post thejewishopinion indiana...

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

Volume 81, Number 8 • May 13, 2015 • 24 Iyar 5775www.jewishpostopinion.com • www.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/collections/JPO

Indiana Edition

Previously, this space has promoted thetherapeutic benefits of art to help healemotional wounds. On the surface thisTree of Life mosaic, an art project, by localartist Joani Rothenberg and her Israelicousin Yael Buxbaum, fills that purpose but it goes a step further. It was definitelytherapeutic to survivors of cancer andtheir loved ones, but also approximately4,000 people of diverse backgrounds andlocations contributed to this – not at thesame time – uniting many people who donot always get along.

Multi-cultural mosaicpromotes unity

(see Mosaic, page IN 15)

Simchas Welcome! The Jewish Post &Opinion – IN Edition welcomes yourannouncements for placement in ourSimcha section. Submit photos and text to: [email protected]. NextDeadline: June 1, 2015. All decisions on publishing, date of placement, size of photo, and length of announcement areat the sole discretion of the publisher.

2 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN May 13, 2015

Rabbi Yisrael and Miriam Gettingeron the birth of their grandson Menachemthrough their son and daughter-in-lawRabbi Yitzchak and Mariam Gettingerof Jerusalem.

Fourth grade students at HHAI(below) win statewide reading contest.Sponsored by WISH TV and other fineIndiana organizations, the contest wastitled, “I Love to Read Challenge.” Themain focus was to instill the love of reading for all Indiana students. HHAI’sfourth grade students were chosen in astatewide drawing and represented allfourth graders from Indiana at an awardsceremony held at The Children’s Museum.HHAI students were awarded their classhonor by First Lady Mrs. Karen Pence andnews anchors from WISH TV News. Afterthe awards ceremony, students were theguests of the museum. They had a greattime learning, exploring, and playing! Afun day was had by all!

Josh Prince (below), son of Irwin andEileen Prince of Indianapolis, was recentlynominated for the prestigious Olivier (theBritish Tony) Award. The nomination wasfor his choreography of the London pro-duction of the Broadway musical:Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Josh’swork on the Broadway show also receivedcritical accolades in the New York Times. Itwas his second Broadway choreographiceffort, the first being Shrek the Musical.Josh currently lives in New York where he

Simcha AnnouncementsMazel Tov to…

is also the founder and artistic director ofThe Broadway Dance Lab: www.broadwaydancelab.org or www.facebook.com/broadwaydancelab.

Tyler Louis Burnett (below), son ofJill and Matthew Burnett, grandson ofJanie and Michael Maurer and Ellenand Howard Burnett, great-grandson ofBetty Carlin was called to the Torah forhis Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Beth-ElZedeck March 20–21.

Tyler’s Torah portion, Vayikra was aboutthe rules of sacrifice in the wilderness and

he was not nervous on the bimah becausehe was very prepared. He was appreciativeof the overwhelming support he got fromall of his friends and family, and enjoyedseeing a lot of out-of-towners from Texas,Oklahoma, Ohio, New York, Florida,Kentucky, Georgia, Colorado, and Illinois.

His mitzvah project was called PackAway Hunger. He and his family packed12,000 meals to be donated to GleanersFood Bank and hungry children aroundthe world. When asked what his favoritepart of his preparation was, he said it wasthe tutoring.

“The entire Bar Mitzvah was fun for meand I really enjoyed practicing and learn-ing my Haftorah and Torah portions. I amexcited to start my Jewish life with ritualsand go deeper into my education aboutJewish life and Judaism,”exclaimed Tyler.

When asked what advice he would give(see Mazel Tov, page IN 6)

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

[email protected]

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

May 13, 2015 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 3

On April 30, the first four AmericanJewish women of each denomination tobecome rabbis, gathered at CongregationBeth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis where thefirst ever rabbinic couple, Rabbis Dennis andSandy Sasso served together for 36 years.

The four are Sally Priesand, Reformordained 1972; Sandy Eisenberg Sasso,Reconstructionist ordained 1974; AmyEilberg, Conservative ordained 1985; andSara Hurwitz, Orthodox ordained 2009. Dr.Gary Zola, director of the American JewishArchives in Cincinnati was the moderatorof a panel discussion with the women.

Even though to this day discord takesplace among the denominations (see aprime example at the end of this editorial),none was apparent on this bimah.This wasone of the most harmonious discussions totake place between the four denominations.

The four women had remarkably similarstories to tell. It was interesting to hearwhat factors led up to their wanting tobecome rabbis. For the most part it wasthat they loved Judaism – the rituals,synagogue, prayers, theology, holidays –and under their tutelage, they wanted tobe able to help others discover that too.

All four told about the opposition theyendured such as not getting jobs, andgrossly inappropriate questions asked bythe search committees. However, all fouralso reported having one or more malerabbis who were enormously supportive.

One example of opposition was told byAmy Eilberg, ordained in 1985. One yearprior, the Conservative movement agreedto accept women into their rabbinical program. Before that time women wereallowed to take the same classes that wererequired of men studying to become rabbis. By 1984, Eilberg had already donewell in those classes. After she wasordained one year later, she got a letterfrom a man complaining that he had to goseveral years to get ordained so they mustbe making special exceptions for women.In reality, she had been studying for nineyears and women students were held to ahigher standard than the men.

During this two hour discussion it wasintriguing to hear about these and otherwomen rabbis going to Germany with Dr.Zola to walk in the footsteps of the firstwoman rabbi in Jewish history, Regina Jonas.She studied at a liberal rabbinic seminary,completing the entire rabbinic programand her thesis. She was scheduled to beordained but the Talmud teacher with theauthority to do so died. His successorwould not ordain her in 1930 so she leftthat school with a degree to teach. As conditions deteriorated in Germany, the

Editorial need for more spiritual leadership grewand she was ordained privately in 1935.Letters and documents that were foundshowed that the liberal Jewish communityput her to work as an official rabbi.

Toward the end of the discussion Dr.Zola asked,“What is the biggest change toJudaism brought about by having so manywomen in leadership positions today?”

Rabbi Sasso responded that one standsout to her. Midrash, the way we interprettexts – particularly biblical texts – has beenclaimed by women. Therefore questionsthat have never been asked of the text arenow being asked.

For example, where was Sarah at thebinding of Isaac and why did she die rightafterward? Questions like that are beingaddressed in a different way. Stories of womenwho had no names are being retold.“Theway we look at texts, the questions we ask, the spaces we fill in have made anenormous difference,”exclaimed Sasso.

Ten days prior to this event and in sharpcontrast to it, a clash at the Western Wall inJerusalem took place.Two men, one whosereadings we have recently published, werebeaten. When I first heard this I thought itwas done by terrorists, but it was by otherJewish men. The reason? They had handeda Torah to the Women of the Wall who joyously danced and prayed with it.

Since one can read the details about thisat the two sites listed below, I will includehere what Alden Solovy said at his synagogue and on Facebook. “At my synagogue I asked people not to hate theman who stomped on me. Rail against hismisogyny, object to what he was taught,condemn his behavior, seek justice againsthis violence, if possible, and seek changein Israeli democracy. But please don’t usewhat happened to me to justify hate or toprejudge others…Charlie Kalech and Ihave received an outpouring of kind wishesand support from all over the world.”

From JTA: http://www.jta.org/2015/05/10/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/op-ed-my-message-to-the-man-who-attacked-me-at-the-kotel

From the Los Angeles Jewish Journal:http://www.jewishjournal.com/israel/article/alden_solovy_wounded_but_still_defending_women_of_the_wall

Solovy penned the following a year ago:Jew Against JewOh my people,What has happened to your heart?What has happened to your vision?And what has happened to your wisdom?And what has happened to your love for one another?The seeds of disrespect and misunderstanding have taken root,Yielding fear and anger,Condemnation and recrimination,A rising hatred of Jew against Jew

That threatens to consume us.Sinat chinam has attacked the soul of our people.

Ancient One,G-d of our fathers and mothers,Grant us a new wisdom and a new visionTo see beauty and holinessIn all of the tents of Israel.Guide us back to each otherWith reverence and understanding.Renew our days with love.Then, G-d of Old, we will buildA temple of song to your Holy Name,Resounding from heart to heart,From soul to soul,From generation to generation,The whole House of Israel.

Blessed are You, Adonai our G-d,You delight in Your people’s love.

©2015 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com.All rights reserved.

I say “Amen” to that and hopefully theday will soon come when we are able towork out our differences in a harmoniousway like the panel discussion.

Jennie Cohen, May 13, 2015 AAAA

Inside this IssueMulti-culture mosiac .....................CoverSimcha Announcements.........................2Editorial.....................................................3Community Events .................................4Lag B’Omer celebration .........................5Kidney still needed for Drew...............6Obituaries .................................................7Bernie De Koven

(A Playful Path) ......................................8New Humanistic Jewish Group ...........8LIFE & LEGACY in Indy .......................8Rabbi Benzion Cohen

(Chassidic Rabbi)...................................10Tzedakah Fair at IHC ...........................10Jewish play in Bloomington ...............10From Broadway to Hollywood ...........11Genetic testing gift! .............................13Seniors in Place .....................................13Indy Jewish Film Festival....................14House passes opposition to BDS .......14Four First: Am. Women Rabbis ..........16

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

OpinionPost&The Jewish

Jewish News and Opinion since 1935.


inreachce.com/ and in the search box typein: Justice and the War on Terror.

Indianapolis Opera andIndianapolis Chamber Orchestra

Fri., May 22 at 7:30 p.m., CRESCENDOat White River State Park. FreeCommunity Concert features music rang-ing from opera’s greatest hits, Broadwaystandards, orchestral gems, and tunesfrom the American Songbook. Generaladmission is free on the lawn. Specialreserved seating is available including VIPseating with reserved parking. Kick offthe Indiana summer with a fun, familyconcert! For more info visit: www.indyopera.org, email: [email protected] or call 317-283-3531.

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

ShavuotBeginning on Sun., May 24 at sundown,

Shavuot, the festival of weeks, commemo-rating the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinaiwill conclude after sundown on Mon.,May 25 which is also Memorial Day.

JCRC eventMay 27 6–8 p.m., at Congregation Beth-

El Zedeck. Congressman Andre Carsonwill address the Jewish community. Moredetails forthcoming. Contact LindseyMintz at 317.926.2935 or [email protected].

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.

2015 HAI-Life Awards dinnerOn Sun., May 31 from 5–9 p.m., at the

Hasten Hebrew Academy Cultural ArtsCenter will be the 44th annual HAI-LifeAwards Dinner honoring well knownophthalmologist and community philan-thropist Dr. John Abramsfor his commitment toeducation. President ofAbrams EyeCare, andteam eye physician for the Indiana Pacers andIndiana Fever, Dr. Abramsand his wife, Diane, havededicated themselves toproviding scholarship andopportunities for students.

Mr. Matt Tucker will also be honored with the Distinguished TeacherAward for his contributionto the educational growthof the students in the area of Mathematics

We will view a DVD from the HistoryChannel detailing the Nazi movement inthe U.S. Then we will hear a Special Agentfrom the FBI speak to us about the state ofhate crimes in Indiana. Please arrive early.Seating may be limited. Refreshments willbe served. Questions? Call Cantor Deb at317-344-3114.

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.

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 open to all women and girls over the ageof 12. $18 online pre-registration. RSVPchabadindiana.org/megachallah or 317-251-5573.

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

Mon., May 18 at 7 p.m. Hostess is MarshaRauscher, and facilitator is Joan Katz. Thebook is The List by Martin Fletcher. Thenext one will be Mon., June 15 at 7 p.m.,hostess is Judy Koor and facilitator isAnnette Gross. The book will be, TheGolem and the Jinni by Helen Wecker. Formore info or to RSVP contact HelaineHerman at [email protected] or theHadassah office at 475-4278.

Birthday luncheon for 90+ Tues., May 19 from 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.,

at Broadmoor Country Club, 2155 KesslerBlvd West Drive. Luncheon honoringcommunity members who are 90+ years“young” from the JFGI and JFS. ContactLori Moss 317-259-6824 [email protected]

Justice and the War on Terror –Continuing Education for lawyers

Tues., May 19, from 1:15–4:30 p.m. atthe ICLEF Conference Facility, 230 E. OhioStreet, 5th Floor Indianapolis, 46204.Compare American and other secular law,contemporary social theory and 3000years of legal and ethical thought from thecorpus of Judaic law. This is a continuingeducation class for lawyers (3CLE credits)taught by Rabbi Mendel Schusterman and Robert J. Shuckit. Tuition is $185 or$150 for 0–3 years in practice or paralegal.For more information go to: https://iclef.

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!

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

May 5 – June 26. This exciting and eclectic gallery show is the result of a prominent and creative group of local visual and performance artists’explorations with Rabbi Sandy Sasso touncover the personal significance of thebiblical story of Jacob, his dreams and hisangelic confrontations. This is a follow-upto the artistic/spiritual work on theBinding 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.

Indianapolis Chapter of HadassahDonor Day

Hadassah is hosting a High Tea to honor their donors on Sun., May 17 at 2 p.m., with heartfelt songs by SusanBoots at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.

Committee members are BeverlyBercovitz, Lynn Davis, Brenda Freedman,Helaine Herman, Joan Katz, PhyllisRussell, Lyla Spath, and Carol Steinfeld.If you have questions please call the officeat 475-4278. New office administrator isLeslie Barrick and new office hours areMon., Wed., and Fri., from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Indianapolis Hadassah has been awardedthe following for the fundraising year2014: The Tower Award for achieving bothTower goal and Fundraising goal; ThePearl Award given to units who havemade 100% Tower Goal; and The EmeraldAward for achieving 25% above Goal.

Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism in Indiana

Sun., May 17, 3 p.m., at the JCC.Important information you need to know.Be informed! Don’t miss this important freeprogram open to the entire communityand sponsored by Congregation BethShalom.

Community Events

Matt Tucker

Dr. J. Abrams

(see Events, page IN 14)


Children play at Lubavitch Lag B’Omer Picnic


MAZEL TOV(continued from page IN 2)

to those preparing for their Bar or BatMitzvah he said, “Be prepared and workhard!”

“My Mimi, Janie Maurer, made my tallit. It is very special to me. I also lovedhaving my entire family as part of my BarMitzvah service. My uncles, Todd andGreg Maurer, and Steven Goldberger,and my aunt, Julie Goldberger, my Papa,Mickey Maurer and my mom all readfrom the Torah. It was very special toknow they had to learn and study theirportions as well and go through a little ofwhat I was going through. It was truly aspecial and memorable day/weekend forme. I hope to be part of more services atBeth-El soon,”Tyler concluded.

Katherine and Ron Soskin on their 25th wedding anniversary June 8, andRon’s retirement from Bose McKinney &Evans LLP, at the end of Dec. 2014.

“Ron Soskin was a member of our lawfirm for over 31 years. In that time Ronbecame one of the most highly respectedtax attorneys in the Midwest. Moreover,he was instrumental to the leadership ofthe firm and the development of youngerlawyers. We could not have asked for afiner partner than Ron. He will be missed.”~ Jeffrey Gaither, Managing Partner.

Michaela Geller-Montague (picturedbelow right), a seventh-grader at theHasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis,has won an essay contest sponsored bythe Legacy Heritage Fund, the 2015“Better 2 Write” contest. Michaela’s essayis “Her Voice was the Strings.”

The HHAI was one of 16 Jewish schoolsacross the country that submitted essaysfor the contest. The other two middleschool winners are from the KadimahSchool of Buffalo and the Manhattan Day School. All three schools will receivescholarship funds, and the student winners will receive money for summerprograms or gap year studies.

The essay contest is part of the “BetterTogether” inter-generational program thatthe HHAI students are participating in

this year. Once a month, middle schoolstudents visited either HooverwoodNursing Home or MorningSide of CollegePark to talk with seniors and write memory books, teach I-pad use, paintceramic mugs or plant flowers. Theschool’s curriculum includes learning fromprevious generations, a computer genealogyproject, Jewish laws on respecting our elders, and the “spiritual DNA” passeddown from our patriarchs and matriarchs.

The winning submissions were of “particularly high quality and meaningful-ness,” according to the judges. The HHAIis proud of its middle school students for their work on the Better Together program, and proud of Michaela for heraward-winning essay.

Rivkah Bunes, a Hasten HebrewAcademy sixth grade student (daughter ofStacey and Charlie Bunes), picturedbelow with Ruby Bridges, participated inthe Letters to Ruby program which focuseson inequality, intolerance, and injustices in our society. Ms. Bridges was the firstAfrican-American child to attend an allwhite school in the South. Rivkah’s letterabout inequality of women was chosen tobe read by Ruby Bridges.

Rivkah attended a workshop May 8 at

the Indianapolis Children’s Museum ledby Ms. Bridges which included about 25 other students from throughout thecounty whose letters were also selected attheir schools. Rivkah was thrilled to havethe honor of meeting and speaking withMs. Bridges.

This is the sixth year that a HHAI student has had this opportunity. TheHHAI is proud of its sixth grade studentsfor their work on this program, and proud ofRivkah for her amazing letter.

SynthiaSteiman(left) on her graduationfrom IndianaUniversityJacobs Schoolof Music AAAA

j i

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

ObituariesHarry Joseph Traugott, 98, passed

away April 16. He wasborn March 13, 1917. Hewas known for his volun-teer activities and involvedsupport of social causes,but also loved the woodsand the deer herd viewedthrough the expansive windows of hisIndianapolis home. Close friends alsoknew his dry wit and wry sense of humor.

His interest in philanthropy and volun-teer activities began at the age of 16 in1933, during the membership drive for theJewish Welfare Fund. He began makingcalls in person and his first solicitationresulted in a $50 donation from a nonJewish business, a large sum in the middleof the Great Depression.

Harry achieved his Eagle Scout rank as amember of Troop 65 sponsored by theKirshbaum Center, and became thetroop’s scoutmaster. Later he served as anassistant scoutmaster and cubmaster,devoting more than 50 years of volunteerservice to the scouts. He received theSilver Beaver Award, the highest volunteeracknowledgment, and the Shofar Awardgiven to outstanding Jewish scouts. He lostinterest in scouting when his argumentssupporting sensitivity to multiple religioustraditions were spurned.

For more than 20 years he actively supported immigrant resettlement intothe Indianapolis community by teachingEnglish to Russian Jews, Eastern Europeans,and new residents from Latin America. Healso developed an emergency loan programto assist immigrant families in dire need.

Harry volunteered as a docent at theIndianapolis Museum of Art for more than20 years, and was particularly pleasedteaching school children about the impor-tance of art and culture. His passionatebelief in the power of education led him toserve on the executive committee of theWashington Township Schools planning

brothers-in-law, Terry Adams andMarshall (Sharon) Norris; and severalnieces and nephews. Sherrie was precededin death by her sister, Elyse Adams.

A funeral service was held April 20 atAaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. Burialfollowed in Congregation Beth-El ZedeckNorth Cemetery. Memorial contributionsmay be made to the American HeartAssociation.

Rebecca (Becca) Wells Linville,38, passed away April 25 after a long and courageous battle with cancer inWestfield, Ind. Becca was a 1994 graduateof Northmont High School in Dayton,Ohio and a 1998 graduateof Indiana University inBloomington, where sheearned her Bachelor’sDegree in Speech &Hearing and Certificate inJewish Studies.

Rebecca was an active member of theOhio Valley region of the NationalFederation of Temple Youth, and spent asummer in Israel on a NFTY program. In2001 she began teaching at The OrchardSchool in Indianapolis, where she proudlyand gratefully taught for more than 10years in their Elementary School.

In 2003 she married the love of her life,Kyle Linville. Becca was fortunate to spendthree years living in Germany and travel-ling throughout Europe with her belovedyoung daughters and husband Kyle; whilethere she was an active volunteer at theFrankfurt International School.

Becca managed to be both friend andmentor to all whose lives she touched,from friends and fellow moms to co-workers and fellow volunteers. She filledher life with acts of loving kindness andtzedakah, always looking for opportunitiesto give of her time and talent, particularlyto those in need or at risk. This powerfullegacy of selfless giving will never be forgotten by all who knew and loved her.

Rebecca is survived by family memberswhom she cherished dearly and lovedfully: her husband Kyle Linville, her children Madeline and Lauren Linville,her sister Jennifer Wells-Smith, brother-in-law Shannon Smith, and her parentsJoan and Peter Wells. A funeral service washeld on April 27 at Indianapolis HebrewCongregation and burial followed in theIHC north cemetery.

The Linville and Wells families are sograteful for the outpouring of love andsupport from friends and colleagues theworld over during this incredibly difficulttime. Tax-exempt donations can be madein Rebecca’s honor to the Rebecca WellsLinville Donor Advised Fund at the JewishFederation of Greater Indianapolis (www.

committee. He was a past board memberof the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregationand the IHC Foundation. The JewishFamily and Children’s Services presentedhim with the Ivan Chalfie Award for his commitment to education, humanservices, and culture. The JewishFederation of Greater Indiana honoredhim with the Golden Giver award.

Traugott attended the University ofMichigan after graduating fromShortridge High School in 1934. DuringWWII the U.S. Army Air Corps stationedhim in Algeria and Italy and assigned himto the Mediterranean Allied Air Forcescommand. Between 1942 and 1945 heserved as staff sergeant to playwrightThornton Wilder planning invasion andbombing runs. After the war Traugottrejoined his father in The Fair Store, a family run department store in downtownIndianapolis that closed in 1949. Heretired as president of the Fair FinanceCompany in 1981 and devoted the rest ofhis life to volunteer service.

As a fearless traveler he thrived on familyroad trips, including an adventurous 1963camping trek through the AmericanSouthwest, a 1964 drive to San MiguelAllende, Mexico, and another to Oaxaca,Mexico in 1966. Numerous more conven-tional trips followed to France, Guatemala,Israel, Italy, Peru, and the Yucatan.

Harry Traugott was the son of LeoTraugott and Bess Joseph. He is survivedby his artist wife Leah Schneider Traugottof 68 years of marriage, son JosephTraugott and wife Laurel Wallace, daughterDale Traugott and husband Roy Campbell,and granddaughters Carlin and LaurenTraugott Campbell. His nieces includeJoan Cassell Miller and husband NathanMiller, Barbara Cassell Altman and husband Sonny Altman, Jean FeiblemanSmith and husband Tyler Smith, andDorothy Feibleman.

A funeral service was April 19 atIndianapolis Hebrew Congregation.Donations in his honor may be made toIndianapolis Museum of Art or to IHC.Arrangements entrusted to Aaron RubenNelson Mortuary.

Sherrie Ellen Seidman Norris, 70,of Indianapolis passedaway April 16. She wasborn to Max and HildaSeidman on June 14, 1944.Sherrie was a graduate ofNorth Central HighSchool. She worked forthe Army Finance Center. She was a long-time volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital.Sherrie was a member of IndianapolisHebrew Congregation.

She is survived by her husband, Alan;brother, G. Douglas (Holly) Seidman; (see Obituaries, page IN 9)

The Jewish Funeral Home of Greater Indianapolis

317-873-477611411 N. Michigan Road

just north of I-465

A R N

AaronRubenNelson



Family Owned and Operated for 30 years.

Tony Nefouse8465 Keystone Xing, Ste. 190Indianapolis, IN 46240

317-803-4220www.indianahealthinsurance.com

www.indianahealthinsuranceexchange.com

A PlayfulPathBY BERNIE DE KOVEN

Arguing – A gamewe play

I begin with a quote. So it’s not like I’msaying it. So there’s no argument here:

It’s from a book called The ShabbatElevator and other Sabbath Subterfuges: An Unorthodox Essay on CircumventingCustom and Jewish Character. By AlanDundes. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.2002.

“Even in modern times,” he writes,“there are serious disagreements as towhat the proper interpretation of a givenlaw is or should be. The love of argumentand disagreement is well documented in Jewish folklore. A popular proverb proclaims: ‘Two Jews, three opinions.’ Anold joke claims that ‘the only thing twoJews can agree on is how much a third Jewshould give to charity.’ Anything andeverything can be subject to debate, can bequestioned. In one old chestnut, a Jew isasked, “Why do Jews always answer aquestion with a question?”His answer?

Wait for it. It’s coming. In about 5 or 8 orso paragraphs (but who’s counting?).

In the mean time, what’s with all thearguing and disagreeing and debating?Why is it so deeply etched into the verysynapses of the yiddishekeppe, this questioning, this constant controversy?Could it have something to do with,excuse me for mentioning this, fun?

Let me put it this way: so, you’re arguingwith somebody. It could be anybodyyou’re arguing with: a partner, a parent, apet. So, think about it for a minute. Whatare you hoping will happen as a result ofall this arguing? So, excuse me for over-simplifying, but, answer me this – isn’t itall about, really, when it comes down to itand you also, winning? Isn’t that what youhope will happen? No matter what you’rearguing about or with whom or who ismaybe right – your goal, what you reallywant out of it all when it’s all over anddone with, is to be the one who wins.Yes? No?

Absolutely.And if winning is what it’s all about,

then a game is what you’re playing.Because only in a game can you win. Onlywhen you’re playing. Because winningisn’t a real thing. It’s a game thing. Whenyou’re arguing with your spouse, forexample, your loved one, your only reasonfor going on – that one – when you’re

arguing about the real meaning of life orthe parsha or the color of your car, youreally, in truth and fact, can’t win. You can have a good argument.You can argue brilliantly and conclusively convincingly.But you can’t win. Because it’s the two ofyou, together that it’s really all about. Andif one of you is the winner, the other is theloser. And you’re not together. Just likethat. You’re not together. And this is notthe point. This is disaster.

I think one of the things that we under-stand, genetically, maybe, from thefathers, probably, is that all this arguing is really just playing. Even if we’re arguingwith Himself (or Hers). It’s fun. All wehave to do is remember: it’s a game, andwe’re just playing.

It’s an art, this arguing. And part of theart is all about remembering to be playful,to enjoy each other, to appreciate eachother’s brilliance, the cunningness of eachother’s reasoning, the cleverness, the cuteness. Ah, we say to each other, that’s agood point you made just there; ah again,you could, in fact, after all, be something

very close to right. I could agree entirelyand that would be that. And the argumentwould be over. But what’s the fun of that?

Which brings me to the question, andthe answer to it:

A new group is forming and the firstmeeting is Sun., June 7 at 10:45 a.m., atParadise Bakery & Cafe, 9510 N MeridianSt., Suite A, Indianapolis, 46260. This willbe an initial meeting to gauge interest. Itwill also be an opportunity to get to knowa little more about secular and culturalJudaism generally, and the Society forHumanistic Judaism and the Congress ofSecular Jewish Organizations in particular.We welcome secular and cultural Jews andtheir families – Jewish or not! – looking forcommunity in Indianapolis and CentralIndiana. For more info contact Jeremy at317-903-9964, or email [email protected] or Facebook: www.facebook.com/HumanistJewsIndy. AAAA

New HumanisticJewish Group in Indy

The Indianapolis Jewish communityhas been selected as a LIFE & LEGACYpartner of the Harold GrinspoonFoundation. This forward-thinking program seeks to engage local Jewishorganizations in a collaborative endeavorthat will ensure the strength of our community now and for the future. “Asmy parents planted for me before I was born,so do I plant for those who will come afterme.” – Talmud, Ta’anit 23a

Jewish organizations in the greaterIndianapolis community applied to be apart of the program, and JFGI accepted 14.Mazel tov to our community partners!Bureau of Jewish Education; Chabad/Lubavitch of Indiana; Congregation Beth-El Zedeck; Congregation B’nai Torah;Congregation Shaarey Tefilla; Etz ChaimSephardic Congregation; Hasten HebrewAcademy of Indianapolis; Hillel Foundationat Indiana University; Indianapolis HebrewCongregation; Jewish Community Centerof Indianapolis; Hooverwood; JewishCommunity Relations Council; JewishFamily Services and Jewish Federation ofGreater Indianapolis.

Training and support will be provided tothem as they go out to the community andsecure after lifetime gifts from donors.Youcan read a little more at the following link:http://www.jewishindianapolis.org/life-legacy. Conversation training will be Thurs.,June 17 from 5–7:30 p.m., at the HastenHebrew Academy of Indianapolis. Formore information contact Paula Goldbergat [email protected] or 317-715-6980. AAAA

Indy joins LIFE &LEGACY partnership

j i

j i

(see De Koven, page IN 9)


OBITUARIES(continued from page IN 7)

jewishindiananpolis.org). Her husband, Kyle,will be able to make recommendations ondistributions from this fund to non-profitorganizations that were important to Becca.

To contribute to a fund established forthe near-term direct benefit of the Linvilledaughters, you can visit: www.gofundme.com/rebeccalinville. Rebecca Wells Linville’slife and memory will forever be a blessing.

Henrietta Mervis, 95, passed awayon May 1, in her home inKokomo, Ind. She wasborn Aug. 6, 1919, inIndianapolis to Abrahamand Rose Schwartz.

As a youth she spent hersummers as a camp coun-selor at Big Eagle Camp, where she madelifelong friendships and impacted the livesof many young people. She was a gradu-ate of Manual High School in 1937, andlater attended IUK. As a secretary atSolotkins, she met her husband, DavidMervis. They were married on Aug. 11,1946, in Indianapolis.

Beginning in 1964, she served as themember of the board of trustees for theKokomo Public Library. During her 17years of service, she served two terms asthe president of the Kokomo PublicLibrary Board. She also served as the president of the Indiana Library TrusteesAssociation, and was honored in 1970 asthe Outstanding Library Trustee of theState of Indiana. She served as treasurerduring the construction of the downtownKokomo Public Library. She was instru-mental in the formation of the Bona Vista School with Tri Kappa. She was very proud that she led the effort with Dr. Moulton to keep Bona Vista as an independent organization.

Her other services include involvementin the fundraising for Brandeis Universityin Palm Beach County, Fla. She was amember of Hadassah and B’nai Brith. Inrecent years, she enjoyed participating in“The Neighborhood of Saturdays” Projectabout the multi-ethnic Indianapolis southside community, which was covered bythe New York Times.

She is survived by her two sons, Garryand Bill and wife Karen; and three grand-children, Aaron, Elliot and Matthew; andher niece and nephew Charlene (Jeff)Gubitz and Alan Schwartz. She was preceded in death by her brother MorrisSchwartz of Indianapolis.

Services were May 3 at the Sons ofAbraham Cemetery in Lafayette.Contributions can be made to TempleB’nai Israel of Kokomo or the KokomoPublic Library. AAAA

DE KOVEN(continued from page IN 8)

The question: “Why do Jews alwaysanswer a question with a question?”The answer: “Why not”?

Bernie De Koven is the author of TheWell-Played Game, A Playful Path andJunkyard Sports. A Playful Path is availableat: http://press.etc.cmu.edu/content/playful-path. One can also purchase and downloadthe book from http://aplayfulpath.com whereone can also be entertained and learn moreabout the author. AAAA

See Historical Digtial Issues of The Jewish Post & Opinion since 1930 atwww.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/

collections/JPO

Read recent digital issue online at:www.jewishpostopinion.com

Follow us on Facebook at:Jewish Post & Opinion, newspaper

Follow us on Twitter at:#JewishPostOpin


Mushki is one of my grandchildren.She is almost three years old, and lives inKfar Chabad, right down the street. She isthe star of today’s story.

One of my jobs is to visit the sick andelderly at our local hospital. This is a wonderful Mitzvah. Many of the peoplethat I meet are suffering. Some have losthope. When they see that someone caresabout them they feel better already. I givethem a smile to cheer them up. They smileback, and cheer me up.

Two days before Pesach this year theyhad a special treat. My granddaughterMushki came with me to the hospital. Ipromised her that if she would wisheveryone a happy holiday, I would buy herice cream.

She did a great job. When we met someone, she looked up to them andwished them a happy holiday. They allsmiled back and wished us a happy holiday. Then she offered them a flyerabout the Rebbe and our eminentredemption. No one could refuse her.(When I offer people flyers, some peopleaccept, and some don’t.) She brought a lot of happiness to a lot of people, andespecially to her very proud grandfather.

We came to the geriatric ward. Shewished everyone a happy holiday and acomplete recovery. Their faces lit up. Istarted to help the men to put on tefillin.Mushki reminded me about the ice creamthat I promised her. I told her that soon wewould be going home, and then I wouldbuy her the ice cream. She said no! Shewants her ice cream right now! For a fewminutes I tried in vain to get her to wait.

Finally I went over to one of the nurses.I told her about my predicament, andasked if they had any ice cream in thefreezer. The nurse thought for a moment.She said that they didn’t have ice cream,but they did have a different treat for mygranddaughter. She went into a room, andafter a minute came out with a small carefully decorated box. What was thebox? A Purim treat from Chabad! Whatwas inside? A bag of jelly candies, achocolate coated wafer and a bag of nosh.

My little Mushki was thrilled. Shequickly devoured everything. I was alsovery happy. She was off my back. A minutelater it hit me. Wow! Miracle of miracles!In two more days it will be Pesach! That little box was full of chamaitz (foods madefrom flour, which are strictly forbiddenduring the week of Pesach) My Mushki

BY RABBI BENZION COHEN

Chassidic Rabbi

Mushki

saved the day, and the holiday!The Lubavitcher Rebbe once spoke

about the lessons that we can learn fromlittle children. One lesson is that whenthey want something, they want it rightaway. They are not willing to wait. Whatshould we learn from this? We wantMoshiach (our Messiah) now! We don’twant to wait! We have been in exile foralmost two thousand years. This is a million years too long! This is the messagethat we have to give to Hashem three timesevery day, when we pray to Him.

How else can we bring Moshiach now?By learning Torah and doing Mitzvahs.Specifically, to learn what the Torahteaches us about Moshiach and our complete and final redemption. Your localChabad House will be happy to assist. Ifyou don’t have a local Chabad House, go tothe Chabad websites, or call a rabbi longdistance, and learn over the phone.

Which Mitzvahs? Eat only kosher food,light Shabbos candles, love your neighboras yourself, give charity, put up mezuzahsin every room, put on tefillin every weekday. Do everything in your power tobring others to learn about Moshiach andfulfill these Mitzvahs, and to bring nonJews to fulfill their seven Mitzvahs.

We wish all of our readers a happyShavous Holiday. Do what you can tobring Moshiach now, so that we will all celebrate together in the Holy Templewhich will be rebuilt in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, Israel. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. AAAA

Now in its 10th year,The Jewish Theatreof Bloomington will present Coming to See Aunt Sophie a play by Arthur Feinsodthis summer.

This play is the heroic true story of one man who tried to stop the Holocaust!Jan Karski, a Polish Catholic, was a courierfor the Polish underground during WorldWar II. Using the code, Coming to See Aunt Sophie, and wearing ragged clothesand an armband with the yellow Star ofDavid, he penetrated into such places asthe Warsaw Ghetto and Nazi transitcamps with the intent of bringing eye-witness accounts to the Western Allies ofthe atrocities being committed by theNazis. Tragically, his reports fell on deafears. “The common humanity of people,not the power of governments, is the only protector of human rights.” said Jan Karski.

The play, written by Arthur Feinsod amember of the theatre faculty at IndianaState University, begins with an interviewin 1978 when Karski hesitantly brokesilence about his experiences. The playopens with that interview, and a cast of sixactors brings to life the haunting imagesof Karski’s heroic efforts to stop theHolocaust. According to Feinsod, “Thisplay has something to say to the wholecommunity about the importance of people from different religions and different cultures to work together.”

The director is Dale McFadden a profes-sor in Indiana University’s ContemporaryDance, Theatre, and Drama Department.Gerard Pauwels, well-known local andregional actor, plays the older Karski whileDavid Gordon-Johnson takes the role ofthe young Karski. Playing several roles, isMartha Jacobs who is seen frequently asan actor and director on Bloomington andIndianapolis stages. Rounding out the cast are Indiana Universitytheatre students, JasonWest, Emily Sullivan, andJohn Putz.

Performances are Jun. 13,18, 20 at 7:30 p.m., Jun.14, 21 at 3 p.m., at TheBloomington PlaywrightsProject building at 107 West 9th Street,Bloomington.There will be two talk backs.

Tickets are $20, at the Buskirk-Chumleybox office, 114 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington,by phone 812-323-2030, or online atwww.bctboxoffice.com

This play is generously supported by

New play at The Jewish Theatreof Bloomington

Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation’sReligious School is hosting its secondannual “Tzedakah Fair” Sun., Aug. 30 from 9:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m. The purpose isfor those involved in local non-profits totell the students and parents about theirorganization.

Additionally, the 7th grade students are responsible for creating a project todonate time or help raise money for various organizations.

The Tzedakah Fair will give their youthan opportunity to see what these organi-zations are all about and ask questions.Parents and staff will also be in the build-ing and will have the opportunity to visitthe booths to find out about their causes.

A limited number of 8’ x 8’booth spacesavailable, at no charge the organization,on a first-come-first-served basis.

Members of the Social Justice Committeewill be contacting organizations in thecoming weeks, or one can respond to Ron Herman 317-965-8161 or email: [email protected]. AAAA

Tzedakah Fair at IHC

j i

(see Jewish Play, page IN 11)

Martha Jacobs


Premiering June 4, 2015 at 8 p.m., andJune 13, 2015 at 7 p.m., on WFYI, pianistand historian Richard Glazier weavestogether interviews, piano performances,and commentary to create a unique viewof Broadway and Hollywood throughmusic in From Broadway to Hollywood with Richard Glazier: The Stories BehindLegendary Show Tunes and Film andTelevision Scores. Glazier explores the history of the great music that has beenwritten for Broadway musicals andHollywood films and television, sharinghis lifetime love of each, as well as hisproven talent as a host/narrator andpianist. This is part of special program-ming premiering on PBS stations begin-ning Sat., May 30. Check local listings:www.pbs.org/tv_schedules.

Among the remarkable people whoappear in this special are the late actorEfrem Zimbalist, Jr.; Broadway veteranPatricia Morison; film and television composer Lalo Schifrin; author DanielSelznick; composer/conductor DavidNewman; Miles Kreuger, founder of the

Institute of the American Musical; andGene Allen, former president of theMotion Picture Academy and the ArtDirectors Guild, Academy Award-winningart director (My Fair Lady), and longtimeproduction manager for famed directorGeorge Cukor.

Each of the fascinating interviewsrelates to, and is shown in conjunctionwith, a musical selection. For example,

Patricia Morison talks about her role inKiss Me Kate, her relationship with composer/lyricist Cole Porter and the song“So In Love,”followed by Richard Glazierperforming a glorious piano transcriptionof the song. One can view a 30 secondteaser of the show on YouTube:https://youtu.be/hox9T6RvQ2E and facebook page is dedicated to the show:www.facebook.com/GlazierPBS?ref=hl.

Glazier grew up in Indianapolis and wasbar mitzvahed by Rabbi Sidney Steiman atBeth-El Zedeck one month after he met IraGershwin in April 1975. His motherHarriett was a very active member of the theater community. His father still lives inthe same house in which Richard was bornand raised. His brother Steve is an attorneyat Cohen, Garelick and Glazier. AAAA

From Broadway toHollywood withRichard Glazier

j i

JEWISH PLAY(continued from page IN 10)

the Indiana University Jewish StudiesProgram, The School of Global andInternational Studies, the Polish StudiesCenter, Susan Klein and Bob Agranoff,Ken Heller, Deb Allmayer and JimWilliams. For more info go to: www.jewishtheatrebloomington.org. AAAA


Spring Greetings!from

Perfect Touch Cleaners

8435 Ditch Road259-7837

Serving your community for 25 years.

bring their favorite dish (salad, vegetable,dessert) to share. Contact Shirley Mark257-1838 or Sheila Seleman 517-9745 toRSVP and indicate what food item youwill bring. Entertainment, raffle, and funfor all. Tickets for the raffle will be sold for$5 each or 3 for $10. For additional infocall Janet at 251-8881.

Classic Movie ClubMon., May 18 at 2 p.m. showing The

Harvy Girls. This movie stars JudyGarland. It will be shown at the Stillermanresidence. RSVP to Marilyn Block 253-9027who is the hostess for this movie.

Plant Club Holliday ParkFri., May 22 at 12:30 p.m. Come join us

for a guided leisurely stroll through thehighlighted gardens, including the rockgardens. We will be able to view manybeautiful flowers in bloom. Let’s start withlunch first in the picnic area. Bring a sacklunch. $6 for tour. RSVP to Janet 251-8881.

Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville, IN

Wed., May 27, leave JCC 9 a.m. to seeSocial Security. This hilarious Broadway hit comedy tells the chaotic story of a NewYork couple whose domestic tranquility isshattered when the wife’s goody-goodysister, her upright CPA husband, and her crazy mother all converge on theirapartment. RSVP to Janet 251-8881. $49Includes transportation, lunch and show.

The cocktail hour; Music of theMad Men Era

Fri., May 29, leave JCC 9 a.m. Light up a Lucky and pour yourself a highball.This is the music of the Mad Men era. NewYork Pops Music Director Steven Reinekeleads the top 40s of the early 60s. A fewounces of Paul Anka, a shot of Brenda Leeand even a splash of Ben E. King – allmixed into a Mad Men musical cocktail. Afew seats are still available. RSVP to Janet251-8881. $45 includes transportation,coffee, pastry, concert.

Dirty DancingSun., June 14 at Clowes Hall. Leave JCC

5:30 p.m. The classic story on stage is anunprecedented live experience, explodingwith heart pounding music, passionateromance, and sensational dancing. Thisworldwide smash hit tells the classic storyof Baby and Johnny, two fiercely inde-pendent young spirits from differentworlds who come together in what will bethe most challenging and triumphantsummer of their lives. Don’t miss yourchance to see this record breaking livetheatre sensation. You’ll have the time ofyour life! RSVP to Janet for your ticket251.8881. $51 transportation and show. AAAA

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

Lions Head Clubhouse. $10 per person in advance/$12 at the door. 2nd AnnualFundraiser. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at 12:30p.m., followed by musical entertainmentand raffle prize drawings. Time for gamesof your choice: Euchre, Bridge, Dominoes,Mahjong and more. Each family is asked to

Seniors in Place

People dream of what their babies maybecome... doctor, lawyer, olympian. Butfirst things first: a healthy baby.

Through early genetic testing, parentscan find out if their future children are atrisk for life-threatening genetic disorders.We don’t want the cost of screening toprevent anyone from being tested, so wecreated a unique gift certificate program.You can help to offset the cost and providethe gift of screening for friends and family.

Give the gift they’ll be talking about forgenerations: JGift. How does the programwork? You purchase a JGift for a friend orloved one at www.JScreen.org/gift. Therecipient requests their screening kit atJscreen.org and enters the code from thegift certificate. JScreen mails the recipienta kit. The recipient completes a simplesaliva test in the comfort of their ownhome. Results are provided by a licensedgenetic counselor within a few weeks.

How much does the JGift cost? The JGiftcosts $99.

What does the JGift cover? The value ofthe JGift will be used to offset out-of-pocket (OOP) laboratory expenses for the

Genetic testing?Now that’s a gift!

j i recipient.

Does it work with insurance? For individuals with private health

insurance, the JGift will cover the entireOOP cost for the test. If a recipient doesnot have insurance or chooses not to useinsurance, the value of the JGift will beapplied to reduce their OOP laboratoryexpenses. The recipient will be billed forthe balance owed. Multiple JGifts can becombined to prevent this from happening.

JScreen’s JGift program is a great wayfor people attending summer weddings to give the gift of Jewish genetic screeningto a couple. For $99, they offset the cost of screening for a friend or loved one.More information can be found here:http://jscreen.org/gift/. AAAA


Rezso Kasztner, known as the JewishSchindler, negotiated face to face withAdolf Eichmann, rescuing 1,700 Jews on atrain to Switzerland, and may have savedtens of thousands more lives.Yet Kasztnerwas condemned as a traitor in his adoptedcountry of Israel; accused as a collaboratorin a libel trial and verdict that divided anation and forever stamped him as the“man who sold his soul to the devil.” Itwas a verdict overturned by Israel’sSupreme Court but too late for Kasztner.He was ultimately assassinated by Jewishright wing extremists in Tel Aviv in 1957.

Now living in New York, Director GaylenRoss was at the Film Festival to tell thestory of the making of the film. She grad-uated from Broad Ripple High School in1968 – then named Gail Rosenblum.

For anyone who would like to see thefilm but missed it, a 2 DVD Edition is nowavailable on Amazon or the film website:www.killingkasztner.com

“I was very impressed with the work ofthe film director, Gaylen Ross. Theresearch and presentation were bothinteresting and compelling. I came out ofthe theater with a little more insight intothe early history of the modern state ofIsrael and its attitudes in regards to theHolocaust”said Sally Cotlar.

Above and BeyondThe first major feature-length documentary

about the foreign airmen in Israel’s 1948war, Above and Beyond brings togethernew interviews as well as stunning aerialfootage to present a fascinating, little-known tale filled with heart, heroism andhigh-flying chutzpah.

In 1948, just three years after the liberationof Nazi death camps, a group of JewishAmerican pilots answered a call for help.In secret and at great personal risk, theysmuggled planes out of the U.S., trainedbehind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakiaand flew for Israel in its War of Independence.This ragtag band of brothers not only turnedthe tide of the war; they also embarked onpersonal journeys of discovery, sacrificeand renewed Jewish pride.

Filmed in the U.S., Israel and the UnitedKingdom, the film is produced by NancySpielberg, Steven Spielberg’s sister, anddirected by Roberta Grossman, with cinematography by Harris Done, specialeffects by Industrial Light and Magic and anoriginal score from Hans Zimmer’s Studio.

“This remarkable movie needs to beshown in Israel in every high school, IDFtraining course and especially in officer

Killing Kasztner: The Jew who Dealtwith Nazis

EVENTS(continued from page IN 4)

at HHAI for the past nine years. The eight graduating eighth graders will alsobe honored.

Call the school to make your reservationsat 317-251-1261.

Shavuot at Traders PointCreamery with PJ Library and YLD

Sun., June 7 3:45 p.m., 9101 Moore Rd,Zionsville. Cost $6, children under age 3accompanied by paying adult are free.Questions: Email Inna at [email protected] to www.jewishindianapolis.org.

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

June 8, July 13, August 10.Your childrenwill love PJ Library’s Play Dates in thePark! Fun activities include story time,music, and snacks. Siblings are welcome.RSVP to Inna at [email protected].

JFGI Annual MeetingWed., June 10 at 7 p.m. Agenda for the

Evening: Celebration of OutgoingPresident Paul Kraft and Welcome toPresident-Elect Offer Korin; Election andInstallation of 2015 – 2016 Board ofDirectors; and Presentation of Awards.Dessert reception to follow. RSVP to (317)726-5450.

JCC annual meetingThurs., June 11 at 7 p.m. In addition to

elections to the JCC Board of Directors,there will be an awards ceremony, recog-nition of outgoing board members,refreshments and dessert!

Burn Your Carbs withCongregation Shaarey Tefilla

Sun., June 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Forall ages: Bike ride for 5, 20, or 40 mile sug-gested route or a walk at West Park. Bringfamily, friends and acquaintances. Starts atCST, 3085 W 116th St., Carmel, Ind.Contact Andrea Leopold 317.733.2169 [email protected]

JFGI trip to CANDLES MuseumSun., Jun. 14, community bus trip to

CANDLES Holocaust Museum in TerreHaute – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – includes privatetour and lunch. Cost: $15. Contact Inna at715-9264 or [email protected].

JCRC annual meeting Tues., June 16 at 7 p.m. Contact

Lindsey Mintz [email protected]

Jews in Twos and Singles MingleThurs., June 18, two programs on one

night – Jews in Twos for couples andSingles Mingle for singles! AAAA

j i

Film Producer Nancy Spielberg and Indyshaliach Roy Swisa at the screening ofAbove and Beyond on Apr. 29, 2015.

Indianapolis JewishFilm Festival

and commander training because it’s partof our history that we all need to know,”stated Roy Swisa, Indianapolis shaliach. AAAA

On April 22, 2015, the Indiana Houseof Representatives unanimously passedHouse Resolution 59 “expressing opposi-tion to the anti-Jewish and anti-IsraelBoycott, Divestment and Sanctions cam-paign (BDS)”.

This is an important step in the fightagainst anti-Jewish movements in recentyears. Ideas and speech have conse-quences, and the growth of BDS on university campuses and in the publicarena must be fought now to prevent thisattempt to delegitimize and damage Israelfrom spreading.

The Jewish American Affairs Committeeof Indiana (JAACI) presented the resolu-tion to the Indiana General Assembly and appreciates the leadership of HouseSpeaker Brian Bosma in seeing the resolu-tion adopted. Indiana’s resolution benefitedfrom the Tennessee model anti-BDS resolution and is now the second state ina growing national movement to defendIsrael against BDS. AAAA

House passesopposition to BDS

(L-R) Elliot Bartkey, Rabbi YisraelGettinger, with Indiana House SpeakerBrian Bosma, and Rick Bentley at the passage of the anti-BDS resolution.


MOSAIC(continued from cover)

The mosaic panels will soon be hangingprominently in the new maternity wing of Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya innorthern Israel. There the sun comingthrough the glass wall of the lobby willreflect off the glass tiles allowing manymore to gain strength from its beauty.

Two years ago Rothenberg began an arttherapy program for cancer patients,survivors, their families and friends at St.Vincent Hospital which proved to be a realcommunity-building experience. A visit bythe head of the Galilee Medical Centercame the following year. When he saw themosaic at St.Vincent he asked if one couldbe made for his hospital.

A grant from the Glick Fund of theJewish Federation of Greater Indianapolishelped get this new Tree of Life projectstarted.The St.Vincent Foundation donatedone of the side panels, which was made inthat hospital; another side panel traveledwith Rothenberg to Jewish communitiesthroughout the American Midwest,including her home town of Indianapolis,as a project of Partnership2Gether, a program of the Jewish Agency and JewishFederations of North America.

Rothenberg and Buxbaum first made agorgeous painting (see cover). It wasdivided into three panels. Then glass ofthe colors was cut into pieces to match thecolors in their creative work. Locally, shebrought one panel, containers of cut glassand glue to different locations such as theHasten Hebrew Academy, IndianapolisHebrew Congregation, Beth-Zedeck, andthe JCC.

People of all ages attending services orclasses or even preschool would approachthe panel laid out on a long narrow tablewith containers of cut glass and glue. Theywould look for a spot on the panel not yetfilled with glass and then search for amatching piece of colored glass to fill thatspot on the mosaic. Once found, theywould put glue on the glass piece andplace it in the matching spot. (See photoon back cover of the first four Americanwomen rabbis placing some pieces at a reception after they spoke at Beth-ElZedeck on April 30.)

At the Galilee Medical Center in Israelhospital staff, patients, their visitors andresidents were all encouraged to comeand help glue tiles to a third panel.The hospital serves an area with 600,000residents of different backgrounds such asChristians, Jews, Muslims and Druze, andthe treating physicians represent all ofthese communities as well.

The mosaic as a whole is non-denomi-national featuring scenes of fertility representing all cultures. The two cousins

created a scene in which fertility and feminism are portrayed as a tree of life on the Mediterranean Sea, with RoshHanikra and Acre in the distance. The finished mosaic represents thousands ofhours of work by hundreds of people ofdifferent backgrounds on two continentsworking together. It will be installed June30, 2015 at noon.

An article on this first appeared in TheJerusalem Post by Barbara Bamberger onMarch 27 and then in the Indianapolis Starby Shari Rudavsky on May 2. AAAA

Above: A finished panel. Left: JoaniRothenberg (L ) and Katy Cantor attend topanel production at IHC.


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

OpinionPost&The Jewish

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGEPAID

INDIANAPOLIS, INPERMIT NO. 1321

The Four Firsts:Women Rabbis inAmerican Judaism

A wonderful program April 30 at Beth-El Zedeck with four firsts AmericanWomen rabbis – Sally Priesand, Reformordained 1972; Sandy Eisenberg Sasso,Reconstructionist ordained 1974; AmyEilberg, Conservative ordained 1985; and Sara Hurwitz, Orthodox ordained2009. The discussion with the four rabbiswas moderated by Dr. Gary Zola, director ofthe American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati.(See editorial on p. 3 more about this.) AAAA

(above) Artist Joani Rothenberg (L) leadsthe Four Firsts: (L-R) Rabba Sara Hurwitz,Rabbi Amy Eilberg, Rabbi Sandy Sasso,and Rabbi Sally Priesand in the productionof the mosaic panel (see cover).

Rabbis Audrey Pollack (L) of Temple Israelin West Lafayette, Ind. and Sally Priesandat the reception.

(right) Rabbi Lew Weiss speaks with RabbiAmy Eilberg. Both have been chaplains atMethodist Hospital in Indianapolis – Weissis now and Eilberg was in the 1980s.

Rabba Sara Hurwitz.JFGI Executive Vice President DebraBarton Grant (L) speaks with AmericanJewish Archives Director Dr. Gary Zola.

post thejewishopinion indiana...

Documents