and son Max at a welcome cookout with JCC board of directors and staff in the Sablosky Camp Pavilion. Jamil is a CPA who loves the outdoors and Alabama football, and Max is a kindergartener at the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis. They have three rescue dogs (Bea,
and Ollie), and the whole family loves being active together.
NOVEMBER 2024
Meet Sam Dubrinsky, new JCC Indianapolis CEO! Sam started at the end of September and is loving the JCC and greater Indy community. Read more about her background, interests and family on this cover, inside this issue and at JCCindy.org/blog. Volume 29, Issue 11
CHESHVAN 5785
Sam
Jamil
Sally Mae
New JCC Indianapolis CEO Sam Dubrinsky. Some fun facts:
• Loves to cook; currently perfecting gluten-free challah (has Celiac's, so favorite food is a good gluten-free baked good)
• Favorite book: All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren
• Loves theatre; favorite musical is Chicago
• Favorite word: Collaboration. Least favorite phrase: "That's how we've always done it."
Sam handing out snacks at ECE pickup for "Snacking with Sam"
Sam getting to know Mordoh Fitness Center users at "Sippin' With Sam"
PROGRAMS
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
ECE Celebrates Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year)
To celebrate Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year), ECE pre-kindergarten class Pre-K 2 participated in a StoryWalk around the JCC campus to the book Rosh Hashana is Coming by Tracy Newman! Students participated in the same activities that the children in the book did, including "rolling out dough" for round challah bread.
Youth Programs
JCC stalwarts continue in November! Take part in swim lessons, pottery, tennis, and a tNBA basketball Thanksgiving break clinic.
Register for swim lessons, pottery and tennis at JCCindy.org/programs and for the basketball clinic at tnbaindiana.leagueapps.com/camps.
at the
Sat, Nov 16 | 4–10 pm
$40 (+$25/each add’l child) Members
$60 (+$35/each add’l child) Nonmembers
Kosher-style dinner, swim time, movie, crafts, activities ASC Health Form required of every participant
JCCindy.org/kids-late-nights
Thu, Nov 14 | 5:30–7:30 pm | FREE
Enjoy a fun and engaging event for the whole family in the JCC's Laikin Auditorium, designed to get you more involved in your child’s math journey. Mathnasium provides exciting games and activities for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade, with special prizes for participation. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a night of math, learning, and fun!
Register at JCCindy.org/programs
E-Learning Day
Thanksgiving Break MSDWT
The MSDWT day is a regular School's Out Day, NOT a place to do e-Learning Drop-off (8 – 9:30 am) and pick-up (4:30 – 6 pm) outside the Kraft Youth Wing
A 2024-25 ASC Health Form is required of every participant prior to their attending the program Pack every day: lunch, swimsuit, towel, water bottle Register at JCCindy.org/school-holidays-day-camps
*JCC closes at 5 pm on Wed, Nov 27
Questions? Contact Myranda at mtetzlaff@JCCindy.org or Hamilton at hhensel@JCCindy.org
BBYO is the leading pluralistic movement to involve Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences.
Shaking
BBYO has had a busy semester! Next up: Fall convention Nov 15–17.
To learn more about or join BBYO, contact Ethan at 317-532-5996 or ecohen@JCCindy.org.
JCC Maccabi Games
The Indy delegation for the JCC Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style competition for Jewish teens, will be headed to Tucson, AZ July 27-Aug 1! Fifteen (15) spots are available.
Learn more and sign up for more info on the Maccabi Games at JCCindy.org/teen-programs.
BBYO teens gathering to celebrate Sukkot with sushi in the sukkah!
the lulav and etrog at Sushi in the Sukkah
PROGRAMS November Events
Benyamin Cohen The Einstein Effect | Sat, Nov 2 | 8 pm | $10 Award-winning author and journalist Benyamin Cohen's side hustle is manager of Albert Einstein's official social media accounts, which have 20 million followers. Cohen shows the myriad ways Einstein still has influence today — the next time you have pizza delivered, thank Einstein!
Alex Kor A Blessing, Not A Burden | Sun, Nov 3 | 4 pm | FREE Dr. Alex Kor, the son of two Holocaust survivors including Mengele twin Eva Kor who held the controversial stance of forgiving the Nazis, shares life lessons. The book was co-written with Graham Honaker; this is a Spirit & Place Festival program.
Rachel Beanland The House is on Fire | Mon, Nov 4 | 7 pm | $10
This year's Community Reads book, The House is on Fire is a riveting reimagining of one of early America's deadliest tragedies, the Richmond Theater Fire of 1811. The book was named a GMA Buzz Pick by Good Morning America and one of NPR's and The New Yorker 's Best Books of 2023. Beanland is also the author of Florence Adler Swims Forever and will be interviewed by Barb Shoup.
Lee Yaron 10/7: 100 Human Stories | Thu, Nov 7 | 7 pm | FREE 10/7 chronicles the massacre that ignited a war through the stories of more than 100 civilians. Yaron is a decade-long reporter for Haaretz, Israel's oldest and most award-winning newspaper. Prior registration is required.
Heartland Film Award-Winning Shorts | Mon, Nov 11 | 7 pm | $10
A perennial favorite — two great Festivals in one program. Heartland Film will present award-winning shorts, including the hit Indiana-produced Audience Choice Award Winner The Ice Cream Man.
IHC's Justice and Judaism with B.J. Novak Tue, Nov 12 | 6:30 pm | FREE (prior registration required) Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation (6501 N. Meridian St.) Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation welcomes co-executive producer, writer and star of NBC's The Office B.J. Novak to a moderated conversation with Senior Rabbi Brett Krichiver and Cantor Aviva Marer. VIP reception to follow.
information at JCCindy.org/books-arts-festival or
I AM SAM, SAM I AM
Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Sam Dubrinsky spent much of her childhood swimming and going to day camp at the Levite JCC, not knowing that one day she would become the Center's Executive Director. She began her JCC career as a spin instructor (and still misses teaching fitness classes), interned at Birmingham's Jewish Federation in college and eventually become the Director of Community Impact, then moved back into the JCC world when she saw the impact it was making (and loved that she could give back to a space she grew up in). "The JCC is truly part of me, and I believe that the JCC is the future of the Jewish community," she said. "We are the center of the community — not just the Jewish community, but the broader community as well. As we think about how Jews are coming to Jewish life today, the JCC is where many go to feel connected. I believe we truly do holy work, and it's a privilege to do it."
Settled in Springfield
After two years as the Levite JCC's Executive Director, Sam had the opportunity to spread her wings and become CEO of the JCC in Springfield, Massachusetts. While in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic recovery, the board of directors had just approved funds for architectural drawings as part of a capital campaign when a fire broke out, so much of Sam's time in Springfield was spent working through fire remediation, ensuring that programs were still continuing to the best of their ability, and trying to keep the staff glued together while at different locations. Though the fire was devastating, from the ashes the Springfield JCC was able to build three new locker rooms as well as their own JFIT space from two of their racquetball courts (almost identical to the Indy JCC's blueprint), as well as share the JCC's message.
"We took it as an opportunity to really amplify what the JCC was doing because we were at so many different partner agencies we were able to tell our story to about what the JCC was," Sam said. "That ultimately led us to being able to invite local elected officials into the J, helping them realize the impact we made. They fell in love with it and were like, 'We didn't realize that the JCC did all of this.' Developing those relationships resulted in a $1 million grant for renovation and expansion of our early childhood and after school care programs, as well as $50,000 in the Massachusetts state budget for security."
Home in Indy
When Sam found out about the open CEO position at the Indy JCC, she was so excited about the opportunity presented by the JCC community. "I was so impressed with the staff and inspired by the committment of the volunteers. And to be in a facility as diverse as this JCC and to see relationships forming on a grassroots level, with rising antisemitism and hate, is incredible. We're building friendships every hour of every day, from ECE to the fitness center," she said. Sam has also appreciated how warm and welcoming the general Indianapolis community has been since her arrival: "There is really something special about this community." Having already begun finding cool new restaurants and attending events like Carmel PorchFest, Sam and family are fitting right in. "I am honored to be leading our J forward," Sam said, "and my family and I are excited to continue to make this community our home."
Sam with husband Jamil and son Max
Sam getting to know JCC Indianapolis members of all ages in the Mordoh Fitness Center and at ECE pickup
PROGRAMS Teen and Adult Aquatics
The time of year is always right to learn how to save a life
Lifeguard Instructor Course: Sat–Sun, Nov 16–17 | 8 am–6 pm | $345 | Age 16+
Lifeguard Instructor Review Course: Sun, Nov 3 | 7:30 am–5 pm | $165 | Age 16+
Sign up at JCCindy.org/red-cross-training-classes
100 Mile Swim — Almost Done!
Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid: Sat, Nov 9 or Sun, Nov 24 | 9–11:30 am | $75 Age 14+
Lifeguarding Review Course: Sat, Nov 2 | 7:30 am–6 pm | $165 | Age 15+
Mazel tov to the JCC swimmers who have already completed the 2024 100-mile swim! To those who are on their way to finishing: You've got just about two months left in the year; you can do it!
Membership
Black Friday/Cyber Monday Flash Sale!
Nov 29–Dec 2, $99 join fees will be waived for new members, and any current paying member household who refers a new member in that time will get 50% off their next month's dues! See the Welcome Desk or visit JCCindy.org/jcc-membership for more information.
Shop and Share the JCC Love!
Kroger Community Rewards:
Visit kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards to learn how your Kroger purchases can support the JCC at no additional cost to you!
JCC Gift Cards:
Purchase a gift card from the Welcome Desk for a JCC membership and/or any programs that may be registered for in the JCC's Daxko registration system! Please note that gift cards expire one (1) year from purchase date and are not exchangable for cash. S A L E
Pickleball
Pickeball Court Lines
The Cohen (big) gym pickleball courts got a face lift! To improve ease of visibility and enhance game experience, the courts have been re-lined in red tape, to contrast with the other lines used for volleyball, basketball, etc. JCC pickleball experts were on hand during the taping to ensure the lines were placed a safe distance from both each other and the gym walls.
Play Your Way on Any Given Sunday
Whether you're looking for a beginner clinic with JCC pickleball pro Pat (11 am–1 pm on Nov 3/10/17), structured 2-on-2 league play with Circle City Athletics (3–6 pm weekly) or just want open play time (the rest of the day beginning at 7 am), on Sundays there's a way for you to play pickleball in the JCC's Cohen gym!
Register for JCC clinics or CCA leagues at JCCindy.org/pickleball
Group Exercise Classes
Israeli Dance is Back at the J!
Join instructor Rhea McDonald for a fusion of traditional and contemporary dance styles reflective of the diverse culture of Israel. From Yemenite, hora, and debka to folk, salsa, ballet, hip-hop, (and more!), there is something for everyone. Thursdays, 1:30–2:30 pm/2:30–3:30 pm | Group Ex Studio (1:30–2:30 pm beginner, 2:30–3:30 pm intermediate/advanced)
Tai Chi, Cardio Dance Pop-Ups
JCC Tai Chi for Health instructor Tracy Brunner is bringing a new version of the class to the Group Ex schedule in 2025! Try it out early: Sun, Nov 17 or Dec 15 | 12:30–1:30 pm | Pescovitz Dance Studio.
Shake off the Thanksgiving stupor in a Cardio Dance pop-up with Total Body BoxJUMP and Trampoline instructor Tim Bass! Fri, Nov 29 | 9–10 am | Schloss (Small) Gymnasium
Shake your turkey tailfeather in Cardio Dance with Tim!
Israeli Dance instructor Rhea
Pickleballers enjoying open play
Taping the pickleball courts with red lines
6701 Hoover Road
Indianapolis IN 46260-4198
317-251-9467 | JCCindy.org
@JCCIndianapolis
HOURS
Building
Mon–Thu: 6 am–8 pm
Fri: 6 am–6 pm
Sat–Sun: 7 am–6 pm
Admin, Early Childhood
Mon–Fri: 8 am–5 pm
Visit JCCindy.org/jcc-hours for other upcoming closings
HOLIDAYS
Wed, Nov 27:
Day before Thanksgiving Close at 5 pm
Thu, Nov 28: Thanksgiving JCC CLOSED Fri, Nov 29: Day after Thanksgiving Building Regular Hours
Admin/ECE/ASC Closed
In This Month in Israel
November 1917:
U.K. government endorses the Balfour Declaration, recognizing the Jewish people's right to a national home in the land of Israel
Turkey Drive
Help the JCC's J Cares committee, a community service initiative by volunteers at the JCC, provide 300 Central Indiana neighbors in need with the necessities to help offset the cost of their Thanksgiving meal.
The concept of community service is closely tied to the basic Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world), which implies that everyone has the responsibility to work for the healing of the world and to make a difference in the lives of others who may be less fortunate.
Gift cards will be distributed through several partnering agencies in surrounding Indianapolis neighborhoods who have identified deserving families. For $36, nearly everyone can help place a turkey in the home of a family in need.
Why $36? The number 18 symbolizes life ("chai") in Judaism, so 36 is "double chai" — enrich someone else's life, plus your own by doing a mitzvah (good deed)!
