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If Not Now, When? — A Call to Action for the High Holy Days

As we approach the sacred period of the Jewish High Holy Days, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom of Hillel: "If not now, when?" This powerful question resonates deeply with the essence of this season—a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
In the spirit of introspection and commitment, we turn to you, our cherished community members, with an earnest appeal. The High Holy Days are not only a time for personal atonement but also a call to collective action and responsibility. Now, more than ever, our congregation needs your support to continue its vital work.

Our Mission and Impact

At Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, we strive to create a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually enriching environment. Our programs, services, and initiatives are designed to nurture faith, foster education, and promote social justice. From providing educational opportunities for our youth to supporting those in need within our community, our mission is deeply rooted in the values of compassion and service.

How You Can Help

This year, we invite you to reflect on the question, "If not now, when?" and consider making a meaningful donation to our congregation. Your support, whether large or small, will make a profound difference in the lives of many and help sustain our community's vitality.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let us seize this moment to act. Together, we can ensure that our congregation continues to be a beacon of hope, learning, and compassion. If not now, when?
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our community. Wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with health, peace, and blessings.

 

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The themes of the High Holy Days remind us in both easy and challenging ways of our bounty and privilege and our obligation to repair the world not only by sharing our own resources but also by creating a more equitable and just society. The Tzedek Committee invites the IHC family to enter 5785 with a commitment to reduce the food insecurity experienced by 25% of Indianapolis residents.  
Here’s how you can help: 

1. Participate in our High Holy Day Food Drive to support Second Helpings from October 2 to October 16.
2. Click here to learn more about how you can take part, including which food items to donate.  
3. Donate to the IHC General Hunger Fund below. Several hunger-related organizations throughout Central Indiana receive donations from this Fund

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Isaac and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik will offer reflections on the High Holy Days through a visual sermon. Following the service, we will create art as a community. 

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Isaac and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik, known for their hands-on paper cutting workshops  for adults, will lead us in a text study art experience followed by a light dinner and Selichot services. We will cut up comics to create a personal commentary on the Torah portion.  No experience or “artistic ability” is required, all materials are provided. 

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This service features beautiful melodies and prayers found in the Mishkan Hanefesh machzor,  will help us usher in these Days of Awe and inspire us to make meaningful change in our lives. 

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Find yourself at peace in nature at the Rosh HaShanah Retreat at Goldman Union Camp in  Zionsville. The retreat begins with Rosh HaShanah services in the outdoor chapel (weather  permitting), followed by lunch. In the afternoon, you can participate in a range of activities for  adults, families and children including: text study, post card writing for the upcoming election,  yoga, drum circles, board games, art projects, nature walks and more. There will be a Tashlich  service at 3 p.m. and will conclude with a beautiful Havdalah at 3:45p.m

Click here to register for the retreat. 

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Families with young children, preschool to kindergarten, will enjoy this fun-filled experience  celebrating this special time of year. While this experience is intended for children under five  years of age, all are welcome.  

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Join us for a multi-generational experience designed for school-aged children and their families.  The melodies will transport us and the prayers will uplift us.  

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Our morning traditional service combines beautiful melodies and prayers from the Mishkan HaNefesh machzor (High Holy Day prayer book). Our High Holy Day choir will accompany our clergy as we usher in the new year. Childcare will be available for services before 8 p.m. 

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Join us “out and about” to hear the call of the shofar. Choose from these times and locations:  

• 9AM Shofar Blowing at IHC Parking Lot 
• 12:30PM Shofar Blowing at Shapiro’s South Parking Lot 808 S. Meridian St.
• 5:30PM Family Shofar Blowing outdoors at IHC with early Oneg Shabbat Services

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A dramatic reinvention of the traditional Kol Nidre service. Come prepared to experience  something new; to be challenged and to explore the traditional themes of Yom Kippur using  music, meditation and theatre. This service will include instruments without our IHC choir, and  selections from the Kol Nidre prayer.

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Kol Nidre gives us permission to pray with each other, with all of our imperfections and longings  for healing. The liturgy, paired with ancient melodies, invites us to break new ground and create  space for renewal.  

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 Experience Yom Kippur surrounded by nature and our community. Immersed in the beauty of  Goldman Union Camp, we will bring spirituality to the traditional liturgy through song. Limited  space is available, 

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Families with young children, preschool to kindergarten, will be inspired by this Yom Kippur
experience. While this experience is intended for children under 5 years of age, all are welcome.

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Join us for a multi-generational experience designed for school-aged children and their families.
The melodies will transport us and the stories and prayers will connect us to the meaning of this day.

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Our traditional morning service is complete with beautiful music, prayers, and a litany of confessions asking God (and ourselves) to forgive us so we can start the new year with a clean slate. Traditionally, we fast and practice self-denial in order to create a pensive space for personal reflection. Childcare will be available for all services before 8 p.m..   

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Join our clergy for a service intended to bring comfort and healing through beautiful music, readings, and prayer.

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Meditate, educate, and soothe your soul! Spend part of the afternoon with us to be present on  this day of repentance with several opportunities meant to guide and inspire you.  

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This service honors and celebrates our loved ones, and is scheduled for each of the three festival  holidays (Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot) as well as during the afternoon of this most sacred day  of Yom Kippur. All are welcome to this somber moment of remembering, but some believe there is special significance to reciting the yizkor prayers after one’s parent has died.  On Yom Kippur, this service is always especially moving.

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As the gates of repentance begin to close, join our clergy team to conclude Yom Kippur and  to hear the final blasts of the shofar. Challah and juice will be available after the service to  break the fast.

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