If this magazine is any indication, we may finally be seeing the light at the end of the Covid tunnel! Looking through the contents, you will notice not only more in-person engagement programs than we have had in over 2 years, but also a diversity of people across the spectrum who are engaged and embraced. 

Like most organizations today, your Federation is deeply concerned with our role in issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). We strive to be inclusive of all segments of the Indianapolis Jewish community in everything that we do. As we think of our community, we are under no illusion that it is a unified, homogenous entity- indeed it never was. We know that as with the rest of society, issues of personal identity are constantly evolving. Only by consciously addressing issues of DEI, can we successfully provide for all members of our community.

This issue of the Federation News is a particularly good illustration of how we reach out to the different segments of our community to offer opportunities for engagement. Best of all, most of these events were held safely in person and for some were the first chance to reconnect in years.

From the Prystowsky ATID V Leadership Israel trip to the Yom Hashoah communal program; from the Youth Philanthropy Indy Teen Board Check Granting Ceremony to our Annual Campaign Major Gifts event; from our Annual Meeting to breakfast with the Israeli Consul General to the Midwest; not to mention our involvement with Indy Pride, and various NEXTGen young adult programming it has been a busy season!

These varied programs and events engage Jewish households wherever they are in their lives. One of the privileges of being the new CEO is attending these events and speaking with everyone there. I am always excited to greet new faces. You have granted me a privileged seat to witness our community and am deeply grateful to you all for welcoming me so warmly. If I haven’t met you yet, please reach out!  I would love to hear your story and learn what excites you about our community.