Post TheJewishOpinion Indiana Edition€¦ · Convention held in Indianapolis this past December....

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

Volume 81, Number 9 • June 24, 2015 • 7 Tamuz 5775www.jewishpostopinion.com • www.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/collections/JPO

Indiana Edition

Mazel Tov 2015 graduates!Mazel Tov 2015 graduates!

The Bureau of Jewish Education Dalet Class of 2015

The Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis eighth grade class of 2015

Photo by: Scott Romer

2 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN June 24, 2015

Sidney and Lois Eskenazi (above) forreceiving the Sagamore of the WabashAwards from Governor Mike Pence.Sidney and Lois are recognized philan-thropic leaders in Central Indiana. In2011, they contributed one of the largestgifts ever made to a public hospital in theUnited States, when they contributed $40million for a new hospital and medicalcampus now known as the Sidney andLois Eskenazi Hospital and EskenaziHealth. The hospital and health campusopened in December 2013. The couple hasdonated to other causes such as theIndiana University Herron School of Artand Design. Herron School’s EskenaziHall dedicated in 2005 honors that gift.Sidney and Lois learned early the importance of philanthropy from Sidney’sfather David Eskenazi and uncle,Naphtali Eskenazi. The Sagamore of theWabash is one of the state’s highest individual recognition awards and is givento those who have rendered distinguishedservice to the state and contributed greatly to Hoosiers statewide.

Jeff Linkon on beingnamed the new RegionalDirector of KIO – BBYO.

“I am humbled andhonored to have beenrecently named the newRegional Director forBBYO’s KIO Region, serving teens inKentucky, Indiana and Ohio. As a formerlocal, regional and national teen leader,and college campus activist, I know firsthand, the incredible impact BBYO has on its participants. Whether fosteringindividual leadership skills, strengtheningconnections to the Jewish community via participation in meaningful Jewishprogramming, or facilitating opportunitiesto establish strong friendships with otherJewish teens that often continues beyondhigh school and into their college andyoung adult years, BBYO plays a signifi-

Simcha AnnouncementsMazel Tov to…

cant role in helping to ensure the futurecontinuity of the Jewish people. I look forward to the opportunity to mentorBBYO teens throughout the KIO Regionas each one navigates his/her own personal journey towards making Judaismmeaningful in their lives.”

L’shalom, Jeff Linkon, [email protected]

Sheila Greenwald (above) for beinghonored with the Liebert I. MosslerCommunity Service Award at the annualmeeting of the Jewish Federation ofGreater Indianapolis on June 10. It waspresented to her by Paul Kraft.

Sheila was recognized by InternationalBBYO for her dedication and service tothe B’nai B’rith Youth Organization of over50 years of service to Indianapolis BBYOwith the KIO inaugural DistinguishedService Award at the Regional BBYO-KIOConvention held in Indianapolis this pastDecember. This came with a special surprise as the local BBG chapter wasnamed in her honor. Sheila GreenwaldB’Yachad BBG #43. It was a wonderfulevening spent with many alumni andfriends joining in this celebration.

Cy Orentlicher (right), son of JudyFailer and David Orentlicher tied for22nd in this year’s National Spelling Bee

In late May a kidney match was identifiedfor Drew and she underwent successfultransplant surgery. Herfamily reports that theirprayers have beenanswered because she isdoing wonderfully. Thesurgery has made a com-plete difference in her life.

Drew, age 12, a Jewish child inIndianapolis, had been suffering from arare disease since age 6. Alport’s Syndromecauses hearing loss, eye problems and kidney failure. Drew had attended HastenHebrew Academy until she was too weak to complete full school days. Hercondition worsened last summer requiring her to need daily dialysis.

On dialysis, she was still feeling tiredand low on energy. Now she is able to playwith her friends without tiring and ismuch happier.

The family wants to stress the impor-tance of organ donation and to encourageothers to put this on their Driver’s License.Because of the generosity of a young man

Drew got a kidney!

Sheila Greenwald (L), Liebert I. Mossler Awardwinner, with outgoing JFGI President Paul Kraft.

Martha Gelb on turning 101 on May 23.

in Washington, D.C. A recent graduate ofthe Hasten Hebrew Academy, this wasCy’s second time to compete at Nationals.

Naomi Farahan,daughter of David andVictoria Farahan who isone of only 14 studentsaccepted into the ErniePyle School of Journalismat Indiana University forthis fall. (see Mazel Tov, page IN 5)

(see Drew, page IN 3)

The Indianapolis Hebrew CongregationConfirmation Class of 2015.

June 24, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 3

Recently I received a request from ourlongtime columnist Miriam Zimmerman,a Holocaust educator who has lived heradult years in the San Francisco Bay Areabut was born and raised in Terre Haute,Ind. She thought she began writing hercolumn in 1985 which would make thisyear her 30th anniversary of writing for us,but she wasn’t sure. She wanted to knowif there was an easy way to check on this.

Since we have all of the old editionspublished on the IUPUI website: (www.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/collections/JPO), it was pretty easy to type “ByMiriam Zimmerman” in the advancedsearch box. The result was 72 places thathad those exact words, and it showed herfirst column was published Aug. 28, 1985.The headline was “Jewish Singles ComputerMatchmaking”. After reading that column,it seems as though nothing has changed.

In the column, Rabbi Peter J. Rubenstein,of Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateois quoted. What is needed is a place, like a“coffee house, where singles can meetwithout social pressure,” he says.“Singlesdon’t necessarily want to be in situationswhere they meet only other singles,Rubenstein says. “There is tremendousanxiety about being perceived as ‘here tomeet someone’that occurs in ‘singles only’groups.…” He said his congregation hasbeen successful offering programs for youngprofessionals both singles and couples in asetting that is not competitive and notpurely social.

The next issue that had a column byZimmerman was Dec. 11, 1985. Whenlooking through that issue, I came acrossmy father Gabriel Cohen’s, z”l, editorialpage that had the following subjects:Jonathan Pollard spy case, genetic testing,15 Lubavitch rabbis serving Orthodoxcongregations in the U.S., and how torespond to anti-Semitism. Again I’mthinking, 30 years have gone by but nothinghas changed.

Below in italics is an excerpt from hisEditor’s Chair about responding to anti-Semitism. If one wants to read about theother subjects mentioned above, go topage 14 of the following link: http://indiamond6.ulib.iupui.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/JPO/id/48075/rec/30

OUR MANAGING EDITOR, GreggBirnbaum, was upset. He had an encounterwith anti-Semitism, and he wanted to talkabout it. At a local boxing match, someonedirectly behind him, accused the referee ofbeing a “f—ing Jew!” You don’t at a boxingmatch say things under your breath – youcall them out as loud as your lungs will permit.

In any event we discussed how one reacts

Editorial

to situations like this. They happen today lessoften than in the past, but still they happen.Our suggestion was that he turn politelyand say something to the effect, please forgiveme, but I happen to be Jewish, and whetherthe referee is Jewish or not is not important.You are maligning a whole people withoutany real knowledge. The reaction of theshrieking person could be anything, butwhat is important is to confront him. Heprobably could be taken aback, and if notapologize at least feel guilty – especially if hewas any kind of a person at all.

We have some background in this particulararea. In our halcyon days (so long ago) wewere a professional boxer, having fought as a youngster as an amateur, and then on the boxing team at the University of NorthCarolina. The fight promoters in Louisvillewanted to be sure that the Jewish fans wouldcome out when we entered the ring, so theybill us not as Gabriel Cohen, which certainlyshould have been enough to identify my religion, but insisted that I take the name ofAbie Levy, and that is the name my boxinglicense showed.

At the fights, the women especially wouldcall out “Kill that Jew.” Well, they didn’t killthis particular Jew. We won nine straightfights, and only the 10th when they put in aringer against us, an opponent who was 15pounds over the weight limit for my class –featherweight – ended in a draw.

Now the question is, were those who wereenjoying themselves enough to want to seeme knocked out, and hollering “Kill thatJew,” really anti-Semitic. We doubt it, I certainly wasn’t bothered. We enjoyed disappointing these fans. But they paid their money, and if this was the way they gottheir money’s worth, we couldn’t care less.

In any event all of us are nonplussed abouthow to respond when we heard a waywardanti-Semitic remark. We know what to dowhen someone facing us deliberately attacksour integrity by bringing up our religion –then you either confront the situation orwalk away. But the indirect remarks notaimed at you individually – do not ignorethem, but take them in stride and try to

respond in a way that might teach youradversary a lesson.

I trust that one would not hear “Kill thatJew” at a boxing match today, but I don’tknow. One reason that might not be heardcurrently is that boxing now has very fewJewish contenders. Hopefully there has beensome improvement in the past 30 years sothere would be less need for the advice above.

Jennie Cohen, June 24, 2015 AAAA

who had agreed to be a donor, Drewreceived the gift of a full life. Most likely,other’s lives were saved by those whoreceived his other organs. The familybelieves that according to Jewish law it isokay to donate an organ to save a life, butnot for experimental purposes only.

We here at the Jewish Post & Opinionwish Drew and her family mazel tov on this special blessing and wish Drewcontinued improvement in her health – bisa hundert und zwanzig. AAAA

Inside this IssueSimcha Announcements.........................2Drew got a kidney! ................................2Editorial.....................................................3Community Events .................................4Jewish prayer wheels .............................6Obituaries .................................................7Robb at Jewish Lawyer’s Luncheon ....8Zalkin storytelling at IHS .....................8Jewish Family Services at Reuben.......8Rabbi Benzion Cohen

(Chassidic Rabbi)...................................10Seniors in Place .....................................10Sigal Tavel

(American in Israel) ..............................12Spirituality vs Religion........................13Temple Heritage Center Update.........14Indy Tech Pros .......................................14R. Tiechtel Purdue invocation ............14Host families needed............................14Rabbi Sasso in Israel for peace ..........152015 HAI-Life Dinner...........................16

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

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DREW(continued from page IN 2)

j i


cruel and manipulative husband. Shefinds herself effectively put on trial by her country’s religiously-based marriagelaws, in this riveting drama from siblingdirectors Shlomi and Ronit Elkabetz (LateMarriage and The Band’s Visit). Movies are free of charge and popcorn and drinksare provided. A discussion follows themovie. Reserve your seat at www.jewishindianapolis.org. For more informationcontact Roy Swisa at [email protected] or317-800-9350.

Libby Fogle Lunch Bunch – Ongoing Meets at noon at the Arthur M. Glick

JCC every Tues. and Thurs. except onholidays. Suggestion donation for kosherlunch is $2. Reservations not requiredexcept for special holiday lunches.Transportation available within a limitedarea at a minimal cost. For more info callRuthie Gal 557-2265 or Christy Morris259-6822.

Pickleball at the JCC Tues. and Thurs. from 1–3 p.m., and

Sun. 1:30–3:30 p.m. in the SchlossGymnasium (small gym). Stop by for openplay to try out this latest sport. It’s a crossbetween table tennis, tennis, and badminton. We’ll go over the rules andsome preliminary teaching. Feel free tobring your own paddle and balls. Somewill be available for checkout at the East Desk.

Saturday morning services followed by Kiddish and luncheonand Sunday morning Tefillin Club– Ongoing

Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday forservices and lunch follows. Starting at 9 a.m., on Sunday, get your week off to agreat start! Tefillin – feed your soul;Breakfast – feed your body; Study – feedyour mind. No experience necessary.Women are welcome too!

Both located at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 2640 W 96th St, Carmel.For more info contact 251-5573 orwww.lubavitchindiana.com.

JCC Farmer’sMarket summer hours

Every Sundayfrom 10 a.m.–1p.m., outside inthe front parking lot of the JCC, until Sept. 27, 2015. Shop Indy’s only regularly-scheduled SUNDAY market for fresh local produce, baked goods and dairyproducts. Vendors include Weber Farms,Wild Alaska Salmon, Shamrock Farms,Humboldt County Tea, Indiana Microgreens,Anna Belle’s Garden, Lucy’s Bakery,Pastries Chef and a dozen others. AAAA

Gettinger, teaching The Ethics of OurAncestors: Pithy Quips for Life Practices;July 22: Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow andBrett Krichiver will team up to teach Tisha B’av: Remembering, Lamenting andLearning for Today; July 29: Rabbi PaulaWinnig and George Kelley teachingForgive and Forget? What is the JewishObligation? The series costs $25 for allthree classes or $10 for each class. Nopre-registration is necessary. For moreinfo contact Rabbi Paula Winnig at 255-3124 or [email protected]

Indiana Jewish Historical SocietyFamily History Research Day

Thurs., July 16 from 9:45 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m., at the William H. SmithMemorial Library at the Eugene andMarilyn Glick Indiana History Center.Get a ‘how to’ on family history with time to research IJHS and other archivesin our library. Staff from IHS will be onhand to help you and give behind-the-scenes tours of the Archives andConservation Lab. This special day is opento ages 12 and up with a special interest ingenealogy and collections related toJewish life in Indiana. This program is free, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pleaseregister in advance at tickets.indianahistory.org or call (317) 232-1882 for more information.

Hadassah Book ClubThis month’s Book Club will be Mon.,

July 20 at 7 p.m., hostess is FreddieKasseff and facilitator is Myrna Fang. Thebook will be, The Paris Architect by CharlesBelfoure. For more info or to RSVP contactHelaine Herman at [email protected] the Hadassah office at 475-4278. Newoffice administrator is Leslie Barrick andnew office hours are Mon., Wed., and Fri.,from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Hadassah’s summer tripThurs., July 23, leaving the JCC at 10

a.m., returning 2:30 p.m. Trip to theIndiana Historical Society Museum toview the L.S. Ayres Exhibit with a behindthe scenes tour. Cost $25 for transp.,admission and special tour. Lunch on yourown and we will be stopping at BRICS ice cream in Broad Ripple on the way backto the JCC. Space limited so reserve yourspot now. Call the office 475-4278.Payment is due by June 30.

Israeli Movie nightOn Mon., Aug. 10 at 7 p.m., the movie

Gett: The Trial of Vivian Amsalem will beshown at the JCC, Room A25. An Israeliwoman (Ronit Elkabetz, one of Israeli cinema’s most acclaimed actresses) isseeking to finalize her divorce from her

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

usually on the fourth Wednesday of eachmonth at Shapiro’s downtown. The nextmeeting will be Wed., June 24. JudgeMargret G. Robb will be the speaker.Other upcoming lunches will be held July22 with Judge, Gary Miller; Aug. 26 withGreg Silver; Oct. 28 with Rick Kammenon Guantanamo; and Dec. 16 withProfessor Rob Katz on The IndianaReligious Freedom Restoration Act. ZeffWeiss was the founder of the group. Formore information email: [email protected]

Heartland Film at the JCCThurs., June 25, at 7 p.m., in the Laikin

auditorium of the JCC. Frank vs God was a favorite at last fall’s Heartland FilmFestival. $9/$6 for members. For more info go to www.jccindy.org or call 317-251-9467.

Rotstein family farewell Kiddish luncheon

On Shabbos, June 27 at CongregationB’nai Torah after davening. RabbiMordechai Zvi and Esti Rotstein and theirfamily are moving to Denver. In order toshow them our appreciation for all thatthey have done for the community overthe years, the shul is hosting a goodbyeluncheon.

Shalom Baby ShowerSun., June 28 from 2–3:30 p.m. We’re

welcoming the newest and youngestmembers of our Jewish community – thebabies! You provide the babies ages newborn to 2 years old. We’ll provide thesnacks, baby baskets filled with cool swagfor your little one, a crowning ceremony,and a guaranteed good time. This is anopportunity to meet other new parentswho are just as exhausted and have just as many photos on their phone of their little ones as you! RSVP by Friday, June 26at www.jewishindianapolis.org. For moreinfo contact Patti Freeman Dorson at 715-9273 or [email protected].

PJ in the Park Play DatesMondays at 10 a.m., at Holliday Park

July 13, August 10.Your children will lovePJ Library’s Play Dates in the Park! Funactivities include story time, music, andsnacks. Siblings are welcome. RSVP toInna at [email protected].

BJE Adult Education CommunitySummer Series

From 7–8:30 p.m., on three Wednesdaysbeginning July 15: Mrs. Miriam

Community Events

JoAnn is a nurse practitioner who worksfor HealthNet in the Homeless InitiativeProgram. She provides healthcare to thehomeless of Marion County by going into the alleyways, doorways and underbridges to meet with her clients. She wasnominated by her peers and chosen fromthe other nominees by Dr.Van Osdol whowill be giving her the award at a dinner onJune 24.

Alex Lande (below) graduated from theCollege of Technology at Purdue Universitywith a degree in Building ConstructionManagement and a concentration inHealth Care Construction. He will beworking for Walsh Construction and livingin Chicago. Walsh has him assigned to ahospital project as a Project Engineer.

BRICS owners David Vonnegut-Gabovitch and David Dubow on the 5thanniversary of Broad Ripple Ice CreamStation which they celebrated on May 31stby giving away free ice cream. The twoDavid’s met at a Bar Mitzvah party andhave been friends ever since. Their icecream comes from Sherman Ice Cream, a100 year old company located in SouthHaven, Mich. Deliveries are made freshevery week, and there are always 24 permanent flavors and 12 rotating ones.(See ad below.) AAAA

MAZEL TOV(continued from page IN 2)

Noah Steiman-Cameron (below), sonof Debbie and Tom Steiman-Cameron,grandson of Shirley Efroymson-Kahnfor graduating from Chapman Universityin southern California with a BFA in FilmProduction and a minor in ComputerScience.

Rabbi Audrey Pollackwho will be leavingTemple Israel in WestLafayette, Ind., after 13years and relocating to the Solel Congregation in Mississauga, Ontario,following their founding rabbi and RabbiEmeritus, Lawrence Englander.

In a span of one week, Moriah Atlas(below) graduated from University HighSchool with Highest Honors, her brotherAri Atlas graduated from Hasten HebrewAcademy and their parents Debra LufferAtlas and Pierre Atlas celebrated their23rd wedding anniversary May 31. Moriahis also a former graduate of The HastenHebrew Academy.

Ivan and Marcy Ekhaus on their newgrandson, Micah Gabriel (right) born onApril 23 to their daughter, Miriam

Ziskind and her husband, David wholive in Atlanta. He has an older brotherEzra who turned 2 in March.

Max Harp (below), son of Charlieand Cindi Harp played Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the springplay put on by North Central High School(NCHS) Theatre. It was directed byNathan Shewell and assisted directed byNCHS Senior Allie Wineland. WilliamShakespeare wrote the play. Max also gotthe Digital Media Arts DepartmentOutstanding 2nd Year Student of the YearAward from J. Everett Light Career Centerat NCHS. Max is off to the Honors Collegeat Ball State to study Telecommunications.

JoAnn Morris for being honored withthe William Van Osdol Eminent HealerAward for her work with the homeless.

Micah Gabriel Ziskind with older brother Ezrawho is 2.

901 east 64th streetindianapolis, in 46220317.257.5757www.bricsindy.com

the place to chill®

Congratulations to Cum Laude Societymember Moriah Atlas. L to R: Moriah,brother Ari, father Pierre Atlas, grand-mother Cindy Luffer, mother Debra LufferAtlas and grandmother Nicole Treves.

Max Harp as Nick Bottom in AMidsummer Night’s Dream.

Back row: aunt Cheryl and uncle Phil Lande,and cousin Marty Lande. Front row: auntJoan Slavin, mother Beth Lande, sister JenLande, Alex, father Jerry Lande, grand-mother Ann Lande, and uncle Rick Slavin.



stained with color. The necklace prayerwheels run about $25-$30; hand-held andtable top ones are priced from $100-$300.

A variety of woods are employed,including local olive wood, cherry, walnut,mahogany, African walnut, scrap woodfrom the nearby forest, and purple heartwood with a lovely lavender tint. In onecorner of the shop stand pieces of wood,which take about two years to fully dry.

Micah explained the curious synchronicityof how shortly after they began makingprayer wheels, a friend from the neighboringkibbutz Mishmar H’Emek, approached themto ask if they would like some copies ofmicrofilm printed with Buddhist mantrasof compassion. Within one frame of filmare some 11,000 seven-line mantras.

“It was such stroke of luck, or karma,”Micah says as he showed me the large roll ofmicrofilm. Pieces of the film are cut, rolled uptight and placed inside each prayer wheel.Inside each Buddhist prayer wheel areabout 10,000,000 to 50,000,000 mantras.

Among the prayer wheels, I spot severaletched with crosses, others with Hebrewor Arabic lettering. A couple years ago,Micah and Ayelet made the decision toexpand the concept into other faiths,where prayers wheels were not historicallypart of the tradition. Inside the Jewishprayer wheels is written the Shema or AnaB’koach prayers. In the Christian ones, it’sthe Lord’s Prayer in Greek and Latin. Theywill create a prayer wheel for any spiritualfaith requested.

Non-Orthodox Jews have reacted wellto the prayer wheels; a woman inCaesarea has made multiple orders forgifts; many are shipped to New York.Micah showed a Jewish man of the

To the east of the dining room on KibbutzEin Hshofet, just below the cylindricalgrain silo in one of the old chicken runs,Micah and Ayelet are busy making prayerwheels; Micah works on a lathe in theback room, while Ayelet concentratesetching Hebrew lettering onto one nearlycompleted. Prayer Wheels are not some-thing one would expect to find being produced on a highly secular kibbutz, buttimes have changed over the decades withseveral kibbutz members now wearingkippas, weekly yoga classes and Torahstudies, and several practicing Buddhists,Micah and Ayelet among them.

Micah Strauss, in his early 40’s, and hispartner Ayelet Cohen, from KibbutzYechiam both believe it was destiny forthem to create prayer wheels together. Inearly 2009, the Tibetan Buddhist teacher,Garchen Rinpoche, was conducting aseminar in Israel and, explains Ayelet,“Garchen held a prayer wheel that waseffortlessly spinning, with gold letteringand a crystal on top. Micah and I bothlooked at each other and knew we neededto make one.”Within several months theyhad constructed their first wooden one;the inception of their home business.

“Making prayer wheels is among theholiest thing a Buddhist can do; to spreadjoy, love and compassion,”Micah explains.“For seven kilometers in every direction,all beings are freed from the lower levelsand from seven rebirths. Just to see aprayer wheel is a huge blessing.”

The workshop tables and shelves displaytheir hand-held models, table-top prayerwheels, small necklace versions, as well aswooden dreidels, bowls, candle holders,boxes, rings, and wall ornaments. Thetable-top versions are particularly striking,some egg shaped with delicate spires; others cylindrical of plain wood, etched, or

Jewish prayerwheels ofcompassionBY BILL STRUBBE

Breslever tradition the prayer wheel andhe loved the idea, but said they must notwrite anything holy on the outside, andthat the prayer inside the necklace versionmust be properly sealed and protected so

(see Strubbe, page IN 13)

Micah Strauss and Ayelet Cohen with their hand made prayer wheels.

ObituariesNelly Kagan, 72 of Indianapolis,

passed away May 21. She was born inSiberia to Arkady and Leah Kagan onSeptember 15, 1942. After graduating as aRegistered Nurse from the MedicalCollege of Kishinev, Nelly worked as asurgical nurse throughout the SovietUnion in military hospitals. She attendedCongregation Beth-El Zedeck.

Nelly is survived by her sons, Vadim(Irina) Averbukh and Max (Jane Charney)Averbukh; grandchildren, Ron and YayelAverbukh and Lina and Natan Averbukh;sister, Svetlana (David) Weinstock; andsister-in-law, Rakhel Averbukh.

Funeral services were held May 24 atAaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary and burialfollowed in Congregation Beth-El ZedeckNorth Cemetery. Memorial contributionsmay be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Fannie “Frances” Gross, 86, ofMunster passed away on May 21, 2015.She was born Oct.3, 1928 to the late Sarahand Harry Greenbaum. She is survived bythree devoted children: a son Howard (Kathy)Gross, and two daughters, Barbara (Robert)Green and Rosalie (Terry) Zarowny. Shewas blessed with 10 loving grandchildren:Dr. Allison (Drew) Dupont, Michelle(Matt) Debevec, Adam Gross, Jared,Jason, Dr. Steven and David Green, andEric, Jordan and Evan Zarowny; five great-grandchildren; two sisters: (SylviaRothfeld, Lillian Sladnick); and one brother,(Sol Greenbaum). She was preceded indeath by her devoted husband,Alex “Blackie”Gross; and brother, Will Greenbaum.

Grave side services and burial were May 26at Temple-Beth El Cemetery in Portage, Ind.Donations can be made to HooverwoodNursing Home Guild (Indianapolis) orAlzheimer’s Association. Fannie was amember of Congregation Beth Israel,Hammond Ind. She was actively involved inCBI Sisterhood and Hadassah. Arrangements

in death by her husband, Sergey Kotlyar.Funeral services were held at the Aaron

Ruben Nelson Mortuary on May 29 andburial followed in Congregation Beth-ElZedeck North Cemetery. Memorial contri-butions may be made to Hooverwood.

Dottie Newman, 92, a kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother died on May 26. Born in Ligonier, Ind., onDec. 3, 1922, “Dottie” was a graduate ofLigonier High School and the MoserBusiness College in Chicago.

Dottie worked in the jewelry businessand was a department manager and oversaw many of the company’s opera-tions. In Indianapolis, she was a hostessfor Welcome Wagon, welcoming new resi-dents to Indianapolis. Her early business experience was instrumental in foundingGuides and Gals, a touring company inIndianapolis. The company allowed her touse her creativity and business acumen.Guides and Gals served a niche in theIndianapolis hospitality industry.

In addition, she was an active volunteerin the Gary and Indianapolis communitieswhere she was a board member and officer in the local chapters of the NationalCouncil of Jewish Women, Temple Israeland IHC Sisterhoods.

Dottie was affectionately called “St. Dot”as she was always there to support herhusband with his career as the ExecutiveVice President of the Jewish Federation ofIndianapolis. Her proud roots in Indianaand her kind and sweet disposition servedher well. She was a wonderful matriarchof her family and showered her childrenand grandchildren with love and support.She will be remembered for her cleverRummikub skills and her loving and caring personality. A special thank you toher “friend” Sherry Mays who cared for her and loved her for several years.

Dottie was married to Frank (d 2011) for65 years and is survived by her children,Robert (Jan) Newman of Hillsborough,Calif., Terry (Richard) Bernstein of St.Louis and Nancy Reiter of Indianapolis. Sheis also survived by her grandchildren, Lauren,David and Julie Bernstein and JessicaReiter (Brent) Gottlieb and Katie Reiter.

Funeral services were held atIndianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC)on May 28 and burial followed in the IHCNorth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contri-butions appreciated to Jewish Federationof Greater Indianapolis, or the charity ofyour choice. Arrangements entrusted toAaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. Friendsmay leave a memory or message of condolence at www.arnmortuary.com.

Jerome “Jerry” Tamler, 87, life resident of Indianapolis, passed away May

by Burns-Kish Funeral Home in Munster,Ind., www.burnskish.com.

Joseph (Joe) Smith, 89, ofIndianapolis passed awayMay 23 at his residence.Born in Indianapolis Aug.30, 1925 to Louis andEthel Safrin Smith, Joegrew up in Noblesville,Ind. He graduated fromNoblesville High School and served in theU.S. Army during WWll. After he washonorably discharged from the army in1945, he returned home and went to workwith his father in the family business.They owned and operated Louis Smithand Son, a scrap metal company inNoblesville, now re-named LuscoCorporation, where he served as Presidentfor many years. Joe worked there his entirelife. He was a member of CongregationBeth-El Zedeck, Beth-El Zedeck Men’sClub and the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his beloved wife, HelenKlein Smith; daughter, Marla Schneider;son, Karl (Ilene) Smith; and grandchildren,Andrea and Jason Schneider, andGabriella R. Smith. Funeral services wereat Congregation Beth-El Zedeck on May26. Memorial contributions may be madeto Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in memory of Joe. Arrangements entrustedto Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary.

Anyuta Rak, 91 of Indianapolis,passed away May 25, 2015. She was bornin the Ukraine to Michael and Ida KaiserRak on Feb. 2, 1924. After receiving herBachelor’s degree in literature from TheUniversity of Uzbekistan, Anyuta taughthigh school students and tutored them inpreparation for college.

She is survived by her daughter, EllenZagarjevski; son, Alex Kotlyar; sister,Maria Rak; grandchildren, Nick andAndrew Zagarjevski, Yana (Robert) Bray;and Gregory and Vera Kotlyar; and fivegreat-grandchildren. Anyuta was preceded

(see Obituaries, page IN 9)


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Judge Margret G. Robb was the guestspeaker at the next Jewish Lawyer’sLuncheon Group on Wed., June 24 atShapiro’s downtown. She was appointedto the Court of Appeals of Indiana in July1998 by Governor Frank O’Bannon.

Judge Robb graduatedMagna Cum Laude J.D.from Indiana UniversityRobert H. McKinneySchool of Law and is a graduate of the GraduateProgram for IndianaJudges. In 2011 she began a three yearterm as Chief Judge; the first woman tohold that position in the Court’s morethan 100 year history.

She has been an officer of the IndianaState Bar Association, the Fellows of theIndiana State Bar Foundation, TippecanoeCounty Bar Association, NationalAssociation of Women Judges, the IndianaUniversity School of Law-IndianapolisAlumni Association and the BankruptcySection of the Indiana State BarAssociation. She has also been a Boardmember of the Appellate Judges Councilof the American Bar Association, theIndianapolis Bar Association, theIndianapolis Bar Foundation, the SeniorCouncil Section of the Indianapolis BarAssociation, the Appellate PracticeSection of the Indiana State BarAssociation and the Appellate JudgesEducation Institute.

She is a member of the American BarFoundation, American Judicature Society,a Master Fellow of the Indiana State BarFoundation and a Senior DistinguishedFellow of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation.She is a frequent speaker on legal topics forattorneys, other judges, and professional,civic and community organizations.

Judge Robb authored “Reflections ofBaseball, Life and the Law”in the IndianaState Bar Association’s journal, Res Gestaeand “Running Bases, Winning Cases: Whythe Grand Old Game of Baseball is likethe legal profession” in the ABA’s journal.She also authored a chapter on SupremeCourt Justice Leonard Hackney in, IndianaSupreme Court Justices, and co-authoreda chapter,“From Juvenile Courts to FamilyCourts,” in Essays on Indiana LegalHistory. AAAA

Jewish Lawyer’sLuncheon featuredJudge Margret Robb

he will present “Songs and Stories forShabbat B’rayshit”. Shabbat B’rayshit, theShabbat on which we again begin theyearly cycle of Torah readings, is indeed aspecial time. The opening statement of“Let there be light”is replete with paradoxand hidden meaning. Cantor Bob willexplore these using the deep intuition ofstory and song, an exploration aimed primarily at the heart, as well as the brain. Come and be stirred by stories andsongs of the Baal Shem Tov and LeviYitschok of Berditchev. Cantor Bob will beaccompanied by Charles Manning. AAAA

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Cantor Bob Zalkin hasbeen awarded the 2015Frank Basile StorytellingFellowship, to research,develop and present hisnew program “The GoldenLand”, the stories andsongs of 2 million Jewish immigrants tothe USA, 1880–1924, at the IndianaHistorical Society on Nov. 7, 2015. CantorBob is planning this as a multimedia production, with klezmer music andimages from the period, as wells as hisstories and songs.

Cantor Bob’s other recent storytellingachievements include: Indiana State Fair Liars Contest, 2014, First Prize;Becoming the first, and probably the onlyprofessional storyteller to have performedon all 7 continents of the world: NorthAmerica, South America, Europe, Asia,Africa, Australia and yes, Antarctica, aspart of his service as Jewish clergyman oncruise ships.

On Oct 10, 2015, as part of the Shabbatservice at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck,

Cantor Emeritus Zalkinto present program atIndiana Historical Society

FOR SALEMusic Concerts on VHS Megama (2), M

Yess (3), M Shur (2) ArFine, JoAmar, IsraeliFest (2). Also gently used hats and hatboxes.

Call Yocheved Samson (317) 251-1664

Holocaust Survivors Assistance helpsprovide for the needs of HolocaustSurvivors through personalized case management and care coordination. Ourstaff assists with linkages to homemakerservices, transportation services and othervital services necessary to maintain a safehome environment. If you or someoneyou love is a Survivor, please contact JFSExecutive Director Lori Moss at 259.6824or [email protected] to learn more aboutservices and benefits available. AAAA

Jewish Family Servicesat The Reuben Center


OBITUARIES(continued from page IN 7)

30 with his beloved family by his side.Born Dec. 13, 1927 to Nathan and AnnaTamler, he was a graduate of Manuel HighSchool, attended Indiana University, was a US Navy veteran and a member of:Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, B’naiB’rith, Monument Masonic Lodge, Beth-ElMen’s Club and Jewish War Veterans.

He is survived by his loving wife and bestfriend, Gabrielle (nee Finkel) Tamler; hischildren, Lisa (James) Bales of Westfieldand Nathan (Joey) Tamler of Northbrook,Ill.; grandchildren, Alex, Colby Bales andMara, Anna Tamler; sister-in-law, Gail(Victor) Clark and nieces, Laurel Clark andAbra (Nick) Johnson.

Funeral services were June 2 at AaronRuben Nelson Mortuary; burial followedin Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made toCongregation Beth-El Zedeck or to afavorite charity of the donor.

Evelyn “Lynne” Claire Waldman,77, passed away May 31, 2015 after a battle with cancer. A devoted wife, mother,grandmother, sister and friend, Lynne wasborn April 11, 1938 in New York. While shespent more than half of her life in Indiana,Lynne’s heart never really left New York.She was quick to tell a new friend that shemight live ‘here’, but she’s from New York.“You can take the girl out of New York; butyou can’t take New York out of the girl!”

Evelyn met the love of her life, EdwardWaldman, for the first time when she was 13years old.Their love was destined, becausethey reconnected again when she was 20years old. Ed and Lynne married in 1961and had three boys. Ed was a jeweler andhe and Lynne owned Waldman Jewelers(across from North Central High School)for many years before Ed’s retirement.Lynne worked very hard through the yearshelping her husband with the jewelrybusiness and working as a realtor and broker/appraiser in Indianapolis. Lynne also lovedlife and lived it to the fullest. She had apassion for acting and was very involved inlocal theater, including Theater in the Woods,when it was open. She also wrote and per-formed Mystery Plays in Nashville, Ind.

Lynne was a Cub Scout leader for her sons.Some might call her legendary, because 40years later her scouts still talk about howmuch fun they had with her. She was the‘cool mom.’ Lynne was also a devotedswim mom, spending 12 hours on the pooldeck cheering on her sons and turningaround to do it all again the next day.

She and Ed were world travelers, havingtraveled to every continent in the world.Their travel brought them both much joy. They also traveled the United States

and enjoyed more than a few tailgate parties at Indiana University in their RV. Most recently, Lynne was involved in Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation’sMitzvah Stitchers, knitting hats andscarves for the homeless. She could alsobe found each week at her aqua-jog classat the Jewish Community Center.

Lynne is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Waldman. She is survived by her sons Scott Waldman (TobyStark), Doug Waldman (Debbie) andMitch Waldman (Daniel Troppy); BeckyWaldman; as well as her grandchildrenMonya, Chase, Joshua, Joesph, Sammyand Reyna. Services were held at AaronRuben Nelson Mortuary on June 3, andgraveside services were at Beth IsraelCemetery in Woodbridge, N.J. In lieu offlowers, the family requests donations tothe American Cancer Society.

Louise R. Levine MD, 70, was bornJune 8, 1944 and passed away on June 6, 2015.

She is survived by her beloved husband,Neil Levine MD; children, Michael (Melissa)Levine, Jonathan (Angie) Levine; grand-children, Danielle, Meredith and CharlotteLevine; and brother, Martin (Florence)Richman. Louise was a clinical researchphysician with Eli Lilly for 31 years, retiringin 2006. Funeral services were held onJune 8 at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation(IHC). Memorial contributions may bemade to IHC or to The Leukemia andLymphoma Society. Arrangements byAaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary.

Theodore “Ted” A. Shonfield, 81,passed away on June 7.Ted was born in Muncie,Ind., on May 16, 1934 to Raymond and PearlShonfield. He was a graduate of Muncie BurrisHigh School and a 1956graduate of Indiana University, where hereceived his degree in psychology. Tedserved in the US Army, where he was aFirst Lieutenant.

During his long career Ted worked forHoward Sams Co. in New York and Chicago.Later, he started ITT Institute, which wasoriginally named Sams Technical Instituteand his last position was for NationalChemsearch, an industrial chemical company, where he worked for 47 years.

Ted loved cars, music and playing piano.He was a member of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternityand a long time member of IndianapolisHebrew Congregation. He is survived byhis loving family; his wife, Deanna MaePhillips Shonfield; daughters, JulieStachovic of Dallas, and Laura J. Emery ofFishers, Ind.; and grandson, TheodoreEmery. Ted was preceded in death by hisfirst wife, Nyla Kay Shonfield; and his

sister, Amelia “Amy”Fisher.Funeral services were held on June 10

at Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary.Memorial contributions may be made toHamilton County Humane Society or toAmerican Cancer Society.

John “Jack” S. Green, 96, ofRushville and Indianapolis, passed awayon June 7. He was born Oct. 17, 1918 tothe late Daniel and Frances (Sexton)Green in Rushville. John graduated fromhigh school in Chicago in 1936 and thenfrom Purdue University. He then joinedthe Army and was a World War II veteran.

John married Barbara Blacklidge after thewar on Aug. 14, 1948 and she precededhim in death. John married Joan CarmichaelLudington May 26, 1989 and she survives.

John and Barb raised four children:Daniel Green of Rushville, Robert(Barbara) Green of Indianapolis andmembers of Congregation B’nai Torah,David (Susan) Green of Rushville, andPatricia (Dean) Dearinger of Rushville.John also had ten grandchildren and sixgreat-grandchildren. He is also survivedby step-sons Tim Ludington of NewMexico and Jim Ludington Rushville.

Throughout his life, John had attendedSt. Paul United Methodist Church andMain St Christian Church. He was amember of the Elks Lodge. He was also amember of the Chicago Club, Racket Club,and member of the Rushville City utilityboard many years. He also worked for theRush County National Bank for 50 years.John was an avid photographer, hunter,fisherman, golfer and sport shooter.John would go on to win two state championships shooting skeet.

In addition to his first wife Barbara, he wasalso preceded by his daughter-in-law BettyBusald Green. A Celebration of Life washeld on June 11 at Todd Funeral Centre &Crematory, with pastor Sam Davenportofficiating. Burial followed at East HillCemetery in Rushville. Memorial contri-butions may be made to the Rush CountyCommunity Foundation 117 N. Main StRushville, IN 46173,“Betty”Green & BarbaraGreen Scholarship Fund. Online condo-lences at: www.ToddFuneralHome.com.

Leonard Jay Weiss, 66, life residentof Indianapolis, passed away June 13, 2015.

Jay was born to Ben and Eunice Weisson Feb. 23, 1949. He worked in his family’sbusiness, Lee’s Package Liquor, located at 811 N. Illinois, for many years. Jay is survived by his three sons, ShaneLabuzan, Justin Weiss and Jeremy Weiss;sisters, Myra Riley and Gloria Harris and alarge loving extended family. His wifeNancy preceded him in death. Funeralservices were held on June 18 in AaronRuben Nelson Mortuary. AAAA


What does the Torah tell us about the coming of Moshiach (our righteousMessiah) who will usher in the completeand final redemption?

We will live forever. Even those who areno longer with us will come back to life. Wewill all lead good lives. No more evil. Nomore hatred, no more crime, no more war.If we look carefully, we can see alreadysigns of this. One hundred years ago peoplelived for an average of 40 years. Now people live for an average of about 80years. Crime rates are going down. Thegreat majority of the nations of the worldare working to bring peace and end war.

The Torah tells us that Hashem createdthe first man to live a completely good lifeand live forever. All of this changed whenhe sinned and ate from the Tree of goodand evil Knowledge. As a result, from thenon, until our final redemption, our livesare a mixture of good and evil. Instead ofliving forever, we grow old and die.

Modern biology is actually backing upwhat the Torah tells us. Science now holdsthat our bodies are capable of living forever.However, certain genes in each cell causeus to grow old. All of this will soon changewith the coming of Moshiach. Hashem willremove the genes that cause us to age. Wewill all become young again and live forever.

In many areas we see now more goodand less evil. For thousands of years thestronger nations of the world went to warto conquer the weaker nations. Theirgreed for power and wealth knew nobounds, and caused untold destructionand suffering. The Persian Empire tried torule the world forever. They were followedby the Greeks, the Romans, and so forth.Seventy-six years ago the Germans andJapanese tried to conquer the world.World War II cost about 50,000,000 lives. Idon’t know how many were injured, andhow much property was destroyed. WorldWar II was followed by the Cold War. For45 years the communists tried to conquerthe world.

The great turning point was 25 yearsago. We were witness to many miracles.Communism fell, with almost no bloodshed.Hundreds of millions woke up in themorning as free people, no longer slaves tocommunism.Today none of the superpowernations of the world want to conquer theirneighbors! Even more amazing, the strongcountries today are making big efforts toreally help the weaker nations!

True, there is still fighting in several

BY RABBI BENZION COHEN

Chassidic Rabbi

The Final Redemption

places in the world. But here also we see abig difference. There is now a civil war inSyria. This war was not started by peoplegreedy for wealth and power. It was started by good people willing to sacrificetheir lives in order to overthrow a terribledictator and his regime.

Who gets the credit for all of theseamazing positive changes? First and foremost, all of our ancestors who lived a life of Torah and Mitzvahs for the last3,800 years. Not only did they lead goodlives, but they were a good influence on allof the other nations of the world. Threethousand eight hundred years ago all ofthe nations worshiped idols. Now most ofthem believe in Hashem (the one G-d)and try to live good lives.

The Torah teaches us that good is eternal.All of the good ever done has added up,and brought us very close to the finishline. The world is now ready for the finalredemption, and it is already beginning to happen.

We believe that The Lubavitcher Rebbeis our long awaited Moshiach. The Rebbeand his followers have helped billions ofpeople all over the world to live betterlives, do more good deeds and come closerto Hashem. It is like a chain reaction. Oneperson is influenced to live a better life.When he sees that his life is so much better he will work hard to pass on thegood word and help others to lead betterlives. Over time he will influence 100 morepeople to lead better lives. They will inturn influence 10,000 people to live better.These 10,000 will then help 1,000,000people to live better lives, and so on. Soonanother billion people will be leading better lives, doing more good deeds andcoming closer to Hashem!

It is really happening! Our finalredemption is really happening! And all ofthe Torah that we learn and good deedsthat we do will make it happen that muchfaster and sooner. We want Moshiach now!

Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, Israel. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. AAAA (see Seniors, page IN 13)

Scottromerphoto.com 317-255-6233

Early Music FestivalSun., June 28, leave JCC 3 p.m.

The Rose Ensemble. The land of ThreeFaiths: Voices of Ancient MediterraneanJews, Christians, and Muslims. The resultof years of intensive research and training,the program is at once sacred, secular,folk, and classical, embarking on a fascinating exploration of language,spirituality, and cultural exchange. RSVPto Janet, 251-8881. $24 transp., programand refreshments.

Conner Prairie Star Spangled Symphony

Sat., July 4 leave JCC 5:30 p.m. CelebrateAmerica’s birthday with the ISO’s annualpatriotic performance and salute to ourmilitary service members. All the traditionalfavorites return including a spectacularfireworks show to cap off this concert.RSVP to Janet 251-8881, $55 includestransp., dinner & show. Tables in front.

Concert on the Canal Thurs., July 23, leave JCC at 5 p.m.

IUPUI: David Mannell and friends LauraHammer-Erhart, Becky Barton andHeather Hinton with special guest JohnAlvardo. Classic guitar music of Spain andLatin America/Disney Favorites. You maybring your own dinner or purchase foodfrom the grille or café. RSVP to Janet 251-8881. $16 includes transp. & seats attables in front.

Beef House Dinner Theatre – 9 to 5 Wed., July 29, leave JCC 9 a.m. This is a

new venture for us. The Beef House is inCovington, Ind. The play we will see is 9 to 5, the musical. This is a hilarious storyof friendship and revenge in the Rolodexera all the while being outrageous,thought provoking, and even a littleromantic. RSVP to Janet, 251-8881. $55includes transp., lunch buffet and play.

Seniors in Place


American in IsraelBY SIGAL TAVEL

My job in IsraelI once believed that high school would

be the last time I had to wake up regularlybefore seven o’clock. How wrong I was.

At four in the morning, the only thingaccompanying me on my way to work inKibbutz Maagan Michael is the distinctsense that I shouldn’t be awake. In fact, Iam usually not fully awake until hopping onmy bike to head down to the Refet (dairyfarm), where the cool air of northern Israelat night punches me into alertness.

One might think it would be the smellthat hits me every morning and wakes meup, but the scariest thing about working in a dairy farm is the apathy that developsin regards to cow excrement. Not only do I not notice it anymore, I now actuallynotice differences in the smell on differentdays. I’ve gotten my leg stuck in it and falleninto it. A cow pooped on my head as I wasputting the milking machine on, but I justkept working. When I told my fellow

Tavel (R) and fellow kibbutznik on Kibbutz Maagan Michael.

Ulpanists later about the incident, theyasked if I had been allowed to go home to wash the it off, and I found the idea so ridiculous that I laughed in their faces.No one is clean during milking time. Ourheads are directly below the cows’ anusesas long as the milking lasts. I’ve gotten so accustomed to cow poo that when apigeon roosting on a beam in the ceilingpooped on me I was actually upset,despite the fact that the rest of my sweat-shirt was completely covered in feces.

Work in the Refet at Maagan Michaelisn’t just about cow poo. It’s about everykind of cow-related malady imaginable.The amazing thing about working in theRefet, though, is that regardless of thework, you just do it. Chase young cows to divide them up while ankle deep inexcrement? Done. Milk all the cows byyourself? Someone has to do it. Believe itor not, the fact that cow poo is such animportant part of my life here hasn’t

(see Tavel, page IN 13)


Indians Baseball vs Toledo Back by popular request. Tues., Aug 11,

leave JCC 6 p.m. It’s time again forAmerica’s Favorite Pastime. We’ve got ourfavorite seats. RSVP to Janet, 251-8881 toreserve your seat. $29 includes transp.,dinner, and game. AAAA

Spirituality vs Religion

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SENIORS(continued from page IN 10)

STRUBBE(continued from page IN 6)

ruined any aspect of the experience forme. It might even have improved it.There’s something satisfying about leaving work covered in what could bemud if not for the smell. If someone atbreakfast after I leave work jokingly says“Sigal, you have a little bit of sh-t on your face”, it’s actually true. It’s somethingI’ve become proud of.

I’ve been in Israel for five months now.The Israel that I have experienced so farhas not been the same Israel as the one I have heard described. The image Ireceived in the United States of Israel isone of constant chaos and bloodshed.Instead, I have had one of my mostrewarding life experiences being here.My life on the kibbutz has consisted ofworking in interesting environments,Hebrew learning and the creation offriendships. I have learned new skills andhave worked at times of day that I wouldhave never considered functional hoursbefore. I’ve met new people and improvedmy language skills.

I look forward to my next stage of living

TAVEL(continued from page IN 12)

that it can be worn in the bedroom andthe bathroom, as is in keeping with Jewishlaw. Micha also met with a Chabad-Lubavitcher rabbi who was encouragingand said that if one had one they “mustnever stop spinning the prayer wheel.”

When I asked how to keep makingprayer wheels from becoming boring,Micah replied, “I try to remember begin-ners mind, what it was like when I madethe very first one. It was so sacred andholy. I try to keep that attitude alive, andalso remember that the prayer wheel I ammaking will be with one special person formany years.” Check out their website at:www.galgamaniartproject.com

Bill Strubbe is an international travelwriter, journalist and photographer based inCalifornia. He has been visiting Israel for 40years, and three years ago converted – twice!but that is another story – to Judaism and is making aliyah in September to live on his kibbutz. AAAA

Over the years, many people haveexpressed a desire to be spiritual or morespiritual. They have made a distinctionbetween spiritual and religious. They havedefined religious as organized religion –rituals, practices, and beliefs. Spiritual is defined as something that is within me that I can feel with other people of different faiths. For them religions divideand spirituality unites.

For me religious and spiritual are synonymous. For me religion is a way oflife. It is a way to organize our lives in aharmonious relationship with the self,the world, and with God. Religions aredifferent because people are different.Even within Judaism we reflect a rainbowof concerns, beliefs, and actions. Over the centuries the problem is that manyreligious groups have declared that theyhave a monopoly on the truth. While thereis religious extremism in the twenty-firstcentury, there is a widespread belief thatthere are many paths to God. In fact, if webelieve that God is infinite, how can wepossibly try to limit God?

Rabbi David Hartman has praised finitude. He argues that no one can masterall the knowledge and wisdom in theworld. Since we are finite and limited weneed to concentrate on our particular gifts,talents, and insights. Since we are Jews,we need to look into our traditions as ourfoundation. We join with other peoplesand faiths and learn from one another.

So, how do we become spiritual, morespiritual, a better Jew, or a better humanbeing? First, to be intentionally spiritual orreligious is not a one-time event. Rather, itis a life long journey with peaks and valleys, certainties and doubts. It is notnecessarily difficult or easy. It simply is.To realize our longings to be closer to ourselves, the world, and God, we need tobegin anew. Even within Judaism there aremany suggestions on how to fulfill ourinner desires.

I have a simple suggestion. It starts withgratitude. We thank our Creator for oursouls that are unique and beautiful. It recognizes that we have fears.They are thefears that when we go to sleep we may notwake up or may not wake up as ourselves.To deal with our fears and gratitude thereis a simple prayer that many Jews saywhen they wake up in the morning:

“Modeh/modah ani lefaneicha melech chaiv’kayam shehechezarta bi nishmati bechem-lah – rabbah emunatecha.”I would translatethis prayer as “I offer my deepest gratitudeto the Living God who lovingly restoresmy soul to me when I awake. I am over-whelmed by God’s great faithfulness.”

It is very simple and takes less than aminute to say but it can be very powerful.From the beginning of the day we set themood of humility, gratitude, hope, andtrust. We start the new day acknowledgingGod and God’s love for us.

Moses ibn Ezea wrote,“Words from theheart enter the heart.” If we continuallybegin our days with Modeh/modah ani, Ibelieve that these words from the heartwill enter our hearts. We can feel our soulpulsating with invigorated life and purpose. With the restored soul we canstruggle unafraid with all the challenges oflife, and we can bring even greater blessingsto ourselves, to the world, and to God.

Rabbi Alan Alpert serves CongregationB’Nai Israel in Muskegon, Mich. Reprintedfrom 6-24-09. AAAA

BY RABBI ALAN ALPERT

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in Israel as I begin volunteer work on anambulance with the Magen David Adomin Haifa. I’m making some big changes in scenery – from poo to blood. It seemsthat this is my year of new experiences,particularly regarding bodily functions.

Tavel is currently on gap year and will be attending Indiana University startingthis fall. She can be reached at: [email protected]. Submitted Feb. 27, 2015. AAAA


Longtime Indianapolis resident EricGoldsmith, son of Phil and NikkiGoldsmith, owns and operates Indy TechPros, a retail store, and he also runseScrapinc.com an electronic recyclingfirm. They repair, upgrade, sell and recyclecomputers, printers, laptops and more.

They have specials, free virus scans,desktop computers starting at $99,Netbook computers from $99 and up, andlaptops from $149 and up. They carry laserprinters, computer projectors and muchmore. They have many systems with Vistaand Windows 7. They will recycle all ofyour electronics, cell phones, laptops,desktops, tablets, servers and more.

They serve business and end users, andare looking for businesses with largequantities of old electronics to be recycled.Just let them know how they can be of help! (www.Indytechpros.com, www.escrapinc.com, www.usedprinters.com).

Eric became a business owner after having worked off and on for several yearsat Goldsmith Group. Eric bought thatbusiness from his father in 2007 and started his own entity. In 2012 Indy TechPros moved to their current location at 5080 W. 38th St. 46254, behind the Red Lobster, 317/586-Tech (8324). It is in the International Marketplace in therevitalized Lafayette Square area. (Seetheir ad below.) AAAA

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Indy Tech Pros

It’s been a long road since that firstglimmer of an idea in October of 2011.And while we have much to celebrate, westill have some distance to travel.

I personally appreciate the work anddedication of many individuals who haveall made our success possible. And, I personally want to thank the Board of theTemple Heritage Center whom I humblyserve as its president. Our current Boardconsists of the following individuals:

President Isaiah Kuperstein, Vice-president Jackie Nytes, Treasurer, DavidResnick, and Secretary Tyson Domer.Board: Joseph Alpert, Mark Dollase, LeighR. Evans, Alan Goldstein, David Kosene,Kevin Krulewitch, Phil Lande, Al Polin,Paul Richard, Ellen Rosenthal, RabbiDennis Sasso, Rabbi Sandy Sasso, andElee (Elizabeth) Wood.

The Temple Heritage Center, Inc., inpartnership with Indiana Landmarks,has been leading efforts to rescue theendangered Beth-El Temple. The followingis a brief update on our progress to date, and challenges we are addressing in the coming year. Here are a few of ourimportant accomplishments:

1. Site control of the property and buildingwas secured by Indiana Landmarks, withsupport from Temple Heritage Center board;

2. Completion of an architectural analysisand feasibility study for rehabilitation of thebuilding by architectural firm BrowningDay Mullins Dierdorf;

3. Raised matching funds of $195,000($110,000 from Efroymson Family Fund ofCICF, $75,000 from individuals, $10,000from the Beth El Zedeck Foundation) torelease $100,000 committed by the Cityand Mapleton-Fall Creek DevelopmentCorporation. These funds were used tocomplete a new roof and drainage systemfor the building this spring;

4. Developed a sophisticated fundraisingpiece titled Save This Sacred Space,including restoration renderings of thebuilding completed by Browning DayMullins Dierdorf;

5. Identified an end use for the building,including development of a mission state-ment, vision statement and initial goals.Our goal for the building is to serve thecity’s Mid-North area as a vocationaltraining facility which we have named theBeth-El Center for Learning;

6. Secured non-profit and 501(c)3 status for the Temple Heritage Centerorganization, which allow for charitable,tax-deductible gifts from donors.

As we continue to address issues such asthe building’s condition, fundraising and

securing partnerships to implement a newuse, the Board of Directors is committed tokeeping you informed. If you are interestedin contributing to our ongoing efforts tostabilize the Temple or implement a newvision, please contact Indiana Landmarksat 317/639-4534. Or you can communicatedirectly with me as well on any matterwhatsoever. We appreciate your supportfor a landmark which is so symbolic of thediversity and heritage of the Indianapoliscommunity. AAAA

Temple HeritageCenter Update

I am a LC, or Local Coordinator for CIEE(Council on International EducationalExchange.) This coming year will be myfifth year hosting International ExchangeStudents here in America while theyattend High School. My position as LC isto recruit warm, loving families to hostthese students hailing from countries suchas Spain, Japan, China, Italy, Germany,Africa, Australia and many more.

Personally, I started hosting because myfamily nest was empty. If you have interestin loving and sharing your life with any ofthese spectacular young people, contactme at the address below.

We also have great programs to offer to your kids for traveling abroad in thesummer and winter. I hope to hear from

Host families neededfor international students

Rabbi Tiechtel givesinvocation and benediction at Purdue graduation

On May 17, Rabbi LeviTiechtel, the Chabad rabbiat Purdue University hadthe honor of delivering theinvocation and benedic-tion to the Purdue gradu-ates of 2015. There were12,000 people present. He received much positive feedback from faculty andstudents alike, and it increased Jewishpride in West Lafayette. Youtube has avideo clip of the speeches. He can bereached at [email protected] or ontheir website: www.jewishpurdue.com. AAAA

Indy Tech ProsWe’re user friendly

www.Indytechpros.com www.escrapinc.com www.usedprinters.com

We have been servicing customer PCs, printers and otherequipment for over 20 years. Exceptional CustomerService is our highest priority!

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Ask us about responsiblerecycling of your old

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BY SHARON MOLTER

BY ISAIAH KUPERSTEIN

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(see Host, page IN 15)


Yossi Klein Halevi, scholar and journalist,with Rabbi Sasso.

Ali Abu Awwad (L) by Bishop CatherineWaynick and Shorashim Rabbi HananSchlesinger to left of Rabbi Dennis Sasso.

(L-R) Rabbi Dennis Sasso, Dr. Ruth Calderoneducator and former Israeli MK, and BishopCatherine Waynick, the tenth Bishop ofthe Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis.

Rabbi Sasso with Nabil Saath, a seniorPalestinian official.

A few photos of Rabbi Dennis Sasso’s tripto Israel with the Partners for PeaceMission To Israel/West Bank. Ministersand rabbis from 14 American cities and 10 faith traditions gathered in Israel to learn together about efforts to build the foundations for shared society, peace, andreconciliation among Israelis and Palestinians.

Rabbi Sasso in Israel for peace

JCPA in Interfaith Partner for PeaceMission to Israel April 27–May 4, 2015

Bishop Catherine Waynick of theEpiscopal Diocese of Indianapolis andRabbi Dennis C. Sasso of CongregationBeth-El Zedeck recently participated inthe first cohort of “Interfaith Partners forPeace,”a new initiative to explore ways tofoster Israeli – Palestinian reconciliationand peace building.

The group consisted of 28 paired rabbisand Christian clergy from diverse denom-inations and was escorted by RabbiLeonard Gordon, Chair of InterfaithConcerns for the Jewish Council of PublicAffairs (JCPA).

The religious leaders travelled to Tel Aviv,the Galilee, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Ramallahand Bethlehem, meeting with top Israeli and Palestinian leaders, negotiators,educators and clergy, as well as withyoung leaders of grass roots organizationsworking to build peace and reconciliationbetween Israelis and Palestinians.

Serving as Scholars in Residence for thegroup were the Rev. Peter Pettit, Directorof the Institute for Jewish-Christian

Understanding and Associate Professor inthe Religion Studies Department atMuhlenberg College in the Lehigh Valley,Pa., and Rabbi Yehiel Poupko, RabbinicScholar and Director of interfaith activitiesat the Jewish Federation of MetropolitanChicago.

In addition to conversations with morethan three dozen Israeli and Palestinianscholars, political and religious leaders, thegroup encountered ordinary Israeli andPalestinian Jews, Christians and Muslimsas they toured Christian and Jewish holysites, studying scriptural texts related tothe rich and ancient geography and historyof the Holy Land.The Jewish and ChristianSabbaths were observed at a synagogueand church in West and East Jerusalem.

Rabbi Dennis Sasso commented,“I havevisited Israel and the West Bank in thepast, but this experience was uniquebecause of the depth of sharing amongthe participants and the open and genuineengagement with Israelis and Palestiniansacross the political and religious spectrum.Even in the midst of a difficult geo-political reality, we witnessed signs ofhope for reconciliation and peace.”

Bishop Waynick remarked: “We encoun-tered a spirit of courage, revealed in grassroots efforts, which provides hope thatthese people will learn not only to tolerateeach other, but to respect and care enoughfor each other to live in the peace they alldesperately want for themselves and theirchildren. My hope and prayer is thatefforts such as Interfaith Partners for Peacecan help cultivate a climate of support andencouragement for their efforts.”

The trip was coordinated and staffed byEthan Felson, Senior Vice President andGeneral Counsel of the JCPA and HannaDershowitz, Senior Policy Fellow andDirector of Legal Affairs for the JCPA. AAAA

you soon. Many schools have deadlinesfor pre-enrollment. Please call to discussthis fantastic opportunity.

Thanks for your interest, and please sharewith friends the program and our need forhost families. Sharon Molter, L.C., CIEE,317-435-4126, [email protected]. AAAA

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The 2015 HAI-Life DinnerAt the Hasten Hebrew Academy May 31

Honorees Dr. John Abrams (L) and middleschool math teacher Matt Tucker (R). (Thisand group photo to right by Scott Romer.)

Arthur and, Dinner Chair, Gigi Marks Felscher.

Boris and Lana Fridman with Hart Hasten.

HHAI technology teacher and volleyballcoach, Michael Voskoboynik withMichelle Hershenson and Dr. Karen Vogel.

Israeli shaliach, Roy Swisa with ItamarCohen and Diane Abrams.

Dr. John Abrams (standing) with some members of the Pacers’ organization and other guests.

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