February 19, 2021 by Jewish Press

A N AG E N C Y O F T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A

The Jewish Press WWW.O M A H A J E W I S H P R E SS .CO M

INSIDE

WWW. J E W I S H O M A H A .O R G

SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Building for the future Purim is coming! Purim celebrations with Temple Israel, Beth El and Beth Israel Synagogues Pages 2, 3 & 5

JFO Scholarships

Let’s talk about masks Page 6 This rendering of the renovated Beth El sanctuary shows the new intimate circular space. The panels separating it from the rest of the sanctuary are removed to accommodate larger crowds.

OZZIE NOGG

recent Zoom Town Hall for Beth El members introduced congregants to the synagogue’s Building for the Future Campaign. Beth El 2050: Preparing Our Building for the Next Thirty Years. With $3.5 million of the estimated $5.8 million already committed, Beth El plans to have workers in the building this summer. “Our building on 144th and California is beautiful,” said Rabbi Abraham, “but we use it differently today than we did 30 years ago when we moved here. Over the years, we’ve

BBYO International Convention Page 12

tried to make worship, learning and programming relevant to our times. The sacred space in which we pray and study and gather as a congregation must be relevant, too, so it meets current and future needs. Our guiding principle during this entire process is to re-imagine Beth El so it works for our grandkids but also reflects our grandparents’ traditions. So that if they walked through the transformed Beth El space they would be proud.” Beth El President Ari Riekes said, “While it may seem like a strange time to talk about See Beth El Synagogue page 3

Stuart Richard Rochman Memorial NJHS Endowment Fund REGULARS

Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

8 9 10 11

LINDA POLLARD JFO Foundation Dick Rochman was a ‘people person.’ He loved connecting with people, talking with them and hearing their stories. He was genuinely interested in the history of Omaha’s Jewish people. In order to honor Dick’s memory, his son, Michael Rochman, established the Stuart Richard Rochman

Dick Rochman

Memorial NJHS Endowment Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Michael said: “My dad loved the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society as a representation

of Omaha, its Jewish community, and the history of both.” The new fund is the perfect way to honor Dick Rochman. He spent countless hours volunteering at the Historical Society. The newly established fund will provide operational funding for the NJHS and will help the NJHS continue to collect and archive Jewish Omaha’s history. Renee Corcoran, Executive Director of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, said: “Dick was a great supporter of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, serving as membership chairman, a responsibility he took very seriously. He enjoyed spending time in the office taking an interest in new collections. Dick was always anxious to See NJHS Endowment Fund page 3

DIANE WALKER JFO Foundation Fund & Scholarship Administrator The March 1 deadline for this year’s Jewish Federation of Omaha scholarship applications is fast approaching! Thanks to the generosity of our community, a variety of funding sources are available to Omaha’s Jewish families to help with the financial burden of residential camp, JCC summer camp, Israel programs, the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy and youth group activities. Assistance is also available for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, professional or yeshiva studies. Grant programs, funded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, are available to any Omaha Jewish family meeting the program requirements, regardless of the family’s financial situation. Jewish Experience Grants provide up to $2,000 for Jewish children in the metro area to attend a residential summer camp. Grants are paid over two years with no more than $1,000 per summer. Israel Experience Grants provide up to $1,500 to students in grades 9–12 or young adults aged 18–25 for an Israel peer program. An additional stipend of $1,000 is provided for the bi-annual community teen trip to Israel. Scholarships, awarded by the Financial Aid Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, are funded by a number of endowments established through the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, outside entities and through the Federation’s Annual Campaign. Scholarships are available for JCC summer camp, residential Jewish summer camp, Israel peer programs, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Child Development Center and youth group programs. Jewish students, who are residents of the Omaha metropolitan area, can apply for scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, professional or yeshiva studies. While the majority of scholarships are based on financial need, some college scholarships are merit-based. See JFO Scholarships page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021

News

JFO Scholarships

LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

Purim is coming! CASSANDRA WEISENBURGER Temple Israel Director of Communications Purim is a joyous holiday that affirms and celebrates Jewish survival and continuity throughout history, and Temple Israel is kicking off our celebration with an evening of community fun! We invite you to join us on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. for our Megillah Reading and Purim Match Game. We’re going to premier our megillah reading video featuring over 30 Temple Israel congregants. We will also share our Purim Parody Song Contest submissions and you will get to vote on your favorite. Then it’s time for the Purim Match Game featuring our clergy celebrities! Each celebrity will be given 10 questions or prompts, and viewers will fill in the blank at the same time on a piece of paper. After 30 seconds, the host will ask everyone to hold up their answer. Our judges will confirm all matching answers to the celebrity, and if you answered correctly you will receive a point. At the end of the game, the top three contestants will receive a surprise prize from one of the celebrities. Everyone is welcome to play. On Saturday, Feb. 27, we’re joining

Beth El for their 21+ Comedy night at 7:30 p.m. featuring David Harris and Elise Cole. Our annual Family Purim Celebration will be Sunday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. It may be virtual this year, but it will include all of your favorites: songs, Purim Spiel, games and costumes! Dani Howell is working on the Purim Spiel, the Temple Israel staff has chosen their costumes, and we are looking forward to our most interactive Purim celebration

yet! We’ve been collecting submissions for our Purim Costume contest and Director of Congregational Learning Ben Mazur will share a slideshow that we will watch together on Sunday morning. This will be a fun-filled morning with plenty of surprises. Registration is required. Once you register, you will receive the Zoom link to join. For more information and registration links, please visit templeisraelomaha. com/purim-celebration.html.

Visit us on facebook:

ps://www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress

Continued from page 1 The revised 2021 Scholarship and Grants booklet and applications are available on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website. The deadline for applications is Monday, March 1, 2021. We would like to highlight a few new funds: Mike and Linda Fiterman Family Foundation has provided funding for need-based scholarships for Omaha area Jewish youth to attend Jewish residential summer camp for summer 2021. Randy and Marvin Gilman Scholarship is designated for a Jewish student in need of financial assistance at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Mr. Gilman’s alma mater. Sadly, Mr. Gilman passed away earlier this year, but he generously provided a bequest to fund scholarship awards for the next three years. Stanley & Barbara Malashock Camp Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to enable Jewish youth under the age of 18 residing in the Omaha metropolitan area to attend Jewish summer camps. Preference shall be given to children with learning disabilities or other developmental challenges. Secondary preference shall be financial need. Carl & Zoë Riekes Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to enable Jewish youth from families residing in the Omaha metropolitan area who are in need of financial assistance to attend the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center. Should the funding not be needed for the CDC, it shall be available for need-based financial assistance for Omaha metro Jewish youth to attend Jewish residential summer camp or to take organized trips to Israel. Several scholarships outlined in the 2021 Scholarship and Grants booklet are outside the realm of the Financial Aid Committee. These include Sokolof Honor Roll scholarships, Fellman/Kooper scholarships, A.A. and Ethel Yossem scholarships for Creighton University and the Bennett G. Hornstein Endowment Fund. Omaha’s Jewish families are encouraged to take advantage of these funding opportunities. All financial information is kept completely confidential. For any questions, please call Diane Walker at 402.334.6551 or via email at dwalker@jew ishomaha.org.

Academ h s i w e J l e d e Fri

GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Applications due:

March 1, 2021

Israel p JCC Day Cam hool c s e r P h s i w e J

Camp h s i w e J r e m Sum cation u d E y r a d n o c Post-se

It’s more than a donation.

t’s your legacy.

For more info and applications, visit the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website at

www.jewishomaha.org or contact Diane Walker at dwalker@jewishomaha.org or (402) 334-6551.

The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021 | 3

David Harris headlines at Beth El Harris has been lucky to share the stage ROBBY ERLICH with some of the best in the business. He’s Beth El Engagement Coordinator Comedian David Harris to headline virtual worked with the legendary Louie Anderson, standup show for Beth El Synagogue and the Bobby Slayton, Mary Lynn Rajskub and Ben entire Jewish community! Join us via Zoom on Bailey, to name a few. Based in his hometown Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. Showtime is at of Minneapolis, Harris won 2017’s Minnesota’s Funniest Person Contest. He was also asked 7:30 p.m. by his peers to participate in Minnesota’s own David Harris is a nationally touring, midhighly competitive 10,000 Laughs Festival two west Emmy Award-Winning comedian, mayears in a row. Harris appeared at both festigician, actor and host. He has entertained vals two years in a row and received resoundNorth American audiences for over 20 years ing praise from audiences and press alike. His with over 2000 live performances to date. personal and person-driven approach to the Harris regularly appears at clubs, colleges, topics of work, family, relationships and anxicorporate events, theaters, alternative rooms ety make his act relatable to virtually anyone. and other top venues across the U.S. and David Harris Harris is fun, creative, interactive, and most of Canada. Most notably, Harris has performed Credit: davidharrislive.com all – hilarious. at the New York Comedy Club in New York, The event is free! For more information and to RSVP please Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Goodnight’s visit www.bethel-omaha.org. For questions please contact Comedy Club in Raleigh and at the Hollywood Improv Lab in Robby Erlich, Engagement Coordinator at rerlich@bethelomaha.org. Los Angeles.

LESLIE’S Home & Pet Sitting Since 1992

Leslie Babendir 402-415-8239

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Continued from page 1 renovating Beth El when we haven’t been in the building for 12 months because of Covid, it’s heartening to realize how much our synagogue has continued to matter over the past year. Despite the doors being closed, Beth El has been open. With Zoom, we haven’t missed a single minyan, morning or evening; our High Holiday services were attended by people from all over the country; Shabbat morning services have more participation. And we’ll continue our virtual presence while the Building for the Future construction is under way.” In addition to Riekes, the Building for the Future Committee includes Rabbi Abraham, Bob Belgrade, Jay Gordman, Allan Murow, Phil Wayne and Allison Newfeld, Beth El’s Executive Director. Sub-committees representing the varied demographics of the congregation have provided, and will continue to provide, feedback during the process. Marty Shukert and his RDG team are leading the plan and design. Darland Construction is the general contractor. The project will proceed in phases, with Phase One focusing on the current sanctuary. “The sanctuary at Beth El is a gem,” Rabbi Abraham said. “Our crown jewel. But we need to make the space feel smaller, more intimate, more communal. A space we use fifty-two weeks a year, not just on the High Holidays.” Marty Shukert agreed. “The sanctuary is sort of like the living room you rarely use because it’s so grand,” he said. “We want to keep the architecture intact but create a space within a space.” To this end, the RDG Design team created a circular layout that fosters a sense of community, bringing the bimah down into the congregation where everyone, congregation and clergy, can feel a sense of connection. “Distance isn’t good,” Rabbi Abraham continued. “Distance fractures intimacy. We want to create warmth and

togetherness. A place where people of all identities and abilities feel welcome.” The current Beth El chapel will also be renovated and expanded as part of Phase One. “We plan to convert our chapel into a Beit Midrash — a place for prayer — but also a library, lounge, study center, coffee bar and more,” Shukert said. “It will be a place where we can learn, study, gather, drink coffee, meet and hang out — the day-to-day heart of our congregation.” The Beit Midrash will also house a Zoom room and will be designed so several activities can occur at the same time. Phase One also includes improvements to the synagogue’s main entrance, public areas and Social Hall. Phase Two will likely see modifications to the offices, rest rooms, education wing plus general site upgrades. “Rabbi Abraham’s vision and Marty Shukert’s expertise are second to none,” Allan Murow said. “We’re going to proceed in a fiscally responsible way, build in phases with the money we have and not go into debt. Thanks to seed money from several Beth El congregants, Phase One is already funded. As more monies come in we’ll attack the other phases.” “We’re honored to already have support from so many of our Beth El members,” Rabbi Abraham said. “To bring the entire vision to life, we need additional gifts, and invite all Beth El congregants and members of the entire Jewish Community to join our campaign by contacting Allan Murow at 402.659.7573 or allanmurow@gmail.com. Donations are also accepted at the link below. All gifts, of any size, are welcome and appreciated.” For more information, please visit http://www.bethelomaha.org. You'll find Building for the Future on the homepage under featured links, where you can watch a video of our building plans and make your donation.

NJHS Endowment Fund Continued from page 1 share his history and that of our Jewish community. I believe there is no better tribute to him than the new Stuart Richard Rochman Memorial NJHS Endowment Fund. The NJHS is grateful for the fund making it possible for his memory and work to continue into the future.” In addition to many hours spent volunteering at the NJHS, Dick also volunteered at some Beth El Synagogue events, among them ushering at High Holy Days. Dick was born May 18, 1933, and attended Central High School. As a son of immigrants who came to America from Europe before WWI, Dick loved his country and was in ROTC while at Central High. It was his hope to join the military in the 1950s, but was classified at 4-F due to flat feet, and that was the end of his hopes of military service. After high school graduation, Dick attended the University of Oklahoma. While at the university, Dick’s father had a heart attack. “My dad had to leave Norman and come home to help run the family business, Benson Furniture Mart,” Michael said. “Later, he graduated from the University of Omaha. Whenever he told the story of leaving Oklahoma, a school he loved, it was never with bitterness or regret. He did what he had to do for family.” Dick’s love of people led to his life’s work as a salesman. Rocky Stern described Dick as a “natural” salesman, a job he loved. When Benson Furniture Mart closed, Dick headed the frozen foods sales team at Hinky Dinky Grocery Stores, worked at Mid-Con Systems, and Nogg Chemical and Paper Company, which was his last employment before taking a

well-deserved retirement. Dick did not spend his retirement years idle. He worked out five days a week, took weekly ballroom dancing lessons, and rode his bicycle. Dick was a volunteer leader at Main Streeters at the JCC. He was a member of the former Wheels to Meals group. ‘Wheels to Meals’ was a group that rode their bikes for 15 miles or so, and then returned back to the restaurant from where they started. There they would gather to enjoy each other’s company as they sat down to dinner. Rocky Stern described her long-time partner as, “generous, kind, warm and lots of fun.” “He loved concerts, movies, Husker football games, cooking, listening to music of all kinds, ballroom dancing, which he was great at, bicycle riding and eating,” she said. “Dick was very passionate and proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved visiting them, Michael and family in Sacramento, Julie and Sandy in Tampa, and Dan and family in Washington, DC or Thailand or Japan.” Remembering the times that he was out with his family, Michael said: “Whenever we were out with my dad in Omaha, he would inevitably be greeted warmly by people he knew. He seemed to know someone, often several ‘someones,’ wherever we went. He was interested in people and would always tell us who was related to whom, where they worked, what they did. He joked that his mind was “a treasure trove of useless information,” but it was really an encyclopedia of people he knew.” Michael Rochman was pleased that he was able to honor his father by establishing the Stuart Richard Rochman Memorial See NJHS Endowment Fund page 4

Associated Counseling Professionals Glen Fineman, LICSW, LIMHP Clinical Social Worker

Family & Children Issues Marriage Counseling Depression | Anxiety | Grief & Loss

2255 So. 132nd Street | Suite 200 | Omaha 402-334-1122 | fax: 402-334-8171 www.acpcounseling.com

4 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021

Ira Nathan explores Jewish connection to the Missouri River

FOR A LIMITED TIME!

nal o i t sa

n e

S CD Rates Ask an Enterprise Banker about our latest CD Special and let us help put your money to work for you! 12800 West Center Road

330-0200 210 Regency Parkway

392-0400 N.A., MEMBER F.D.I.C. MEMBER F.D.I.C.

www.enterprise.bank

BEN JUSTMAN Director of the Sarpy County Museum The Missouri River has a long and winding history, one that is intertwined through a number of historical narratives. On Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m, Ira Nathan will share several aspects of this history in his presentation, “Missouri River Trading Posts and Nathan’s Lake.” The free online event will be hosted by the Sarpy County Museum and presented via Zoom and Facebook Live. The presentation will be followed with a questionand-answer period. In 1909 Nathan’s Lake was a focal point of social life for the Omaha Jewish community who wanted to get out of the bustling cityscape of Omaha and experience nature and rural life. The site was home of the first JCC summer camp, Camp Morris Levy. It served as a host site for nearby stationed WW I soldiers. Today, Nathan’s Lake has been restored to bring back 250 more acres of wetlands and river-connected habitat. Joining in this effort are the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Resource District. Ira Nathan will share stories and pictures about this popular and memorable part of early Omaha Jewish history. Nathan will also be discussing how the Missouri River trading posts dotted

the landscape in early Nebraska. Nathan’s Lake is not the only family connection to the region. His great-grandfather, Jonathan Mendes Nathan trapped beavers on the Missouri River and was a partner with notable French Fur trader, Jean Pierre Cabannes at the “Post of the Otoes.” A native Nebraskan, Ira Nathan was born in Scottsbluff and graduated with a BA from the University of Nebraska. He has lived in Omaha since 1971. While retired from the actuarial profession, Nathan has stayed active. He was recently named a member of the State of Nebraska Advisory Committee on Aging and is a volunteer for AARP serving on the West Omaha Community Action Team, Advocacy and is a board member and past president on the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. His passion is to discover his family roots. He has had an amazing journey researching the family history at Nathan’s Lake and made presentations to the Beth El Synagogue, and Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and Back to the River amongst several other organizations. For more information about the Sarpy County Museum and to register for the program, Missouri River Trading Posts and Nathan’s Lake: visit sarpycountymuseum.org or call the museum at 402.292.1880.

From the pulpit: On recent anti-Semitism This has been a troubling week for Jews in America. Nationally, we’ve been hearing all week about that congresswoman from Georgia who’s spouted all kinds of wild conspiracy theories, including one that the Jews started the California wildfires with a space laser. One person saying something like this is scary enough, but what is truly RABBI BRIAN terrifying is the reluctance of so many STOLLER of her colleagues in Congress to speak Temple Israel out against it, and the willingness of countless other people to blow it off as no big deal. And here in Omaha, of course, we’ve been reading about the incident at Westside Middle School, where one of the teachers posted a quote on the wall from Hitler in a way that suggested he was someone whose words should inspire consideration or even admiration. It seems the teacher’s intentions were not malicious or antiSemitic, but what’s so troubling about it is that we’re at a point in our society where some well-meaning educator is not attuned to the obvious problems of using a Hitler quote as a quote of the day. Have we come to a point where some people think that, yeah, Hitler was a bad guy, but he said some smart things? I guess I’m asking: is our society losing the revulsion, the abhorrence, of the unique evil of Nazism and the perennial cancer of anti-Semitism? I’ve been reading about the situation of Jews in Germany in the late 19th century, as part of my dissertation research. ... 60-plus years before Hitler came to power. Before Hitler was even born. The Jews of Germany were emancipated in 1869 – meaning they were given full citizenship and the same rights as any German – but this was not uncontroversial. In fact, the Jews became a lightning rod in German politics, on the right and on the left. Some said the only way for the Jews to truly be Germans worthy of citizenship was for them to abandon all distinctive Jewish identity and assimilate fully into the German Volk (or, nation). Others said no, the Jews can never be fully German because they are not of us – they are not of our blood, our soil; they are a foreign tribe from a foreign land, and they’ll never have a place here. Makes me think back to that infamous rally in Charlottesville a few years ago, where the neo-Nazi marchers were chanting, “Blood and soil! Jews will not replace us!” It feels to me like the ground has shifted in American culture in recent years. Sure, there have always been kooky people saying kooky, anti-Semitic things – but it feels different right now. • There was Charlottesville. And the synagogue shootings in Pittsburgh and Poway, California.

• There was that congresswoman who said the government is supporting Israel because the Jews are “all about the Benjamins, baby” – or something like that. • And there was the president at the time accusing Jews who voted for the other party of being disloyal to America. • There were the neo-Nazi flags on display during the Capitol siege on Jan. 6, and the rioter in the “Camp Auschwitz” t-shirt. • And now a U.S. congresswoman spouting anti-Semitism provokes a partisan split rather than unanimous condemnation... • And a well-meaning local teacher naively quotes Hitler to inspire kids to study history. The ground seems to have shifted in America. At one point we might have called these isolated events, but now it’s a tapestry of events. And it is troubling. Learn from history, indeed. I’m not saying this is Germany in the 1860s. The Jewish people have never been freer or more accepted in any society in history than we are in America. But the Jewish experience of that time and place has something to teach us. Here’s a quote worth lifting up. It’s a warning from the prophet Jeremiah: “My people have eyes, but they see not; my people have ears, but they hear not.” Let us not be like those people. Let us be aware. Beginning next week, we will be highlighting the work of the ADL in our ETidings and other online platforms. I encourage you to read their reports about what’s going on in America right now, and talk to your friends about it, and your children and grandchildren. Let it not be said of us someday that we blew it off, or that we were unaware. Adonai oz l’amo yitein; Adonai y’varekh et amo va-shalom. God, please give your people strength; and please God, bless your people with peace. Editor’s note: From time to time, we will reprint sermons by our local clergy, as a follow up to our previous series From the Pulpit. The above sermon was shared with the Temple Israel Congregation on Friday, Feb. 5.

NJHS Endowment Fund Continued from page 3 NJHS Endowment Fund, a cause his father cared deeply about. As Michael said: “Endowment funds are a wonderful way to remember a loved one. It helps perpetuate something they cared about when they are gone.” Dick Rochman will always be lovingly remembered by his family and friends, and with the establishment of this new endowment, his love of Omaha’s Jewish history will be memorialized.

The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021 | 5

News

Steven Spielberg gets 2021 Genesis Prize

GABE FRIEDMAN JTA Director Steven Spielberg has won the 2021 Genesis Prize, the award nicknamed the “Jewish Nobel.” The award, which “honors extraordinary individuals for their outstanding professional achievement, contribution to humanity and commitment to Jewish values,” was announced Feb. 10. “Key Jewish themes are often woven into his narratives: importance of identity and belonging, maintaining humanity in a ruthless world, caring for the other and honoring the moral obligation to do the right thing,” the Genesis Prize Foundation wrote about the Oscar winner in a statement. The foundation also says it is Steven Spielberg Credit: honoring “his extraordinary Kevin Winter/Getty Images work to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and prevent future genocides through film, public advocacy and philanthropy.” Spielberg is founder of the USC Shoah Foundation, which preserves Holocaust survivor testimonies and which he created in the wake of the acclaim for his 1993 Holocaust film, Schindler’s List. In contrast to past years, the foundation considered votes on a winner from people around the world. “While the Prize Committee had the ultimate discretion about the selection of the recipient of this prestigious award, the fact Spielberg received the most votes was a major determining factor,” the statement continued. The honor comes with a $1 million prize. Past recipients, including Michael Douglas, Michael Bloomberg, Natalie Portman and Natan Sharansky, have donated the winnings to philanthropic causes. Launched in 2013 by a group of Russian-Jewish philanthropists that includes current foundation chairman Stan Polovets, the prize is financed through a permanent endowment of $100 million established by The Genesis Prize Foundation.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com or leave a message at the BB JCC office 402.334.6443.

LOCA L | NAT IO NAL | WORLD

A unique celebration of Purim – 2021 Style

MARY SUE GROSSMAN for Beth Israel Synagogue Wow, it’s time for Purim 2021. Held yearly on the 14th of Adar, the Talmud teaches that not only is one to be happy on Purim but one is also to be joyful during the month of Adar. Think that might be difficult to truly feel joyful as the challenges of the pandemic continue? Beth Israel Synagogue is ready to help add a big dose of joy to this Adar and celebrate Purim 5781 in a big way. After all, what better holiday than Purim to embrace the new norm of mask wearing! Purim begins the evening of Thursday, Feb. 25 and continues until sundown on Friday, Feb. 26. There are four mitzvot for the celebration of Purim. The first mitzvah is Matanot L’evynoim, the giving of money to help those in need. The second mitzvah is that of Mishloach Manot, the giving of ready-to-eat foods or drink to others. The next mitzvah is enjoying a festive meal. Rounding out the four mitzvoth is listening to the reading of the Megillah. It is preferable that one hear a reading on Erev Purim and a

second time on Purim day. Beth Israel is happy to accept Matanot L’evynoim donations through mid-day on Feb. 25. Donations can be mailed or delivered to the Beth Israel office and can also be made online at ort hodoxomaha.org. Rabbi Ari Dembitzer will distribute the donations on Purim day. Several options are being offered by Beth Israel to hear the Megillah reading. The first reading will be Thursday, Feb. 25 beginning at 7 p.m. The second reading will take place outside in the synagogue sukkah beginning at 7:45 p.m. A third reading will be held Friday, Feb. 26, at approximately 7:45 a.m., immediately after Shacharit which begins at 7 a.m. A fourth reading will occur at 12:15 p.m. A final reading will be done at 4:30 p.m., this time outside in the sukkah. Social distancing will be enforced and masks are required during all readings. Thursday evening will also feature the Beth Israel “Out of This World Purim Party.” In addition to the megillah reading, there will be a unique “walkthrough” event which will include fun

decorations, a costume contest, music, and photo ops, which will be available with the creation of photo magnets. Beverages will also be available with “L’Chaim” beverages generously sponsored by Zevi and Devorah Friedman for a Refuah Sheleima for Moshe Elazar Ben Miriam and Henna Bas Miriam Yiskah. Throughout the party, social distancing will be enforced and masks are required. “The Talmud instructs us to ‘increase our joy’ during Adar; however, it does not tell us how to increase that joy,” shares Rabbi Ari. “The absence of specific directions indicates the goal is to find ways of deepening the personal joy in our lives. Each person knows themselves best and each one of us is responsible for finding additional joy during Purim, during Adar and throughout the entire year. One must consciously find ways to increase the joy in our lives and celebrating Purim is a great way to help.” Rabbi Ari encourages anyone with questions about Purim to contact him or Rabbi Yoni Dreyer. “Let Purim 2021 be a wonderful celebration for you and your family. I hope to see you at Beth Israel.”

We Offer Breakfast - served 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch - Promotional Menus Dinner items available during the day Carry Out / To-Go Available Full-Service Catering Two Party Rooms Full-Scale Bakery Box Lunches & Party Trays

11040 Oak St. | Omaha, NE 68144 Rockbrook Village

402-393-0252

gardencaferockbrook.com Email: Garden_Cafe@icloud.com

6 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021

News

Lewis Art Gallery: Simply the best

LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

Let’s talk about masks SUSAN FELLMAN WITKOWSKI, M.D. Recommendations on mask wearing may soon change to reflect the spread of newer, more contagious SARS-CoV2 virus variants (the British variant already in US, South Africa/Brazil variants not yet documented to be inside US). The main change will likely be to layer two masks when in places where other people are close by, such as in-person grocery shopping, or running other errands or going to other activities where groups of people will be present. One mask on the base layer should have a good fit around the bridge of the nose (wire bridged across the top edge pressed and formed to fit your face) and have no gaps on the sides against the cheeks, usually due to pleats in the side hems, and a snug fit under the chin. The pleated sides allow for gathering at the side of the face instead of having looser gaps along the sides or upper/lower edges. This is the construction of hospital/ medical procedure masks, and is found now in boxes of disposable masks available at retail stores. (The light green mask pictured.) And then top layer mask can be the kind that a lot of us are wearing now -- cloth masks without wire edge shaping or pleats on the sides, preferably one with a fairly snug fit as well. I’ve seen a lot of contour masks and also some flat

masks that are of this simple design type. If a mask slides down your nose or face while you are wearing it, then it doesn’t fit your face and you should get rid of that mask and replace it with a better fitting mask. It’s not going to do you any good whatsoever if it

is too loose and lets air flow around the sides. The gold standard for form fitting masks is the N95 respirator, but N95 masks have been in short supply since the onset of the pandemic last year, and should be reserved primarily for health care staff who work directly with Covid+ patients. We have all seen pictures of health care workers in hospitals wearing N95 masks with disposable surgical/procedure masks covering on top of them, and these folks work long shifts (sometimes 12-14 hrs) while wearing double masks. So just in case anyone is thinking about complaining that the request to double mask

Family-owned for 50 years! Art, lamps, tables, accessories and gifts One-week custom picture framing service www.lewisartgallery.com

will restrict their oxygen supply or cause them to breathe toxins or have a bacterial infection, swallow that complaint before it comes out of your mouth. Seriously, we are past that ridiculousness, so don’t come at me with it. #science If you have legitimate breathing/pulmonary issues and double masking (or for some people, even wearing a single mask) causes a real medical issue, then you probably shouldn’t be out and about in crowded areas where you could easily be exposed to Covid, and you need to have a discussion ASAP with your pulmonologist to work out a plan to protect your health with this possibly increased risk of contagiousness with new viral variants. Find info on new more contagious viral variants here: https://www.cdc.gov/.../ 2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html More about wearing double masks here: https://www.cbsnews.com/.../covid-19double-masks-adds.../ and here: https://www.nytimes.com/ .../live/double-masking-covid.html and here: https://www.ajc.com/.../if.../ AAXN2W3JHBGGTL7O5RUNSZMREY/ and here: https://www.npr.org/.../coro navirus-faqs-are-3-masks... The science of masks here: https://www. cdc.gov/.../more/masking-science-sarscov2.html.

Lewis Art Gallery is in our 50th year of business, making it Omaha’s most established art gallery. The gallery has been proudly family-owned since 1971 and 13 years in our “new” location. Constantly growing and changing, you will find thousands of pieces of beautiful and unique artwork by local, regional and international artists and a large variety of home décor. Our local artists have been busy and art reps are starting to make their rounds bringing in a wonderful blend of traditional, transitional, abstract and contemporary art. The gallery also offers custom framing with over 700 moldings to choose from in stock with one-week service. In addition to the art and framing services, the gallery showcases hundreds of lamps, tables and exceptional accessories that are beautifully curated on two spacious levels, providing options for all budgets and styles. Above all, attention to excellence in quality and workmanship are foremost. Whether in the products they carry, or the archival framing done in-house by highly experienced framers, Lewis Art Gallery is committed to providing you the best. Ranked in Omaha Magazine as the Best of Omaha for the past several years as well as one of the 101 things to Love About the Metro, it is a must visit. The gallery is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our priority at Lewis Art Gallery has always been to ensure the health and safety of our staff and customers. During these difficult times, the gallery remains open to the public. We will continue to provide all the services you have come to expect from the gallery. By wearing face masks, social distancing and constant cleaning and sanitization, we are working harder than ever to provide a safe, clean and enjoyable shopping experience. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Personal Threads Special COVID Hours Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m. We offer a large assortment of Knitting and Crochet yarns, needles and hooks. Also, we have a outstanding assortment of Needlepoint canvases and supplies including Appleton English wool and Paternayan Persian wool. Always the best.

www.personalthreads.com Find us on social media @personalthreadsboutique

8600 Cass Street | Open: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 402-391-7733

The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021 | 7

Pirkei Avot women’s class Have you always wanted to study Ethics of the Fathers? Now is the time. Ethics of the Fathers is a tractate of the Mishna that details the Torah's views on ethics and interpersonal relationships. Tuesday nights from 7-8 p.m., Chabad’s Shani Katzman teaches a full hour of Pirkei Avot via Zoom to a multi-generational group of women. There is no cost to attend, but we do recommend you purchase (or borrow) the book.

The text used in the class is the memorial edition, compiled by Rabbi Yosef Marcus. If you cannot afford the text, send an email avandekamp @jewishomaha.org and you will be sent a link to the online text. Come learn with your friends and connect with others in the process. For more information, call Chabad at 402.330.1800 or email Annette at avandekam p@jewishomaha.org.

2021 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

R.J. Neary for Mayor I am running for Mayor because I believe we need to reconnect the neighborhoods of our city and create a prosperous recovery from the pandemic. I’ve been married to my wife Liz for 35 years and have two wonderful grown daughters. I started at Investors Realty in 1987 and have been President and Chair for many years. I helped to seal the deal on many great projects in Omaha during that time. I served on the Omaha Planning Board, including two years as Chair. I have served on the Boards of Habitat for Humanity and the Holland Children’s Movement. I will put that experience as a business leader to work as your next mayor. HERE’S MY 12-MONTH PLAN: • I will appoint a Pandemic Czar who will act as the point person for the Covid economic recovery • Begin to fix crumbling, pot-hole strewn streets once and for all using best available technologies • Adopt a climate action plan to be part of the solution for reducing greenhouse gases

and environmental equity • Improve city services by making garbage and recycling pickup work well again, for all residents • Connect and revitalize our neighborhoods through funding and focus on neighborhood associations and technology • Improve substandard housing by adding inspectors and support staff immediately, and identifying a reliable funding program to establish more affordable housing in our city • Improve Racial Equity by elevating an equity officer in my cabinet and eliminating barriers to advancement • Make government more transparent through a culture of continuous improvement in all departments and a published report card of performance • Improve public safety through innovations, including the development and implementation of a special social services unit that will respond to non-violent 911 calls. I hope to earn your support! My website is nearyforomaha.com and my email is rj@ nearyforomaha.com.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

It’s not just what they know. It’s who they become.

Primrose School of La Vista 8202 S. 97th Plaza La Vista, NE 68128 402.517.1153 | PrimroseLaVista.com

Now enrolling for the Fall. Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2020 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND PARENTS

We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 21, 2021. To be included, send us an email with the student’s name, parents names, high school they are attending, the college they will be attending and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org by May 3, 2021.

The Jewish Press

"# !" " "

8 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021

Above, right and below: Young children learn through play. Friedel’s kindergarteners spend time each day playing and using their imaginations.

SP O TLIGHT

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

Top, above, below and bottom: The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home thanks the National Council of Jewish Woman for two smart televisions that will go in the lounges. Aaron Dittmer and David Beecham installed one of the TVs in the SE neighborhood . The TV came just in time for Shabbat with Rabbi Stoller’s monthly chat on Zoom. Allen Kahn and the rest of the Residents give the TV a thumbs up! Cheers to NCJW!

SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

Top, above, below and left: National Wear Red Day at RBJH. Staff and Residents sported their best “Red Look” to help raise awareness about heart disease.

Voices

The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920)

Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, David Finkelstein, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Margie Gutnik, Natasha Kraft, Chuck Lucoff, Eric Shapiro, Andy Shefsky, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp. 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@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.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@jewishomaha. 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. 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 KampWright, 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.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press Association Award winner 2008

National Newspaper Association

The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021 | 9

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.

Accountability

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Here is an interesting story: “Prosecutors in Germany have indicted a 95year-old woman who served as a secretary to a Nazi death camp’s commander during the Holocaust. The woman, identified under German privacy laws only as Irmgard F., is charged with complicity in the murders of 10,000 people at Stutthof, a camp in occupied Poland.” (JTA.com) Some 100,000 people were imprisoned at Stutthof; some died from starvation and disease, others were gassed. Irmgard now claims she had no idea people were gassed: “Prosecutors said that she had admitted that much of the correspondence related to the camp and many files crossed her desk, and that she knew of some killings of inmates. But she maintains that she did not know that large numbers of the camp’s inmates were being killed by gas during the time she worked there. She has also said that her office window pointed away from the camp, so that she could not see what was going on, according to media reports.” (NYT.com) Her window pointed away—so she’s gone on to live her life and is only now facing the consequences of her complicity. Stories like these are becoming more and more rare. Survivors as well as perpetrators are disappearing and in a few short years, there will be no one left who witnessed the atrocities of the Holo-

caust. As in this case, the real question is not ‘who of. It also means, unlike Irmgard F., we can’t have do we punish,’ (it’s much too late for that) but ‘how our windows face away from hatred in all its forms. will we continue to educate?’ And so, we have to pay attention and we have to be Accountability is the backbone of reckoning. honest about what we see around us, about what That accountability needs new focus and cannot we see in politics, in any media we consume, in the live only in the past. It needs to exist in the now. It’s people we interact with. no longer something we only apply to perpetrators: We also need to remind ourselves: when antiall of us have to own it. Speaking hate may not be Semitism occurs, it is okay to be upset. It’s okay to as serious as committing actual murder, but does that mean we can give it a pass? If a politician in 2021 claims Jews are a threat to democracy, do we let that slide because it’s not ‘as bad’ as what happened in World War II? Why do we still ask, any time anti-Semitism occurs, how ‘serious’ we should take it? It’s always serious. It’s always dangerous. It is never, ever, acceptable. And no, we are not being overly sensitive; anti-Semitism is never something we can just ‘get over.’ In 2019, while discussing how to respond to non-Jews discussing Israeli politics, Gabe Zichermann wrote: “Thus, every time some- A general view of a gas chamber at the former Stutthof one non-Jewish brings up Israel, we have to Nazi concentration camp near Gdansk, Poland. Credit: figure out whether what they said (this not Bruce Adams/Pool/Getty Images that) is true, or if it fits the fact pattern we expect be hurt about the Hitler quote at Westside. It’s okay (this and that). Perhaps it’s a bit paranoid, but you to not be ready to accept the school’s apology. It’s know…there’s reason to be.” (medium.com) okay to stay angry about what that congressTransitioning our understanding of anti-Semi- woman said about Jews starting the California tism from talking about what happened in the past, wildfires. We don’t need to ‘get over it.’ That’s not to what is happening today, means not being paranoia. That is accountability and it belongs to apologetic about the paranoia Zichermann speaks all of us.

Want to fight injustice and build community? Start with humility. RABBI SHMULY YANKLOWITZ Text Messages is a column sharing wisdom from the weekly Torah portion produced with The Jewish Week | JTA America faces challenges we have not seen in generations. Deep elements of resentment and radicalism are set on tearing apart the fabric of the nation. Our ability to argue with humility is gone, crossing partisan divides is a dire proposition and violence is seen by too many as a necessary political remedy to return to basic principles. With all the uncertainties around us — climate change, public health crises, economic instability, political extremism and polarization, conspiracy theories and a breakdown of societal trust — we don’t always know how to engage or how to lead in any given moment. Of course, we don’t have to accept this. And indeed, Jewish tradition and wisdom can guide us in profoundly different directions that bring about healing and, most importantly, a sense of humility. We can live with humble uncertainty and yet also with fervent moral conviction. This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Yitro, provides us with a profound question: Why do the Ten Commandments, which begin with the phrase “I am the Lord your God,” use the Hebrew word “Anochi” (which means “I”) instead of the more common “Ani” (which also means “I”)? For generations, this grammatical and philosophical question has intrigued Jewish scholars. To help create a foundation for this question, Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner of Ishbitz, known as the Mei Ha’Shiloah, suggests that the extra letter in Anochi signifies the chasm between what we know and what we think we know. This is the central point of Jewish revelation: Even that which we know so deeply, we only partially know. More critically, getting to truly know God requires us to put aside our egos. The Reform teacher of Jewish mysticism Rabbi Lawrence Kushner writes about another place where Anochi is used rather than Ani: In Genesis 28:16, when Jacob awakens from his famous dream and says, “Surely there is God in this place and I [anochi] did not know”: This simple ‘extra I’ … leads R’ Pinhas Horowitz, the author of a Hasidic commentary on the Torah, ‘Panim Yafot,’ to an important insight. ‘It is only

possible for a person to attain that high rung of being able to say, “Surely God is in this place,” when he or she has utterly eradicated all trace of ego from his or her personality, from his or her sense of self, and from his or her being. The space of prayer in which we connect with the most expansive spiritual consciousness is actually a tool for cultivating compassion and empathy. In focusing on divinity, we abandon our selfcenteredness and find a new center in everyone and everything else beyond us. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz Credit: JTA montage For another view, Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib (the Sefat Emet) writes: The simple meaning of this is that the land of Israel is the place where one surrenders one’s senses and desires (will) to God’s will … All externals must be abandoned for the sake of seeing God’s will. Only then is it revealed to a person … To this end we must continually surrender our knowledge … that which we understand with our minds. Shall we embrace the “I” of Anochi, or will we seek to embody the “I” of Ani? We know we must rescue religious fervor from fundamentalist fervor and epistemological arrogance and return to a place of awe and questioning if we hope to restore a Jewish worldview of humble allyship rather than arrogant supremacist ideologies. We are left humbled seeking to move from ego to a place of godliness. So must we be left alone and lost without any way to know, act or speak? The neo-Hasidic teacher and late leader of the Renewal movement, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, wrote in “Journey Beyond Knowledge”: A real question comes from (admitting) ‘Eini yodea’ — I really don’t know. The admission of not knowing is the prelude to redemption and revelation. So, Moshe Rabbeinu himself said: ‘We won’t know with what we shall serve God until we get there.’ (Exodus 10:26) Instead, we are awakened to postmodern responsibility. We are called to act when we don’t

know what is right. We are called to lead when we don’t have certainty. We are called to pray when we know not Who we pray to. We are called to community when we are uncertain about who we must stand with at the given time. We may know more later than we do now. And yet, we must still act and we must still respond, even with our uncertainty. Michael Fishbane writes in “Sacred Attunement” about what it means to be in a sacred covenant and to our ability to process obligation within new moments of uncertainty: We can accept it, or we can deny it. But nevertheless, we are expected to respond to it. And as we learn from Parshat Yitro, we don’t have to make all moral decisions and lead by ourselves. There is holiness in collaboration, in bringing people together and in building community rather than shunning it. As Moshe learns from his fatherin-law, Yitro, we have an innate ability to build community, share leadership and walk together — and we’re not truly able to be our best selves when we try to do everything by ourselves. Including more voices in our work and conversations also enables us to expand our spiritual consciousness. Alone, at Sinai, we are struck down by lightning in our smallness. Together, at Sinai, we are humbled but united in a bold, albeit uncertain, holy mission to repair the world. The challenges we face are not insignificant, and the right path is not always clear. But let us reject the ego, cynicism and radical skepticism that move us away from courageous action. Let us reject fundamentalism that arrogantly offers us pure truth and certainty of conviction. Let us, together, choose a middle path that is modest and imprecise, yet morally robust. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz is President and Dean of the Valley Beit Midrash, Founder & President of Uri L’Tzedek, Founder and CEO of Shamayim, Founder and President of YATOM, and author of 18 books on Jewish ethics. Newsweek named Rav Shmuly one of the top 50 rabbis in America and the Forward named him one of the 50 most influential Jews. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s and do not represent any organizations he is affiliated with. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021

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

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: 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

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’NAI ISRAEL Join us via Zoom on Friday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. for evening services. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.

BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Together We Rock Supply Pick Up, 10 a.m.; Cholent To Go Pick Up, 10 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 6:40 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; BESTT (Grades K7), 10:30 a.m.; Virtual Trip to Israel (Grades 8-12), 12:15 p.m.; Torah Tots (Ages 3-5), 4 p.m.; Together We Rock Program, 7 p.m. MONDAY: Pizza To Go Orders Due, 5 p.m.; Book of Ruth with Rabbi Abraham and Pastor Johnson, 6:30 p.m.; Women’s Book Group, 7 p.m.; Jewish Law with Rabbi Abraham, 8 p.m. TUESDAY: Biblical Literacy with Rabbi Abraham, 11:30 a.m.; Virtual Office Hours with Eadie and Amy, 4 p.m.; Miriam’s Coast to Coast Book Club, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Coffee & Conversation with Rabbi Abraham, 2 p.m.; BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4:30 p.m.; Beit Midrash — The Promised Land?, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Hamantashen Pick Up & Pizza To Go Pick Up, 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.; Virtual Office Hours with Eadie and Amy, 4 p.m.; Evening Minyan followed by Family Megillah Reading, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY-Feb. 26: Purim Morning Service, 8 a.m.; Food Drive for Open Door Mission, 10 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY-Feb. 27: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 6:45 p.m.; Comedy Night, 7:30 p.m. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, Whatsapp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in Sukkah, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Candlelighting, 5:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kids Class, 5:05 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha, 5:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:46 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Jewish Law in Depth, 9:45 a.m. with Rabbi Moshe; Daf Yomi with Rabbi Yoni — 30 mins prior to Mincha; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:50 p.m. MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi with Rabbi Yoni — 30 mins prior to Mincha; Min-

cha/Ma’ariv, 5:50 p.m. TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi with Rabbi Yoni — 30 mins prior to Mincha; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:50 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi with Rabbi Yoni — 30 mins prior to Mincha; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:50 p.m. THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Character Development, 9:30 am. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Pick Up Orders and Mishloach Manot, 5-7 p.m.; Daf Yomi with Rabbi Yoni — 30 mins prior to Mincha; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:50 p.m.; Megillah Reading, 7 p.m.; Outdoor Reading in Sukkah, 7:45 p.m.; Purim Party, 7-9 p.m. FRIDAY-Feb. 26: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Indoor Shacharit and Megillah Reading, 6:45 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Indoor Megillah Reading, 12:15 p.m.; Outdoor Megillah Reading in Sukkah, 4:30 p.m.; Mincha/Candlelighting, 5:54 p.m. SATURDAY-Feb. 27: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 6 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:54 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

CHABAD HOUSE Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Due to Coronavirus, all services and classes have moved online. For schedules and more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.org or call the office at 402.330.1800. FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Lechayim, 4 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Candlelighting, 5:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Minyan, 10 a.m.; Shabbat Ends, 6:46 p.m. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen. TUESDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen. THURSDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Professor David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon with Rabbi Katzman; Fun with Yiddish, 1 p.m. with Shani Katzman. FRIDAY-Feb. 26: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Lechayim, 4 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Candlelighting, 5:53 p.m. SATURDAY-Feb. 27: Minyan, 10 a.m.; Shabbat Ends, 6:54 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Virtual services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. FRIDAY: Candlelighting, 5:45 p.m.; Kabbalat Shab-

bat Service from service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex via Zoom; Torah Study on Parashat Terumah, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:46 p.m. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan-Gesher, 10 a.m. via Zoom; Adult Ed: Intro to Judaism Class, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex via Zoom; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom and will discuss The Chosen or its sequel The Promise by Chaim Potok and/or the film version(s). MONDAY: Makers of Jewish Things, 7 p.m. via Zoom. TUESDAY: Synagogue Staff Meeting, 10 a.m.; Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. WEDNESDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. THURSDAY: Fast Begins, 5:49 a.m.; Megillah Reading and Purim Songs, 6:30 p.m.; Fast Ends, 6:43 p.m. FRIDAY-Feb. 26: Candlelighting, 5:53 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service service from SST service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex and Elaine Monnier, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. SATURDAY-Feb. 27: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex via Zoom; Torah Study on Parashat Tetzaveh, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:54 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE All services canceled until further notice.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. Join us via Zoom. FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. Join us via Zoom; Shabbat Service: The Land of Israel: Spirituality, Culture and Politics: The Land of of Israel through the eyes of Sages, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom. SUNDAY: Youth Learning Programs Grades PreK6, 10 a.m.; Book Club: Tribe — On Becoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger , 10:30 a.m. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. Join us via Zoom. WEDNESDAY: Mindful Meditation with Margot, 9 a.m. Join us via Zoom; Youth Learning Programs: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m.; Community Beit Midrash: The Promised Land? Jewish Pluralism & Power in the State of Israel, 7 p.m. Register online. THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Discussion, 9:30 a.m. with Cantor Joanna Alexander. Join us via Zoom; Megillah Reading and Purim Match Game, 6 p.m. FRIDAY-Feb. 26: Shabbat Service: The Land of Israel: Spirituality, Culture and Politics: Marriage in the State of Israel with Rabbi Noa Sattath of IRAC, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom. SATURDAY-Feb. 27: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

In memoriam: George Shultz RON KAMPEAS JTA George Shultz, the Reagan administration secretary of state who made it his mission to bring about freedom for Soviet Jewry, has died at 100. Shultz was a moderate Republican who in a number of economic Cabinet positions during the Nixon presidency advanced affirmative action as redress for discrimination. Shultz left the Nixon Cabinet in 1974 and joined the oil industry services giant Bechtel, eventually becoming president. Reagan tapped Shultz to be secretary of state in 1982 after Alexander Haig’s career imploded over his incautious battles with colleagues. One of Haig’s perceived indiscretions was to defend Israel too fiercely, including in the war that Is-

rael launched in Lebanon that year. Shultz’s blank slate on Israel and his dealings as an executive with Saudi Arabia immediately sparked wariness among the pro-Israel community. He soon calmed the waters. Shultz was an enthusiastic proponent of Reagan’s determination to calm tensions in Lebanon, but he also stood firm against terrorism, and was rattled by the 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut that killed 241 U.S. military personnel. Shultz had served in the Pacific as a Marine in World War II. Shultz strongly advocated preventive measures to stop terrorism, quoting among others a rising young Israeli political star, Benjamin Netanyahu. Shultz’s diplomacy led to Yasser Arafat’s recognition of Israel in 1988, although it did not lead to talks for at least another three years.

Shultz’s passion was his advocacy for Soviet Jews. He was among the doves in the Reagan administration who sided with the president in nuclear disarmament talks with the USSR, but he leveraged that influence on behalf of Soviet Jews. Shultz said a highlight of his career was the surprise Passover Seder he convened in 1987 at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, to which he invited refuseniks, or Jewish dissidents seeking permission to emigrate to Israel. In 1988, shortly before completing his turn in the job, he said that when Ida Nudel, who attended the Seder, called six months later from Israel, he teared up. “Mr. Secretary, this is Ida Nudel, I’m home,” he recalled her saying. Abraham Foxman called Shultz a “great statesman.”

Life cycles IN MEMORIAM

HEDY H. KIRKE Hedy H. Kirke passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 11, 2021 at the age of 73. Private services were held Feb. 15, 2021 at Beth Israel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her parents Marian and Julian Nathan, brother LJ Lancer, and her son-in -law Mark Weaver. She is survived by husband, Marvin; daughter, Felicia Weaver; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Cary; sister and brother-inlaw, Pam and Craig, grandchildren: Madison and Colin, and Jake; and many friends. Memorials may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue or the Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska (GRRIN).

ESTELLE G. TURKEL Estelle G. Turkel passed away on Feb. 6, 2021 at age 98 in Omaha. Graveside services were held on Feb. 10, 2021 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by husband, Ralph Turkel; son, Sheldon Turkel; brother, Bennett Raduziner, and parents, Louis and Hannah Raduziner. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Marshall and Bev of GA;grandchildren: Robert and Leitha of GA, Lance and Jennifer of VA, Autumn of CA, Meadow and Jess of HI; great-grandchildren: Briar and Zoey; daughter-in-law, Louise Turkel; and nephews and a niece.

Republican official suggests Trump’s trial was less fair than Nazi show trials

BEN SALES JTA A member of the Republican National Committee from Virginia has deleted a Facebook comment apparently suggesting that Nazi show trials were fairer than the recent Senate trial of former President Donald Trump. A top Republican Jewish leader called the comment “outrageous and indefensible” before Patricia Bast Lyman, the Republican committeewoman, apologized and said she had been misinterpreted. Lyman was commenting on a Facebook post from another Virginia Republican official, Steve Knotts, which appears to also have been deleted. In her comment, Lyman wrote, “At least some of those tried by the Nazis may have been actual criminals, unlike the current debacle.” In the show trials, Nazi prosecutors tried people accused of political offenses; virtually all were convicted, most receiving death sentences. The Senate on Saturday acquitted Trump in his impeachment trial. Denver Riggleman, a former Republican congressman from Virginia who has been an outspoken critic of anti-Semitism, called out the comment as “virulently anti-Semitic.” So did the Teenage Republican Federation of Virginia, which wrote that it was “disheartened and disgusted” by the comment, adding, “There is no place for anti-Semitism, racism, or bigotry in the #GOP.” Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks also condemned the comment, tweeting that it was “outrageous and indefensible.”

Who Am I?

The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021 | 11

Pulverente MONUMENT CO. Over 60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452 Family Owned and Operated

Tritz Plumbing Inc. 402-894-0300 www.tritz.com repair • remodel

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

NEBRASKA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING works! Place your 25 word ad into thousands of Nebraska homes for $225. Contact The Jewish Press or call 1-800-369-2850.

SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! Strong, recent work history needed. Call to start your application or appeal today! 866-563-0161 [Steppacher Law Offices LLC Principal Office: 224 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18503].

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 155 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS) requests help from the community in identifying photographs from the archives. Please contact Kathy Weiner at 402.334.6441 or kweiner@jewishomaha.org if you are able to assist in the effort to preserve Jewish Omaha history.

Portuguese politician makes anti-Semitic comments CNAAN LIPSHIZ JTA A Portuguese politician suggested that Jewish financial domination has facilitated Israel’s success in vaccinating for COVID-19. His tweet prompted an unusual repudiation several days later by the country’s second-largest party. “The Jews, as they dominate the fiscal world, bought and have the vaccines they wanted,” Rodrigo Sousa e Castro, a former local elections candidate from Lisbon, wrote. “It’s historical revenge of sorts. I won’t say anything else before the Zionist ‘bulldogs’ jump.” Following protests over his remarks, including by the Israeli Embassy in Lisbon, Sousa e Castro deleted the tweet and said it was “offensive.” But Sousa e Castro, a spokesperson for the military officers who in 1974 ended the dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar, later posted on Twitter that the original tweet actually spoke about “Zionism and its crimes in Palestine” that upset “Zio-Nazis.” He also posted a photo of himself shaking hands with the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The Social Democratic Party, which was established in 1974 by key revolution figures, tabled a draft resolution in parliament that said “Portugal is seeing the propagation of anti-Semitic discourse with serious insinuations.” To be an advocate of the 1974 revolution, it added, “means to honor its values.” Portugal, a country with 10 million residents, has about 3,000 Jews and anti-Semitic incidents there are extremely rare, as are resolutions in parliament condemning anti-Semitism.

PROTECT YOUR yield from soybean white mold and SDS! Ask your seed dealer for Heads Up® Seed Treatment. Cost effective, Proven results. headsupST.com/plant 21 or 866-368-9306.

COMBAT VETERANS, Free “Lessons Learned (The Hard Way) About Combat.” Hated enough to kill? Hopeless? Wanted to die? Close calls - should be dead? Call/text 402-677-7082.

VIASAT SATELLITE Internet. Up to 12 mbps plans starting at $30/month. Our fastest speeds (up to 50 mbps) & unlimited data plans start at $100/month. Call Viasat today: 1-877-255-9312.

TWO GREAT new offers from AT&T Wireless! Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy 510e on us with AT&T’s Buy One, Give One offer. While supplies last! Call 1855-574-9119. BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. Easy, One Day updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 844-596-6325.

AT&T TV - The Best of Live & On-Demand on all your favorite screens. Choice Package, $64.99/month plus taxes for 12 months. Premium Channels at No Charge for One Year! Anytime, anywhere. Some restrictions apply. W/24-mo. agmt TV price higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/month is extra & applies. Call IVS 1-855-763-0124.

DIRECTV - EVERY live football game, every Sunday - anywhere - on your favorite device. Restrictions apply. Call IVS, 1-855-9773794.

DISH NETWORK $64.99 for 190 Channels. Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/month (where available). Switch & Get a Free $100 Visa Gift Card. Free Voice Remote. Free HD DVR. Free Streaming on All Devices. Call today! 1-877-688-4784.

EARTHLINK HIGH Speed Internet. As low as $14.95/month (for the first 3 months). Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic technology. Stream videos, music and more! Call Earthlink today, 1-844-2540368.

LIFE ALERT, One press of a button sends help Fast, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. Free First Aid Kit (with subscription). Call 855-663-0118. Free Brochure.

ELIMINATE GUTTER cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a Free LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-671-2859.

INVENTORS: FREE information package. Have your product idea developed affordably by the Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers. Call 1-877-581-2504 for a Free Idea Starter Guide. Submit your idea for a free consultation.

WESLEY FINANCIAL Group, LLC, Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-899-7756. BECOME A published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. Call Christian Faith Publishing for your Free author submission kit. 1-866-558-6428.

BECOME A Published Author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing - trusted by authors since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for your free Author’s Guide, 1-877-858-2822 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/Nebraska.

A-1 DONATE your car, running or not! Fast Free Pickup. Maximum tax deduction. Support United Breast Cancer Foundation programs. Your car donation could save a life. 888-981-7797.

DONATE YOUR car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation. Fast, Free pick up. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-877-3122360.

12 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2021

News LOC AL | N ATI O N A L | WO R L D

BBYO International Convention DEBBIE SHEMONY BBYO International For the first time, BBYO hosted the world’s largest celebration of teen culture and leadership as a hybrid festival with digital and in-person experiences around the globe over Presidents’ Day weekend. This epic event offered countless opportunities for Jewish teens to connect with their peers, learn new skills and commit themselves to projects and initiatives they are passionate about. More than 2,000 teens from 46 countries representing 725 communities were expected to attend. People arrived from seven different time zones! Representing BBYO Omaha were Community Building Captain Abby Kaufman, who was on the steering committee that helped plan the convention, Lauren Dolson, Lauren Kugler, Eva Bloom, Alex Kugler and Zev Gordman. “I am very excited to have been part of the IC steering leadership, serving as a community-building captain for this year’s BBYO International Convention,” Abby Kaufman said. “Even though things looked a little different this year as we could not physically be together, our team worked hard to create an engaging experience for our attendees. We even assigned roommates and special roommate activities to encourage attendees to meet new friends from other BBYO regions.” BBYO International Convention (IC) united the Jewish community’s top teen leaders, educators, professionals, and philanthropists for one of the largest Jewish communal events of the year. As they do each year, IC 2021 delegates had access to inspiring speakers and influencers, exclusive music performances, leadership skills sessions, community service opportunities, Shabbat celebrations and opportunities to meet and connect with Jewish teens throughout the world—but this year, the activity took place across every time zone around the world at the same time. Among the special guests scheduled to address attendees

at IC were: Deni Avdija, Professional Basketball Player, Washington Wizards; Pete Davidson, Comedian, Actor, and SNL Cast Member; Karla Martinez De Salas, Editor in Chief, Vogue Mexico and Vogue Latin America; The Honorable Gabby Gif-

fords, Activist and Former Member, U.S. House of Representatives; Susan Hennike; President, Champion North America; Avi Issacharoff, Co-Creator, Fauda; Grant Hill; Former NBA Player and Vice Chairman, Atlanta Hawks; and Rebel Wilson, Actress, Comedian, Writer and Producer. The digital nature of this year’s convention presented a unique opportunity to make BBYO’s signature experience accessible to any Jewish teen interested in attending, anywhere

in the world. IC offered round-the-clock programming with a range of experiences that were both specific to local communities and simultaneously shared global events. Through a groundbreaking and interactive digital format, participants had unique opportunities to do things like tour Jewish communities throughout the world, participate in global gaming tournaments, connect with popular brands, visit an online marketplace, hang out in elevated Jewish enrichment and social spaces and reunite with friends. Additional highlights at this year’s event included an inspiring Opening Ceremony, keynote addresses from a variety of powerful voices and changemakers who teens admire, an uplifting and pluralistic worldwide Shabbat gathering, and a colossal celebration of the BBYO Movement with top musical talent, celebrities and more. Stakeholder sessions with BBYO teens and executive leadership was embedded throughout the IC experience and included a special program for BBYO parents on Sunday, Feb. 14 on how to help their teens consider and connect to Jewish life on campus, hosted by BBYO’s newly formed Parent Advisory Council. “This year’s convention theme, ‘United We Rise,’ truly encapsulated the resiliency and creativity BBYO teens have demonstrated throughout history and especially throughout this history-making year,” said Matthew Grossman, Chief Executive Officer of BBYO. “While our organization enjoys a rich and tradition-laden longevity, the adaptive and innovative spirit of our members allowed us to create an event that will be as robust and transformative as ever, in a totally new space. IC was a festival of teenage culture, but more than ever it was a celebration of ingenuity born of unity, and this event represented the pinnacle of the great things our Movement can achieve together.” Videos will later be posted on BBYO’s Youtube Channel.

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

Fund your Jewish organization’s* operations, project or program with an Anything Grant. Eligible grant applications could be for anything, including: • Hiring a nonproﬁt consultant • Purchasing technology • Staff/Board professional development • Building beautiﬁcation/improvement

& Friends of the Jewish Federation of Omaha

Applications are available at www.jccomaha.org/ anything-grant-application/

Due Date: February 28, 2021 Selection complete by: March 31, 2021 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. Your project must be completed, matching funds raised and paperwork submitted by March 31, 2022 in order to receive your funds.

*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