February 26, 2016

Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Closer to Judaism

February 26, 2016 17 Adar 1 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 24

This Week

Mainstreeters March activities Page 5

Becoming a man Page 6

Sophie Budwig and Mikayla Langon

I have wanted to visit for quite some time now, and I am very lucky to have been able to experience it with some of my closest friends. Getting closer to the people I’ve known since kindergarten, from my own Temple and the other two synagogues, was a great thing for me to experience because I was able to understand another side of them. I also became very good friends with people from other states who went on the trip. Most came from Louisville and the Chicago area. I am still keeping in contact with them today even though we haven’t seen each other in a few weeks.

Continued on pages 8 & 9

Goldstein Human Rights Lecture

Open pulpit: The secret of joy Page 16

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Month Non-Profits See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

12 14 15

by CURTIS HUTT On March 10, Dr. Temple Grandin will give the 2016 Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights at UNO in the Strauss Performing Arts Center. Dr. Grandin is a professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University. In addition to having numerous professional accomplishments revolutionizing practices for the humane handling of livestock, she is the world’s most well known proponent for the rights for people with autism. Temple herself was diagnosed with autism at age four. Her amazing life story was the focus of the 2010 award-winning biopic, Temple Grandin. In 2010, Time magazine named her one of 100 most influential people in the world in the “Heroes” category. The title of Dr. Grandin’s lecture is: Dif-

Kim Noddle draws out Friedel artists

Temple Grandin ferent Kinds of Minds Contribute to Society.

The Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights, an event organized and co-sponsored by the Religious Studies department at UNO, is in its seventeenth year.

Past speakers include Natan Sharansky, Kenneth Roth and Winona LaDuke. The annual lecture series was established by Leonard and Shirley Goldstein to promote understanding of human rights issues at UNO and in the Omaha community.

Shirley Goldstein, who famously worked to defend Soviet Jewry, was Continued on page 2

Fifth graders Sophia Mavropoulos, foreground, and Jack Cohen paint their renditions of German artist Franz Marc’s Blue Horse in Kim Noddle’s art class at Friedel Jewish Academy.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Friedel’s art program was “lovfor Friedel Jewish Academy ingly created by Julie Phillips who Thursdays are art exploration taught art at the school for many days at Friedel Jewish Academy. All years,” explained Friedel’s Head of grades, from kindergarten through School Beth Cohen. “Julie’s innovasixth grade, put down their pencils tion and creativity were the cornerand pick up their paint brushes -- stone for the weekly program that and so much more -- on Thursdays. Continued on page 2

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Where are they now: Annie Nogg Jason

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT work on finding more purpose in their careers. That conAnnie Nogg was born and raised in Omaha. She is the versation quickly broadens into other aspects of their lives, daughter of Patty and Steve Nogg and together with her hus- and how they interweave.” band Todd Jason and their two daughters, Sydney and Annie has seen a wide variety of those “other aspects,” Emily, lives in San Francisco. such as dealing with illness and/or “Even though I haven’t lived in death of a parent, leaving a job situOmaha for over 15 years,” she says, ation that made the client miserable “I will always call it home. I have so and finding a completely new many positive memories that took career, and the need to increase selfplace at the Jewish Community love and self-confidence.

Center, Beth El, Peony Park and the “The coaching I provide is coBagel Bin, to name just a few. Many active,” she adds. “That means it can of my closest friends are people I address any topic from money, to met as a child. But the main reason career, to confidence in relationOmaha will always be so significant ships. It’s about asking thoughtful to me is because my parents, sibquestions for the clients to answer, lings, nieces, nephews and many rather than telling them what to others I have a close connection to think. The way I see it, it’s their life are still there! When I describe my -- who am I to give them advice? My upbringing, I feel proud to share job is to guide them to their own that I was truly raised by a “village.” answers. In case someone is looking I feel the comfort and support of to improve their financial situation, that tight-knit community, no matthe conversation can lead them to ter where I live.” shift their perspective or hire a Annie Nogg Today, Annie works as a life financial planner. Between my holdcoach. While the concept of the life coach is not entirely ing them accountable, and them finding their own wisdom, new, it hasn’t been around long enough for everyone to they will find out what the right direction is for them.” know exactly what it is. Annie explains: A life coach is not the same thing as a therapist. While “Life coaching is a resource that helps people figure out they are often compared, coaching is unique in the sense where they currently are in their lives and where they want to that it allows people to look at where they presently are and go in the future. I see my job as walking alongside clients to where they want to go. offer them outside-the-box tools, support and accountability “In coaching, there is no diagnosis; clients are seen as ‘natas they find their own answers, as opposed to my giving them urally creative, resourceful and whole.’ Although, it is not advice. What a freeing concept, as we are always receiving uncommon for people to work with a life coach and a theraunsolicited advice from others about what we should do!” pist simultaneously, since they complement each other well.”

Annie predominantly works with young adults who are in On her website, Annie Nogg writes: some type of transition and seeking a new direction. That “I became exposed to coaching when I was at a crossroads can range from career choice or a geographic move to fami- myself. I didn’t know how and if to move forward in my ly or romantic relationships. Her work is done primarily career at the time, and I struggled with the idea of where to over the phone, which allows for the ideal client/coach rela- call “home.” Coaching was exactly what I needed at that tionship, unfettered by geographic distance. Annie has time. Working with a coach helped me to get clarity, explore many clients who live in different time zones; there is even options, and take purposeful steps forward.” one in South America.

Clarity, exploring options, and taking steps forward: that “I firmly believe every person benefits from life coaching sounds pretty good. For more information about life coachas a resource,” Annie says. “Many times, the clients I have ing and to find out what Annie is up to, visit annienogg worked with have come to coaching because they want to coaching.com.

Kim Noddle draws out the artists Continued from page 1 is now in place. She charted an amazing path for the school in our fine arts program. Now, with her own kids getting older and spread out around the country, she’s not able to commit to a weekly teaching schedule,” said Beth.

Last spring, Beth asked Kim Noddle if she would be interested in teaching the new Arts and Exploration Program at Friedel. “I thought it would be a great opportunity,” Kim said. Having previously taught fifth grade at Loveland Elementary School, Kim also ran a successful business, The Art Room in Rockbrook Village. She has taught art from her home as well.

“My goal at Friedel,” Kim stated, “is to introduce the students to various artists. We discuss their style and time period, and then we create a project that might be indicative of the artist’s style. The projects and lessons are geared toward each grade level’s art standards and outcomes.”

Kim introduced the students to Chagall, Lichtenstein, Klimt, Monet, and Picasso last semester as the young artists concentrated on color in their compositions. “We painted with watercolors and acrylics, drew architectural designs, worked with paint pens, and explored a bit of printmaking.

I believe the students love to hear about each artist and what might have gone on in the artists’ lives in order to appreciate their style,” explained Kim. This semester Kim is focusing her students’ attention on three-dimensional art.

“So far,” she said, “we have learned how to make trees look more dimensional and made Alexander Calder inspired mobiles.” Calder was an American sculptor known as the originator of the mobile. Kim, a studio arts major in college who also earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in kindergarten through eighth grade education with an emphasis in art and social science, plans to introduce Dale Chihuly style sculptures to her classes. An American glass sculptor, Chihuly is renowned for his blown glass artwork, some of which is permanently installed at Joslyn Art Museum. Then Kim’s students will learn about Alberto Giacometti, a Swiss sculptor, painter, draftsman, and printmaker, and create some figures based on his artistry. Finally, they’ll work on relief collages after studying about Louise Nevelson, a sculp-

tor known for her monumental, monochromatic wood wall pieces and outdoor sculptors. Nevelson, who spoke Yiddish at home, learned English after she emigrated to the United States with her family from Czarist Russia.

“I love to add any bit of Jewish background to the artists we discuss,” Kim pointed out. “Not all of them are Jewish, but most have a story tied to Jewish history.”

“Kim has been an amazing addition to the staff at Friedel,” noted Beth. “In addition to educating our students about famous artists, Kim draws out the abilities of each student as he or she does a hands-on exploration of the different medium used by the artists.”

Kim loves art. “I’ve always had a passion for creating,” she emphasized. “And I also love working with the students and teachers at Friedel.”

Goldstein Human Rights Lecture Continued from page 1 awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by UNO in 1996 for her many contributions to the cause of human rights.

The Goldstein Lecture will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Seating will be first come, first serve.

There will be overflow seating at the Barbara Weitz Community Center where earlier in the afternoon there will be a series of events related to Dr. Temple Grandin’s visit. The film Temple Grandin will be shown at 2 p.m. in room 201, sponsored by the Religious Studies department’s SPHRS initiative and the Medical Humanities program at UNO. Partnership for Autism Career Employment (PACE) will share its services with UNO students and community members as well. Autism Action Partnership, Transitions, UNO Disability Services and the Buffett Early Childhood will also participate.

For more information, contact Staci Geis at sgeis@un omaha.edu or call 402.554.2628

February 26, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 3

Book Club brings generations together

by OZZIE NOGG Stories written for children are often enjoyed by adults, too, as is the case with Charlotte’s Web, E. B. White’s 1952 classic novel about a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. In 2000, Publishers Weekly listed the book as the best-selling children’s paperback of all time.

The appeal and popularity of the story recently led 3rd and 4th grade students from Friedel Jewish Academy to join forces with the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home to form an intergenerational Charlotte’s Web Book Club.

Karen Hook, Activities Director at the RBJH, chaired the program. “Our first scheduled meeting on Feb. 3 was snowed out,” Hook said, “but the Friedel kids and Blumkin Home residents met on Feb. 10 for a ‘getting to know you’ session. The students and residents introduced themselves and also learned about the characters in Charlotte’s Web.” During the first session, Friedel students and Blumkin Home residents paired up to make popsicle stick and yarn spider webs.

“We encouraged them to help each other in constructing the spider webs,” Hook explained, “because we wanted to create interaction between the groups, not just have students make something and their partnered resident make something, but to work together instead. The craft time was a great way to get dialogue going between the generations.”

“After the students and residents read Charlotte’s Web together we discussed the relationship between Wilbur and Charlotte,” Hook continued. “The story is so moving, with its

focus on the themes of friendship, loneliness, love, survival and loss.

Charlotte’s Web is a story for all ages, and our sessions were total fun for all

According to Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Blumkin Home, “The idea for the Charlotte’s Web Book Club originated

Friedel Jewish Academy student Shevy Shyken and Blumkin Home resident Sylvia Jess paired up to make spider webs during the intergenerational Charlotte’s Web Book Club. of us.” Paul Maudlin, Friedel Jewish Academy 3rd and 4th grade teacher, facilitated the program with Hook.

On Wednesday, Feb. 17, the group wrapped up the book club when they met to watch the Charlotte’s Web movie together. “We shared popcorn and special pig and spider web cupcakes from Star Catering,” Hook said. “In addition to enjoying the book and the movie, the kids and the residents formed wonderful friendships. Just like Wilbur and Charlotte do in the story.”

with Zoe Berman, a young activities professional who volunteered at the Home last summer. From an intergenerational standpoint, the Book Club concept was a win-win activity, and we thank Zoe for proposing it.” A grant from AAA and the Cornhusker Motor Club Foundation paid for copies of Charlotte’s Web, including large print copies for Blumkin Home residents.

The grant, secured by Beth Cohen, Friedel Jewish Academy Head of School, also covered the cost of the treats.

OTYG Annual Spaghetti Dinner: Under the sea with OTYG

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel A highlight of our senior youth group year is always the annual OTYG Spaghetti Dinner and Auction to be held this year on Sunday, March 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive. Proceeds from the Spaghetti dinner benefit Camp Rainbow, a summer camp for children with terminal diseases and disorders, and also helps to fund Temple Israel’s three youth groups, so that they may continue planning dynamic programs and provide scholarship money for regional and national events.

The evening will include a silent auction, followed by a live auction. Some of the items included in this year’s live auction are: a trip to Mexico (airfare included), Creighton baseball tickets, Temple Israel reserved parking spaces, and tickets to the upcoming Zac Brown Band concert!

Members of our senior youth group, OTYG, continue to be very dedicated to making this year’s dinner a huge success. Aleia Budwig, our Special Projects Coordinator, is co-ordinating our volunteers who are putting the donations for the auctions together. Ellie Reiss, Programming Vice President, has been working along with other teens making decorations. Social Action Vice President Maddee Rauhauser is assisting volunteers in completing the making of blankets that will be donated to Camp Rainbow. Finally, our OTYG President Sophie Budwig is working to make sure there are enough volunteers for the evening of the event.

For more information, contact Aliyah Lasky, Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement at 402.556.6536.

To RSVP for the dinner, please call the Temple Office.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

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Join in a Musical Havdalah at Beth Israel Saturday, March 5 | 7 p.m. | Beth Israel Synagogue Limited seating still available for Shabbat dinner, Friday, March 4, 7 p.m. | $18 for adults with special family pricing available.

Dinner reservations needed by February 29. For reservations or more information, call (402) 556-6288

4 | The Jewish Press | February 26, 2016

Voices of Beth El: Jay Gordman

Meet Dr. Jeffrey Passer, MD.

by SHERRIE SAAG attending High Holiday services, then you are really missing for Beth El Synagogue out. There is a real drive to help people connect spiritually Storytelling is a wonderfully interactive way to engage and provide a sense of community and belonging that goes people with your ideas, thoughts and feelings. Stories con- way beyond organized religion. Get some friends together nect us to our listeners, and when we share our own life sto- and start with ‘Our Shabbat Tables.’ You will not regret it.” ries with others, our audience feels that they get to know us Now their two sons are students at BESTT. Jay is thrilled as authentic people. This is the broad concept behind Voices with the level of religious education they are receiving and is from Beth El, the ongoing storytelling series from Beth El impressed with how much they have learned. “More imporSynagogue. tantly, they have developed a The synagogue is sharing real love of being Jewish and their message and supporting have real pride in their relithe community conversation gion. This is so important in a for synagogue life and community with a small involvement through the Jewish population,” Jay Voices series. This week, Jay explained.

Gordman shares his Beth El Jay is pleased as well with the story. clergy and staff always comAs the Treasurer of Beth El ing up with very creative ways Synagogue, Jay oversees the to engage the congregation. budgeting, financial adminis“For example,” Jays says, tration and reporting, with a “unrolling the entire Torah focus on the Synagogue’s scroll on Simchat Torah. I long-term fiscal health and agree with Esther Katz’s well-being. He has led the description several weeks ago search committees that hired in the Press. It is something to Hazzan Krausman and Eadie see!”

Jay and Allison Gordman Tsabari, the Director of Voices of Beth El particiCongregational Learning. pants are always eager to share favorite memories of Beth El He has lived in Omaha his entire life, save for a seven-year and Jay Gordman is no exception. For him, getting married stint in Phoenix. He attended Temple Israel with his family at Beth El was more than just an amazing day; it was a day and was active at the JCC and BBYO. that forever changed his opinion of Conservative Judaism.

Jay is a small business owner, helping companies navigate His wedding was one of his first interactions with the Rabbi the digital marketing landscape in pursuit of their business and Cantor and their preparations, he says, were unparalgoals. When he’s not running the company, Jay can be found leled. “My experience completely changed my opinion of in the midst of a busy home life with his wife, Allison and what it really meant to be involved at a Conservative sons Spencer and Preston.

Synagogue.”

“Omaha is such a vibrant community that is fantastic for Jay serves Beth El as a Board member and has volunteered raising a family. I know that sounds totally cliché, but it is on numerous Boards and committees at the Jewish absolutely true,” Jay said.

Federation of Omaha, including chairing the Budget comWhen it came time to for their family to affiliate with a mittee and serving as a Federation Board Member, JCC synagogue, Jay and Allison wanted a place that would be Board Member and a Federation Executive Committee their Jewish and spiritual home. They wanted to interact member. He’s also involved with the Omaha Chamber of with other young Jewish families in the same stage of life. Commerce and helping it’s small business program thrive.

For them, that place was Beth El Synagogue.

“Initially, when we joined, we were not really involved.

Once we started to participate in family events, volunteering on committees and attending programs outside of services, Andi and Jason Kaufman of Chicago announce the Jan. then it truly became our spiritual home,” he said.

Of all of Beth El’s offerings, Jay says that “Our Shabbat 20 birth of their twin sons Ethan Solomon and Jonah Tables” is his favorite program. “Being able to sit down for a Benjamin.

Grandparents are Margie and Bruce Gutnik of Omaha, great meal with people of all ages and backgrounds is fanAnn and Jeff Kaufman of Chicago and Debbi and Peter tastic. It is the real definition of community building.”

“My message is really to the members of Beth El that we Welti of Fairplay, CO. Great-grandfather is Dr. B. Paul Justin of Chicago. don’t see very often. If your experience with Beth El is only

Birth

Dr. Jeffrey A. Passer has an internal medicine, Integrative Medicine and Bariatrics Practice. Dr. Passer offers a wide range of services at his Omaha office, from customized medical weight loss and thyroid treatment to hormone replacement therapy.

Some of the specific services currently available at Dr. Passer’s office include: Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for both Men and Women, Thyroid replacement therapy, Anti-aging therapy, Customized Weight Loss, Skin rejuvenation, Hair Removal, Body contouring & Reshaping, Fillers, Botox and more!

He is trained in medical acupuncture and has been in practice since 1977. The majority of his patients fall in the 30-60 age category; his primary interests include anti-aging medicine, management of obesity, prevention of cardiovascular disease and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for both men and women.

Dr. Passer was born and raised in Omaha, and is the son of Edith and Stanley Passer. He is married to Sandra; together, they are the parents of Samuel, Lyndi, Jeremy, Joel and Aaron. He graduated from Westside High School in 1965 and attended Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Medical School, where he received his M.D. in 1972. He is a member of Beth El synagogue.

Call 402-552-2900 for a consultation, or visit www.jeff reypassermd.com for more information.

Lewis Art Gallery Julie and Joe Wynn are the owners of Lewis Art Gallery, which was founded in 1971 by Julie's mother. At the time, the gallery was in the house on West Dodge Road where Julie and her sister Amy grew up. Today, the Lewis Art Gallery is in its 45th year of business. Together with its sister store Personal Threads Boutique, the gallery can be found at 8600 Cass Street. The two story building was custom-built to display and house this elegant and ever-changing retail store.

Featuring both antique and contemporary paintings, lamps, sculptures, jewelry and gifts, combined with Personal Thread Boutique's collection of yarns, buttons and notions, Lewis Art Gallery is the perfect showcase for customers in search of the perfect treasure. While Julie spends most of her time in the Art Gallery, husband Joe runs Personal Threads, including teaching classes. While the art gallery exudes a calm and leisurely ambiance, the second floor is an all-day happy hour for strings of knitters. On any given day, the store hosts two or three classes and is occupied by students who knit, chat, and enjoy each other's company.

Whether you are looking for the perfect accent piece in your home, need affordable custom framing, are in the market for a contemporary painting that adds that 'wow' factor to you home, or are in need of spectacular yarn, Lewis Art Gallery and Personal Threads Boutique should be at the top of your shopping list.

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February 26, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 5

Mainstreeters in March

by OZZIE NOGG Even if March comes in like a lion with cold wind, ice and snow -intrepid Mainstreeters will brave the elements for these great upcoming programs. Be a lamb and come along, too.

Caroline or Change: Sunday, March 13, 2 p.m. in the Howard Drew Theater at the Omaha

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The Maloley family Pacific Strings Ensemble, right, entertains on Monday, March 21. See The Martian on Friday, March 25.

Playhouse. Special group rate tickets are $20 each. This program is offered jointly by Jewish Social Services and The Center for Jewish Life and is sponsored in part by Marty and Iris Ricks and the Merriam and Harold Cooperman Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. For information and to reserve tickets, call Mark Kirchhoff at 402.334.6463.

The deadline for reservations is Feb. 24.

Star Catering Souper Bowl: Tuesday, March 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. There will be several delicious soups to choose from (vote for your favorite) plus a salad bar with grilled chicken. Cost: $11.99 per person.

Open to the entire community. To RSVP, email Jennifer Addison at jaddison@ rbjh.com. Or call at 402.334.6523.

Opera Omaha presents Voices in the Community with mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz accompanied by Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor J. Gawf: Wednesday, March16 at 1:45 p.m. in the RBJH Auditorium. You’ll fall in love with Voices in the Community. This engaging live performance offers popular operatic solos and insightful narration, and provides a framework for experiencing the interactions of words and music, the essence of opera. The Voices in the Community concert will be followed by a lively Q&A session and an ice cream social. Sponsored by the Ruth Riekes Richards Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

The Pacific Strings Ensemble: Monday, March 21, 12:30 p.m. luncheon in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. The Pacific Strings Ensemble is a remarkable group of string-playing siblings from the Maloley family -- Meredith, 17; Sam, 14; Caroline, 12; Clara, 10; Jacob, 8; and Zachary, 6. Each started taking music lessons at age five and now perform together at weddings, local nursing homes and at the summer Farmer’s Market. Their March Mainstreeters program features popular oldies and fiddle tunes that will have your toes tapping. Absolutely not to be missed.

For your entree, choose either Corned Beef or Panko Crusted Cod. Both entrees come with hearty vegetable soup, boiled parsley potatoes, seasoned cabbage, challah rolls, cookies for dessert and beverage of your choice. Cost: $10.00 per plate. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated by

Martian: Friday, March 25 at 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Free film and unlimited bags of warm, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet.

With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crew mates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402-334-6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m.

Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60+ to take part in these March activities and in many other enriching programs throughout the year.

For more details, contact Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Phone her at 402.334.6521 or email her at mconti@rbjh.com.

Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants from the United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Dr. Pam Berger, a fine arts/history professor at Boston University, just made a movie and will discuss that and more on Wednesday, March 2, Noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishom aha.org.

6 | The Jewish Press | February 26, 2016

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Becoming a man

by ZALMEN KATZMAN When I heard that this week’s paper was the men’s issue, I got excited! ‘Becoming a man’ is all I think about these days.

My thirteenth birthday is a few months away, which means it’s my Bar Mitzvah, and lots of extra study and practice.

And it also means the opportunity to wear Tefillin and to have a pair of my own!

Almost every day, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been going with my parents to shul to daven. I’ve always loved the black boxes and straps. I’ve always loved going with my father and brothers and helped them share their own Tefillin with other men. I wrap tefillin up in their boxes whenever anyone will let me, and I’ve wrapped up my sisters’ jump ropes or wires I found lying around my arm as if I was putting on Tefillin.

I was recently in New York, and my father took me to visit the sofer, the scribe who is working on my Tefillin, to discuss some of the details. The scribe was friendly and the place was interesting and even Zalmen Katzman helps high tech. In the Torah, in the Tefillin.

Shema, G-d tells us to wear Tefillin.

The translation is, “You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they should be for a reminder between your eyes.”

All the details of how we do that are explained in Talmud and halacha.

Tefillin must be black and have parchment scrolls inside them. We put them on our forehead and the left (weaker) arm; I will wear them on my right because I am left-handed.

My father explained that Tefillin connects our mind and heart to G-d.

The Chabad custom is for boys to begin “laiging” Tefillin about two months before Bar Mitzvah, so they have time to practice before the real mitzvah begins. My family will be traveling to New York to celebrate with our extended family. One of my best friends, Avraham Goldberg will join me.

We’re both very excited and have been chatting about it on the phone.

Two of my brothers used our late zaydie’s Tefillin for their first Tefillin wrap. My zaydie’s Tefillin was his prized posses-

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Sandy Gordon, of Integrity ATA Martial Arts, competed in Region 105 regional tournament in Grand Island. She placed first in forms, sparring and combat sparring. Mrs. Gordon is a 3rd Black Belt and the owner of Integrity ATA Martial Arts.

Emily Newman, daughter of Patricia Newman, was admitted into the doctoral program in Public Administration at UNO. She will focus her PhD studies in emergency management, a special department within public administration. She will start in August 2016. Along with the assistantship that was offered as part of the program, she will have the opportunity to teach. Emily is planning a dissertation on Israeli emergency management policies and comparing them to policies in place within the United States.

Emily currently works as the Administrative Assistant at the Anti Defamation League.

sion and he lovingly used them every day until he passed away. I hope I will get to wear them too.

I have been working hard to memorize a Chassidic maamer (discourse.) First I had to learn and understand it! which I will say at the party. It teaches how G-d keeps all the Mitzvahs that He gave us to do.

When we do a mitzvah, G-d does it too! So, when I wear Tefillin, I cause Hashem to wear Tefillin. Our Tefillin speak about Hashem’s greatness. Hashem’s Tefillin speak about the greatness of His children, the Jewish people. When I wear Tefillin, I cause G-d to feel encouraging towards us.

On the day I start to wear Tefillin, we will visit the Ohel (resting place) of the Rebbe to receive his blessings on this important day. I will pray at the gravesite of my zaydie as well, and ask for his inspiration to be true to my Tefillin as he was to his.

Many of my zaidies’s and bubbie’s family weren’t allowed to wear Tefillin in the Former Soviet Union.

They had to do it in hiding, and Michael Gendler lay some were sent to prison and even killed. I am excited and appreciate that I can and will wear Tefillin openly and proudly.

And of course, I look forward to celebrating my Bar Mitzvah with all my friends in Omaha!

Diabetes Symposium to Educate

by LISA HENNING The Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands (DECM) is excited to host the 32nd Annual Diabetes Symposium on Saturday, March 12 at the Marriott Regency in Omaha.

Speakers will educate on diabetes medication, tips to avoid eye disease, nutrition facts and myths, and other topics. The featured speaker is the award-winning former director of the International Diabetes Center, Minneapolis, Marion J. Franz, MS, RD, LD, CDE. Ms. Franz is considered one of the world’s leading diabetes nutritionist and is also the keynote speaker at this year’s American Diabetes Association National Convention. Other events include an appearance from celebrity guest former Husker football player C.J. Zimmerer.

The symposium will feature two sets of concurrent events, one for individuals with diabetes and one for health care professionals. “This event provides the tools for people with diabetes to successfully manage a healthy life,” said Lisa Henning, Executive Director. “This field is changing so fast and medication is improving every day. People with diabetes and professionals should attend to keep up with the latest information on diabetes.”

Discount registration is being offered until March 1.

Patient registration is $15 per person. Health professional registration is $95 and includes seven continuing education credits for nurses and eight continuing education credits for dietitians. To register go to www.diabetes-education.com or call 402.399.0777 ext. 217 for more information.

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February 26, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 7

Meet the guys helping Israeli entrepreneurs make it big in the Big Apple

by BETH BRAVERMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- The hoodie-clad millennials tap furiously at their laptops. They’re perched on colorful couches, or sitting at long, communal tables, munching on Fruit Loops from the built-in dispenser in the open, subway-tiled kitchen.

In other words, AlleyNYC is your typical co-working space. There are plenty of international workers here, yet the space is quintessentially New York with its upscale, industrial look and “work hard, play hard” philosophy, complete with biweekly happy hours.

Its location in Chelsea, on the West Side of Manhattan, makes it a hub for local entrepreneurs, particularly those in the tech scene. That cachet made it the perfect home for ICONYC Labs, a new accelerator program that helps Israeli startups launch their businesses stateside.

Israel has earned a global reputation as “Start-Up Nation” for its lively tech scene -- Israel is home to nearly 7,000 hightech companies, and nearly 80 percent of those are startups, according to a report from the business information firm Dun & Bradstreet. But despite its track record of innovation, Israeli startups often struggle with finding local investors.

Additionally, Israeli deals generally require entrepreneurs to cede a greater share of their companies than a typical American deal.

So a main goal of ICONYC Labs is to connect Israeli entrepreneurs with New York investors. Additionally, the program helps Israelis adapt their pitches and products to better appeal to American investors, who typically have a longer decision-making process than their Israeli counterparts.

“In America, it’s about building relationships over time, but that’s not something that’s in Israeli DNA,” says ICONYC co-founder Eyal Bino. “It’s definitely a mindset we are trying to change with our founders, and it’s not always an easy task.”

But this incubator program isn’t just about generating money -- through the shared workspace, the program also embeds Israeli startups in the city’s tech scene.

“While they’re here, they’re mingling with the other entrepreneurs in the kitchen,” says co-founder Arie Abecassis.

“They want to be here and get to know New York, and one of the goals of this program is to help them exponentially expand their social network in tech.”

Other goals include providing mentorship, assistance with

media relations and branding, as well as operations support on logistics like immigration, banking and accounting. In addition to these services, ICONYC Labs provides the startups with $20,000 and office space in AlleyNYC in exchange for a small equity stake in the firms.

ICONYC Labs’ first cohort, which began last April and finished the end of October, consisted of Myndlift, a mobile health solution targeting those who suffer from ADHD;

Arie Abecassis, left, and Eyal Bino are the co-founders of ICONYC Labs, an “accelerator program” that helps launch Credit: ICONYC Labs Israeli startups in New York.

Flux, a smart agricultural product enabling water-efficient growth of food and plants; DandyLoop, a cross-promotional marketplace for independent online stores to gain traffic; Clickspree, an ad-tech firm focused on video engagement and return for brands, and Gaonic, a platform for businesses to monitor Internet of Things data.

While working with ICONYC Labs, the companies’ founders must spend at least a week each month in New York, although many stay longer. During the weeks they are all here, ICONYC hosts networking events and fireside chats with high-profile startup success stories. It also sets pitch meetings with potential investors and advisers.

“At the end of the program, they’ll have the ability to expand their business to New York and raise money here,” Bino said.

Going forward, the incubator will shorten the program to four months and accept companies on a rolling basis. Two startups began in January; three more will enter the program

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this month.

ICONYC staffers sift through hundreds of applicants to select businesses to accept into the program -- there’s no shortage, after all, of companies hoping to be the next Waze and make it big in the U.S. They put potential applicants through a serious vetting process, which includes outside experts assessing their business prospects and an investigation into their reputation in the Israeli startup community.

They’re looking for companies that already have a viable product with the potential to scale in the United States, along with a committed team and a willingness to learn.

Bino, 40, and Abecassis, 49, are uniquely positioned to help Israeli companies acclimate to New York’s startup ecosystem. Both were born in Israel -- Abecassis moved to the U.S. as a young child, and Bino attended college here and moved here for work a few years later.

When they met in 2014, Bino was working as a business development consultant for international startups in New York, and Abecassis was serving as a board member, adviser and investor for several startups. Bino tapped Abecassis to mentor some Israeli startups, and the two began discussing the specific needs of Israeli entrepreneurs in New York.

The pair saw a gulf between the growth potential of many Israeli startups -- the talent and the ideas were strong -- and their ability to connect with a wider variety of investors, and turn those connections into meaningful business opportunities. One challenge facing Israeli entrepreneurs in New York is their products may not yet have an American following.

“We work extremely hard to help our founders prove their concepts in the U.S. markets, so they are worthy of funding from venture capitalists in New York,” Bino said. “The more traction our founders have, the better their story becomes.”

For Omer Rachamim, co-founder and CEO of DandyLoop, moving his business to New York was always the long-term plan because it's a global hub for e-commerce.

“ICONYC came along at just the right moment,” he said.

“They helped us do a soft landing in the city, and really leveraged their connections in a way that helped me to be completely emerged in the startup community and the VC community within a few months. It’s like integration into the city on steroids.”

Continued on page 11

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February 26, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 9

Closer to Judaism Continued from page 1 When people have asked me what my favorite part of the trip was, it has been very difficult to come up with just one experience. I have come to the conclusion that my favorite part of the trip was every part. I simply cannot have one favorite thing. My favorite part was the sunsets over the beach. My favorite part was the food. My favorite part was the family that hosted one of my best friends and me. My favorite part was the religious connection that I made when I saw the Wailing Wall for the first time.

My favorite part was everything. The learning and life experiences that came out of this trip was something that can never be compared to anything else. So thank you, thank you for the once in a lifetime chance to visit my homeland.

Mikayla Langdon I was given the incredible opportunity to travel to Israel over my winter break this past December and it was a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life. We traveled all over the country: from the Western Galilee and Nahariya all the way down to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Traveling south through the country really allowed me to see the beauty that the country offers. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

The most impactful part of the trip for me was traveling to Jerusalem and visiting the Western Wall. The connection you feel when you actually touch the wall is just indescribable. Growing up learning Hebrew and learning about Judaism in a predominantly small Jewish community in Omaha, and then seeing your religion which you’ve been learning about since you were extremely young, turn into an actual country with strong spiritual and cultural values was honestly the most impactful part of the trip overall. It was just an incredible experience and I can’t wait to go back.

Michael Miltzer Going on the Israel trip made me realize many things. While I was there I became not only closer with my peers, but I became closer to Judaism as a whole. I do not think I could have done this without going on the trip and I am very thankful that I was able to go. My favorite part was going to the Western Wall to not only be able to put my own personal notes in the Wall but to also put my grandmother’s in as well. The trip was truly unforgettable.

Olivia Nogg My favorite stop in Jerusalem was the Wailing Wall. This brought me so much closer to my religious core. When I went up to the Wall everything stopped. My heart, time. The earth was silent. The Wall had a very big effect on me. I said a prayer, and even started tearing up. To see how many people got emotional was truly heart stopping. It had such a great effect on me that I can barely describe it. Hopefully when I have kids they will want to go to Israel and have the same feeling I had when I was given the chance to go.

Brooke Shulewitz Before my trip, Israel was just another country I saw in the news. Sure, it was a Jewish homeland, but that didn’t mean anything to me. After ten days in Israel it became more than just a country. I was greeted like I was family. I was getting Shawarma on a street corner on the last day with my host family and the man asked me if I was American. I said “yes” of course. Then he asked me why I was here. The second he found out I was Jewish his face lit up and he said, “Welcome home.” I was greeted this way throughout Israel and it shocked me. Now I realize Israel isn’t just a country, it’s ours. Never forget.

Jacob Wigodsky

In December of 2015, 35 Omaha teens visited Israel. Participants in the Mega Teen Mission were: Spencer Arnold, Ali Brehmer, Sophie Budwig, Whitney Feidman, Nate Gendler, Elias Ginsberg, Max Goldberg, Hannah Goodman, Rachel Hockfeld, Brandon Idelman, Emily Kazor, Zev Krausman, Joshua Kurtzman, Mikayla Langdon, Sophie Leopold, Solomon Marburg, Michael Militzer, Madelin Miller, Olivia Nogg, Seth Norton, Lindsey Osborne, Tomer Palmon, Josie Platt, Joshua Polack, Isabella Radler, Abby Reiss, Gavin Rogers, Asher Rosenquist, Brooke Shulewitz, Sierra Simpson, Josephine Slovut, Zachary Stein, Debbie Turetsky, Jacob Wigodsky and Sam Kricsfeld.

The teens were accompanied by Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer of Beth Israel, and Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple Israel. Over the coming weeks, the Jewish Press will share additional comments and photographs from participants.

The Mega Teen Mission was made possible with support from the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel. The Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, The Herbert Goldsten Foundation, The Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, The Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation, and The Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation.

10 | The Jewish Press | February 26, 2016

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 NCSY Comes to Omaha Shabbaton Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner, 7:15 p.m. at Beth Israel Friedel and RBJH workshop/Concert with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 11 a.m.

Beth El Serves Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at NE AIDS Coalition, 2723 Q St. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El NCSY Comes to Omaha Shabbaton: Classes for kids and adults, led by visiting teens and NCSY staff at 4:45 p.m. at Beth Israel and Saturday night teen activity with New Jersey NCSY at Sky Zone.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 NCSY Comes to Omaha Shabbaton: Kids Craft and Class for children under 5th grade and youth programming for 6th grade and older, 10 a.m. led by visiting teens and NCSY staff at Beth Israel Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Yachad - Assemble Care Packages for IDF Soldiers, 10 a.m.

TED Talk, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m. at Beth Israel Performing Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.

Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Exploring Judaism Class with Scott Littky, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2 Breakfast Reception with Dr. Pamela Berger, 8:30 a.m at UNO Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH Monthly Kids Learning Chabura (Grades K-2), 3:30 p.m. at Beth Israel 5th & 6th Grade Jewish Omaha History Tour, 4:15 p.m.

BESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Adult Ed Evening Series, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El The Real Story of Purim, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel THURSDAY, MARCH 3 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Diversity in Israel Class, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Dembitzer with Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.

59th Annual Missouri Valley History Conference with Dr. Pamela Berger, 6 p.m. at Magnolia Hotel, 1615 Howard St. Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MARCH 4 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 11 a.m. at RBJH Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH First Friday Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Dinner for Project Dreamland, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, MARCH 5 Shabbat with Project Dreamland, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MARCH 6 BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Parent/Toddler Program, 10:30 am at Temple Israel Introduction to Hebrew with Eliad, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Beth El Habonim Program, 12:15 p.m.

Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m. at Beth Israel Performing Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.

Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

MONDAY, MARCH 7 Exploring Judaism Class with Scott Littky, 7 p.m.

Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at RBJH TUESDAY, MARCH 8 Eye on Israel with Eliad Eliyahu, noon BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.

Scholar Author/Journalist Martin Fletcher, 7 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel The Real Story of Purim, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue THURSDAY, MARCH 10 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Diversity in Israel Class, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Center for Jewish Life Board Meeting, noon Shanghai Lessons, 1 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Dembitzer with Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.

Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights, 7 p.m. at UNO Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MARCH 11 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights Scholar in Residence Uri Regev, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MARCH 12 Temple Israel Torah Study with Scholar in Residence Uri Regev, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Shabbat’s Cool (Grades K-7), 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Shul-in, 12:45 p.m. at Beth El Kids Night Out, 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Book Club with Scott Littky, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m. at Beth Israel JSS and CJL goes to Caroline or Change, 2 p.m. Omaha Community Playhouse Performing Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.

Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, MARCH 15 BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.

Klutznick Learning Series, 7 p.m.

Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 Breadbreakers, Noon at RBJH BESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue THURSDAY, MARCH 17 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

Rabbi Dembitzer with Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.

Planning & Community Engagement Committee, 4:30 p.m.

Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MARCH 18 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 11 a.m. at RBJH Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner honoring Rabbi Azriel, 6 p.m. at Beth El

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Baby Brunch for Children under 1 yr, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Introduction to Hebrew with Eliad, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel TED Talk, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m. at Beth Israel Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, MARCH 21 Mainstreeters Lunch, 11 a.m. at RBJH Auditorium Friedel Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at FJA TUESDAY, MARCH 22 BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.

JCC Board of Directors, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH USY/Kadima Purim Carnival, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Purim Night: Megillah Reading, 4:30 p.m. and Purim Seudah, 5:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Megillah Reading and Costume Parade, 6 p.m. at Beth El The Real Story of Purim, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Fast of Esther, 8:10 at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MARCH 24 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Diversity in Israel Class, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Dembitzer with Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.

Purim in the Shtetl, 5 p.m. at Chabad Center Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MARCH 25 Beth El Serves Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at NE AIDS Coalition, 2723 Q St. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Mainstreeters Movie The Martian, 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MARCH 27 BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m. at Beth Israel Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, MARCH 28 JFO Board of Directors, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH The Mitzvah Play and Lecture, 7 p.m. at the Omaha Community Playhouse BBYO Maccabi Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 29 BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.

IHE Week of Understanding Testimony, 7 p.m. at Countryside Community Church WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT Hebrew High meets early and goes to Sienna Francis House serving dinner, 4 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, MARCH 31 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Rabbi Dembitzer with Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.

Love & Logic Childcare, 6 p.m.

Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Women’s Community Wide Celebration, 7 p.m. at Chabad Center Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El

All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

February 26, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 11

B’nai Israel Speaker

Annual Langer’s Delicatessen lunch in LA

On March 11, Joey Hoffman will be the featured speaker at B’nai Israel evening Shabbat services. Joey first came to Omaha when her then three-year-old daughter Daisy needed a multiple organ transplant at UNMC. Further treatment necessitated the family locating here.

Fast forward ten years, Joey was approached by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society to do a series of interviews of past and present residents of Council Bluffs. The interviews center on daily Jewish life as well as the synagogue. Please join us on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. when Joey will relate bits and pieces of her own life, as well as the Council Bluffs interviews, and stay for the Oneg afterwards.

Attendees are Richard Merfeld, Los Angeles, friend of Norm Veitzer; left; Shel Rips, Los Angeles, former Omahan; Mike Erman, Omahan, part time Los Angeles; Murray Newman, Omahan; Gary Gitnick, Los Angeles, former Omahan; Jacob Savage, Los Angeles, Lexie Newman's boyfriend; Al Levine, Los Angeles, former Omahan; Jamie Newman, San Anselmo, CA, son of Murray Newman; Mike Meyer, Newport Beach, CA, former Omahan; Norm Veitzer, Omahan, part time Santa Monica, CA; Larry Albert, Omahan, special invited guest; Steve Bloch, Omahan.

Meet the guys helping Continued from page 7 Since completing the program, DandyLoop, which is now incorporated in the U.S. and has an office in the city, has added advisers, investors and clients in New York.

In recent years, New York City has become a hub for Israeli-based startups -- nearly 300 Israeli companies have a presence in the city. While Silicon Valley grabs a lot of the startup spotlight, New York typically makes more sense for Israeli entrepreneurs -- the time difference (7 hours versus 10 hours) makes business calls more conducive, and it’s an easy train ride to Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. “They see New York as the market where they can meet clients and investors as well as the big American corporations they want to do business with,” said Guy Franklin, founder of Israel Mapped in New York, which tracks the Israeli startup community.

Plus, in some significant ways, New York City is more culturally similar to Israel than Silicon Valley.

“There’s the food, the holidays,” Bino said. “Israelis may not be able to see themselves renting a house in the suburbs in California, but they could live on the Upper West Side.”

Israeli soccer player earns tryout with NFL

by JTA NEWS STAFF Jerusalem stadium named for him, watched Mesika kick JERUSALEM (JTA) -- An Israeli professional soccer play- when Kraft was in Israel hosting 19 members of the Pro er will be trying out for the National Football League as a Football Hall of Fame. A demo tape led to an invitation to train with one of the leading kicker. kicking coaches in the United Gal Mesika will be the first States, Gary Zauner.

Israeli to participate in a tryThe training led to Mesika out attended by pro football being invited to attend the scouts when he attends the combine for unsigned kickfree agent specialists combine ers, punters and long snapin Arizona starting March 14, pers. according to Steve Leibowitz, Mesika, a goalie in top Israeli president of American soccer leagues for the past Football in Israel, the sport’s decade, was the place kicker governing body there. and punter for the Israeli New England Patriots team in American football in owner Robert Kraft recommended Mesika, who kicked Gal Mesika chatting with New England Patriots owner its inaugural international Credit: Neria Gerevitch game, a 28-20 victory over for an Israeli national Robert Kraft, June 2015.

American football team last summer, for the tryout. Kraft, Spain last summer in Madrid. He was the starting goalkeepwho has donated millions to Israeli football and has a er for the under-19 and under-21 Israeli national teams.

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12 | The Jewish Press | February 26, 2016

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

How to be irresponsible and offensive

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Remember when the nation had a collective fit every time shock jock Howard Stern opened his mouth? Or how Rush Limbaugh lost sponsors and had to apologize for ridiculing a woman’s right to birth control? How about Sarah Palin’s crosshair imagery, and how she subsequently labeled any criticism a ‘blood libel,’ leading to more criticism? Those were the days.

It seems our tolerance for the awkward and previously unspeakable has grown in recent years. Or maybe I’m just getting old.

Maybe we have heard so much negativity that we can’t be bothered to get upset when someone spews hate, but I for one refuse to admit defeat. When hate becomes something we merely put up with, when we let things fester, we will pay a price.

Case in point: Ted Nugent. Yes, him.

A quick Wikipedia bio: “Ted Nugent is an American musician, singer, songwriter, hunter, and political activist.

Nugent initially gained fame as the lead guitarist of the Amboy Dukes, a band formed in 1963 that played psychedelic rock and hard rock. After playing with the Amboy Dukes, he embarked on a solo career. Nugent is also noted for conservative political views, his lifelong stance against drug and alcohol abuse and advocacy of hunting and gun ownership rights. He is a board member of the National Rifle Association and a strong supporter of the Republican Party.”

To support the second Amendment is within Nugent’s rights. How he goes about it is a different matter entirely, as evident in a facebook graphic he posted in early February. In case you haven’t seen it, we’ve (reluctantly)

reprinted it here.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti Defamation League, issued this statement: “Ted Nugent has a long history of being an equal oppor-

tunity offender. But his latest share on Facebook, making the outrageous suggestion that Jews are behind gun control, is

nothing short of conspiratorial anti-Semitism. Regardless of one’s views on gun control, this kind of scapegoating of an entire religious group is completely unacceptable and completely divorced from reality. (…) We hope that Nugent will have the good sense to remove this share immediately so that it does not spread virally across the Internet.”

Nugent’s response was anything but apologetic: “To date, his only reaction was to make another post in which he raged against people who called his original message anti-Semitic and asked how anyone ‘could possibly not know that Jews for gun control are Nazis in disguise?’” (ADL.org) He did eventually take the original message down, but that didn’t stop the Stormfront crowd from jumping on the bandwagon and coming out with a never-ending stream of anti-Semitic messages in support of Nugent’s vile Facebook post. It’s a confusing thing, when neo-Nazis accuse Jews of being behind gun control, and therefore call us “Nazis in disguise.” Do they think there are good and bad Nazis? Kind of like denying the Holocaust while at the same time romanticizing it, I guess.

I won’t go so far as to call Ted Nugent himself a Nazi.

However, these are his followers, and it is telling that he neglects to strongly separate himself from them.

Especially when that apology, which came ten days after the fact, reads: “Can I say Oy Veh? I sincerely apologize for my irresponsible re-posting of such a nasty and offensive meme.”

That’s nice, but I don’t buy it. Ted Nugent is dangerous, and a master of propaganda. His statements fan the flames of hate, and he knows it. And it makes me think that all his grandstanding is not about the second amendment at all, but about something else entirely.

Why campus anti-racism protests are bad for the Jews

by TAMMI ROSSMAN-BENJAMIN SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (JTA) -- A day before University of Missouri graduate student Jonathan Butler made headlines with a hunger strike protesting racism on campus, a coalition of 36 Jewish and civil rights organizations contacted University Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin to protest a vile act of anti-Semitism that had recently occurred at Mizzou: Someone had used feces to smear a swastika on a bathroom wall.

In our letter, we criticized Loftin for not promptly and publicly addressing this act, which targeted Jewish students and made them feel threatened and unsafe. Little did we know that Butler, in an open letter to the university’s leadership in early November, would cite the swastika as his last straw, the latest in “a slew of racist, sexist, homophobic” incidents that drove him to swear off all food unless the university president was removed.

The threats worked. Less than a week after beginning his hunger strike, Mizzou President Tim Wolfe stepped down.

Hours later, Loftin followed suit.

For those of us who had urged Loftin to publicly condemn the swastika, the question looming large in our minds was: Would Butler’s actions help our fight against anti-Semitism at Mizzou?

There was every reason to be optimistic. After all, Butler’s successful protest was directed toward administrators who had not responded promptly to campus discrimination. Surely anti-Semitism requires the same vigorous treatment as racism, sexism and homophobia. Why shouldn’t the spotlight Butler was shining on the unacceptable discrimination and harassment of African-American, female and LGBTQ students also illuminate the rising threat Jewish students face regularly?

In no time, that question took on national significance.

Butler’s hunger strike has sparked a national student movement demanding an end to “systemic and structural racism.”

Again we asked, could this be a positive development for

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Jewish students, who themselves suffer systemic and structural anti-Semitism? On far too many campuses Jewish students report being harassed, assaulted, threatened, vilified and discriminated against, their property defaced and destroyed, and their events disrupted and shut down. Could this new anti-racism movement finally help provide Jewish students the attention they deserve?

Protesters celebrating the resignation of University of Missouri President Timothy Wolfe, Nov. 9, 2015.

Credit: Brian Davidson/Getty Images Unfortunately, the current rash of campus protests has shown itself to be far more likely to hurt Jewish students than to help them. There are three main reasons why.

First, university administrators are less likely to address anti-Semitism in the wake of the Mizzou-inspired protests.

In part, this is because administrators are so overwhelmed with meeting or deflecting the demands of protesters -- and making sure they themselves do not meet the same fate as Mizzou’s president and chancellor -- they simply do not have the time or energy to focus on Jewish students.

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students. Recently, I called a top administrator at the University of Central Florida to discuss some neo-Nazi fliers that had been posted in and around UCF dormitories. I expressed my dismay that although the fliers had been discovered several days before, the university had yet to make a public statement about them. The administrator responded that he was afraid to do so lest it be seen by campus protesters as pandering to Jewish interests and lead to further campus unrest. University administrators too busy or too scared to address anti-Semitism leave Jewish students vulnerable and unprotected.

Second, anti-Israel student groups who often target Jewish students for harassment and discrimination have opportunistically aligned themselves with anti-racism protesters to more forcefully promote their anti-Zionist agenda. At the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, for example, anti-Israel groups have insinuated into the protesters’ demands a call for UNC to immediately divest from “Israeli apartheid.” The manipulative injection of such demands into the anti-racism movement and the alliances being forged will likely make the campus climate even more hostile, threatening and unsafe for Jewish students.

Finally, Jewish students themselves have been accused of racism for speaking out about the anti-Semitism they experience. For example, on an official University of California, Santa Cruz website dedicated to educating the campus community about subtle forms of bigotry known as “microaggressions,” one of the examples given is a Jewish student’s statement to an African-American student: “I don’t get why you’re excluding me like this. I’m Jewish; I know oppression.”

Even though the Jewish student is simply expressing feelings of marginalization and oppression, the statement is considered a microaggression because of the student’s socioeconomic status. Indeed, in a campus climate hypersensitive to the intersectionality of race and class, Jewish students may not even be able to talk about anti-Semitism without being labeled racist.

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February 26, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 13

Why the Western Wall deal is a victory for now, but not forever

by DEBRA BENNET (JTA) – On the morning of Dec. 1, 1988, a group of about 70 Jewish women entered the sacred space of the Western Wall. The women represented all the major streams of Judaism. Some wore prayer shawls or kippahs. Some did not. One woman cradled a Torah in her arms.

Together, their voices rose in prayer, marking the beginning of a movement. From that day until now, the Women of the Wall have fought for the right of women to pray together at Judaism’s holiest site – out loud, with tallit, tefillin and the Torah.

It has been no easy task.

For the past three decades, the Women of the Wall have faced down the many who object to their mission. During the women’s monthly prayer services at the wall, people have screamed and yelled, blown whistles, and hurled rocks and even feces at them.

Critic after critic told the women they were the ones disturbing the peace, causing problems and airing dirty laundry in public. They were commanded to stop and give up their fight without acknowledgement of the injustice they were battling.

But on Jan. 31, some of the Women of the Wall’s greatest hopes came to fruition. The Israeli government approved a deal recognizing mixed-gender, egalitarian services at a part of the Western Wall called Robinson’s Arch, an archaeological site adjacent to the traditional prayer area.

The government will expand Robinson’s Arch and make it accessible from the main plaza, where everyone enters to get to the Western Wall. Those coming to pray will be able to choose between an all-male section, an all-female section and an egalitarian section where anyone can pray however they choose.

An incredible victory, right?

Yes. But much has been lost, too.

While Robinson’s Arch has been recognized for the first time as a place for Jews of any denomination to pray, the area known as the Western Wall has been officially designated an Orthodox Jewish prayer section ruled by Israel’s Chief Rabbinate.

For some – even members of Women of the Wall – this concession makes the deal a defeat rather than a victory.

They refer back to the original goals of the movement: demanding room for women to pray with other women out

loud, not separate but equal spaces.

Orthodox members of Women of the Wall and others face the same dilemma they always have: Where do you pray at the wall when you feel most comfortable with a separation of women and men but believe in the rights of women to pray out loud and read from the Torah?

Some of these women feel forgotten. Who will fight with them now? Have the Women of the Wall given up who they

Women of the Wall praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Jan. 2, 2014.

Credit: Miriam Alster/Flash 90 really are in this compromise?

Last week’s Torah portion provides some insight.

A newly freed people, escaping the bonds of Egyptian slavery, the Hebrews gather at the foot of Mount Sinai to hear the new laws of the community, to receive the commandments. They listen as Moses relays the following words: “When you acquire a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years; in the seventh year he shall go free ...”

Hold on one moment. The Hebrews were just freed from awful, brutal, demoralizing slavery. Why, then, is the Torah so quick to institute a new set of laws for the practice? If slavery was so terrible for us, shouldn't our next step be ensuring that we are not inflicting the same horrific experience on others?

True, the new laws ensure rights for slaves, address them as human beings and even provide for them to be freed after a time. But still: slavery.

We must remind ourselves that in the ancient Near East, a world without slavery was unimaginable. Change could hap-

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pen, but gradually – one step at a time. You can imagine our ancestors wondering, “Is this enough?”

Then as now, the answer is: “Maybe for now, but certainly not forever.”

As we consider the historic compromise on the Western Wall, we should remind ourselves that this is the way of change – as great leaders of social movements have understood.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

We are moving forward. Last month’s decision proves that.

The challenge is not to become complacent with this victory. We must continue to challenge the assumption that traditional Orthodoxy is and should be the norm at the Western Wall. We must continue to demand and raise our voices.

Gloria Steinem, another fighter for equality and justice, said, "I'm a realist, but I'm also a dreamer. And I'm not just a dreamer, I'm a hopeaholic."

We Jews are hopeaholics, too. So we hope and pray for a time when every woman and man can pray, raising their voices, wearing the garments that provide meaning to their prayer and speaking the ancient words of our people at our holiest site, the Western Wall.

We grasp this hope while understanding the reality of the world. And we carry this hope with us as we move forward, striving for the next great victory.

Debra Bennet is the associate rabbi at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York.

Campus anti-racism protests Continued from page 12 While no one knows for sure how long the current campus unrest will last or how much impact it will ultimately have, there are clear signs that Jewish students will not be among its beneficiaries and are quite likely to be among its greatest casualties.

Tammi Rossman-Benjamin is a lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the cofounder and director of the Amcha Initiative, a nonprofit that combats campus anti-Semitism.

14 | The Jewish Press | February 26, 2016

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Join us for our Monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on March 11, at 7:30 p.m. with the guest speaker Joey Hoffman shares bits and pieces of her life, as well as the Council Bluffs interviews she is conducting for the NJHS. Oneg to follow the service. Please join us! Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

Larry Blass will officiate the Speaker Series Service.

For information on our historic synagogue, or to arrange a visit, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf. Tribute cards for any occasion are available. Contact Sissy at 311 Oak Ridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 or 402.292.8062.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Lunch at NE AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:45 p.m.; YAC Brix/FunnyBone Event, 7:30 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Babies, Bigger Kids and Bagels, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Learn to Read Hebrew with the Hazzan, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.; Sunday Scholar Series, 11 a.m., featuring Curtis Hutt, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at UNO. WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 6-7) History Tour, 4 p.m. at the JCC; BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m.; Who Wrote the Bible? Minyan & More, 6:15 p.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m.

BESTT Habonim (Grades K-2) Lunch & Activity, Sunday, March 6, 12:15 p.m.

Martin Fletcher, Scholar-in-Residence, Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

9:45 a.m. led by visiting teens and NCSY Staff; Shabbat Afternoon Classes for kids and adults, 4:45 p.m. led by visiting teens and NCSY Staff; Mincha/Ma’ariv and Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:35 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:54 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash: Understanding Our Prayers, 9:45 a.m.; Monthly Kids Craft and Class, 10 a.m. for children under 5th grade as well as youth programming for 6th grade and older led by visiting teens and NCSY staff; Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: RSVP’S due for Friday night Project Dreamland dinner.

WEDNESDAY: Monthly Kids Learning Chabura (Grades K-2), 3:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholar’s Club for 6th Grade, 3:30 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Talmud Learning, 8 p.m.

Shabbat Dinner for Project Dreamland, Friday, March 4, 7 p.m. Dinner is $18 for adults with special family pricing available. Dinner reservations needed by Feb. 29.

Members of the Project Dreamland group will help lead services and give the sermon, and the evening will feature a musical Havdalah and special seudah shlishit on Saturday, March 5.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu.

All programs are open to the entire community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.orthodoxomaha.org Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Carlebach Style Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:54 p.m.; Friday Night Dinner, 7 p.m. Cost: Adult - $12; children, ages 4-12 - $6, Ages 3 and under - free. Menu: Soup, Roast Beef, Roasted Potatoes, Vegetable & Dessert. RSVP on the website or by calling the synagogue office SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Classes,

Bar Mitzvah David Joseph Kay, son of Jennifer Kay, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 5, at Beth El Synagogue.

David is a seventh-grade student at Kiewit Middle School and a graduate of Friedel Jewish Academy.

David, as a member of the AAA Yad Squad, was a recipient of Beth El’s Selwyn Roffman Memorial Award recognizing outstanding growth in personal religious observance as a torah reader in sixth grade.

His interests include Greek mythology, reading action series books, baseball, basketball, football, video games and Taekwondo in which David is currently a recommended 1st degree black belt. He is a member of the Friedel Alumni Club.

For his mitzvah project, David is volunteering weekly at Camp Munroe, the after school recreation therapy program at the Munroe-Meyer Institute. He is donating a “wish list” of games to the Camp Munroe program..

He has an older brother, Ben Chamberlin.

Grandparents are Helen and Les Kay. Late great-grandparents include Dora and Ben Edelbaum and Joseph and Lily Kay.

Candlelighting Friday, February 26, 5:54 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Chabad.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Tami Field; JYG Movie Night and Pizza Party, 7:30 p.m. at Broadmoor in Aksarben.

SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m. Families with children ages five and under are invited to celebrate Shabbat in a child-friendly service. Bagels, juice and coffee provided. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families with young children, connect with our clergy, and add that wonderful Shabbat spice to the life of your family.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Hamentaschen Baking, 9 a.m.; K-12 StudentParent-Teacher Conferences and Family Art Project, 10 a.m.; Temple TED Talk, 11 a.m. Howard and Lee Needleman will be presenting Lesley Hazlton’s talk which calls for a new appreciation of doubt and questioning as the foundation of faith - and an end to fundamentalism of all kinds.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-4, 4 p.m.; 5-6 Grade Omaha Jewish History Tour, 4 p.m. at the JCC. Drop off and pick up at the JCC; Chapel for School Service, 4:30 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Was DNA God’s Way to Protect the Chosen People?, 6:30 p.m. with Dr. Bruce Buehler.

THURSDAY: Diversity in Israel: A Real Reality Show, 10 a.m. with Eliad Eliyahu.

Toddler & Parent Program, Sunday, March 6, 10:30 a.m., for children ages 2-3. Dani Howell will facilitate.

Under the Sea with OTYG Spaghetti Dinner and Auction, Sunday, March 6, 5 p.m. (see full story on page 3.)

Consider The Alternative - Screening and Discussion on Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. Humanizing the conversation about charter schools, public schools and closing the achievement gap. How does this issue relate to our Jewish community?

Scholar in Residence Rabbi Uri Regev, Friday, March 11 – Saturday, March 12.

TIFERETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Jayne Draper and Julie Moore.

SATURDAY: Torah Yoga, 9:15 a.m. led by Barbara Barron (please note the earlier start time); Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Ki Tisa.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-Noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Board of Trustees, 1:30 p.m.; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 3 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Intro to Judaism, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Lewis.

No LJCS Classes on Sunday, March 6.

A TOTALLY ‘80’S PURIM SPIEL! Our annual Purim Spiel on Sunday, March 20. We have a script inspired by the great music of the 1980's, and it should be loads of fun! Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. at the Temple. We’re still casting! Actors and singers are needed! If you want to participate and have not yet notified Rabbi Lewis, please come to Sunday’s rehearsal or talk with him as soon as possible.

President’s Office Hours, Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.–noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, just email David Weisser at president@southstreet temple.org.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Potluck and Services, 6 p.m. at the home of Alan and Donna. Services will begin at 6 pm. The main dish will be provided. Those attending can bring a dairy or pareve salad, side dish, or dessert in a disposable pan. Please help us know how many will be joining us for this special Shabbat event. Please RSVP so we can let the Hersch family know how many will be joining them.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Lunch.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Tot Shabbat with Mrs. Nancy, Friday, March 4, 6 p.m.

Children ages 0-6 and their families are encouraged to join as We will welcome Shabbat through, song story and snack!

No LJCS Classes on Sunday, March 6.

To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’

To submit other announcements -- births, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, complete form and click on “submit”.

Pulverent e

February 26, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 15

In memoriam LOIS N. FRIEDMAN Lois N. Friedman passed away Feb. 19 at age 92. Services were held on Feb. 21 at Temple Israel.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Debbie Friedman; grandchildren: Jennifer and Robert Roth of Chicago and Angela Friedman of Omaha; and greatgranddaughter, Leah Roth of Chicago; sister, Gloria Rosenblum of Los Angeles; nieces and nephews, and many, many good friends.

Lois Friedman was born in Omaha on June 30, 1923 to Diana and H. Sol Novitsky. She moved to Sioux City in 1935 and always claimed dual citizenship in Nebraska and Iowa.

She became active as a teenager in Jewish affairs by founding the AWR Club and became its first President. She was AZA Sweetheart and Queen of the Jewish Youth Council.

She graduated from Sioux City Central High and won American Legion’s Bronze Medal for Outstanding Student in American History.

When attending the University of Illinois, she joined Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, where she won the Shi Ai Scholarship award her sophomore year, and later was named outstanding alum.

Lois married Lloyd Friedman in February 1947 and moved back to Omaha where she joined the Board of the Omaha Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). At the time of her death, she had served 69 years, having done every job except Thrift Shop Chair. However, she volunteered at the Thrift Shop every Monday for 38 years. She served as NCJW Regional President and was on the National Board. Lois was Chairman of the Red Stockings fundraisers in 1957 and 1959, and was named Honorary Vice President of the Omaha Section.

NCJW honored Lois three times, in 1979 selecting her to receive its highest national honor, the Hannah G. Solomon award. Lois was President of the Jewish Women’s Clubs of the Omaha Jewish Federation as well as a board member of the Jewish Federation Budget Committee for seven years.

She was a member of the Women of Reform Judaism and served on the Temple Israel Board of Trustees; she was coChairman of the 100th anniversary celebration of Temple Israel. She was a founding member of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS) and served as its President; she was a Life Member in NCJW, Hadassah and NJHS. Memorials may be made to Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, 68154, to the National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section c/o Iris Ricks, 13012 Hawthorne Ct. Omaha 68154 or to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, 333 South 132 Street Omaha 68154.

HARLAN C. RIMMERMAN Harlan C. Rimmerman of Kansas City, KS passed away Feb. 11 at age 70 at his home, under the care of his family and the Catholic Community Hospice. Following Harlan’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held later in Omaha.

He was preceded in death by his father and two infant twin grandsons, Nathan and Kaleb Rimmerman.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters and sons-inlaw, Shayna and Matt Ray, Sara and Grant Lamkey; daugh-

ter, Rachel Rimmerman; son and daughter-in-law, Russ and Susan Rimmerman; grandchildren: Bennett, Chloe, Leo, Owyn and Jaxen; mother, Reva Rimmerman Oruch, brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Linda Rimmerman.

He was born March 28, 1945 in Omaha, NE, son of Robert and Reva Rimmerman. Harlan received a Doctorate in Education and was an educator and administrator in several school districts.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Ronald McDonald House: www.rmhc.org/donate.

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by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- An array of Jewish groups joined a call on Senate leaders to consider whomever President Barack Obama nominates to replace Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Thirteen of the 31 groups signing the letter sent last Friday to Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, were Jewish. Among them were groups representing the Reform and Reconstructionist movements, as well as the AntiDefamation League, the Habonim Dror youth movement, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Jewish Women International.

“A seat intentionally left vacant for an extended period of time – either through a delayed nomination or delayed consideration – threatens the ability of the government to operate at full capacity, as well as the ability for justice to be served in a timely fashion,” said the letter, organized by the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center.

McConnell has urged Obama to leave any nomination to the next president and has suggested that the Republican-led Senate simply would not consider a nomination. Grassley, whose committee would first consider any nomination, has been more equivocal, saying that he would not out of hand refuse to consider an Obama nominee, but also doubting that one would clear the Senate before Obama leaves office next January.

In addition to signing onto this letter, eight leaders of the Reform movement sent a similar letter to McConnell and Grassley citing Jewish teachings.

“Many of the Torah’s commandments and rabbis’ teachings specifically deal with the importance of a fair judicial system,” said the letter sent last Friday.

“The delay of justice is said to be a cause of violence, as we are taught, ‘The sword came into the world because of justice delayed and justice denied’ (Pirke Avot 5:8),” said the letter, signed by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism, as well as lay and professional leaders of four other branches of the movement. “These lessons in the importance of a fully functioning judicial body inspire our belief that a delay in filling the open Supreme Court seat would inhibit the delivery of justice and undermine our nation’s judicial system overall.”

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open pulpit

16 | The Jewish Press | February 26, 2016

The secret of joy

The talmud tells us that when the Hebrew month of “Adar” (this month) arrives, we increase in joy in preparation for the holiday of Purim. But how do we expect someone to “be happy?”

In addition, the rabbis tell us that “Yom Kippur(im)” means that the day of Yom Kippur should be like Purim. I am not sure what your Purim looks like, but in our synagogue people dress up in costumes, some among us drink wine, and we sing and dance for hours. Perhaps if we advertised that Yom Kippur at Beth Israel would be like this, we wouldn’t have an empty seat.

The talmud explains that on Yom Kippur we received the Torah. On Purim we reaccept the Torah from a place and joy and love. We accept our responibilty to be a kingdom that brings light to the world. We show the world how to bring heaven down to earth.

As people of the book, we spend the entire year obsessing with attaining the truth. However, twice a year, during Purim and Yom Kippur, we just rejoice with the truth. We don’t ask the difficult questions of why we aren’t receiving something we may feel we deserve. We accept what we have, and dance with it.

We get dressed up in costumes which block the external and sometimes reveal the deep yearning inside of us. The costumes we wear express who we really want to be. Children dress up as kings, queens, princesses, and superheroes. Adults are less knowledgeable with what to pretend to be. I propose we just paint a smile on our faces this Purim.

We all strive for happiness.

In addition, the Talmud tells us to do a few Mitzvas which are just focused on giving to those

less fortunate than us. We remember that the Torah tells us how to take responsibility and positively affect the world. It is about responsibility, not privilege.

Joy doesn’t come when we receive. Joy comes when we have gratitude for what we RABBI ARI already have. Alternatively, DEMBITZER joy comes when we are able BETH ISRAEL to give.

On the weekend of March 4, Beth Israel will be hosting young men from around the country that I have

known for years. These young men have Duchennes muscular dystrophy and a few other terrible diseases. They battle these diseases with incredible courage. The result is happiness. I have met so many different people who have so much to be thankful for, yet constantly find the negative.

These young men find the positive from within all the negative.

You will hear them as the scholars in residence throughout the weekend, all stating one clear message.

Happiness is the ability to extract the light from the darkness.

Please join us throughout the weekend at Beth Israel as we tap into some of their courage and joy.

Blessings for a month filled with joy.

Visualize your legacy Visualize your legacy for the future of our Omaha Jewish community.

Please join these generous donors and make a LIFE&LEGACY gift today.

Rabbi Steven & Shira Abraham Michael & Sheri Abramson Michael Albert Anonymous (21) Joyce Ashley John Atherton & Marti Rosen-Atherton Elyce & Aryeh Azriel Bob Belgrade Sandra Belgrade Mark & Jill Belmont Harry Berman & Beth Cohen Bonnie Rae Bloch Steven R. Bloch Beth Brodkey Ron Brodkey Carrie & Josh Brown Elliot Brown Michelle Byrnes David & Karla Cohen Marla & Bob Cohen Drs. Michael & Karen Cohen & Family Pam Cohn Justin Cooper Ronald & Cheryl Cooper Hal & Mary Daub Arthur L. Davidson Betsy G. Davidson Larry & Hanna DeBruin Deborah Denenberg Norman & Eunice Denenberg Pam & Dennis DePorte Harold Epstein Howard & Sharon Epstein Richard Evnen James & Judy Farber

Yonatan & Liz Feldstern Toby Fellman Cantor Leo & Annette Fettman Glen H. & Hollie Fineman Alan J. Fredricks Joanne & Jerry Freeman Robyn & Bob Freeman Amy & Sanford Friedman Lloyd D. & Lois N. Friedman Trust Lois N. Friedman Lynne Friedel Gellman H. Lee & Carol Gendler Charitable Fund Donald Gerber Dan & Sarah Gilbert David Gilinsky & Katherine Finnegan Ronald Giller Darlene & Sherman* Golbitz Gary & Barbara Goldstein Alan Goodman* David & Shirley Goodman Andie Gordman & Dan Fitzgerald Jay & Allison Gordman Linda & Jerry Gordman Steven Gottlieb Andy & Carole Greenberg Barton H. & Caryl B.* Greenberg Joshua & Amanda Gurock Mendy & Michael Halsted M'Lee Hasslinger Kathy Goldstein Helm Bonnie Kuklin Horwich Jon Jabenis Randi Friedel Jablin

Joan Sandler Jacobson Richard Jacobson Gary & Karen Javitch Patrick Jensen Sylvia Jess Debbi Josephson Frances Juro Richard Juro Marcel & Ilse Kahn Gary & Sally Kaplan Myron Kaplan Russ Kaplan Beatrice Karp Gloria C. Kaslow Howard J. Kaslow Cookie Katskee Julee Katzman Donald S. & Delores Klein Marsha A. Kleinberg Milton M. Kleinberg Sara & Ari Kohen David & Janet Kohll Howard M. & Sharon Kooper Shane & David Kotok Jack Kozlen Alan & Deborah Kricsfeld Janie Fox Kulakofsky David & Debi Kutler Howard & Nancy Kutler K. Wayne & Carole A. Lainof Steve & Bonnie Levinger Felicia & Scott Littky Steve* & Thelma Lustgarten Dr. Edward & Sally Malashock Jody & Neal Malashock Chaya Sarah Malkah Jon & Denise Meyers

Sue Meyers Tina & Joe Meyers Dr. Sidney Mirvish* Stanley & Evelyn Mitchell Eli & Ann Modenstein Ann Moskovits Janie & Allan Murow Bruce Muskin Mary-Beth Muskin Gary Nachman Murray & Sharee Newman Allan S. Noddle Patty Nogg Steve Nogg Alan S. Parsow Carol Parsow Margo Frohman Parsow Marcia & Steve Pitlor James & Susan Polack Alan E. Potash Mary & Joel Rich Philip & Diane Rich Marty & Iris Ricks Ari Riekes Carl Riekes Margo Riekes Steven J. Riekes Zoë Riekes Silvia G. Roffman Debbie & Lloyd Roitstein Susan Rothholz Lynne-Carol Saltzman Rosalie & Milton* Saylan Carol* & Ed Schneider Jeff Schweid Aviva Segall & Patrick McNamara

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Shapiro Sherry & Larry Shapiro Len Burrell & Cantor Wendy Shermet Gary & Liat Shyken Paul Shyken Susann Shyken Esther Silver Stanley & Norma Silverman Gerald & Judy Simons Nancy B. Skid Michael Staenberg Carolyn "Rocky" Stern David Keiser & Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Louri Sullivan Barry H. Summer Marilyn & Steven Tipp Irving & Gail Veitzer Norman & Joodi Veitzer John & Donna Walter Jim & Esther Wax Aaron Weiner & Therese Vaughn Harry M. Weiner Kathy Weiner Nancy L. Wolf Renee & Jeff Zacharia Charlotte & Morley Zipursky Sally & Jim Zipursky Deborah & Speedy (Dr. Eugene) Zweiback Rosie Zweiback & Mace Hack *Of Blessed Memory Donor list as of Feb. 15, 2016

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It’s more than a donation.

t’s your legacy.

Join these generous donors and make your LIFE & LEGACY commitment today.

Contact the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Help secure the financial future of Omaha’s Jewish community through the LIFE & LEGACY™ initiative.

Howard N. Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org Margo Parsow, LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator 402-334-6432 | mparsow@jewishomaha.org