Interested in attending? Email ijhs@ijhs.org to let us know!

The following article was written by Michael Brown, Executive Director of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society.

The song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” narrates the story of Katie, a woman passionate about baseball, who agrees to date her boyfriend only if it involves attending a game. At the time, women were generally regarded as outsiders in the realm of sports. Jack Norworth, a 29-year-old musician from Tin Pan Alley, conceived the idea for the song during a train ride in 1908 after observing a baseball advertisement. Albert Von Tilzer composed the music for Norworth’s lyrics. Notably, neither Norworth nor Von Tilzer attended a Major League Baseball game until they were 32 and 20 years old, respectively, underscoring their outsider status.

The song was first performed by Norworth’s then-wife, Nora Bayes, and later popularized by numerous vaudeville acts.

The first documented performance of the song at a ballpark occurred in 1934 during the fourth game of the World Series. Prior to this, it was played during intermissions at theaters showing silent films. Albert Von Tilzer, originally named Elias Gumbinsky, was born in Indianapolis to Lithuanian Jewish immigrant parents who had previously resided in several cities, including Detroit, where his brother Harry Von Tilzer was born. The family, all musically gifted, changed their surname from Gumbinsky. Before Albert’s birth, they settled in Goshen, Indiana, to be near relatives and attempted to open a store, which was subsequently destroyed by fire under suspicious circumstances. Local townspeople falsely accused the Gumbinskys of arson for insurance purposes, reflecting prevalent antisemitic stereotypes of the 19th century.

In 1878, the family, facing adversity, relocated to the South Side of Indianapolis, the current site of Shapiro’s Deli’s parking lot. During the late 19th century, Jewish immigrants in this area encountered significant prejudice, as Indianapolis was predominantly inhabited by White Anglo-Saxon Protestants and lacked cultural diversity. The densely populated immigrant neighborhood was frequently labeled a “ghetto” by the local non-Jewish press and sometimes referred to as “Little Judea.” Eastern European Jews were often perceived as foreign and unsophisticated, even by members of the earlier, more established German-speaking Jewish community.

Despite the constraints of their crowded, industrial Indianapolis neighborhood, Albert and his brother Harry pursued their ambitions. They emerged as influential figures in popular music and culture, contributing to the establishment of Tin Pan Alley in New York, which transformed American music by producing numerous popular songs. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” has become an anthem for individuals who aspire to connect with the core of American culture.

Currently, there are renewed efforts by some negative forces to marginalize Jewish Americans and obscure their significant contributions to the nation.

With this history in mind, the Indiana Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation (JASHP) initiated the creation of a historical marker for “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Jerry from JASHP was so enthusiastic about the idea that he sought to expand the project nationally, offering the marker to any ballpark interested. Our initial proposal to Albert Von Tilzer’s hometown was declined, and subsequent outreach to numerous other ballparks was met with either no response or outright rejection. I suggested to Jerry that we approach the South Bend Cubs, who are already connected to the song through Harry Caray and to Indiana’s Jewish history by featuring a historic repurposed synagogue as their gift shop. The South Bend Cubs embraced the educational historical marker’s message of inclusivity, its connection to local Jewish history, and the legacy of Harry Caray, whose iconic rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Chicago Cubs games remains legendary.

We invite you to join us in celebration:

The dedication of the “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” Historical Marker will take place on Friday, May 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm EST, adjacent to the courtyard of the Historic Sons of Israel Ball Park Synagogue inside Four Winds Field. The event will begin with a keynote address by Rabbi Michael Friedland, and refreshments will be provided courtesy of South Bend Challah Company.

Michael Brown
Executive Director,
Indiana Jewish Historical Society

I remember it as the day the Earth stood still.

I fell in my apartment and crushed a section of my spine. In a blink of an eye, I went from being a perfectly healthy 69-year-old man to a quadriplegic. Confined to a nursing home after the accident, time took on a different form. Days were longer. Evenings were quieter. The rhythm of life I once knew—meetings, deadlines, spending time with friends—was replaced by stillness.

And then there were Fridays.

Every Friday afternoon, without fail, my best friend would walk through those doors. He came from a full life—work responsibilities, family obligations, the constant demands that pull at all of us. Yet he carved out that time, week after week, to sit beside me.

We would talk about business. We would dissect world politics. We would laugh about family stories. Sometimes we debated; sometimes we solved imaginary problems; sometimes we simply reflected. The topics mattered—but what mattered more was that he showed up.

Reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom years ago, I was moved by the ritual of weekly visits between Albom and his former professor, Morrie Schwartz. Their Tuesdays became sacred space—structured time devoted not to productivity, but to meaning. Not to achievement, but to connection.

In a different setting, our Fridays became something similar.

Unlike Morrie, I was not facing a terminal diagnosis. Unlike Mitch, my friend was not returning to a former teacher. But the essence was the same: intentional presence. In a season when I could not move freely in the world, someone chose to enter my world.

There is something profoundly humbling about being visited. It strips away pride. It reminds you that independence is not the only measure of dignity. When someone comes simply because you matter to them, it reorders your understanding of success, loyalty, and love.

Those Fridays gave structure to my week. They gave me anticipation. They reminded me that my mind was still active, that my opinions still had value, that my friendships were not contingent on mobility or status.

In Tuesdays with Morrie, one of the central lessons is that love and human connection are what endure. Achievement fades. Busyness dissolves. What remains is who sat with you when you needed sitting with.

My friend may not have realized it, but those visits carried me. They preserved my sense of identity. They strengthened my resolve to heal. They reminded me that even in confinement, life was still expansive when shared.

Then, not too long ago, the Earth stood still again. My dear friend Moshe passed away while visiting his family in Israel. I am still in shock but determined to use the strength he imparted on me because that is the way he would have wanted it.

We all have the opportunity to create our own “Tuesdays” or “Fridays.” They don’t require grand gestures. Just consistency. Just presence. Just the willingness to say: You matter enough for me to be here.

For that gift, I am forever grateful.

Dennis Kaplan
Community Contributor

We have three grandchildren who were born and raised in Israel. Our son and daughter-in-law made Aliyah in 2005. Ten years ago, when they were visiting America, our granddaughter Moriyah (now age 14) was with her mother in a shopping mall. Out of the blue, she turned and asked her mother, “Mommy, where will we go if a siren goes off?”

In that one question, Moriyah encapsulated what Israelis have been facing for decades. It’s a brutal reality that many Americans cannot comprehend.

Since 2007, the year Hamas took control of Gaza, nearly 20,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza, with the targets being Israeli civilians. All this was before the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7th, 2023. It was the Islamic Republic of Iran that supplied those rockets to Hamas along with the funding and training to build their own rockets.

Nearly 20 years of Hamas rocket attacks caused the countless sirens that sent our family to seek shelter. The accumulated trauma of those attacks impacted our granddaughter along with thousands of Israeli children. What is their motivation?

Iran and its terror proxies, especially Hamas and Hezbollah, have one deadly obsession: the destruction of Israel. That’s why Iran has provided an endless supply of weapons, funding, and training to these terror proxies for decades.

History is our witness.

With the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, there was a real hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians through the two-state solution. That’s when Hamas and other Palestinian terror organizations, backed by Iran, embarked on a campaign of terror to literally blow up those hopes for peace.

Between 1993 and 2005, Hamas and other terror organizations carried out more than 150 suicide bombings in Israeli cities on buses, in restaurants and in shopping malls, killing over 1,000 Israeli civilians.

Fast forward to 2024.

In the middle of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, Iran began to fire ballistic missiles at Israeli civilians to support Hamas. Because these missiles carry warheads that are much larger and more deadly than rockets from Hamas, the Iranian missile threat to Israeli civilians became clear.

During the 12-day war in June 2025, there was a hope that Iran’s ballistic missile program and efforts to develop nuclear weapons would be set back for years. That was not the case.

After the war, Iran began to rapidly reconstitute its ballistic missile program. In recent negotiations, Iran refused to negotiate in good faith with the Trump administration, and it became obvious that Iran is determined to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran’s ballistic missile program also serves another purpose: to shield Iran’s ongoing efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

In the current war, Iran has fired more than 400 ballistic missiles at Israel killing 23 civilians and wounding more than 4,500 (as of March 23, 2026.) The use of cluster warheads on these missiles makes them even more dangerous. In addition, Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets and drones at northern Israel.

For Israel’s political and security leadership, the urgency of launching this military operation was clear. Although Israel has an excellent missile defense system, it is not perfect. An even larger arsenal of ballistic missiles in the hands of Iran could overwhelm Israel’s missile defense system and pose an existential threat to Israel.

Israelis don’t agree on many things. Yet for this military operation, there is a strong national consensus. Israelis cannot tolerate a nuclear and ballistic missile threat in the hands of a regime that repeatedly calls for their destruction.

For those who think Iran is only a threat to Israel, we are now seeing the danger posed to Iran’s Arab neighbors in the Gulf. Since the outbreak of this war, Iran has launched more than 3,000 missiles and drones at Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia.

How does all this impact the national security of the United States?

According to expert reports, Iran is also pursuing the development of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM’s) that can reach the United States. And Iran’s ability to close the Straits of Hormuz to shipping threatens the international economy.

Iran’s growing ballistic missile threat—combined with its determination to develop nuclear weapons—already poses a clear and imminent danger to Israel, the United States, and the entire Middle East. A regime whose leaders chant “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” must not be allowed to fulfill those threats.

With this military operation, America and Israel are doing the world a favor so that no child will have to ask, “…where will we go if a siren goes off?”

Bob Feferman is former Community Relations Director for the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley

Author Reuven Fenton is joining us for a Q & A Zoom session on February 12th to discuss his debut novel, Goyhood. Mr. Fenton gave us a personalized note:

I’m a longtime reporter for the New York Post covering myriad stories, usually of a breaking news nature but not always. In the spare moments I can squeeze out of my days, I write novels; I’m actually a few months away from completing my second one. Goyhood is my first, and it was based on an idea that came to me on a whim one day—wouldn’t it be interesting if a deeply Orthodox Jew discovered one day that he wasn’t Jewish, according to Jewish law. I wrote the story without outlining, as is my way, and over the course of many drafts the story came together. I hadn’t planned on it being a road trip book—I hadn’t planned anything—but it fell into that subgenre in a totally organic way. What better way for a protagonist to deal with an existential crisis such as Mayer’s than to get on the road?

I was pleased with how the book turned out, and doubly pleased that it became a sort of cult hit with book clubs—mostly Jewish, but not all. I’ve been lucky to have joined some 100 book clubs since the novel came out to discuss it. If you’re keen for more material for this writeup, I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. If you’d like, you can add that I see the two brothers, Mayer and David, as a representation of the duality of the sacred and profane that many people, me included, struggle with. The idea that they start out estranged and become united is supposed to represent the bonding of two extremes into a single, ideal human being.

You may order his book from this link.

If you are new to the Jewish Federation Book Club, please register for the February 12 Zoom meeting at this link.

As a follow-up to last time, two of us got together to watch the 2024 film Nightbitch, and we both agreed it clearly distinguished the main character’s fantasy from reality, portrayed her sympathetically, and showed her art as artistic rather than grossly nauseating. This was the rare case in which we believed the film was better than the book.

One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter

This novel follows Lili (Lilliana) Passigli who before the Nazi occupation, has been a complacent Italian Jewish daughter all her life, enjoying her safe existence. However, as the war accelerates, Lili is living with her best-friend-turned-family, Ester Reiss. When Esti joins the Italian Resistance, while critically injured she insists that Lili should escape with Esti’s toddler,

Theo. Lili reluctantly abandons her friend, and she Theo must survive by pretending to be mother and son. Constantly dependent on dangerous yet deliberate acts of courage and kindness during their flight through war-torn Italy, Lili discovers how a single moral choice can ripple outward, saving lives.

Our group enjoyed the perspective of WWII Italy, the somewhat “lightness” of the subject matter building on strength of character rather than detailed depictions of the Holocaust. Others thought the depictions unrealistic, possibly too light. My favorite part was—without spoiling any details—an ironic twist involving Mussolini.

Beth Buechler, Community Contributor

Upcoming Book Discussions (Subject to Change):

• January 8: The Housekeeper and the Professor, Yoko Ogawa

• February 12: Goyhood, Reuven Fenton [the author is joining us on the Zoom]

• March 12: Satisfaction Café, Kathy Wang

• April 9: Memorial Days, Geraldine Brooks

• May 14: Confederates in the Attic, Tony Horwitz

• June 11: El Dorado Drive, Megan Abbott

Unless otherwise directed, the Federation Book Club meets via Zoom at 4 PM on the 2nd Thursday of the month. See above for contact information if you’d like to join.

It was in South Bend that I first fell in love with the diversity of Judaism and developed a deep commitment to the unity of the Jewish people. When Debby Barton Grant welcomed me onto the Federation staff in 2012, I embraced every opportunity to learn. Later, when Karen Dwyer retired after 36 years as office manager, I was honored that Ben Davis and the board entrusted me to follow in her footsteps as Director of Operations.

I served in that role until December 2021. Working alongside Moshe Kruger z”l through the challenges of COVID—and witnessing his boundless optimism for the future of our community—helped me envision success even in uncertain times. He reinforced for me the idea that chaos can create opportunity. When the opportunity arose to lead the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana as Executive Director, the most difficult part of the decision was leaving this community.

Over the past four years, I have built upon the foundation formed in South Bend. My experience across all facets of Federation work came together in meaningful ways, preparing me for the unique responsibilities of executive leadership. I also gained experience navigating the rapid changes facing the Jewish community. This included deepening my work combating antisemitism and prioritizing the creation of secure Jewish spaces. I expanded my learning by earning a Certificate in Jewish Leadership from the Spertus Institute in Chicago, in partnership with Northwestern University. Most importantly, I continued to learn from the community I served and the staff I supervised, ensuring we remained responsive to the evolving needs of our members and congregational partners.

Two years ago, when Moshe shared his plans to retire and encouraged me to consider returning to South Bend, it felt distant—but it planted a seed. The idea of coming home to serve the community that shaped me stayed with me. I am heartbroken that I won’t have the opportunity to work alongside Moshe during this transition, and I already miss the passionate way I imagine he would update me on all that has changed over the past four years.

Despite my history with the St. Joseph Valley community, this role feels like a brand-new adventure. Four years can bring both subtle and monumental change. I look forward to reconnecting with so many of you and to meeting others for the first time. I am eager to hear your hopes, your concerns, and your visions for the future of our Federation. Wherever you are on your Jewish journey, I look forward to learning—and relearning—how Federation can continue to enrich the ways you engage with and embrace your Jewish identity.

As I focus on moving home over the next few weeks, I know the Federation remains in excellent hands thanks to the dedication of our staff. I am grateful to Steve Lotter, Interim Executive Director, for his willingness to lead during this transition and for his continued commitment to our community.

I am deeply thankful for this opportunity and excited for what lies ahead. I look forward to connecting with everyone in 2026 and in the meantime wish everyone a safe and happy New Year.

Emily Benedix
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
Click here to email Emily

It was so meaningful to see our community gathered at the recent Downtown Menorah Lighting at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend. In addition to lighting the giant chanukiah in the plaza, we had the privilege of publicly honoring eight individuals who bring light to others throughout the year — our 2025 Community Lamplighters.

2025 Community Lamplighters

Bob Feferman has long been a bridge-builder in our community — open-minded, even-keeled, and always extending a hand in friendship. He has been a guiding force behind the Israeli Emissary program and a steady voice of insight and education. Through his leadership, Bob has fostered meaningful interfaith relationships and strengthened connections across our broader community with thoughtfulness and respect.

Bonny Hoover is often the first to volunteer, offering her time and care quietly and consistently, week after week. She looks after others behind the scenes without being asked, simply because she sees a need and steps in. To many, Bonnie has been a guardian angel — a steady, compassionate presence for people during moments when they need it most.

Bekki Lindow & Tammie Blackman Brown care for our Jewish cemetery with grace, sensitivity, and deep respect. In moments of loss, they offer grieving families comfort and reassurance, ensuring every detail is handled with dignity. Their tireless dedication honors both the memory of those who have passed and the families they leave behind, preserving a sacred space with compassion and care.

For 30 years, Rabbi Michael Friedland has served not only Sinai Synagogue, but the entire South Bend area through his advocacy for its most vulnerable citizens. Kind, compassionate; patient, and caring. Learned, thoughtful, considerate, wise, and with it! He will be missed upon his retirement in June, but he can be counted on to continue giving back to our city as a friend, father and grandfather, scholar, personal advisor, and community leader.

Mary Fisher is this year’s lamplighter for Temple Beth-El. Mary is a quiet person who spreads light wherever she goes, especially through her skills as a cook and baker. She brings meals and challah to community members, bakes beautiful challah for our Shabbat celebrations, and always says yes when asked to help with anything. We are grateful to have her bringing light in everything she does.

Rebecca Wagman, a sophomore at Penn High School, has brought light to our community through her work establishing and organizing the Jewish Culture Club at Penn. When she started this club, it was because she saw something missing—a space for Jewish students at Penn to connect, feel seen, and celebrate their identity. In a school full of clubs for other faiths, she made sure Judaism had a voice. Thanks to her vision, this club not only strengthens Jewish visibility but also opens the door for others to learn about and appreciate Jewish culture.

Eight years ago, Jody Freid inspired our community with an idea: we should come together at Chanukah and stand proudly as a Jewish community in the public square. Because Jody is so well-connected, we were to invite South Bend’s mayor, then Pete Buttigieg and now Mayor James Mueller. Throughout the year, Jody lights the way for new folks to our Jewish community to find where they fit in, introducing them to our Rabbis, to new friends at synagogue, and creating new points of connection. Jody is the ultimate people person and exudes a welcoming presence that benefits our entire Jewish community.

Welcoming Our New Executive Director, Emily Benedix

A Message from Cristyne Porile, President of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Benedix as our Federation’s new Executive Director, effective January 12, 2026.

Many of you will remember Emily from her years of service within our Federation before she moved on to broaden her experience. During that time, she played a vital role in our development, community outreach, and staff support. Her return feels like welcoming back family—someone who knows our values, history, and the spirit that drives our work.

Emily comes to us with four years of Executive Director experience. She is completing her tenure at Northwest Indiana’s Federation, where she strengthened partnerships and advanced community programs. Her leadership and expertise make her exceptionally well-prepared for this role.

What stands out most about Emily is not only her professional skill but her heart for this community. She is deeply committed to building on the foundation laid by her predecessors and carrying forward the vision of unity, compassion, and connection that defines our organization.

We also acknowledge the profound loss of Moshe Kruger z”l, our beloved former Executive Director, whose leadership and extraordinary vision shaped us in countless ways. As we step into this new chapter, Emily’s guidance will help us honor his legacy while moving forward together.

Beginning January 12, Emily will meet with staff, volunteers, partners, and community members to listen, learn, and reconnect. I am confident her thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach will inspire confidence as we chart a hopeful path ahead.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Emily back to our community as she steps into her new role as Executive Director. We look forward to working with her as we honor our past, embrace our present, and begin to chart a new, thoughtful, and hopeful path into our future.

Cristyne Porile
President of the Board of Directors
president@thejewishfed.org

A Message from Steve Lotter, Interim Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley

Over the last two and a half weeks, I’ve been humbled to take on a leadership role during a time of immense loss for our community. As of November 21, 2025, I have officially assumed the position of Interim Executive Director of our Jewish Federation and will serve in this capacity until our incoming director, Emily Benedix, joins us in January.

I bring over three years of experience as our Jewish Federation’s Director of Community Engagement & Marketing, where I’ve focused on strengthening relationships within both the Jewish community and the broader Michiana region. In addition to leading engagement initiatives, I serve as editor of Our Community Newsletter and as Director of the Michiana Jewish Film Festival, roles that have deepened my commitment to cultural enrichment and community connection. This past year, I completed the Jewish Federations of North America’s year-long Executive Accelerator program, further equipping me with the strategic and leadership skills necessary to excel in this short-term role.

As our professional team transitions to new leadership over the next six weeks, I want you to feel complete confidence in our ability to lead. At the center of this effort is our Director of Operations and Finance, Dan Cossman—a steady, driving force behind the scenes who ensures our Federation runs efficiently and responsibly. Dan will continue to provide trusted guidance and handle all matters related to operations and finance.

The rest of our Federation team is ready to rise to this moment—not only as a community grieving the loss of a beloved leader, but as a community with tremendous opportunity ahead. Together, we can build on the foundation laid by our late Executive Director, Moshe Kruger z”l, and continue his example of connection and community building. This dedicated team includes Jordan Price, Director of Programming & Community Relations; Dr. Louise Williams, Administrative Assistant and project lead for Voices of the Future; Rabbi Fred Nebel, Director of Jewish Family Services; Omer Karavani, Israeli Emissary; and Ben Barwick, Facilities Associate. Each of them brings unique strengths and unwavering commitment to our mission.

Join us as we lean into the important work of community building in the months ahead. Mark your calendars for our 2026 Campaign Kickoff Comedy Showcase on Saturday, December 13, and our 8th Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Downtown South Bend on Sunday, December 14. Plus, spread the word about this year’s Winter Camp Ideal—December 22–26—featuring a STEAM focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Music) for children.

Together, let’s continue to bring Jewish joy and connection to our community.

Steve Lotter
Interim Executive Director
steve@thejewishfed.org
(574) 233-1164 x1805

It is late on Saturday night as I write this reflection from my hotel room in Washington D.C. I’m in town for the General Assembly, the annual gathering of Jewish communal leaders, philanthropists, professionals, and community partners from across North America. But my heart and mind are in South Bend.

It isn’t easy to leave behind a community still mourning our leader and friend, Moshe Kruger. In some ways, I still feel frozen in the exact moment when I first heard the news that he had passed away unexpectedly during a trip to see family in Israel. Sitting around the conference table, joined by my colleagues and our board president Cristyne Porile, all of us were in complete and utter shock. How could this happen? I had just heard from Moshe much earlier in the day via email. Even while in Israel, his heart and mind were still in our community, nurturing his team with advice and words of encouragement from halfway around the world. None of this was surprising—that’s just the kind of leader Moshe was.

And now, in his absence, I find myself doing the same thing from D.C.—continuing to think of ways we can strengthen our mission of nurturing authentic, meaningful Jewish experiences in greater South Bend, and how we can discover new points of connection within our community, so that everyone feels part of a vibrant tapestry woven together by shared values and the belief that, together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. Moshe believed this in his bones, and he sought to awaken that same sense of purpose in others. He certainly inspired that conviction in all of us who worked alongside him.

Federation means family is not just words, it’s our actions. It’s showing up for the most vulnerable among us, especially in times of need. This week, I saw our community come together to hold Moshe’s loved ones in our arms during this time of heartache and hardship; making meals, sharing memories, sending condolences, and joining our voices in song and prayer. And I saw our Federation staff put in long hours to make sure we could continue moving forward, despite our state of grief. I am incredibly proud to be among this group of dedicated professionals who truly care for the community we serve. Thank you to Dan Cossman, Jordan Price, Louise Williams, Omer Karavani, Rabbi Fred Nebel, and Ben Barwick for being there for each other and all of us when it mattered most.

Moshe left this world far too soon—his devotion to family and passion for our community were still overflowing. His final words in our staff group chat were, “Sending my love from the Holy Land.” We knew he meant it.

Steve Lotter
Interim Executive Director,
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley

Contact at:
steve@thejewishfed.org
(574) 233-1164 x1805

After two long years, all the surviving hostages have finally returned home. Our hearts, however, still ache for those who did not. As an uneasy calm settles over Gaza, we now face a moment of profound uncertainty. What comes next—for Israel, for the U.S.–Israel relationship, and for Israel’s place on the global stage?

The fighting may have paused, but the world’s judgment has not. True healing and renewed legitimacy will require more than military quiet—it demands rebuilding what’s been broken. While the deeper analysis of Middle East dynamics lies beyond this message, it presents a rich opportunity for future adult education here at the Federation.

What I can say with conviction is this: as we look to the days ahead, we are reminded that we must continue to be voices of compassion and perseverance. Our enduring message—even after devastation—is that life continues. Faith continues. Joy, however fragile, returns.

The world is watching—not only what we say, but how we say it. In sharing our stories of heartbreak and healing, of courage and conviction, we help shape this moment. Our refusal to give up on hope gives us strength, and agency.

A Community of Strength

As we enter the New Year, I want to say this clearly: we need each other now more than ever. The Federation’s mission is simple but powerful—no Jew should feel alone.

In the wake of October 7, we’ve experienced:

• Unprecedented trauma

• A staggering rise in antisemitism

• Unfathomable media bias

• Deepening polarization

And yet, we have also witnessed moments that define and strengthen our community—right here in South Bend.

Together, through our five pillars, we are shaping the future of Jewish life:

• Security: In partnership with SCN, Safe Indiana, and local law enforcement, we create a protective umbrella so we can celebrate Jewish life safely and without fear.

• Advocacy: Through our Community Relations Committee, we amplify Jewish voices, engage in interfaith outreach, and advocate on critical issues like Israel, antisemitism, and Holocaust education.

• Engagement: We actively reach out to all segments of our Jewish community, especially young adults, offering meaningful ways to connect.

• Community: We share the richness of Jewish culture, tradition, and pride—not just within our community but with the broader public.

• Sustainability: We are committed to building long-term strength and resilience, ensuring Jewish life thrives locally and globally for generations.

It is because of your support that this work is possible. Your commitment fuels our mission and keeps us strong—as one.

The mystics teach that in every moment, the world is being created anew.
The first divine act was creation. And the invitation of Beresheit is this:
We, too, are called to be creators.

With patience, curiosity, and courage, we can break free from old patterns and write a new chapter—one that seeds a more hopeful and generative future.

May we draw strength from one another, find faith in our shared purpose,
and hold fast to hope in the promise of tomorrow.

Moshe Kruger
Executive Director
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley

Click here to pledge your support to our 2026 Annual Campaign

This message feels particularly timely for me as I begin my role as Director of Programming here at the Federation. Like Rosh Hashanah, my work is about renewal: creating new opportunities, while remembering and learning from what has come before. As someone who has recently returned to the South Bend Jewish community after many years away, I rely on your insights and conversations to guide this work.

One recent conversation was about restarting our Jewish Art Fair, which hasn’t taken place since COVID (not to be confused with our Fine Art Exhibitions). As someone who wasn’t here for the last few decades, I wouldn’t have known about it without that suggestion. This is exactly how meaningful programming takes shape—not in a silo, but together. So, if you see me at an event, say hi. Send me an email with ideas. Or stop by the Federation—I’d love to meet you and hear what matters most to you.

We recently saw a powerful model of the programming we aspire to: thanks to Bob Feferman’s persistence—after four attempts—we welcomed Dr. Khaled Atalla, Director of the Emergency Department at Galilee Medical Center, who described the day-to-day coexistence of Arabs, Bedouins, Druze, and Jews at his hospital in Nahariya. The feedback from our survey was incredible, and it affirmed that our community values these kinds of people-to-people programs—programs that inspire hope, highlight positive stories from Israel, and connect us with interfaith partners like Sunnyside Presbyterian Church.

And this is just the beginning. Looking ahead:

October 5 — A Conversation with Guy M.: A member of the elite 669 IDF rescue unit and one of the first responders at Kibbutz Re’im and the Nova Festival, Guy will share his firsthand account. Please come—this is a rare opportunity to hear him directly. Due to Israeli Air Force security protocols, this will not be on Zoom.

October 12 – Pizza in the Hut: Our Sukkot celebration for families, with music, Israeli dancing, and arts & crafts.

Rosh Hashanah teaches us that creation, remembrance, and renewal are all connected. Just as our ancestors looked at this season as a time of past reflection and future possibility, we too can see it as an opportunity to reimagine what our community can become—together. May this year be one of growth, creativity, and connection for all of us.

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah —wishing you a sweet and meaningful new year.

Jordan Price
Director of Programming
(574) 233-1164 x1811
jordan@thejewishfed.org

It’s hard to believe that next month we will mark the 2nd anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023. This past year, just when we thought things would get easier for the people of Israel, they got even harder with ballistic missile attacks from Iran and its proxies.

Through their amazing example, we have important lessons to learn from the people of Israel and their incredible courage, strength, and resilience. These lessons can help shape the future of the American-Jewish community.

Last spring, the Houthis in Yemen began to fire missiles at Israel in the middle of the night. The sirens would wake up millions of Israelis and send them to seek shelter.

Then, on June 13th, came the surprise attack of the Israel Air Force on Iran’s nuclear program. The attack was hailed as largely successful in helping to significantly delay a serious threat to the existence of Israel. Yet these were extremely difficult days for the people of Israel.

In what became known as the 12-day war, Iran retaliated by launching 550 ballistic missiles at Israel. The heavy warheads on these missiles were very dangerous.

Despite Israel’s excellent missile defense system, 31 of these missiles evaded interception and struck civilian apartment buildings and a hospital. During these 12 days, 28 Israeli civilians were killed and more than 3,000 were wounded.

Our son’s family, including our daughter-in-law and three grandchildren, who live in Rehovot, spent even more sleepless nights running to shelter. Our ten-year-old grandson didn’t want to go to sleep because he knew there would be a siren. As you will hear shortly, our son was stuck in Cypress after returning from an American speaking tour.

On one night, a missile struck an apartment building less than a mile from their home wounding dozens and causing serious damage. Needless to say, Bob and I spent many hours watching live Israeli television and communicating with our family to make sure everyone was ok.

Although we know that the people of Israel are strong and resilient, what does this actually look like in time of war?

During this 12-day war with Iran, our congregants Ashley and Eric Jacobsen happened to be in Israel on vacation with their two children. When they planned the trip, they knew they were going to a country already at war in Gaza. Little did they know they would find themselves in the middle of a much bigger war.

Ashley wrote this about their experiences.

“As we sat in the bomb shelter, particularly for the first time, I saw absolutely no fear in the eyes of the parents or their young children, who trusted in Hashem that we would be safe. This was nothing new for them. They were selfless in their attitudes, showing more concern for making sure everyone in the building made it to the shelter, than for the fact that we could hear the echoes of missiles outside.”

As I mentioned, on June 13th our son Dan was returning to Israel from a speaking tour in America. Little did he know that a few hours before landing, Israel had launched the attack on Iran. Just 20 minutes before landing, his plane was suddenly diverted to Cyprus out of fear over an Iranian missile attack. He was stuck there for a week.

Along with more than 100,000 Israelis who were on vacation in Europe, Dan was desperate to find a way to return home to be with his family. Then, the government of Israel jumped into action. For the first time in history, they organized rescue flights, not to leave Israel, but to return to Israel.

The Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder explained it like this. “I love us. We are the only people in the world who will rescue themselves into a war zone.”

Finally, one week later, Dan landed in Israel on one of the first El Al rescue flights.

When he came into the airport, he said this on his Facebook page: “Just landed in Ben Gurion Airport. We landed one plane at a time. It’s incredible the length this country has gone through to repatriate its citizens. And it says something about our citizens that in time of war we don’t want to run away from our country. We want to come home. This is an all-hands-on deck country.”

The question is this: where do Israelis draw their strength from?

On May 15th, in a powerful speech titled, “The State of World Jewry,” the popular podcast host Dan Senor, was able to draw upon lessons from Israelis during this war that can inspire us all.

He said: “We—the Jewish people—should look to Israel not simply for its defense innovation or health care advances. We should look to Israelis for their clarity, their purpose, their deep sense of identity.”

He retold the story of the American Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, of blessed memory, who was kidnapped on October 7th, 2023, and murdered by Hamas in captivity.

Senor said: “Hersh spent just three days with a fellow hostage named Eli Sharabi in the tunnels of Gaza.

In that time, Hersh taught Eli a lesson that would change his life. He quoted the psychologist and Holocaust survivor Victor Frankl who wrote: He who has a “why” will find the “how.”

As Dan Senor said: “Israelis have a why.”

He then retold the story of Agam Berger, another captive of Hamas.

“Agam Berger, held in captivity for 450 days, had a why. After her release, she said: “As my ancestors did, I learned that imprisonment can’t overwhelm the inner spiritual life. Our faith and covenant with God—the story we remember on Passover—is more powerful than any cruel captor.

“Even as Hamas tried to coerce me into converting to Islam—at times, forcing a hijab on my head—they couldn’t take my soul.” Her friend, Liri Albag, fashioned a Hagadah out of whatever materials she could find in captivity, and they marked the Passover Seder together, yearning for redemption.”

Senor asks a profound question: “What is our why? Why are we here? Are we truly owning the story we’re living in? These are not theoretical questions. They are practical and will determine the future of our families and our communities.”

The speech given by Dan Senor is truly inspiring, and I highly recommend taking time to watch it on YouTube.

That brings me to the question I want to pose to you tonight: Do you have a Jewish “why”? How would you answer the question: Why is Judaism important to you and your family?

As a Rabbi, I can give many answers. Maybe the most important one has to do with our children and grandchildren.

As we all know, in this new age of artificial intelligence, we are entering unchartered territory. While this technology has many benefits, it also has many dangers.

So, I ask the question: where would you like your children and grandchildren to receive their values: from a smart phone? From ChatGPT? Or would you want them to learn values from the scrolls of the Torah behind me that have inspired and guided our people for over three thousand years.

And where would you like to find a sense of community? Will you find it on Facebook, or in the synagogue by coming together with other Jews to worship?

If you have a “Jewish why” that guides you in your lives, I have no doubt that you will find answers to these and other questions by seeking a stronger connection to our faith, our community and to the Jewish people.

Now more than ever, we need Judaism in our lives.

The philosopher Micah Goodman wrote, “Participation in religious rituals creates balance in our intense Western lives. It provides intimacy in a world that has lost its intimacy and community in a world that has eroded community.

Over the past two years, Israelis have shown us the immense power of having a “why” to guide them in their lives and give them a sense of purpose. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, let us learn from their examples.

I’ll finish by sharing the words of Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh of blessed memory. She shared this prayer for the new year saying: “May we all be inscribed in the book of hope, the book of life, the book of miracles and the book of freedom.”

Shanah tova,
Rabbi Shoshana Feferman
Temple Israel, Valparaiso, Indiana

It’s been six years since I left, but the memories and deep connection I feel toward this special community have remained close to my heart. I’m overjoyed to see familiar faces again and to reconnect with so many of you after all this time.

This time, I’m honored to return as part of a delegation from Access Israel—the leading organization in Israel promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and the elderly. Our mission is to ensure that every person—regardless of ability—can live with dignity, independence, and full participation in society.

We’re here to present a unique and impactful initiative called the Purple Vest Mission—an international emergency preparedness program that provides life-saving support to people with disabilities and the elderly during crises such as war or natural disasters. The Purple Vest Mission creates practical systems to ensure that the most vulnerable are never left behind when emergencies strike.

It’s hard to put into words how excited I am to return and share this message with such a community that has meant so much to me. South Bend gave me a warm home and unforgettable experiences, and it is a true honor to come back and present a meaningful project from Israel—one that reflects the very best of who we are.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Bob Feferman, the Community Relations Director, and his successor Jordan Price, CRC Chair Barb Lerman, and the entire CRC Committee, who made this visit possible. I also thank The Simon Foundation of Temple Beth-El for co-sponsoring the event.

Thank you for once again opening your hearts and giving us the opportunity to share a different, hopeful, and inspiring side of Israel.

The past two years have been incredibly challenging for us in Israel—as many of you know and follow closely. But amidst the heartbreak, there are also powerful stories of resilience, solidarity, and grassroots initiatives that bring people together.

Access Israel’s work transcends all boundaries. Our programs include people from across Israeli society—Jews and Arabs, orthodox and secular, people of all backgrounds—united by a shared commitment to dignity, accessibility, and human connection. Because when a person has a disability, it doesn’t matter where they come from, what matters is how we care for one another.

I am so proud to represent this spirit and to bring it back to a community that helped shape me and continues to inspire me. Please join us at the Federation on Thursday, November 13th at 7:30 PM. Register at TheJewishFed.org/Access.

With deep gratitude and love,
Karin Wasserman
Resource Development Manager
Access Israel

As we enter 5786, the Federation remains committed to ensuring that everyone can find meaning, connection, and belonging in our Jewish community. Through our programs, we aim to create opportunities to engage, support one another, and draw strength from our shared identity.

The beauty of Jewish life lies in our enduring traditions, collective values, and unwavering responsibility to one another. These bonds have sustained us through history’s most difficult chapters. And while today’s divisions may feel deep, our unity has always been deeper.

Now more than ever, the Federation and its partners have a civic responsibility to engage the broader Jewish community—and beyond—in the Jewish values of machloket l’shem shamayim (sacred disagreement) and elu v’elu (honoring multiple voices).

The Federation was built on a powerful idea: that by fostering communal leadership and connection, we can build stronger, more resilient communities. For over 80 years, our Federation has worked to nurture a caring, inclusive, and unified Jewish community grounded in our shared heritage.

As a pluralistic organization, we honor and embrace diversity across ethnicity, national origin, denomination, race, age, gender, identity, orientation, ability, and socioeconomic background.

Each of us carries a story shaped by our experiences and perspectives. These differences push us to listen, learn, and grow. They build empathy. They strengthen our collective resolve. And when we face adversity—as we inevitably do—it is our unity in diversity that helps us rise, again and again.

Let’s not fear our differences. Let’s celebrate them. Because in them, we find resilience. We find courage. We find each other.

In that spirit of unity—not uniformity—we’re proud to invite you to a special evening celebrating the release of Alba: Beyond Borders, a powerful and personal album by Israeli American pianist Dror Baitel and acclaimed Venezuelan American soprano Maria Brea. The evening will feature an intimate performance of works from the album.

Alba: Beyond Borders reminds us that music—like identity—knows no borders. It is a living testament to resilience, renewal, and shared humanity. Born from the recital Voces de Venezuela, first performed at Notre Dame in 2023 and recorded in 2024, this project blends the musical traditions of Latin America and the Jewish diaspora.

Sung in Spanish, Ladino, Yiddish, Galego, and Portuguese, the songs reflect universal themes—motherhood, faith, displacement, and the search for home. These stories, of both Latin American and Jewish communities, are a tribute to the historical connection between these two vibrant cultures that dates back over 500 years.

More than a recital, this album is a musical migration—an exploration of layered identities and shared histories. “Alba,” meaning “dawn” in Spanish, symbolizes renewal. And “Beyond Borders” speaks to the album’s heart: transcending divisions to find common ground.

Following the performance, we invite you to a special reception celebrating the album’s release on Thursday, October 9 at 6 PM at the University of Notre Dame’s LaBar Recital Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

Special thanks to the Kapson Cultural Arts Fund for supporting this program.

As the month of Elul ushers in the High Holidays, it invites us to pause — to reflect, to reconnect, and to recommit. This season of soul-searching naturally stirs deep personal reflection, and in this, my final year as your Federation Executive, I find myself looking not just back at the past year, but across the past five and a half years of a shared journey.

I remember my early days here in South Bend — Zoom calls during COVID with the past presidents of the Federation, my informal circle of wise counsel. Again and again, I heard a heartfelt yearning for a bold, unified vision for the future of Jewish life in our community. That call stayed with me. As a servant leader, I embraced it with humility and purpose.

We began by asking the hard questions: Where are we now? What do we need to sustain a vibrant, inclusive Jewish life for generations to come?

The answers were sobering. We recognized the Federation faced long-term sustainability challenges, as our primary donor base is composed of the shrinking congregations at Sinai and Temple. At the same time, our Orthodox community is blossoming with Torah study, growth at the Yeshiva, and new families moving to South Bend. A recent Yale study projects that the Orthodox population in the United States will double by 2063, rising from 12 percent of Jews today to 29 percent.

Facing demographic challenges and the blooming of Orthodoxy, the community building goal of the Federation continues to be deeply rooted in our mission to create something meaningful together — a space where Jewish life can flourish across spiritual, cultural, and intellectual dimensions.

From that vision grew the idea of a Campus for Jewish Life — a “big tent” rooted in Jewish values and open to all expressions of Jewish identity. Though the journey had its ups and downs, we held fast to the belief that together, we could build something transformative.

When Sinai and Temple began exploring their own collaborative path, we hoped to join forces. While they chose to move forward independently, the Federation remained ready — offering land, space, and support in service of a shared future.

In the end, the dream of a joint building with its potential for greater community synergies gave way to short-term individual plans. While that outcome was personally deeply disappointing, it doesn’t mark an end. It’s a reminder: long-term progress is rarely linear, and meaningful change takes time, trust, and tenacity.

So where do we go from here?

We move forward — with hope, with courage, and with clarity.

Every small step we take now is part of a longer arc of rebuilding and reimagining. Our next chapter calls for renewed collaboration, creative thinking, and steadfast commitment to the values that bind us as one people.

As I said in my last Minute with Moshe: Our strength lies in showing up — together. That’s how we build resilience. That’s how we create community. That’s how we ensure a future rooted in both heritage and hope.

Together, let us plant the seeds for what comes next.
Together, let us turn hope into action.

We are what we create next.

May the sound of the shofar awaken our hearts.
May we be inscribed for a year of health, meaning, and peace.

L'shana Tova Tikatevu,
Moshe Kruger

CLICK HERE TO READ AS PDF

Reins of Life

JWEF visited Reins of Life (ROL) on July 2 to see that their grant for $1500 helped ROL purchase a barrel for vaulting practice to enable children to learn their competitive gymnastic postures prior to performing them on a live horse.

Reins of Life serves the mission “to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy.” Those with ADHD, anxiety, amputations, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, depression, Downs Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, PTSD, and at-risk youth participate in a wide range of equine activities, including therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving, interactive vaulting and equine-assisted psychotherapy – even “nuzzles and snuggles” with horses, dogs, and cats. The 400 children and adults who have weekly contact with a horse have improved or developed muscle control, strength and balance, cardio-respiratory function, appropriate emotional responses, self-coping methods, empathy and trust, concentration, sequencing, memory, self-esteem, self-image, basic learning, communication skills and interpersonal relationships while also practicing teamwork and leadership under the direction of the visionary Dr. Dorota Janik, Executive Director.

Visit reinsoflife.org or call at 574-232-0853 for more information.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Donna Ayres, Judy Wein, and Marsha Brook visited St. Vincent de Paul Society’s food pantry in downtown South Bend on July 15 to watch how their $1,000 2024 grant for food was being used. Kristine Hilger, Executive Director, and Deb Horvath, food pantry supervisor, helped them witness how people choose their preferred items, e.g., red enchilada sauce, rice and beans, macaroni and cheese, potatoes, canned tomatoes and other vegetables, canned tuna and chicken, milk, cheese and eggs, as well as diapers, dish soap and laundry detergent, during their monthly visit with the help of some of their 500 volunteers. About fifty individuals/families come each Tuesday or Thursday.

St. Vincent’s conducted 5,461 food pantry visits in 2023-2034 with compassion and dignity to restore hope and prevent homelessness and hunger among the 272,000 St. Joe County, IN residents where nearly 18% of children live in poverty and 46% of families struggle to make ends meet. A family of four needs $72,000 just to survive today. St. Vincent’s also conducts home visits -- 6,237 homes in 2024 -- to offer personalized support to those who cannot come to the food pantry.

St. Vincent’s staff even encourages the homeless to come because they want everyone to feel supported and empowered – to live with dignity, hope, and choice. St. Vincent’s is there to help those in need tackle poverty or a sudden downturn in luck.

Those who want to help can host a food drive or offer a pantry sponsorship. for more information, visit svdpsb.org or call 574-234-6000.

Learn more about JWEF by contacting JWEF@TheJewishFed.org, or call the Federation’s Administrative Assistant, Dr. Louise, at (574) 233-1164, ext. 1820. We would love to talk with you about the good we have proudly done with even more grants.

Donna B. Ayres
President, Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund

I’ve often talked about the importance of budgeting. Sadly, most people live paycheck to paycheck, many of them going into credit card debt to make ends meet. It is an endless cycle that causes stress and anxiety. When presented with the concept of saving, the response is, “I wish! I’m barely making it now. Any extra money I have goes to paying down my debts. And when new bills for repairs come up, they’re never cheap. I need a fairy godmother or a money tree.”

The first step to budgeting is distinguishing between wants and needs. We all need to have a roof over our head, food, clothes, and utilities. Wants, on the other hand, vary from person to person, and time and place.

“Wants” tend to wreak havoc on budgets, because while they are momentary, they are very seductive. Even when wants are calculated into the budget, what do you do when the budgeted allotment has been used? Do you just forgo the desire or move some money from some other pocket, the proverbial “steal from Peter to pay Paul” scenario? Or do you just charge it because it was just too good to pass on?

One thing that I’ve noticed about wants is that once I achieve any of them, they are hardly as good as I thought they would be. The anticipation was more titillating than the actual item I wanted. Then the negative feeling about wasting time, money and/or calories comes back.

The second step to living debt-free is to cancel and cut up your charge cards. If you don’t presently have the money to make the purchase, skip it. The odds are that if you wait a little while, you will have time to think about what is important and if this is an impulse buy versus something that is really needed.

I heard a great plan for living debt-free called the 75-15-10 plan. The plan looks at every dollar brought in and tells us that $.75 is used for our spending. $.15 goes into an investment account, while $.10 is deposited into a savings account. And for those who think, “I can’t do that. I can hardly afford what I’m doing now,” the response is to consider this another tax on your pay.

Nobody brings home their gross pay; they only get their net pay and must make that work. If one sees this $.25 going into another pocket, unlike the taxes, it will grow later in life and will be yours. And you’d be amazed how fast your investments and savings/emergency funds grow. For example, someone bringing home $400 per week would break it down to $300 for expenses, $60 for investment and $40 for savings/emergency fund. In one year, one would have secured $2,080 for emergencies/savings, $3,120 for investments and $15,600 for living expenses as opposed to just spending $20,800 with nothing to show for it.

The “magic” is in following a system. Systems work, may it be weight loss, bodybuilding, studying, financial planning, etc. Find a system that makes sense to you, follow it, and you’ll be amazed at the results.

If you would like to explore this or any other topic, feel free to reach out and make an appointment to talk.

Looking forward to connecting.

Rabbi Fred Nebel
Director of Jewish Family Services
(574) 233-1164 x1806
RabbiNebel@TheJewishFed.org

The high holiday season is coming closer. I’m already thinking about things I can prepare in advance. Each holiday has its own special dishes, things that we traditionally make year after year. In hope of having a sweet year, we incorporate honey into our Rosh Hashanah meals. We dip apple slices in honey. We dip our Challah slices in honey. We lean towards recipes that contain honey. Main courses, side dishes, and desserts tend to be sweet. Honey cake is a common example of a typical Rosh Hashanah dessert.

When I was young, I did not like honey cake. I found it to be very dry. The problem was probably in the recipe. I don’t remember who made the honey cakes I tried in my youth, but those cakes were not moist and delicious. They may have been from a bakery. My mother never made honey cake. I don’t think she cared for it, either. Today, I have wonderful recipes for honey cakes that are not reminiscent of the cakes I didn’t enjoy back in the day. So, it’s all good now.

When my children were little, I came across a recipe for honey cookies. At that point, I kind of assumed that honey cake was an acquired taste and that children were not able to appreciate whatever appeal honey cake was supposed to have. Cookies seemed like a more child-friendly idea. So, for many years I made honey cookies.

Several years ago, I came across a new recipe for honey cookies. That is the recipe that I am sharing with you. Wow, wow, wow – these are so much better than the recipe that I used to make. I’m going to give credit to the spices, as I think that they lend a subtle flavor that pairs so well with the honey in the recipe. Also, these cookies freeze well. With all the holiday meal preparations, it is always nice to have recipes that you can prepare in advance and lighten the workload in the days leading up to the holiday.

Deena Abraham
Community Contributor

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ¾ c. flour

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• Pinch of ginger

• ½ tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. cardamom

• 1 egg

• 1 c. sugar

• ¾ c. oil

• ½ c. honey

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• ½ c. coarse sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cardamom. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, mix the egg and sugar until creamy. Mix in the oil. Mix in honey and vanilla.

3. Mix the flour mixture into the egg mixture.

4. Shape the dough into tablespoon sized balls. Put the coarse sugar into a bowl. Roll each dough ball in the coarse sugar.

5. Place the balls on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Flatten the balls.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 11-12 minutes.

Fast forward decades later and my busy life as a Rabbinical spouse; parent of four; social worker and early childhood educator, left no time for involved musical pursuits! Singing consisted of haftorah and prayer chanting. Or singing with our own children; or with the little ones I taught at the South Bend Hebrew Day School or in Ta’am Shabbat at Sinai Synagogue. But I never lost sight of the desire to pursue more involved musical pursuits such as piano playing or communal singing—both of which gave me such joy.

I am now 62 years old. Fifty-three years after my first and only choir experience; with children grown; responsibilities lessened; and time of my own. Time in which I could finally pursue the joy of communal singing. And I found it in my own backyard at the Jewish Federation of St Joseph Valley that had just created a Jewish Community Choir led by the wonderful Dror Baitel—a gifted and extraordinary musician.

And what a gift! Without any training or experience in performative voice, possessing only a very AVERAGE voice, I have the opportunity to sing and create music with wonderful people, regardless of my own past experiences and abilities.

And this is what makes the Jewish Community Choir so special. It is special because the choir is open to anyone who would like to sing. There are no auditions. Only the desire to sing and be part of a communal experience.

And it is our extraordinary Director, Dror Baitel, who makes it work. Some of us in the choir have performative voices. Some of us read music. Some of us play instruments. And some, like me, have normal voices with no experience, but who just love to sing. And it is Dror who weaves us all together, who makes this tapestry of varying degrees of talent SING, as if we were preparing for Broadway (of which Dror has considerable experience!). It is Dror who makes rehearsals fun, who is always encouraging, non-judgmental, patient, and kind. With Dror’s leadership the choir is collaborative, caring, and helpful, with and to one another, as we learn beautiful songs and harmonies taken from our Jewish and Israeli heritages.

For 90 rehearsal minutes a week, I get to escape the world and bask in the joy of music. It is a long-awaited dream come true. Fifty-three years to be exact. Perhaps, you will join me in this dream. It is here and waiting.

Lizzie Fagen
Community Contributor

Email info@thejewishfed.org if you are interested in joining the Jewish Community Choir.

On Monday, August 4, our Federation Unity Garden received a much-needed refresh, thanks to the hard work of Jordan Price, Mary Fisher, Janice Mudd, Sandy Hall, Bonny Hoover, MarySue Austin, Rabbi Shoshana Kaminsky, and Moshe Kruger, who spent the afternoon pulling weeds and tidying up the space.

The garden is now thriving with peppers, herbs, tomatoes, zucchini, beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, and more! Stay tuned for updates on when this beautiful bounty will be ready to harvest and share.

Want to help keep the garden growing strong?
Email Jordan@TheJewishFed.org to get involved.