thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
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JANU ARY 2 6 , 2 0 1 8 | 1 0 SH EV AT 5 7 7 8 | V O L . 9 8 | NO . 1 5 | c a nd leli G h ti nG | FRID AY , JANU ARY 2 6 , 5 : 1 5 P. M.
Ann Osborne and the creative process
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annette van de kamp Editor, Jewish Press t can be hard to pinpoint what it is that attracts us in certain works of art, or in specific artists. Art is subjective, fluid, and oftentimes our appreciation of it is deeply personal. But every once in a while, an artist comes along who transcends what we think we know and they manage to surprise us in the most delightful way. Omaha native Ann Osborne is such an artist. Ann is the daughter of Susie and Jim Silverman; she and husband Don have a daughter, Lindsay and a son, Robert. She works as a special education paraprofessional at Millard North High School (total disclosure: Robert goes to school with my own daughter and they attend religious school at Temple Israel together. I’ve been watching Ann’s work on Facebook for a while and it’s been fascinating see ann Osborne page a2
Mega Teen Trip to Israel pages a4 & a5
Beth El Hamentaschen Bake-a-Thon benefits the community page a7
Teaching Jewish values
Open House at Friedel Jewish Academy page B3
inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles
WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG
spOnsOred By the BenJamin and anna e. Wiesman Family endOWment Fund
B5 B6 B7
Jennie Gates Beckman Director of Community Engagement & Education, JFO On Sunday, Jan. 7, parents and grandparents brought their little ones for a morning of service activities with PJ Library at Friedel Jewish Academy, which is located on the JCC campus. “Little Hands, Big Hearts: A Family Day of Caring” was a collaborative event planned specifically for families and their children five and under to start teaching the ties between giving back and our Jewish values. Upon entering Friedel, the approximately 60 attendees participated in
the open-house style program. Each of several activity stations involved a different craft or service project teaching a related Jewish value. In the Innovation Lab, Friedel
teacher Ashley Barrow shared a project making a butterfly with wings which flap using static electricity. Beyond experiencing a fun and basic science concept, the children also learned about Shmirat Ha’Adamah (Care of the Earth). According to Jewish tradition, part of humankind’s purpose is to take care of the world in which we live. A way in which we can do this (in relation to butterflies) is to dedicate space in our yards or neighborhoods for planting flowers which attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. see teaching Jewish values page a3
GaBBy Blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press Omaha is still ‘Homaha’ whether you are a current resident, recently moved, or even if you left decades ago. When asked where they are from, most former Omahans say they are from Omaha, even if they have lived elsewhere for years. Now there is an opportunity for all current and former Omahans to connect – The Omaha Jewish Alumni Association! Gary and Lisa Epstein have long been inspired by the strength of our Jewish community and dreamed about creating a place for current and former Omahans to reconnect. “So many people have such fun and wonderful memories of growing up in our fabulous Jewish community. It gave us the idea to create a Jewish alumni association where anyone who has grown up or attended school in Omaha, and has nostalgic feelings for our community, can connect through social media,” explain the Epsteins. “By facilitating a network of advocates and ambassadors for Jewish Omaha, we hope to connect alumni across the country using a model similar to educational
alumni groups. Ultimately, we plan to host gatherings, reunions, and other community events. We also see the OJAA as a possible conduit for job growth and employment opportunities for Jewish Omahans returning home.” The Jewish Federation of Omaha and The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation are pleased to have partnered with Gary and Lisa Epstein in this endeavor, and the feeling is mutual. “We really appreciate all the support we have gotten from the Foundation and Federation staff, including Margo Parsow and Howard Epstein at the Foundation, Tammy Johnson, Steve Levinger and Alan Potash at the Federation, and Annie Rips, who has kindly volunteered for this project.” Margo Parsow shares that, “Gary and Lisa’s vision, generosity, inspiration and support have made OJAA a reality. Their love and devotion to the Omaha Jewish Community is a gift to us and will be a part of their legacy for generations to come!” While the Epsteins anticipate the bulk see Omaha Jewish alumni page a2
A2 | The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018
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Class of 2018 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Omaha Jewish Alumni
Continued from page A1 of membership will likely come from people who went to high Please also include the following school in Omaha, they want to be Jewish former Omahans on the clear that the OJAA is open to anyOJAA communication list: one who attended any level and JEWISH Name______________________________ length of schooling in Omaha. In Address:____________________________ A S S O C I AT I O N ___________________________________ fact, OJAA is open to any Jewish Email:______________________________ I’m excited to receive more information about community members who have Phone:_____________________________ the Omaha Jewish Alunmi Association (OJAA)! ever lived or worked in Omaha; Name______________________________ anyone who has called Omaha their Name:______________________________ Address:____________________________ ___________________________________ home. Gary and Lisa are excited Email:______________________________ Email:______________________________ about the opportunities they and Phone:_____________________________ Phone:_____________________________ other OJAA members will have to reconnect with old friends and acName______________________________ ❒ I would like to volunteer for OJAA. Address:____________________________ quaintances and hopefully even ___________________________________ meet new friends. Email:______________________________ Phone:_____________________________ Joining the OJAA is fast and easy. Registration information can be found online at www.face book.com/Omaha Jewish Alumni, or clip out the registration form above and submit to Margo Parsow at The Foundation. OJAA will regularly reach out to members through articles, notices and updates in The Jewish Press, on social media and in newsletters. For more information or to volunteer with this exciting new initiative, please contact Margo Parsow at mparsow@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6432. Omaha is still HOMAHA, and always will be!
OMAHA
ALUMNI
Ann Osborne
Continued from page A1 to see her develop as an artist. But, you know; I’m not entirely objective). “As a child I drew, but I didn’t seriously get into it until the kids were old enough I could make some time for myself and by myself,” Ann said. “Initially, I made mosaics. It lent itself well to doing Jewish art; I did a show at Beth El involving Tzedakah boxes. My dad, Jim, helped me out often; he would build objects which I would subsequently mosaic. I worked with mixed media for a while, but life sometimes takes over and I was busy doing other things.” Then came November 2016, when election results shocked many in the country. Ann was no different: “I remember feeling so angry, I had to do something to work through it, and I ended up doing a lot of political art. I participated in the Nasty Women’s Art Show at Petshop in Benson.” See Ann Osborne A3
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High School Seniors and Parents
High School Senior Information ______________________________________________ Name ______________________________________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) ______________________________________________ Current High School ______________________________________________ College you plan to attend Send by May 1, 2018 to:
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Ann Osborne
The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018 | A3
community
Teaching Jewish values Don, left, Lindsey, Robert and Ann Osborne
Continued from page A2 Petshop is a gallery/workspace in Benson that offers space for creative experiment, development and presentation to the community. “It really helped me process what I was feeling and it allowed me to meet great people while doing it,” Ann said. Then came the fluid painting, or pouring acrylic. It’s a technique that Ann has made uniquely her own, so much so that it couldn’t really be explained in words: “It’s not like anything else, and so someone suggested I make a video of the process,” she said. “I did, it hit a nerve and now I have over 11,000 subscribers! People from all over the world watch me work and contact me because they’ve seen me on YouTube. I named my technique ‘Flip and Drag,’ and people began calling it ‘The Ann Osborne Flip and Drag.’ It’s insane!” The videos are almost a separate animal: Ann makes her paintings and while she explains what she’s doing and which materials she uses, she allows the conversation to go anywhere. As comfortable with a blank canvas as she is with the camera, Ann continues to make videos that are down to earth and almost therapeutic—not to mention tremendously fun. She shoots them in her basement art studio: “That’s my space, where I get to do my thing. People have told me the videos help them with their anxiety. I posted the first one in June of last year, and at some point it just took off.” In her videos, Ann doesn’t shy away from human trial and error. When something doesn’t come out the way she intended, she allows it to happen and doesn’t edit out real or perceived mistakes. The opportunity to watch Ann’s creative process makes the end product all the more interesting and fascinating. Currently, the Garden Gallery in Elkhorn is showing some of Ann’s work and an exhibit is in the works for the Jewish Community Center Gallery. You can find Ann’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCY fkxixNN5hi4MQYUeCRGyQ or visit her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/annosborne13/. Her work can also be found at Etsy: http://etsy.me/2DwLA3D.
Continued from page A1 In the art room, Friedel art teacher Anne Twedt, led the families in painting two separate canvases – one to take home and one to display in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. This project highlights how the mitzvah of Hiddur P’nai Zaken (Caring for the Elderly) does not merely instruct Jews to stand when an elderly person crosses their path or give their seats to them. It also requires us to empower our elders and “enable them to find joy and meaning and to shine their light outward into the world.” The two stations in the commons area were managed by Beth El Torah Tots teacher Felicia Littky, as this event was also a collaboration with both Beth El and Beth Israel tot programming. Children were invited to color a thank you card for local First Responders, showing gratitude for their service to our community. The concept of Hakarat Hatov (Recognizing the Good) is bigger than gratitude; it’s recognition for the things we have and the people we sometimes take for granted. There is a great short video on passing this on to our children put out by BimBam; go to @PJLibrary Omaha on Facebook for the link. Participants were encouraged to participate in a one-day winter clothing drive by bringing donations of new hats, gloves, scarves, or pajamas for children. One of the stations in the commons area focused on decorating bags to deliver these items which have been distributed directly to Omaha’s refugee population through Lutheran Family
Services Refugee Resettlement Program. Abraham and Sarah, the first Jewish people, practiced Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming the Stranger/Visitor) in their home. Greeting, sharing, and helping new friends who move to our community or visit our home are ways to put this value into practice. As a way of making all attendees feel welcome and comfortable over the course of the morning snacks, coffee and water were offered. In addition, a quiet space was set up in the Reading Room for grown-ups to sit and read their children PJ Library books, change a diaper, or just relax on a giant bean bag chair. The values shared during the program and in this article are just a handful of the incredible breadth of learning one can do with young children. Many thanks go out to the families who joined us, the teachers who guided us, and the planning team who made it all possible. Both Friedel Jewish Academy and PJ Library place high priority in conveying these
values to families in our community, and we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and connect with you! For more on Friedel Jewish Academy or to set up a tour of the school, contact Head of School Beth Cohen at 402.334.0517 or bcohen@fjaomaha.com. For more information on how to connect with PJ Library in Omaha, contact Jennie Gates Beckman at 402.334.6445 or jbeckman@jewishomaha.org, and follow us on Facebook @PJLibraryOmaha. The PJ Library program is designed to strengthen the identities of families raising Jewish children and their relationship to the Jewish community. Nationally, the program is led by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, which provides age-appropriate books for children mailed to the child’s home each month. Locally, the Jewish Federation of Omaha designs programs like this one to bring participants together and foster stronger ties among families with young children.
Do you know an outstanding Jewish teacher currently teaching K-12 in the Omaha metro area?
$10,000 Sokolof Teacher’s Award
Just write a letter describing this teacher (who has been teaching at least 3 years) and tell us why she/he deserves this special recognition. Encourage others (current or former students, parents, teachers) to do so also. A teacher who was nominated in the past, but not selected, can be nominated again. Only an update is needed.
Send your letter by March 1, 2018 to Janet Henthorn at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 or jhenthorn@jewishomaha.org. Contact her with any questions at 402-334-6551.
A4 | The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018
The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018 | A5
community Mega Teen Trip to Israel
F
rom Dec. 24, 2017 – Jan. 6, 2018, thirty-five Jewish teens from the area synagogues embarked on a life-changing journey to Israel. Rabbi Steven Abraham from Beth El Synagogue, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer from Beth Israel, Cantor Shermet from Temple Israel, and Nate Shapiro from the Jewish Federation of Omaha organized and chaperoned the trip. Stay tuned throughout the year as we feature firsthand accounts from the participants about the trip and how it impacted them. The Omaha Teen Trip to Israel is truly a community led initiative made possible by the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO), Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel, Beth Israel Synagogue, as well as, The Herbert Goldsten Trust, The Phil and Terri Schrager Memorial Fund, The Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, The Milton S. & Corinne N. Livingston Foundation, The Shirly and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, The JFO Foundation Special Donor Advised Fund, and the Carl L Frohm Educational Custodial Fund.
Coming in March
women’sguide
a6 | The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018
publishing date | 03.2.18 space reservation | 02.21.18 camera ready deadline | 02.23.18 Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and a short article. Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.
Susan Bernard
402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org
Maggie COnti Director of Activities and Volunteer Services, RBJH 37 Years – Love is in the Air Musical Show: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 1:45 p.m. Silverman Auditorium of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. There is no admission fee. Omaha music veterans Tyler Smith and Sandy Cunningham have reunited after 37 years (hence the name – a true love story), with Kyle Knapp. Playing music that takes you back –how far? Maybe…. 37 Years! Stay for the ice cream social after the show – all are welcome. Which Way Do I Go? Driving and Transportation Options for Seniors. Monday, Feb. 19, 1:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Board Room. No charge. The presenter from the VNA, Katie Pile, MSW, will address senior driving safety tips as well as a variety of community and private services (Uber, Lyft and Go Go Grandparent) that offer transportation options for seniors. Jewish Social Services and the Visiting Nurse Association realize the importance of being proactive about your health and lifestyle. This educational session will be especially interesting for seniors who want to learn more about taking charge of their well-being.Refreshments will be served. Please call Maggie Conti at 402-334-6521 and reserve your spot by Wednesday, Feb. 14. Join Us at the Movies: Victoria & Abdul, Friday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. No charge for the film or for unlimited bags of warm, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. The extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria’s (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from Katie Pile, MSW India to participate in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. As the
in February
friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity. The Star Deli opens for business at 11:30 a.m. if you want to have lunch before the show. Inspirational speaker Stephanie Olson on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 1:45 p.m. in the Silverman Auditorium at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home: No charge. Join us for this uplifting talk, titled It Is Never Too Late to Make a Difference. Stephanie Olson is a speaker, author, and the CEO/President of Set Me Free Project; she is also an actress who has performed in countless JCC Musicals. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired. Stay for the Ice Cream Social after the show. Bring a friend. Sponsored by Ruth Riekes Richards Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Parade (a musical): Sunday, March 4, 2 p.m. showing in the Howard Drew Theater at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Special group rate tickets are $20 each; Mainstreeters only (regular price is $42). Pick up tickets at Will Call before the show at 1:30 p.m. Parade is the Tony Award-winning musical based on the trial of Leo Frank, a Jewish man wrongfully accused of murder in Marietta, Georgia, in 1913. Religious intolerance, political injustice, and racial tensions are already prevalent in this small Southern town, and when reporters begin to sensationalize the case, the likelihood of a fair trial is put in jeopardy. With a book by Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy) and music by Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, The Bridges Of Madison County), this true story reveals the beauty of the human condition, even when faced with tragedy. Send in reservation form with full payment to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE, 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. Sponsored by the Sam and Rosaline Epstein Senior Stephanie Olson Outreach Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Early Deadline. Must have reservations by Wednesday, Feb. 14 – no reservations after this date. For information call Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Volunteer Services at 402.334-6521.
Partnership2Gether:
The next generation of leaders
nate shaPirO Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha The Western Galilee Young Adults Forum is a group of ten individuals who have participated in past Partnership programs and are passionate about finding a way to continue their involvement. They are an enthusiastic group that is eager to connect with their peers in their P2G communities and to make a difference in our local region. Over the past two years, this group has initiated and participated in several activities, such as Tikkun Olam for Lone Soldiers in the Western Galilee Region, Kindergarten Makeovers in Akko with Birthright participants from the communities, and monthly video conference calls/activities with their peers in Fort Worth and Budapest. Members of the Forum have visited Budapest, Fort Worth, Austin, Indianapolis and other US communities in the Central Area Consortium, deepening their understanding of overseas Jewish communities and religious pluralism. In April 2018, the Young Adult Forum will host a seminar called Building Bridges, an immersive gathering consisting of social, educational and cultural programming—for adults aged 25 to 45 years from the U.S Central Area Consortium including Omaha, Israel and Budapest. The seminar will enable these P2G participants to continue to strengthen their connections, learn and discuss unique challenges of their communities and develop new programs for the future of the Partnership. For more information about Partnership2Gether contact me at nshapiro@jewishomaha.org.
summer
The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018 | a7
community Beth El Hamentaschen Bake-a-Thon benefits the community
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Ozzie nOGG n anticipation of Purim, Beth El Synagogue women, men and youngsters are gearing up to roll out some dough and spread it with poppy seed, apricot and prune at the Hamentaschen Bake-aThon scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11. “The fun runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” said Linda Saltzman, chair of the event, “which allows BESTT parents and older siblings to help out while the younger kids are in class. No baking experience is necessary, and bakers can take home a half-dozen hamentaschen as a thank you for their participation. Our Bake-a-Thon, a part of the synagogue’s Miriam Initiative, is a terrific intergenerational program.” Historically, this baking bonanza has produced over 100 dozen hamentaschen. The sweet treats are delivered to residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Remington Heights and Sterling Ridge. They’re served at Beth El’s megillah reading and will be available for sale at the synagogue’s Purim Carnival, both held on Wednesday, February 28. “Proceeds go to USY and Kadima,” Linda said, “so it’s a great way for Beth El women to support these terrific youth groups. The hamentaschen are also the perfect addition to a shalach manot gift basket and always appreciated by recipients.” Baking hamentashen is an annual Beth El tradition. “It brings congregants together to throw formality to the wind, pull up our sleeves and get ‘down and dirty’ in the kitchen,”
Linda added. “We’ll schmooze while we bake, knowing we’re helping the Beth El community as well as the community at large. Purim wouldn’t be the same without hamentaschen, and we make this fun holiday come to life in a most scrumptious fashion.” If you want to join the volunteer hamentaschen baking crew, please contact Linda Saltzman: Linda_Saltzman@hotmail.com. Ariella Rohr, Beth El Engagement Coordinator, is assisting with arrangements. The Miriam Initiative is a new concept in women’s programming at Beth El -- a series of ongoing projects and programs created, developed and presented by Beth El women. The Initiative welcomes all women who want to participate at any level from leadership to fellowship. Call the synagogue 402.492.8550 for more information.
Organizations
B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers
B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers meets weekly on Wednesdays at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@gmail. com, Breadbreakers chairman. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewish omaha.org.
6 MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS - $10,000 each for 2018
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Phil and Ruth Sokolof MERIT SCHOLARSHIP For two Jewish students …working toward a degree in health care, such as
Karen Sokolof Javitch MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP Merit scholarship for Jewish students currently in college or graduate school majoring
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a8 | The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018
community
Taste of Tri-Faith
CaT King Director of Engagement and Communications, Temple Israel “Food doesn’t have a language,” says Bonni Leiserowitz. She is a congregant of Temple Israel and one of many working to bring the Taste of Tri-Faith event to Omaha again this year. She’s right. Food brings people together. While it has cultural significance, perhaps even religious significance, it is not bound to any one culture or religion. It can be shared. Is should be shared. Food is our greatest common denominator. Taste of TriFaith is an event that epitomizes the very essence of the Tri-Faith mission. We, of many different cultures and faiths, come together and share food and stories with each other. We get to know more about each other in a relaxed and joyful environment. Jennifer Vinton of Countryside Community Church is also helping to plan the event this year. She says, “Last year’s Taste of Tri-Faith was meaningful because it made the inspiring idea of the Tri-Faith Initiative real. Breaking bread together, talking with one another, sharing stories—these are the things that bring the concept of TriFaith to life. Come hungry, for food and conversation!” The event is simple: we come together and share dishes that reflect our culture or faith traditions. Tabouleh and kugel, balah el sham and apple pie. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Maybe your family always eats donuts from the grocery store after church on Sundays. That counts! We taste and learn and
laugh together. Participants are asked to bring a dish and provide a few sentences about its meaning. Food that should be avoided are pork, shellfish, meat and dairy combinations, gelatin, and alcohol out of respect for religious dietary restrictions. Ingredient lists should identify known allergens. There are fun activities for children. Everyone is welcome. This is a wonderful opportunity to see what Tri-Faith is all about and meet people you might not other wise have the pleasure of meeting. Past events have been so successful that this year the Taste of TriFaith is expanding. Now, in addition to sharing food with each other, we will be sharing food with the hungry in our community by bringing a donation for the food pantry at Countryside Community Church. Items that are especially needed are protein-based: peanut butter, beans, canned tuna, canned chicken, as well as pasta and rice. You are welcome to join us and we hope you will. The event is Sunday, Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. at Temple Israel. As Lee Needelman, also of Temple Israel, puts it, “I cannot express how meaningful it is, to eat together, and share stories in the unique interaction that is Tri-Faith! Being together somehow brings sparks. The welcoming meeting and interesting conversations with our Tri-Faith neighbors of differing backgrounds ultimately generates a sense of peace. When you leave, your heart is full.”
Anything Grants are back!
The Jewish Federation of Omaha is happy to announce Anything Grants will once again be available for 2018. These grants allow Omaha, Lincoln or Council Bluffs Jewish organizations to fund operations, projects or programs not currently funded in their budget. Eligibility is right there in the name: these grants can be for anything, like hiring a consultant, purchasing new technology or for professional development. These one-time matching grants will range from $1,000 to $5,000, equal to 50 percent of the project budget. Organizations are responsible for raising the remaining 50 percent from other sources. The total project budget should not exceed $10,000. In 2005, Michael and Carol Staenberg chose to establish the Staenberg Family Foundation to mobilize resources needed to preserve and enhance Jewish life in St. Louis, Israel and around the world. In May 2017, the Staenberg Family Foundation’s Anything Grants made their first appearance in Jewish Omaha, where Michael was born and raised. This year Michael recruited some friends of the Federation to participate and double the amount of Anything Grants available. The Staenbergs hope their actions will inspire others to give back to the community with the matching dollars needed for each grant. In 2017, the impact was felt immediately: during the previous round, recipients included the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s Activity Department, which used it to bring Noah’s Ark to life, combining the Blumkin Home’s residents with students from Friedel Jewish Academy. At the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center, staff purchased classroom iPads that help them with record keeping and communication with families, especially in case of emergency. Council Bluffs B’nai Israel Synagogue was able to replace their roof and South Street Temple in Lincoln added security to their building. Friedel Jewish Academy received a grant to fund innovation curriculum with a focus on STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – to prepare students to be adaptive and nimble problem-solvers. The grant also allowed the ADL-CRC to sponsor a series of public service announcements, related to bullying awareness and prevention, which will air on local television stations. The focus of these PSA’s is to assist K-12 students who are bullied and to develop “allies” - students who support students who are being bullied. Anything Grants are funded by the Staenberg Family Foundation and Friends of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Apply online at jewishomaha.spectrumportal.net; applications are open from Jan. 29 through Feb. 26, 2018. For more information, please visit www.jewishom aha.org/education/scholarships-and-grants/view/anythinggrants/ or contact Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@jewishomaha.org.
The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018 | b1
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COMMUNITY
L’dor V’dor: Traditions, teachings and wisdom from our community’s women Gabby bLaIr Staff Writer, Jewish Press his special multi-part series highlights generations of women in our community coming together as they celebrate Jewishly. Each brings her own spark, traditions and essence to her family, enriching the legacy that will pass forth to the younger generations. Each woman was asked a series of questions about how they came to be in Omaha, their involvement in the community and was asked to reflect upon the hopes they have for their own children’s (and grandchildren’s) Jewish future. If you and your family would be interested in being part of this series, please contact Gabby Blair at the Jewish Press 402.334.6451 or gblair@jewishomaha.org. The second feature in this series focuses on the Denenberg family women. Eunie, matriarch of this deeply-rooted Omaha family, passed away last Fall at age 88. Her loving daughter, Debbie, and her more-like-anotherdaughter-than-daughter-in-law, Tippi, graciously shared their family histories, thoughts and traditions as they nurture the next generation of Omaha Denenberg children. “My family came to Omaha early,” explains Debbie. “My father’s family, worried about conscription, fled Romania and settled in Omaha in 1905 when their eldest son turned 13. My mother’s family left their shtetl Chan (in present-day Ukraine) the day after they were forced to hide in a cemetery to escape a brutal pogrom. A cousin who had previously
settled in Omaha sponsored them, and we have been here ever since. “We have been in Omaha forever. It is wild to think that between my husband Steve’s
growing ourselves Jewishly. I do not believe that one should ever separate himself from the community, as the rabbis teach us. Conversely, I believe we have a responsibility to
Debbie, left, Tippi and Eunie at the Women’s Luncheon/Sima Goel event. It was the last event they attended together before Eunie’s passing a few days later. family and mine, we have nearly 200 years in this community,” says Tippi, whose family’s roots reach back to Russia, Poland, and Austria/Germany. “Some family members are more active than others, but as a whole, we have been dedicated to strengthening and
reach out to other Jews who are not involved, or who have not found their fit and to guide our children on the right path.” Tippi credits her mother Carolyn Magid and mother-in-law Eunie Denenberg for her own inspiration and motivation for involve-
ment in the Jewish community. “My mother thoroughly enjoyed working with NCJW for many years, and Eunie... well, she did about a million beautiful things for this community... too numerous to list. Her involvement was an example, an inspiration; it came from a real dedication to and knowledge of Judaism.” Tippi hopes her children are motivated to stay involved and participate in any way they can, especially as they grow older. She is confident they will, knowing they have been provided with a strong Jewish foundation from the time they were born. “It is important to lead by example. I hope my children are inspired the same way I was inspired by the generations that came before me,” she says. Debbie believes that “through women, our families and communities are strengthened, and I take my duty very seriously. I would encourage all women who seek to strengthen themselves and their Jewish homes to attend Shani Katzman’s women’s class on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Chabad.” Debbie and Tippi’s actions show their dedication to leading by example; both stay busy with many Jewish activities and organizations. They have worked together and with Eunie to put on events and productions such as the 20th Anniversary Chabad Gala, Brundibar for The Institute for Holocaust Education, and were instrumental in leading the effort to bring youth wellness to the JCC, to name just a few things. They are also big proponents of Friedel Jewish Academy where See L’dor V’dor page b2
The Jewish Federation of Omaha is excited to be a part of this amazing grant opportunity! A FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TO
FUNDED BY THE STAENBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION AND FRIENDS OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Fund your Jewish organization’s* operations, project or program with an Anything Grant.
Apply online at jewishomaha.spectrumportal.net Applications are open from January 29 - March 5, 2018
Eligible grant applications could be for anything, including: • Hiring a nonprofit consultant • Purchasing technology • Staff/Board professional development • Building beautification/improvement
These one-time matching grants will range from $1,000 to $5,000, equal to 50 percent of the project budget. Organizations are responsible for raising the remaining 50 percent from other sources. Project budget not to exceed $10,000.
*Available to Jewish organizations in Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs, IA
For more information visit www.jewishomaha.org/education/scholarships-and-grants/view/anything-grants/ Questions? Contact Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@jewishomaha.org.
B2 | The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018
community
Partnership Region
JEssICa Cohn During my recent trip to Israel with JWRP, just over 24 hours were spent visiting Omaha’s partnership region in the Western Galilee, but we were able to see so much. Our time was spent connecting with The Wings Project that assists develo p m e n t a l l y challenged teens and adults, ‘Cooking up a Dialogue’ with women of Muslim and Jewish faith, touring the Western Galilee Medical Center, visiting an elementary school and learning about an Ethiopian Jew’s journey to Israel. The most impactful experience of my visit to Digital skylights in the underground ER the partnership reto simulate the comfort of the outdoors gion was understanding the significance of the connection between the Omaha Jewish Community and our Israeli Partnership region. Often when we give money to the Jewish Federation, we read “Your donation supports Israel.” But what does that mean? My time in the partnership region demonstrated our donations at work. Countless times during our visit, we learned from Israelis about the impact of the Omaha community. Numerous people had specific connections to Omaha and were able to highlight names of our community members who have volunteered their time and knowledge to assist Israel, specifically our partnership region. My time at the Western Galilee Medical Center most clearly showed our support. The Western Galilee Medical Center sits approximately six miles from the Lebanon border and serves Israelis of all faiths in the Galilee. The medical center sustained a direct impact during the Second Lebanon War and created an underground triage unit to treat patients safely in the event of a future threat. Additionally, the medical center has treated numerous Syrian victims of the conflict over the last several years who have come over the Israel/Syrian border for medical treatment. While touring the Western Galilee Medical Center we learned of a new project that has developed a ‘safe area’ for women who have been victims of domestic and sexual assault.
Inspiration for the safe space came directly from our community through Stacey Rockman. Representatives from the Western Galilee Medical Center visited and worked directly with Project Harmony and Women’s Center for Advancement in
JWRP at the Galillee Medical Center Omaha to develop the center which was the first in the Western Galilee. Support from our community is also helping create a children’s play area in the same medical center. Seeing our community’s impact and the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s name on the wall memorializing our aid felt special to me. It gave me a deeper understanding of how dollars are spent and the importance of supporting both the Federation and Israel. Overall, I learned that the money we donate through the Jewish Federation isn’t just a drop in a collective Israeli bucket; it directly impacts a community every day.
In the news
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L’dor V’dor
Continued from page B1 both women sent their children, in addition to serving on the board and being active volunteers. “Our families also have a deep tradition at Beth El where generations of Denenbergs have attended BESTT, celebrated weddings, and B’nai Mitzvot. “The Denenbergs like to do most things together,” explains Debbie, “which is perfect since Judaism should be a family affair.” Indeed, the women have long enjoyed weekly study sessions at Chabad and the families look forward to spending Shabbats and holidays together. Debbie jokes that that only activity they do not do together is bake, as Tippi is already “the world’s best baker, so what more could I add, although we did have a wonderful time making and breaking bread with family and friends at the 2017 Mega Challah Bake.” Tippi, Debbie and Eunie attended The Federation’s Women’s Luncheon this past Fall and were very moved as they listened to guest speaker Sima Goel tell her story of escape, freedom, hope and redemption. Thinking back to the luncheon is bittersweet for Debbie and Tippi as it was the last community event they attended with Eunie before her passing. Rather than interrupt their time together to ask questions for this piece, a quick picture was snapped, and a note was made to call the trio the following week. Eunie passed away suddenly just a few days later, but up until that time came, she was dedicated and involved, actively leading by example and spending time learning with the women she treasured; a true Eshet Chayil to her family and the community she loved so dearly. Her memory serves as a blessing and source of inspiration to her family, especially to the generations of strong Denenberg women she left behind.
2018-19 Scholarship applications now available
GaBBy BLaIR Staff Writer, Jewish Press Financial assistance may be available for qualified applicants planning to attend the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, JCC summer camp, Jewish residential summer camp, Israel programs, college, vocational and technical schools, and adult Jewish education classes. Scholarship and grant applications can be found on the Jewish Federation of Omaha webpage at: http://www.jewishomaha. org/education/scholarships-and-grants/. Applications and all required documentation are due March 1, 2018. Questions? Please contact Diane Stamp at 402.334.6407 or dstamp@jewishomaha.org.
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The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018 | B3
Don’t forget about your spiritual fitness
a
JanET KOhll teach classes to youngsters, teens and women for Beth Israel Synagogue on Saturday morning, Feb. 3 at Beth Israel, s Jews we have two times a year and she will deliver the D’Var Torah at the to make resolutions--at the be- conclusion of services. The youth class will be ginning of the Hebrew year and at 10:15 a.m.; the women’s class will start at the beginning of 11 a.m. and the teen class will the secular year. follow Kiddush. “With many of us hitting the In her teaching, Judy likes to gym in January or purging our quote John F. Kennedy: “Ask homes of clutter, we shouldn’t not what your country can do forget to get our spiritual lives for you, but what you can do in order,” says Judy Rosenfeld, for your country.” scholar in residence at Beth IsShe says young and old alike rael Synagogue Feb. 2-3. have to ask what they can “Just as you have to start in bring to Shabbat to honor G-d one part of your home when and enrich it for others and de-cluttering,” says Judy, “we themselves. On that note, the will start with making Shabbat Feb. 2 Shabbat will kick-off more meaningful and hopeFriday afternoon with an act Judy Rosenfeld fully bring more meaning to of chesed (kindness) by stuthe rest of your week and life.” dents at Friedel Jewish Academy for residents Many Omahans know Judy from when she of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The and her family resided here when her hus- weekend will wrap up with a mitzvah project band, Aaron Rosenfeld, served as Executive on Sunday at the Rose Blumkin Home with Director of the Jewish Community Center. Beth Israel kids and teens. Now living in New York, Judy, who holds a Co-chairs for the event are Karen Cohen master’s degree in social work, works for the and Janet Kohll. Lifeline Center for Child Development in “I get so much inspiration out of just a fiveQueens, counseling preschool and adolescent minute conversation with Judy,” says Karen. students and providing support for their fam- “We’re really blessed she’s going to share her ilies. She also is an educator at a New York insight with us for a whole Shabbat.” synagogue. For additional information, call the Beth During her Shabbat visit here, Judy will Israel office at 402.556.6288.
Open House at Friedel Jewish Academy SaRa KOhEn On any given day at Friedel Jewish Academy, one might find students designing and building a water filtration system, conversing in fluent Hebrew, or getting their hands messy in art class. Every day brings new and exciting learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom, and now community members get to witness some of the action. On Tuesday, Feb. 6, Friedel Jewish Academy will be hosting an open house for the entire community. Friedel boasts a 12:1 student– teacher ratio, an individualized approach to teaching each student, second-language immersion, a warm communal atmosphere, and access to all of the JCC’s facilities. Families from all of Omaha’s synagogues, as well as unaffiliated families, have found a home at Friedel. This is a great opportunity to come and see what everyone has been talking
Elvis was in the building
Jill Ohlmann Activities Coordinator RBJH The Rose Blumkin Jewish home recently paid tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. in honor of the late artist’s birthday on Jan. 8, Residents were treated to a week of Elvis movies, music and trivia. Pictured are resident anne Skolkin, left, and her friend Celia Barron.
about. Scheduled tours will begin at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Private tours can also be scheduled by calling the office. This
F
How is this publication thinking about the future?
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Celebrating Our History PASSOVER 2018
event is open to all adults in the community, not just parents. If you have questions or wish to reserve a spot, please call 402.334.0517 or email friedelacademy@fja omaha.com.
publishing date | 03.23.18
space reservation | 02.07.18 Promote your business in this very special issue. Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.
Susan Bernard
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b4 | The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018
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all events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the events.
Friday, January 26 Beth El USY hosts Emtza Region Winter Shabbaton Beth El Cooks/Serves Lunch at NE AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Tot Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El Shabbat Shira Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
Saturday, January 27 Beth El USY hosts Emtza Region Winter Shabbaton Shabbat Shira, 9 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El 2018 FED Event, 5 p.m. at Pella at Blackstone Sunday, January 28 Beth El USY hosts Emtza Region Winter Shabbaton BESTT Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel TED Talk, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Womens Tu BiShevat Seder, 4 p.m. at Beth El
Back & Neck Pain Headache Arm & Leg Pain Auto & Work Related Injuries Sports Injuries
Our Visit room w o Sh
February 2018
North Park (117th & Blondo) M-Th: 11-9:30 • Fri & Sat. 11-10:30 • Sun. Noon-9:30
Monday, January 29 JFO Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH YJO Future Planning, 6 p.m. Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m. at RBJH
tueSday, January 30 Ethical Life Class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods
WedneSday, January 31 Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Tu - Bishvat Feast, noon Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Adult Education Class, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m. Ethical Life with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El
thurSday, February 1 Hebrew Class, 10 a.m. at RBJH Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Talmud Class with Rabbi Katzman, noon at Chabad Beth El Chesed Committee Visits Blumkin Home, 2 p.m. at Sterling Ridge Friday, February 2 Shulchan Ivrit-Hebrew Table with Yoni, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat with Grades 1 and 2, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
Saturday, February 3 Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Sunday, February 4 BESTT Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Annual Super Bowl Party, 4:30 p.m. at Temple Israel
Monday, February 5 Eye On Israel, noon Family Shabbat or Havdallah, 8:30 a.m. Parsha Study with Shani, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Enchanted Circles, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m. at RBJH tueSday, February 6 FJA Community Open House at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., or by appointment. YJG High Schoolers, 6 p.m.
WedneSday, February 7 Mystical Thinking with Rabbi Katzman, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m. Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Ethical Life with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El thurSday, February 8 Hebrew Class, 10 a.m. at RBJH Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Talmud Class with Rabbi Katzman, noon at Chabad Come Play Shanghai, 1 p.m. at Beth El
Friday, February 9 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Heritage on Sterling Ridge Saturday, February 10 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El
Sunday, February 11 Hamentashen Bake for Beth El’s Sake!, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. BESTT Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Book Club, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Tots Sunday, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel OTYG Board Meeting, noon at Temple Israel Monday, February 12 Parsha Study with Shani, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad OTYG Prep Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Press Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Enchanted Circles, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m. at RBJH Friedel Jewish Academy Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at FJA tueSday, February 13 ADL Full board meeting, noon Ethical Life Class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods Beth El Chesed Committee Visits Remington Heights, 2 p.m. OTYG Prep Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Rosh Chodesh Event, 6:30 p.m. In Moderation series, 7 p.m. WedneSday, February 14 Mystical Thinking with Rabbi Katzman, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m. Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Ethical Life with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El thurSday, February 15 Hebrew Class, 10 a.m. at RBJH Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Middle East Forum, noon at UNO Community Engagement Center Talmud Class with Rabbi Katzman, noon at Chabad OTYG Prep Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at RBJH Friday, February 16 School Directors Meeting, 9 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Matzah Ball Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel
Saturday, February 17 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Prep Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel JCC Dance Party, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 18 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Minor Prophets-The Rabbi’s Take with Rabbi Abraham, 11 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsals, 3 p.m.
Monday, February 19 Parsha Study with Shani, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Enchanted Circles, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m. at RBJH OAYO Chamber Music Concert, 7 p.m. tueSday, February 20 Ethical Life Class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods OTYG Prep Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
WedneSday, February 21 Mystical Thinking with Rabbi Katzman, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Beth El Chesed Committee Visits Sterling Ridge, 2 p.m. Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m. Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Ethical Life with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El thurSday, February 22 Hebrew Class, 10 a.m. at RBJH Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Talmud Class with Rabbi Katzman, noon at Chabad Planning Committee, 4:30 p.m. at RBJH OTYG Prep Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Friedel Jewish Academy Science Fair, 7 p.m. Friday, February 23 Beth El Cooks/Serves Lunch at NE AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH
Saturday, February 24 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Meeting, noon at Temple Israel JCC Choir Concert, 7 p.m. Beth E Adult Purim Party, 7 p.m. Adult Purim, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
Sunday, February 25 BESTT Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Temple Tots Sunday, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel TED Talk, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Performing Arts Academy, 2 p.m. Monday, February 26 Parsha Study with Shani, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad JFO Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH OTYG Prep Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Enchanted Circles, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m. at RBJH tueSday, February 27 Ethical Life Class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods OTYG Prep Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel YJG Middle School, 6 p.m. Flashpoint Series, 7 p.m.
WedneSday, February 28 Mystical Thinking with Rabbi Katzman, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Risk Management Meeting, 2 p.m. at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Purim Spiel and Tzedakah Project, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Megillah Reading, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Megillah Reading, 6:45 p.m. at Chabad
The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018 | B5
viewpoint thejewishpress
(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Alex Grossman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson, Mike Kaufman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Eric Shapiro and Barry Zoob. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Is that safe?
ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP Editor, Jewish Press oth my parents have visited Israel (in my mother’s case, that’s a bit of an understatement, we lost count of her number of trips years ago), my siblings have gone, I have gone and now my daughter has finally joined the club. This also means she is now subjected to the ever-recurring question: “Is that safe?” It’s January, which brings with it the standard “Did you do anything fun over winter break?” query: at school, at the dentist, wherever she goes. She happily answers: “Yes, I went to Israel! It was awesome!” But is that safe? In many ways, I am your typical mother hen. I still hold my 13-year-old’s hand when crossing a busy parking lot because I am convinced most drivers treat it like a racetrack. I have only recently recovered from the fact that my 16-yearold now has her own car keys and drives herself to school, to various stores, to art exhibits and out for coffee. Had I raised her in Holland, she wouldn’t be able to drive herself until she turned 18; I would have been fine with that. I fuss over what my children eat, what they wear, how much (little!) they sleep, whether they are developing a cold. Not that they listen, by the way; they are strong individuals who know what they want and don’t need my permission for every single detail. Or my advice—not that I’m bitter. Letting your kids go, little by little, is hard. Sending them to Israel, however, is not. Apparently, I am not the only parent who feels that way, judging from the fact that more than 30 other sets of parents sent their kids on the same trip. Are we naïve, for enthusiastically putting them on that
plane? It’s not just that I wasn’t scared; I was excited, happy, ecstatic at the thought she would finally see Israel first-hand. And as the stories are slowly trickling in and every day she processes more and understands more, I am proud of what she learned and how it affected her. In four years, G-d-willing, her younger brother will go on that same trip, and I don’t ask if it will be safe. Instead, I say: Godspeed. I can’t wait to hear what you think. So how do we help our kids answer the safety question? When I read stories about attacks in Israel or my phone alarm goes off after yet another rocket lands on the Israeli side of the border, I feel no real fear because I’m not there. But in 1989 I was there, Jerusalem was thick with tear gas and the first Intifada was in full swing. I felt no fear then either. Now, that can be explained by the fact that I was only 18 years old; my mother was with me and set a good example. But I remember her calling home one Friday and finding my grandmother in a panic: she’d seen terrible images on the television and wanted to know if we were okay. We had no idea what she was talking about. Turned out, those images were from a different day, a different month and had nothing to do with whatever was going on in Jerusalem that day. Nowadays, news travels a lot faster. Yet, what we see on TV still does not paint an accurate and consistent picture. In Omaha, we see many problems. We can show someone from another state the reports about shootings and robberies and they might conclude it’s best not to leave your house after dark. In fact, I’ve heard people from
Western Nebraska say Omaha is a scary place they’d rather stay away from. They don’t know what we know: violence is rarely simple, it depends on context and socioeconomic and political factors and countless other facts. Calling Israel in its entirety “unsafe” makes as much sense as calling Omaha a criminal haven because the Walgreens
one block from my house was robbed a few months ago. Of course, I’m simplifying things. A robbery in Omaha is not the same as a rocket attack in Israel. And yet, when we see a place as our home, we tend to be better able to see the grey areas. Because we live in Omaha, we know that not every crime report tells the complete story of our city.And because we consider Israel our home, we are more aware that when evil happens, it also doesn’t tell the entire story. That story, as with every place, has to be told in Technicolor. Is there violence in Israel? Yes; no one would argue there isn’t. Is it the whole story? No. Is Israel safe? Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t.
Israeli Americans can be the glue that builds a stronger Jewish community ADAm mILSTEIN LOS ANGELES | JTA The Israeli-American Council’s Fourth Annual National Conference in Washington, D.C., felt like a long-overdue family reunion. The love for Israel was infectious, radiating to and from all the participants. In the corridors of the Washington Convention Center, teenagers spoke with pride about their hybrid Israeli-American identity, rooted in the idea that they are deeply connected to their home in America while maintaining a strong affinity to their Jewish homeland in Israel. Groups of Jewish-American and Israeli-American young professionals exchanged business cards and then headed to the dance floor, moving and shaking to the beat of Israeli music. Groups singing Israeli songs blended with panel discussions about what it means to be Israeli and Jewish in America, centered around the idea that we were connected by the Israeliness in our character and the love for Israel in our heart. Many echoed the sentiment that Israeli Americans and Jewish Americans are one family, need each other and complement each other. This sense of unity extended to the event’s political conversations. The politicians at the conference held views that spanned the ideological spectrum. They shared these radically different views on stage – in very frank conversations. All received thundering applause from the mixed crowd. In the many conference sessions and events, it was clear that Israeliness is a unifying force that can overcome political disagreements. We live during a time of growing gaps and serious challenges in the Jewish community — both inside American Jewry and between Israel and the Diaspora. How do we address a declining Jewish population in the face of assimilation? How do we overcome divides among our different denominations, political orientations, ethnic backgrounds and geographic centers? How do we ensure that Israel is not a wedge that divides our community, but rather the glue that holds us together and strengthens us? The nearly 3,000 participants in the Washington
conference suggested the role that Israeli Americans can and do play as important partner for American Jewish institutions in addressing these questions, and as bridge builder to the State of Israel and its people. There are three unique value propositions that Israeli Americans can bring to the table for the Jewish community.
preciation that it is not just the homeland of the Jewish people, but a source of our pride, common history, culture, courage and strength. We recognize that Israel isn’t perfect but accept and support it without any preconditions. As a result, Israeli Americans are uniquely equipped to advocate for Israel. The Israeli-American Council, for example, has worked to advocate for laws that keep states like California, Nevada and Texas from allowing taxpayer funds to support groups that discriminate against Israelis with economic boycotts. In partnership with existing organizations like AIPAC and Jewish federations, the IsraeliAmerican Coalition for Action and the Israeli-American community have acted to advance bipartisan support for the Taylor Force Act, the Israel Anti-Boycott Act and other important pieces of legislation. The third value proposition is our willingness and ability to think outside the box. Israeli Americans have much to learn Some 3,000 attendees celebrate their dual identities at the Is- from the American Diaspora community raeli-American Council’s annual convention in Washington, about how Jewish culture and community D.C., November 2017. can flourish outside of a Jewish state. Yet Credit: Peter Halmagyi we are also contributing fresh perspectives The first is our Israeliness, a multifaceted qual- that have brought a range of programs to Ameriity that brings together many aspects of our iden- can Jewish life – initiatives that are engaging not tity: Jewish values, the Hebrew language, Israeli only Israeli Americans, but also Jewish Americans culture, pride in our history and heritage, the of all ages. unique accomplishments of the Jewish people and By uniting Israeli Americans and partnering the State of Israel, and above all, a belief that “All with existing Jewish-American institutions, we can the people of Israel are responsible for one an- strengthen the American communities we live in other.” and build their connection to Israel. Our vision for Through Israeliness, our community is bringing the coming decades is optimistic: Where some see new people into our communal conversations and challenges and gaps, we see promise and opporture-engaging others from a wide variety of back- nity to reignite Jewish life, re-inspire Jewish pride grounds. We understand the importance of Israel and courage, and re-imagine our existing institunot just as a vibrant country and proud culture, but tions so that they serve the next generation in our as a crucial part of our spiritual beliefs as Jews. We community. speak Hebrew at home and at shul — the same lanBy working together as one big Jewish family, Isguage with two unique and intertwined purposes. raeli Americans and Jewish Americans of all backOur community offers new ways to engage with grounds can forge the future we desire. Israel and Judaism itself. Adam Milstein is a co-founder and the chairThe second value proposition is our deep love man of the board of the Israeli-American Council. for Israel, rooted in personal experience and an ap-
B6 | The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018
synagogues B’naI Israel synagogue
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BeTh el synagogue
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BeTh Israel synagogue
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
ChaBad house
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
CongregaTIon B’naI Jeshurun
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
offuTT aIr forCe Base
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
rose BlumkIn JewIsh home
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
TIfereTh Israel
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’naI Israel synagogue
Please join us for our upcoming events: Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Council Bluffs resident and Holocaust Survivor, Kitty Williams. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.
BeTh el synagogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. frIday: USY Winter Shabbaton; Beth El serves at NE AIDS Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Tot Shabbat Preneg, 5:30 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. with Miss Patty; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. led by USY. saTurday: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. led by USY; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. weekday serVICes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: BESTT Classes, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Beth El Women Tu BiSh’vat Seder, 4 p.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday: The Ethical Life class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods. wednesday: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High, 6:30-8 p.m.; The Ethical Life class with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. Thursday: Chesed Committee visits Blumkin Home, 2 p.m. Six Sring Kabbalat Shabbat, friday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. Enchanted Circles with Liora Lukas, monday, feb. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BeTh Israel synagogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Candle Lighting and Mincha, 5:15 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah, 4:15 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 5 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:19 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 10 a.m. monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Talmudic Tales with Rabbi Shlomo, noon. Tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. Thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.
ChaBad house
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. monday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wednesday: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman. Thursday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman. All programs are open to the entire community.
CongregaTIon B’naI Jeshurun
Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. frIday: Candlelighting, 5:19 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study on Parashat Beshalach, 10:30 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:50 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 1:30 p.m.; Adult Ed: Shabbat Prayer, 3 p.m.; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or
text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. Tuesday: Tu B’Shevat Seder and Dinner, 6 p.m. Please RSVP by noon on friday, Jan. 26. wednesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. University Program Council presents speaker Inge Auerbacher on “Memories of a Child Survivor of the Holocaust”, Thursday, feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kimball Recital Hall on the University’s City Campus and is free to University students with a valid NCard. There is a charge of $5 for faculty, staff and the public. Adult Beginning Hebrew, sunday, feb. 4, 11:30 a.m. at the Temple. Our Chesed branch (Caring Committee) is looking for volunteers to provide transportation for Temple members and friends who aren’t able to drive themselves to doctor’s appointments and other commitments. Volunteers are also being sought to help caregivers in our Temple community when they need a little time to get things done for themselves. Contact Chesed Branch Head Vicki Edwards at vgrandma1947@gmail.com if you would like to help with this important mitzvah. It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit.
sium will be taught by Temple Israel clergy, with guest sessions led by our Tri-Faith clergy partners and other teachers in the Omaha Jewish community. First Friday Shabbat Service and Dinner with Grades 1 and 2, friday, feb. 2, 6 p.m. Join us for a congregational dinner after services. Cost is $5/person, max of $20 per family. RSVP required. Annual Super Bowl Party, sunday, feb. 4, 4:30 p.m. Come watch Super Bowl LII with us on our projection screens! We will provide all-you-can-eat appetizers and nonalcoholic drinks. BYOB. There will be activities for kids and sitter service provided. The suggested donation for the evening is $7 per person or $15 per family. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536 or rsVp@templeisraelomaha.com, by friday, feb. 2. Holy Smokes, Tuesday, feb. 6, 7 p.m. Holy Smokes is an exclusive and always entertaining event for the men of Temple Israel (21+) to share an evening of cigars, spirits, beer, and philosophical discussions of the sacred and the profane. Emeritus Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will be our teacher this February at Copa Cabana. The cost is only $20 and includes two drink/cigar coupons. RSVP is required. Jewish Heroes, Heroines, and Personalities: Yahudah Amichai, by Rabbi Emeritus Aryeh Azriel, Thursday, feb. 8,
frIday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
10 a.m. Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. frIday: There will be no services held at Tifereth Israel. saTurday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m.; Services will be followed by a light Kiddush Lunch; Havdallah gathering in honor of Shabbat Shira and Tu B'shevat, 6:30 p.m. at the Coren home. Please RSVP. This evening will feature the musical talents of Louis Raymond-Kolker and special treats expressing our love of trees and the environment. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held after class from noon-1:30 p.m.; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. monday: Second Half of the DVD Course Beginnings of Judaism, 7:30-9 p.m. wednesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. Thursday: Hebrew classes for adults, 6:30-7:30 p.m., with Esti Sheinberg. Each meeting will include listening, speaking and a little reading. Come join the GOT SHABBAT kids and their families as we say farewell to Shabbat, sat. feb. 3 at 5:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel hosted by Brenda Ingraham and Evey Friedman. Mac & Cheese Dinner will be served. The kids will have the opprotunity to make Havdallah spice boxes and play games. It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit. Application packets are availible in the Tifereth Israel foyer.
offuTT aIr forCe Base
rose BlumkIn JewIsh home
saTurday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Renee Kazor and Jack Cohen. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
Temple Israel
frIday: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Kol Rina and the St. Paul United Methodist Church choir will sing with each other during parsha B’shalach Shira, the “Sabbath of Song.” Temple Israel will host St. Paul and their minister on Jan. 26, services, and St. Paul will host Temple Israel and Rabbi Stoller on Jan. 28. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. sunday: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Love and Logic Parent Training Class, 10 a.m. taught by Karen Gustafson, MS, NCC, LIMHP, Executive Director of JFS and a licensed independent mental health practitioner. The class also continues on Jan. 28 and feb. 4. Registration required; Temple TED Talk, 10:30 a.m.; Tri-Faith Committee Meeting, noon. wednesday: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; T’filah for School, 4:30 p.m.; Tu B’Shevat Seder with Grades 7-12 and Adult Education Class, 6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m. Thursday: Jewish Heroes, Heroines, and Personalities: Paul: The Jewish Apostle, 10 a.m. by Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes, Senior Minister, Countryside Community Church. The Sympo-
TIfereTh Israel
Palestinian group pulled out of Women’s March JTA A Palestinian women’s group pulled out of the Women’s March Los Angeles over the inclusion of Jewish actress Scarlett Johansson as a featured speaker. Several other pro-Palestinian groups also boycotted the march held on Saturday, one of dozens that took place across the United States to fight for women’s rights and progressive causes. The Palestinian American Women’s Association cited in a post on Facebook Johansson’s “unapologetic support of illegal settlements in the West Bank, a human rights violation recognized by the international community whose calls only led to a reaffirmation of her position, sending a clear message that Palestinian voices and human rights for Palestinians do not matter.” Johansson is a former spokeswoman for SodaStream, whose main plant was formerly located in the West Bank. The plant was moved to the Negev Desert in southern Israel in 2015, where it employs 1,400 employees, one-third of
them Bedouin Arabs. More than 70 of the West Bank Palestinians who worked for the company when it was located in Maale Adumim, also work at the new plant. Johansson resigned as a goodwill ambassador for Oxfam, which supports boycotting West Bank settlements, over her employment by Soda Stream. “While her position may not be reflective of all organizers at the Women’s March Los Angeles Foundation, PAWA cannot in good conscience partner itself with an organization that fails to recognize when their speaker selection contradicts their message,” the Palesitnian women’s group said. Other pro-Palestinian groups that boycotted the march included: Al-Awda: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, Jewish Voice for Peace, Code Pink, BDS-LA, Jews for Palestinian Right of Return and other organizations who have signed the petition in boycott of the Jan. 20 march in Los Angeles.
The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018 | B7
lifecycles In memoRIam
JeRRY KatLeman
Jerry Katleman, a real estate developer and business leader, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 10 surrounded by his loving family. Services were held on Jan. 12 at Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego, CA. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Margaret Katleman; daughters, Laura Katleman, Beth Katleman, Stephanie Katleman, Karen Battenberg, and daughters and sons-in-law, Suzanne and Derek Emge, Cynthia Battenberg and Humberto Renata; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Joel Katleman and Marilyn Ruck, and sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Phil Wayne. He was born on March 13 1931 in Omaha to David and Margurite Greenfield Katleman and was the eldest of three children. He graduated from Babson University and attended Wharton School of Business before joining the US Navy, serving as Lieutenant in the Korean War. He was instrumental in building affordable housing in Park Forest, IL, and San Diego, CA. Jerry served on a number of boards among them were Congregation Beth Israel, the Jewish Community Foundation, the Seacrest Village Retirement Community, and others. An enthusiastic golfer, tennis player, and traveler, he cultivated friendships wherever he went. Jerry was a loving and devoted father and husband. His greatest pleasure was his family and he was known for beginning family gatherings with,“Aren’t we lucky!” Memorials may be made toCongregation Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Center Drive San Diego, CA, or Jewish Family Service, 8804 Balboa Ave., or the organization of your choice.
Beshalach: Power of a Song
The power of a song is to take us from where we are to where we want to be. When the Jewish people experience the miracles of life, they realize that nature can be expanded. Nothing can RaBBI aRI limit the willpower of man. This is the DemBItzeR power of song. If you want to change Beth Israel Synagogue the reality, sing. The song will inspire you to exceed apparent limitations. Sing in the shul, sing at your Shabbos table, and yes, even sing in the shower. Shabbat Shalom.
Visit us at jewishomaha.org
Israeli defense minister bans army’s chief rabbi from military ceremonies
JERUSALEM | JTA A meeting between Israel’s Sephardic chief rabbi and the Israeli army’s chief rabbi was canceled aer the defense minister banned the chief rabbi from military ceremonies. On Saturday, Avigdor Liberman banned Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and two other rabbis from the military events aer they criticized the Israel Defense Forces mixed-gender units. e meeting scheduled for Monday was canceled a day earlier. Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, chief rabbi of Safed and a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, said in an interview last week with Army Radio that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should fire IDF Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzhak Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Yosef attending a conference in Gadi Eisenkot over his the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, decision to allow female Jan. 13, 2016. soldiers in combat units. Credit: Yaakov Lederman/Flash90 Rabbi Shlomo Aviner wrote on the Orthodox news website Kipa in response to a query that it was forbidden to join mixed-gender units, and said it was better to refuse to serve than enter a mixed-gender unit. Aviner is the rabbi of the Beit El settlement and head of the Ateret Cohamin Yeshiva. Liberman said rabbis who are state employees “must represent the state” and therefore would not be allowed at official events until they withdraw their comments, e Times of Israel reported. “ey are state employees who, among other things, receive a salary from taxpayers,” he also said. Eliyahu’s office reportedly threatened to file a lawsuit against Liberman unless he rescinds the order.
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B8 | The Jewish Press | January 26, 2018