermine Israel’s very legitimacy andtarnish its international standing.

We are only strong when we standshoulder to shoulder. Together we canextend our deep roots, and continue tofoster thriving communities. If there issomething Israelis and Midwesternersshare, it is a proud sense of tenacity anddogged determination. And the State ofIsrael is living proof that resolve and hardwork will indeed get you far.

I wish you and your families good health,joy and happiness for the upcoming yearand look forward to a productive yeartogether ahead!

Shana Tova!Aviv EzraConsul General of Israel to the Midwest AAAA

Letter from Aviv Ezra,Consul General ofIsrael to the Midwest

8 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN October 21, 2016

I am writing this after Rosh Hashanahand wish all of you and all of Israel a goodand sweet year. Two days after RoshHashanah is the yahrtseit of our dearmother, Helen Cohen, z”l, Chaya, daughterof Tzvi Hirsh. For 27 years she wrote a col-umn for the Jewish Post. So now is a goodtime to tell this story about me and mymother and Rosh Hashanah.

My 17th year was a big turning point in my life. I graduated high school inIndianapolis, spent the summer in Israel,and decided to stay there to learn inHebrew University in Jerusalem.

Now I was living in the Holy Land andin the Holy City, a good place to find beliefin Hashem. I too started to believe. A yearlater I dropped out of college and startedto learn in the Yeshiva in K’far Chabad. Istarted to put on tefillin every day and sayall of the morning prayers.

After a while I noticed that some of theboys put on their tefillin and then sat veryquietly for 5 or 10 minutes before theprayers began. Their eyes were closed andthey didn’t move. Were they meditating?At that time I had been doing yoga for ayear, and practiced yoga meditation.

I asked one of the boys if they weremeditating. He said yes. I asked him whatkind of meditation. He told me that theywere doing Chassidic meditation. I askedhim how to do it. He pointed to an olderman, Reb Shlomo Chaim who is the spiritual director of the Yeshiva, and said Ishould go to him to learn how to doChassidic meditation.

I went to Reb Shlomo Chaim and askedhim. He opened the Tanya to chapter 41.(The Tanya is the basis of all ChabadChassidic teachings). He told me to learnthe first two pages by heart and go overthem when walking or riding.The first halfpage I should meditate on for 10 minutesevery day before the morning prayers.

He explained that the Tanya tells us thatbefore praying one should prepare himselfby meditating about Who he is praying to.One should think about the greatness ofHashem, who is infinite, and about howgreat and wondrous is the universe thatHashem created – the earth, the sun (amillion times bigger than the earth) andthe countless stars.

Next take a minute to think about howHashem is giving life to everything, to allexistence. Then think about why Hashemmade the world and keeps it going. Why?For each and every one of us. He wants us

BY RABBI BENZION COHEN

Chassidic Rabbi

Jewish Meditation

Seniors in Placeto learn Torah and do Mitzvahs to makeHis world better and holier.

Then I should think about doing what-ever I can to serve Hashem and try to real-ize that Hashem is right here and knowswhat I am thinking and what is in myheart. Then I am better prepared to pray.

This is also the main theme of RoshHashanah and Yom Kippur. A new year isbeginning. We ask Hashem to be our kingand take upon ourselves to serve Him.

I began to do this meditation every day,and not only my prayers, but my whole lifetook on more and more meaning. A yearpassed, and my dear mother came all theway from Indianapolis to Israel to visit.She had to see for herself that everythingwas well with me. She had with her acheck for $30, and she gave it to me.

A few days later Reb Shlomo Chaimflew to America to see the Rebbe. In thosedays such a trip was a big deal, so a lot ofus accompanied him to the airport to seehim off. We sang and we danced, and Igave him the check from my mother. I toldhim to give this money to a charity inAmerica. In this way his trip would involveanother mitzvah, and he would haveDivine protection.

When he returned he told me what he did with the check. He had a privateaudience with the Rebbe. He gave thecheck to the Rebbe and told him that itwas from Ben Zion Cohen. The Rebbeasked how I was doing. He told the Rebbe that I was learning Talmud andChassidic teachings, and that I meditated10 minutes every day before the morningprayers. The Rebbe was very happy. Hesaid “Ben Zion meditates for 10 minutes?It would be good if all of the students inthe Yeshiva would meditate for 5 or 10minutes before the morning prayers!”

Wow! Now I was inspired. This gave methe strength that until this day, 46 yearslater, I still meditate a few minutes beforethe morning prayers.These prayers are thehighlight of my day! I stand in front ofHashem, our dear Father and Creator toplead with Him to bring Moshiach, toreveal Himself to all of the world, and tobring an end to our exile and to all evil.

I hope that this story will inspire all of youto meditate and pray every day, and learn Torahand do Mitzvahs to bring Moshiach Now!

Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, Israel.Email him at bzioncohen 770@gmail.com. AAAA

For additional events such as movies,singing club, knitting club, bingo and more,or to RSVP for these listed below, please callJanet at 251-8881 unless stated otherwise.

Classic Movie Club – Money MonsterMon., Oct. 24 at 3 p.m., at MorningSide

of College Park. Starring George Clooneyand Julia Roberts. Movie, popcorn &drinks are free. Stay for dinner for only $5

Indiana Repertory Theatre:Finding Home: Indiana at 200

Wed., Oct. 26 depart from the JCC at 9 a.m. The Indiana Repertory Theatreexplores the state’s fascinating past, ourcomplex present, and our potential futureswith a newly-created collection of shortplays and monologues by writers from allover Indiana: not only playwrights butpoets, journalists, novelists, and manyothers, as well. Featuring songs byHoosier singer-songwriter Tim Grimm,this multi-faceted look at our life andtimes mixes music and history, comedyand drama, fact and fable. Lunch atIndianapolis Colts Grille following theshow. Tickets must be paid for by October14. $27 includes transportation and show.Lunch at your expense.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra –Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark

Sun., Nov. 20 depart the JCC at 2 p.m.The film that gave the world one of itsgreatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, isback and better than ever before! Relivethe magic on the silver screen with theoriginal great adventure – Raiders of theLost Ark – with John Williams’s epic scoreperformed live to picture by theIndianapolis Symphony Orchestra. $54includes transportation and show.

IRT – A Christmas CarolWed., Dec. 7 depart from the JCC at

9 a.m. The spirits of Christmas bring newlife to Ebenezer Scrooge in his journeyfrom dark night of the soul to bright joyous morning. Lunch at IndianapolisColts Grille following the show. Ticketsmust be paid for by October 26. $27Includes transportation & show, lunch atyour expense. AAAA

October 21, 2016 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 9themselves, has at least one Jewish parentor grandparent, or has a Jewish spouse.

One of the two actual Israeli citizens onthe team is 20-year-old relief pitcherDean Kremer, who in 2015 became thefirst Israeli drafted by a Major Leagueteam and eventually ended up joining theDodgers organization. Though he wasactually born in California, his parents areIsraeli, so he holds dual citizenship.

If baseball seems like an unlikely Israelipastime, one would think ice hockeywould be even more so. Yet sixteen-year-old David Levin, who was born andraised in Israel, is currently playing in the

Ontario Hockey League (and was the firstoverall pick in their 2015 draft) and figuresto be a top prospect for the 2018 NHLDraft. He would be the first Israel-bornplayer to ever be drafted onto a NationalHockey League team. His dad coached aroller hockey team, which led Levin to trying it out on the ice at one of Israel’stwo rinks. At the age of 12, he moved toCanada to live with extended family andwork on his game. Levin’s one setbackmay end up being his obligations to theIDF as an Israeli citizen: his status will bereviewed once he turns 18, at which timehe may or may not be granted an exemp-tion from military service.

Toronto’s Zach Hyman had a brief stintwith his hometown Maple Leafs last sea-son, playing 16 games with them beforebeing sent back down to their minorleague affiliate as the Marlies entered the Calder Cup playoff race. Though histime in the NHL was brief, and while he may not have the flashiest game,Hyman’s steadfast effort has impressed.The Tanenbaum Community HebrewAcademy of Toronto graduate made theLeafs’ roster out of training camp; here’shoping that this time he sticks.

Baseball may be winding down thismonth but will be back again in thespring, and what with hockey just startingup and going until June, sports fan or no,as fellow Members of the Tribe, these guyswill give you an extra reason to root forthem all year ’round.

Hanna Fogel has lived in Indianapolismost of her life and has been part of the

Because of the stereotype that Jewsaren’t athletic, the ones who are, tend tobecome fairly well-known in Jewish circlespretty quickly. This means you’ve likelyheard of baseball player Ryan Braun,gymnast Aly Raisman, New EnglandPatriots football player Julian Edelman,offensive linemen Geoff and MitchSchwartz (who recently released a jointautobiography called Eat My Schwartz) andbasketball players Amar’e Stoudemireand Omri Casspi.

There are likely even more athletesyou’re familiar with but maybe didn’t realize were Jewish, like current TorontoBlue Jay Kevin Pillar and WNBA playerSue Bird. So in this roundup, we’re goingto focus on three Jewish athletes (onebaseball player and two hockey players)that you may never have heard of, for theirreligion, athletic prowess, or otherwise –at least not yet. These are some of the up-and-comers, the ones we think you’llbe seeing on your TV screens soonerrather than later.

When you think of Israeli sports, base-ball likely isn’t the first sport that comes tomind. Yet last month Team Israel claimedthe last qualifying spot for the WorldBaseball Classic (for the country’s first everappearance) that’ll be taking place inSouth Korea in March 2017. How, youmight ask? The WBC’s rules allow anyplayer that could possibly qualify for citizenship to play for a country – so inTeam Israel’s case, because of the Law ofReturn, this includes anyone who is Jewish

Zach Hyman (photo from the Toronto Star)

Dean Kremer (from Jewish Baseball News)

David Levin (photo from Sports Illustrated)

Jewish community. She attended the HastenHebrew Academy from Gan through 8thgrade, spent her summers at JCC camps, andremains a member of Congregation ShaareyTefilla. Alongside writing for the JewishPost & Opinion, she is currently a copy editor for NUVO Newsweekly, foundingstaff writer for The Relish (an e-publicationdedicated to female sports fans; sign up forthe twice-weekly newsletter at therelish.comor view longer posts at medium.com/the-relish), and a freelance book editor. For moreinformation on the latter, check out her website at hannamfogel.wordpress.com. She canbe reached on Twitter at @hannamfogel, orby email at hmfogel@gmail.com. AAAA

practices are speaking peacefully, alwaysasking oneself, what am I observing, whatam I feeling, what is the perceived needand how do I help fulfill that need?”

He concluded with nine principles forconflict resolution: “(1) Treat your adver-sary with respect; (2) Recognize there isperceived injustice on both sides; (3) Beready to forgive and ask for forgiveness;(4) Refrain from belligerence; (5) Practicethe principles of emotional intelligence;(6) Stop stereotyping and using verbal formulas; (7) Don’t prove the other personwrong, they will never forgive you; (8)Recognize that there is fear on all sides;(9) Refrain from arguments that involveideology, politics, and religion.”

Most of these recommendations byChopra are not easy, but I think he is suggesting to begin on a small scale withoneself and then with close family andfriends. Once success is achieved there,that will open up the possibility for success in bigger circles.

Jennie Cohen, October 21, 2016 AAAA

EDITORIAL(continued from page IN 3)

j i

BY HANNA FOGEL

Up-&-Comers

Jews in Sports

10 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN October 21, 2016

Hadassah annualdonor luncheon

The Indianapolis Chapter of Hadassahheld its 80th annual donor and volunteerrecognition luncheon at BroadmoorCountry Club. The event was to showappreciation to major contributors of theHadassah fundraising campaign. Guestspeaker was Dr. Emily Frank, InternalMedicine, Bone Health Specialist.

The committee included: ChairmanDiana Shapiro; Lynn Davis, Joan Katz,Sharon Wainshilbaum, and PresidentBrenda Freedman.Thanks to the followingwho provided door prizes: Sweet Thingsand Artist Extraordinaire Bonnie Gordon-Lucas. AAAA

L-R: Pearl Joffe, Paula Barrett, Jodi Stoner,and Arlene Grande.

L-R: Sharon Wainshilbaum, Connie Schiller,and Brenda Freedman.

L-R: Bev Bercovitz, Myrna Fang, BrendaSchrager, Marilyn Bercovitz, and FranSusskind.

L-R: Mary Smith and Dr. Emily Frank.

Judith Friedman of Indianapolis (in left circle pictured below) participatedin the Jewish Women’s RenaissanceProject (JWRP) Leadership ConferenceSept. 18–20 in College Park, Md. TheConference gathers Jewish women fromacross the world to hone their leadershipskills and create a global Jewish women’smovement. The annual conference waslaunched in 2013 with 65 participantsfrom the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and by last year it had grown to include 200people from eight countries.

This year’s gathering, jointly presentedwith Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs,drew more than 300 Jewish mothers fromnine nations including Australia, Cuba,Greece, Israel, Panama, Russia, Spain,

Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP)Leadership Conference

L-R: Rep. Ed DeLaney with Marvin Mitchell,Esq., Mitchell Dick McNelis, LLC.

Jewish Lawyer LuncheonGroup speaker

j i j i

South Africa and the U.S.“I was at the first JWRP Leadership

Conference in 2013, which had about 65 participants. This year’s conferencegathered more than 300 participants – atrue testament to the JWRP’s explosivegrowth,” said Judith Friedman. “I wasinspired by the speakers and participantsfrom around the globe and returned homeready to implement what I’ve learned.”

Kathy Frankel (in right circle below), aformer resident of Indianapolis who made Aliyah several years ago, was also inattendance. Her husband Steven waspresident of Congregation B’nai Torah formultiple terms and their children attendedthe Hasten Hebrew Academy, as didJudith’s. AAAA

the Select Committee on GovernmentReduction. Rep. DeLaney is pleased to usehis expertise in state issues to serve hisconstituents to the best of his ability.District 86 is made up of parts ofWashington Township, Pike Township, theMeridian-Kessler and Broad Rippleneighborhoods, and more.

The next lawyer luncheon meeting isOct. 26 with Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush.(See Community Events page IN 4.) AAAA

On Sept. 28, at Shapiro’s downtown,Rep. Ed DeLaney, Ind. House District 86,spoke and presided over a lively discus-sion afterward. DeLaney is the member ofthe House Ways & Means Committee. Edis also a member of the following commit-tees: Courts and Criminal Code, Judiciary,and is the Ranking Minority Member of

October 21, 2016 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 11

For the first time in a nearly 25 year history, Congregation Shaarey Tefilla(CST) recently took its Shabbat experienceto new heights.

Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI)in Zionsville may only be around the corner for many congregants, but while“Celebrating Shabbat Together”from Sept.9–11, approximately 50 “campers” couldhave been miles from civilization. Theweekend celebration was made possiblein part through a grant provided by theKallah Project and guided by ExecutiveDirector, Barb Moskow and lay-chair, JayPerler along with his committee that spentnearly a year planning the first of threeproposed Kallah experiences.

From the human BINGO game thatencouraged everyone to start talking rightfrom the beginning of the weekend to thegroup photo and friendship circle at theend, the Shabbat experience was packed withworkshops, worship, pop-up mahjongg,fun, laughter, connection and relaxation ina creative and welcoming manner.

Although all activities were optional,participants attended the workshops andservices in great numbers. There was

Congregation ShaareyTefilla Kallah

something interactive for everyone includ-ing: a laugh coach, a political discussion, amock trial, creative prayer writing, teambuilding, meditation, a bonfire, great foodand tikkun olam projects which will becontinued throughout the year. As theweekend came to a close, attendees commemorated the 15th anniversary of9/11 in a fittingly patriotic tribute led by

Rabbi Sendrow on guitar.CST is approaching its 25th anniversary

and a strong cadre of volunteers continueto bring new and innovative ways to reacha diverse membership. The doors remainopen to new ideas especially for the nextKallah. Those who wish to be involvedshould notify the synagogue office at 317-733-2169 or office@shaareytefilla.org. AAAA

12 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN October 21, 2016

(see Plaskoff, page IN 14)

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Ryan Plaskoff’s reflections on his Bar Mitzvah andmitzvah project

The Torah portion for my bar mitzvahwas Re’eh. Moses warns the Israelitesabout to enter the Promised Land thatthey face a choice between a life of bless-ings and a life of curses. Later in my por-tion Moses tells the people that if there isa needy person among you, you must dowhat is sufficient to meet their need andhelp them out. This was my favorite partof the portion. Throughout my elementaryschool years I participated in many serviceprojects from making blankets for cancerpatients to working at Popsie’s Pantry andthe Hamilton County Harvest Food Bankto serving meals on Christmas day atCathedral soup kitchen.

October 21, 2016 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 13was six months old. Helen was thedaughter of Abe and Eva Cohn. Abe andEva were lifelong residents of Indianapolisand were founding members of UnitedHebrew Congregation, which laterbecame the present day CongregationB’nai Torah.

Mrs. Cowen was involved in severalcommunity endeavors including servingas an officer on the National Council ofJewish Women. Mrs. Cowen moved toMiami Beach, and was actively involved inseveral community organizations. Sheserved as Vice President of Mt. SinaiMedical Center Auxiliary and became the21st Life Director of the auxiliary. Mrs.Cowen was Vice President of the GreaterMiami National Council of Jewish Women,and the first adviser of the Ocean ViewDivision of the Council of Jewish Women.

She was a member of Temple Israel andits sisterhood, a life member of Mt. SinaiAuxiliary, a life member of the Council ofJewish Women and a founding member ofthe Women’s Cancer League of MiamiBeach. Mrs. Cowen was a Founder of Mt.Sinai Medical Hospital, Life member andFoster Alumnus of Brandeis Universityand Life Member of the Jewish Home forthe Aged.

Mrs. Cowen was predeceased by herhusband, Edward Cowen, son, RichardCowen, brother, David Cohn, sisters,Francis Goldman and Esther Fink. She issurvived by her sister, Mrs. LenoraBurgauer of Palm Beach, Fla., and niecesElaine (Frank) Safrin and Susan (Robert)Portin; nephews, great nieces and greatnephews. Private graveside services wereheld in Indianapolis. Memorial contribu-tions may be made to Beth-El Zedeck.Arrangements by Aaron-Ruben-NelsonMortuary.

Lois A. Epstein, (“Bubby”), 83, ofNewfield, NY, passed away at RobertPacker Hospital Sept. 23,2016. Lois was born April23, 1933 in Indianapolis,the daughter of Ida andAbe Bornstein. Lois will be lovingly rememberedas a thoughtful, generousperson, best remembered for her hilarioussense of humor and love for family.

Survivors include daughters AudreyEpstein of New York City, Jill EpsteinGreen (David) and granddaughterMackenzie Green of Newfield, NY, brotherMarvin T. Bornstein (Iris) of Ft. Lauderdale,Fla., nephews and nieces.

A private burial was held at TrumbullsCorners Cemetery. An open house/celebration of life was held at the home ofJill Green on Sept. 28.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent tothe family via Jill Green, 597 Millard Hill

Road, Newfield, NY, 14867. Memorialdonations in Lois’ name may be made tothe Newfield Community Good NeighborFund, P.O. Box 311, Newfield, NY 14867.Bangs Funeral Home assisted the family.

Evelyn Stein Farber, 93, passedaway on Sept. 24, 2016.She was born Aug. 21,1923. She was preceded in death by her devotedhusband, Leonard.

Evelyn was known forher exquisite sense of styleand taste. She was a fashionista in thetruest sense and was lovingly dubbed“Queenie”, a nickname she proudlyaccepted. Her quick wit and sense ofhumor will forever be remembered.

A devoted wife, mother, and grand-mother, Evelyn will be sorely missed by all.She is survived by her beloved daughter,Andrea; son, Stephen (Lynn); and grand-sons, Justin (Rachel), Brian, and Loren, herstep-granddaughter, Ashely (Moises)Radilla and step-great-grandchildren,Lourdes and Lyndell Radilla.

The family would like to thank Dr.Charles Hasbrook and Dr. Gary Fisch who took such special care of Evelyn thesepast years.

Memorial arrangements were handledby Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary.Graveside services were held at IHCSouth Cemetery on Oct. 7. In lieu of flow-ers, memorial contributions may be madeto the Multiple Sclerosis Indiana Chapter.

Thomas J. Quinn, 76, of Fishers,Ind., passed away on Sept. 28, 2016. Tomwas born in Windham, NY on Aug. 16,1940. He attended Manhattan College,graduating with a degree in CivilEngineering in 1961. He went on to obtainhis Masters in Environmental Engineeringfrom the Rensselaer PolytechnicalInstitute in 1963.

Tom’s professional life was devoted topublic service. He served as the Directorof Environmental Services for the AlbanyCounty Health Department from 1961–1976. He went on to serve as the Chief ofTechnical Operations for the MonroeCounty Division of Pure Waters from1976–1984. He moved to Indianapolis in1984, where he became the AdvancedWastewater Treatment Administrator forthe City of Indianapolis. He ended hiscareer as Director of the CincinnatiMetropolitan Sewer District.

An avid golfer and poker player, Tomthoroughly enjoyed life. He was frequentlydescribed as a true gentleman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; children, Marie Cabler (Tony) and JamesQuinn (Patti); stepchildren, Rebecca Geyer

ObituariesIdelle (Rosenbloom) Kerzner, 59,

of Munster, Ind., died on Jan. 22, 2015. Shewas born July 22, 1955. She had writtenoccasional columns for The Jewish Post &Opinion usually about Northwest IndianaJewish residents.

She was the beloved wife of Irwin,loving mother of Melissa, Shellie andJared, devoted daughter of Myra (the late Jack) Rosenbloom, sister of Stanley(Lori) Rosenbloom and the late HaroldRosenbloom, and fond aunt of AdamRosenbloom.

She was a lifelong educator in JewishDay Schools and in the Hammond PublicSchools as well as a freelance writer.Services were held at Chicago JewishFunerals in Skokie, Ill. Interment SunsetMemorial Lawns Cemetery. In lieu offlowers memorials to the Friends of theIDF, 29 East Madison, Suite 1010,Chicago, IL 60602 www.fidf.org would beappreciated. Arrangements by ChicagoJewish Funerals – Skokie Chapel, (847)229-8822, www.cjfinfo.com.

Dobson Plaza residents and staff wishto extend their heartfelt condolences tothe Rosenbloom/Kerzner family. Dellawas an extraordinarily devoted daughter,wife, mother and teacher. She generouslyvolunteered her time to play piano for ourresidents, in between her many othercommitments. We enjoyed her friendshipand will forever keep her in our hearts.May her family take comfort in remem-bering the goodness she offered to all whoenjoyed her love and friendship. CathySinger, Charlotte Kohn and The Residents &Staff at Dobson Plaza.

Helen Cohn Cowen,95, passed away in Miamion Sept. 18, 2016. Mrs.Cowen was born inEvansville, Ind., on Oct. 7,1920 and moved toIndianapolis when she

(see Obituaries, page IN 14)

The Jewish Funeral Home of Greater Indianapolis

317-873-477611411 N. Michigan Road

just north of I-465

A R N

AaronRubenNelson

14 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN October 21, 2016

OBITUARIES(continued from page IN 13)

(Paul) and Aaron Gole; and six grand-children, Andrew Petruccione, CourtneyLaMara, Jessica Quinn, Nathan, Sam andCharlie Geyer.

A memorial celebration was held at theQuinn residence on Oct. 2. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can bemade to the American Lung Association.Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N.Funeral & Cremation Services.

Erna Rosenfeld, 77,wife of Indiana University(IU) Borns Jewish StudiesProgram founder AlvinRosenfeld, passed awayunexpectedly on Sept. 30in Bloomington, the citythat she lived in for 48 years and loveddearly. Erna was born in Terem, Romaniaon April 9, 1939. She emigrated to theUnited States with her family as a young-ster and lived her first American years inJersey City, N.J. Graduating from NewRochelle College with degrees in Germanand Psychology, she then pursuedadvanced graduate study in German atBrown University, where she met Alvin, afellow graduate student. They married in1966 and moved to Bloomington twoyears later.

Erna worked at IU for more than 35years, where she contributed her specialtouch of kindness, caring and compassionto thousands of students over the years.Everyone who knew Erna found her anunusually warm and generous-heartedperson, always willing to help others inneed and never asking for anything inreturn for herself. She was widely knownand universally liked for her inherentsweetness, gentleness, and goodness –qualities that were natural to her spirit anddefined her soul.

Erna was devoted to Alvin, her husbandof 50 years; her son Gavriel, daughter-in-law Erika, and their children Julia Havaand Benjamin Harel; and her daughter,Dalia, and her children: Natan Menachem,Gidon Shaul, and Adin Baruch.

A funeral took place in Valhalla MemoryGardens in Bloomington on Oct. 2. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Erna’smemory can be made to CongregationBeth Shalom, 3750 East 3rd Street,Bloomington, IN 47401.

Irving Joffe, 93, ofIndianapolis, died Oct. 4.He was born April 6, 1923in Rochester, N.Y., to parents Hugo and FannyJoffe. During World War II,as a student at Butler

University, his studies were interruptedwhen he was drafted into the Army. Hewas stationed in Leyte, in the Philippinesand was honorably discharged. Irvingthen continued at Butler where he graduated with a degree in accounting in1946; later that same year, he marriedPearl Schiller. They would have been married for 70 years this December.

He enjoyed being a Democratic precinctcommitteeman and former Board memberof the Indianapolis Propylaeum Foundation.He also enjoyed slap-stick comedies, thesymphony and going on vacations withhis family, especially to a water destination.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl; son,Jerome; and daughter, Diana (Paul)Shapiro of Nashville, Ind. Other survivorsinclude his sister-in-law, Carole Schiller;nieces, Patty (Dr. Greg) Schlegel ofAlpharetta, Ga., Vicky Vetang (Tim) ofGeneva, Ill., Debbie (Michael) Wallack,

and Ferne (Andy) McCuen of San Diego;nephews, Matthew Schiller, Marshall(Connie) Schiller, and Howard (Jackie)Gurvitz of Hoffman Estates, Ill. He waspreceded in death by sisters, EleanorAbramson and Jean Gurvitz.

Funeral services were Oct. 7 at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. Memorialcontributions can be made toCongregation Beth-El Zedeck, 600 West 70th Street, Indianapolis, 46260 or to the Indianapolis Propylaeum HistoricFoundation, 1410 N. Delaware,Indianapolis, IN 46202. AAAA

j i

My bar mitzvah was no different. Myfamily partnered with the Million MealMovement and purchased 10,000 mealsthat my guests and I would pack as part ofmy bar mitzvah party (see photo page IN12). At my party, before we had dinner, weworked in 3 different assembly linesmeasuring and filling packages with amixture of rice, protein powder, dried vegetables and seasonings. In just a littleover an hour my friends and I packedalmost 7500 meals. All of the 10,000 mealswere donated to Gleaner’s Food Bank.

I very much enjoyed preparing for mybar mitzvah with Cantor Melissa Cohen.In addition to learning my Torah andHaftarah, I learned to lead a lot of extraprayers. I loved being able to play guitarat my Friday night service. Much of mybar mitzvah celebration was centeredaround music. I play the piano, clarinetand guitar. The special kippot we orderedwere decorated with music notes andsymbols. The decorations at my celebra-tion were all piano and music themed.

The tallit I received was also very special. When I was about 5 years old, myNanny Claire was diagnosed with ALS.She really wanted to be the one to give me my tallit. At that time, I told her Iwanted one with bright colors, and shecame through! Even though I had my tallit since I was 5, I saw it for the first timeright before my bar mitzvah. I loved havingfamily and friends come from all over thecountry, California, Florida, New York andSouth Carolina, to celebrate with me.

I would not change one thing about mybar mitzvah. Everything from all of thepreparation, practicing, and leading services to the celebrations were all perfect. It was a very special day I won’tever forget. AAAA

PLASKOFF(continued from page IN 12)

others including Judith Friedman and the planning committee for their hard workand attention to detail.

President of the Jewish Federation ofGreater Indianapolis (JFGI) Offer Korinand LIFE & LEGACY Program DirectorPaula Goldberg presented B’nai Torahwith a $10,000 check for the synagogue’sparticipation in that program.

A wonderful video with Rick and Caryn’schildren and grandson paying tribute tothem was shown. Others in attendancewho spoke about their generosity,mentioned how dedicated they have been,giving of their time and energy, and alwaysinviting visitors to their home for meals.

Because the acceptance speeches wereinspiring and there isn’t room for all, thefollowing excerpt by Caryn Vogel is a goodexample. “One person I want to give aspecial thanks to is my mother AgnesVogel. She is a Holocaust survivor …whotaught me everything I know about cooking, baking, opening my home toothers, about the importance of leading a Jewish life and educating your childrenas Jews. She is the reason we are herebecause when I was graduating highschool, I told my parents I would go on tobigger and better things but she kept persuading us to come back. Twenty-fiveyears ago we did and are here todaybecause of my mother’s efforts.”

Allon and Judith Friedman were chairsof the annual dinner committee. Othercommittee members were B’nai TorahPresident Benton Marks, Barry Pakula,and Israel and Parisa Keisari (whocatered the delicious and varied horsd’oeuvres, dinner and dessert). AAAA

B’NAI TORAH(continued from page IN 5)

j i Experienced Rabbi available via Skype

to help prepare students for their Bar Mitzvah, or for adults to study Torah,

Talmud, Trope or Jewish Mysticism.To find out more, please contact him at:jliindiana@gmail.com or 317-698-6423.

October 21, 2016 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 15

16 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN October 21, 2016

1427 W. 86th St. #228Indianapolis, IN 46260

OpinionPost&The Jewish

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGEPAID

INDIANAPOLIS, INPERMIT NO. 1321

HHAI wins 1st volleyballchampionship

The 5/6 Grade Volleyball Team atHasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapoliswon the school’s first IndianapolisIndependent School League championshipagainst Bethesda Christian School ofBrownsburg, 2-0 on Tues. Oct. 11 atOrchard School – just before Kol Nidre –finishing 14-1 on the season. They wereleague runners-up the last two years,when many of the current 7/8 squad wereon that team.

The 7/8 grade team reached the leaguesemi-finals on Mon. Oct. 10 where theycompeted against St. Richard’s EpiscopalSchool in a very hard-fought, close match,even though they could field only 5 players – finishing with a 9-4 record.

Both squads are coached by technologyteacher, Michael Voskoboynik, and firstgrade teacher, Allie DeHaven.

Mazel Tov, HHAI Stars, on great seasons! AAAA

Above: The 2016 5/6 grade, champion volleyball team. Above right: The 20167/8 grade volleyball team.

Join Us forHASTEN HEBREW ACADEMY’S

5th ANNUALJOURNEY TO ISRAEL

5K Run/Walk8TH GRADE TRIP FUNDRAISER

Sunday, October 30, 2016at the JCC Pavilion

Registration/ Info: Online via HHAI.org, or pick up a form at HHAI’s front office (317/251-1261).

Entry Fee: $36 /per person, or $90 /family discounted rate whichincludes a family of three (3) or more!

If you can’t make the race and just want to donate, we offer a“Running in Spirit” registration for the same prices. Thank you!

Adopt a local Jewish family in need thisChanukah and help to light up the holidayseason. We'll provide you with your family’swishlist, then you do the shopping.See more at www.jewishindianapolis.org.Questions: Keren Ayalon at kayalon@JFGI.org or 317.715.9261, or Rachel Kesnerat rkesner@JFGI.org or 317.259.6817. AAAA