Indiana Jewish Historical Society

05/28/2026

Did you know? Harry Cooler, a Jewish architect from Indianapolis, developed a unique mid-century restaurant design for Burger Chef that received significant acclaim. This design was notably featured in the final season of AMC's "Mad Men" during a memorable advertising pitch. Cooler designed the very first Burger Chef unit, which was built in 1957 at 1300 West 16th Street in Indianapolis. He planned the highly efficient back-of-house areas, including sections for the chain’s patented high-capacity flame broiler and potato station.

Cooler also pioneered early walk-up locations that later evolved into spacious indoor seating layouts, famously highlighted in "Mad Men". He created the recognizable standalone “Googie” style architecture characterized by a zig-zag peak, iconic chevron pylon signs, and the signature Chef mascot.

05/27/2026

On this episode of IN-Jewish History Podcast, we meet with Rabbi Moshe, also known as Roosevelt Solomon Jr., who was born in 1952. Much of his career has been in Kokomo, Indiana. Initially, he grew up to become a Baptist minister. During his time in the pulpit, he traveled to Israel and experienced a vision that established a personal connection to Judaism. Following this revelation, he converted to Judaism under the guidance of Manhattan’s unaffiliated New Synagogue. In Kokomo, Roosevelt Solomon Jr., the son of a minister, entered the ministry at a young age. Now known as Rabbi Moshe, he founded Congregation Yeshivat Tzion around 2014 with the unique goal of converting others to Judaism in the spirit of “Jewish unity.” He describes his synagogue’s tradition as Sephardic, neo-Hasidic, post-racial, and post-ethnic and Zionist, with many members observing kosher dietary laws. Soul food has also significantly influenced the synagogue’s culinary offerings. Some of the synagogue’s melodies are influenced by Black American musical traditions, as noted in the Artscroll Orthodox Prayer Book. Link to the Podcast in the first comment below:

05/25/2026

Remembering all that we have lost during war, including Ensign Gilbert Mordoh, who was 22 on July 17th, 1944, when he died. He had graduated from Manual High School in Indianapolis, where he was captain of the football team. He graduated from Purdue University in 1943 as a mechanical engineer. During college, he played on the varsity football team. He was killed when two ammunition ships exploded at Port Chicago, California.

He received his commission in January of 1944 and was sent to the Pacific coast after a brief assignment in Washington, D. C. He received his training at the University of Notre Dame.

He was laid to rest at Etz Chaim Sephardic Kelly Street Cemetery in Indianapolis.

05/24/2026

"B’nai Abraham II: When John Grube Became Jacob
One Man’s Solemn Conviction of Duty to His Maker"
By Austin Albanese

Pictured is the original, purposely built building of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.

Article in the first comment.

05/21/2026

Wishing everyone an introspective and meaningful Shavuot!
Pictured: One of the Earlier Confirmation classes in Marion, Indiana's Temple Sinai in 1938!

05/20/2026

Confirmation on Shavout in 1932
Temple Beth El (Muncie, Ind.)
Pictured:
Pazol, Herbert
Bernstein, Asher Charles
Glaser, Irving
Burgauer, Robert
Berman, Peggy Marx
Fredlin, Roberta Zaltsburg
Freund, Hirsch
Wainer, Marian Leune

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

A program from our friends at the Hooverwood Guild

05/18/2026

In this podcast episode of IN Jewish History, we talk to Professor Timothy Quevillon of Western Kentucky University, Founder and Director of the Riverlands Jewish Archive, who describes his work and research as a partner with the Indiana Jewish Historical Society, and some of the fascinating history he has discovered over the past year.
Episode link in comments:

05/17/2026