|
Happy December! We are looking forward to ending this year on a good note and starting 2021 strong. Enjoy the many events our community has coming up this month!
|
|
Thank you so much to our community for coming together yesterday on Giving Tuesday to help us raise much needed funds. By making a contribution to the Federation’s Annual Campaign for Giving Tuesday, your direct support will go to keeping Popsie’s Pantry’s shelves stocked to provide for the most vulnerable in our community. Popsie’s Pantry has been honored to serve this community for the past 10 years and with your continuous support, will be able to continue to serve the community to the end of this pandemic and beyond.
If you have not made your gift yet, our Giving Tuesday campaign is still happening! Thanks to the support of an exclusive matching grant opportunity, this year, your contribution will be deepening your impact.
|
|
|
Maximize Your Tax Benefits
As the end of 2020 nears, learn about how you can maximize the tax benefits of your charitable giving this year. Click here to read a letter from Planned Giving and Endowment Director, Josh Lodolo. Need help? Contact Josh at jlodolo@jfgi.org.
|
|
Grants-Scholarships-Internships
Interested in attending overnight Jewish camp?
JFGI has overnight camp grants.
Do you want to travel with an organized group to Israel?
JFGI has Israel scholarships.
Are you seeking financial assistance for college?
JFGI has academic scholarships.
Do you want to learn more about non-profit work?
JFGI has internships available in our Jewish community.
2021 JFGI scholarship and internship opportunities are now available!
Deadline to apply is March 1, 2021.
Visit www.jewishindianapolis.org/scholarships-internships to learn more and apply.
Call Pamela Eicher at (317) 715-6981 with questions.
Scholarships:
Academic
Eugene and Betty Friedmann Memorial Scholarship
Len Perel Memorial Scholarship
Jules Dorfman Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Jewish Communal Service
Mark Pescovitz Scholarship
Israel
Joe & Sylvia Rothbard Family Israel Youth Experience Scholarship
Israel Youth Experience Grants
Overnight Camp
Jewish Summer Camp Incentive Program – One Happy Camper
Joe & Sylvia Rothbard Family Jewish Summer Camp Program
Internships:
Hooverwood
Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis
Jewish Community Relations Council
Jewish Education
Jewish Family Services
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
|
|
Partnership2Gether Western Galilee Upcoming Programs
|
|
International Sliding Dors program for 2nd Generation Holocaust survivors
11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13
Contact Michele Boukai at mboukai@jfgi.org with questions.
|
|
If you’re looking for an opportunity for your kids in Grades K-5 to get out of the house and socialize safely with their peers, the JCC offers full day care over the winter break. Their youth programs, built on guidelines and best practices during COVID, have been operating safely since April 1. For the days available, visit https://jccindy.org/youth/school-age/. Cost per child is $85 (JCC members pay only $65). If you’re not currently a member, check out the current Membership Special at the J.
Also, now is the time to enroll for youth programs at the J beginning in early January. The J offers swimming, tennis and more for children as young as 3 years old. They even have parent/tot swimming classes for ages 6-36 months.
For an overview of the J’s safety protocols during COVID, feel free to visit the ReOpen page on the J’s website.
|
|
|
Sign-up for JCRC’s Youth Engagement & Opportunities Newsletter
Over the past few years, JCRC has successfully implemented several programs that proactively combat antisemitism by engaging Jewish teens & youth. If you want to learn more about how we are serving Jewish youth & their families, fill out the form!
|
|
|
Indiana Politicians who made a difference During the Holocaust: Benjamin Victor Cohen
12 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
Via Zoom
Bryan Mark Rigg Ph.D. and author of "The Rabbi Saved By Hitler Soldiers." Speaks about the role that FDR Government Appointee Benjamin Victor Cohen of Muncie, played in clandestine secret negotiations with a maverick faction of German intelligence to rescue a prominent Chassidic Rabbinic figure and his family from Nazi-occupied Warsaw. Join for part one of this lunch and learn series.
|
|
|
Israel Engagement Fellowship (IEF) Graduation
7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 7
via Zoom
Come celebrate young Jewish advocates in the third Israel Engagement Fellowship cohort as they present their final projects to the community and graduate!
|
|
|
NEW!!! Report an Antisemitic, Bias, or Discriminatory Incident to JCRC
Did you know that JCRC is the Jewish community’s “first responder” when it comes to incidents of antisemitism? JCRC now has an online reporting form integrated into our website, which will:
• Give people who have been targeted – or have witnessed an act of bias or bigotry – an easier way to report such incidents;
• Give JCRC staff the ability to respond more quickly; and
• Allow JCRC to track antisemitism more effectively across Indiana and share that data with national partners like the ADL and AJC.
If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of bias, hatred, or bigotry, fill out the form.
|
|
|
The Jewish Theatre of Bloomington Announces its newest production, a Virtual Staged Reading of Talley’s Folly by Lanford Wilson
After a successful virtual staged reading of The Grandkid in August, The Jewish Theatre of Bloomington is back for more and excited to announce its latest virtual offering: Talley’s Folly, a Virtual Staged Reading. Directed by Martha Jacobs, this funny and heart-warming theatrical duet will be streaming live at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 via Zoom.
The reading is free, but an RSVP is required, and $25 donations are suggested. Attendees must RSVP on JTB’s website by Dec. 3 to receive a Zoom link to the staged reading.
|
|
CALENDAR
Chabad Center for Jewish Life | Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
Congregation Beth Shalom | Congregation B'nai Torah | Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation | Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC)
Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis (HHAI)
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
Shabbat Services
Fridays | 6 p.m. – Erev Shabbat Celebration via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/399892776. Join the spiritual leaders and members of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck for a virtual Shabbat candle lighting and Friday night service.
Saturdays | 9:30 a.m. (9 a.m. on Dec. 5) – Torah Talk via Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/CongregationBEZ/. A discussion on the week’s Torah portion discussion.
Saturdays | 10 a.m. – Shabbat Morning Service via Livestream: https://bez613.org/watch-live/. Join the spiritual leaders of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck for the week’s Livestream service. Visit https://bez613.org/worship/virtual-shabbat-and-more/ for access to this week’s resources to help follow along.
Other BEZ Events and Programs:
Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Private In-Person Hanukah Shopping Sign Up. Visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4FAAA829A1FB6-gallery to schedule a private appointment for Chanukah shopping at BEZ's Gallery of Judaica. Contact Jackie Wolf at jackiew@bezgallery.org or (317) 475-1705 with questions.
Sundays, Dec. 6, 13 | 9 a.m. – Hebrew I: More Than Alef with Dina David, via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93829185163. Join BEZ to learn or relearn Hebrew letters and grow closer to reading prayers and to understanding the meaning behind them. Contact Dina David at ddavid@bez613.org with questions.
Sundays, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m. – Refreshing Judaism with Rabbi Dennis and Guest Presenters, via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93829185163.
- Dec. 6: Rhythms of our Lives From Birth to Death and Beyond
- Dec. 13: Issues in Contemporary Jewish Life and Community
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 9:30 a.m. – Virtual Tot Shabbat via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93267044403. Join Rabbi Jenni Greenspan for singing, movement and rhythm fun. Wear your favorite pajamas and bring your teddy bear to this special virtual Shabbat service for children and families. Contact Rabbi Jenni at jgreenspan@bez613.org with questions.
Monday, Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. – Cocktail Judaism: The 2020 Elections: Moving Forward via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96415122645. A thought-provoking two-part panel discussion hosted by Rabbi Dennis Sasso and moderated by David Sklar, Assistant Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council. Join for part two of this bipartisan conversation on the 2020 Elections with a diverse panel of young community leaders, Naomi Farahan, Aaron Welcher and Rachel Birenbaum. Part two of this conversation will focus on moving forward from the elections as a country. Contact Jacqui Goldstein at jgoldstein@bez613.org with questions.
Friday, Dec. 11 | 6 p.m. – Beth-El Zedeck and the Amazing Technicolor Hanukah Shabbat and Kitah Dalet Siddur Ceremony via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/399892776. Celebrate Chanukah as a community at Shabbat evening services via Zoom. Light the menorah and celebrate with the Dalet (fourth grade) Religious School class as they each receive their own siddur.
Sunday, Dec. 13 – Sunday, Dec. 20 | Teen Chanukah Community Challenge. The community synagogue teens and youth groups will engage in 8 days of activities to celebrate Chanukah. Teams will have challenges to over-come for prizes and bragging rights. Form a team or join without one. Sign up by contacting Adam Rothenberg at a.rothenberg3490@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 | 5 p.m. – Community Menorah Lighting with BEZ at the Jewish Community Campus. Join members of the community and BEZ for the seventh night of Hanukah to light the community menorah. Dress warmly and please be mindful of social distancing recommendations.
Friday, Dec. 17 | 7 p.m. – Light Up the Screens, via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97590790920. Celebrate the last night of Chanukah with the spiritual leaders and BEZ. Light up your screen with your favorite menorah. Enjoy festive music and Chanukah Trivia during this delightful celebration. Contact Jacqui Goldstein at jgoldstein@bez613.org with questions.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) invites you to sample our variety of programs for all ages and interests throughout the year. They visitors and guests to come worship, learn and spend time together. They seek to include all in the warmth to newcomers and members. Visit the calendar at www.bethshalomindy.org, or sign up there to receive weekly a Monday e-newsletter with the most current happenings.
For the protection of our congregants and visitors during the month of December 2020, CBS events will continue to be virtual in nature, including Friday night Shabbat worship services. Updates to service plans or other CBS events throughout the month will be posted on the CBS website on either the Home page or the Calendar under What’s Happening. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – The History of Reform Judaism. Join Rabbi Justin and Prof. Eugene Avrutin, Univ. of Illinois, for weeks 4, 5, and 6 of a fascinating Adult Ed program. If you missed weeks 1-3, no worries! Each week is independently interesting. Contact Sharon Karp at skarp@iu.edu for more information. Topics and Zoom information will be announced in the weekly CBS newsletter.
Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 | 10 a.m. – Talmud Torah. All classes are virtual. Links on the CBS website.
Wednesday, Dec. 9 | 7:30 p.m. – Knit Stitchers. This amiable group meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Knitters of all levels are welcome to join in for a relaxing time to schmooze and work on something interesting. Contact Judy Weitzman at bridgejudy@aol.com to get the Zoom link.
Send a Chanukah Card! Send a Chanukah greeting and support CBS at the same time. The Fundraising Committee will select a beautiful card, address, stamp and send it, including a greeting from you and Congregation Beth Shalom. Send your list of names and addresses to Barbi Stenacker, 12963 Ratliff Run, Fishers, IN 46037, along with how you want your card signed. Cards are $5 each. Send your list and check made payable to Congregation Beth Shalom no later than Dec. 10. Contact Barbi at stenacker@comcast.net with questions.
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. – Chanukah Menorah Lighting at the Jewish Federation. CBS lights the Federation menorah in front of the former BJE on Hoover Road for the third night of Chanukah. All are welcome. Masks and social distancing are required.
Sunday, Dec. 13 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Versiti Blood Drive at CBS. Give the gift of life! Plan to donate your blood at the Versiti Bloodmobile parked in the CBS parking lot, 849 W. 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Online signup and masks are required. See the CBS website for more info.
Sunday, Dec. 20 | 3 p.m. – CBS Book Club. The December selection is Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan. Book Club gladly welcomes all interested parties to participate. RSVP to Sharon Karp at skarp@iu.edu for Zoom links to the virtual meeting.
Newcomers Program – This is an ongoing social action by CBS that welcomes your help. CBS assists IPS families who are new to the United States and attend an IPS school to help acclimate them to American schools. Although their learning is currently virtual, the families still need basic items for their homes. CBS collects gently used clothing, household goods, toys, linens, personal hygiene items, and furniture. Contact Isabel Atlas at ieatlas@aol.com to donate.
Fridays, Dec. 11, 18, and 25 |6:30 p.m. – Erev Shabbat Services. Regular Shabbat worship services are held on the second, third and fourth Fridays of each month. In December those will be on. Services will stream live on Facebook and Zoom. Download a flip-book online edition of Mishkan T’filah at www.ccarnet.org/publications/mishkan-tfilah-for-shabbat.
Congregation B’nai Torah
Service calendar for December
The following classes meet regularly:
Sunday through Thursday | Between Mincha & Maariv – Halacha (Jewish Law) Class. Rabbi Gettinger teaches the laws of Chanukah.
Every Shabbos (Saturday) | After Mincha – Parsha (Torah Portion) Class. Rabbi Gettinger teaches a class on that week’s Parshah.
Mondays | 12:30 p.m. – Lunch & Learn Without the Lunch, Via Zoom. This class is studying the Book of Ezra. Contact the office at (317) 253-5253 or office@btorah.org to participate.
Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
Monday, Wednesday and Fridays | 6:30 p.m. – Minyan and Shabbat Services.
Fridays | 11 a.m. – Torah Class with Rabbi Sendrow.
Saturdays | 10 a.m. – Shabbat Morning Service
Religious School: Sundays via Zoom. Visit www.shaareytefilla.org for a class schedule.
CST Virtual Adult Education Classes: Adult education classes begin in January. Beginning Hebrew and Intermediate Hebrew 1 and 2 taught by Rotem Calili. Adult 3D@CST with Rabbi Sendrow. Classes for Hebrew and 3D@CST will continue into March and April depending on interest. Adult B’nai Mitzvah class taught by Cantor Sharon.
Tuesday, Jan. 5 - Sunday, Feb. 28| 11 a.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m. on Tuesdays – Beginning Hebrew. Offered for eight weeks, twice a week. Each lesson is 45 minutes and a minimum of five students is required. Cost is $150 for members, $170 for non-members.
Tuesday, Jan. 5 - Sunday, Jan. 31 | 12 p.m. on Sundays, and 8 p.m. on Tuesdays – Intermediate Hebrew 1. Offered for four weeks, twice a week. Each lesson is 45 minutes and a minimum of five students is required. Cost is $75 for members, $85 for non-members.
Tuesday, Feb. 2 - Sunday, Feb. 28 |12 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. on Tuesdays – Intermediate Hebrew 2. Offered for 4 weeks, twice a week. Each lesson is 45 minutes and a minimum of five students is required. Cost is $75 for members, $85 for non-members.
Wednesday, Jan. 6 – Sunday, May 16 | 11 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays – B’nai Mitzvah. Offered once a week from January – March; twice a week in April and May. Each lesson is 1 hour and a minimum of five students is required. B’nai Mitzvah on Shavuot is on Monday, May 17. Cost is $150 for members, $170 for non-members.
Enroll for any of these classes by contacting Education Director Brenda Freedman at educationdirector@shaareytefilla.org for an enrollment form or visit http://shaareytefilla.org/education/, and select Adult Religious Education Classes.
Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation
Monday – Fridays |7:30 a.m. – Shaharit
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – Shabbat Shaharit Service
Sundays | 9 a.m. – Shaharit Service at Chabad
Sundays | 8 p.m. – Evening Virtual Classes. Etz Chaim and the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America present Pirkei Avot: Ethics of Our Fathers taught by Rabbi David Gingold-Altchek through the Sephardic Digital Academy. Register at www.sephardicbrotherhood.com/sephardicdigitalacademy.
Sunday, Dec. 13 | 5 p.m. – Community Hanukkiah Lighting at the Jewish Federation. Celebrate the fourth night as the Community Hanukkiah is lit.
Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation
Visit www.ihcindy.org/online for links to all of Zoom services, classes and programs.
Fridays | 6:15 p.m. – Virtual Shabbat. Join Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (IHC) for their weekly online service bringing the peace of Shabbat into homes. Nefesh Shabbat, a soulful musical Shabbat is always the third Friday of each month.
Saturdays |9 a.m. – Torah Study Online. This weekly Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) study group is currently studying the weekly Torah portions. Led by IHC clergy, the group is guided through the text seeking understanding of the teaching for the time and discussing its message for today. While on Zoom, follow the weekly Torah portion. When in-person congregation is possible, IHC will continue moving through the entire Tanakh, line by line. The group study uses the English translation. No prior knowledge is necessary.
Wednesdays | 9:30 a.m. – Virtual Torah Talk with Rabbi Brett. Torah Talk is an informal, accessible, and interactive opportunity for adults of all levels of learning to discuss and study Judaism and its texts. Each session stands alone, but you may find you want to become a regular attendee. This ongoing series is sponsored by IHC Sisterhood.
Sundays | 11 a.m. – IHC Mitzvah Stitchers. Contact Cantor Janice Roger at janicer@ihcindy.org to join the email list for updates and projects, as well as the Zoom link for this virtual weekly meeting to stich for good.
Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 16, 30 | 7 p.m. – Brit Olam Community Read and Discussion. Read the book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, which highlights the issues of extreme poverty, affordable housing and economic exploitation in the U.S. Email Bob Hewitt to join the group or for information. Download your copy of the Evicted In Indiana reading guide.
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. – “Around The Jewish Table” Cooking Demonstration With Jane Butcher. Join LAF (Life After Fifty) for a wonderful afternoon learning to make challah as well as Jane’s national award winning “Crescent Carmel Swirl” dessert. You are welcome to cook along with Jane or just watch and enjoy the demonstration. If you are going to cook, register early - the shopping list will be sent to all registrants before the program. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E49A9A92BAA8-around1
Sunday, Dec. 6 | 12-3 p.m. – Super Sunday In-Store Shopping in the Sisterhood Gift Shop. The Gift Shop is open for social distancing Chanukah shopping. Visit https://ihcindy.org/ihc-sisterhood-gift-shop/ for more information and to schedule your shopping experience.
Monday, Dec. 7 | 6:30 p.m. – Lilith Salon. Ladies are invited to join Sisterhood in this monthly discussion of articles from Lilith Magazine . Contact sisterhood.ihc@gmail.com for the reading assignments, link to the Zoom meeting and more.
Tuesday, Dec. 8 | 12 p.m. – Jewish Book Club. Join this group for a discussion on The Art of Resistance by Justus Rosenberg. Visit https://ihcindy.org/jewish-book-club/ for more information and to receive the Zoom link.
Tuesdays, Dec. 8, 15 | 7 p.m. – Adult Education: The Audacity of Hope: Using Psalms to Connect. Join Rabbi Jordana Chernow-Reader to find ways to use the Book of Psalms to connect with spirituality, hope, and social justice. This is a three-part series IHC Members: Complimentary, Guests: $36. Contact Barbara Chapman at 317.255.6647 or at barbarac@ihcindy.org to register and receive the Zoom links.
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 12 p.m. – Lunch & Learn. Learn from clergy and/or special guests and explore topics affecting the world today. Join Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro and learn from the Book of Maccabees and combine Jewish teaching with modern applications. Bring your lunch and feel free to eat during the discussion.
Friday, Dec. 11 | 4:30 p.m. – IHC Lights the Community Menorah at the Jewish Federation. Masks and social distancing are required.
Friday, Dec. 11 | After Shabbat – Chanukah--After Services – Zoom Games. Stay on after services for the monthly after-services Zoom games led by IHC clergy.
Sunday, Dec. 13 | 2 – 3 p.m. – Chanukah Palooza Drive Through Experience. Bring non-perishable food to donate to Popsie’s Pantry and drive through a uniquely 2020 Hanukkah experience and say “Happy Chanukah” to clergy and staff. Safe and sweet treats for all visitors (while supplies last).
Tuesday, Dec. 15 | 1 p.m. – Virtual Chanukkah Bingo. Join LAF (Life After Fifty) for a fun afternoon of Hanukkah themed Bingo fun! Four games will be played with gift card prizes for IHC’s Sisterhood Gift Shop. Bingo cards will be sent prior to the event to all who register. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E49A9A92BAA8-hanukkah1.
Friday, Dec. 25 | 15 minutes after Shabbat service – “Around The Jewish Table” Memory Meal. Make a dish that evokes a memory (good or not!) to eat – and share the history of what you made. A warm, friendly evening of great stories and community is expected. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E49A9A92BAA8-around2.
IHC’s Early Childhood Center is accepting enrollment for second semester. Choose from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a loving and safe learning environment for kids ages 1 through Kindergarten.
Contact ECC at (317) 254-2186 or email angelae@ihcindy.org for more information.
IHC Sisterhood’s Gift Shop is open for in-store store shopping on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. -noon. Contact Gift Shop Director Bonnie Foster at ihcsisterhoodgiftshop1@gmail.com or (317) 697-5642 for concierge services and more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
