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This month marks the official 1-year anniversary of being in this pandemic. As we continue to socially distance and attend virtual gatherings, take a look at what is coming up all things Passover and more in our community this month.
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The Magid or “telling/narration” section of the Passover Haggadah begins with a deceleration in Aramaic – Ha lachma anya … kol dichfin yeitei v’yeichol. Kol ditzrich yeitei v’yifasch.
“This bread of affliction … let all who are hungry, come and eat. Let all who are needy come and celebrate Passover.”
Even after this past year of social distancing, loss, and uncertainty abound – families and communities around the world will begin this portion of their seder with an invitation to connect, share, and be present as Jews remember and embody hardship that blossomed into freedom. In this spirit, JFGI invites all who are hungry for community to gather and connect through the abundance of opportunities and resources available from the Indianapolis Jewish community. Visit jewishindianapolis.org/Passover to find community service opportunities, at-home holiday resources for all ages, holiday experiences from local organizations as well as curated learning and connection opportunities from national and international partners.
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TEXAS NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Friends and colleagues in Texas are suffering through a historic freeze. A vital part of the Federation's mission is to offer assistance to all Jews in need. Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has opened a mailbox to collect donations, which can be accessed by clicking below. The JFNA emergency committee will allocate funds raised through this mailbox in coordination with our colleagues across Texas. Thank you for your generous hearts to help those in need!
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COVID Tax Breaks
Did you know the COVID Relief Bill boosts tax breaks for charitable giving in 2021? If you take the standard deduction, you can write-off up to $300 in cash donations to charity this year ($600 for married couples). Additionally, as part of the CARES Act (which was extended through 2021), you may deduct gifts of cash up to 100 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI). To learn more about maximizing the tax benefits of your giving, visit the gift planning website or contact Josh Lodolo, Senior Director of Planned Giving & Endowment.
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Interested in Joining the Professional Advisors Group? Attend an Upcoming Lunch and Learn!
12 - 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18, via Zoom
The Jewish Federation is inviting the JFGI Professional Advisors group and fellow peers to join an upcoming Lunch and Learn for networking and a presentation by the Federation Engagement and Education Department, specifically focused on youth philanthropy and efforts to address food insecurity. All estate planning, financial planning, insurance, and wealth management professionals are welcome to bring a lunch and learn more about the group. Contact Paula Glanzman Goldberg at pgoldberg@jfgi.org for the Zoom link.
JFGI’s Professional Advisors Group is a network of Indianapolis professionals dedicated to building relationships and integrating charitable planning as a strategy for achieving their clients’ overall goals. Visit www.jewishindianapolis.org/advisors or contact Paula to learn more and/or to get involved.
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Women’s Rosh Hodesh Gathering
Celebrate International Women’s Day with women from across Partnership communities.
1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14
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Cafe Anglit+ continues to grow and invites you to join. Share this unique opportunity to practice your second language! Currently available in Hebrew and English. Addition of Arabic and Hungarian coming soon.
* NOTE: Cafe Anglit+ is designed for conversational practice purposes for those already familiar and somewhat comfortable with the given language.
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P2G Book Club hosts quarterly gatherings with book enthusiasts from Israel, USA and Budapest. Before each gathering, the club members read a joint book and share about it in a dedicated WhatsApp group.
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We R Family - Partnership chairs Efrat Srebro and Michelle Korin are offering to families an intimate connection with another family from our Partnership communities.
Contact Efrat at efis57@gmail.com or Michelle at michelle.korin@gmail.com or fill in the online form for more information. |
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Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis is excited to welcome the community to their Reggio-inspired, community based (open to the public) preschool- Giving Tree Early Learning. Each day, students discover a world of wonder through their play-based curriculum. The unique classroom environments and creative play spaces, including the Light Studio, Art Atelier and Outdoor Classroom, provide developmentally appropriate learning for every child. Join a one of their virtual open house events on March 11 or April 14. Visit Virtual Open House Registration to RSVP for the event OR to schedule a virtual/ in-person tour today.
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Enrollment for the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis 2021-22 school year for Kindergarten-8th grade is now available. Join a tour to learn more about conceptual learning and the benefits of individualized in-person instruction. With various scholarship opportunities available, private education may be more affordable than you think. Call (317) 251-1261 to learn how their safe and customizable education options are right for your family.
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Israeli Dance
6 p.m. Tuesday, March 23
Join Enav and Maya, the J's Shinshinim (Israeli emissaries) for a taste of Israeli culture with this Israeli Dance class for adults. The class may be in person at the JCC (maximum 14 students due to COVID restrictions) or tune in virtually on Facebook Live to stream the class from home!
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JCC Camp Registration Day
Sunday, March 7
JCC Members get 7 percent off registration on one day and one day only - Camp Registration Day! The all-virtual registration kickoff is on Sunday, March 7. Check CampJCC on the JCC website for all the materials needed to be ready to register. Note: the 7% discount applies to traditional and pre- and post- camp and not sports and specialty camps.
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Kids in grades K-5 can enjoy School's Out Days at the J on March 29-April 9 for Spring Break. JCC’s COVID-19 precautions have been proven safe. Non-member rates and scholarships are available.
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Register Now for Youth Programs Beginning March 6
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Provide your kids with some long-overdue social interaction and skills development all in an environment proven to be safe! The J offers enrichment opportunities for youth beginning as young as age 3 in swimming, tennis, gymnastics, dance, yoga, kid fit, even pickleball! Note: JCC offers Parent/Tot swimming lessons, but March is already full. So for kids 6-36 months being ready for fun around the water this summer, make sure to register soon for April!
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If you or someone you know loves working with children and helping them grow socially, emotionally and cognitively, the J has opportunities to join its preschool. Apply online on the J’s Careers page.
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Summer Jobs
For those looking for a safe summer job in the outdoors and the best opportunity to beef up their resume touting leadership and teamwork skills, the J is now hiring Camp personnel and lifeguards, head lifeguards, swim instructors and slide attendants for the Eskenazi Water Park opening in May.
- Ages 14 and up for slide attendant.
- Ages 15 and up for lifeguards and swim instructors.
- Ages 18 and up for head lifeguards.
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JCRC Launches New Education Hub & Resource Center
The JCRC’s new education hub serves as a resource to help schools, employers, elected officials, industries, other faith communities, and Jewish educators and families have access to digital resources on the Jewish community and to confront antisemitism.
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Opt-in for the type of JCRC emails that interest you
As an advocacy organization, JCRC finds that it needs to communicate often with community members and partners – especially during the legislative session. The JCRC understands how that can be overwhelming at times. The JCRC updated its system so you can decide what communication topics you want to receive.
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Join the JCRC’s Email List
Stay up to date on all of things JCRC including programs, actions alerts, and other important communications by filling out this form!
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Indiana Politicians Who Made a Difference During the Holocaust: Benjamin Victor Cohen
12 p.m. Tuesday, March 23
Author Bryan Mark Rigg, Ph.D., will explore the role Benjamin Victor Cohen played (a native of Muncie, Ind.) in secret negotiations with a maverick faction of German intelligence to rescue a prominent Chasidic rabbi and his family from Nazi-occupied Warsaw.
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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 and More
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. – 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.
Wednesdays | 7:30 a.m. – Minyan via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95109818081
Adult Education:
Sundays, March 7, 14, and 21 | 9:15 a.m. – Hebrew I: More Than Prayers via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92988441867. Join an introduction to reading Hebrew prayers and the meaning behind them. Contact Dina David at ddavid@bez613.org with questions.
Sundays, March 7, 14, and 21 | 10:30 a.m. – Coffee Talk with Rabbi Dennis Sasso via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92988441867.
Sunday, March 7 | Jewish Pluralism. Rabbi Dennis hosts a talk about Jewish Pluralism with Masorti Movement’s Dr. Yizhar Hess, Vice Chairman of The World Zionist Organization. Stay tuned for more information about other topics that will be discussed during this three-part program. Contact Jacqui Goldstein at jgoldstein@bez613.org for more information.
Sunday, March 14 | Hooverwood Living: Update and Future Plans. Join Rabbi Dennis and Hooverwood Living CEO, Evan Lubline, to discuss updates and future plans about Hooverwood Living. Engage in the conversation and learn how Hooverwood Living is creating the future of healthcare inside and outside.
BEZ’s Passover Events
Wednesday, March 3 | 7 p.m. – BEZ’s Sisterhood Virtual De-Stressing Passover Program via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94636323893. A pre-Passover program hosted by Congregation Beth-El Zedeck’s Sisterhood. Enjoy some Passover tips from interesting guest speakers that will help decrease your stress and increase your joy while preparing for Passover. Contact Amanda Siegel at sie8els@gmail.com with questions.
Sunday, March 21 | 10:30 a.m. – Coffee Talk: Passover Q & A with Rabbi Dennis Sasso via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92988441867. Join Rabbi Dennis for a casual conversation and Passover Q&A. Talk about all things Passover - what’s on your mind and in your heart.
Monday, March 22 | 10:30 a.m. – Seder Songs Sing-along with Cantor Melissa Cohen via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/CongregationBEZ/.
Sunday, March 28 | 9:30 a.m. – Torah Talk: Passover Edition with Rabbi Jenni Greenspan via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/CongregationBEZ/.
Sunday, March 28 | 10 a.m. – Passover Festival Service via Livestream: https://bez613.org/watch-live/. Passover liturgy with the spiritual leaders of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck.
Saturday, April 3 | 10 a.m. – Shabbat and Passover Festival and Yizkor Service via Livestream: https://bez613.org/watch-live/. Join the spiritual leaders of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck for the week’s Livestream service, including a virtual Yizkor service to conclude Passover. Visit the BEZ website for access to the week’s resources to help follow along.
Other BEZ Events and Programs:
Monday, March 1 | 7:30 p.m. – Cocktail Judaism: Reporting the News in a Time of Pandemic - with Shari Rudavsky via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96415122645. Rabbi Dennis Sasso hosts an engaging conversation with BEZ member and local health and medicine reporter for Indy Star Shari Rudavsky. Find out firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the news from a reporter’s perspective. Don’t miss this interesting conversation!
Saturday, March 6 | 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.
Wednesday, March 10 | 8:30 p.m. – Torah on Tap (Virtual) Trivia Night: Hoosier Jewish History via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/99859733752. Enjoy a fun-filled social gathering for BEZ’s young adult professionals. Rabbi Jenni Greenspan, Moishe Pod Indy, and Indiana Jewish Historical Society host a night of Hoosier Jewish History Trivia. Bring your friends and your thinking caps for a friendly game of virtual trivia, with questions that will jog your memory and make you LOL. The top three winners will receive fabulous prizes! RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d4eada72aa2fe3-torah1 and contact Rabbi Jenni at jgreenspan@bez613.org with questions.
Tuesday, March 16 | 7:30 p.m. – Sisterhood Article Club: Searching for Justice via Zoom. Join BEZ’s Sisterhood for an exploration of social justice issues through a secular lens, and, with Rabbi Jenni Greenspan’s help, through a Jewish lens. At each meeting, Sisterhood will select the next person to share an article and lead the next month's discussion. RSVP to Amanda Siegel at sie8els@gmail.com for the zoom link.
Gallery of Judaica Hours (Curbside Pickup ONLY): 11 a.m. – noon Tuesdays, 10 – 11 a.m. Wednesdays and 1 – 2 p.m. Fridays. Order online at www.bezgallery.org and choose "In-Person Pickup." Arrive at Beth-El Zedeck (600 W. 70th St.) during these pickup times and call (317) 475-1705 to have your items brought to your car.
Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center Enrollment for Summer Camp 2021 and School Year 2021-22: BEZ Early Childhood Center teaches and nurtures children ages 12 months through pre-K (Kindergarten Readiness). View information and register at https://bez613.org/learn/early-childhood-center/. Contact Joanie Waldman at jwaldman@bez613.org or (317) 259-6854 for more information or with questions.
For more information about these or other programs, visit www.bez613.org.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) invites you to sample a variety of programs for all ages and interests throughout the year. Visitors and guests are invited to come worship, learn and spend time together. CBS seeks 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 the congregants and visitors during the month of March 2021, 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 CBS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Sunday, March 7 | 2 p.m. – Join BeSHTY!. BeSHTY (Beth SHalom Temple Youth) is Congregation Beth Shalom’s NFTY Youth Group. ALL 8th to 12th graders in the community are invited to participate in BeSHTY via Zoom. Email BeSHTY@bethshalomindy.org to register and receive the Zoom link.
Sunday, March 7 | 3:30 p.m. – Take a Virtual Tour of the Tenement Museum in NYC. The CBS Social Action/Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a one-hour virtual tour of the Tenement Museum in NYC. People can attend to listen and learn about the American immigrant experience in the early 1900s. You can learn more about the Tenement Museum at www.tenement.org. To help defray the cost of this program, a suggested donation of at least $5 to the CBS Social Action/Social Justice Committee is encouraged. Donations may be made directly through the CBS website at www.bethshalomindy.org or by mailing a check to Congregation Beth Shalom, 4000 W. 106th St, Ste. 125-118, Carmel, IN 46032. Be sure to indicate Social Action Fund in honor of Tenement Museum Virtual Tour. Contact Becky Paul at bselig70@gmail.com to RSVP and to get the Zoom link or for more information.
Wednesday, March 17 | 7 p.m. – Knit Stitchers. This amiable group meets on the third 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.
Friday, March 19 | 6:30 p.m. – Shabbark is Back! The famous Shabbat honoring the best four- (or maybe two, if a bird, or fins, if a fish) legged family members. Share a photo of you and your beloved pet—or just your pet. Send photos to Jackie Randall at randalljackie@yahoo.com by March 12 for inclusion in this special Shabbat.
Saturdays, March 13, 20 and 27 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Torah Study. Links are at the CBS website.
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. CBSs collects gently used clothing, household goods, toys, linens, personal hygiene items, and furniture. Contact Isabel Atlas at ieatlas@aol.com to participate in this mitzvah.
Second, third and fourth Fridays, March 12, 19 (Shabbark) and 26 | 6:30 p.m. – Erev Shabbat Services. All services will stream live on the Facebook feed and on Zoom. You may download a flip-book online edition of Mishkan T’filah at www.ccarnet.org/publications/mishkan-tfilah-for-shabbat.
Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
Sunday, March 7, 21 | 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Special Live Concert with Concert Master Kevin Lin. CST is partnering with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, ISO North and The Castleton Quartet with Jack Brennan for this concert. Seating is limited to 50 people per performance to maintain social distancing. Both shows will be the same music, and RSVP is required. CST members and friends of CST will have first opportunity to reserve seats. Email office@shaareytefilla.orgor call (317) 733-2169. ISO North members will have opportunity to fill remaining seats. These talented musicians are unable to work and are offering these shows to the community at no cost for tickets. Gratuities are welcomed to help support their music and families.
Monday, Wednesday and Fridays | 6:30 p.m. – Minyan and Shabbat Services in person and via zoom.
Wednesdays | 11 a.m. – Torah Class with Rabbi Sendrow
Saturdays | 10 a.m. – Shabbat Morning Service in person and via zoom.
Religious School: Sundays via Zoom. No class March 28 for Passover.
Kindergarten with Tammy Goldstein:
9-9:45 a.m. in school Sunday Religious School
9-9:30 a.m. virtual Sunday Religious School
Alef/Bet (1st/2nd Grade) with Tammy Goldstein:
10-11:30 a.m. in school Sunday Religious School
10-11 a.m. virtual Religious School
Gimel/Dalet (3rd/4th Grade) Hebrew Studies with Rotem Calili and Religious Studies with Lauren Allen:
6:10-6:55 p.m. Thursday Hebrew School, virtual or in person-CST
9-10:50 a.m. Sunday Hebrew & Religious School, virtual or in person-CST
Hay/Vav (5th/6th Grade) Hebrew Studies with Rotem Calili and Religious Studies Lauren Allen:
7-7:45 p.m. Thursday Hebrew School virtual or in person-CST
9-10:50 a.m. Sunday Hebrew & Religious School virtual or in person-CST
Wednesday, March 24 | 7 p.m. – CST Sisterhood Book Club. The book to be discussed is How Much of These Hills is Gold, by C Pam Zhang.
Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation
The Passover holiday services schedule will be posted at www.etzchaimindy.org/calendar soon! Chag Pesah Sameah!
Monday – Fridays |7:30 a.m. – Shaharit
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – Shabbat Shaharit Service
Sundays | 9 a.m. – Shaharit Service at Chabad
Check the weekly emails or website at www.etzchaimindy.org for more up to date information.
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. Camp Style Family Shabbat geared toward families with elementary school children is offered concurrently on the second Friday of the month. 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.
Monday, March 1 | 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.
Sundays, March 7, 14, and 21 | 7:30 p.m. – IHC Masterclass. On March 7, join Cantor Aviva Marer for an in-depth look into the life and creativity of Indianapolis Master of Music Michael Messina. On March 14, join Cantor Aviva Marer for an in depth look into the life and creativity of Indianapolis’ Master of Music Shawn Goodman-Royer. On March 21, join Cantor Aviva Marer for an in depth look into the life of Indianapolis’ Master of Music Clare Longendyke.
Tuesday, March 9 | 12 p.m. – Jewish Book Club. Join this group for a discussion on The Order by Daniel Silva. For more information, visit ihcindy.org/jewish-book-club.
Thursday, March 11 | 12 p.m. – Lunch & Learn: “It’s All in a Name”: The Meaning of Jewish Names. Bring your lunch and join Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro virtually for the monthly lunchtime adult education class. Send your Hebrew name to barbarac@ihcindy.org so Rabbi Shapiro can share information about your name.
Tuesday, March 16 | 5 p.m. – Virtual Eco-Educational Wine Tasting & Fundraiser. Join IHC’s Adamah (earth) initiative to learn more about how you can live more eco-friendly as you taste four varieties of wine. Click here for more info on the event, ordering the wine and to register.
Thursday, March 18 | 7 p.m. – Adult Education: Diving In to “Odd” Passover Dietary Rules and Customs.
Join Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro for this class examining dietary restrictions and customs of Passover and ideas of some of the odd customs you can incorporate into your Seder. Contact Barbara Chapman at barbarac@ihcindy.org to register.
Saturday, March 20 | 4 p.m. – Menschkins: Frogs Here, Frogs There, Frogs Were Hopping Everywhere. Families with Young Children are invited to join Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro for this fun way to celebrate Shabbat and Passover.
Sunday, March 21 | 2 p.m. –Let My People Go (Search). All ages are invited to join the fun Passover scavenger hunt done safely inside your cars.
Thursday, March 25 | 8 p.m. – Women’s Seder Experience: From Slavery to Redemption: A Journey to Freedom. All women are invited to join IHC Sisterhood for this year’s online experience. Visit ihcindy.org/womensseder for details and to register.
Friday, March 26 | 6:15 p.m. – Oneg Shabbat Passover Games. Stay on after Shabbat service for fun and games centered on Passover with IHC clergy.
Sunday, March 28 | 5 p.m. – Virtual Passover Second Night Seder Experience. Prepare your Seder plate and join the IHC clergy for song and story and travel through the Passover Haggadah. More details coming soon.
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.
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