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Dear Friends,
As the New Year approaches, we look ahead to JCRC's exciting future and reflect on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved in 2024.
Our Student to Student program reached record-breaking participation and is already well on its way to surpassing its presentation goals. Israel Around the Table relaunched with outstanding success, consistently filling every event to capacity. Additionally, our feature-length documentary, Sweet Lorraine in Auschwitz, completed principal photography and welcomed new members to its production team. We also fostered community collaboration, sponsoring and co-sponsoring numerous events with Jewish and non-Jewish partners. Perhaps most excitingly, we welcomed a new Executive Director whose vision promises to strengthen and expand JCRC’s impact for years to come.
Below, you’ll find more details about our dedicated JCRC professionals' incredible work for the community. None of this would be possible without the support of volunteers and lay leaders like you. If you’re interested in volunteering or hosting one of our programs, we’d love to hear from you at info@indyjcrc.org.
Sincerely,
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Eli Isaacs
JCRC President
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December 17, 2024 - Two events with Israeli Chef Adeena Sussman
- Conversations with Adeena Sussman: A Free Talk on Jewish Culinary Traditions and Culture, 6:00-7:00 PM, Congregation Beth Shalom, Carmel
- Private Reception and Cooking Demonstration, 7:30-9:00 PM, location provided upon registration
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Register for both events: https://www.adeenaindy.com/eventdetails
December 18, 2024 - Israel Around the Table, 7:00-9:00 PM, location provided after registration. Register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/5eehd9n
December 22, 2024 - The Diplomatic and Military Situation of Israel's War on Seven Fronts with Yaron Deckel, 11:00 AM, Zoom webinar. Join the webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87968602604?pwd=Ntba0ukaDjJqe4EKc2jY8UZG5O2vjC.1
December 25, 2024 - JCRC offices closed
December 27, 2024 - Community Menorah Lighting with JCRC and Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 4:30-5:00 PM, JCC, Indianapolis
January 1, 2025 - JCRC offices closed
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JCRC Staff Members Honored, Promoted | |
JCRC staff members Amber Maze and Yaniv Shmukler were recognized at the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis's (JFGI) 36 Under 36 Honoree Celebration! They joined the other honorees and 200 community members in celebrating the achievements of these outstanding young professionals, with a keynote address from actor and Israel advocate Michael Rapaport.
In addition to this honor, the JCRC board acknowledged Amber and Yaniv’s exceptional contributions to the Greater Indianapolis Jewish community by promoting them! Amber now serves as Director of Strategic Outreach and Communications, while Yaniv takes on the role of Director of Community Engagement.
If you see them out in the community, wish them mazel tov!
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Israel Around the Table Offers Program Expansion
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We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our highly successful Israel Around the Table program, which has resonated deeply with young professionals. Many community members outside the initial age range have expressed a strong interest in joining, and we’ve listened!
In response, we’re now offering separate sessions tailored to two groups: ages 22-45 and 45+. Each gathering will continue to feature a delicious dinner and thought-provoking discussions on a range of topics exploring Israeli history, culture, and society.
To accommodate this growing interest, sessions will now occur more frequently, giving even more opportunities for meaningful connection and dialogue. We’re excited to build on the program’s success and bring the community together across generations!
If you are interested in attending a future session or hosting a session, please reach out to Yaniv Shmukler at yshmukler@indyjcrc.org.
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City-County Council Votes Down Ceasefire Resolution | |
In late October, the JCRC was informed about a proposed anti-Israel ceasefire resolution at the Indianapolis City-County Council. Council leadership reached out to the JCRC to discuss the potential impact of the resolution on the Indianapolis community. During these discussions, we shared the Jewish community’s concerns, emphasizing how such resolutions can amplify antisemitic sentiments.
During the November 4 City-County Council meeting, David Sklar joined Indianapolis City-County Councilors and interfaith leaders from across the city to support a resolution promoting understanding, mutual cooperation, and peaceful dialogue. Ultimately, the anti-Israel ceasefire resolution was withdrawn from the Council’s agenda.
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Deepening Relationships with Synagogues | |
JCRC Executive Director, David Sklar, has been out in the community strengthening relationships with synagogue leadership. Over the past few weeks, he has met with leaders and clergy at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Beth-El Zedeck, and Shaarey Tefilla.
On Friday, November 22, David was invited by Shaarey Tefilla to be the inaugural speaker at their Fourth Friday Forum series, where he shared information about the work of the JCRC and his vision for the organization. You can hear David's presentation during Beth-El Zedeck's Saturday morning service on December 7.
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Introducing Know Your Neighbor
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We are excited to introduce Know Your Neighbor, a new initiative designed to broaden interfaith dialogue and deepen understanding. Modeled after our Student to Student program, Know Your Neighbor will bring adults from diverse faith and cultural backgrounds together for engaging presentations about Judaism, Jewish culture, and Jewish history.
Through thought-provoking discussions and shared learning, Know Your Neighbor aims to promote dialogue, break down misconceptions, and create meaningful connections within our Greater Indianapolis community.
| JCRC Attends JFNA General Assembly | JCRC Executive Director David Sklar joined JCRC Executive Committee member David Rosenthal in Washington, D.C. for the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) General Assembly. They joined hundreds of Jewish leaders and professionals from around the country—including many from Indiana—to learn from national experts, strengthen connections, and bring new insights back to our community. | Updated JCRC Communications | Starting in January, the JCRC Newsletter will transition to a quarterly release. Concerned about missing out on upcoming programs? Don’t worry! To keep you informed, we’ll be introducing a monthly e-blast featuring all the programs and events for the month. Looking for more ways to stay updated on JCRC’s work? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for real-time news and updates! | | |
Recent Statements & Articles | | | | |
