A History of the Jewish Community of Bloomington Indiana

Hoosier Jewish Stories: a Indiana Jewish Historical Society Podcast

The history of Beth Shalom, a Jewish congregation in Bloomington, Indiana, focuses on the impact of a firebombing in 1984. The event profoundly affected the congregation, fostering a sense of unity and increasing their sense of community. The fire also brought an outpouring of support from the surrounding non-Jewish community, which bolstered the congregation's sense of security and acceptance in their town. While initially devastating, the text explores how this event ultimately served as a catalyst for stronger relationships and increased solidarity among Jewish and non-Jewish communities.