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What are you reading?
Rabbi Doctor Baruch HaLevi ROBBY ERLICH Beth El Engagement Coordinator eth El Synagogue is pleased to welcome Rabbi Doctor Baruch HaLevi as Scholar-in-Residence on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19. During his visit to Omaha, Rabbi HaLevi’s topic will be: The Defiant Power of Judaism. Rabbi HaLevi will present during Friday night dinner, sponsored by the Ann Goldstein Endowment Fund for Beth El members. Rabbi HaLevi will also present during Shabbat morning services and during lunch after services. COVID, the economy, social upheaval, global tensions, not to mention the general trials and traumas, we are living through a time of undeniable darkness. During the course of the weekend, Rabbi HaLevi will explore the defiant power of the spirit as the central mission of Judaism andthe message of Jewish history, and the most important mitzvah for Jews to fulfill. Now, more than ever before, we need to remember this mes-
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ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor At the Jewish Federation of Omaha, we often start our meetings off with a short prompt to break the ice and wake everyone up, before we get to work-related topics. The reading list is one example of how we share. Executive Assistant Jessi Taylor is reading So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo.
sage, return to this mission and reimagine our lives as we reclaim the defiant power of spirit. The defiant spirit is the synthesis of Rabbi HaLevi’s two primary passions and areas of expertise: Kabbalah and Logotherapy, which is the psychology of Dr. Viktor Frank. Rabbi HaLevi is co-founder of Soul Centered, a center for spirituality, meaning and healing in Denver, Colorado. The mission of Soul Centered is to support their clients in discovering deeper meaning and true healing on the journey of life. All of Rabbi HaLevi’s presentations will be broadcast on Beth El’s Livestream at www.bethel-omaha.org. The weekend is sponsored by the Ann Goldstein Endowment Fund for Jewish Education and Programming. Rabbi Abraham is looking forward to this weekend in March. “I’m thrilled to have Rabbi HaLevi in town for the weekend as our first scholar-in-residence following our beautiful renovation. I’m excited for our See Rabbi HaLevi page 2
“Each chapter takes on a different topic relating to race and racism in America, including privilege, intersectionality, police brutality, affirmative action, the school-to-prison pipeline, cultural appropriation, microagressions, the model minority myth, and much more.” Institute for Holocaust Education Director, Scott Littky is reading Witness, Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom by Ariel Burger. “I love how the book shows the human side of Dr. Wiesel. How he was both a Holocaust survivor and a scholar of Jewish text. His ability to weave in and out of both was truly a gift.”
The Youth Mental Health Crisis
REGULARS8
Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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On Dec. 7, 2021, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new Surgeon General’s Advisory to highlight the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis. As the nation continues the work to protect the health and safety of America’s youth during this pandemic with the pediatric vaccine push amid concerns of the emerging omicron variant, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health outlines the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on the mental health of
America’s youth and families, as well as the mental health challenges that existed long before the pandemic.
The Surgeon General’s advisory calls for a swift and coordinated response to this crisis as the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides recommendations that indi-
viduals, families, community organizations, technology companies, governments, and others can take to
improve the mental health of children, adolescents and young adults. “Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults See Youth Mental Health page 3
Executive Director of Community Philanthropy and Engagement Jenn Tompkins just finished The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. “I read it for my book club in a few weeks. It was a good book. I also just read The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash, which was actually two ‘book clubs’ ago.” See What are you reading? page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | March 4, 2022
What are you reading?
Anne & Alan Cohen
Marty & Kathy Cohen
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Continued from page 1 JFO President Mike Siegel doesn’t attend our Tuesday morning meeting, but he does have a title to share: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, who is also the author of The Martian. This sci-fi novel delves into human contact with aliens in space to save both of their planets. It is hard to put down. Jewish Family Service Executive Director Karen Gustafson is reading Set Boundaries, Find Peace: a guide to reclaiming yourself by Nebra Glover Tawwab. “I chose this book as a staff development book to support my staff with the difficulty of seeing the positive about setting healthy boundaries with clients. Having the skills of setting healthy personal and professional boundaries actually helps staff achieve greater sustainability in their jobs. Ultimately, it is more effective in modeling to the client what healthy limits and boundaries are; even when their short-term stress reduction is their goal. Both can be accomplished with empathy and great understanding.” Karen also just read Will by Will Smith. “I had heard that it was good, and it did not disappoint. It’s a story of Will Smith’s life and success, but more than that, it’s a story about his growth as a human being and his constant striving to be better... it’s not always in the area that you think you want or need to be fulfilled as a person.” Jewish Press editor Annette van de Kamp-Wright is reading Creating a Life that Matters by Manis Friedman and Rivka Goldstein. “My husband and I heard Manis Friedman speak at a con-
ference about 15 years ago, and he was very inspiring and down-to-earth. The book, among other things, delves into how we maintain healthy relationships with others. I’m also reading The House of Gucci, by Sara Gay Forden, which is an entertaining look at the fashion industry. It chronicles the story of the famous Italian design family, including juicy family feuds, murder and other scandals. Not everything I read has to be serious.” Interim CEO Phil Malcom is reading Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. “The premise of the book is that rather than focusing on time optimization hacks, we ought to instead reframe our approach to time management through the lens of the shocking brevity of our lives. This forces us to prioritize the things that truly matter to us and frees us from the feeling of never quite accomplishing everything we want to get done.”
Rabbi HaLevi Continued from page 1 congregants to get the chance to learn from him and his beautiful teachings of Torah.” Rabbi HaLevi grew up in Omaha; this scholar in residence weekend will be that much more meaningful for Rabbi HaLevi and for the community. For more information on the weekend, please contact Robby Erlich, Engagement Coordinator at rerlich@beth el-omaha.org or 402.492.8550.
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Selling a home isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard. It’s also about having an experienced representative with the patience, perseverance and personal service to get the job done -- and the ability to inject some humor along the way. Alan, Anne, Marty and Kathy Cohen provide just the right balance of each as Realtors® with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. The Cohen tradition dates to 1975, when Alan and Anne Cohen first began helping Omaha-area residents sell their homes. Their son, Marty, began his real estate career in 1991 and joined in 1998. Kathy joined the family in 2018 with over 15 years of real estate experience. With a nearly 50-year tradition of working with area homeowners, the Cohens have developed relationships across generations. “It’s not uncommon”, Marty Cohen says, “to have sold a home for a family’s grandparents, parents and grandchildren”. That trust in his family’s services, he says, is one of the most satisfying parts of what they do. “We love the fact that we know our clients’ families, their
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children and even their pets,” he says. “It’s a true relationship. We take pride that, within the Jewish community, we have developed a trusted reputation for how we do our work.” Their efforts on behalf of clients runs the gamut in price and location -- from modest bungalows in established neighborhoods to new and existing homes in some of Omaha’s most prestigious locations. They have also been very aggressive working with condominium/villa/townhome Buyers and Sellers, as it takes patience and experience to guide clients in this competitive market segment. In recent years, the Cohen team added a new specialty; assisting clients, and especially senior clients with downsizing. This process often begins many months before a house goes on the market. They guide the process from start to finish with trusted tradespeople to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible. Kathy and Anne offer Cohen Team Sellers FREE hands-on assistance in rearranging and light staging. Call today to start your Next Chapter!
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The Jewish Press | March 4, 2022 | 3
News
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch the Press for specific information concerning its thoughtprovoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com.
The Color Purple is coming to the Omaha Community Playhouse The Color Purple is opening March 4 at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the Oscar® nominated film by Steven Spielberg, The Color Purple is an intimate coming-of-age story set in rural Georgia and told through a rich helping of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues. As Celie grows from a young teenager into a woman, she must overcome the cruelty and hardships that life has dealt to discover her inner strength through love, forgiveness and family. Driven by powerhouse vocal performances, The Color Purple is the ultimate tale of triumph over suffering and empowerment through adversity. This production runs from March 4 through 27 in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at OmahaPlayhouse.com or by calling the OCP Box Office at 402.553.0800. Reserve your seats early for the best pricing and seating options. Disclaimer: Contains adult themes. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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Youth Mental Health Continued from page 1 are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade,” Murthy said. “The COVID-19 pandemic further altered their experiences at home, school, and in the community, and the effect on their mental health has been devastating. The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation. Especially in this moment, as we work to protect the health of Americans in the face of a new variant, we also need to focus on how we can emerge stronger on the other side. This advisory shows us how we can all work together to step up for our children during this dual crisis.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people, with up to one in five children ages three to 17 in the U.S. having a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. Additionally, from 2009 to 2019, the share of high school students who reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40%, to more than one in three students. Suicidal behaviors among high school students also increased during the decade pre-
ceding COVID, with 19% seriously considering attempting suicide, a 36% increase from 2009 to 2019, and about 16% having made a suicide plan in the prior year, a 44% increase from 2009 to 2019. Between 2007 and 2018, suicide rates among youth ages 10-24 in the
U.S. increased by 57%, - early estimates show more than 6,600 suicide deaths among this age group in 2020. The pandemic added to the pre-existing challenges that America’s youth faced. It disrupted the lives of children and adolescents, such as in-person schooling, in-person social opportunities with peers and mentors, access to health care and social services, food, housing, and the health of their caregivers. The pandemic’s negative impacts most heavily affected those who were vulnerable to begin with, such as youth with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ youth, low-income youth, youth in rural areas, youth in im-
migrant households, youth involved with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, and homeless youth. This fall, a coalition of the nation’s leading experts in pediatric health declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health outlines a series of recommendations to improve youth mental health across eleven sectors. Topline recommendations include: • Recognize that mental health is an essential part of overall health. • Empower youth and their families to recognize, manage, and learn from difficult emotions. • Ensure that every child has access to highquality, affordable, and culturally competent mental health care. • Support the mental health of children and youth in educational, community, and childcare settings. And expand and support the early childhood and education workforce. • Address the economic and social barriers that contribute to poor mental health for young people, families, and caregivers. • Increase timely data collection and research to identify and respond to youth mental health needs more rapidly. This includes more research on the relationship between technology and youth mental health, and technology companies should be more transparent with data and algorithmic processes to enable this research.
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BBYO update
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The Cub Reporter
Ed. Note: This is part three of six stories about Dick Fellman’s experiences with the Lincoln Star, Lincoln’s morning newspaper, during the 1950s. My first day on the job as a reporter for the Lincoln Star made me question far more than it gave me joy. Larry Becker, the news editor of the Star, came to my desk shortly after I ar- RICHARD FELLMAN rived and said, “Dick, today I want you to write the ‘weather story’ for tomorrow’s paper.” And he then walked away, began something else, and leaving me alone, wondering what he meant. It didn’t take me a long time to understand that he meant exactly what he said. I was to write “the weather story,” and it would appear in the morning paper the next day. I knew there would be no byline, but I also knew that at least one person in the world would know who wrote that story. So, I began. The first task, it seemed, was to see what a weather story looked like, so I went to the files and read through the last half dozen editions of the paper to see what a weather story actually amounted to. After a half dozen, it was clear. Get the weather forecasts, read what happened the day before, and sit down and write. It seemed simple enough, so I began. But it took more time than I thought. The weather story on the wire services was not clear. The AP said one thing and the UPI said it a bit differently. I called the local weather bureau. Larry had given me that number and told me to keep it, and they had a third take on the forecast. But it was clear, with all three in front of me,
that I could combine them and do some editing. I did it that way, read what I had written—all six paragraphs—cut one out, and turned the story in to the city editor, he looked at it, all five graphs, and said, “Dick, that looks fine. Now do a forecast for next week.” That’s how my job as a reporter went for the first few weeks. And when I read the morning papers, I found they were printed exactly as I had written them, both the weather and the forecast. Then, the big opportunity came. The city editor stood by my desk and thought out loud, “I want you to do a summary of how the weather has changed over these last few weeks at the end of the winter and project what is expected for the entire spring. Call a few good sources, like someone in the university, somebody at the Lincoln Air Base, and maybe someone out of town. Make it a two to three-page story.” And he walked away and left me sitting. But I did it. Turned it in. It was printed with only a few minor changes. And nobody said anything to me about it. But a day or so later, Larry came to my desk and said, “We want you to do the obits, in addition to the weather. Here’s a list of the mortuaries to call, and they’ll give you the names of the deceased and the details of the survivors. You prepare short stories on each person. And remember, the most important part of each obit is to spell the names correctly. There is nothing that gets this paper in more trouble than not spelling a dead person’s name correctly. Absolutely nothing. Dick. If you make too many errors with the spelling of names you will no longer be working for this newspaper, and no other paper will hire you.” The 1960s were still glory years for printed newspapers, and I wanted a good reputation. So, I complied, and I’ve never in my life been so careful in spelling names.
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ALEX KUGLER My name is Alex Kugler, and I am the vice president of Mother Chapter AZA #0001 right here in Omaha, Nebraska. Mother Chapter is a BBYO chapter for male-identifying teens. BBYO is one of the largest teen-led youth organizations for Jewish teens around the world. BBYO is composed of 8-12th graders. It is a great way to explore your Jewish identity as well as create a strong brotherhood with fellow Jewish teens around Omaha, the United States, and the
world. I want to let you know about a Top Golf program we’re hosting on Monday, March 7, from 6-8 p.m. It will be a great opportunity to meet and connect with the members in BBYO and hang out with other Jewish teens in Omaha. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me or our director Jacob Geltzer at jgetlzer@jccomaha.org. You can email me separately at alexkugler2004@gmail. com OR text/call me 531.301.4638. If rides are an issue, I and so are a lot of our older members more than happy to lend a hand. If you cannot make it to this event but are interested in future events, feel free to ask me about upcoming programs or BBYO in general. I really hope to see some new faces at Top Golf in two weeks. We are super excited to grow our Jewish community here in Omaha, making it stronger than ever!
TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- www.omahajewishpress. com/site/forms/. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
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A Charitable Gift of Real Estate: Is it right for you?
Certain segments of the real estate market have been red-hot for the past couple of years. Property values have zoomed higher, especially for residential homes, duplexes, apartment buildings and other multi-family HOWARD EPSTEIN dwellings, warehouses, Executive Director, other industrial prop- JFO Foundation erties, and farmland. It is definitely a seller’s market. If you are a property owner, you may feel that now is an ideal time to sell. Your property probably has risen substantially in value, and you may have other reasons to sell as well. Perhaps you are tired of the hassles of managing rental property, you no longer need or want a vacation home, it is time to downsize, a business has sold, the land is valuable but produces little or no income, or perhaps it’s just time to move on. What if you could cash in on that wealth and also make a tremendous philanthropic impact on Omaha’s Jewish community? Instead of selling that property outright, if it has appreciated in value, consider donating that real property, or even a partial interest in the property, to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. With your gift of real estate, you will benefit Omaha’s Jewish community for generations. Yes, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation accepts gifts of real estate. The Foundation receives, holds, and ultimately sells
donated real property. The proceeds from the sale are then deposited into the endowment fund, donor-advised fund, or charitable trust you establish to support the philanthropic causes you select within Omaha’s Jewish community. When you give a gift of appreciated real estate, you will be eligible to avoid capital gains tax, deduct the full appraised value of the property when you itemize deductions on your tax return, rid yourself of the burden of managing the real estate and dealing with repairs, maintenance and other problems that inevitably arise, in some instances, create a flow of income to you for your lifetime, and in all instances, get the satisfaction of leaving a lasting legacy for your Omaha Jewish community. You may gift/deed all or a portion of your property to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Your gift will generally be valued based on the property’s fair market value, which must be determined by an independent, qualified appraiser in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. Most gifts of real estate are welcome, though all are subject to the Foundation’s gift acceptance policy. I would welcome the opportunity to chat with you. Please feel free to contact Howard Epstein, Foundation Executive Director, at 402.334.6466, or hepstein@ jewishomaha.org. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation does not offer legal, tax, or financial advice. Everyone’s situation is unique. Please consult your tax and legal advisors for specific tax and legal advice.
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The chronicler of New York’s Chinatown
and Chinese-American history is hard to come by,” she added. JULIA GERGELY “But cross-community projects such as ours will encourage New York Jewish Week via JTA Photographer Emile Bocian grew up the son of Polish Jewish new investigation and facilitate greater awareness around all immigrants in New York. But when he died in 1990 at 78, he that connects us in our overlapping struggles and successes.” left an unlikely legacy as a chronicler of Manhattan’s bustling Throughout the digitization process, archivists at both muChinatown. seums were drawn to the photojournalism the bespectacled A photographer by hobby, if not vocation, Bocian took some and bowtied Jewish photographer had accomplished in Chi80,000 to 100,000 photographs of the densely populated Lower natown — despite his status as an outsider to Chinese culture, Manhattan neighborhood throughout the 1970s and 80s, doc- and the fact that he spoke none of its languages. umenting everything from crime scenes to parades to celebriBocian, whose day job was in public relations, may not have ties. Dozens of these photos were published by The China Post, been in the business of “serious, comparative analysis” bea daily paper that once had a circulation of 30,000. tween the Jewish and Chinese communities (his interest in The rest, however, were left in disorganized, nondescript file Chinatown was first piqued when he did press for a Kung Fu boxes that were completely film). But through his phooverlooked by his nieces tos, he immortalized quoand nephews when they tidian aspects of life that cleaned out his apartment immigrant communities in the Confucius Plaza throughout New York Apartment Complex — shared: —the communal Bocian was one of the only celebrations, the pride and non-Chinese residents durthe fear of being “other,” the ing the time he lived there. small-town feel of ethnic But in a remarkable turn neighborhoods that often of events, the photographs provide a contrast to the were rescued by a longtime anonymity of big city life. friend, Chinese-American Though Bocian was relactress Mae Wong. The atively unknown during Museum of Chinese in A 1975 protest against police brutality after Peter Yew, a member of the time he worked in ChiAmerica partnered with the Chinatown community was killed by the police.. Credit: Emile Bo- natown, his photos show the Center for Jewish His- cian, the Museum of Chinese in America an attention to detail and tory to display Bocian’s work in an exhibit titled An Unlikely an enthusiasm for the vibrancy of New York’s niche commuPhotojournalist. The exhibit opened in person in August and nities. Co-curators Chu and Lauren Gilbert, the senior manhas recently been extended until March 21. ager for public services at the Center for Jewish History, were “I was amazed by the amount of photographs he took in able to recover a few documents about his life that illuminate Chinatown and disconcerted by how little recognition he re- his character, including correspondence with mentalist and ceived,” Kevin Chu, assistant director of collections at MOCA, magician Chan Canasta, who was also from a Polish-Jewish told The New York Jewish Week. “We wanted to tell a story family. about Bocian and his relationship to the people and places he In his letters, Bocian explains that he fabricated a tale that was documenting.” he was born in Kaifeng, a city in China that was once home The partnership between MOCA and the Center for Jewish to a small Jewish community — as a joke, but also to win over History emerged in 2016 as part of a grant project exploring the trust of local residents. “As a veteran PR man, Bocian never intersections of the Jewish and Chinese immigrant and let the facts get in the way of a good story,” the exhibit touts. refugee experiences, which resulted in the digitization of In a 1976 letter to Canasta, Bocian humorously compares his MOCA’s archives at the Jewish institution. observations on Chinese and Jewish New Yorkers. “I’ve be“For generations, Chinese and Jewish immigrants and come something of an expert in Chinese affairs,” he writes. “I refugees have lived side-by-side in Manhattan’s Lower East Side know more Chinese groups than the average Chinese in New and Chinatown neighborhoods,” Rachel Miller, chief of archive York. It’s simple. I think Jewish. There are Fifth Ave, Park Ave, and library services at the Center for Jewish History, told The West Side, Uptown, Westchester Jews. The same for Chinese. New York Jewish Week. “Not only have these communities felt The Fifth Ave Chinese don’t talk to the ‘downtown’ Chinese. the familiar weight of American xenophobia, exclusionary Just like the Uptown Jews don’t talk to the Lower East Side practices and assimilation pressures, they have also followed Jews... Anyway this is the first time that ‘downtown’ New York similar labor patterns in the garment industry and have at- Chinese had a professional Press Agent helping them.” tracted the problematic stereotype of ‘model minorities.’” Editor’s note: this story was edited for length. See the “Serious, comparative analysis of American Jewish history full article at www.omahajewishpress.com.
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Above and below: To celebrate the start of the 2022 Winter Olympics, the Staenberg JCC’s Kids Group Ex classes and Junior Fit participants had special Olympic themed activities. They received Olympic swag and had their very own Olympic ceremony! Above: Pre-K students from the ELC learned about lifecycles during their monthly class in Friedel’s innovation lab.
Above, below and bottom: Friedel first and second graders enjoying the warmer-than-usual weather during a nature scavenger hunt.
SP O TLIGHT
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PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.
Left and above: Millard West sophomore Noah Blair wrestled his way to 1st in the state this weekend, earning the title of 2022 NSAA Nebraska High School State Wrestling Champion for Class A at 182 pounds.
8 | The Jewish Press | March 4, 2022
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Margie Gutnik President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Board Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen; David Finkelstein; Bracha Goldsweig; Mary Sue Grossman; Les Kay; Natasha Kraft; Chuck Lucoff; Joseph Pinson; Andy Shefsky and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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Fake yellow stars
There is so much to unpack here, I’m not quite convince anyone you would have stood up for the ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT sure where to start. There are no COVID-19 meas- Jews during WW II? Jewish Press Editor Christian veterans’ protest outside Jewish politi- ures that can be compared to what the Nazis did, Let me speak an unpopular truth: sometimes cian’s home as pastor compares vaccine mandates to and it’s a sad world where that has to be spelled when government gets big, it is a good thing. WearNazis, one JTA headline read. Oh great, another one out. On the simplest level: mask mandates and vac- ing your mask during a pandemic is a good thing. of those protests with the fake yellow stars and par- cine requirements are meant to save lives, not end Keeping your family, friends and neighbors safe is ticipants who think that by calling themselves vic- them. Being refused entry somewhere because you a good thing. tims, they will get sympathy. What’s not a good thing is Do we really need another story brainwashing your followers about people comparing COVIDinto thinking it’s okay to bring 19 measures to Nazism? We really your Holocaust-imagery-abusdon’t. And yet, we have to look. ing protest nonsense to a JewThe article tells the story of ish family’s front door. It’s church members in Ohio, who funny, how we continue to have staged a protest outside the home such trouble educating people of state Rep. Casey Weinstein. about the Holocaust, yet the igAccording to the church’s pastor, norance so often shows up in Jeff Tauring, “his church’s motivathis context. Too many people tion for the rally was their opposidon’t know enough about the tion to vaccine mandates and Holocaust; they just know other government public health A group of men protest outside of Ohio Rep. Casey Weinstein’s home. Credit: Cleveland enough to pervert it. policies, which he likened to Ger- Jewish News Finally, claiming the Holomany before the Holocaust. He added that it was won’t wear a mask is not the same as having to caust might not have happened if only everyone the obligation of the church to speak out, much as hide in a cellar from soldiers (and a regime) who back then had acted like you, Pastor Tauring, is a it should have done against the Nazis in Germany. want to kill you. Having to show a vaccine card be- pretty bold statement. I see your arrogance and I ‘Government is too big,’ he said. ‘We see the exact fore you can enter a restaurant is not the same as think you should ask yourself: is it perhaps possipattern that happened to the Jews in Germany in dying in the gas chamber. I can go on, but why ble that, instead, you could have made it even World War II, we see the exact pattern happening would I? worse? Stop equating your situation with that of here. And so we feel like if somebody would have The more bizarre idea of how protesting against the victims of the Holocaust. Stop cheapening the stood up for the Jews earlier, and it should have COVID-19 measures equals ‘standing up for the memory of the six million. Stop using others’ pain been the church, if they would have done that ear- Jews’ is harder to fathom. You’re using Nazi com- for your own political gratification. It’s shortlier … I’m not sure if the catastrophe would have parisons while protesting in front of a Jewish politi- sighted, it’s ignorant, it’s irritating and never, ever happened.’” (JTA.com) cian’s private residence. How can that possibly acceptable.
Israel’s never-ending, and very human, ‘Who is a Jew?’ saga ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL JTA Jared Armstong has an emotional story to tell, and he told it in an oped I edited last week for our opinion section. Armstrong made headlines recently when the Israeli government refused his application for citizenship. Armstrong, a recent college graduate from Philadelphia, says he grew up Jewish, as did his mother. His grandmother, he said, embraced Judaism as an adult. For all those reasons he was shocked when Israel rejected his initial application for aliyah, but he agreed to undergo a conversion with his rabbi, Rabbi Michael Beals, of Wilmington, Delaware. He completed a nine-month conversion course under Beals, a Conservative rabbi, and the rituals that normally seal a conversion. When he tried again to become a citizen under Israel’s Law of Return, he was again turned down. Armstrong suspects the government said no because they thought he only wanted to play basketball for a pro team in Haifa. Others note that his rabbi was Conservative, and that the Orthodox establishment that oversees most lifecycle and Jewish identity issues in Israel is adamantly dismissive of Judaism’s non-Orthodox streams. Armstong is also Black; who can say how his background played into the government’s decision. What was doubly painful about editing Armstrong’s article was noting his surprise and disappointment about a process that a lot of Jews in Israel and the Diaspora already know can be painfully but necessarily intrusive — or discriminatory, depending on your point of view. Armstrong is not the first Diaspora Jew to have his Jewish identity challenged by Israel’s gatekeepers. But sometimes it takes someone new to Jewish communal politics to make jaded veterans take notice. Close Israel-watchers know why Israel, and Jews, put up barriers to conversion and citizenship. It’s about identity. It’s about peoplehood. It is about theology. It is about politics. But as Armstrong wrote, “This was my identity we’re talking about here; my life they were doubting.” The “Who is a Jew” issues wax and wane as a communal priority; at the moment it appears to be waning. A coalition government in Israel that does
not depend on the Orthodox religious parties to are being considered,” said Frank. govern raised hopes among non-Orthodox Jews There will be strong opposition to the bill, which that the Orthodox grip on conversion and other touches both on political power and some heartfelt identity issues might be eased. On the flipside, it concerns about Jewish unity. Defenders of the curmay have eased Diaspora urgency about the issue. rent system say a single standard for conversion But some action is afoot. Today – literally today leaves no confusion in the minds of adherents – an Israeli ministerial committee will consider a about who is and who isn’t a member of the tribe. bill that widens the possibilities for conversion within Israel. Currently, the system is exclusively under the control of the Chief Rabbinate. The bill would allow Israel’s 150 municipal Orthodox rabbis to establish their own conversion protocols and standards, breaking the rabbinate’s monopoly on the process and ostensibly democratizing the process. The bill is supported by those in Israel, Orthodox and otherwise, who want to ease the process for many of the 400,000 or so people, mostly from the former Soviet Union, who qualify as citizens under Israel’s Law of Return but are not considered Jewish by the rabbinate under Jewish law, or Jared Armstrong, left, took part in a Birthright Israel halachah. Tani Frank, director of the Center for Judaism trip in 2021. Credit: Jared Armstrong and State Policy at the Shalom Hartman Institute, Opponents say it consolidates religious and politidiscussed the bill during a webinar Thursday. He cal power in the hands of the few, and narrows the said the current minister of religious affairs, Matan possibilities of belonging to the Jewish people. Kahana, “understands that there is a problem when Bezalel Smotrich, the leader of Israel’s Religious you present yourself as a Jewish and democratic Zionist Party, recently flew to Europe to meet with state and you don’t allow different views of Judaism Orthodox leaders. He was trying to drum up oppoto be fulfilled through the conversion system.” sition to proposed changes to Israel’s religious staThe bill, which would increase autonomy for tus quo, from conversion to the agreement for conversions among Orthodox rabbis, would not ex- non-Orthodox worship at the Western Wall. pand the possibilities for non-Orthodox conver- (Britain’s Board of Deputies, a Jewish communal orsions to be performed and recognized in Israel. In ganization, called him a “disgrace” and told him to March 2021, the Israeli Supreme court ruled that go home.) Israel must grant citizenship to Jews who conThe bill won’t change anything for Jared Armverted to Judaism in Israel under non-Orthodox strong. It is meant mainly to help current citizens auspices. The ruling did not, however, make them who are part of the Zionist enterprise become part Jewish under halachah. That won’t change. of the Jewish people. But who knows: maybe allowStill, the liberal-leaning Hartman Institute, with ing “as many Jewish perspectives and views as posfeet in both Israel and the Diaspora, took a major sible” will become a habit. part in shaping the new legislation. “We wanted to Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor in chief of The make sure that we are part of the legislative New York Jewish Week and senior editor of the process, and we wanted to make sure it was safe Jewish Telegraphic Agency. being shaped in a manner that allows as many JewThe views and opinions expressed in this article are ish perspectives and views as possible and we those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the wanted to make sure that liberal Judaism’s values views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
The Jewish Press | March 4, 2022 | 9
Pain and compassion during the pandemic: There’s a Torah portion for that. EFREM EPSTEIN AND RABBI ERIC WOODWARD JTA The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States can be dated in many ways. The first confirmed case was Jan. 21, 2020. In Jewish communities, the Purim holiday, that year observed starting March 9, was a dividing line between our old lives and our new ones. For many, everything became real on March 11, when travel shut down, Tom Hanks tested positive and the NBA suspended its season. But there’s another marker baked into Jewish tradition that hasn’t been discussed — and it provides a perfect opportunity for commemorating the earth-shattering change that we have all experienced. On that first Shabbat after everything shut down, as synagogues switched to Zoom or held no services at all, we read Parashat Ki Tisa, the Torah portion in which God gives Moses the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai, while down below the Israelites, fearing that he will not return, turn to idol worship. In the seventh and final section of the Torah portion, Moses dons a masveh — a veil or mask — to ease the anxiety felt by peers awed by his “radiant” visage. This weekend, we read Ki Tisa again, marking the liturgical two-year anniversary of the shutdowns. Liturgy gives Jews a framework for processing and recalling our shared experiences. During the last two years, we have celebrated and grieved; we have moved
and settled; we have had good moments and others perhaps we wish we could take back. And we know that even as the pandemic appears to wind down, its long-term social effects are here to stay. So last spring, the two of us — a layperson and a rabbi — came together to discuss an idea brought by a close reading of the seventh aliyah of Ki Tisa. We saw that Moses’ decision to don a mask had obvious resonance with pandemic life. It still does, perhaps even more than ever. We have worn masks to protect ourselves, but also to protect others around us. We know that by wearing a mask, we create a climate in which we can safely and comfortably constitute a community. We realized that our communities could remember the start of the pandemic — and all that it brought with it — through the resonant image of the mask that Moses wears. And we realized that the annual repetition of the Torah could make that commemoration a yearly event. We call our ritual Aliyat ha-Masveh, the aliyah of the mask, in which a person who has displayed courage, compassion and care — the attributes of Moses and the frontline worker — could be honored. For now, it probably makes sense for communities to honor pandemic heroes: health care workers, educators, policy makers. But over time, communities that adopt Aliyat ha-Masveh might find themselves recognizing other ways that their members take on responsibil-
ities to ease the pain and anxiety of others. This would be a powerful result of the last two years of pain and fear. This ritual doesn’t have to take place inside synagogues. This Shabbat is a perfect moment — one of several opportunities we will have together in the coming weeks — for Jews to take some time to reflect on the changes of the last two years. Where have we been surprised by our growth? Where have we become more ourselves? Where are we stronger? As we reflect, we can practice holding ourselves tenderly, with care, courage, and compassion — something that may have felt out of reach during this difficult time. In the Torah’s telling, Moses puts the mask over his own face to show humility and concern for others. Although we will (hopefully) eventually set aside physical masks, we will always have chances to show our concern and care for others. Honoring this section of the Torah with a special aliyah can help us to do that. Efrem Epstein is a tech industry marketing profession in New York City who is also on the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Faith Communities Task Force and the founder of S’fatai Tiftach: The Baalei Tefilah Forum. Rabbi Eric Woodward is the rabbi of Beth El - Keser Israel Synagogue in New Haven, Connecticut. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
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Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | March 4, 2022
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
CHABAD HOUSE
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154 rbjh.com
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL Join us on Friday, March 11, 7 p.m. for evening services with a guest speaker. The service will be led by our officiant Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel. For information on COVID-related closures and about our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream. SATURDAY: Bar Mitzvah of Levi Weill and Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 6:50 p.m. Zoom only. SUNDAY: Siddur 101 with Hazzan Krausman following morning minyan; BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Oscar Winning Songs, 1 p.m. with Richard Knox via Zoom only. MONDAY: Mishloach Manot Orders Due, 5 p.m.; Hamantashen Orders Due, 5 p.m. TUESDAY: Mussar, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham at Beth El & Zoom. WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6 p.m.; Community Beit Midrash, 7 p.m. via In-person at the JCC or on Zoom. THURSDAY: Revisting the Classics, 7 p.m. with Hazzan Krausman. FRIDAY-Mar. 11: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY-Mar. 12: Shabbat Morning Services , 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 7 p.m. Zoom only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.
BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, WhatsApp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in pergola, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Candlelighting, 6:01 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Class/Kids Class, 10:30 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:20 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha, 6 p.m.; Shalosh Seudos/ Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 6:20 p.m.; Ma’ariv/ Havdalah, 7:01 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:40 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:40 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m.
TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Kids Class, 3:45 p.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:40 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Wednesday School, 4:15 p.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:40 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:40 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. FRIDAY-Mar. 11: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Candlelighting, 6:09 p.m. SATURDAY-Mar. 12: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Class/Kids Class, 10:30 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha, 6:10 p.m.; Shalosh Seudos/Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 6:30 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 7:09 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person/Zoom hybrid (Ochabad.com/classroom). For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/Lech ayim; Candlelighting, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 7 p.m. SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps, 9 a.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha Class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 18 — No advance experience necessary), noon with Rabbi Katzman. FRIDAY-Mar. 11: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad. com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 6:08 p.m. SATURDAY-Mar. 12: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 7:08 p.m.
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now being offered in person. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 6:03 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Pekudei, noon; Havdalah, 7:03 p.m.
SUNDAY: LJCS Classes, 9:30 a.m.; Men's Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln meets Sundays at 10 a.m., rain or shine, to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if it’s too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. If interested, please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com to find out where to meet each week; We will put pickleball on hiatus while we are not holding in-person services. When we start up again, remember that everyone is welcome; just wear comfortable clothes and tennis or gym shoes. If you need a paddle, contact Miriam Wallick by email at Miriam57@aol.com or by text at 402.470.2393 before Sunday. TUESDAY: Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom; Jewish Ethical Teachings Class, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Alex. WEDNESDAY: LJCS Classes, 4 p.m. THURSDAY: LJCS Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY-Mar. 11: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 6:11 p.m. SATURDAY-Mar. 12: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Vayikra, noon; Havdalah, 7:11 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
FRIDAY: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Shabbat B’yachad: Judaism’s Spiritual Vocabulary: Exploring the Prayers and the Prayer Book, 6 p.m. via Zoom or In-Person. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom or InPerson. SUNDAY: Youth Learning Programs, 10 a.m.; Temple Tots, 10 a.m.; Words of Wisdom, 10:15 a.m. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. via Zoom. WEDNESDAY: Youth Learning Programs: Grades 36, 4-6 p.m.; T’filah, 4:45 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:30-8 p.m.; Grade 12 Confirmation Class, 6:30 p.m.; Community Beit Midrash, 7 p.m. via In-person at the JCC or Zoom. THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Class, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel via Zoom or In-Person. FRIDAY-Mar. 11: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Shabbat Shirah, 6 p.m. via Zoom or In-Person. SATURDAY-Mar. 12: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom or In-Person; Shabbat Morning Services and Bar Mitzvah of Troy Shefsky, 10 a.m. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
Ancient Book comes alive SHANI KATZMAN Chabad of Nebraska ISO theater afficionados, book lovers, and history buffs: The upcoming joyous and bright Festival of Purim marks the deliverance of the Jews of Persia nearly 2500 years ago from a sinister decree to wipe them out, GF. The Megillah Scroll, also known as Book of Esther, narrates the riveting story and reads like a cliffhanger - a fateful twist of events involving a king, queens, ministers, loyalty, integrity and evil. “Every year, we look for compelling and relevant ways to make Purim matter more to our community,” says Rabbi Mendel Katzman of Chabad. “The light-hearted, fun observances belie the deep, spiritual, and meaningful experience that is Purim,” he added. Noting the teaching of Rabbi Israel Baal Shemtov regarding a Talmudic passage on the Megillah that the story of
the Megillah is “the story of our lives,” Rabbi Katzman explains how the Megillah provides a perspec-
tive that is simple and profound. Believe it or not, verse by verse and line by line, the Megillah can be
applied to the conundrums of life in 2022. If you’re curious about the story and its inherent message and would like to see the characters come alive, you are in luck. A museum-like lifesize exhibit created by local artists and volunteers will be displayed at Chabad from March 14-18. Tours of Megillah Land are by appointment only. Call 402.330.1800 or email alissa@ ochabad.com to schedule a time for your family or group. Schools, youth groups, book clubs are all welcome. The tour duration is 30 minutes, followed by an optional discussion and Hamantashen (the three-cornered Purim cookie) refreshments. On the day of Purim, a festive meal, Megillah readings and other fun perks will take place in Megillah Land at Chabad on Thursday, March 17, at 5 p.m. The program is open to the entire community. Reservations are appreciated and can be made at ochabad.com/rsvp.
Life cycles BIRTH AIDEN CHASE PECHART Allison and Adam Pechart of Bethel Park, PA, announce the Feb. 16, 2022, birth of their son, Aiden Chase. He has a brother, Asher. Grandparents are Bonnie and Steve Levinger of Omaha, Roger Pechart of Greensburg, PA, and Sue and Bart Barici of Mt. Lebanon, PA. ZION GEORGE JACOBSON Natalie and Ben Jacobson announce the Nov. 28th, 2021 birth of their son, Zion George. He has an older brother, Zane David and sister, Zoii. Grandparents are Nancy Jacobson and the late David Jacobson and the late Lesli Gonsalez and the late Victor Caro. Great Grandparents are the late Helen and Jack Jacobson and the late Marge and John Brickson.
IN MEMORIAM
STANLEY MICHAEL SHECHET Stanley Michael Shechet of Sioux City passed away unexpectedly at age 62 on Feb. 17, 2022, in Chicago, IL. Graveside services were held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Sioux City and were officiated by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. He was preceded in death by his mother Beatrice (Rivin) Shechet; his father's second wife, Jeanne Shechet; several aunts and uncles; and his grandparents. Stan was born Aug. 17, 1959, in Sioux City; he was the son of Maximo and Beatrice (Rivin) Shechet. Stan grew up in Sioux City and graduated from North High School. He also attended Skokie Yeshiva and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a minor in psychiatry from Morningside College. Stan worked at various kosher meat packing houses throughout the Siouxland and upper Midwest areas. Stan also worked in the family electronics businesses with his brother Mark. Stan enjoyed photography, computers, stamp collecting and model rocketry. He is survived by his father Rabbi Maximo Shechet, Chaplain of Omaha, Neb.; brother Mark Shechet of Sioux City; and many cousins.
ELAINE FELDMAN Elaine Feldman passed away on Feb. 26, 2022, in Omaha. Services were held on Mar. 1, 2022 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by husband, Maurice Feldman; daughter, Sandra Feldman, and parents Rose and Nathan Kramer. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Marsha Feldman. Elaine served in executive capacities for multiple Charitable and Corporate entities. Memorials may be made in Elaine’s honor to the Sandra Feldman Scholarship Fund www.Jfofoundation.org (402.334.6498) or the organization of your choice.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, The opinion piece published Feb. 18 by Matt Nosanchuk makes a call for people on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to rise above the tit-for-tat claims of misdeeds and victimization. This is a noble and worthy goal, but until that happens, there are actions we can take to improve Israeli society for its Arab citizens. I suggest the Jewish Press periodically highlight organizations working in Israel that do just that. One I suggest you investigate first is The Abraham Fund Initiatives (www.abra hamfund.org). Their tagline is ‘Building an Equal and Shared Society in Israel.’ Examples of projects undertaken by this group are: equitable investment of Israeli government funds in Arab village schools and teaching of Arabic to all students. As Americans and Jews, we have little influence on Hamas or the PLO, but we can work to improve conditions for the 20% of the Israeli population that is Arab. It makes sense from a political and practical sense, and it is the right thing to do. CHARLES SHAPIRO Omaha, NE Dear Editor, As a former Omahan living in Scottsdale, AZ, I look forward to catching up every week on the Omaha Jewish news through The Jewish Press. I read with great interest your story from the Jan. 21 issue, The Man from Dyvin. As I read the article, I thought that the author’s experience could have been any of ours in that, unfortunately, the fate of Avrom (Abraham) Burstein was similar to so many of our people’s ancestors. When I later checked my family genealogy history records, I realized that in fact I am related to Avrom Burstein! He’s my paternal great grandfather! My paternal grandmother was Rose Burstein (his daughter), who died young when my dad, Leonard L. Friedel, was a child. Avrom was married more than once, and I am a descendant of one marriage while the author is a descendant of a different marriage. Because you printed this story, I now know where my great grandfather is from...Dyvin, which means that another piece of my genealogy puzzle has been solved. Thank you for printing this human interest story! As I’ve learned over the years, one never knows whose lives we touch by committing certain actions. Thank you for inadvertently touching mine! RANDI FRIEDEL JABLIN Scottsdale, AZ
TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@ jewishomaha.org; mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- www.omahajewishpress.com/site/ forms/. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
The Jewish Press | March 4, 2022 | 11
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JFO update regarding Ukraine Community members, As we’ve all witnessed in dismay, Russian forces invaded Ukraine this morning in an unprovoked attack. We’d like to update you on this situation and on how we can help. This attack, authorized by Russian President Vladimir Putin, puts innocent lives, both Jewish and nonJewish, in imminent danger. We are sending our thoughts to the Ukrainian people and pray for a peaceful resolution soon. Starting this morning, our focus has been on the well-being of the 200,000 Ukrainian Jews that will be in terrible danger if the Russian aggression continues. We have already been in contact with our national organization, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), to offer our financial assistance. JFNA is feverishly working on assessing what the needs are for the Ukrainian Jews. As you can imagine, the need is great. In partnership with Jewish organizations in Ukraine, JFNA is determining the immediate needs for basic provisions, security, medical supplies, housing, and communication devices. We have not been given specifics yet on this coordinated response, but we expect that we will know more soon and will update you as quickly as possible. Looking back at history, we know that we cannot be naïve to the unique threats to the Jewish community in the midst of unchecked aggression. As a community, we need to support our fellow Jews in Ukraine and let them know that they are
not alone. We will not stand on the sidelines. Over the next few days, there will be more information on how our community can help. Unfortunately, we have been in this situation before, but consequently we are confident that our community will join other Federations across the country to provide whatever assistance is needed. In the meantime, please know that the JFO is abreast of the situation and will relay any information about how our community can assist the Ukrainian Jewish community. Thank you, MIKE SIEGEL Jewish Federation of Omaha Board President siegelm@tinboxco.com PHILLIP MALCOM Jewish Federation of Omaha Interim CEO pmalcom@jewishomaha.org Editor’s note: We realize that the production time of our printed paper means we cannot get printed news to you fast enough. Please check our websites, www.jewishomaha.org and www.omahajewishpress.com for more timely updates.
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