Volume 75, Number 24 • August 26, 2009 • 6 Elul 5769 Two Dollars www.jewishpostopinion.com

On Tues., Sept. 15, Uni- versity of Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl will be coming to Conseco Field- house to help kick off the JFGI 2010 Annual Cam- paign. For more information see Community Events on page IN 3. Fun at the Indiana State Fair Story and photo by Jeff Cohen

Some “cowboy” was kind enough to let Gracie Cohen ride his A new exhibit prize donkey. Gracie is the daughter of Jeff and Jen Cohen. It was a very special year for the Indiana State Fair. Five more by local artist days were added so Hoosiers could have even more fun. For the first time ever, the fair took place over three full weekends and Forrest Formsa 17 days during its run Aug. 7 – 23. “We’d been preparing for this extension for more than two years,” said Andy Klotz, public- will open on ity and media relations manager for the State Fair. “We added more entertainment and more special values than ever before Sept. 3 at the JCC as we attempted to make the fair as enjoyable as possible for all Hoosiers.” In addition to all the great deals, this year’s fair was celebrat- ing the Year of the Tomatoes presented by Red Gold. The to- See story page IN 2 mato-related activities began with the declaration of deep-fried pizza as this year’s signature food. IN 2 August 26, 2009 About the Cover Forrest Formsa: Making Light of Abstraction

The JCC of Indianapolis an- oil paints. The exhibit is free nounces an opening: A new and open to the public dur- exhibit by local artist Forrest ing regular building hours. A Formsa will open on Sept. 3 member of both the Hoosier and run through Oct. 16, at Art Salon and Indiana Plein Air the Arthur M. Glick JCC, 6701 Painters’ Association, Forrest is Hoover Rd. Formsa’s canvases provided opportunities to paint are infused with brilliant col- outdoors all over the state. Most ors. With inspiration coming recently, Forrest was honored to from landscapes, cityscapes receive the prestigious 2008 Hoo- and the play of light on every- sier Salon “Best Work, First Time day objects, the artist delights Artist” Award. in exploring depth, atmo- Opening Reception: Thurs., sphere and the various opaque Sept. 10, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Meet the and transparent qualities of artist and join us for refreshments. Schticking it to the man since 2003 Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad is a refreshing mix of com- edy, music, spoken-word and show-stopping burlesque, fea- turing the gals who learned to smoke at Hebrew School, got drunk at their bat mitzvahs and would rather have more schtuppa than the chupah. They feature performers seen on Comedy Central, HBO and Late Night TV. These chosen chicks boldly dare to decon- Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy struct years of tradition, expec- Central) and booty shakin’ by tations and guilt in a fast-paced Sister Schmaltz and hosted by vaudeville extravaganza. It’s queen of the quick change, The ain’t yo’ mama’s Fiddler! Goddess Perlman (Last Comic After cruising the U.S. for Standing). 6 years, last year Nice Jewish Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad Girls Gone Bad opened at The has been spreading their own Zipper Theater in NYC with a brand of nuevo schmaltz across brand new show that received the land to sold-out crowds in rave reviews – 3 stars – NY Post, NYC, D.C., Baltimore, Boston, “Backstage” called it “a spon- Philadelphia, Providence, Mi- taneous party,” and the Village ami, San Francisco, L.A., Santa Voice said it was “super fun.” Cruz, Pittsburgh, Madison, De- This rendition of mishagas on troit, Montreal, Burlington, Prov- wheels was directed by Mi- incetown, The Berkshires, The chael Baron (Signature Theater, Hamptons, and of course, The Washington, D.C.) and choreo- Catskills. Audiences can’t get graphed by Jessi Erian (Urban enough of these wayward girls! Bush Women and Adira Am- Indianapolis Show. Sept 2, ram’s The Experience). It’s Doors ope@n at 8 p.m. Show at Faster Pussycat in the Borscht 9 p.m. Birdy’s, 2131 E. 71st St., Belt, “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” 317-254-8971. Tickets: $12 ad- gets remixed, Tumbalaika gets vance / $15 at the door. a makeover and we all find out Bloomington Show. Sept. 7, what’s in Gefilte Fish. It’s “Fear 8 p.m. Bear’s Place, 1316 E 3rd Factor” for Jews, although you St. 812-339-3460. Tickets: $10. don’t have to be Jewish to love South Bend Show. Sept. these broads. 10, 8:30 p.m. Club Noma, 119 Nice Jewish Girls Gone N. Michigan St. 574-233-4959. Bad features comedian Cyn- Tickets: $12 advance / $15 at thia Levin (Comedy Central), the door. August 26, 2009 IN 3 dyland. The world of board event. Locker Room Restaurant Join Adam Garfinkle, edi- Community Events games has changed signifi- and Conseco Fieldhouse Practice tor of The American Interest, cantly in the past 25 years! Court, $25 per person. Program a public policy quarterly, This class will introduce you begins at 7:30 p.m. This event is and former speechwriter Discovering the the audience to games of skill to this wider world of games. open to all donors who make a for secretaries of state Co- and verbal acumen. As always, White River Stephen Conway and David minimum gift of $100 per person lin Powell and Condelezza Mickey will engage his guest in Coleson, hosts of The Spiel (an or $200 per family to the 2010 Rice, as he examines the Experience the natural beau- a relaxed, informal conversation online show about games), will Annual Campaign. 8:30 p.m. Up phenomenon of “Jewcen- ty of White River from the wa- that promises to be both enter- teach you to play four games: Close with Bruce; Beer, Banter & tricity.” Learn how this ter. In cooperation with friends taining and enlightening. Audi- Ticket to Ride (a train game), Basketball: Locker Room Restau- view impacts our world and of the White River, JCC adults ence members are invited to ask Carcassonne (a Medieval tile- rant. Additional $10 per person especially the Middle East. will paddle from just above the questions during the show and laying game), Settlers of Catan Wed., Sept. 16, 7–8:30 p.m. Indianapolis Art Center, past the will have an opportunity to meet (a trading/building game), and at the Arthur M. Glick JCC. Indianapolis Hebrew Congrega- the host and his guest at the end Jewcentricity: How the Pandemic (a cooperative game). Free, preregistration is re- tion, and through Holliday Park of the show. Tickets: $5 general Jews Get Praised, Blamed Mon., Sept. 14 – Oct. 12, and quested. For more informa- on a float of approximately two public / $3 JCC member. Regis- and Used to Explain Wed., Oct. 14. 5 sessions (no tion, visit www.JCCIndy. hours duration. Cost includes tration requested. Tickets first Nearly Everything class Sept. 28), 6:30–8:30 p.m. at org or call 251-9467. transportation, use of livery come, first serve. grade rafts, life jackets and pad- the Arthur M. Glick JCC. Fee: (See Events, page IN 4) $45 nonmembers / $30 mem- dles. There will be a group leader Yiddish Discussion from Friends of the White River bers. For more information, serving as guide. Some physical Group visit www.JCCIndy.org, or call activity is required. A minimum Meet with others on the first 251-9467. of four adult registrants is re- Tuesday of each month at the quired for the trip. Participants Arthur M. Glick JCC – for an in- Coach Bruce Pearl must be at least 15 years of age. formal get-together in Yiddish. Communitywide Event Transportation provided to and Next meeting Sept. 2, 1–2 p.m. On Tues., Sept. 15, Univer- from White River. Trip is Sun., Free. No registration required. Aug. 30, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. sity of Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl will be coming to $30/$20 JCC members. To regis- Coffee and Conversation ter, visit www.JCCIndy.org, or Conseco Fieldhouse to help call 251-9467. Join Indianapolis Jewish Sin- kick off the JFGI 2010 Annual gles on Sun., Sept. 11 at 1:00 p.m. Campaign. Seating is limited. Dressy casual attire, Dietary Puzzle Master Will at Cornerstone Coffee located at 615 E. 54th St. If it’s the second laws observed, Please respond Shortz Live at the JCC Sunday, that means it’s time for by Sept 1. 317-726-5450 Mickey’s Corner proudly a chance to catch up with old 5:30 p.m. Advanced Gifts presents Will Shortz, Indiana friends, and meet new ones in a Dinner with Bruce Pearl: Con- native, IU graduate, crossword relaxed and casual setting. It’s a seco Fieldhouse - Pepsi Square, editor of The New York Times, monthly event for a good reason. $75 per person inclusive of all and NPRA… on Wed., Sept. Hope to see you there! events. This event is open to 2 at 7 p.m. at the Arthur M. all donors who make a $10,000 Glick JCC. Mickey and Will, Beyond Park Place: minimum family gift to the 2010 Annual Campaign or a both puzzle aficionados, will Board Games from challenge one another and $5,000 Lion of Judah Gift. Around the World 6:30 p.m. Bruce Pearl: Des- Forget Monopoly and Can- sert reception and community

Charlie Bunes IN 4 August 26, 2009 dren’s Hospital in Indianapolis at Indianapolis Hebrew Cem- Pearl Agriss, 93 after a long battle with Ewing’s etery North. Sarah wanted her Pearl Agriss, of Indianapo- Sarcoma. funeral to be a celebration of obituaries lis, died on Aug. 17, 2009. Pearl Sarah lived in Carmel with life. She requested that those was born on June 15, 1916, in Joyce F. Kersner, 55 also survived by her sister Gail her parents, James S. and Bar- attending her funeral not wear Newark, N.J., to the late David (Arnold) Willen, of Charlotte, bara A. Cohen, and her brother, black, but wear colorful cloth- and Yetta Agriss. N.C.; niece Lorin Willen of Benjamin E. Cohen. Sarah was ing. Pearl worked as a fundrais- Wilmington, N.C.; two neph- an avid and award-winning One of Sarah’s final wishes er for the Industrial Home for ews, Kevin (Christian) Willen horseback rider before her ill- was to help Butler University’s the Blind in their headquarters and Joshua Willen of Wash- ness. Sarah loved beading and Dance Marathon in any way in Brooklyn, N.Y., as a case aide ington, D.C.; and her many built a successful jewelry busi- she could. BUDM raises mon- for the Dept. of Social Services friends. In addition to the ness during her fight against ey for Riley Hospital for Chil- in Sulfolk County, N.Y., and as above, she is also survived by cancer. She was a strong sup- dren and has become very a community relations counsel- her beloved old English sheep porter of and a frequent speak- special to her family. Contri- or and fundraiser at the Suffix dog, Jaguar Cameron Jackson. er at Carmel High School and butions should be made out Psychiatric Hospital. Funeral services for Joyce were Butler University Dance Mara- to: Supporting Riley Children She was a member of the In- held Tues., Aug. 11 at Aaron- thons. Through these events, Inc., in the check’s memo line: dianapolis Hebrew Congrega- Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 1328 Sarah helped raise thousands BUDM, and mail to Ben Co- tion, past president of Oakdale Joyce Kersner, of India- W. 86th St. Memorial Contribu- of dollars to support Riley hen, 746 W. 43rd St., Indianap- County, N.Y., charter mem- napolis, died Sat., Aug. 8, 2009. tions may be made to the Mel Children’s Hospital, a cause olis, IN 46208. Online condo- ber and 4th president of B’nai She was born in Brooklyn, and Bren Simon Cancer Center near and dear to Sarah’s heart. lences may be sent to www. Brith, first president of B’nai N.Y. She is survived by her at Indiana University Medical Sarah attended both Univer- arnmortuary.com. Brith Women in Riverdale, loving Father; Gerald Selsky. Center in support of esopha- sity and Carmel High Schools, Sarah’s family would like N.Y., founding and charter Joyce graduated Magna Cum geal cancer research: P.O. Box where she earned the respect to especially thank all of the member of the Women’s Divi- Laude from Brooklyn College 660245, Indianapolis, IN 46266- and admiration of teachers Riley Hospital staff who sion of New York City Chapter in 1975. She received a mas- 0245. Online condolences may and students alike. Despite cared for Sarah during her ill- of United Cerebral Palsy. She ters in speech pathology from be sent to www.arnmortuary. her debilitating illness, Sarah ness. They became a second helped initiate the first national the University of Maryland com. earned an honorary diploma as family to Sarah, and she loved telethon in America and was in 1979. She was an executive a member of the Carmel High them dearly. on the Board of Directors of the district manager for Nexus Sarah Michelle School class of 2009. Sarah’s life burned like a Art Collectors Foundation. Athletic Clubs from 1981–1988, During her six and a half bright candle, radiating joy, Cohen, 18 She is survived by her two managing their health and fit- year battle with cancer, Sarah love and inspiration to all who sons, William and Alan Rosin; ness clubs. She also worked remained outgoing and built knew her. as a speech language patholo- many strong and lasting rela- and one grandson. Services were held at Indianapolis gist at Union Hospital in Terre tionships, always more con- David L. Marcus, 40 Haute, Ind., as administrator, cerned about the problems of Hebrew North Cemetery on managing their program from others than her own. Through David L. Marcus, of India- Thurs., Aug. 20. Arrangements: 1988–1999. She then worked at her work with dance mara- napolis, died on Aug. 15, 2009. Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortu- Regency Place of Castleton as thon, Riley Hospital, and her He is survived by his loving ary. Online condolences can a speech language pathologist beading, she touched and in- parents, Robert and Darlene be made at www.arnmortuary. from 1999 to the present. spired the lives of many. Marcus; sister, Shainey (Jes- com. She attended Congrega- She is survived by her par- se) McFarland; brother, John tion Beth-El Zedeck and was ents, James and Barbara Cohen; Marcus; grandfather, Francis JCC Fall Film Series: a member of the American her brother, Benjamin Cohen; Thatcher; and grandmothers, Speech-Language-Hearing As- her grandparents, Robert and Dolly Noiman and Molly Mar- “Time Capsule:1969” sociation. Sylvia Barger; her aunt, Debra cus. Services were held Wed., All movies: Tuesday at 7 She is survived by Profes- Hallberg; and her uncles, John Aug. 19 at Aaron-Ruben-Nel- p.m. at the Arthur M. Glick sor John M. Glen, with whom Barger and David Cohen. son Mortuary, 1328 W. 86th St. JCC she was involved in a commit- Sarah Michelle Cohen died Her funeral was held on Burial followed at Ezras Achim ted loving relationship. Joyce is Aug. 13, 2009, at Riley Chil- Sun., Aug. 16 at the Indianapo- Cemetery. Online condolences Sept. 1: Have Sword, Will lis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 can be made at www.arnmor- Travel (1969) N. Meridian St. Burial followed tuary.com. Director: Cheh Chang. Rat- ed PG (110 min). Two fighters transporting a valuable ship- ment encounter a mysterious man.

Sept. 22: Red Lion (1969) Director: Kihachi Okamoto. Rated PG (117 min). A bum- bling horse-tender returns to his village impersonating a military officer and actually becomes a leader of the people.

Oct. 6: Goyokin (1969) Director: Hideo Gosha. (See JCC Film page IN 7) August 26, 2009 IN 5 IN 6 August 26, 2009 Nothing happens in Indiana? The 35th visit to Israel By Rabbi Sholom Shuchat By Sylvia and Michael Blain My colleague and I were On our last visit to Israel we Zion in Yevul in the Negev “given” the state of Indiana as celebrated the bat mitzvah of where we literally saw the our Merkos Shlichus location our granddaughter Shira, the desert bloom. Three years ago, for summer 2009. When we daughter of our son David and nothing but sand; two years arrived here, we were notified Susan of Cherry Hill, N.J. In at- ago the hot houses were up, by some locals that “Nothing tendance were her parents; her and our grandson was plant- Happens in Indiana,” and we siblings Ezra, Jenny, and Ra- ing pomegranate trees; last might have a hard time finding chel; and her uncle, Rabbi Zvi year the infrastructure (roads, Sylvia Blain, granddaughter Shira, and Mi- Jews, but we decided to try and Leshem and his family from water, electricity) was in place; chael Blain at Shira’s bat mitzvah celebration. do the best, and let G-d do the Efrat. beautiful organic red peppers rest. I walk around with my kipa We celebrated Pesach and (for export), tomatoes, carrots, our granddaughter Jenny an- We started by getting a mas- and tzitzit showing at all times, baked matzos in Efrat at the potatoes and other vegetables nounced her engagement to ter list of Jews living outside promoting my Jewish pride. Some home of our son, Rabbi Zvi. were being harvested. This Josh Pittleman. Jenny, also the metropolitan areas, which time ago there was a local outdoor We participated in Birkat Ha- year, houses are going up in from Cherry Hill, made aliyah has 1,400 names in 70 cities. Af- Jewish event and I went there as Chamah, the 28-year cycle what is going to be a brand- last year; Josh is from Milwau- ter a few calls we managed to a member of the community. I ar- of the ceremony of blessing new town where a few years kee. Both are studying in Jeru- find Jews and we set up meet- rived some time before the event the sun; experienced the very ago there was only sand. salem. The wedding is planned ings in various places. I must started and was standing next to a moving Yom Hashoa obser- Our grandson Ma’ayan took for October in Jerusalem where say that Indiana is a pretty nice table with a few friends. Suddenly, vance when the whole coun- us on a tour to Wadi Fooken, a the couple plans to reside. state, we saw corn, and corn, a tall pickup truck pulled up and try came to a two-minute nature preserve in area B, close The authors, Sylvia and Mi- and some more corn, and once after an older person with a walker standstill. The entire family to the green line, under joint chael Blain, are members of the in a while some soybeans... was helped down, I see him staring volunteered in a soup kitchen Israeli and Palestinian con- Indianapolis chapter of Parents of But overall it’s a pretty nice at me. He came straight toward me (as we do every year), helping trol. Ma’ayan, a nature guide, North American Israelis (PNAI). farming state. And this leads on his walker and held my tzitzit. I to prepare and serve about 500 introduced us to his Palestin- They can be reached at blains@aol. me to the title: While I was in didn’t know what to do. It was the hot lunches to the needy in Je- ian friends, Maher and Yaser, com. Reprinted with permission a gas station, I was looking at first time such a thing happened to rusalem. friendly farmers in the area. from The Bridge July/August/ the souvenir section and saw me and I was pretty dumbfounded We visited our grandson Soon after arriving home, September 2009 issue. a magnet that says “Whatever as to how this would unfold. happens here stays here...But A minute later he started to cry nothing happens in Indiana” telling me, “It has been over 60 with a drawing of a cow sleep- years since the last time I saw tz- ing on the grass... itzit! Since I left Europe I haven’t We have had some great seen tzitzit. You remind me of my experiences, such as meeting father, of blessed memory.” a Jew in some little town who He then kissed my tzitzit and didn’t really know anything let go of them. I then realized how about Judaism, but his office much of an effect a small mitz- was full with Chabad litera- vah can have. Since then I have ture that he gets by mail from a been telling everyone this story to Chabad client in New York. We point out that when a Jew proudly met a Jewish family who has shows his Judaism he can have a been in the recycling business life-changing effect on a person, an in Indiana for a couple genera- effect that cannot be measured. tions already. We realized that The next day we met with the kids magazine The Moshiach Jewish staff at Purdue Univer- Times is liked by adults also (the sity and discussed various ac- editor – who happens to be my tivities and programs to bring uncle – claims that, but now I the large Jewish student popu- have proof). We also met a Jew lation closer to its heritage. who is originally from the East Rabbi Shuchat is part of a Coast and the only thing he re- worldwide program sometimes ally misses from Judaism is the referred to as “the Lubavitch kosher deli in Baltimore... Summer Peace Corps.” He is The highlight of our trip traveling in Indiana with Rabbi was on this past Tues., Aug. 18, Menachem Raskin this sum- when we went to Fort Wayne, mer.He can be reached at Rab- and I gave a shiur (lesson) in the [email protected]. local congregation as a guest Correction rabbi. At the end of the shiur In our interview with Rabbi we had a discussion about Ju- daism in Fort Wayne and what Ben Kramer in our last issue, each one has done to promote the final question of the Judaism in his job. One of the interview contained material attendants of the shiur related that was not a part of Rabbi the following story: Kramer’s response. August 26, 2009 IN 7 JCC Film Nov. 24: Stolen Kisses Continued from page IN 4 (1969) Rated PG (124 min). An out- Director: François Truf- cast samurai returns to his old faut. Rated R (90 min). A sol- ways when his former gang ider tries to reunite with his puts a woman in danger. girlfriend while taking on a series of odd jobs. Oct. 20: Spirits of the Dead (1969) Dec. 1: My Night At Maud’s Director: Vadim, Malle, (1969) Fellini. Rated R (121 min). Director: Eric Rohmer. Three short films based on Rated PG (105 min). A devout the works of Edgar Allan Poe: Catholic moves to a provin- “Metzengerstein” directed by cial town and vows to marry Roger Vadim, “William Wil- Françoise. A chance encoun- son” directed by Louis Malle, ter results in his spending the and “Toby Dammit” directed night with Maud. by Federico Fellini. Dec. 15: Fellini–Satyricon Nov. 3: Yellow Submarine (1969) (1969) Director: Federico Fellini. Director: George Dunning. Rated R (128 min). Encolpio Rated G (85 min). The Beatles loses his favorite slave boy to a accompany Captain Fred in friend, survives an earthquake his Yellow Submarine. and rescues a demi -god. IN 8 August 26, 2009