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Volume 73, Number 16 • April 25, 2007 • 7 Iyar 5767 Two Dollars www.jewishpostopinion.com

Hasten grant to insure that and culture. HHA is offers preschool through grade 8 and is located at 6602 Hoover “No Jewish Child Left Behind” Rd. in Indianapolis. Yom HaShoah In a dramatic gesture The Hasten Grant involves represents a growing under- Anyone interested in benefiting the Jewish day a commitment to underwrite standing on the part of the learning more about the in Indianapolis school that shares its name, a major expansion of the school that the cost factor is Academy’s new “No Jewish By Ari J. Kaufman the Hasten Family Founda- school’s financial assistance critical, even among middle Child Left Behind” program tion, recently announced its program. Thanks to the gift, and upper income families — should visit www.hhai.org Beth-El Celebrates intention to assist in remov- parents of prospective en- especially when two or more or contact the HHA ad- If you happened to drive ing all financial obstacles that rollees for the coming school children are involved.” ministrative office at 317- by Congregation Beth-El are keeping families from year are now being informed The Hasten Hebrew 251-1261; speak with Judy Zedeck on Sunday morning enrolling their children at that the financial challenge in Academy is fully accredited Jenkins, principal, or Marcy April 15, you’d have thought it the Indianapolis’ only Jewish meeting the tuition require- and offers an award-winning Ekhaus, administrator. Tu- had turned into a church. The elementary school, the Hasten ments will no longer prevent academic curriculum in sci- ition adjustment applica- parking lot was filled, all con- Hebrew Academy. their children from attending ence, math, and language arts tions for the 2007–08 school gregating for Yom HaShoah, The gift was announced at the school. alongside a program stress- year must be submitted by better known as Holocaust a public fundraiser by senior The expansion will make ing Jewish tradition, history May 1, 2007. Remembrance Day. Hasten family members, broth- it possible for families who The crowd of better than ers Hart and Mark Hasten. The previously did not qualify a thousand was treated to 90 brothers were instrumental in for conventional scholar- minutes of prayer, music, the- the establishment of the school ship grants to receive tuition ater, candlelighting, and mov- back in the early 1970s. adjustments that will bring ing personal speeches by those The Hasten family enjoys down the cost of attendance. who lives were affected most varied business interests and “There is a large under- greatly by the tragic genocide until recently owned Indiana’s served segment of the Jew- of more than 60 years ago. The eleventh largest bank, First ish community that this grant event concluded with rousing National Bank and Trust, targets,” explained Academy The Hasten Hebrew Academy, at 6602 N. Hoover Rd. on Indianapolis’ north- renditions of Hatikvah and the which was sold to Harris administrator, Marcy Ekhaus. side, recently received a generous grant from brothers Hart and Mark Hasten Star Spangled Banner. Bank of Chicago in January. “This generous commitment that will underwrite a major expansion of the school’s financial aid program. This celebration was spon- sored by the Jewish Commu- nity Relations Council and led our “greatly wronged people” by its Holocaust Observance can lead by “teaching and do- Committee’s Chair, Phil ing justice” and can emerge as Lande. Lande noted that in “a people of love and compas- past years, this event mostly sion.” consisted of speeches from (Continued on page IN 5) survivors; however, this year onlookers enjoyed music and drama: three hymns from the Indianapolis Children’s Choir – two sung in Hebrew – and an Indiana Repertory Theatre performance based upon the life of Anne Frank hiding in Amsterdam. First-, second- and third- generation Holocaust families lit memorial candles for the six million who perished during World War II. Rabbi Dennis Sasso’s short speech listed the doz- Gabiel M. Cohen, founder and ens of European nations from publisher of the Jewish Post which were extracted & Opinion, (1908-2007). See and placed in concentration the special tribute to Gabriel Over 1,500 people attended the Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance ceremony at the Indiana camps. Concluding, he noted Cohen’s life inside. Statehouse on Sun., April 15. Photo by Ari J. Kaufman. IN 2 April 25, 2007 April 25, 2007 IN 3

Scott Romer pictured with Colin Powell after Powell’s Block Forum Lecture in March. Photo by Scott Romer

Women’s seder in Northwest Indiana By IDelle KERZNER

Approximately 3,500 years gather every year at Passover ago, the Jewish people were to retell the miraculous story of slaves in Egypt. Although this how God delivered the people historic event happened thou- of Abraham from bondage. sands of years ago, the Jews However, according to Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov of Munster's , Passover has a perti- nent message for Jew and non- Jew alike. "The story of liberation can be tied to our daily lives. We all have our own bondage and personal boundaries that limit us. Passover is also telling us we can break free of our own personal limitations," said Zalmanov. "The Hebrew word for Egypt shares the same root word that means boundaries." On April 1, women gath- ered at Munster's Temple Beth El and related the Exodus story The Indiana Jewish Post & Opinion is now available as seen through the eyes of women. During this 9th annual at four locations in Indianapolis: Marsh at 86th and women's seder, biblical female role-models were the focus. Ditch, Northside News at 54th and College, O'Malia's "Our story of liberation begins with the heroism of at 136th & Meridian and Nora Library. two midwives. Their names (Continued on page IN 6) IN 2 April 25, 2007 April 25, 2007 IN 3 Community Events

Special Shabbat dinner

On April 27, at 7:15 p.m., Mike Silver will host a special Shabbat dinner at Jacob’s Home (www.jacobshomeinc.org), 4141 E. 62nd St. $10 per person to cover expenses. To RSVP or for information, contact Julie Berger at [email protected] or call 317- 255-7078 or 317-255-9620.

NCJW and an evening with the chefs

On April 29, this progressive dinner features outstanding of- ferings from some of Indy’s best chefs. $50 person / $100 couple. For details, contact [email protected].

Another Antigone on stage

The Jewish Theatre of Bloomington presents Another Antigone on Sun., April 29, 2 p.m., at JCC’s Laikin Auditorium, $10 adults / $8 youth, seniors. Order tickets online at www.JCCindy.org or visit the West Desk. For more information, call 317-251-9467. JCCUA First Tuesday Dinner Club!

JCC Unattached Adults will meet on May 1 at 6:30 p.m. for its First Tuesday’s dinner club for good food and company. Loca- tion to be announced – but it will be fun. RSVP to Sherry Glaser at [email protected] or call her only in the evening or weekends at 317-579-9479. PNAI dairy brunch and meeting

Parents of North American Israelis, is dedicated to keeping open hagesher, the bridge, that joins us with our families in Israel. PNAI’s next Indiana chapter meeting will be Sun., May 6, at the Arthur M. Glick JCC, Rm A25, 10:45 – 1:15 p.m. All current mem- bers and new families wanting to join are invited. Don’t forget relatives and families living in Israel. There will be a pitch-in dairy brunch. Featured speaker, Irwin Levin, is a prominent attorney and community leader who will offer a firsthand report on the Federation mission to Israel. Give-and-take discussion, questions and answers follow. Meeting will also include a treasurer’s report, president’s mes- sage, and members’ reports on family trips to Israel. RSVP to Sylvia and Mike Blain at 317-251-1914. Natural Bridge Hiking Trip

May 19–20, two-day outdoor adventure to Natural Bridge State Park in Kentucky. Sponsored by JCC Adult Continuing Education. For more information or to register, go to www.JCCindy.org. IN 4 April 25, 2007 April 25, 2007 IN 5 great grandchildren. Samuel Chernin, 85 Memorial services were to disadvantaged children for Obituaries Graveside services were held on Sun., April 15, 2007 at Indianapolis Public Schools. She held Tues., April 10, 2007 Samuel Chernin, of India- Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortu- remained a continual presence in Beth-El Zedeck North napolis, died April 12, 2007. ary in Indianapolis. Memorial of help at the Hasten Hebrew Cemetery. Memorial con- Mr. Chernin was a graduate of contributions may be made to Academy, Congregation B’nai tributions may be made to the Indianapolis Humane Soci- Torah, and the Indianapolis Jew- Robert M. Burgauer, 89 Manuel High School and Butler Hospice of Palm Beach at University and held a degree ety or Gleaners Food Bank. ish Community Center. www.HPBC.com or The in philosophy. He served It was often said that one of Robert M. Burgauer died Charles W. Gerstenberg Hos- proudly in the U.S. Navy as Lila Mirkin, 86 Lila’s gifts was the ability to look April 6, 2007 in Palm Beach pice Center, 5300 East Ave., commander of a landing craft into the eyes of a person and see Gardens, Fla. Mr. Burgauer West Palm Beach, FL 33407- in the Solomon Islands during Lila Kolko Mirkin died their good heart. She always was born May 15, 1917 in 2387. Arrangements handled World War II. April 11, 2007 in Indianapo- welcomed people with earthly Muncie, Ind., and married by Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mor- Following the war, Mr. lis. Born in 1920 and raised in warmth and an infectious smile Lenora Cohn in 1941 in India- tuary in Indianapolis Chernin worked as a sports Rochester, N.Y., Lila is survived and spoke kindly of everyone napolis . columnist for the Indianapo- by her husband of 63 years, Art around her. He lived in Muncie for 78 Isaac Muchnik, 69 lis Star. Later he went to work Mirkin, whom she met when they Lila enjoyed tending to her years, afterwhich he and his for Kipp Brothers, going on to were 8 years old. meticulously-mannered vegetable wife Lenora moved to Palm Isaac Muchnik, India- become owner and president, Prior to moving to Indianapo- and flower gardens, frequently Beach Gardens, Fla. napolis, died April 10, 2007. retiring at the age of 78. lis in 1973, Lila was employed by delivering flowers fresh from her Burgauer served in the U.S. Mr. Muchnik was born June Mr. Chernin is a mem- the State Department yard to neighbors and friends, Army during World War II. He 10, 1937 in Vinnitsa, ber of Indianapolis Hebrew of Labor in Rochester and was along with just a little something was an avid business man and to Jacob and Chaya (Superfin) Congregation, Broadmoor an active volunteer for Jewish to eat that she had just prepared ran Burgauer Business Ma- Muchnik. Country Club and the Jewish and civil philanthropies, includ- in the kitchen. chines in Muncie and then Bur- He graduated from the Community Center. He was a ing Hadassah, Temple Beth El She leaves behind sister Ruth gauer Data Systems in Florida. College of Ladizhin with a devoted philanthropist and and Hillel School. After moving to Cohen (Herman) of Jerusalem, Mr. Burgauer was a member of degree in mechanical engi- gave generously to local chari- Indianapolis, Lila was employed Israel; daughter Fern Mirkin of Beth-El Zedeck Congregation neering. ties. Mr. Chernin was also an by the Indianapolis Jewish Com- Carmel, Ind.; son Stu Mirkin in Indianapolis. Muchnik is survived by avid tennis player munity Center for the next 32 (Tali) of Meitar, Israel; daughter He was adored by his fam- his loving wife, Sofia Much- He is survived by his loving years, from where she retired in Marianne Mirkin Lacoste (Steve) ily and friends and will be re- nik; three children, Alex and wife of 62 years, Ruth Adele 2005. \ of Culver City, Calif.; son Barry membered for his huge heart, Oleg Muchnik and Lana Levin Chernin; his children, Lila’s penchant for selfless and Mirkin (Tracy) of Atlanta, Ga.; and sense of humor and generosity. Cherkaffkiy; three grand- David (Angela) Chernin of tireless giving touched hundreds seven grandchildren: Yael, Yuval, He is survived by his loving children, Michael, Daniel, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Debo- of individuals, families and orga- Hagai, Simone, Camille, Deidre wife of 65 years, Lenora; his and Felix; brother, Mikhail rah Galvin of Indianapolis; his nizations while she maintained a and Everett. Funeral services were daughter and son-in-law, Muchnik; and sister, Ludmil- grandchildren, Joseph, Sarah dizzying agenda of volunteering: held on April 13, 2007 at the B’nai Elaine and Frank Safrin of la Muchnik. Funeral services and Anna; his sister, Lillian from cooking and serving healthy Torah Cemetery in Indianapolis. Indianapolis and his son and were held Thurs., April 12, Cooper, of Indianapolis, and meals for schools, new immigrant Memorial contributions may be daughter-in-law, Stephen and 2007 at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson brother Albert Chernin of families and entire congrega- made to the Indianapolis Jewish Barb Burgauer of Muncie; and Mortuary. New York City. tions, to hand-sewing clothing Community Center in honor of by five grandchildren and five for elderly in need, to reading Lila Kolko Mirkin. IN 4 April 25, 2007 April 25, 2007 IN 5 YOM spoke about his father’s en- counters with the hatred of HASHOAH Nazism, and the family mem- bers he never knew. Lande’s words held the attention of all (Continued from front page) and gave the message to “fight Yom HaShoah gathering at the hatred.” the Indiana Statehouse Lande noted that when his On the same capitol grounds father was growing up, he had where presidents, wartime known what country he was in governors and other dignitar- by the flag that hung outside. ies have waxed poetic, the This was a common occurrence JCRC sponsored a statewide for the Diaspora of Jews in East- Holocaust Remembrance Day, ern Europe during World War Mon., April 16. More than one II. To Lande, thousand schoolchildren from “was not a simple history, it as far as Seymour, New Castle was my family’s history.” His and Milan attended, sitting in family was murdered, as we chairs, on steps, and standing know, “simply because they along the three tiers of bal- were Jews.” conies, listening to speeches, The ancient departure of songs and watching candle- Jews from slavery in Egypt was lighting. just a part of a larger march to Tributes were led by indi- the Promised Land, as Lande viduals from the sponsoring noted. Due to the historic bar- groups. The theme of the day barism and anti-Semitism exist- was genocide and most speak- ing in Europe even today, the ers dipped in and out of com- journey for many Jews ended parisons to the current trag- in Israel and for many more in edies in Darfur as well as past America. instances of ethnic violence Life lessons were spoken and ignorance in Rwanda and about, life lessons about com- Serbia. And speakers touched bating the evil that is genocide on the bond Jews and Blacks – an evil that continues to mani- should have, based upon their fest itself today in the radical groups’ common histories of Islamic world, affecting coun- encountering discrimination tries from Southeast Asia and and prejudice. Africa to the Middle East and Phil Lande, a second-gen- Western Europe. eration Holocaust survivor, (Continued on page IN 6)

SCOTT ROMER PHOTOGRAPHY 35 years experience • Instant portraits available on location • Free Temple bulletin picture • Free sign-in poster-picture 255-6233 AnneFuture B’nai Mitzvah Hathaway Scottromerphoto.com IN 6 April 25, 2007 April 25, 2007 IN 7 SEDER does a wonderful job with the hood convention in which the music." concept was introduced. Critics Corner For Hammond's Terri Sponsored by the Temple's Heinrich, this special occasion sisterhood, Linda Dunn con- (Continued from page IN 2) represents the special bond ducted the seder and Reb- were Shifrah and Puah. They women share. "It gives you a bitzyn Judy Stevens greeted disobeyed Pharaoh's com- chance to express your joy with guests. Sisterhood officers mand to kill all the boys of the others who feel as you do," said are Annette Steinberg, Kristin Richard Gere is Israelites," participants read. Heinrich, "the women's seder Stern, Helen Gold, Barbara superb as conman The punishment of disobeying brings out what we did to lead Bame, Pat Horn, Donna Levin was death, and yet, Shifrah and us to freedom." and Lydia Dershewitz. Puah, through their activism Schererville's Donna Gross Idelle Rosenbloom-Kerzner gave the Hebrews the courage looked around the room and graduated from Indiana Uni- BY CHARLES EPSTEIN necessary to withstand oppres- was pleased that so many versity with a degree in edu- sion. non-Jews were in attendance. cation. She has Middle School he Hoax is a fascinating Irving improved the scheme Miriam, Moses sister, was T "It’s great to be able to share endorsements for Reading and film about the incredible con- citing Hughes’s outrageous also brought into light. When with our non-Jewish friends Science and works at Clark man Clifford Irving, played demands. The more ridiculous pharaoh condemned Israelite in the community the spiritual Middle School in Hammond, wonderfully by Richard those demands were the more babies to die, Miriam's father, significance of the holiday," Ind., as a reading specialist. Gere. the publisher was convinced Amram lost hope. According Gross remarked. She is a freelance writer, a col- This true story is about Irving was the real thing. to the seder text, he separated Although the seder was umnist for the Post-Tribune, Le- Irving persuading a major The charming Gere is fan- himself from his wife Yoch- led by women, Rabbi Michael rner Papers and various other publishing house that he is in tastic as Irving. Alfred Molina eved. Many other Israelite Stevens arrived to show sup- publications. Hubby Irwin and cahoots with Howard Hughes plays Irving’s comic sidekick men followed his lead. "Your port. "This seder is important three children, Melissa, Shellie, and is about to write his biog- and collaborator. Marcia Gay action is more severe than as it gives an overview of Jew- and Jared, describe her as a raphy. Hardens is Irving’s wife. that of Pharaoh," said Miriam, ish history through the eyes nagging Jewish mother who He says the publishing firm Hope Davis and Stanley Tucci "Your action affects male and of women – from Miriam to constantly worries. should pay him $1 million. No are members of the suckered female alike." It was Miriam our own generation," Stevens one from the publisher talked publishing house. who rebelled against death said. to the billionaire or any of his Eli Wallach has a deli- and argued for life. The idea of a women's seder legal representatives. The ec- cious bit as the author of an Lynda Gurevitz of Ham- was first introduced to North- centric Hughes communicated unpublished manuscript of mond has attended the west Indiana by Munster's only with his highest paid and memoirs. women's seder each year. "It's Helen Gold. A past Temple closest employees by hand- Irving’s book is just a few a beautiful, joyous seder and sisterhood president, she at- written memos on legal size days from the bookstores Nancy Friedman (Munster) tended a 1999 regional sister- paper. when the ingenious hoax starts to unravel. William Wheeler wrote the marvelous and witty screen- play. He based his script on Irving’s own book about the true events and all the politi- cal ramifications. The interesting musical score was composed by Carter Burnell. Director Lasse Hallstrom has fashioned a well-done, fast- paced and slick film. It would not surprise me if a few Oscar nominations were due to this most entertaining movie. YOM HASHOAH

(Continued from page IN 5 ) On that very same emo- tional Monday, Holocaust sur- vivor Liviu Librescu, an Israeli engineering and math lecturer at University, barricaded the doorway of his classroom and saved students’ lives at the cost of his own dur- ing the tragic massacre of 32 people. Librescu had survived the Nazi killings of the World War II and later escaped from communist . Ari J. Kaufman is a freelance writer from Indianapolis. He can be reached at [email protected]. His book, “A Year in Americana” is available at www,iuinverse.com/. IN 6 April 25, 2007 April 25, 2007 IN 7 IN 8 April 25, 2007 April 25, 2007 IN 9