post thejewishopinion indiana edition

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

Volume 83, Number 5 • June 12, 2017 • 18 Sivan 5777www.jewishpostopinion.com • www.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/collections/JPO

Indiana Edition

Cover art by Bruce David (see About the Cover, p.IN 3).

2 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN June 12, 2017

Lynne Maor Alkobi, daughter ofShirley and SaarAlkobi on receiving the Gold PresidentialAcademic Award inhonor of outstandingacademic excellence.Lynne will be an eighthgrader at the HastenHebrew Academy in the fall.

Jonathan Schwartz on attending Yale University this coming August. Hegraduated from North Central HighSchool (NCHS) where he served asNational Honor Society president,Spanish Honor Society president, and as

a member of the Wind Ensemble,North Central’s top band. Jonathan wasinstrumental in the recent WashingtonTownship Schools referendum, developingand coordinating “Students for MSDWT,”which worked to inform and rally thecommunity’s support. Outside of school,

Simcha AnnouncementsMazel Tov to…

She gets to work 10 hours a week up closeand personal with her professors and willreceive an impressive stipend. Plus thegrant will pay part of her tuition.

Caren Lettofsky received her Ph.D. inK-12 Education in May.

Shoshi Leshem (below), daughter ofZvi and Julie Leshem of Efrat, Israel,granddaughter of Mike and Sylvia Blain(below, bottom) of Cleveland, on her marriage to Harel Bassam on April 2 inKfar Etzion, Israel.

Chava Bunes, daughter of Charlieand Stacey Bunes, and granddaughter of Jeanne (and late, Sol) Bunes, Ken(and the late, Rona) and Karen Hecht,all of Indianapolis, on her graduation from North Central High School withAcademic Honors with a 4.2 GPA. Over

Jonathan served as Gadol (president) ofthe Indianapolis chapter of AZA, andwent on to serve on the KIO regionalboard of BBYO. He has been active at hissynagogue, Congregation Beth-El Zedeck,serving as a religious school assistant aswell as a Torah and Haftarah reader.Jonathan was recently honored to receivethe Washington Township AdvancementCenter Merit Scholarship, as well as thePescovitz Award and Scholarship fromthe JFGI. He was recently named therecipient of the Bella Birnbaum Wolfaward, to be presented at the JCC annualmeeting. Jonathan is the son of proudparents Dr. Alan and Jennifer Schwartz,and the brother of Emily Schwartz,currently a sophomore at NCHS.

Isabella Naomi Litwack (below),daughter of Barry and Alla Litwack,granddaughter of Sof’ya Minevich andthe late Iosif Minevich, and Jerry andLouise Litwack graduated from Ball StateUniversity with a Bachelor of Science inHealth. Up next – Isabella goes toUniversity of Illinois in Chicago for twoyears to get her Masters degree in PublicHealth. She was awarded a Harris Grant.

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

the place to chill®

(see Mazel Tov, page IN 5)

2017 Eighth Grade Graduating Class of The Hasten Hebrew Academy ofIndianapolis. Photo by: Michael Voskoboynik.

June 12, 2017 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 3

Editorial Inside this IssueSimcha Announcements.........................2Editorial.....................................................3About the Cover ......................................3Community Events .................................4HHAI 8th grade Israel Trip ...................6The Golem of Havana at Phoenix .........6Seniors in Place .......................................7New CEO at the JCC-Indy.....................7Rabbi Benzion Cohen (Chassidic Rabbi)

Belief.......................................................8Indy Jewish journalists awarded .........8Weizmann site features Indy doc.........8Journey toward understanding ..........10HHAI HAI-Life Awards.......................11Mimouna at Cong. Etz Chaim .............12Cantor Roger receives Sagamore .......12Amy Lederman (Jewish Educator)

Meaning in life’s challenges ............13Obituaries ...............................................14The passing of Alfred Tibor ...............15B’nai Torah Shabbos walkers ..............16Pescovitz new Oakland U. president ...17BSU Jewish Studies Program .............18Naomi Farahan:

David Grossman at IU-Bloomington....18Shabbark Shabbat at CBS ...................19A Concert for Social Transformation....19Earth Day at the JCC-Indy...................20Eva Kor honored at Indy 500 ..............20

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.

Jerusalem, City of PeaceBy Bruce David

This composition por-trays Jerusalem during theultimate time of peace.The unity and harmony oflife at this time is depictedboth inside and outside the walls of thecity. Within the city, ritual objects and

B. David

About the CoverWhile at the printers waiting to pick up

a previous edition, I glanced at one of theirother printing jobs because the titlecaught my attention. It was a brochure byIU Health North Cancer Center titled,“The Wellness Series: Mind, Body, Spirit”.

It was a schedule of classes for cancerpatients offering alternative classes andtherapies besides the usual doctor ap-pointments, drugs, surgeries, chemo andradiation. At least one class was scheduledevery Tuesday evening on topics such asCooking for Health, Yoga, Reiki andHealing Touch and Spiritual Offerings.

The relationship between physicalhealth and the environment, a supportivenetwork of friends and family, and havingfaith was not well established thirty years agobut it was obvious from the brochure thattoday those outside influences are consideredvery important to one’s health. I cameacross one class titled,“Writing for Wellness”.

Since we have published 22 special editions that focus on healing, I was looking for something new that we hadnot already covered. I checked with thecoordinator of these programs and askedif I could attend this class and write aboutit here. She connected me with theinstructor Hilene Flanzbaum, Ph.D., aProfessor of English and the Director ofthe MFA Program in Creative Writing atButler University.

The class met six times, once a week foran hour and half. During the class, copiesof poetry and prose by different authorswere distributed and read aloud inadvance of writing assignments to helpgive the student ideas about what to write.Also lists of “writing prompts”were passedaround with questions and topics to helpget one’s creative juices flowing when onehas writer’s block. To see a list of 650prompts, go to (nytimes.com/2016/10/20/learning/lesson-plans/650-prompts-for-narrative-and-personal-writing.html?_r=0).Then at the end of each class, we weregiven a writing assignment to do duringthe week to discuss in the next class.

Some examples of writing prompts withthe additional advice of including sensorydetails were: Describe your favorite song.Where would you travel if you could goanywhere? What keeps you up at night?If you were stranded on a desert islandwhat one other person would you like tobe with you or what one book would youlike to have and why? Begin a story withthese words: “In my mother’s kitchen”or“In my father’s garage”.

In the first class at the top of page of thefirst handout of writing prompts was thissentence. “According to psychological

research, the practice of writing 20 minutesa day is as effective as prescription medication in altering mood.”

One of the first writing assignments wasto make a list of personal pet peeves orthings that annoy you. Then the class wasgiven about 15 minutes to write and at theend of that time the students could sharewhat they had written if they felt movedto. After doing this exercise I could under-stand why this would help improve one’s mood. Instead of stewing about aproblem, this gives one the opportunity to express it and unburden oneself.

Some examples of those pet peeves thatothers listed were the steady stream ofloud noisy leaf blowers and lawn mowersthat continue all summer disturbing thepeace and quiet. Some had to do withchallenges with our current healthcaresystem such as not being able to talk toone’s doctor on the phone or to get anappointment when needed. Also havingan unfamiliar pain and not being able tofigure out the cause of it. One of my dislikesis people who are biased and prejudiced,even though I can be that way at times.

The next writing assignment was tomake a list of the things you appreciate. Iwrote: when I read something well writtenby someone else that I was thinking butnot able to articulate. Others wrote: whensomeone else makes my dinner, taking awalk on a spring day seeing and smellingall the flowers, dressing with warm clothesright from the dryer on a cold wintermorning, and when my children enjoy oneanother. Again I could see how this wouldhelp improve one’s sense of wellbeing.When one is not feeling well, one tends to forget that many good things are alsoconcurrently taking place.

One of the challenges of poor health isloneliness. A person who is ill often feelslike no one else understands him or herand frequently people are not comfortableburdening others with their problems.Everyone wants to be the strong one andnot have to ask or count on others forhelp. This class was the perfect antidote tothat. It was very comforting to both sharechallenges with the class and also to hear

that others had experienced them as well.The class was held at the Efroymson

Center for Creative Writing on the Butlercampus. Professor Flanzbaum teachesundergrad and grad writing courses atButler, but for non-students she teacheswriting for wellness courses, also for wellfolks, who want stress relief.You can reachher at [email protected].

Jennie Cohen, June 12, 2017 AAAA

Simchas Welcome! Had a recent joyousoccasion in your family or Jewish organization? The Jewish Post & Opinion– IN Edition welcomes your announce-ments for placement in our Simchasection (see page 2). Submit photos andtext to: [email protected]. NextDeadline: August 1, 2017. All decisions on publishing, date of placement, size ofphoto, and length of announcement are atthe sole discretion of the publisher.

(see Cover, page IN 6)

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and/or beverages contact: PresidentBrenda Freedman 317-475-4278 [email protected].

ISRAEL TALKS – Interview of andFarewell Party for Inbar Nadir

Tues., July 25 from 7–9 p.m., at the JCC.The last installment of ISRAEL TALKS,the brainchild of our Shlicha, Inbar Nadir.And finally, it’s OUR turn to interviewHER! Following the interview and conver-sation, stay to thank Inbar and bid herfarewell after 2 amazing year’s as our com-munity’s Shlicha. For more info contactLindsey Mintz at [email protected].

Rabbi Stanley Miles atCongregation Beth Shalom (CBS)

Sun., Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. at CBS Multi-Purpose Building, 4545 Northwestern Rd.,Zionsville, Ind. (near 104th & MichiganRd). The CBS Living Room LearningCommittee is very pleased to welcomeRabbi Miles as he presents his thesistitled, “America and the Holocaust”.For more than 40 years, Rabbi Miles hasstudied America’s reaction prior to andduring the Holocaust. Through sharingthis story, he sheds new insights about thecontemporary American Jewish commu-nity and an expanded understanding ofthe historical events occurring in Americaprior to, at the time of, and surroundingthe Holocaust. Rabbi Miles served TempleShalom in Louisville for 38 years. He was born and reared in Terre Haute andgraduated in 1970 from IndianaUniversity. In 1975 he was ordained atHUC-JIR in Cincinnati. He is married tothe former Sheilah Abramson and theyhave two children and five grandchildren.Living Room Learning is an informal adultlearning series sponsored by CBS. All arewelcome to take advantage of this specialopportunity.

BJE adult summer education Thursdays, from 7–8:30 p.m. July 20 –

Intro to Rabbinic Literature, and July 27 –Talmud Study. Taught by Rabbi Paula J.Winnig. For more info contact the BJE at317-255-3124.

Libby Fogel Lunch BunchFrom 12–1 p.m., and every week on

Tues., and Thurs., until Dec. 28, 2017.Enjoy great food and conversation withfriends in the Laikin Auditorium of theJCC. These well-balanced lunches areavailable to anyone over the age of 60 foronly $3. The meals are subsidized throughCICOA, Aging and In-Home Solutions.For more info call 317-259-6822 or emailChristy ([email protected]) or Ruthie([email protected]). AAAA

Kavod Culture ClubFri., June 23, from 1–3 p.m. at the JCC,

Room A-15. Join our Kavod group formonthly Culture Club! You can participatein workshops and art classes, play games,experience new cultures and spend time with good friends! Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.Transportation may be available uponrequest. Please RSVP in advance. Kavod isa Jewish Family Service initiative that pro-vides support and programs for survivorsof Nazi persecution. Learn more atwww.jewishindianapolis.org/jfs/kavod orcontact Katya Klauz at [email protected] or317-660-5046.

Jewish Healing ServicesWed., June 28, July 26, Aug. 23 and

Sept. 27 at 5:45 p.m., at CongregationBeth-El Zedeck. Free and open to those in the Jewish community experiencing illness, walking the mourner’s path,caregivers or for those who want a contemplative and musical service. Formore information contact Rabbi ShelleyGoldman at 317-253-3441 or [email protected].

Israeli Film Festival July 9–13, join us for The 2nd Annual

Indianapolis Israeli Film Festival exploresIsraeli society through provocative,humorous, inspiring, and controversialIsraeli feature films and documentaries.Tickets available on Eventbrite or in per-son at the JCC. See the JCC website forindividual dates/times, film descriptionsand movie trailers: jccindy.org/israeli-film-fest. All films will be shown in the LaikinAuditorium.

Cocktail JudaismMon., July 10 from 7:30–9 p.m. Join

Rabbi Dennis Sasso for Cocktail Judaism,an explosive mixture of conversation,humor, and spirits. July’s topic is “HealthCare Today: Medical and LegalPerspectives” with guests Rebecca Geyer,Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney,and Dr. Aaron Carroll, Professor ofPediatrics, IU School of Medicine. We’llmeet at Athens on 86th, and coffee anddesserts are compliments of Beth-ElZedeck. Athens on 86th is not open fordinner on Monday night. RSVP to JenniferHodes, 317.253.3441 or [email protected] www.bez613.org.

Wine, Canvas, and FunPresented by Hadassah Greater

Indianapolis Chapter on Thurs., July 20from 7–9 p.m., at The Paint Cellar, 720Adams Street, Suite 120, Carmel, Ind. 30person Limit. Cost $30 for program.Register online at http://paint-cellar.com/hadassah. To volunteer to bring snacks

Hadassah Book ClubMon., June 19 at 7 p.m., Being Mortal

Medicine and What Matters by AtulGawande. Hosted by Faye Silverstein, andfacilitated by Jennifer Berday. Mon., July 17at 7 p.m. The Lilac Girls by Laila Ibraham.Hosted by Judy Koor. For more info or toRSVP contact Helaine Herman [email protected].

JCRC annual meetingTues., June 20 at 7 p.m. at Congregation

Shaarey Tefilla. Keynote speaker MartinRaffel on “Six Transformative Days:Reflecting on the Legacy of 1967”. Join theJCRC as we celebrate JCRC’s 75thAnniversary, welcome Steve Klapper asour new JCRC President, present PierreAtlas with the coveted David M. Cookaward, and reflect on 50 years since 1967.For more info contact Lindsey Mintz at317-926-2935 or [email protected].

Annual Celebration Lunch for Friends over 90

Wed., June 21 from 12–2 p.m. at theHasten Hebrew Academy, 6602 HooverRd. The best years are yet to come.Sponsored by JFGI, JFS and Endowment.Contact Pamela Eicher 317-715-6981 [email protected].

Jewish Lawyer’s Luncheon GroupThis group meets for lunch at 12:15

p.m., usually on the fourth Wednesday ofeach month at Shapiro’s downtown. Thenext meetings will be Wed., June 21 andJuly 26. Speakers TBA. Contact: RichardShevitz at [email protected].

NEXTGen Presents:@CrazyJewishMom

Wed., June 21 at the IndianapolisMuseum of Art, 4000 Michigan Rd.,Indianapolis. Join NEXTGen andPOMELIT in welcoming Kate Siegel andKim Friedman, the mother-daughter duobehind the popular Instagram account@CrazyJewishMom. From 6:30–7:30 p.m.:Kate and Kim will discuss their relation-ship and Kate’s 2016 book Mother, CanYou Not? in the DeBoest Lecture Hall.From 7:30–9 p.m.: Get a signed copy of the book and mingle with Kate, Kim,and the other attendees in the IMA’s newBeer Garden. Complimentary drinks andappetizers generously sponsored by AlphaEpsilon Pi. $18 in advance, $25 at the door.Buy tickets at bit.ly/CrazyJewishMom-Indy! Pomelit is a social group with anintellectual spirit, for the 35–60 crowd.Call Paula Goldberg with any questionsabout Pomelit at 317-726-5450 or [email protected].

Community Events


MAZEL TOV(continued from page IN 2)

each of those four years, Chava receivednumerous art and student of the monthawards, excelled in Show and ConcertChoir (2015-16 Accents show choir dancecaptain and a member of 2016-17 State-winning Descants show choir), lettered invarsity and junior varsity women’s golfthree years (though she had never playedbefore) receiving the Coaches Award andAcademic All-Conference Award her senior year, and was a vocal and dancecast member in two school musicals.

Chava will begin attending Ball StateUniversity in the fall to double major in Psychology and Studio Art (paintingand drawing) to prepare for a career as anArt Therapist. She was awarded theirPresidential Scholarship for her academicexcellence. She also plans to participateand engage in growing the students’involvement in their Hillel.

Chava attended the JCC of Indianapolisfor three years of pre-school, then kinder-garten, and 11 years of summer camp(then working as a CIT, and camp andaftercare counselor, now for her fifth year– through which she was inspired to pursue her career in helping children).She graduated from the Hasten HebrewAcademy (attending in grades 1-8), as hersister, Rivkah, just did this year.

Jessica (Jessi) Abrahams and RabbiDavid Roth on their engagement Dec. 29,2016 in Nashville,Tenn. Jessi is the daugh-ter of Ilene and David Abrahams ofLincolnshire, Ill., and granddaughter ofSuzanne Litvak of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.David is the son of Dr. Lawrence andAnn-Katrin Roth of Indianapolis,members of Beth-El Zedeck synagogue.The wedding is planned for the weekend

2017 Dalet Graduating Class of the Bureau of Jewish Education of Indianapolis

of July 23, 2017 in the Cambridge andWaltham area near Boston. Guests includefamily from Sweden, and friends and relatives from the west coast, the eastcoast, Illinois, Florida and Indiana.Kabbalat Shabbat, Ma’ariv and ShabbatDinner will be at Temple Beth Shalom,

Cambridge, Mass., and Shabbat MorningServices, Aufruf, and Kiddush Lunch will also be at Temple Beth Shalom. Thewedding will take place Sun., July 26, 2017at the Westin Hotel in Waltham. RabbiDaniel Landes is coming from Israel toperform the ceremony. AAAA

Photo by: Scott Romer


COVER(continued from page IN 3)

traditional accompaniments to Judaismmay be found woven into the design.

“Jerusalem, City of Peace” is an originalhand pulled serigraph consisting of 12individual hand pulled screens. It is printedon 100% rag, acid free Stonehenge paper.(See full image at the end of this article.)

Bruce David, President of Light of theNations, has dedicated the past 30+ yearsof his life to creating creative, engaging,Jewish educational resources that providepeople with the opportunity to discoverand experience the contemporary valuesof a “Wholistic” approach to Judaism([email protected]). He is aJudaic artist and Jewish educator fromBloomington, Ind. View more of his artand educational videos at these sites:www.lightofthenations.org or www.davidart.com. AAAA

Phoenix Theatre –The Golem of Havana

Welcome to 1950’s Havana...the brinkof the Cuban Revolution. Rebecca, ayoung Jewish girl and aspiring artist,uses her illustrations and storytelling toenvision a champion for Cuba.

Drawn from the stories of her home-land, her artwork finds hope in theGolem, a legendary protector of theJewish people. Her family has only justbegun to find their first fragile grasp onprosperity after arriving in Cuba fromHungary, and they are now faced with adifficult decision: holding onto their securityor protecting an injured revolutionary.

Blending the music and traditions oftwo worlds, The Golem of Havana weavesa story of hope, family, and sacrifice.

Purchase tickets online at PhoenixTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at317-635-7529. Tickets are $30-35 before‘POST’ discount. Purchase for July 1 performance to support the JewishCommunity Center. Discount code cannotbe used for July 1 performance. AAAA

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HHAI 8th grade 2017 Israel Trip photos

See more on Hasten Hebrew Academy’s Facebook page.

For additional events such as movies,singing club, knitting club, bingo and more,or to RSVP for these listed below, please callJanet at 251-8881, unless stated otherwise.

Plant Club – Willowfield LavenderFarm, Mooresville

Wed., June 21, depart JCC at 9:30 a.m.Willowfield Lavender Farm is an organiclavender farm with approximately 1,000plants covering a 4-acre field. The farmincludes 28 acres, many of which arewoodlands providing home to a variety ofplants and animals. Lavender is one ofthe most beloved plants in the world.Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the fields as youexperience the ‘gift’ of lavender. $15includes transportation, talk & lavendertea. Bring your own lunch.

Carmel Community Players – 13 The Musical

Thurs., June 22, depart JCC at 6:15 p.m.Evan Goldman is about to turn 13, and hecan’t wait. His life seems full of possibili-ties – that is, until his parents get divorcedand he is forced to move with his momfrom big-city New York to podunkAppleton, Ind. If Evan can’t get the coolestkids to come to his bar mitzvah, how is hegoing to survive the school year, not tomention, the rest of his life? As Evan nav-igates the world of cool kids and nerds,jocks and cheerleaders, first kisses andheartbreak, he comes to understand“What it Means to Be a Friend.” With abright, catchy pop score from Jason RobertBrown, equal doses of humor and pathosand a cast of wildly talented teens, 13 isirresistible to grown-ups and almost-grown-ups alike. Transportation $10.

Symphony on the Prairie –Feeling Groovy: Remembering the Summer of Love

Sat., June 24, depart JCC at 5:30 p.m.Fifty years ago, over 100,000 young people converged on San Francisco toshare their interest in hippie fashions,politics and music. The Rewinders bringback the music of that memorable summer with songs by Jimi Hendrix, TheWho, Simon & Garfunkel, Janis Joplin,Jefferson Airplane, Buffalo Springfield andmany more! $59 includes transportation,ticket, table & dinner.

Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre –Seussical

Wed., Jun 28, depart JCC at 11 a.m. Afantastical, magical, musical extravaganza!Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and StephenFlaherty have lovingly brought to life all ofour favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including

Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat,Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a littleboy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from theJungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. Thisproduction, comprised completely ofactors under the age of 14, is a highlight ofthe Jr. Civic season. This fully-stagedmusical provides children from through-out the metro area the opportunity to participate in a professionally-staffed,technically-supported mainstage experi-ence. We will have lunch before the showat Matt the Miller’s Tavern. Offering anupscale tavern atmosphere, Matt theMiller’s features a chef-driven menu oftavern favorites with a unique twist. $10transportation, lunch at your expense.

Beef House Dinner Theatre – LiveCould Be A Dream

Sun., July 9, depart JCC 10:30 a.m.Meet Denny and the Dreamers, a fledglingdoo-wop singing group preparing to enterthe Big Whopper Radio contest to realizetheir dreams of making it to the big time.Trouble comes in the form of Lois, whoarrives to put some polish in the boys.Denny falls in love, Wally falls in line,Eugene falls apart, and along comes hand-some heartthrob Skip to send the wholesituation spinning. The 60s hits say it all:“Fools Fall in Love,”“Tears on My Pillow,”“Runaround Sue,” “Earth Angel,” “Stay,”“Unchained Melody” and “The Glory ofLove.”$59 includes trans., lunch and show.

Indianapolis Early Music: Piffaro with the Rose EnsembleThe Musical World of Don Quixote

Sun., July 16, depart JCC at 3 p.m.Piffaro delights audiences with highly-polished recreations of the rustic music ofthe peasantry and the elegant sounds ofthe official wind bands of the lateMedieval and Renaissance periods. $27includes trans., show and refreshments.

Concert on the Canal – Tuned In!Thur., July 20, depart JCC 5 p.m.

Musical theater featuring David Mannellwith Laura Hammer-Erhart, Becky Bartonand Heather Hinton. $19 includes trans.and table seating. Order dinner from thegrill, café or bring your own.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre –Ring of Fire

Thur., Aug. 3, depart JCC at 11 a.m.Johnny Cash’s iconic songbook inspires aunique musical about love and faith,struggle and success, rowdiness andredemption, and home and family. Morethan two dozen classic hits – including “I Walk the Line,”“A Boy Named Sue,”“Folsom Prison Blues”and the title tune –paint a musical portrait of The Man inBlack. Price TBA. AAAA

Seniors in PlaceJune 12, 2017 The Jewish Post & Opinion – IN 7

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New CEO at the JCC-Indy

Welcome to Mr. Eric and SandyKoehler, their son Gedalia and theirdaughter Eliana who have moved here fromStamford, Conn. Eric willbe assuming the positionof CEO of the JCC on June19 replacing Ira Jaffee.

Koehler was CEO at theStamford JCC for fiveyears before coming to Indianapolis andExecutive Director of the NorthernVirginia JCC five year prior to that. He has been involved in various roles at JCCs on the east coast and in the southernUnited States since 1996.

Originally from Massachusetts, Koehlergraduated from Boston University with aB.A. degree in Psychology. He earned anM.S. degree in Counseling from SalemState College, concentrating in IndustrialOrganizational Behavior. AAAA

Koehler

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Indy doctor featuredon Weizmann site

Dr. Jeffrey Rothenberg is featured ina Weizmann online article, The Art ofScience and Medicine:

“Weizmann alumnusDr. Jeffrey Rothenbergwears many hats. Over thecourse of a single day, youmight find him seeingpatients, leading an execu-tive hospital meeting,teaching medical students, or deliveringnewborns. You might also find him prac-ticing an entirely different occupation:glassblowing.

“An accomplished obstetrician-gynecologist, a celebrated professor, and a prolific artist, Dr. Rothenberg says hisvocations and his avocation are integral towho he is. And while friends, family, andcolleagues marvel at his ability to use both sides of his brain, he sees the two asintertwined. The arts and humanities, hebelieves, nurture skills such as observa-tion, introspection, and empathy – all ofwhich make physicians better healers.”

Read more at: https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/feature-stories/weiz-mann-alum-dr-jeffrey-rothenberg-the-art-of-science-and-medicine

Dr. Rothenberg is currently President of the St. Vincent College of HealthProfessions and Executive Director ofMedical Education at St.Vincent Hospital.Before he began his career as a physician,he earned his master’s in biophysics at theWeizmann Institute of Science, one of theworld’s leading multidisciplinary researchinstitutions located in Rehovot, Israel. AAAA

Rothenberg

I recently visited a relative who has serious health issues. He told me thateven the “good” doctors are only givinghim another 10 years to live.

I suggested that he ask the LubavitcherRebbe for a blessing. He agreed. How do weask the Rebbe today? There is no naturalway. The Rebbe has been hidden from oureyes for more than 20 years. However,we believe that the Rebbe is still with usand helping and guiding us. But now ourcommunication is not in a natural way, butsupernatural and miraculous.

One way is to write a letter to the Rebbeonline. We opened his computer and wentto www.igrot.com. Igrot is Hebrew for letters. At this website one can send a letter to the Rebbe and receive a letter inresponse. He typed in his Hebrew nameand mother’s name. I suggested that heask for a blessing for his health, but hedecided to write something else. Then heclicked on “send”. In a split second wealready had an answer. The web siteopened up one of the volumes of the published letters from the Rebbe. On thescreen appeared two pages of the book,and we began to read.

I was amazed The Rebbe wrote thateven if someone had been a non-believerall of his life, if at the end of his life herepented, his soul will go to Heaven andhe will have a portion in the world tocome. How did this website know that myrelative had been a non-believer for mostof his life and was now worried about facing the end? A miracle!

However, my relative was notimpressed. He said “Look! Now you canhave a good time! You can go toMcDonalds! Just make sure that yourepent right before you die.”

Now I understood. Why did my relativedecide to ignore this miracle? I think thathe understood that if he admitted thatthere are miracles and that we have aCreator, he would have to give up some ofhis worldly pleasures. He would only beable to go to kosher restaurants.

What a shame! True, an observant Jewcannot eat at non-kosher restaurants, butso what! I personally do not missMcDonalds. The food that my wife and I prepare at home is much healthier,and tastes better. Plus there are many outstanding kosher restaurants.

On the other hand, if you believe inHashem (G-d) and learn His Torah, youwill be able to enjoy the really good life.

BY RABBI BENZION COHEN

Chassidic Rabbi

What are some of the really good things?True love, happiness and fulfillment.

Take for example true love and happiness.What is true love? Love that can last forever. If you are secular, you can fall inlove, and get married. But this love usuallywill not last. Why? You love your partnersbecause of the pleasure they are givingyou. But after a while you get less pleasureand automatically you feel less love.

I remember growing up without Torahand with very little happiness. What weremy goals? I wanted to be popular and havebeautiful girl friends. I worked hard toachieve these goals, but failed time after time.

In order to experience happiness andtrue love, you first have to find G-d andyour soul. Why did Hashem create theworld? Why did He send our soul downhere? He wants us to bring goodness andholiness into the world by learning Torahand doing good deeds.

Now that I believe I can be happy. If Ihelp someone, I am doing good. The person I helped is happy, and I am happythat I was able to help someone and makethem happy, and make the whole worldthat much holier.

Now I can feel true love for the personstanding over there. I have a precious G-dlysoul and so does he! This is what I loveabout him. We are all the children of ourFather in Heaven. We are all one family.

This love is not dependent on what theother person is doing for me, or whetherhe is rich or famous, so it can last forever.

And true love is contagious. When youfeel and demonstrate true love to someone,they will automatically feel love for you. Ishow love to my wife, my children andgrandchildren, and get a lot more rightback. And boy that makes me very happy.

If you have trouble finding G-d, go toyour local Chabad or Orthodox Rabbi.Theywill be happy to help you out. It is worththe effort. Your life will improve greatly,and the whole world will benefit. This willcertainly help to bring Moshiach now!

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

Belief

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Indianapolis Jewish journalists awarded

Society of Professional Journalism (SPJ)held their annual Best in IndianaJournalism award banquet on April 21 atIndianapolis Marriot North.

Medical Science Reporter ShariRudavsky (“Medical stories”) of TheIndianapolis Star won a first place award.Judges comments: “There were a numberof stories on Opioid addiction. Rudavsky’sstood out with its organization, punchywriting and by neatly weaving all themedical information with the players: users,care providers, families and community.”

Deborah Paul (“Deborah Paul”) ofIndianapolis Monthly won first place in thecategory of Column Writing for magazinesand non-daily newspapers. Judges comments: Deborah Paul’s personal,memoir-esque columns hooked meimmediately with the clean, spare writingand strong narrative. I’m sure that manyof her readers, like me, found in each ofher columns something they could relateto in their own lives.”

Arts and Entertainment Writer, LouHarry (“Lou’s Views and more”), ofIndianapolis Business Journal won secondplace in that category. AAAA

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This Noah’s Ark on a journeytoward understanding

BLOOMINGTON, IND. – In 1980,Jordan Shifriss stood on Jerusalem’s Mountof Olives, looking down on the Jewishcemetery. The sounds of the Kaddish beingchanted mixed in with ringing churchbells and the Muslim call to worship.

The plaintive sounds exemplified, forhim, the desire of the different traditionsto connect to the Creator.

Shifriss, now a retired teacher, hasworked on several interfaith events, allunder the banner of “Noah’s Ark.” The current one is a little different.

Shifriss said, “I wanted something thatcould go deeper than the last event. I readabout this club that women of differentfaiths had created and thought, ‘How canwe set up small groups that can developfriendships and involve meaningful conversation about faith?’” He added, “Iwanted the groups to have the opportunityto get into complex and emotionally chal-lenging issues.”

Shifriss spoke to Daniel Baron, a friendand former teaching colleague.“We threwsome ideas around about format.”

Shifriss and Baron, both Jewish, weresoon joined by Dan Enslow, a Ba’hai, and

Shifriss explained: “When something is said and you get triggered, you canrespond in a destructive manner. If youreally want to understand somebody else’spoint of view, you have to have, not onlythe intention, but the skills to be able topersist in trying to understand even if youfeel emotionally charged.”

“It is special to have people talk abouttheir individual faith journeys; it’s often anintimate thing ... they learn how to be better listeners and how to speak in a way that is easier for other people tounderstand.”

The Noah’s Ark experience is a tapestry.Participants are learning about each person’s faith journey while simultane-ously reflecting on their own faith and onthe dialog process and skills necessary fordeep conversation.

If you have questions about the Noah’sArk project, email Jordan Shifriss at [email protected]. Jordan is a memberof Congregation Beth Shalom inBloomington, Ind., where he is the chair ofthe Chevra Kadisha. Lynne Foster Shifriss,his wife, is also a member of Beth Shalomand the Chevra Kadisha. She retiredrecently from The Herald-Times inBloomington, where she was the editor ofthe Religion page, and now enjoys writingabout Jewish topics. AAAA

veteran of interfaith programming.Enslow brought in people of differentfaiths to assemble the planning team.

Shifriss said, “I have a lot of interest in group process and have done conflictresolution training, and Daniel had experience in group facilitation and conversation formats...we created a planand then adjusted it as we worked withthe planning team.”

There were two mandatory three-hourinformation and training sessions. Onehundred and fifteen people were trainedand 85 committed to form dialog groups.

The planning committee of Bloomington’sNoah’s Ark interfaith project, (L-R) Seated:David Hummons, Jacqueline Dixon, AnnaMaidi and Christine Glaser; Standing:Jordan Shifriss, Peter Lenzen, Dan Enslowand David Baer. Courtesy photo.


HHAI HAI-Life AwardsAt the 46th annual Hasten Hebrew

Academy HAI-Life Awards dinner on May18, Brian and Sandy Nachlis were honoredfor their dedication to the school. Middleschool science teacher Lonica Solomonand technology coordinator and teacherMichael Voskoboynik received theDistinquished Teacher awards. AAAA

Brian and Sandy Nachlis.

Elementary teacher Karol Cook introducesMichael Voskoboynik.

Lonica Solomon is introduced by middleschool math teacher and assistant principalMatt Tucker.


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A Moving Experience You Will Enjoy

Cong. Etz Chaim celebrates MimounaScrumptious food and great music

were part of the fun at Etz Chaim’sMimouna celebration, April 19, 2017, thattakes place after the eight days of Passoverhave ended. A Northern African Sephardictradition, this 6th annual party wasattended by many, not only Sephardim,but Ashkenazic Jews enjoyed it as well.The Saffron group of three musiciansplayed wonderful North African andAndalusia (Spanish) music. ShaunGoldstone the Global DevelopmentOfficer of American Jewish JointDistribution Committee visiting fromIsrael shared a few thoughts. AAAA

Left: Shaun Goldstone with Faina Kleyner.Top: Saffron provides the festive music.Above (L-R): Leon Mordoh and JasonMintz enjoy the Mimouna festivities. Right(L-R): Vika Farahan, Gadi Boukai and Rina Karmazyn, Treasurer of Deborah (EtzChaim sisterhood).

Cantor Janice Roger receivesSagamore of the Wabash

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change. I had a life change. For in pursuing my dream, I gave myself theopportunity to find out who I was andwhat I most deeply value.

I look back on what happened in my40th year as more than mere coincidence.There was a reason I got sick, although Icertainly didn’t understand it at the time.Whether it happened because of an infection, a faulty medical diagnosis orDivine intervention, it opened the doors of my heart to help me understand something important about my life.

I, like everyone, have faced numerouschallenges throughout my life, many ofwhich make no sense at the time and areoverwhelming to navigate. When my husband, Ray, was diagnosed with lungcancer at 61, no one could believe it.How could a healthy, non-smoker whohad just retired get cancer? Why him?Why now? Why?

What I learned through Ray’s illness andsince his death has served to fortify what Ibegan to understand at 40. That it is not inspite of the challenges we face but throughthem that we arrive at a deeper awarenessof who we are and what we value.

We alone can decide if we will let ourexperiences become catalysts for personalgrowth or stumbling blocks to our devel-opment. We alone will determine if loss,

JewishEducatorBY AMY HIRSHBERG LEDERMAN

Finding meaningin life’s challenges

The number 40 in the Jewish traditionholds a unique spot in our history and collective psyche. The flood lasted for 40days. Moses went up to the mountain toreceive the Torah for 40 days and 40nights. The Hebrew people wandered inthe desert for 40 years. We are forbiddento study Kabbalah until we have reachedthe age of 40. And the list goes on.

I am not a superstitious person. In fact, Iam downright skeptical about things likepalm readers, tarot cards and Ouija boards.Yet I can’t help but think that it was morethan a mere coincidence that my own life-altering experience occurred during themonth that I celebrated my 40th birthday.

It had been a banner year for me. Mylaw practice was booming, my two youngchildren were thriving, and my husbandand I celebrated our tenth anniversary –still very much in love.“If only I could stopthe clock right now,” I thought, recallingthe many times I had heard my father saythose words to me when I was young.

Then I got really sick. Things escalatedfrom bad to worse as I lay in bed delirious,my fever inching above 105. It took severaldays of my husband’s persistence until Iwas diagnosed with Stephen Johnson’ssyndrome, a potentially fatal reaction tothe sulfa antibiotic I was taking. Weeks ofsteroids later, I re-entered life with a puffyface and a renewed appreciation for howprecious and precarious life can be.

What occurred during those few bleakdays, however, is what I have come to viewas a wake-up call from God. For duringthat time something sparked inside of meand I soon realized that, like it or not,there was no turning back. Four monthslater, while I was eating breakfast with myhusband, I told him about my epiphany.

“I’m thinking of closing my law practiceto study Judaism,” I said as I stirred milkinto my coffee.

“And I’m thinking of growing my hairlong and becoming a rock star,” hecrooned back.

Several hundred conversations later, Iembarked on a journey that changed mylife for the better in ways too numerous tocount. I sold my law practice that year andbegan to study, learn, teach and writeabout Judaism. Now, almost 24 years later,I realize that I didn’t just have a career


grief and hardship will open up our heartsor close them.

I have come to appreciate that our challenges can serve as teachers andtouchstones for important life lessons.

Anything we fear teaches us the courageto overcome fear. Anything we can’t control teaches us how to let go and havefaith that we will be able to handle theoutcome, whatever it is. And perhaps mostimportantly, anything we lose teaches usthat because of the uncertainty andimpermanence of life, we must strive tomake the most of the time we are given.

Amy Hirshberg Lederman is an author,Jewish educator, public speaker and attorneywho lives in Tucson. Her columns in the AJPhave won awards from the American JewishPress Association, the Arizona NewspapersAssociation and the Arizona Press Club forexcellence in commentary. Visit her website atamyhirshberglederman.com. AAAA

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ObituariesLeah “Lena” Dorothy (Gutterman)

Jacobson, 100, diedApril 19, 2017 in Westfield,Ind. She was born on Jan.10, 1917 in Bismarck,North Dakota, and livedmost of her life in Indiana.An excellent student, Leahwas a graduate of Elkhart High School(class of ‘34) and the Indiana UniversitySchool of Nursing (class of ’38).

Leah survived her parents, Elkhart residents Louis and Sarah Gutterman; aswell as her 3 brothers, Harold, Charlie andDavid. Leah’s husband, Herman Jacobson, anarmy Vet, passed away in Elkhart in 1976.

Leah is survived by her three sons, Moe(Beverly), Jerry, and Melvin (Deborah)Jacobson, and former daughters-in-law,Gretchen Gottschalk and Jeanie Jacobson;along with 5 grandchildren, Phillip, Cara,Jahna, Micah, and Noah; and 14 great-grandchildren with 1 more on the way.

Leah enjoyed reading, card games,Mahjong and loved getting together withfamily and friends. Her family hasrequested that in lieu of flowers, dona-tions in Leah Jacobson’s memory may bemade to the I.U. School of NursingScholarship Program, Showalter House,PO Box 500, Bloomington, IN 47402.Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N.Funeral & Cremation Services.

Ann Neuberger Hamburger, 73,passed away on April 8, 2017. Belovedwife, mother, sister and grandmother, Annwas born in Baltimore, Md., on April 22,1944, to Alvin and Lois Neuberger. Shewas a graduate of the University ofMaryland and earned her master’s degreefrom Johns Hopkins University. Annworked as a paralegal throughout hercareer, first for a law firm in Concord,N.H., and then The Rouse Company inColumbia, Md.

nessfoudation.org. The family wishes tothank the medical staff that worked sodiligently and gave such tremendous careto Adam during his illness. Friends mayleave a memory or message for Adam’sfamily by visiting www.arnmortuary.com

Henry O. Abraham 85, formerly ofLouisville, passed awayMay 9, 2017. He was bornFeb. 13, 1932. He is sur-vived by his wife of 58years, Sugar; five children,Mickey (Rick) Levy, Karen(Mike) Schankerman,Howard (Alyce) Abraham, David (Rachel)Abraham, and Benjamin (Nichole)Abraham; and grandchildren, Scott(Nina), Danny, Andrew, Max (Alexa),Thomas, Rebecca, Anne, Mary, Hannah,Isabella, and Eleanor.

A private family service will be held inhis memory. Family requests donations bemade to Hooverwood, 7001 Hoover Rd,Indianapolis, IN 46260. We know that ourbeloved husband, father, and grandfatheris now in Kentucky Wildcat Heaven!

Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N.Funeral & Cremation Services.

Esther Meyer, 95, of Carmel, Ind.,loving wife, mother, sister, aunt andgrandmother; passed away on May 10,2017. She was born Nov. 30, 1921 inChicago. She will be remembered byfriends and loved ones for her generosity,sense of humor, big smile and ready laugh.If love given and received is a measure ofwealth, few were richer than Esther.

Esther was married to Melvin Meyer for52 years. She is survived by her two children whom she adored, William Meyerand Marjorie Miles; and two belovedgranddaughters, Eileen Meyer and RachelMeyer.

Graveside services were at IndianapolisHebrew Congregation North Cemetery on May 12. Arrangements entrusted toA.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services.

Germaine “Gerry” (Newman)Mandelbaum, 88, of Indianapolis,loving grandmother, mother, wife andfriend passed away on May 22. Born inNew York City on June 16, 1929, she metthe love of her life in the CatskillMountains while vacationing with herparents, Abraham Newman and Sylvia(Hirshon) Newman and her sister,Cynthia (Newman) Cayn, all of whompreceded Gerry in death. The love of herlife, Isidore “Izzy”Mandelbaum, M.D., wasleading a big band on the fateful weekendwhen they met. Soon thereafter Gerrydeclared to her father, “I am going tomarry that man someday”. On June 1,

Ann was active in the Jewish communitythroughout her life and enjoyed learningabout her Jewish heritage. She also lovedart, music, reading, knitting and beingwith family. Upon moving to Indianapolis,Ann was quickly recruited to volunteerwith Hadassah, the Hooverwood Guildand the sisterhood of Beth-El Zedeck. Shehas been a member of Temple Isaiah ofHoward County, Md., Chizuk Amuno ofBaltimore and Congregation Beth-ElZedeck of Indianapolis.

Ann’s greatest joy was her family. She issurvived by her husband, Alan; children,Margo (Dan) Fox of Carmel, Ind., andKenneth (Nikki) Hamburger of Providence,R.I. Grandchildren, Nathanial Hamburger,Hailey Fox,Avery Fox, and Ziva Hamburger;brother, David (Carol) Neuberger.

Funeral services were, April 12, atAaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary .Memorial contributions may be made toAlvin and Lois Neuberger Education Fundof Chizuk Amuno Congregation, 8100Stevenson Road, Baltimore, MD 21208

Adam Seth Goodman, 42, belovedhusband, father and passionate educator,passed away on April 18. He was born onJune 27, 1974 to Evan and Jan Goodman.He was a graduate ofWestlane Middle School, a1992 graduate of NorthCentral High School and a1996 graduate of IndianaUniversity.

Adam taught SocialStudies and AVID at Westlane MiddleSchool for the past 10 years and was recognized as New Teacher of the Yearduring his first year of service. Adam wasvery active in the school community. Hecoached intramurals and the AcademicTeam and took tremendous pride in hisstudents and colleagues. Adam served asTreasurer of the MSDWT’s Indiana StateTeachers Association.

He is survived by his wife, NicoleGoodman; son, Austin Goyco; mother, Jan(Steven Pattison) Goodman; father, Evan(Lynda) Goodman; siblings, Katy (Jon)Shapiro and Darrin (Jenna Powell)Halcomb; mother-in-law, Andrea Shook;nephews, Sammy, Tommy, and Micah;aunt, Marcia Schneider and uncle, JerryAlexander; and many longtime closefriends and extended family. He will bedeeply missed by those that knew andloved him.

Funeral services were held on April 21,at ARN Funeral Cremation Serviceswith burial following at IHC NorthCemetery. There was a public celebrationof life at Westlane Middle School.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Testicular Cancer AwarenessFoundation, www.testicularcanceraware- (see Obituaries, page IN 17)


The Jewish Funeral Home of Greater Indianapolis

317-873-477611411 N. Michigan Road

just north of I-465

A R N

AaronRubenNelson


The passing of Alfred TiborThe Columbus [Ohio] Jewish commu-

nity has lost one of its brightest stars withthe death of Alfred Tibor [March 18, 2017].He was a living example of courage,persistence and enduring hope in the faceof overwhelming circumstances.

He was born Alfred Arthur Goldstein inKonyar, Hungary, on Feb. 10, 1920. Helived through World War II and survivedthe Holocaust, spent three more years as aHungarian forced laborer, then four yearsas a prisoner-of-war in the Soviet Gulag.

He lost 86 members of his family duringthe war, including his brother Tibor, whodied in prison camp.To honor their brother’smemory, Albert and his only surviving

brother, Andrew,took their brother’sname as their family name.

In 1956, the twobrothers emigratedto the U.S. duringthe Hungarianrevolution. Albertalso brought his wife and two children.They settled in Miami, where Albert spent15 years as a commercial artist. In 1972, hemoved to Columbus, Ohio, where heworked as a commercial artist and anadvertising director for the Schottenstein

family and Value City Corporation.In 1973, Alfred Tibor began a second

career as a sculptor, which he continuedsuccessfully for over four decades. Hisname will be remembered through hispublic and private sculptures.Those workscan be seen throughout Columbus, in othercities across the country and at Yad VashemHolocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.

Tibor’s life was testimony to his belief inthe power of hope.

“I speak to people to tell them not tolose humanity, to find out that all peopleare the same,” Tibor once said. “God

“Surviving Spirit” created by Alfred Tiborwas dedicated in 1998. The bronze statueis located in the Albert and Sara ReubenHolocaust Memorial Garden behind theJCC in Indianapolis. From his website(www.alfredtibor.net) Tibor wrote:“Through my art, I emphasize subjectsthat deal with life and life’s experiences. Iuse the shape of my pieces to create theinner feelings of the human being. Inaddition, I feel that “art for art’s sake” isnot enough. I want to create sculpturesthat both express and evoke human emotion. As a Holocaust survivor, I believethat my life was spared to do work sopeople may enjoy it. Whether it is one ofmy Holocaust sculptures, a biblical figure,or a woman standing proud and tall, thehuman aspect of the piece is what isbeing expressed to the viewer – that thereis beauty and value to be found in all our lives, for I truly believe that life is celebration. From The National JewishPost & Opinion April 30, 2007.

(see Tibor, page IN 17)


B’nai Torah held a “Walk for theWalkers” event Sun., May 21 honoringthree of their members – Dr. Jack Cotlar,Ivan Ekhaus and Dr. Gad Flaumenhaft (L-R below) – who walk eight miles toshul and back, rain or shine every Shabbos!

More than 100 adults and children cameout to walk a 4K course as a tribute to “TheWalkers” as they have come to be knownat B’nai Torah and to many in the nearbycommunity.

In a luncheon that followed, the walkersshared several Kiddush Hashem stories ofinteresting encounters during their weeklyShabbos “shpitzirim”. One of the walkers,B’nai Torah President-Elect Dr. GadFlaumenhaft shared how one day anIndianapolis City bus pulled over to acomplete stop, opened its door and the

driver called out “You don’t know howimpressed I am seeing you walk everyweek!”

On another Shabbos Gad, Jack and Ivanrecounted how a man and his son pulledover and got out their car. As the man andhis young boy approach, the father asked“Are you sons of Jacob?”and then asked ifthey would give his son a blessing. TheWalkers are inspiration not only to thosein the community who see them on theirweekly Shabbos walk but also to everyonein the shul! AAAA

Shabbos walkers

1952 the two married in New York. Theirmarriage lasted until Izzy preceded her indeath on Dec. 19, 2012.

From 60 years of marriage to Izzy, Gerrybecame the mother of David M. (Anna)Mandelbaum, M.D., Michael A. (Tracey)Mandelbaum, Jonathan A. (Stacey)Mandelbaum, M.D., Rise S. Mandelbaum,Arthur E. Mandelbaum and Stuart M.(Denise) Mandelbaum, all of whom survive.

Gerry loved to spoil her adoring grand-children who survive her including:Lauren B. Mandelbaum, Brian E.Mandelbaum, Joshua M. (Karen)Mandelbaum, Brent J. Mandelbaum, LukeT. (Jenalee) Age, Mitchell P. (Chelsea)Wilsey, Tanner D. Wilsey, Megan E.Mandelbaum, Melissa N. (Ryan) Lamb,Benjamin S. Mandelbaum, Brianna M.Portese, Abigail R. Mandelbaum, MadisynJ. Mandelbaum, Baylee J. Cavaness,Hannah M. Mandelbaum and Camryn P.Mandelbaum. Her surviving great-grand-children are Ethan J. Age, Saige M. Wilsey,and Jacob C. Mandelbaum.

Gerry was a dedicated mother andgrandmother who took special pride in allthe accomplishments of her children andgrandchildren, academic, professional andotherwise. She was always there to lend ahelping hand and to slip a bit of cash toher children and grandchildren whenneeded. She was quite happy to giveadvice and encouragement regardless ofwhether it was solicited. Her happiesttimes were always with family.

In addition, Gerry found great happinessat IU basketball games (only if theHoosiers were playing well, which she waswell qualified to determine), soaking upthe sun on Captiva Island and watchingany number of game shows and soapoperas. Aside from the duties of a motherand grandmother, Gerry was active in various community organizations andcharities. Two of her favorite were theCheer Guild at the IU School of Medicineand the Friends of Music in support of the Indiana University School of Music-Bloomington.

Gerry was well known for cooking greatmeals. Izzy often declared he could neverget as good a meal as “Mom’s home-cooked dinners”even in the finest restau-rants around. She always had plenty offood for her kids, grandkids and theirfriends no matter how many would showup, often completely unannounced. HerThanksgiving stuffing, pasta dishes andtraditional holiday meals were a welcomesight by those fortunate enough to enjoyher cooking.

Gerry lived a long and fulfilling life. Shewas blessed to receive wonderful care in

her final years, months and days from theextraordinary staff at The Hearth at StonesCrossing, the attentive staff of ChangesHome Care, and the caring nurses fromFranciscan VNS Hospice. They all treatedher with patience and compassion. Gerrydeveloped much the same kind of love for many of them as she had for her ownfamily. For that care, Gerry’s family is forever grateful.

A private funeral service was held witharrangements entrusted to Aaron RubenNelson Funeral Home and burial besideher beloved Izzy at the IndianapolisHebrew Congregation North Cemetery inCarmel, Ind.

Contributions in memory of Gerry toFranciscan Hospice House would begreatly appreciated. Donations can be sentto: Franciscan Health Foundation for theFranciscan Hospice House, 5255 East Stop 11 Road, Suite 245, Indianapolis, IN46237.

Steven L. Weinstein, 61, lifelongresident of Indianapolis, 1973 graduate ofNorth Central High School, passed awayon May 29, 2017. His spirit was releasedat home with his wife and daughters byhis side and he is nowexploring the universe.

Steve lived his life withpassion and gusto alongwith his life philosophy:“Live as if there’s notomorrow, plan as if you’lllive forever.” He was a gifted, wildly inappropriate joke-teller and was drivento express his strong and passionatebeliefs in conservative politics.

Steve was the founder and President ofRecognition Services Inc. He consideredwork an opportunity, not an obligation,and his employees as his family.

Survived by his beloved wife Lynn andtreasured border collies, Romeo and Libby,Steve leaves behind a legacy of leadershipand philanthropic contributions.

He is also survived by his mother,Shelle; stepdaughters, Lisa Moskal,Beverly Hale and Amanda Ball; grand-daughter, Sara Hale; sisters, Nancy Smithand Karen Whitt and brothers, Sidney,Justin and Joshua Weinstein, two niecesand extended family. Steve was precededin death by his father Mike.

Steve celebrated life…and in accordancewith his wishes, A Celebration of Lifeevent will be held at the PalominoBallroom in Zionsville on Fri., June 16from 7–10 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributionsmay be made to the American CancerSociety or the National Kidney Foundation.Friends may leave a message for the family, or a memory of Steve by visitingwww.arnmortuary.com. AAAA

OBITUARIES(continued from page IN 14)

TIBER(continued from page IN 15)


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Ora Pescovitz namedOakland U. president

Following a national search involving 61candidates, the Oakland University Boardof Trustees has voted unanimously toappoint Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., as its president, beginning July 1. OaklandUniversity is located inRochester, Mich., andPescovitz becomes theirseventh president.

Pescovitz, 60, joinsOakland after serving asSenior Vice President andU.S. Medical Leader forLilly Bio-Medicines at Eli Lilly andCompany since October 2014. She hasspent nearly her entire adult life in univer-sities since her time as a student atNorthwestern University, including the University of Minnesota, IndianaUniversity and the University of Michigan.

Pescovitz, a renowned pediatricendocrinologist and researcher, has published more than 190 manuscripts andbooks. She served as the University ofMichigan’s first female Executive VicePresident for Medical Affairs and HealthSystem CEO from 2009–2014. There, sheled a system that included three hospitals,more than 120 health centers and clinics, andthe University of Michigan Medical School.She oversaw $3.3 billion in revenue and$490 million in research funding.

She also spent an extensive, 21-yearcareer at Indiana University in a variety ofroles, including Endowed Professor,Executive Associate Dean for ResearchAffairs at the Indiana University School ofMedicine, President and CEO of RileyHospital for Children, and Interim VicePresident for IU’s Research Administration.Much of her research focused on thephysiologic and molecular mechanismsresponsible for disorders of growth andpuberty, and the development of noveltherapies for these conditions.

Her late husband, Dr. Mark Pescovitz,was a renowned transplant surgeon atIndiana University. She is the proudmother of three children, two in-law children and three grandchildren. Her significant other is Dr. Dan Walsh, a widower, who is a cardiologist. AAAA

O. Pescovitz

constructed the human race in a very goodway, with the arms to hug each other.”

His funeral service was held March 20 atCongregation Agudas Achim [in Bexley,Ohio]. From the Ohio Jewish Chronicle,March 23, 2017. AAAA

Writers can experience the great joy ofbeing a different person, Israeli authorDavid Grossman said to a full crowd lastmonth at Indiana University. By allowingtheir characters their own autonomy tofurther a plot, writers can truly see theworld through new eyes.

“You are given thepleasure of understandinghow another human viewsthe world,”Grossman said.

Grossman came to campus to talk about hislatest work, A Horse WalksInto a Bar. The book is about one sessionof stand-up comedy in a nightclub inNetanya, Israel.

Even in the worst human conditions,Grossman said, people use comedy to cope.He used the Holocaust as an example.Nazis tried to trap human beings in concentration camps. But those peoplefound freedom in comedy.

“They found their own ability to move,to maneuver, within the very small spacethat was left to them,” Grossman said.They found freedom in the chance to takeon a new perspective through storytelling,poetry and jokes.

Grossman’s A Horse Walks Into a Bar isabout the relationship between a comedianand his audience, about the world and lan-guage they begin to share with one another.

As a comedian, “you are constantlybetraying your audience,” Grossman said.“It’s an art ofbetrayal, after all.”

Comedians arealmost cruel in theway they aptly andaccurately illus-trate people andtheir interactionswith the world.But we enjoy it. Weget a sensationalfeeling of pleasurewhen we get to peep into another person’s hell, Grossman said.

He also spoke about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Zionism will beremembered as one of the greatest storiesof mankind. It brought the Jewish peopleback to their home, it was “miraculous.”But it is time, Grossman said, for Jews notto be victims.

“What do we do with our lives as Israelis?We created miracles – in culture, in agri-culture, in industry, architecture,”he said.


Grossman

And Israelis can continue to create miracles. To do so, though, they must lookinward and reflect. While writers take onthe perspectives of other people, everyonehas the potential to connect with otheridentities.

“In every Israeli there’s a Palestinian,in every Palestinian there is an Israeli,”Grossman said. “We have been shaped by the same conflict for over a century.”He said that the tensions between Israelisand Palestinians are tragic, on both ends.

“I live all my life in conflict, a bleedingconflict,” Grossman said. Jews used to survive so that they could live their lives.They never had a physical place to calltheir own, only the dream of a homeland.Now that Israel is a reality, they live inorder to survive, Grossman said. So muchof the Israeli conscience is focused on, andshaped by, survival.

“I am afraid we will end up as a suit ofarmor without the knight inside of it … “Inthe part where we are yearning to besaved, we fail ourselves. We paralyze ourselves,”Grossman said.

He said he has pushed for peace for many years, but that it has become difficult to continue the fight. There is apopular, distorted idea that peace is a luxury that is not worth pursuing.

He remarked that Israel cannot reach itsfull potential when so much of its timeand energy is intended for the military.A country nourished by innovation is held back by fear. Real peace will not justdispel the threat of war. It will provide themental breathing room necessary forIsraelis to reach their full potential. Moremoney and resources can be contributedto technological innovation and creativeendeavors.

“Only when we have peace, if we havepeace, but I prefer to say when, only thencan Israel live the life that it deserves,”Grossman said. He considers himself afirm believer in peace. A house, or a country,must be more than a place for refuge. Itmust be a home. Therefore, there must bepeace in Israel.

Grossman’s advice to young writers:Don’t interfere with the process. He saidhe listens to his stories: he is drawn tothem, as if they are magnetic fields. Hetells them how they wish to be told. Whilewriters have interests, literature shouldnot be used to further a wife’s opinion, ora prime minister’s cause. It doesn’t belongto anyone but to the characters it holds.

“It’s a couplehood. The writer and hisbook. Or her book,” he said. “Like anygood couplehood, we change each other.”

Naomi Farahan is a rising junior atIndiana University. She is majoring inJournalism and Jewish Studies, and is in theHutton Honors College. This summer, she isstudying abroad in London. AAAA

David Grossman atIndiana University-BloomingtonBY NAOMI FARAHAN

Ball State UniversityJewish Studies Program

The Ball State University Jewish StudiesProgram was created with monies fromthe Bessie and Benjamin Zeigler Fund toprovide programming for the universityabout Jewish themes. To support that mis-sion, the Program invites notable speakersto campus throughout the school year toaddress current events topics, as well asacademic subjects about Jewish culturaland social concerns. In the past, we havehosted such varied speakers as the ConsulGeneral of Israel to the Midwest, the for-mer editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post,an Israeli Druze, among others.

The Program also

sponsors an annualYom Hashoah event. We

invite a Holocaust survivor toshare messages of survival and hope toour students, faculty, and guests. In thepast, we have hosted Eva Kor of TerreHaute, several Indianapolis-based sur-vivors, such as Meyer Bronicki, a memberof the Bielski Boys, Alex Star and TiborKlopfer, and Frank Grunwald. This year,Stephanie Marks of Cincinnati shared herstory of survival with the Ball State com-munity. However, in past years, we havealso brought in a survivor from Israel,Martha Raviv, and the last surviving mem-ber of the Monuments Men, HarryEttlinger. Our program usually draws anaudience of at least 200 people.

In order to educate our faculty aboutJewish issues, the Jewish Studies Programsponsors a Summer DevelopmentWorkshop every year, to which are invitedfaculty and teaching graduate students.Through the years, the focus of the work-shops has varied. Our invited scholars/facilitators have provided guided study forsuch topics as “The Relevance of Torah toAmerican Law” led by Judge EvanGoodman of Indianapolis, “Movies andthe Holocaust,”“The Jewish Year,”“Israel in a Changing Middle East,” “TheSephardim,” “Jewish Perspectives onIssues of Bioethics,”and many others.

This summer, the topic will be “ChristianJudaism/Islamic Judaism: MedievalJewish Culture in Two Civilizations,”led byDr. Alan Verskin of the University ofRhode Island. Our facilitator also gives apublic lecture on a related topic, which isattended by students, faculty, and guests.

The Jewish Studies Program supportsan active Hillel on campus. A member ofour Advisory Committee often serves as

BY DR. FRANCINE FRIEDMAN

(see BSU Jewish Studies, page IN 20)


Shabbark Shabbat at CBS

Marvin Mitchellattorney

Mitchell Dick McNelis, LLC9247 N. Meridian Street,

Suite #350Indianapolis, IN 46260-1803

[email protected]

Step it Up: A Concert for Social Transformation was held at Beth-El Zedeck on April 23.It consisted of wonderful performances of SPOKEN WORD, to give voice to the pressingsocial justice issues of our time, MUSIC to heal, uplift, and unite people for the worthycause of social change, and DANCE to propel individuals to step into action. Thisunique program was presented by Desmond Tutu Center, SOHO (Saving Orphansthrough Healthcare and Outreach), Women4Change and Congregation Beth-ElZedeck. Title Sponsor was Cindy Simon Skjodt and Associate Sponsor was IndianapolisChapter of The Link Inc.

Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS) willhold its immensely popular ShabbarkShabbat on July 14 at 6:30 p.m.This specialFriday evening service has become a CBStradition. Held outdoors on the northpatio of University High School’s AndrewsHall, the service is an open invitation to allcongregants and the community to bringtheir beloved dogs for a special blessing.

During the service, Rabbi StanleyHalpern acknowledges the unique bondbetween humans and their pets. He thenblesses each dog as the owners bring their devoted animals to the front to berecognized individually. The service willconclude with an outdoor Oneg includingdog biscuits for our canine friends.

Karen Friedman, CBS president states,“The dogs have always been very wellbehaved. Other congregants and the petsmingle before and after the Shabbatworship service in an atmosphere of warmfriendliness and enjoyment of that veryspecial evening.”

CBS invites all of the Jewish community– whether CBS members or not, and withor without a dog – to attend our uniqueShabbark Shabbat service. AAAA Left: Getting Ready for Shabbark at CBS

(L-R) Maria Cohen, Alexis Konev, FelixKonev, Dulcea (the dog), and RabbiStanley Halpern.


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

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Earth Day atthe JCC-Indy

Kor honored at Indy 500

A beautiful spring day welcomed all to the6th annual Earth Day celebration at theJCC in Indianapolis on April 23. The eventwas sponsored by Citizen’s Energy Groupand Indianapolis Power & Light, Co.Booths filled the north parking lot with allkinds of energy and natural resources savings information, and even a littleentertainment.

Following the honor of being the GrandMarshall of the Indianapolis 500 FestivalParade on May 27, 2017, Eva Kor of theC.A.N.D.L.E.S. museum was a guest ofhonor at the 2017 Indianapolis 500 at theIndianapolis Motor Speedway, includingmeeting and receiving an honoree bottleof winner’s milk from (and signed by) the1967 Indy 500 race winner Mario Andretti.

j i

the faculty advisor for that association.Finally, members of the Jewish Studies

Program Advisory Committee advise theBall State University library on the pur-chase of books with Jewish themes, whichhas led to a rich collection of volumesabout various aspects of Jewish culture,society, history, and politics.

For more information on the Ball StateUniversity Jewish Studies Program, pleasecontact Director Dr. Francine Friedman [email protected]. AAAA

BSU JEWISH STUDIES(continued from page IN 18)

post thejewishopinion indiana edition

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