Leadership Corner

JFGI Leadership shares its thoughts about a range of topics from Jewish camping to our Jewish community to Israel and more.

Engagement Grows Community

If you were to speak with any Jewish communal professional about the future of our community, it wouldn’t take long for you to notice the word “engagement” over and over again. It might sound like this:

  • “We need to invest in our young people to engage them and ensure our future.…

We Are One

We Are One. I can’t tell you the precise year, but that was the Annual Campaign theme for the Minneapolis Jewish Federation when I was growing up as a member of the “Frozen Chosen” in the 1970s. It’s one of those formative memories that I carry around with me. It sits in my mind alon…

If Not Now, When?

I remember being surprised when I learned that we are supposed to plant most trees in the late fall and early winter. Springtime seems more logical and pleasant because we can then watch the dormant tree flourish with the new season. But, by planting as the ground cools, saplings can develop…

Our Why

When I first arrived here, I went on a listening tour and spoke with a lot of our community about this Federation, its history, and your visions for the future. What I heard was a very clear message: the Federation does three things: It does fundraising; it does leadership development; and i…

President Helen Kurlander Goldstein's Welcome Message

As your new Board President, I am honored and excited to serve our Indianapolis Jewish community.

I have been involved in our Indianapolis community most of my life. My involvement in Jewish communal activities began at the young age of 12 at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, moving on to become…