By Margo Fox

When the world shifted to virtual programming, the Jewish Federation’s Engagement and Education team shifted as well. At first, the goal of virtual programming was trying to find a way to offer a program on Zoom. Now, the team has been thinking more strategically about online offerings.
In addition to content, the team considers how to use different elements of the online platforms to develop a feeling of inclusion and community. Not being able to gather in person has created technical and virtual challenges, but also offers unique opportunities.
Since online events began this spring, the Federation has seen an increase in engagement and participation compared to in-person events. Part of this is because people from all over the world are now able to attend virtually, while they wouldn’t have been able to attend in person. There have been panel discussions linking the US, Israel and Hungary, for example.
Marcia Goldstein, the Maurer Jewish Community Library coordinator, shared that “Zoom technology has made it possible for participants in the Indy Maurer Jewish Community Library / P2G International Book Club to discuss a book and share ideas with participants from our partnership region in Israel, from Budapest and from various US cities. How exciting to connect with Jewish readers spread across the globe!”
Marcia says she has also used virtual offerings to deepen her Shabbat experience.
“For all the difficulties COVID presents, it has also opened doors for my family. Each Friday, family members from across the country meet virtually to light Shabbat candles, recite kiddish and say motzi. We catch up on news and exchange ‘zoom hugs.’ My husband and I then enjoy participating in services at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, followed by Congregation Shaarey Tefilla services. We end by enjoying a home-cooked Shabbat dinner. Yes, we miss being with family and friends, catching up at an oneg and mostly sharing hugs, but we’ve found a satisfying way to celebrate Shabbat with community.”
Other synagogue goers have shared that they are seeing more people than just “the regulars” at programs, and it does not hurt that is it a shorter commute.
In 2019, the Federation, in partnership with volunteers Brent Epstein and Irwin Levin launched the Indy Jewish podcast series. Each session addressed a different topic about contemporary Jewish life through the lens of either the “Judaism Unbound” podcast or the “Promised Podcast” series. Not to be deterred by virtual life, the series continued online in the spring.  Not only did the virtual format allow for special guests from outside our community to participate, there were new attendees who had not joined the in-person sessions.
“The switch from in-person to Zoom caused a great deal of apprehension, although it ultimately proved to be a worthy substitute,” Irwin said. “Although the ability to personally interact, and hug your friends, was lost, the ability to vigorously engage in discussion was not. In fact, despite the obvious benefits of not having to commute to the discussion location and being able to dress as one pleased, the availability to take polls, set up side rooms and utilize the chat feature added dimensions to the experience not otherwise available.”
Expanding the use of Zoom became a focus of Engagement and Education, and Development professionals. This team attended an online summer bootcamp provided by the organization Trybal Gatherings, usually known for innovative gatherings for young adults. The ideas gathered have enabled staff and lay leaders to think more creatively, not just about how each program is run, but about what the department is trying to achieve through programs.
There has also been a huge blossoming of online resources related to every aspect of Jewish life. In an effort to help people access these opportunities, the Federation developed two online resources. The Connect with Purpose page is routinely updated as local organizations add programs to the Community Calendar. There are also festival and holiday specific areas on the webpage that encourage connection locally, and also provide access to national and international resources. The hope is that members of the community will use these resources as opportunities to expand their connections to Jewish knowledge and to deepen their Jewish experiences.
Over the last months, much has been learned about life online and the impact of programs, even without seeing participants. This happened recently to PJ Library Coordinator Robbie Alder. She was approached at the JCC pool by a community member whom she had not met in person - but it turns out, they had met through Facebook Live. Alder and her children had been doing a series of online story time sessions, but as summer kicked in and folks were spending more time outside, Alder took a break. The community member asked for more programs, and Alder says she is happy to do them. Alder said meeting this parent was a pleasant surprise.
“I was thrilled to know that my work had made an impact, even if I could not see it directly,” she said.
There will come a time when the community can meet again in person.  COVID forced the Federation into a virtual platform, but evidence has shown that there may now always be a place for virtual programs in the lineup. While there are accessibility and other limitations that still need to be explored, the opportunities that have been made available by this format have been worthwhile. From programs with famous actors like Jesse Eisenberg to conversations about being Jewish in contemporary society, the Federation continues to gather around computer and mobile phone screens to connect.