Find Your Community
with IHC Circles
IHC Circles are small groups formed around interests, geography, life stage, or profession. They can meet in the home, in an office, outside, inside, or really anywhere!
You can read about our current Circles below. You can click the Circle leader(s) name to contact them for additional information.
Have an idea for a new Circle? Reach out to Rabbi Chernow-Reader, Amy Isaacs, or Patti Freeman Dorson to receive an IHC Circle guide to get started.
Board Game Social
Take a break from the computer and phone screens and play some tabletop games face to face. We’ll try both classics (Yes, we’ll have Scrabble) and the latest in board games (Wingspan, anyone?). Whether you like word games, trivia games, dexterity, strategy games or just want to try something new, we’ll have a variety of titles on hand to teach and play in small groups formed around your preferences. No experience required.
Circle Leader: Lou Harry
Community Volunteering
This Circle will focus on helping out at local food pantries and community gardens as a way to address food insecurity in Indianapolis.
Circle Leader: Polly Spiegel
Euchre
Shuffle the deck and deal the cards for this quintessentially Hoosier card game in which you take tricks and trump is never political.
Circle Leader: Melanie Gottlieb
Ga'avah (Pride)
Ga’avah meaning Pride, is a Circle designed to support and embrace LGBTQ+ congregants at IHC. Ga’avah creates space for LGBTQ+ congregants and allies to socialize, learn, worship, and promote LGBTQ+ social jusitce at IHC and beyond. New members are always welcome.
Circle Leader: Carly Traynor
Global Dining Explorers
The local restaurant scene continues to grow and diversify with new dining opportunities
every week. Together with fellow IHC foodies and chowhounds, whet your appetite and
explore the many cuisines, tastes, spices, and choices that make Greater Indianapolis an up-and-coming food destination.
Circle Leader:
It's Wine O'Clock Somewhere
Do you like wine? Do you know lots about it or pick wine by the color of the label? Whatever you know about wine, you are invited to join the “It’s Wine O’Clock Somewhere” Circle where we are learn more about wine, taste samples and enjoy time together.
Circle Leader: Melissa Williams
Mahjongg Mavens
Grab your tile set and play a game or ten with the other IHC mahjong mavens. This addicting game of skill, strategy, and luck is a great way to spend an afternoon with other IHC enthusiasts.
Circle Leader: Amy Isaacs
Mental Health Professionals
Helping others better understand and cope with thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can take
a toll on you. Though not intended as a clinical support group, gather with other IHC mental health providers to share opportunities and challenges and consider how Jewish wisdom and values find their way into your practice.
Circle Leader: Laurie Freeman
Newish to Jewish
Are you new to Judaism? We are so glad you’re here! Whatever brought you, join together with others to explore Jewish holidays and food, and support each other on your Jewish journeys.
Circle Leader: Paula Reiss
Take A Hike...Together
Get outside with a diverse group of fellow IHC members who enjoy sharing their love for
exploring the Hoosier landscape and the change of seasons. You’ll find experienced hikers and those who are new to hiking; young and finely aged; single and coupled; fair-weather hikers and all-weather hikers.
And best of all, the fresh air is mixed generously with conversation and friendship.
Circle Leaders: Louise & Stuart Abramson
Young Couples
Married or not, being a couple doesn’t mean you stop wanting to have fun or meet more fun new IHC people! Break from the norm and have some fun! We’ll check out some new
spots, some old spots, some home spots, some active activities and some not-so active
activities! Both the young and young at heart are welcome.
Circle Leaders: Andrew & Josh Lodolo
Young Family Adventures
It’s time to get out of the house with your preschool aged children and have some fun with other IHC families. Bring your kids to a park, a museum, a playground, or a backyard and let them go bananas while you hang out with fellow parents.
Circle Leaders: Lily Zurkovsky & Monica Allardt