February 25, 2022

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

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FEBRUARY 25, 2022 | 24 A DA R I 578 2 | VO L. 1 02 | NO. 1 9 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 , 5 : 52 P.M.

Week of Understanding The Rational Passover Haggadah Page 5 Jim Berk

George Elbaum

Sarah Kutler

SCOTT LITTKY IHE Executive Director ach year, a highlight of the Institute for Holocaust Education calendar is our annual Week of Understanding. As we all know, we have faced this year of many challenges and obstacles to ensure that we have a successful year of programming. As we reviewed our programming calendar for IHE, we knew that we could not cancel the Week of Understanding. Instead, we needed to design the program this year to meet what has been presented to us because of COVID19 and organizational issues within schools. As a result of this, our annual Week of Understanding will be 100% virtual.

Between March 21 and 25, the IHE has arranged more than 20 speaking engagements that will reach some 7,000 Nebraska students. Some of these engagements will take place with local Holocaust survivors such as Dr. Fred Kader, along with second generation speakers Hazzan Michael Krausman and Dr. Steven Wees. To learn more about them and other local survivors, you can check out the “Survivor

E

Chabad brings Shabbos to the cast at Fiddler on the Roof Page 6

Spotlight: Pictures of what’s happening in our community Page 8

REGULARS9

Voices Synagogues Life cycles

10 11

Protect Israel Act

GARY JAVITCH Note: Below is the transcript of the presentation to select members of the Unicameral committee considering a bill to protect Israel, a Nebraska business partner. (Testimonies are restricted to three minutes.)

Currently, the proposed bill is stuck in committee and can only be brought to the floor if Omaha Sen. John McCollister (402.471.2622) and/or Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen (402.471.2610) can be persuaded to vote it out. (Some additional sentences in italics were added for clarification for Jewish Press readers.)

To the members of the Government and Military Affairs Committee: It is my honor to represent the Jewish Federation of Omaha before the Nebraska Unicameral in support of LB 845, the Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act. I would make three points: See Protect Israel Act page 4

Peter Metzelaar

Agnes Schwartz

Stories” section on the IHE website.

We are also honored to welcome Holocaust survivors who have agreed to “travel” to Omaha virtually especially for the Week of Understanding program. The guests who will be joining us in 2022 are profiled below.

The public is invited to share in these moving testimonies through two evening engagements. The whole community is invited to attend as follows: Peter Metzelaar, Holocaust survivor, on March 22, at 6:30 p.m. To register for this presentation by Zoom, please visit the the Durham Museum’s website at www.durham museum.org. Presented by the Durham Museum and the Institute for Holocaust Education When We Go Away on March 23, at 7 p.m.

IHE, in partnership with our community Beit Midrash, will be showing the video production of the play that premiered in November of 2021. The play tells the moving story of five local survivors and was beautifully written by local playwright J.R. Dawson.

See Week of Understanding page3

Author Alison Hammer – In person More on that to come.

JENNIE GATES BECKMAN Founder of the ‘Every Damn Day JFO Director of Community Writers’ group for women writers, Engagement & Education On Thursday, March 31, the Alison Hammer has been spinning Jewish Federation of Omaha will ex- words to tell stories since she citedly welcome aulearned how to talk. thor Alison Hammer A graduate of the to discuss her latest University of Florida book, Little Pieces of and the Creative CirMe (April 13, 2021, cus in Atlanta, she William Morrow Palived in nine cities perbacks). While a before settling down sit-down luncheon in Chicago, where has been a regular she works as a VP feature of the previcreative director at ous 46 Annual Jewan advertising ish Book Month agency. On a more events, with caution personal note – Alibeing the better part son spent her high Alison Hammer of valor, we are planschool years in St. ning the Spring Author Event to be Louis, and fondly remembers travheld at 1 p.m. ( following the lunch eling to Omaha for youth group hour) in the Goldstein Community conventions. We’re a little more Engagement Venue. To hold this in- than excited to give her a tour and person gathering, special attention see if she notices any upgrades... to social distancing and the use of Following her acclaimed debut facemasks will be the norm for that novel, You and Me and Us, Hammer day, with light refreshments and a offers a deeply moving story of famspecial take-away treat as long as ily, identity, relationships, and Jewish current COVID precautions allow. See Alison Hammer page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022

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Alison Hammer

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Cinderella at the JCC

GABBY BLAIR Jewish Press Staff Writer One For All Musical Theater is pleased to present Cinderella at the JCC Theater, March 25 & 26 and April 1 & 2, 2022. Tickets are available at OneforAllMuscial Theater.org One For All Musical Theater, founded in 2017

by Kim Moore, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization operating in the Omaha Metropolitan Community.

One for All welcomes all ages, offering quality theater to students from age three years through high school from area homeschools, private and public schools, At One For All Musical Theater, all who would like to be a part of the production may participate in some fashion. No one is turned away. Participants have the opportunity to choose their place of preference - on stage, behind the scenes, in the orchestra, in various technical aspects - guaranteeing participation in the production of the musical.

It is the goal of this theater company to offer experience and opportunity across the fine

arts spectrum, encouraging students and adults to work inside or outside their comfort zones. At One For All Musical Theater, everyone is encouraged to develop their theatrical and/or musical talents. This type of atmosphere promotes personal growth and self confidence in an environment that is both comfortable and supportive, yet challenging and exciting.

In addition to Cinderella, One For All hopes to perform two additional musicals at the JCC, both written by Karen Javitch: Rachel & Ruthie (Summer 2022) and From Generation to Generation (Spring 2023).

“We are looking forward to performing at the JCC and want to spread the word about our theater company,” Moore said. “As we celebrate our fifth year, One For All wishes to thank those who have supported us and spread the word about our theater company in the hopes of gaining the support we need to sustain and grow, so that we can continue enriching and touching lives in the countless ways musical theater offers to all ages from all backgrounds.”

2022 Free* Women’s Trip to Israel!

Continued from page 1 culture in her newest book, Little Pieces of Me. Her protagonist, Paige Meyer, gets an email from a DNA testing website announcing that her father is a man she never met. She is convinced there must be a mistake. But as she digs deeper into her mother’s past and her own feelings of being the odd child out growing up, Paige begins to question everything she thought she knew. Told through the usage of dual timelines, Paige’s quest to find out more about her birth father and her mother Betsy’s days as a student at the University of Kansas eventually leads to a revealing of the truth behind this long-buried secret.

Also – just to keep you in the know – Alison Hammer is also now part of a collaborative writing duo. She and Bradeigh Godfrey

are writing under the pen name of Ali Brady.

Their debut novel, The Beach Trap, is coming out June 14, 2022 from Berkley (Penguin Random House).

Plan on joining Alison Hammer for the 47th Annual Jewish Book Month Author event on March 31 and bring your friends! The $10 cost for this afternoon program will reserve your seat, light refreshments and a signed copy of the book, Little Pieces of Me. This program is made possible by the JFO’s membership in Jewish Book Council, with the support of the following JFO Foundation funds: Gertrude T. & Albert B. Newman Endowment, Kenneth Ray Tretiak Memorial Fund, Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, Ann Woskoff Schulman Memorial Fund and Foundation IMPACT Grant.

IN THE NEWS The Old Avoca Schoolhouse in Avoca, Nebraska, will be streaming an Irish Fiddle Tunes Workshop for folks who play violin/fiddle, viola, cello, bass, mandolin, soprano recorder and alto recorder. The workshops will be on Saturday, March 12, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CT) and Tuesday, March 15, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (CT).

During these workshops we will play and discuss tunes from the Greenblatt & Seay publication, Irish Fiddle Tunes for Two. Different tunes will be played at each session. A treble clef version of the sheet music for the tunes being played will be displayed on Zoom’s screen during the workshop. The cost for each workshop is $10. The cost of each optional book is $15 (includes shipping if ordered with workshop registration).

For more information, and to register, please visit: https://www.greenblattandseay.com/ workshops_irish.shtml.

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YOUR YEAR-LONG JOURNEY WITH MOMENTUM INCLUDES 8 DAYS IN ISRAEL NOVEMBER 1–8, 2022

I N F O R M AT I O N M E E T I N G Join the Jewish Federation of Omaha and past MOMentum participants to learn about this exciting 8-day trip.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 7PM Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Reception Room 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154 For questions and to RSVP, reach out to Stacy Feldman, 402.334.6440; sfeldman@jewishomaha.org PLEASE NOTE: Seating will be spaced apart appropriately and in keeping with COVID guidelines; a Zoom link will be provided upon RSVP to those who are not comfortable with meeting in-person.

*Trip participants responsible for their airfare, as well as a $99 acceptance fee and $75 for gratuities and the Year of Growth book

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Scan the QR Code to àOE NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO about this trip to Israel

Trips will be designed with Covid modifications.

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The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022 | 3

Week of Understanding

Continued from page 1 To register for the link to this Zoom screening please go to https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwudOuoqz0pG9wt enm5xK9DbC1hPNiiCGAF. As with other Beit Midrash programs, you can also join us at the Jewish Community Center in the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Reception Room to view the video screening.

For both evening programs, if more information is needed, please contact Scott Littky at slittky@ihene.org.

Meet our guests: JIM BERK Jim will be sharing the testimony and story of his mother, Ilona Dorenter Berk, who was a remarkable woman, tough, smart, resilient. She used those qualities, and some miracles to survive the horror of five Nazi concentration camps. She eventually settled in Lincoln and carved out a brilliant dressmaking career. Her son, Jim, is a former TV and radio sportscaster now living in the Detroit area. He tells her remarkable story in a poignant, powerful presentation.

GEORGE ELBAUM George was born in Warsaw, Poland, on Aug. 20, 1938, one year before Hitler invaded Poland and spurred the outbreak of World War II. Within weeks, George’s father was called to serve in the army and never returned. Acutely aware of the danger she and her son were in, George’s mom dyed her hair blonde and purchased the identification documents of a Catholic woman who had died. In 1942, she smuggled George out of the Warsaw Ghetto before paying various Polish Catholic families to hide and raise him. In 1945, George was reunited with his mother, the only other surviving member of his family. They immigrated to America in 1949.

For 60 years, George was reluctant to share his story with anyone. He worked towards an engineering career, earning an undergraduate degree, two master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 2009, upon viewing Paper Clips, a documentary chronicling a Tennessee middle school’s unique attempt to honor Holocaust victims, George was moved to share his story with the world. He and his wife Mimi Jensen live in San Francisco, but George makes frequent trips to Seattle to visit his children and grandchildren.

George is a member of the Holocaust Center’s Speakers Bureau.

SARAH KUTLER Sarah is our first third generation speaker. She is the granddaughter of Beatrice Karp, of blessed memory. Beatrice was born in 1932 in Lauterbach, Germany. She was six-years-old when the Nazis took power. She survived the Gurs and Rivesaltes concentration camps,. With the encouragement of her late husband Robert Pappenheimer, Bea went on to share her story with thousands of children and adults in order to remember the millions of innocent lives that were murdered, including her parents’.

Beatrice died in early March of 2019. Being able to continue to tell her story truly brings a blessing to her memory and legacy.

Beatrice’s youngest grandchild, Sarah Kutler, is a student at the Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, working on her master’s in social work.

She aims to be a counselor for trauma survivors, specifically survivors of sexual assault. While Sarah is learning how to keep her grandmother’s story alive, she takes a social justice perspective on how everyday individuals can engage in introspection, empathy, and social justice to ensure that a tragedy like the Holocaust will never happen again.

PETER METZELAAR Peter was born in Amsterdam in 1935. In 1942, when Peter was seven, the Nazis seized Peter’s entire family except for him and his mother. Peter’s mother contacted the Dutch Underground for help. The Underground found Klaas and Roefina Post. They agreed to shelter Peter and his mother on their small farm in northern Holland, putting their own lives at risk.

For two years they lived with the Posts. When it became too dangerous, they found another hiding place with two women in The Hague. Peter, his mother, and his aunt were the only survivors of his family. Klaas and Roefina Post have been recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem.

After the war, Peter and his mother immigrated to the United States in 1949, arriving in New York. Peter was 13 and didn’t speak any English, but was placed in the 8th grade. Peter had a long career as a radiology technologist. He and his wife raised two children in California and moved to Seattle in 1997.

Peter continues to be an active member of the Holocaust Center for Humanity’s Speakers Bureau.

AGNES SCHWARTZ Agnes is from Budapest, Hungary. When Budapest was occupied by Nazi forces in 1944, she was forced to move into a ghetto. At 10 years old, the family maid (Julia Balazs) took Agnes in as her "niece" who was “fleeing from the Russian army.” During Allied bombings, Agnes was sent underground to hide for months. Agnes’ father was saved by Raoul Wallenberg and hidden in one of his safe houses. Her grandmother, grandfather, and aunt were drowned in the Danube. Her mother was deported and perished at Bergen-Belsen. Agnes now lives in Skokie, IL, where she is an active volunteer and speaker at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center.

The Week of Understanding is an effort to maximize the opportunity for Nebraskans to hear from Holocaust survivors and liberators while these eye witnesses are still among us.

The program is made possible by generous support from The Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Institute for Holocaust Education, The Sherwood Foundation, Omaha Public Schools, and the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation (of the JFOF).

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Beer and Wine Available 2068 N. 117 Ave. North Park (117th & Blondo) M-Th: 11-9:30 • Fri & Sat. 11-10:30 • Sun. Noon-9:30

SUMMER INTERN The Jewish Press is looking for a summer intern.

If you are currently attending college, are between the ages of 18 and 24, and want to become more involved in our community, this is your chance.

If you are interested, please send your resume and cover letter to avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

Among all of his roles, “Uncle” Chuck Arnold was best known for being the Athletic Director at the Omaha JCC for 28 years. Whatever the task, he did it with love, warmth, and dedication. He considered his role here much more than just a job. He treated everyone like family. He was an individual who put the ‘community’ within the JCC. Chuck’s world was a very inclusive place. He made sure to provide a variety of programs for all ages and skill levels. He led the way in bringing high-caliber programming to JCC Members.

Today, we strive to do the same. Part of the way we accomplish this is by providing our community with top level facilities and opportunities.

This is truly a community-wide effort! Every gift matters and is essential to complete the transformation. Please consider a donation in support of this project.

A colorfully artistic Donor Recognition Wall will be placed

in the Fitness Center to recognize contributions to the JCC Building Project of $500+. All JCC members are invited to participate in the Uncle Chuck Fundraising Drive to transform our facilities for future generations.

Boris Bally, an internationally known artist whose artwork can be seen on the front exterior of the building, will be creating the piece. Donor names will be placed on each individual metal tile, color-coded by gift level. Similar to the members of a “community center”, each colorful tile will move independently but in close harmony and connection with each other.

Don’t wait... there is a limited number of Art tiles available! $5,000+ Your name on a white art tile $2,500 – $4,999 Your name on a yellow art tile $1,000 – $2,499 Your name on a blue art tile $500 – $999 Your name on an orange art tile Contact Jennifer Tompkins at 402.334.6435 or jtompkins@ jewishomaha.org to learn more.

Protect Israel Act Continued from page 1 POINT ONE: The contents of this bill actually define the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. The BDS movement perversely promotes discrimination against Israel.

Its goal: the dissolution of the world’s only Jewish state by demonizing it, delegitimizing it, and holding it to a (double) standard to which no other country in the world must adhere.

But what is the BDS movement? The UN has labeled it as antisemitic. Moreover, the US and six countries oppose it.

So do a listing of 136 Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League.

Far from being a falsely-claimed “apartheid state,” an Arab political party is a member of Israel’s ruling coalition.

Yet of all the countries in the world, the BDS movement singles out Israel to boycott and condemn. In doing so, the BDS movement ignores the criminality of China (Re: Tibet and the Uyghurs), North Korea (Re: their prison camps), Afghanistan (Re: the Taliban treatment of women, Iran (Re: its treatment of their citizens, especially gays), Syria (Re: their use of poison gas and their mass killings of citizens) And I could go on.

In contrast, the Jewish state remains the only nation in the entire Middle East that permits the practice of free speech and free religion for all.

That’s why I urge Nebraska to become the 36th state to enact anti-BDS legislation.

This brings us to the SECOND POINT: Nebraska enjoys a mutually beneficial economic relationship with Israel. In 2020, Nebraska exported nearly $51 million worth of manufacturing goods. Since 1996, the value of Nebraska’s exports

to Israel have totaled nearly $563 million. Israel now ranks as Nebraska’s 20th leading trade partner.

More than 30 Nebraska companies have discovered the benefits of doing business in Israel, including University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Israel, besides the business and academic connections, is also a major tourist attraction to many Nebraskans, eager to see the holy lands, where all faiths get to practice their religious traditions openly. Moreover, Israel shares our values and has become a strong trading partner, another good reason to protect Israel from unfair discrimination.

My THIRD POINT addresses the concern over free speech rights. As noted legal scholar Eugene Kontorovich pointed out, “state anti-BDS laws do not infringe on speech. They don’t regulate speech at all.”

That’s exactly what the ACLU has said when states passed similar anti-boycott laws that weren’t about Israel.” However, when it comes to Israel, they argue against anti-boycott laws.

Free speech aside, Nebraska, as a sovereign state, certainly has the commercial right to choose with whom they will do business and also set up criteria for business prospects to observe.

Free speech and commercial rights are two different things.

In summary, we know that BDS unfairly discriminates against Israel. We’re aware that Israel is a great trading partner. And finally, we are appreciative that this law protects free speech.

For all these reasons, this anti-discrimination law deserves passage.

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The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022 | 5

News

The Rational Passover Haggadah

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor After two installments of The Rational Bible, Dennis Prager now brings us his next work in the form of The Rational Passover Haggadah, which will be published March 1.

The work is edited by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, and the dedication reads “To Joel Alperson, my friend, who made The Rational Passover Haggadah and The Rational Bible possible.”

“While some will think the dedication was made because I funded this book,” Joel said, “I contributed nothing to it financially. In fact, when Dennis asked me, I suggested he dedicate it to his grandfather as he had given Dennis some very meaningful gifts for finding the afikomen at various Seders.

“Late one night, I was checking my e-mail and saw that Dennis had sent me the latest draft of his Haggadah. As I browsed through it, I saw he had dedicated the book to me and my family. I was very surprised and honored.

“He dedicated the book to me because I had the idea of creating a ‘rational’ Haggadah. With the excellent editing of Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, I researched Dennis’ articles and lectures related to Passover and the Exodus to create the foundation of the book. Never one to stop with the ideas set before him, Dennis added so many meaningful insights that the book became even better than I had hoped.”

“Biblical and other sacred texts need to be explained,” Dennis Prager wrote in the foreword, “in a rational manner and made relevant. Like The Rational Bible, The Rational Passover Haggadah is meant for every type of Jew and for non-Jews.”

See The Rational Passover Haggadah page 7

LOCA L | N ATION AL | WORLD

Additions to the Kripke Library’s collection SHIRLY BANNER Kripke Jewish Federation Library Specialist YOUNG ADULT: Esther’s Best Surprise Ever

by Miriam Walfish The third and final book in the new Esther Bueno series. Who is that new girl in the neighborhood? Esther thinks she looks strangely familiar. Soon Esther makes a shocking discovery that leads her and Ezra to begin a desperate search for answers. Armed with only an old map and some confusing clues, can they succeed? And if they do, will it change the Bueno family’s life forever?

ADULT: The Stranger in the Lifeboat: a novel

by Mitch Albom What would happen if we called on God for help and God actually appeared? In Mitch Albom’s profound new novel of hope and faith, a group of shipwrecked passengers pull a strange man from the sea. He claims to be “the Lord” and he says he can only save them if they all believe in him.

Adrift in a raft after a deadly ship explosion, 10 people struggle for survival at sea. Three days pass. Short on water, food, and hope, they spot a man floating in the waves. They pull him in.

“Thank the Lord we found you,” a passenger says.

“I am the Lord,” the man whispers.

So begins Mitch Albom’s most beguiling and inspiring novel yet.

In The Stranger in the Lifeboat, Albom keeps us guessing until the end: Is this strange and quiet man really who he claims to be? What actually happened to cause the explosion?

Are the survivors already in heaven, or are they in hell?

The story is narrated

by Benji, one of the passengers, who recounts the events in a notebook that is later discovered - a year later - when the empty life raft washes up on the island of Montserrat.

It falls to the island’s chief inspector, Jarty LeFleur, a man battling his own

demons, to solve the mystery of what really happened.

A fast-paced, compelling novel that makes you ponder your deepest beliefs, The Stranger in the Lifeboat suggests that answers to our prayers may be found where we least expect them.

Our Country Friends

by Gary Shteyngart “A perfect novel for these times and all times, the single textual artifact from the pandemic era I would place in a time capsule as a representation of all that is good and true and beautiful about literature.”—Molly Young, The New York Times.

In the rolling hills of upstate New York, a group of friends and friends-of-friends gathers in a country house to wait out the pandemic. Over the next six months, new friendships and romances will take hold, while old betrayals will emerge, forcing each character to reevaluate whom they love and what matters most.

The unlikely cast of characters includes a Russian-born novelist; his Russian-born psychiatrist See Kripke Library page 7

6 | The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022

News

Upcoming JCC School Break Specials

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Thursday, March 3 | HBD Dr. Seuss: Make Truffula Trees with the Lorax, make Oobleck with Bartholomew and even swim with the red fish and blue fish! code: 09-0303 | B/A Care 09-0303BA Schools: OPS $20 late fee for registrations after 02/24/2022 Friday, March 4 | Friday Fiesta: Freeze dance, fan favorite games, and relaxing with some homemade fruit punch. code: 09-0304 | B/A Care 09-0304BA Schools: OPS Thursday, March 10 | FBI in Training: Today will 100% be a normal day at the J. Nothing out of the ordinary is happening. We will not be going on super-secret missions, having inclusive spy training, or solving any mysterious crimes around the J. code: 09-0310 | B/A Care 09-0310BA Schools: D66, SVdP, Friedel $20 late fee for registrations after 03/03/2022 Friday, March 11 | PJ Day: Come to the JCC in your favorite and most comfy pajamas for a day of games, crafts and we will end with a movie. code: 09-0311 | B/A Care 09-0311BA Schools: D66, SvdP, Elkhorn, Friedel $20 late fee for registrations after 03/04/2022 Monday, March 14 | Mystical Monday: Join us at the J to discover different types of mysteries. We will be doing science experiments, learning real magic, and entering the realm of mystical adventures. code: 09-0314 | B/A Care 09-0314BA Schools: OPS & Elkhorn $20 late fee for registrations after 03/07/2022.

Visit www.jccomaha.org for more information.

Chabad brings Shabbos to the cast at Fiddler on the Roof GABBY BLAIR Jewish Press Staff Writer Tradition....Tradition! Chabad of Nebraska enjoyed meeting with and delivering small Shabbat care packages to the cast of Fiddler on the Roof. Each package included literature, Shabbat candles and a canister of matches, grape juice and freshly baked challah. “Most cast members commented that they had never eaten challah so yummy,” Debbie Denenberg said.

If you would like to be added to the weekly newsletter, please contact Chabad of Nebraska. Please remember Chabad is here for you always - Together we will keep Jewish tradition alive!

Clockwise from top: The curtain rises on a wonderful show!; Shani Katzman, Rochi Katzman, Yechezkel Lazerov (who played Tevye the milkman) and a couple of the production’s Russian dancers, and Mushka Tenenbaum took a quick selfie after the show; Contents of the beautiful packaging. A copy of the Torah Times is attached to the weekly email newsletter, please contact if you want to be added; Rochi Katzman and Audrey Young on Friday afternoon delivering the packages to the cast; and Jo Anne Andresen, Shani Katzman, cast member Audrey Young and Rochi Katzman pose after the show Thursday.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch the Press for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com.

Passover A $52 Greetings This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Passover issue. Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren. Just fill out the form below and send or bring it to the Jewish Press office. But hurry; these ads will only be accepted through March 4, 2022.

Passover Greetings Ads Name __________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________ State ____ Zip ___________ Check the size of ad you would like:

OA

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Use the lines below to list your family members names you would like on your Passover ad.

Passover Greetings from Your names go here

Passover

B $65

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The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022 | 7

The Rational Passover Haggadah

Continued from page 5 wife; their precocious child obsessed with K-pop; a struggling Indian American writer; a wildly successful Korean American app developer; a global dandy with three passports; a Southern flamethrower of an essayist; and a movie star, the Actor, whose arrival upsets the equilibrium of this chosen family.

Both elegiac and very, very funny, Our Country Friends is the most ambitious book yet by the author of the beloved bestseller Super Sad True Love Story.

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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 April 1, 2022 to Diane Walker at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 or dwalker@jewishomaha.org.

Contact her with any questions at 402-334-6551.

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Continued from page 5 It’s a promise he makes good on; the language in the book is clear and concise, the questions that are woven through the various chapters are designed to engage. This is no ‘sit-backand-recline’ Haggadah. You can’t just leave the four questions to the youngest child and call it good. There is no dozing off because you think you’ve heard it a million times. You haven’t.

“Two questions frequently asked at a Seder,” Joel said, “are ‘When will the meal be served?’ and ‘How soon will the Seder be over?’ This Haggadah helps the people who ask those questions to get far more meaning from the evening. It not only explains the meaning of the Seder rituals but also discusses and answers very compelling questions related to people’s everyday lives. As a result, this book will resonate for those who will never attend a Seder and even for those with no religion at all.

An example: Why did God rescue the Jews from Egypt but not from the Holocaust? The question is fascinating, and so is the answer Dennis offers. Imagine a Seder where questions like this are discussed.”

There are many other questions Prager poses, all designed to make the reader think and find an answer within the framework of their own life. ‘Adult question #3’ asks: “Must the Seder be a religious experience, or is it enough for it to be a family and/or national Jewish experience?” The Jewish Press asked Joel to answer it: “If we want our traditions to be carried on by future generations, then the Seder must be a religious experience,” he said.

“It has to transcend our common experiences to be worth perpetuating. The Seder should have a strong family and national Jewish component but it will only be carried on through the centuries if people attach great meaning to it.”

Maybe you have a similar answer, maybe your thoughts go in a different direction. What everyone who gives this Haggadah a chance will have in common is that the questions Prager poses feel real, practical, connected to our daily lives and the world we live in. As is often the case with religious rituals, sometimes we forget that relevance takes work. Prager reminds us to do that work.

“What makes a Haggadah ‘rational,’” Joel said, “is that every answer offered is based on reason and not on faith. For many people, ‘because God said so’ is an insufficient reason to become more religiously committed. People hunger for meaning, but for many, meaning has to be conveyed in a logical and accessible manner. This book is not just a ‘how to’ guide for a Seder, but also an answer to many of the ‘why’s’ people ask about the Seder, Passover, Exodus and life.”

Another question Prager poses (in fact, he calls it the most important question) is “Why be a Jew?” “In making the case for being or becoming a Jew,” he writes, “the first word that comes to mind is ‘Shabbat.’ If I had to make a sales pitch for Judaism, I would begin with Shabbat. If I were allowed only one reason for someone to lead a Jewish life, I would say ‘Shabbat.’ If I were to encourage a Jew to engage in one Jewish ritual, it would be Shabbat.”

“If anything,” Joel added, “Shabbat is an extension of the Seder.

God brought us out of Egypt to take his laws, live them and bring our values to the world. Shabbat is one of the laws we were given to observe after we were brought out of Egypt. The Seder tells the story of how we were enslaved and freed, and Shabbat is part of the fulfillment of that story. We observe Shabbat in part because we were brought out of Egypt to do just that.”

So, what’s next?

“The next volume of Dennis’ The Rational Bible series is Deuteronomy,” Joel said, “and its publication date is Oct. 11, 2022.

In the meantime, we’re working on Numbers and then Leviticus.

There’s a lot of work to do, but it’s very fulfilling to see how many people from all walks of life have been influenced by these books.

They are the books I wish I could have read when I was growing up and trying to figure out what my Judaism would mean to me.

And they are the books we’ll use to educate our children.”

The Rational Hagaddah by Dennis Prager will be published March 1 and can be preordered through Amazon (it is also available as an audiobook or for the Kindle) or you can 0check with your local bookstore.

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Or contact Diane Walker, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation 402-334-6551 or dwalker@jewishomaha.org

8 | The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022

Above and below: It is time to have some fun at RBJH after a rough start to the year. ‘Wacky Wednesdays’ are back with Pajama Day and a scrumptious lunch from Panda Express.

Through a monthly subscription, RBJH supports tiny farms and young entrepreneurs whose mission is the renewal of The Land of Israel. This month it was part of the Southeast Neighborhood Men’s Club. The men said it was meaningful way to learn more about Israel and the products the land produces. Above: Roger Darrington smiles as he checks out the packages and goods. This month the presentation was creative, artistic, and impressive. Below: Steve Chasen reads about the various products, the regions where they came from, and about the families who made them. Bottom: Mr. Marvin Kohll is inspecting the cherry liqueur.

SP O TLIGHT PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS 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.

Below and right: Friedel kindergarteners building and programming robots using LEGO WeDo robotics.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

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Margie Gutnik 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 Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen; David Finkelstein; Bracha Goldsweig; Mary Sue Grossman; Les Kay; Natasha Kraft; Chuck Lucoff; Joseph Pinson; Andy Shefsky 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.

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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.

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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.

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The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022 | 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.

Three small words

about it ahead of time? I agreed, don’t tell Don, don’t love is still here. It’s important to remember that.

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT tell Ozzie, Joey wrote the story, I took it upon myself There is another voice in my head: the one that Jewish Press Editor “Thank G-d it’s almost Shabbat,” I tell myself al- to steal photos from Ozzie’s Facebook page, and it tells me I don’t need to go all ‘Kumbaya’ on people; most every Thursday. “It’ was a rough week.” just so happened we were able to put it prominently it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. This voice is not It’s been like that for a while, and I imagine I am on the front page. If you saw the paper last week, entirely wrong, but: it would be okay if we silence not the only one who feels that way. you didn’t miss it. If you did, check our website. that voice from time to time and allow ourselves to After two (!) years of pandemic, it focus purely on the positive, the hapdoesn’t really matter so much if we piness, and yes, the love. Because believe it’s going to be over soon. We love is a constant. It continues in the have been living with this long face of adversity, illness, loneliness— enough that we’re all exhausted and as long as we are willing to acknowlrunning on emotional fumes. edge it.

With that comes a lack of bandThere is a reason the Torah teaches width. When something bad hapus to love our neighbor. It doesn’t tell pens, we don’t necessarily have the us to ‘like’ or ‘tolerate’ our neighbor. extra oomph to deal with it. Also, bad It specifically tells us to love. stuff has a tendency to happen in “The first, and perhaps most puzclusters. And the line ‘this too shall zling thing we need to understand pass’ long ago lost its power. about love, is that Judaism does not But then I hear myself, how whiny treat love as an ideal, a conviction, a I sound, and I realize I can accept the Credit: MHM55, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 In- principle, a beautiful concept, or an negative and simultaneously search ternational license. untamed passion,” Rabbi Noah Weinfor the positive. Frankly, I don’t like my whiny voice It didn’t take Don long to leave a message on my berg and Rabbi Yaakov Salomon wrote on that much to begin with—and whatever life throws phone. Ozzie read him the story, he wanted to Aish.com.” It is an obligation. A duty. A responsiat us, there is always a silver lining. thank Joey and me, he couldn’t believe we suprised bility. A requirement.”

Sometimes, that silver lining comes when you him like that. Then, he ended the call with three I think what I’m trying to say is, we should speak least expect it. I’ll explain. small words: ‘I love you.’ it when we feel it. Don’t just save those three words A few weeks ago, I received a text from my friend, Those three words resonated—I can hear Don’s for special occasions. Say them to your partner, Joey. She reminded me that our mutual friend Don’s voice now, in my head, reminding me of all the peo- your friends, say them to that colleague you’ve 93rd birthday was coming up, it would be on a ple I love and who love me in return. worked with for the past 30 years. Say them to anyThursday, when most people receive the paper.

We may not be as connected in our day-to-day body who needs to hear them (and we all do). The Would it be okay to write a nice story about him? lives as we once were, there is no doubt that we are best part? Love is an infinite resource. We don’t Could we make this a surprise and not tell him all having a difficult time coming together, but the have to ever run out.

Israel thinks I only want to make aliyah so I can play basketball.

JARED ARMSTRONG JTA Eight days after I was born, I had a brit. I was a Jew, and that’s what Jews do. Well, many do it anyway; Jews who are not observant may not, but that wasn’t my family. We kept Shabbat. We had the best meals and wine during Passover. And on Yom Kippur, at a young age there was no excuse for me not to afflict my soul, my mom said. There I was, on the Day of Atonement, a little young boy starving and crying in the shul, like everyone else.

When I told my rabbi I wanted to make aliyah, to live in Israel, he was for it.

But both of us are just shocked by the Israeli government’s decision to deny my application for citizenship. They’ve made their points again and again to my rabbi and me: We don’t trust you. We don’t believe you. You’re not sincere.

It hurts. And I don’t understand it. I am so proud to be a Jew. I am proud of my family’s Jewish history.

Hands down, it’s something to celebrate — a real story for Black History Month.

It all began over 70 years ago, with my great-aunt.

A daughter to a Baptist minister, she decided to take tenets of Judaism in her own life and, influenced by the Jewish community, the Torah was what she wanted to base her life upon. But this was back in the 1940s, during Jim Crow and segregation in America. In many places, it was illegal for whites and Blacks to pray together in the same place at the same time. They say even today that Sunday mornings are the most segregated hour in the United States. Well, Saturday for us Jews is no different.

My aunt had barriers to deepening her Jewish experience with a “white” Jewish congregation. So she started her own, back in 1951. From there, an entire community of Jews — some descended, some converted, some born within the community, like myself — was born. The community evolved. It thrives, and it is non-denominational. Her mark is great, and her soul rests in a Jewish cemetery to this day.

Even though I am not a member of the congregation, you can never forget where you come from.

Currently, I am a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington, Delaware. Rabbi Michael Beals is the spiritual leader there — “Joe Biden’s rabbi,” as the world knows him. I love Rabbi Beals

and the community, and truly have grown in my Jewish and knows in his heart that Israel is his home.

Jewish identity and purpose. Not for once did I ever Still, I was willing to jump through any hoops to think someone doubted my identity among the get things back on track. So, we sent another letter, Jewish people. My mom and community taught detailing my own Jewish ceremonies, dates and my and raised me as a Jew. I had a duty to God, to reach mother’s mikveh certificate. But that’s not all. I deout and help those who are less fortunate. I was cided to give them all I had. I sent my grandtaught to repair the world (tikkun olam), and that mother’s proof of Judaism, details about my family’s all humans were created in God’s image. If you “save one life, you save the world.” The beauty of our religion is that there are so many ways to be a Jew, but the Interior Ministry excludes me for some reason.

Rabbi Beals and I were ecstatic to submit my application for aliyah. He had a connection with my family. My mother’s sister has been a member of his congregation for over a decade, and Beth Shalom accepted my mother and me with open arms. I had big plans, too. I was going to play basketball for Hapoel Haifa. Aside from basketball, I planned to apply to the Ministry of For- Jared Armstrong, center, with other participants on a eign Affairs to help bridge the gap between Israel Birthright trip to Israel in 2021. Credit: Jared Armstrong and Black America. I looked forward to learning more heritage, and pictures of my relative’s grave in a Jewabout Israel, the land of my people. I could even do ish cemetery. Really, there was no reason to not hasbara, or public diplomacy. With Rabbi Beals’ con- trust me, my family, or rabbi. We just wanted to nections and knowledge of politics and society, he clear everything up. encouraged me to pursue this. He was sure I would We don’t believe you... be a great asset to American-Israeli relations one day.

My mother’s roots are from a non-denominational We don’t trust you... congregation. So, they said, all proofs were not crediWhen applying from abroad, it was a surprise ble. The fact that I identified as Jew, lived as a Jew, was when they didn’t accept my rabbi’s letter attesting a member of Beth Shalom — none of this mattered. my Jewishness. Rabbi Beals was ordained at the It wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t believable enough.

Conservative movement’s Jewish Theological Sem- There was just too much doubt. And to remove that inary. I’ve been Jewish my entire life. The shul is a doubt, I needed to undergo a conversion. Only then member of the United Synagogue of Conservative would they consider me a Jew in the State of Israel.

Judaism. And there was no mistake in what Rabbi I was so frustrated. This was my identity we’re Beals stated: I was born to a Jewish mother. But to talking about here; my life they were doubting. But them, something didn’t add up. Born to a Jewish on the other hand, a conversion course had its mother? I can only relay the facts, and they wanted perks. All Jews know that learning is a lifelong purto see how my mom was a Jew. They requested to suit. And since I knew my status was now an issue, see her conversion papers — though why they as- it was a good opportunity to fix it. So, I converted, sumed she was a convert, I cannot say. and I did so with Rabbi Beals. He knew my intent I understand that Israel asks these questions of was as spiritual as it was sensible. Through the others — Ethiopians, Ugandans, immigrants from crazy times of pandemic, I was able to complete my the former Soviet Union, Americans whose family conversion according to halacha, or Jewish law, via trees or Jewish communities are not recognized by Zoom and underwent a hatifat dam brit, a ritual Israel’s politicized Chief Rabbinate. None of that is and symbolic version of circumcision, as well as comforting, however, to someone who feels deeply See Israel thinks page 10

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022

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 rbjh.com

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 on Friday, March 11, 7 p.m. for evening services with a guest speaker. The service will be led by the members of the congregation. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel For information on COVID-related closures and about 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, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber.

Handicap Accessible.

BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Hamantashen Baking — 5 baker limit, 10 a.m.; Nebraska AIDS Coalition Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m.; BESTT Movie Night, 6 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:45 p.m.

Zoom only.

SUNDAY: Siddur 101 with Hazzan Krausman following morning minyan; BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Ladino Music, 4 p.m. with Sarah Aroeste via Zoom only.

MONDAY: Women’s Book Group, 7 p.m. Zoom only.

TUESDAY: Mussar, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham at Beth El & Zoom.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6 p.m.; A View from the Neighbors, 6 p.m. with Dr. Rami Arav; Community Beit Midrash, 7 p.m. via In-person at the JCC or on Zoom.

THURSDAY: Revisting the Classics, 7 p.m. with Hazzan Krausman.

FRIDAY-Mar. 4: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream.

SATURDAY-Mar. 5: Bar Mitzvah of Levi Weill and Shabbat Morning Services , 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 6:50 p.m. Zoom only.

Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and 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 pergola, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required.

FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Candlelighting, 5:52 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Class/Kids Class, 10:30 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:10 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha, 5:50 p.m.; Shalosh Seudos/ Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 6:20 p.m.; Ma’ariv/ Havdalah, 6:53 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.

MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6

p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Kids Class, 3:45 p.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Wednesday School, 4:15 p.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Character Development, 9:30 am. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY-Mar. 4: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Candlelighting, 6:01 p.m.

SATURDAY-Mar. 5: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Class/Kids Class, 10:30 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:20 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha, 6 p.m.; Shalosh Seudos/Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 6:20 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 7:01 p.m.

Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person/Zoom hybrid (Ochabad.com/classroom). For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/Lech ayim; Candlelighting, 5:52 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 6:52 p.m.

SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps, 9 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha Class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Women’s Power Lunch, noon-1 p.m. with Shani Katzman. Read Your Own Story in the Megillah at the Katzman Residence.

Lunch will be served. RSVP at ochabad.com/lunch.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 18 — No advance experience necessary), noon with Rabbi Katzman.

FRIDAY-Mar. 4: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad. com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY-Mar. 5: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 7 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch.

Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now being offered in person.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex and Elaine Monnier, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 5:55 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat

Vayakhel, noon; Havdalah, 6:56 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Classes, 9:30 a.m.; Men's Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln meets Sundays at 10 a.m., rain or shine, to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if it’s too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. If interested, please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com to find out where to meet each week; South Street Temple Board Meeting, 1:30 p.m.; We will put pickleball on hiatus while we are not holding in-person services. When we start up again, remember that everyone is welcome; just wear comfortable clothes and tennis or gym shoes.

If you need a paddle, contact Miriam Wallick by email at Miriam57@aol.com or by text at 402.470.2393 before Sunday.

TUESDAY: Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom; Jewish Ethical Teachings Class, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Alex.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Classes, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY-Mar. 4: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 6:03 p.m.

SATURDAY-Mar. 5: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Pekudei, noon; Havdalah, 7:03 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

FRIDAY: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander.

DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. via Zoom.

FRIDAY: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Shabbat B’yachad: Judaism’s Spiritual Vocabulary: Exploring the Prayers and the Prayer Book, 6 p.m. via Zoom or In-Person.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom or InPerson.

SUNDAY: Youth Learning Programs, 10 a.m.; Words of Wisdom, 10:15 a.m. In-Person; Conversion Class, 11 a.m.; OTYG Board Workshop, 12:15 p.m.

MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. via Zoom.

WEDNESDAY: Youth Learning Programs: Grades 36, 4-6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:30-8 p.m.; Grade 12 Confirmation Class, 6:30 p.m.; Community Beit Midrash, 7 p.m. via In-person at the JCC or Zoom.

THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Class, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel via Zoom or In-Person; Rosh Chodesh Event: Cook Down at the Hot Shops, 7:15 p.m. In-Person.

FRIDAY-Mar. 4: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Shabbat B’yachad: Judaism’s Spiritual Vocabulary: Exploring the Prayers and the Prayer Book, 6 p.m. via Zoom or In-Person.

SATURDAY-Mar. 5: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom or In-Person.

Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

Israel thinks I only want to make aliyah so I can play basketball Continued from page 9 mikveh immersion, or tevilah. All doubt should now be satisfied. Once our shul reopened, I was called to the Torah for my first aliyah as an adult in front of the whole congregation.

Israel, here I come...

I came to Israel on Taglit-Birthright Israel, a program that connects Jewish Americans to Israel and boasts of people who came on the trips and ended up moving to Israel. I was on the last Birthright trip of 2021 due to the pandemic, and the ruach – spirit – of God was within me. Rabbi Beals explained that going to Israel was one of the very few mitzvahs that a Jew does with his entire body. And so I signed up. Being in the land, being around my people, it was just indescribable. But during my time in Israel,

the Jewish Agency had another request. They asked for a new letter. They needed to know every detail about the conversion sessions, their subject and what was covered. My rabbi was patient and sent them a five-page letter. Finally, I received a date to receive my immigration papers from within Israel.

Being already in Israel, it would be a very special day to make it official in the land I wanted to call home.

You’re not sincere...

Days before my date at the Interior Ministry I received notice that the head of staff for North America didn’t approve my conversion. Why? Because it was conducted on Zoom. (The conversion programs run by the rabbinate within Israel were on Zoom during the pandemic, too.)

But apparently there was another, huge red flag

for the ministry: I wanted to play basketball. Every Jew comes to Israel with a plan: yeshiva, study at university, opening a business, working in high tech.

But basketball? That means you just want to take advantage of Israeli society, they think. And right now, this is the major concern that is on my file: that I only converted because I want to play basketball.

It is simply wrong, discriminatory, inhumane and ignorant. Instead of treating me like a Jew wanting to come home, they regard me as an infiltrator trying to take part in something that I have no right to. And nothing I have done has changed their mind. But I am fighting this. And I will continue to fight this. I am a Jew and I want to come home. But it’s also my duty to fight for justice wherever there See Israel thinks page 11

Life cycles

The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022 | 11

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

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IN MEMORIAM JOHN ROBINSON John Robinson passed away on Feb. 13, 2022. Services were held on Feb. 15, 2022, at Golden Hill Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Robinson and parents, Milton and Frances Robinson.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew and Lisa Robinson and Todd and Amy Robinson; grandson, Nicholas Davis; brother, Charles Robinson; and special friend, Vicki Perlmeter.

PEGGY RUBENSTEIN EPSTEIN Peggy Rubenstein Epstein passed away on Feb. 6, 2022, at age 79 in Overland Park, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Reva Rubenstein, and nephew, Michael Andrew Epstein.

She is survived by her husband, Allen Epstein, son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Lisa Epstein, and daughter, Amy Epstein; grandchildren: Cooper Epstein and Theodore Wood; sister, Susan Alfrey; brother and sister-in-law, Tuffy and Helen Epstein; sisterin-law, Gloria Hyman; aunt, Loraine Passman, and many nieces and nephews.

Peggy graduated from Central High School and had her first date with Allen Epstein at an AZA dance. He was her high school sweetheart and definitely her bashert.

Peggy was a beautiful, thoughtful, talented, and creative woman, and will be sorely missed.

JEANNE A. SHECHET Jeanne A. Shechet passed away on Feb. 14, 2022, in Omaha at age 81. Services were held on Feb. 17, 2022, at Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD, followed by interment at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hyman and Lillian Hurwitz; and her sister, Marilyn Badolato.

She is survived by her husband, Rabbi Maximo Shechet, Chaplain; son and daughter-in-law, David and Carolyn Cohen; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Marty Roos; stepsons: Stanley Shechet and Mark Shechet; and grandchildren: Chana, Bailey, Jacob, Benjamin, and Cole; and brothers, Robert and Larry Hurwitz.

Jeanne was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Dec. 10, 1940.

She became bat mitzvah at Mt. Zion Temple and graduated from

Washington High School. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in education. Jeanne married Paul G. Cohen, an Air Force officer. They were assigned to bases in North Dakota and then the United Kingdom, where their son David was born. Returning to the US, they settled in Omaha, where they welcomed their daughter Debbie.

Jeanne worked as a trip coordinator for a ski trip-planning company and was actively involved in B’nai B’rith Women, Hadassah, and Temple Israel.

Following her first marriage, Jeanne married Maximo Shechet.

Together, they opened the Kosher Pickle, a kosher deli and restaurant.

Jeanne subsequently began a career as a secretary at Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah. She worked with 23-years-worth of students, directors, rabbis and synagogue staff, retiring from her role in 2014.

Memorials may be made in Jeanne's honor to Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund c/o Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104; Chabad of Sioux Falls, 2900 West Old Yankton Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57108; or The Nebraska Humane Society.

Israel thinks Continued from page 10 is injustice — even in Israel, even if it’s for myself, and others like me.

As a Jewish community, if we are depending on the ministry to police itself, there’ll never be any change.

I know who I am. I am not an infiltrator. I have done nothing wrong. I have gone far and beyond to prove my sincerity and understanding of their perspective. I am a Zionist. I support the State of Israel, but I do not stand for injustice. I am a Jew, and I want to come home.

Jared Armstrong is a college graduate, a business owner and a former actor. He lives in Philadelphia.

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12 | The Jewish Press | February 25, 2022

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