Issuu

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

IT’S OFFICIAL

Veg.Edible is now kosher MARY SUE GROSSMAN he observance of President’s Day was a bit different for Veg.Edible, a local vegan restaurant in Omaha. Typically on a day the take-out restaurant is closed, the kitchen was full of activity as the process of kashering the kitchen took place. Led by Rabbi Mordechai Geiger, large vats of water were boiled, and propane torches were fired up; and the work began. Located in the heart of Benson at 2740 North 61st Street in Omaha, Veg.Edible is a take-out eatery serving favorite comfort food classics made vegan, gluten-free and nut-free (except coconut) with soy-free options. Owner Staci Van Cleave believes that everyone should be able to enjoy fresh, flavorful food regardless of allergies or dietary preferences. “Although I love my city, I found that Omaha does not have many options when it comes to vegan AND gluten-free,” said Staci who has worked in the food service industry for over 15 years. “Cross-contamination is almost always an issue. General knowledge of ingredients and preparation protocol is usually not thoroughly taught to wait staff. I know how it feels to ask a million questions when ordering take out to ensure you don’t make yourself sick or violate your personal choices and beliefs.” The Veg.Edible menu has an impressive line-up including burgers, tacos, nachos, sal-

Ron’s Kitchen Page 6

‘Powerful’ or ‘Yikes’? How the internet reacted... Page 12

Stacie Van Cleave with Chef Matt Credit: Kasie Marie Creative

ads, soups, shakes and desserts. One visit to the food photos on their website – eatvegedible.com – will have one’s mouth watering with anticipation. There is even a title that states, “Don’t drool on your screen!” Despite being in one of her busiest times as they worked on a number of special offerings for Valentine’s Day, Stacie was kind enough to answer a few questions last week. What was your inspiration for opening a restaurant? “I personally have food allergies/allergy induced chronic asthma and it has made eating See Veg.Edible is now kosher page 2

Storyworth

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

7 8 10 11

New in the Kripke-Veret Collection SHIRLY BANNER JFO Library Specialist ADULT: Adam Unrehearsed by Dan Futterman From the moment he’s mugged on the subway, home from Bat Day at Yankee Stadium, things go wrong for 12-year-old Adam Miller. He is in the Special Program for brainy kids, but his new junior high is on triple shift. When he gets on the wrong side of

Art Hour Page 6

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

MAGGIE CONTI RBJH Director of Activities and Volunteer Services Everyone has a story worth sharing, and we want to capture RBJH Residents’ stories with an intergenerational program with UNO Gerontology students for the 2024 spring semester. Storyworth is a service that collects favorite stories and memories and preserves them in a beautifully bound book. Five UNO students will interview their Resident partner and write up chapters by asking key questions to inspire them to share their stories. The students will include family members to encourage involvement and share photos to be included in the book. We hope fami-

Mary Kaiman with Liz Calderon

lies discover fun tidbits and insightful experiences they haven’t heard. Storyworth has several hundred questions the students can choose from, or the students are welcome to create a question that the Resident requests

and is enthusiastic about sharing. At the end of the semester, the Resident’s stories will be bound into a beautiful keepsake book. The goal is to capture the Resident’s stories, bond See Storyworth page 2

several gangs his friends disappear when he needs them most. As if that’s not enough, Adam discovers that his older brother has become a Zionist militant, his synagogue is repeatedly vandalized, and despite Adam’s “skinny voice,” his crazy new Cantor has grandiose plans for his Bar Mitzvah. Meanwhile, Adam dreams of his summer camp girlfriend in far off New Rochelle, but he’s too shy to pick up the phone. He even fails at shoplifting. Bewildered and alone, Adam finds his only solace onstage, where he discovers the power of theater to bridge social divides. As he learns to stand out and stand up for himself, friends appear in the most unexpected places and Adam Miller discovers his own voice. Adam Unrehearsed is a story of friendship, betrayal, life, death and acting. The Emerald Necklace by Linda Rosen Three months after her husband’s death in 1969, Rosalee Linoff is determined to jump back into life. For her, that means returning to her art. She desperately wants to be accepted as a talented sculptor, but that requires she dig up the courage to submit her work again and be judged. Her paralyzing insecurity mounts when she meets her new neighbor, best-selling author Fran Barish. Fran has the recognition Rosalee craves. But Rosalee’s joy with her children, especially her grand See Kripke-Veret page 3