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

Volume 81, Number 7 • April 15, 2015 • 26 Nissan 5775www.jewishpostopinion.com • www.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/collections/JPO

Indiana Edition1427 W.86th St.#228Indianapolis,IN 46260

Opinion Post&TheJewishPRESORTED

STANDARDUS POSTAGE

PAIDINDIANAPOLIS, INPERMIT NO.1321

You are invited to witness the unfoldingof a historic moment in Indianapolis: Thefirst women rabbis from each of the fourmovements in American Judaism willcome together to tell their stories ofunparalleled struggles for acceptance,recognition, and equality.

Rabbi Sally Priesand, Rabbi SandyEisenberg Sasso, Rabbi Amy Eilberg, andRabba Sara Hurwitz will share theirinspiring narratives and experiences in apanel discussion moderated by Dr. GaryZola, Director of the American JewishArchives in Cincinnati.

What was it like to be the first? How different were their lives as a result? Howdifferent are our lives because of womenlike them? How much has changed, andwhat is the future? Join them for theanswers to these and other questions, orpose your own.

On December 6, 2010, the four rabbismet for the first time at Temple Reyim in Newton, Massachusetts. With a groupof about 30 other women rabbis, they litHanukkah candles and spoke about theirexperiences in an open forum.1

Priesand, Sasso, Eilberg, and Hurwitzmet again on June 3, 2012 at MonmouthReform Temple in Tinton Falls, New Jerseyfor a celebration honoring the four first

The Four Firsts: Women Rabbis in American Judaism

Rabbi Sally PriesandReformOrdained in 1972

Rabbi Sandy SassoReconstructionistOrdained in 1974

Rabbi Amy EilbergConservativeOrdained in 1985

Rabba Sara HurwitzOrthodoxOrdained in 2009

women Jewish spiritual leaders to beordained in their respective denomina-tions, and the 40th anniversary ofPriesand's ordination.1

And now they gather again – this timenear the 30th anniversary of Eilberg’sordination – Thursday, April 30, 2015 at7:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth-El Zedeckfor An Extraordinary Evening inIndianapolis.

The program is free and open to thepublic – made possible through the Judaism,Arts, Interfaith and Civic EngagementFund in honor of Rabbis Dennis and

Students Supporting Israel at IndianaUniversity and the IU Hillel presented themuch loved Jewish musician Matisyahu attheir Israelpalooza: Declare Your FreedomMusic Festival on April 14 in DunnMeadow in Bloomington, Ind. A goodturnout led to a successful event withgood interaction between the studentsand the different narratives of Israel. Thisevent was promoted and sponsored by the Israeli shaliach program of the JewishFederation of Greater Indianapolis. AAAA

(L–R): Guitar player, Aaron Dugan,Community Shaliach, Roy Swisa, andMatisyahu before the concert.

Matisyahu played at Israelpalooza

(see Four Firsts, page IN 3)

(see Mazel Tov, page IN 6)

2 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN April 15, 2015

Elyse Hershenson (below), daughterof Marvin and Michelle Hershensonmarried Kenny Freed, son of Richie andNancy Freed of Houston on March 1,2015 in Sunny Isles, Fla. Kenny is a taxattorney and an Associate at Crady, Jewettand McCulley, LLP. Elyse was formerly aTV News Reporter and Anchor for News12 of Long Island. The couple is nowresiding in Houston.

Melissa Cohen has been appointed tothe position of Cantor at CongregationBeth-El Zedeck. She hasworked in the field ofJewish education andcounseling, communityservice and pulpit dutiesfor the past 20 years. Shehas enriched High HolyDay and Shabbat and holiday services, aswell as other events in the community,with her skills as a musician, worshipleader, teacher and spiritual model ofJudaism. She has brought her passionand spirited voice to encourage participa-tion in the life of the synagogue. She willcontinue to pursue her studies and bementored by Rabbi Sasso. Announced byCongregation Beth-El Zedeck PresidentEllen Gabovitch.

Zach Krumper, 23, bowling in theIndianapolis B’nai Brith Bowling Leagueat Woodland Bowl rolled a perfect 300game on Sun., March 15. This was his second perfect game this season makinghis high 3-game series 725 for the currentseason. Zach is the son of Robbie andPaul Krumper of Carmel, Ind. His motherand younger brother, Brandon, also bowlin this league with a total of 24 bowlers.The officers of the league are Adam

Simcha AnnouncementsMazel Tov to…

Gilman, president; David Sklar, vice-president; Robyn Ackerman, secretary;and Alan Atlas, treasurer.

Marcia Goldstein on her retirement.It is a bittersweet time at IndianapolisHebrew Congregation. After more than 25 years, we will be saying goodbye to MarciaGoldstein as our incredi-ble Director of LifelongLearning during herRetirement CelebrationWeekend May 1–3. Wehope you will all plan to join us for Shabbatservices on Fri., May 1 at 6:15 p.m. as wehonor Marcia and wish her well in thenext chapter of her life. Sisterhood will behonoring Marcia with an extended OnegShabbat and we hope you will stay to helpus continue to celebrate Marcia! On Sun.,March 3 from 10 a.m.–noon, ReligiousSchool Families and Friends are invited tojoin us for breakfast, activities, ice creamand another chance to say, “Good LuckMarcia!” Please plan on joining us forboth events. For more information or ifyou would like to write a message inMarcia’s online guestbook to tell her whatshe has meant to you and your family,share a memory or funny story or just wishher well, please visit www.ihcindy.org.

HHAI Letters About Literature contestwinners (below). Every year, 7th and 8thgrade students at HHAI enter the LettersAbout Literature contest, sponsored bythe Library of Congress. Students write toan author to describe how a book influ-

enced their lives. This year, 7th graderElise Nachlis won 2nd place and bothMichaela Geller-Montague and MarisBrail won Honorable Mention.

Cy Orentlicher, HHAI 8th grader, andyounger sister, 5th grader Shayna repre-sented HHAI at the Marion CountyRegional Spelling Bee in March. Cy wonfirst place, while Shayna finished in thefirst half of the competition. Cy will beadvancing to the National Spelling Bee inWashington, D.C., in May. They are thechildren of Dr. David Orentlicher andJudy Failer.

Marcia & Bruce Sklare on their new granddaughter, Maya Ruth, bornMarch 14 to their son and daughter-in-lawNathan & Anne Sklare of Deerfield, Ill.

Amichai Shmuel Pollock Star wasborn on March 15 (below with his olderbrother Yossi who is two and half.). He isthe son of Dr. Michael Star and ArielPollock Star. His paternal grandparentsare Dr. Louis and Janie Star ofIndianapolis. His maternal grandparentsare Dr. Judy Pollock of Pittsburgh andBruce Pollock of Toronto. His great-grandfather is Alex Star of Indianapolis.

Hart and Simona Hasten on the marriage of their grandson Ely to Jessica.Ely is the son of their daughter and son-in-law Renee and Eyal Halevy. Thebeautiful wedding took place on March22, 2015 with over 500 in attendance.

Charlie Joseph Freel on his BarMitzvah at Temple Beth El in South Bendon March 28. He is the son of Chelly and

April 15, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 3

I have said before I receive an enormousamount of press releases every week byemail but one recently stood out relatingto the Religious Freedom Restoration Act(RFRA) which caused a fiasco here. Ifound this statement By Andrew R. Kleinin italics below to be uplifting.

Klein is dean of the Indiana UniversityRobert H. McKinney School of Law on theIndiana University-Purdue UniversityIndianapolis campus. This press releasefrom April 1 was regarding the annualBirch Bayh Lecture at the school that wascancelled. Afterward I will explain why Iam including it now.

It is with great disappointment that Iannounce the cancellation of this year’sBirch Bayh Lecture at the IU Robert H.McKinney School of Law, which was scheduled to take place on April 2. We werecontacted today by our speaker, MarciaGreenberger, the co-president and founder ofthe National Women’s Law Center, whoindicated that she feels unable to speak at ourschool because of the recently-passedReligious Freedom Restoration Act.

The McKinney School of Law is a placewhere a diverse range of viewpoints canalways be expressed in a civil fashion. As apart of the state’s namesake university, wetake seriously our position as a leader inhigher education, and we will use that position to bring together students, residents,businesses and institutions with the common goal of making Indiana a place ofenrichment and opportunity. At this lawschool, and throughout Indiana University,everyone is welcome and valued. We willnever condone or tolerate discrimination.

I join many who are concerned that theresulting national discussion of the new lawhas had a negative impact on our community.Regardless of what happens to this legislation,it will not change how the IU McKinneySchool of Law does business or treats its students, employees or guests. Tolerance,equality and a commitment to diversity willremain bedrock values of Indiana Universityand the McKinney School of Law.

April 19 is the 8th yahrzeit for my fatherand founder of this newspaper, Gabriel M.Cohen. As he faced discrimination forbeing Jewish in the 1930s, he understoodhow this unfair treatment felt and perhapsthis is why in the 1960s when many wouldnot hire “colored people” he gave them achance. Back in 2004, I received a phonecall from Jeffrey Jones, the son of one ofthose people.

He said my father had hired his father,Johnny Jones, of blessed memory, anAfrican American from Springfield, Tenn.,with only a sixth grade education. Jeffrey

Editorial

Simchas Welcome! The Jewish Post &Opinion – IN Edition welcomes yourannouncements for placement in ourSimcha section (see page IN 2). Submitphotos and text to: jpostopinion@gmail.com. Next Deadline: May 4, 2015. Alldecisions on publishing, date of placement,size of photo, and length of announcementare at the sole discretion of the publisher.

Jones wanted me and my family to knowhow much he and his family appreciatedmy father’s courage. After his father got astart putting address labels on newspaperswith this newspaper, he went on tobecome a very successful businessman inIndianapolis owning a variety of differentbusinesses, and he had ten children.

The son explained that his father was oneof the first successful Black entrepreneursin Indianapolis. He said what my father didfor his father is still making a difference.At the time of this one good deed, thenumber of people who benefited from itwas small. But it grew exponentially as the family grew and eventually evenJeffrey’s children and grandchildrenreaped the benefits.

Since his father owned several businesses,this benefitted his employees and theirfamilies, all of his customers, other merchants who provided goods and servicesfor his businesses, the list goes on and on.

In a similar fashion, I learned from myfather another way of not discriminating.His graphic artist for more than 20 yearsfrom approximately 1981–2002 was DavidEdy, a gay man.When one of the columnistswrote a prejudiced statement about gays, my father gave up his usual spot inthe next edition of the newspaper to letEdy respond.

In our Oct. 31, 2001 edition was a news story and photo of David Edy withAmy Minick Peterson (wife of then MayorBart Peterson):

P-O art director David Edy was honoredlast week with the 2001 Mayor’sCommunity Service Award. IndianapolisFirst Lady Amy Minick Peterson stepped infor her husband to honor Edy and 32 otherrecipients of the award.

Edy’s neighbors nominated him for theaward to recognize his direct personal service and initiative in volunteer activitiesfor the Fletcher Place neighborhood.

He has played a crucial role in the revital-ization effort, renovating four homes, serving as an officer of the neighborhoodassociation since 1991 and he has beeninstrumental in determining the best use ofneighborhood funds for projects such as tree

plantings, fencing the community centerand installing historic signage.

Edy also serves in numerous other capacities, such as chairing the semi-annualhome tour, putting together the neighborhoodnewspaper and working on membershipdrives and the website.

“I was pleasantly surprised to learn that three people from my neighborhoodassociation nominated me for this award,”Edy said. “I feel honored to be among such a diverse range of community volunteers.”

Edy also accepted the International Year of the Volunteer commemorative pin fromPresident Bush’s Roundtable on the steps of the Admiral Raymond A. Spruance Basin,near 11th and West Streets.

These stories demonstrate what a difference one small act can make. Theresults are similar to a stone thrown in alake, making a ripple in the water thatgradually grows wider and wider.

Jennie Cohen, April 15, 2015 AAAA

Inside this IssueFour First: Am. Women Rabbis ...CoverMatisyahu at Israelpalooza ..........CoverSimcha Announcements.........................2Editorial.....................................................3Community Events .................................4Mini Hoosier reunion in Israel ............5Lawyers Without Rights Exhibit..........5Obituaries .................................................7Kidney still needed for Drew...............82015 HAI-Life Awards Dinner..............8Sasso pens new children’s book

(Book Review)..........................................9Rabbi Benzion Cohen

(Chassidic Rabbi)...................................10Dr. Miriam Zimmerman

(Holocaust Educator) ............................11Seniors in Place .....................................14

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

OpinionPost&The Jewish

Jewish News and Opinion since 1935.

Sandy Sasso. Dessert reception to follow.Sponsorship opportunity available. Formore information contact Jennifer Hodes,317/253-3441 or jhodes@bez613.org.

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Hurwitz(See articles about Rabbi Sasso’s new

book, Anne Frank and the RememberingTree, on page IN 9, and Rabbi Eilberg’sbook, From Enemy to Friend: Jewish Wisdomand the Pursuit of Peace on page IN 11.) AAAA

FOUR FIRSTS(continued from Cover)

j i

4 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN April 15, 2015

Roy Swisa at 317.800.9350 or shaliach@JFGI.org or visit www.jewishindianapolis.org.

Hooverwood Guild annual luncheon and card party

Thurs., April 30 at 11 a.m., atBroadmoor Country Club, 2155 KesslerBlvd. West Dr. Everyone is welcome toattend. Bring your games and cards to playafter lunch. Cost $22.Your check mailed toHooverwood Guild, 7001 Hoover Rd., isyour reservation. Home baked desserts.Door prizes $1 per ticket. Get your friendstogether and come.

EinsteinOn Wed., May 6, this one man show –

a hit throughout North America – in cooperation with Indy Fringe (indyfringe.org/) debuts at the JCC Laikin Auditoriumat 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets:$20; JCC Member: $15; Students: $12.Family (Up to 5 people including up to 2adults): $40. Pre-register at jccindy.org/Einstein, by calling 251-9467 or at a JCCmembership desk. Space permitting, ticketswill be on sale the night of the event.

For more info contact Lev Rothenberg at715-9233 or lrothenberg@jccindy.org.

Religion, Spirituality and the Arts:Dreams and Sacrifice Stories of Genesis Reimagined

May 5 – June 26. Opening reception –Thurs., May 14; 6–6:45 p.m. at the JCC.Meet the artists and join us for lightrefreshments. Performance pieces directlyfollow at 6:45 p.m. in Laikin Auditorium.

This exciting and eclectic gallery show isthe result of a prominent and creativegroup of local visual and performanceartists’ explorations with Rabbi SandySasso to uncover the personal significanceof the biblical story of Jacob, his dreamsand his angelic confrontations. This is afollow-up to the artistic/spiritual work onthe Binding of Isaac that culminated in thehighly acclaimed program at ChristianTheological Seminary in 2014.

The gallery exhibit will include the outstanding works of painters, sculptors,poets, musicians and other performers.The performance pieces will be part of the reception evening. Artists/performerswill include Dawn Batson, GabrielleCerberville, Dan Cooper, John Domont,Pam Blevins Hinkle Sofiya Inger, DavidLandis, Bruce Lowenthal, Ray Marquette,Rabbi Sandy Sasso, and Wendy Vergoz.

BJE Dalet graduationSun., May 17, Dalet graduation ceremony

at 5 p.m., for Smulyan-Stolkin EducationCenter Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE)in the Laikin Auditorium at the JCC,followed by a party for the children at 6 p.m.,in the Domont Auditorium at the BJE.

Movie dates include: Thurs., April 23at 7 p.m. at HHAI – A Woman CalledGolda, free; Sat., April 25 at 9:30 p.m. atHHAI – The Chosen, $10; Sun., April 26 at6 p.m. at Central Public Library –Gala andCrossing Delancey, $35; Mon., April 27 at7:30 p.m. at Landmark Theatre – KillingKasztner: the Jew Who Dealt with Nazis,$10; Tues., April 28 at 7:30 p.m. atLandmark Theatre – Lemon Tree, $10;Wed., April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at IndianaHistory Center – Above and Beyond, $10;Thurs., April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at ChristianTheological Seminary – The Jewish Cardinal,$10; Sun., May 3 at 3 p.m. at HHAI – ABottle in the Gaza Sea, $10; and May 3 at7:30 p.m. at HHAI – Arranged, $10.

New Jewish Learning Institute classThis class titled,“Judaism Decoded: The

Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition”will be held three different times all at theChabad Center for Jewish Life, 2640 W.96th St., Carmel, 46032.

The first is on Sundays beginningApril 26, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., the othertwo are on Tuesdays, beginning April 28,one from 10:30 a.m.–noon and the otherfrom 7–8:30 p.m. For more informationcall Rabbi Schusterman at (317) 698-6423or email jliindiana@gmail.com.

Brief overview: Just as science followsthe scientific method, Jewish tradition hasits own system to ensure its authenticityremains intact. Judaism Decoded shedslight on the mysteries surrounding biblicalinterpretation.

JCC Earth Day Community CelebrationSun., April 26, 1–4 p.m., FREE. The

JCC’s 4th Annual Earth Day CommunityCelebration sponsored by Citizens EnergyGroup attracts more than 2,000 visitors tothe JCC’s 40-acre campus. More than 45organizations will offer family-friendly,environmentally-focused activities, includingNina Mason Pulliam EcoLab at MarianUniversity, Green BEAN Delivery, thePurdue Solar Racing Team, PurdueExtension Marion County and Girl Scoutsof Central Indiana. Participants of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome tojoin in the spirit of making our neighbor-hoods, and our city, a better place.

Israel Independence Day CelebrationSun., April 26 at 4 p.m., at the Sablosky

Outdoor Pavilion (rain location: DomontAuditorium BJE). Picnic-style celebrationwith bounce houses, arts and crafts, Frisbeecompetition, and musical performance byHallelujah, a group from our Partnership2Gether region. Kosher barbecue will beavailable for purchase. Bring a blanket andchairs. Come early and enjoy the JCC’scommunity Earth Day Celebration from1–4 p.m.! For more information, contact

Campus Superstar presented bythe Helene G Simon Hillel Center

Sun., April 19 from 5:30–9 p.m., at the Tobey Theatre of the IndianapolisMuseum of Art, Campus Superstar is astatewide vocal competition attracting themost talented vocalists from colleges anduniversities across the state of Indiana.College students from around the statecompeted in 2 rounds of competition overthe past 3 months in this show that ismodeled after the hit TV show AmericanIdol. In this Final Show, the top ten vocalists are competing at the TobeyTheatre of the IMA at 7:30 pm. TheCampus Superstar winner will becrowned and awarded a $5,000 cash prize.

This is the 11th year of CampusSuperstar, the Helene G Simon HillelCenter’s annual fundraiser. There is a VIPdinner and silent auction for sponsors at5:30 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Forinformation about the show, sponsorshipor tickets, go to indianacss.com or callHillel at (812) 336-3824.

Hadassah Book ClubThis month’s Book Club will be held on

Mon., April 20 at 7 p.m. Hostess: CarolArenstein. The book is The Orphan Trainby Cristina Baker Kline. For more info call317-844-4309 or email therussells46032@aol.com or the Hadassah office at 475-4278.

Israel Memorial Day – Yom HaZikaronTues., April 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the

Laikin Auditorium of the JCC. Guestspeaker: Jake Steinberg, brother of LoneSoldier Max Steinberg, z”l, who was killedduring Operation Protective Edge inIsrael. It is customary to wear a white topand dark bottoms.

City of Carmel Holocaust Observance Program

Wed., April 22 from 12–1:30 p.m., atthe Monon Center, 1235 Central ParkDrive East, Carmel, Ind.

2nd Indianapolis Jewish Film Festival:April 23–May 3

The Festival will host a “JewishWedding” themed Gala beginning at6:00p.m on Sun., April 26. A klezmerband will play during the dinner hour andwe will enjoy kosher style food including:whole poached salmon, bagels and lox,kugel, blintzes, etc. The cost is $35.00 perperson. After the dinner, several remar-riages will be performed by Rabbi StanleyHalpern. Following the service the film,Crossing Delancey, will begin. For moredetails, go to: www.jewishfilmfestival.com.or email ijff2013@gmail.com.

Community Events

April 15, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 5Indianapolis Chapter of HadassahDonor Day

Hadassah is hosting a High Tea to honortheir donors on Sun., May 17 at 2 p.m., atthe Ritz Charles in Carmel. Invitations

will be in the mail shortly. Please “staytuned”for further information. Committeemembers are Beverly Bercovitz, LynnDavis, Brenda Freedman, Helaine

Mini Hoosier Reunion in Israel: Jerusalem, March 30, 2015 – (clockwise from bottomleft) Chaim Weissmann, Cyrelle Simon, and Alice Weissmann from Lafayette, Ind.; EddyEpstein, Judy Epstein, Sylvia and Michael Blain formerly from Indianapolis). All but theBlains made Aliyah and live in Israel.

(see Events, page IN 8)This traveling exhibit focuses on the fate

of Jewish lawyers, judges, law professorsand civil servants throughout Germanywho were disbarred and stripped of theright to practice law shortly after the Naziscame to power in 1933.

In 1998, an Israeli lawyer asked theregional bar of Berlin for a list of Jewishlawyers whose licenses had been revokedby the Nazi regime. The bar decided notonly to compile the list of names but to tryto find out what happened to the lawyers.Some were able to leave the country, butmany were incarcerated or killed. TheBerlin bar’s research was transformed intothe “Lawyers Without Rights”exhibit, withother regional bars adding their owninformation.

The exhibit will be on display at IUMcKinney School of Law: Ruth Lilly LawLibrary on the first floor of Inlow Hall, 530W. New York St., Mon.–Fri., April 20–28,7:30a.m.–5 p.m.

An opening day reception for “LawyersWithout Rights” will take place at 10:30a.m. April 20 at the IU McKinney School

Lawyers WithoutRights Exhibit

(see Lawyers Exhibit, page IN 14)

6 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN April 15, 2015

MAZEL TOV(continued from page IN 2)

Rob Freel and has an older sister Naomi(in photo below). Grandmother MaryKay Freel from South Bend was there.Paternal grandparents Loretta and RobertFrank of Granger, Ind., their son Seth(Kim) Frank of South Bend were inattendance with their daughter Izabelle.

Helaine (Avrum) Herman and ArthurStein of Indianapolis are Loretta’s siblingsas is Karen and her husband RabbiAaron Rosenberg of Waterford, Conn. Allof them and their grandchildren Ezra andMaayan of New Jersey were able to bethere. Robert Frank’s brothers, David andBill Frank, and their Aunt Rene Frankwere also in attendance.

Some of the other friends and relativeswho came in support of Charlie, severalfrom Indianapolis or former residentswere Marcia and Bruce Sklare; Jay andJeremy Rosenstein; Jodi and MichaelFriedman and their sons, Josh and Daniel.Other relatives from Brooklyn were ElonRosenberg; and David and Lisa Rosenbergand their daughters Aleah and Hazel.Other relatives and friends of the Frankand Freel families were there for Charlie.

Jolie Irina Mallah, daughter ofDeborah Lynn Mallah, granddaughter ofLee and the late Joseph L. Mallah, nieceof Gina and Jay Berger, Larry Mallah,Gloria Mallah, and Lynn Smith, will beBat Mitzvah on May 16 at Beth-El Zedeck.

Her Torah portion will be Bechar-B’chukotai – Finding the Tzedek inTzedakah. She says the Hebrew wordtzedakah comes from the root word tzedek,which means, not charity, but “justice.”Tzedakah is justice in action. Since she wasfour years old Jolie has been saying thatshe wants to get her law degree and thenbecome a judge. She says this portion istrying to find the “justice,” which is, orought to be, at the root of all our “right-eous deeds.” She feels this portion will

really help her throughout her life.When asked about her mitzvah project

she replied,“At Beth-El we don’t have justone Mitzvah Project. We have a series oftasks that we perform that relate to differ-ent portions. The Avodah, Torah, etc…I’mdoing many different things like readingto the elderly, visiting the elderly, takingcare of young children, saying my Shemaevery night before bed. There are 17 tasksin all that I will need to perform.”

When asked what the most difficult andeasiest parts of preparing for her BatMitzvah are she said, “In general, just

learning the Hebrew is the hardest partand the easiest is that I know many of theprayers already.”

Her favorite part of her Bat Mitzvahtraining was picking out her tallit, kippahand yad with her grandmother LeeMallah. Although she anticipates beingnervous on the bimah, she is looking for-ward to seeing some of her and her moth-er’s cousins and two of her mother’sclosest friends who will be coming fromout-of-town.

If she were to give advice to someoneelse who is preparing for her bat mitzvah shewould tell her that it is extremely hard atfirst but eventually it does get easier evenif you never believe it is going to happen.

She would like to thank the followingmentors who have helped her to learn andprepare for her Bat Mitzvah: CantorMelissa Cohen and Rabbi Hall Schevitzfrom Beth-El Zedeck; Mr. Yossi Cohen,Cantor Meyersberg and Rabbi PaulaWinnig from the Bureau of JewishEducation.

When asked how she feels aboutbecoming a responsible adult and havingto follow the Jewish laws and rituals sheresponded that she feels good about it.“I am generally good at following therules,”she replied.

Schedule a tour today!Call 317-334-3800 or email

eventrentals@childrensmuseum.orgEvents

The Children's Museum provides �ve �oors of fun in a world-class, extraordinary atmosphere. Host your family's celebration for six to 6,000 guests at the world’s biggest and best children's museum and make your event one you'll remember and be proud of for years to come.

Our nationally recognized events team will make your event easy, including menu planning and coordination through our exclusive caterer. Bands, DJs, and games welcome! Free garage parking and enclosed access to the museum included.

Extraordinary Memoriesfor Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah

(see Mazel Tov, page IN 8)

ObituariesSamuil Sheyn, 83, of Indianapolis,

passed away March 27. He was born inProskurov, Ukraine on April 20, 1931 toMoshe and Paulina Sheyn. Samuil was achemistry professor. He is survived by hiswife, Nina Makshanova; stepdaughter,Irina (Urin) Rzhanov; grandchildren,Tatiana of Scotland and Anton of NewHampshire; and expected great-grandson,Samuel. Funeral services were held March30 at Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary.Burial followed in Congregation Beth-ElZedeck North Cemetery.

Howard Jules Glass, 85, died athome in Indianapolis on April 2. He wasborn Aug. 2, 1929, in Brooklyn. He leavesbehind his wife of 27years, Elizabeth Binford;two sons, Jonathan andDavid Glass; sister, BeverlyGingold; sisters-in-law,Sarah (Peter Racher)Binford and Rebekah(William Versteeg) Binford; mother-in-law,Martha Binford; ten nieces and nephews;and five great nieces and nephews.

Howard was an avid birder, a mastercraftsman, a nature photographer, anIndustrial Arts teacher, a watchmaker/jeweler, a calligrapher and all-aroundartist. He loved to be active, enjoyingswimming, hiking, skiing, and kayaking.Howard loved music, especially classicalmusic and loved to play guitar music by Spanish composers. One of his manygifts was his ability to sit down and talk toanyone, anywhere. His infectious laughwould always make you laugh with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Benjamin Glass andHannah (Weinstein) Glass, as well as hisbrother-in-law, Marvin Gingold.

Funeral services were held at AaronRuben Nelson Mortuary on April 6.Burial followed in Etz Chaim Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to

first ten wedding anniversaries. Until hisdeath, he loved to recite passages fromShakespeare, Rudyard Kipling, VachelLindsay, and others from memory. Hischildren and grandchildren all singnumerous songs he wrote and taughtthem for the Jewish holidays. With thehelp of his grandson, Gideon Fink Shapiroof New York City, in 2012 he published abook of his poems, To Stretch a Heart.

Fink was among the founders of theACLU of Indiana (formerly known as theIndiana Civil Liberties Union). He wasalso a founder of the Indiana LegalServices Organization. He is the formerVice President of the Indianapolis BarAssociation, past President of theIndianapolis Children’s Bureau, pastPresident of the Jewish CommunityRelations Council, past President of thelocal chapter of the American JewishCongress, past President of the IndianapolisPolio Foundation, and past President ofthe Indianapolis Lawyers’ Commission.

Over the course of his illustrious career,Fink received the David Cook Award fromthe Jewish Welfare Federation, the RobertRisk Award from the Indianapolis branchof the Indiana Civil Liberties Union,the Certificate of Merit from the Christian Theological Seminary, and theBrotherhood Award from the Brotherhoodof Christians and Jews. In 2013, theIndiana State Bar Association awardedhim the General Practice Hall of FameAward “in recognition of dedicated serviceto clients, community and legal profession.”

Fink pursued an interest in sports as anavid tennis player, a fan who for manyyears had season tickets to the ButlerBulldogs basketball team, and a coach ofyouth, including his own sons. He wasthree times champion of the IndianapolisBar Association doubles tennis tournament.

Fink had two older brothers, Stanleyand Ben who predeceased him. His oldersister, Gertrude Phillips, lives in Sun City,Ariz. In addition to Bea, his wife, a retiredspecial educator for Indianapolis PublicSchools, he leaves behind five children:Leon Fink (Susan Levine) in Chicago;Dale Fink (Betty Zimmerberg) inWilliamstown, Mass.; Elaine Fink (RobertShapiro) in Cincinnati, Hugh Fink in LosAngeles, and Laurel Fink (LarryLingenfelser) in Indianapolis. He is alsosurvived by eight grandchildren, Anna,Simon, Gideon, Ben, Lilly, Jacob, Julia andClaire, and three great-grandchildren,Nina, Naila, and Julius.

Funeral services were held atIndianapolis Hebrew Congregation onApril 7. The family requests that contribu-tions in his memory be made to the ACLUof Indiana. Arrangements entrusted toAaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary.

the donor’s favorite charity. Friends mayleave a memory or message of condolenceby visiting the online obituary atwww.arnmortuary.com.

Irving L. Fink, 95, who practiced lawin Indiana from 1949 untilhe was hospitalized a fewweeks ago, died at homein Indianapolis on April 5.He died peacefully, in thepresence of his wife of 69years, and several childrenand grandchildren.

Fink, the son of Jewish immigrants fromPoland, was born in Youngstown, Ohio, onMarch 25, 1920, and grew up in nearbyNewton Falls. He earned a B.S. inNorthwestern University’s School ofSpeech in 1941, then spent four years inthe U.S. Army. He was stationed in GreatBritain for some months through the timeof the D-Day invasion, and Commissionedas a Second Lieutenant during his time inFrance after D-Day. He was honorablydischarged in 1945.

He met Beatrice Borman of Toledo,Ohio, during a stateside leave before shipping overseas. They exchanged lettersduring the war, and married on Sept. 2,1945. Fink studied at the University ofMichigan Law School and received aDoctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1948.He was admitted to the Indiana Bar inMarch 1949.

His strong sense of justice led him oftento represent the underdog and to takemany cases that involved civil liberties andissues of freedom of religion and speech.He represented African-American studentsfrom Crispus Attucks High School whowere refused service at an Indianapolisrestaurant. He represented a Jehovah’sWitness who was fired from his job as apublic school principal because he wouldnot pledge allegiance to the flag. Duringthe Vietnam War, he represented soldiersand draftees who resisted service in themilitary as well as Marian College studentswho were arrested for picketing theirpresident’s house.

Poetry and musical composition were animportant part of Fink’s life from the ageof four, when he memorized the WorldWar I poem, “In Flanders Fields,” byCanadian John McCrae, and was asked to recite it at the Newton Falls town commemoration of the war (known thenas Armistice Day). He recited it for thesmall-town gathering every year until heleft for college. He composed the melodiesand lyrics for hundreds of songs, including“Songs from the Zoo,” a compilation ofchildren’s animal-themed songs madeinto a 78 rpm record and sold at manyzoos around the country in the 1950s. Hegifted his wife a new song for each of their (see Obituaries, page IN 10)

The Jewish Funeral Home of Greater Indianapolis

317-873-477611411 N. Michigan Road

just north of I-465

A R N

AaronRubenNelson

April 15, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 7

8 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN April 15, 2015

On Sun., May 31 the 44th annual HAI-Life Awards Dinner will honor wellknown ophthalmologist and communityphilanthropist Dr. John Abrams for hiscommitment to education.President of AbramsEyeCare, and team eyephysician for the IndianaPacers and Indiana Fever,Dr. Abrams and his wifehave dedicated themselvesto providing scholarshipand opportunities for students.

Mr. Matt Tucker will be honored withthe Distinguished TeacherAward for his contributionto the educational growthof the students in the areaof Mathematics. The eightgraduating eighth graderswill also be honored. Theevent will be held 5–9p.m., at the Hasten Hebrew AcademyCultural Arts Center.

Call the school to make your reserva-tions at 317-251-1261. AAAA

j i

Matt Tucker

Dr. J. Abrams

2015 HAI-LifeAwards Dinner

Drew, age 12, a Jewishchild in Indianapolis, hasbeen suffering from a very rare disease Alport’sSyndrome, which causeshearing loss and kidney failure, along witheye problems, since age six. She attendedthe Hasten Hebrew Academy until shewas too weak to complete full school days.Her condition worsened last summerrequiring her to start daily dialysis.

A transplant team is actively searching fora live kidney donor. If you have type “O”blood and would like to be considered,please ask for Kelly at (317) 944-4370.See www.facebook.com/kidneydrew and ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1081282. AAAA

Kidney still neededfor Drew

EVENTS(continued from page IN 5)

Herman, Joan Katz, Phyllis Russell, LylaSpath, and Carol Steinfeld. If you havequestions please call the office at 475-4278. New office hours are Mon.,Wed., and Fri., from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Mega Challah-BakeSun., May 17 from 7–8:30 p.m., at

Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 2640 West96th St., Carmel, Ind. Join one hundredJewish women in first ‘Mega Challah-Bake’. Learn about the significance of baking challah from traditional andKabbalistic sources. This is a hands-onproject, and each participant will go homewith their own challah. This event is opento all women and girls over the age of 12. $18 online pre-registration. RSVPchabadindiana.org/megachallah or 317-251-5573.

Eskenazi Water Park at the JCCOpens for the season on May 23!

Farmer’s Market Outdoors at the JCC Open Sundays, beginning May 31,

from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Shop with us for freshlocal produce, baked goods, dairy productsand more.

Sunday morning Tefillin ClubStarting at 9 a.m., at the Chabad Center

for Jewish Life, 2640 W 96th St, Carmel.Get your week off to a great start! Tefillin –feed your soul; Breakfast – feed your body;Study – feed your mind. No experiencenecessary. Women are welcome too!

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

JCC every Tues. and Thurs. except onholidays. For more info call Ruthie Gal557-2265 or Christy Morris 259-6822. AAAA

Dr. Jerry Abrams (below) on receivingthe Sagamore of the Wabash Award. AAAA

MAZEL TOV(continued from page IN 6)

(see Sasso, page IN 13)

Anne Frank and the Remembering Tree.By Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso.Illustrated by Erika Steiskal. TheChildren’s Museum of Indianapolis andSkinner House Books, 2015. 32 pages. $16.

An age-appropriate way to introduce children ages 6–9 to the Jewish Holocaust.

A much needed resource, this beautifullywritten and illus-trated book will bean enormous aidto teachers andother adults tohelp demonstrateto children theimportance ofaccepting the dif-ferences in others.

Told from theperspective of the horse chestnut tree thatstood outside the Secret Annex whereAnne Frank, her family and friends hidduring World War II, it also calls attentionto 11 places in the United States that haveor will be planting a sapling from that 170year old tree from Amsterdam that finallysuccumbed to the elements in 2009.

The places receiving the saplings werechosen because they had a strong desireto combat the horrible consequences ofintolerance, racism, hatred and discrimi-nation. Saplings from this tree have alsobeen planted in 32 countries includingArgentina, Canada, England, France,Holland, Israel, Japan and Spain.

The first sapling was planted in the UnitedStates on April 14, 2013, in front of TheChildren’s Museum in Indianapolis. Themuseum has a permanent exhibit that is areplica of the Secret Annex. Part of an exhibittitled, “The Power of Children: Making aDifference,”Anne Frank’s section is called“Facing Hatred: Daring to Dream” and issubtitled “The Power of Words.”

Anne Frank wrote fondly about thechestnut tree in her diary. It gave hope toa teenage girl who was barred from theoutside world for two years. In this children’s book, the tree responds back withthat same admiration. Children will be ableto easily identify with this conversationand the delightful, colorful illustrations willhelp make this topic comfortable for them.

Sandy Eisenberg Sassois an award-winning authorof thirteen books for children,including God’s Paintbrush,The Shema in the Mezuzah(winner of a National JewishBook Award), and Creation’s

Sasso pens new book

Book ReviewApril 15, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 9

Scottromerphoto.com 317-255-6233

10 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN April 15, 2015

Her daughter, Lynne, and granddaughter,Rose, extend their thanks and gratitude to Mrs. Fichman’s dedicated caretakers for the last several years; Freddie Newel,Christine Cash and Sheila Jackson and to the dedicated staff at Huntcliff Summit especially her dear friends,Charity and Deborah.

Funeral services were held at AaronRuben Nelson Mortuary on April 12with internment following at the IHCSouth Cemetery, Indianapolis. In lieu offlowers donations may be made to theLOUIS & ROSE TALESNICK ImmigrantEducation Fund c/o Indianapolis JewishFederation or the Indianapolis Chapter ofHadassah. There will be a MemorialService at Huntcliff Summit in Atlanta,Georgia at a date to be announced.

Becky Cohen Profeta, 85, life timeresident of Indianapolis, passed away onApril 10. Becky was born on Dec. 8, 1929to the late Samuel and Regina Cohen. Shewas a graduate of Manuel High School.Becky worked in various sales positionsduring her career with the last ten years atGidding-Jenny at the Fashion Mall, whereshe was a sales associate.

She is survived by her beloved family;her sons, Sam and Louis A. Profeta;daughter, Sharon; brothers, Leon Cohenof California and Morris Cohen of Florida;grandchildren Michelle and David; nieceRenee Nocera and many additional niecesand nephews. She was preceded in deathby her husband David Profeta, sisters,Fritz Saltiel, Lee Isenberg and Bella Cohenand brother, Gilbert Cohen.

Becky was a long time active member of Congregation Etz Chaim and theDeborah Sisterhood. In addition she lovedreading, cooking and gardening. A funeralwas held at Aaron Ruben NelsonMortuary on April 13 with burial following in Etz Chaim Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made tothe Alzheimer’s Association orCongregation Etz Chaim cemetery fund orthe building fund.

Michael Dean Haskell, 57, diedsuddenly of a heart attack on April 11,2015. A graduate of Purdue, he wasDirector of PNC Capital Markets Group.Devoted to his family, son of the lateRussell Dean Haskell, survivors includehis wife, Susan (Schornstein) Haskell; son,Matthew Haskell; parents, Bertie DarleneWeagley, Fred Weagley and CherylHaskell; and brother, Brad Haskell.

A memorial service was held Tues., April14 at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.In lieu of flowers, contributions may bemade to Indianapolis JCC or a charity ofchoice. Arrangements entrusted to AaronRuben Nelson Mortuary. AAAA

OBITUARIES(continued from page IN 7)

Helen Talesnick Fichman, 99,formerly of Indianapolis, died in Atlantaon April 7. She was born Sept. 8, 1915 inLafayette and lived in Indianapolis untilthe age of 89 when she moved to Atlanta.She was preceded in death by her belovedparents, Rose (Galerman) and LouisTalesnick; beloved brother, Irvin Talesnick;and her very beloved husband, Dr. PhilipJulius Fichman.

Mrs. Fichman was a graduate ofShortridge High School. As a teenager,she was Queen Esther of the JEA PurimBall circa 1932. Mrs. Fichman graduatedfrom Indiana University with a Master’sdegree in Social Work. She worked for theRed Cross after a flood in southern Indianaand then for several years at Jewish FamilyServices and the former Bornstein Home.One of her most meaningful experienceswas when she was responsible for the in-transit and settlement of all GermanJewish youths who arrived in Indianapoliscirca 1938–39 for the “Indianapolis JewishWelfare Society”. After her children were grown, she worked for the JewishFederation of Indianapolis and then atAyres in Glendale.

During the years she was raising herdaughters, Mrs. Fichman devoted manyhours to volunteer work. She was a member of the National Council of JewishWomen, Hooverwood Guild, IndianapolisHebrew Congregation, and Hadassah.She served several terms on the board ofIHC, led several campaigns for the JewishFederation of Indianapolis, and served inmany positions with Hadassah, includingPresident of the Indianapolis Chapter andon the Regional Board. One of her mostcherished times with Hadassah was whenshe helped launch the Haima Group (TheMothers) from which came many futureHadassah leaders. She always referred tothem as her girls and maintained relation-ships with some of them until the time shemoved to Atlanta.

Mrs. Fichman is survived by her dearbrother, Stanley Talesnick; daughter andson-in-law, Nancy and Arthur Shorr;daughter, Lynne Savage; grandchildren,Ross and Jody Daniels, Rachel Daniels,Robert Daniels, Benjamin and LauraSavage, and Rose (Savage) and AlanGross. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren who brought joy andpleasure in her later years, Michael andAndrew Daniels, Hannah and DanielleGross, and Jacob Philip Savage. Additionalsurvivors are her nieces and nephews,Jill Talesnick Wilkins, Jane Talesnick, KayTalesnick Gilmore, Alan Talesnick andSteven Talesnick with whom she shared a special bond.

In my last column I explained that in theTorah are the instructions and teachingsthat Hashem gave us on how to lead agood and happy life. However, it is notenough to just read the Five Books ofMoses. We also need to carefully learn thedeep explanations given by the greatRabbis of all the generations, and espe-cially by the Lubavitcher Rebbes. Here ismore of my personal experience.

Growing up, I wanted to be popular, tohave a lot of friends. I figured that if Iwould succeed in sports I would havemore friends. I spent long hours workingout with weights and drank special protein supplements in order to build mymuscles. It didn’t help. I didn’t make thefootball team, and I had few friends. Iremember four of them, and thank themfor being my friends.

At the age of 18, I dropped out ofHebrew University and started to learn inthe Chabad Lubavitch Yeshiva in KfarChabad, Israel. At the end of my first year,I had over 50 close friends! Now I havehundreds of close friends, scattered allaround the world. I am not in touch withall of them, but if we happen to meet eachother, it is a beautiful and happy occasion.

How did this happen? In Lubavitch, Ilearned to love my fellow man. The Torahcommands us to “Love your neighbor as much as yourself”. But how is this possible? Our Rebbes taught us that weeach have a body, and a soul. If we devoteourselves only to our body and physicalpleasures, we will not experience verymuch love for anyone, even our ownselves. If someone gives us pleasure, wewill feel some love for them. When westop getting pleasure from them, we stoploving them. This is temporary love. Truelove is eternal.

In Lubavitch, I learned that I also have asoul, a spark of Hashem (G-d). This is myreal essence. When I devote myself to mysoul, to Hashem, and to my fellow menwho also have their own spark of G-d, Ican experience real unity and love. We areall one. We are all part of Hashem. Whenwe learn the Torah that Hashem gave usand we fulfill His commandments, wecome closer to Hashem, and also to all ofHis creation, our brothers and sisters. Tolive a life of Torah and Mitzvahs makes itpossible to truly Love our neighbor.

Here I was, 18 years old, learning Torahand running after Mitzvahs together with

BY RABBI BENZION COHEN

Chassidic Rabbi

The Torah

(see Benzion, page IN 14)

April 15, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 11

We connected; we communicated; and wecelebrated our stories, all of which share avision of a world living in peace and unity.Even though I met most of these people forthe first time, they already felt like friends.

Rabbi Eilberg defined the psychologicalwork involved in transforming one’s enemiesinto friends. In her words, it is a “movementfrom the heart and mind closed in fearand wounding to a state of openness andcuriosity about another human being (p. 3).”

Her implicit exhortation is for the reader to “move from hatred to caring,from suspicion and fear, beyond tolerance,to embrace of the other.”According to theRabbi, to be able to do so is the greatestheroism, as delineated in both rabbinicand Koranic teachings. To explicate theseteachings and thus explore “this inner workof peacebuilding,”is the goal of her book.

Although most of the participants in theSeason of Light celebration would probablynot define their efforts in such terms, Ibelieve they have intuitively managedsuch a progression and have been able to convert enemies to friends. In doing so, all are the greatest of heroes, accordingto both Jewish and Islamic traditions.

In the Video Bridge, the names of theparticipants reveal their diversity; theirorganizations’ names describe the workthey do (see the picture above).

The Parents Circle – Families Forum(PCFF), Jerusalem, Israel-Palestine is agrassroots organization of bereavedPalestinians and Israelis, who have lostloved ones in the wars between the twopeoples. The PCFF promotes reconcilia-tion as an alternative to hatred andrevenge. Members of this group are,unfortunately, intimate experts on the

destructive horror of war.The magic of technology brought us

together in one living room. For a complete list of these organizations, seethe website of The Season of Light Three-Continent Video Bridge at this link:http://traubman.igc.org/light2014.htm.

It is easy to apply the wisdom fromRabbi Eilberg’s text to members of theseorganizations. She pointed out that in theTorah, the admonition “to love, reach out to,and do justice to the stranger”is repeatedmore than any other commandment, 36times (p. 34). In the Jewish mystical tradition of gematria, in which letters havenumbers, 36 is “double chai (“chai”means“life”in Hebrew,)”a very lucky number.

Rabbi Eilberg used new research findingsfrom the field of neuroscience to explicatethe dynamics of this commandment, asprocessed by the brain.“In developing thevalue of hospitality and care for the stranger,religion both reflects and nurtures thedevelopment of the frontal cortex, the part of the mind that can evaluate andsometimes supersede physical sensationsof danger when, on reflection, there isreally no need for fear.

“These religious values positivelyempower the frontal cortex to pause and reflect on the veracity of a potentialthreat, to question limbic panic moreoften, and to supersede the automaticinstinct to fear the other in the absence of real danger (p. 35).”

The participants in the Season of Lightcelebration are acting from their neo-cortexes and not from their amygdalas,part of the primitive limbic system in thebrain. We have chosen not to fear our

HolocaustEducatorBY MIRIAM L. ZIMMERMAN

Can enemies becomefriends in a world of intolerance andxenophobia?

The old year, 2014, ended for me withhope and optimism. Technology andfriendship inspired me to conclude thatwe humans will, indeed, figure out ways tolive together in peace. The annual “Seasonof Light” celebration by the Jewish-Palestinian Living Room Dialogue Groupof San Mateo included participants fromthe Middle East, West Africa, and NorthAmerica, representing nine different“peacebuilding”organizations.

Billed as a “Three Continent VideoBridge,”technology facilitated participationby geographically diverse groups, all ofwhich share an ideology of peace throughface-to-face relationship building. Each ofus creates as friends, people whom ourgovernments define as our enemies. All ofus choose to become “peacebuilders”within our respective communities. Aftermany years as an active participant, I amnow on leave from the Jewish-PalestinianLiving Room Dialogue Group as otherresponsibilities have dominated my life.

During this season, I read a relevantbook, From Enemy to Friend: Jewish Wisdomand the Pursuit of Peace, by Rabbi AmyEilberg (Orbis Books 04/14 Paperback,ISBN: 9781626980617). Rabbi Eilberg’sscholarship provided a religious and spiritual rationale for peacebuildingendeavors, grounded in Jewish scriptureand commentary. This book validated my own personal efforts at peacebuilding,as modest as they might be in comparisonto some of theother participants.

On Dec. 6, 2014,Zoom technologyset up in the livingroom of Len andLibby Traubman,the founders andleaders of theJewish-PalestinianDialogue Group,made it all possi-ble. A large screenstretched across one end of the livingroom. Len’s computer projected images ofthe participants onto a dozen rectangles.

This is a complete listing of organizational names. Only individual names of the firstgroup are included, both for security and brevity purposes. Top row, (L-R): Membersof my own Living Room Dialogue Group: Nahida Salem, Ellen Rosenthal, Judy Serebrin,Nedal Saleh, and Fadwa Musleh; Hagar; Jewish-Arab Education for Equality, BeerSheva, Israel; and The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF), Jerusalem, Israel-Palestine.Middle row: Hand in Hand Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel, Kfar Kara,Israel; Interfaith Encounter Association, Jerusalem; and United for Peace AgainstConflict International (UFPACI), Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Bottom row: Sharing LifeStories & Music as Bridges, Nataf and Wahat al-Salam ~ Neve Shalom, Israel; PalestinianPeace Society – Cooperation Circle of United Religions Initiative, Hebron, West Bank,Palestine; and Interfaith Encounter Association, Jerusalem.

(see Zimmerman, page IN 12)

12 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN April 15, 2015

Three Penn Mark Plaza11455 N. Meridian, Ste. 100

Carmel, IN 46032(317) 846-4223

Methodist Professional Center1801 N. Senate, Ste. 620Indianapolis, IN 46202

(317) 926-6699

Methodist Medical Plaza 1Eagle Highlands

6920 Parkdale Pl., Ste.206Indianapolis, IN 46254

(317) 293-1420

Serving the eye care needs of central Indiana since1950.

www.AbramsEyeCare.com

Clay E. Jones, O.D., Bettye-Jo Rawls Lloyd, M.D., FACS, Deborah E. Mann, O.D., and Michael A. Rothbaum, M.D.JJ Abrams, O.D. and John H. Abrams, M.D., FACS

enemies, but to extend hospitality andmake them our friends. Rabbi Eilbergsprinkled research findings from neuro-science throughout the text, an approachgreatly appreciated by this academic.

On Jan. 7, 2015, just a month and a dayafter the Season of Light Video Bridge, theannihilation of 12 journalists of the weekly French satirical newspaper CharlieHebdo by Islamic terrorists in Paris was followed by the murder of four Jews twodays later at a Parisian kosher butcher shopby another Islamic extremist. My Season ofLight optimism transformed into despair.

How can I write about peacebuilders,given the reality that so many fanaticswant to destroy their fellow humans simply because they do not share religiousbeliefs? How can Rabbi Eilberg’s teachingsapply in such circumstances? Can suchenemies ever become friends?

The Charlie Hebdo massacre kept myamygdala active for 24 hours. My daughterLeah and her husband Ian, both academics,spent two weeks in Munich and one inParis over the winter break. They stayed in friends’ apartments in each city. I hadjust received an email from my daughterwith a picture (below) of her holding my

granddaughter in front of the Eiffel Tower.With Paris exploding and extremists

targeting Jews, I panicked for the safety ofmy daughter and her family, somewherein the City of Light. My neo-cortex toldme they were safe, but my amygdala tookcharge, causing me to rail against Islamicterrorists who threatened my people,

my family.Finally, an email arrived from Leah, now

safely back in Munich. “The apartment we stayed in was very close to the Charlie Hebdo offices where the shootingoccurred. The attacks occurred around thetime we were leaving for the train station”to return to Germany. Irony supplantedanxiety as I realized that Germany provideda safe haven for my Jewish daughter andher family. I said a prayer of thanks forpersonal delivery from danger when I

From her website, http://www.rabbi-amyeilberg.com/: RabbiAmy Eilberg is the firstwoman ordained as aConservative rabbi by the Jewish TheologicalSeminary of America.After many years of workin pastoral care and hospice, Rabbi Eilbergnow serves as a spiritual director, directsinterfaith dialogue programs in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, and teaches at UnitedTheological Seminary of the Twin Cities.She serves as a co-chair of the CivilityInitiative of the Jewish Council on PublicAffairs and teaches the art of listeningand peacebuilding in venues throughoutthe country. Photo taken by Marcie Stein;used with permission.

ZIMMERMAN(continued from page IN 11)

learned that her friend’s apartment was inthe same arrondissement (neighborhood)of Paris as Charlie Hebdo.

I turned to Rabbi Eilberg’s book to helpme understand how to think about theevents in Paris. On page 84, she explicatedthe calling for Jews to serve as a “light untothe nations” (Isa. 42:6). “It is essential forJews to develop the capacity to see theworld as others see it, as well as through thelens of our own experience. If we neverfully open ourselves to global perspectives,how can we serve the nations?”

As a light unto the nations, we are “to helpbring the world to God and to justice, but notto persuade the peoples of the world tolive as Jews (p. 85).” With the creation ofChristianity and Islam, we successfullybrought God to the gentiles. But there ismore work to do. And that is the work ofthe heroes of the organizations listed above.

A light bulb went off somewhere in mybrain, probably not in my amygdala. WeJews need to teach the world that thereare many paths to God, a continuing religious imperative, grounded in ourresponsibility to be a light unto thenations. Are you listening Isis? This is acommandment from God: you need tolearn that your way is not the only way.

The last chapter,“The Ways of Peace,”islike a how-to manual for peacebuilders,including both theory and exercises thatindividuals can activate in everyday life. Asan academic, I appreciate her translatingpeace theory into peace practice. Manyconcrete ways of thinking and behavingwere presented in that concluding chapter, that, with conscientious effort,anyone can incorporate into their own lives.

On p. 240, she referenced rabbinicteaching that Amalek (the collective namefor the enemies of Jews; the opposite ofwhat is godly and pure) is our own evilinclination. In the face of conflict, we areto ask what is our own role in this battle?What have we contributed to get here?“Thus, the ‘inner Amalek’ idea exhorts usto stop shouting the enemy's name andstop pointing fingers. Instead, we are tolook deeply inside ourselves to see howwe ourselves might contribute to the conflict and how we might instead workfor its resolution (p. 241).”The shouting is,“I’m right; you’re wrong.”

That challenge was too much for me,given the activation of my amygdala by theCharlie Hebdo murderers and my fears formy daughter’s safety. On page 260, RabbiEilberg acknowledged that Jews are com-manded to defend themselves in the face ofthreat.“Judaism is not a pacifist tradition.A clear preponderance of Jewish sourcesdefends – even requires – responding withviolence when necessary to protect life.”

These seemingly contradictory com-mandments must be mediated by our

neo-cortex, so that we choose appropriateresponses that could result in peace. Iadmit I have a great deal of work to do to be able even to think about Islamic terrorists as potential friends.

Rabbi Eilberg gave me tools for under-standing peace work by connecting anddissecting the religious, spiritual, psycho-logical and neurobiological dimensions ofhuman interaction in the face of conflict.Her section, “Listening from the Heart”reinforced what I have done implicitlythroughout my career as a communicationprofessor. I have taught the importance oflistening to one’s adversary in almost everycommunication course I have ever taught.

Finally, the book is a personal reflectionon the Rabbi’s own journey engaging inthis work. She shared realizations shemade in encountering texts and in herexperience of the teachings of rabbinicsages, both ancient and contemporary.Her insights into peacebuilding becamemine. The reader feels her presence, hervoice, throughout the text.

In juxtaposing the Season of Light par-ticipants with murderous religious fanatics,I realize how challenging it is to engage inthe work of peacebuilding. Interactingwith those who are already peacebuildersis easy; the test is to apply Rabbi Eilberg’steachings to those who would destroy us.

Each of us can become a hero, by transforming enemies into friends. Self-reflection is critical to begin this work.Rabbi Eilberg pointed out that it mustbegin from a place of humility regardingone’s self and generosity toward thosewho are different from ourselves. It willnot be easy; we have to start by under-standing and taking control of our ownamygdalas, acknowledging our own rolein the conflict. Let the work begin.

Dr. Zimmerman is professor emerita atNotre Dame de Namur University (NDNU)in Belmont, Calif., where she continues toteach the Holocaust course. She can bereached at mzimmerman@ndnu.edu. AAAA

April 15, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 13

SASSO(continued from page IN 9)

Spring Greetings!from

Perfect Touch Cleaners

8435 Ditch Road259-7837

Serving your community for 25 years.

First Light. Visit her at www.allaboutand.com.She is the Director of the Religion, Spiritualityand the Arts Initiative at Butler University.

Erika Steiskal grew up in Ohio andreceived a BFA in illustration from theColumbus College of Art and Design. Herbook and editorial illustrations have appearedin Spectrum, 3x3, and CommunicationArts, and her work received a gold medalfrom the Society of Illustrators Los Angeles.She lives in Seattle. AAAA

j i

BENZION(continued from page IN 10)

lowed by musical entertainment, raffleand games. Contact Shirley Mark 257-1838 or Sheila Seleman 517-9745 to RSVP.For additional info, call Janet at 251-8881. AAAA

Good-Night CarolineSat., May 2, enjoy the hilarity that

enhances the usual calm and quiet. Nightbecomes chaotic, comedic and all-togetherridiculous. A collection of three one-actvintage comedies premiering at thePresidential home of Benjamin Harrison.Each play is performed in a different roomof the mansion complete with candlelightand the rich ambiance of originalPresident Harrison furnishings. RSVP toJanet. Leave JCC at 7 p.m., cost $30includes transportation and play.

PF Changs Wed., May 6, Hole in the Wall, located

at Keystone at the Crossing. Serving avariety of Chinese and Asian food. RSVPto Jackie Hayden 253-7268

Bingo at Donato’s Fri., May 8, 11:30 a.m. next to Marsh at

86th & Ditch sponsored by HarcourtTerrace. Come and join us for anotherdelightful afternoon of Bingo and Pizza,salad, drink and big chocolate chip cookiefor dessert. Bingo prizes. No cost. RSVP to Janet at 251-8881.

Singing Club Mon., May 11, at 2 p.m., meeting at the

home of Mary Hank. We will be rehearsingfor our part in the upcoming Spring Fling.Call Carol Kirk 255-3244 for info.

Book Club & Libby Fogle Lunch BunchTues., May 12, at the BJE at 10:30 a.m.,

is the book club. Call Monica Rosenfeld255-3604 for additional info. At noon isthe celebration of Older American Monthat the Libby Fogle Lunch Bunch at the JCC.This exciting program and lunch is $2.

Dance Kaleidoscope and Knitting Club

Thurs., May 14, The Next Wave, leaveJCC at 9 a.m. Another exciting perform-ance from this great dance group youwon’t want to miss. We will stop forbrunch at the Illinois St. Food Emporiumand then proceed to the program. $10 fortransportation and lunch at your expense.Also on this date at 10 a.m., the KnittingClub meets at the Pleasant View LutheranChurch, Rm 114. Call Dorothy Kerrigan254-1123 for more info.

Spring Cooking Class Fri., May 15, at 11:30 a.m., with

Katherine Matutes at the JCC, cost is $5.RSVP to Janet at 251-8881.

Spring Fling Sun., May 17, from noon to 5 p.m., at

Lions Head Clubhouse. $10 per person inadvance/$12 at the door. 2nd AnnualFundraiser. Enjoy a leisurely lunch fol-

Campus Super StarSun., April 19, leaving from the JCC at

6:30 p.m. to the Indianapolis Museum ofArt. Talented students from different uni-versities and colleges compete for prizesand recording sessions. This is the HeleneG Simon Hillel Center’s biggest fundrais-ing event. Cost $15 for show and trans-portation. RSVP to Janet at 251-8881.

Singing ClubMon., April 20 at 2 p.m., meeting at the

home of Pat & Velma Ratley. Call CarolKirk 253-3244 if you are coming.

Knitting ClubThurs., April 23 at 10 a.m., meet at

Pleasant View Lutheran Church, Rm 114.For additional info call Dorothy Kerriagn254-1123.

Civic Theatre SpamalotThurs., April 23 leave the JCC at 5:30

p.m., Transportation $7. Join King Arthurand his knights in this hilarious retellingof the movie Monty Phython and the HolyGrail. One of the funniest BroadwayMusicals in recent years. It’s chocked fullof witty lyrics, clever plot twists, beautifulshowgirls and even killer rabbits. RSVP to Janet at 251-8881.

Itzhak Perlman at the PalladiumSun., April 26, depart JCC at 6:30 p.m.,

$49 includes concert and transportation.Reigning virtuoso of the violin, ItzhakPerlman is beloved for his charm andhumanity as well as his talent, and he istreasured by audiences around the worldwho respond to his remarkable artistryand his irrepressible joy for making music.RSVP to Janet to reserve your seat.

Classic Movie ClubMon., April 27, at 2 p.m. The movie is

Jane Eyre at Rita Casy’s home. RSVP toRita 202-9234. No charge.

Tim Needler – Musical InterludeWed., April 29, leave the JCC at 1:30

p.m. We will be visiting the home of TimNeedler on N. Meridian St. Mr. Needlerwill be giving us a tour of his home whichis full of musical instruments. He plays allof them beautifully and will perform someof them for us. $10 charge for transporta-tion. RSVP to Janet.

Carmel Community Players Club Morroco

Thurs., April. 30, leave the JCC at 6:15p.m. This is a musical. The only cost is $10for transportation. The show is free.Featuring music of the 1940s.

Seniors in Place

200 fellow students. There was a whole lotof love and unity. Friendship blossomed.From day to day my life became morebeautiful and happy. Many years havepassed since then, but my life is only getting better. Here is a recent example.

Part of my work is to visit the geriatricward in our local hospital. Here are elderlypatients, all in wheel chairs. Many of themstay for years. I love all of them, and manyof them are now close friends. Every day Ihelp them to pray and do Mitzvahs. I givethem a smile and cheer them up, and theyreturn the smile and cheer me up too.

One of the ladies there has two sonswho often visit her. Over time they havealso become my friends. One day one ofthe sons came with his wife. His wife sawme and said,“Wow! I have a nephew whojoined Chabad a few years ago. Do youknow him?”It turned out that her nephewis a good friend of mine. She told me thathe had just gotten engaged, and that in 2months he would be getting married inKfar Chabad!

On the morning of his wedding, I raninto another old friend. We were happy tosee each other. Then he told me hisdaughter is getting married that night andhe invited me to her wedding. I told himthat I would be delighted to come, andthat I already heard about the weddingfrom the groom’s aunt. I told him that hisfuture son-in-law happens to be a goodfriend of mine! That night I had a greattime celebrating with the uncle (the son of the woman I visit in the hospital),his nephew the groom, the father of thebride (also my friend) and many of ourcommon friends.

We want Moshiach now! Learn Torahand do Mitzvahs. Bring love into your lifeand into the world. This will bring closerthe End of Days when all mankind willlive together in peace and harmony.

Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, Israel. He can be reached by email at bzcohen@orange.net.il. AAAA

LAWYERS EXHIBIT(continued from page IN 5)

of Law. Those interested in attending may RSVP to Shawn Dankoski atsldanko@iupui.edu or 317-274-4789. Formore information go to: www.lawyerswithoutrights.com. AAAA

j i

14 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN April 15, 2015

j i

April 15, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 15

16 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN April 15, 2015