History of HAI

Board of Directors

Maccabee Society

“The mission of the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis is to create a learning environment that fosters the religious, social and academic growth of all students.  Because the progress of each student is valued highly, great efforts are made to assure suitable learning goals for everyone.  All students are encouraged to work toward producing at maximum potential.  In pursuit of academic excellence, we emphasize basic skills, higher-order thinking and life long learning.

Together as a community of learners, we promote growth in knowledge and identification with Jewish traditions.  Through our programming and classroom instruction we instill in our students a spiritual bond and a strong sense of commitment to the State of Israel.

By nurturing a love of learning, we seek to develop responsible, ethical and caring Jewish adults and American citizens of the future”.

Hasten Hebrew Academy Mission Statement

The Hasten Hebrew Academy opened its doors in September of 1971 with 12 students thanks to a small group of far-sighted families dedicated to the importance of Jewish education. The school was committed to traditional values coupled with modern teaching techniques. The school was housed at a local synagogue.

Thanks to an $80,000 Lilly Endowment grant and expanding base of community support the Academy moved into its own building at 6602 Hoover Road in 1977.  In 1986 the school was enlarged to accommodate its growing enrollment and educational needs.  A gym was added in 1996. Once again, in 1999, the building was expanded and updated adding a new, secure front lobby, state of the art computer lab and expanded library.  2002 brought the renovation of our Early Childhood Wing and in 2004 the Cultural Arts Center opened.  This Center for the arts includes music and art classrooms as well as the 325 seat  Koota Auditorium.  The beautiful lobby is host to special events both for the school and the community.

Since its inception, the school has taught children from many countries.  These include Israel, Russia, Costa Rica, France, Ethiopia, Argentina, the United States and others.  The philosophy of the school is that “no Jewish child will be left behind.”  A strong financial aid commitment reinforces this philosophy.  Children from the ages of 18 months through 8th grade can be seen in the school halls. 

Over the years the Hasten Hebrew Academy has been recognized for its academic accomplishments by visiting Jewish figures such as Menachem Begin, Simon Wiesenthal and Elie Wiesel.  The Academy has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the State of Israel for excellence in education.

The school’s bond with Israel is a strong one. Many of our Judaic teachers are Schlichim (ambassadors) from Israel and since 1998 most 8th grade classes have had the opportunity to travel to Israel. The Israel trip includes the opportunity to experience all aspects of the country, visit with former teachers and classmates as well as family members who live in Israel and is the culmination of the students’ education at the Hasten Hebrew Academy.

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Board of Directors
2009-2010

Monica Rosenfeld, President
Kathy Frankel, Vice-President
Esther Epstein, Secretary

PTO Representative
Marci Landis

Honorary Board of Directors
Dr. Ronald Friedman
Mr. Aaron J. Jade
Dr. Stephen and Judy Leapman
Mr. Al Mordoh

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The Maccabee Society was established by the Hasten Hebrew Academy to recognize a level of giving which signified a strong commitment to the school and its mission

Since the late 1980’s, many individuals within the Indianapolis Jewish community have made that commitment, and become a member of this elite Society

Transmitting the Judaic values of our people while developing responsible, ethical and strongly-rooted American citizens and the leaders of tomorrow requires the ongoing, generous support of interested and concerned donors.  Our school is fortunate that a number of our major donors are actively involved in school activities.  For this and so much more, we are most grateful to them.

Maccabee Society Members 2010

Drs. Rick Bentley and Caryn Vogel
Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Shirley Cohen
Mr. and Mrs. Itamar and Dina Cohen
Dr. and Mrs. Jack and Sally Cotlar
Mr. and Mrs. Ivan and Marcy Ekhaus
Dr. and Mrs. Scott and Robbie Fretzin
Mr. Gerald Francis
Dr. and Mrs. Allon and Judith Friedman
Rabbi and Mrs. Yisrael and Miriam Gettinger
Rabbi and Mrs. Avroham and Nini Grossbaum
Mr. and Mrs. Hart and Simona Hasten
Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Anna Ruth Hasten
Rabbi and Mrs. Michael and Shulamit Hasten
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen and Judy Leapman
Mr. and Mrs. Benton and Sandi Marks
Mr. and Mrs. Herb and Linda Melrose
Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Ellen Nadler
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen and Monica Rosenfeld
Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Jeri Schuckit
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Ellen Shevitz
Mr. Bruce Solomon and Ms. Sue Swartz

Maccabee Society membership offers its members special benefits and opportunities.  Please contact the Hasten Hebrew Academy for details.