March 11, 2016

Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA March 11, 2016 1 Adar II 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 26

Celebrate giving with our kids

This Week

Beat box at Beth El: The Cantor’s Concert “unplugged” Page 2

Scholar-In-Residence, Danny Maseng at Temple Israel Page 8

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor It’s time to bring your costume out of storage: Purim is almost here! And this year, we are celebrating in style. Sunday March 20, from Noon to 2 pm, the Jewish Federation of Omaha is celebrating the giving of our youngest members with a community wide Purim Carnival!

Since November of 2015, the members of the Kids Campaign Committee have worked tirelessly towards this moment. Chairing the committee are Benjamin, Julia, Elizabeth and Stacie Brodkey; William Friedlander and Sophie Ambrose; Max, Chloe and Teresa Ruback; Jack, Joe and Andee Scioli; Shmuel, Aviva, Batsheva, Eliezer, Aliza, Yehuda and Gary Shyken and Sidney, Evie and Jeff Zacharia.

In December 2015, Tzedakah boxes were distributed through the Jewish Community Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, Beth El, Beth Israel, Temple Israel and the Chabad House.

Louri Sullivan, Director of Community Impact and Special projects, said: “We are so excited about the Kids Campaign! It provides us with an opportunity to get our younger community members involved as donors and to celebrate Purim and Tzedakah in a fun way with a community event.”

The Kids Campaign Purim Carnival combines the lessons of Tzedakah with community engagement. Coins the kids have collected over the past months will be poured into a coin counter provided

by Enterprise Bank.

Everyone who brings a Tzedakah can with coins Continued on page 3

We did it!

by KAREN M. GUSTAFSON, MS, NCC, LIMHP JFS Executive Director When National Yachad called to ask if Omaha would want to participate in a collective program to as-

Emerging voices: My name is Daisy, I’m not normal Page 16

Canada for NAIM-North American Inclusion Month (February) for those with disabilities, I don’t think they expected “little Omaha” to produce 100 Care Packages.

The initial intent was to “include”

Some stories must be shared

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

12 14 15

Next Week Sports+Recreation See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

Alumni sponsored tailgate party for prospective pledges last fall. semble Care Packages for IDF Soldiers in Israel with 15 other Yachad Chapters in the U.S. and

all of the National Yachad Chapters, but I wanted to “include” all of our Omaha community in a united effort to give back. Our Yachad members are so fortunate to have many people in Omaha give to us and contribute to programming. For all of you to help Yachad give back to others in need helps everyone feel valued and inclusive... that no matter who we are, we all have something to contribute to others.

We set a lofty goal, but thanks to a true community-wide effort we were Continued on page 2

The Mitzvah

Credit: Leonardo Correa

by LIZ FELDSTERN Executive Director, IHE From March 28 – April 1 the Institute for Holocaust Education will once again host Week of Understanding in schools in Omaha and the surrounding area. Now in its Sixth year, this event provides opportunities for area middle and high schools to invite Holocaust survivors and U.S. military liberators to their schools. The 2016 pro-

gram is expected to reach more than 5,000 students and community members with survivor and liberator testimony.

In order to accommodate the 25 plus speaking engagements scheduled for the week, Omaha’s local Holocaust survivor speakers will be joined by survivors from outside the area. Our guests will include Sami Steigmann of New York, Robbie Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | March 11, 2016

Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc.

Providing over 3 decades of investment experience in Nebraska

Call today at 402-614-1321

Visit us on Facebook

Personalized customer service, ensuring your financial plan meets YOUR lifestyle needs.

Consultations free. www.russkaplaninvestments.com

Endowment funds help to ensure a summer full of activities at the Jewish Community Center. Establish an endowment fund and keep the fun going.

Contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org | www.jfofoundation.org

Freelance Writer wanted The Jewish Press staff seeks a local freelance writer for original story assignments, $0.10 per word.

If you are interested, email cover letter and writing sample to the editor at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

No phone calls please.

Are you searching for help with...

Home Health Care | Companion Care Running Errands | Housekeeping

Bring this ad for a discount 21 Years Experience Call Rena Olsen

402-594-8177

omahamama12@gmail.com

Beat box at Beth El: The Cantor’s Concert “unplugged”

by SHERRIE SAAG was a parody on Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk (Hazzan for Beth El Synagogue Krausman’s personal favorite).

They’re driven by a mission to connect Jews around the The six-member group also performs original music in globe through music. Anchored by a strong Jewish identity and both Hebrew and English. fueled by thumping beat box, Member Craig Resmovits, intricate arrangements, and who sings tenor, says group soulful harmonies, Six13 is a members come from various six-man vocal band that brings Jewish backgrounds. “I am an unprecedented style of Orthodox and so are two Jewish music to the stage, with other members. This might songs ranging from hip-hop be my favorite thing about us. dance tracks to rock anthems.

We’re all Jewish, but don’t The members of the New have specific denominations.”

York City-based group sound He said the group likes to like a full band – while using have fun on stage. “The most nothing but their voices. They important thing to us is that headline the annual Beth El everybody has a good time.

Synagogue Cantor’s Concert The message we give is one of on Sunday, April 3, at 4 p.m. pride in our Judaism.” at Beth El. To that end, Beth El has Tickets and sponsorships plans for the community to are available through the synengage with the group and Six13 agogue’s website, www.beth actively participate in the el-omaha.org or by phone at 402.492.8550. A reception fol- concert. A pre-show by a chorus of Beth El congregants of lows the show. all ages will perform three Debbie Friedman songs.

The concert is a Beth El tradition and fundraiser to beneAlso in the works is a pre-concert workshop for kids fit the Youth Scholarship Fund of Beth El Synagogue, which grades K-12 who have a ticket to the concert ($5 per ticket supports Jewish summer experiences for Beth El kids for grades K-12, no charge for kids pre-K and younger). The including summer camp and trips to Israel. kids get to participate in a beat box workshop on Sunday Pam and Bruce Friedlander return for a repeat perform- afternoon led by members of Six13 and later make a special ance as Event Chairs. “It’s for the kids; fostering their Jewish appearance in the concert! identity and supporting our Jewish continuity are the reaHazzan Krausman said, “I am thrilled to have Six13 persons we do this. We want everyone in Jewish Omaha to join form for us at this year’s Cantor’s Concert. It is an opportuus, to have the opportunity to support these goals, at what- nity to get students excited about Jewish music – the buzz ever capacity they can,” said Pam. among our teens and religious school students is already Making its Omaha debut, Six13 has recorded five award- palpable!” winning albums, has over 1.5 million hits on YouTube and General admission tickets are $18 and additional levels of are among the top Jewish music artists on iTunes. support include: Counselor-in-Training, 2 Tickets, $50; A cappella music is group or solo singing without instru- Counselor, 4 tickets, $100; Song Leader, 6 tickets, $350; mental accompaniment or, in the case of Six13, making Waterfront Director, 6 tickets, $500; Arts & Crafts Director, music using nothing but their voices. The style gained pop- 8 tickets, $1000; Program Director, 8 tickets, $2,500; ularity and national prominence in part due to NBC’s recent Assistant Camp Director, 10 tickets, $5,000; Catering Chef, hit prime-time television series The Sing-Off. 10 tickets, $7,500 and Camp Director, 10 tickets, $10,000.

Six13 infuses a capella music with beatbox, a specific form Make checks payable to Beth El Synagogue and mail to of vocal percussion where one mimics drum beats using one’s 14506 California Street, Omaha, NE 68154, or you can purmouth, lips, or tongue. It is most frequently connected with chase online at www.bethel-omaha.org. Your donation is hip-hop culture, but when combined with a capella, a group’s tax deductible. Names of supporters at the Counselor level performance becomes a complete musical experience. and above will be listed in the program if payment is The group is best known for its online parodies of pop received by Friday, March 25. songs around Jewish holidays. 2014’s Chanukah video was a Look out for information coming soon on the beat box parody of Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off. The following Passover workshop and Beth El’s campers.

Some stories must be shared Continued from page 1 Waisman of Vancouver, Magda Brown and Agnes Schwartz (both of Skokie, IL). More information about all of these speakers will be included in an upcoming article in the Jewish Press. Local speakers featured during the week will be Dr. Fred Kader, Bea Karp, Kitty Williams, and U.S. Army Liberator, Col. Roy Long.

In addition to Week of Understanding’s educational opportunities for schools, special programs are planned for the general public.

On Monday, March 28, the IHE is hosting a one-time performance of Roger Grunwald’s The Mitzvah at the Omaha Community Playhouse. This play and lecture tell the tragic story of the “mischlinge,” men of partial Jewish heritage who served in Hitler’s army. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Learn more about the show and reserve your seats at: ihene.org.

The IHE also invites the entire community to attend on Tuesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. when Magda Brown and Agnes Schwartz will each share their testimonies at Countryside Community Church. Both women grew up in Hungary and were fortunate enough to survive the Holocaust but their paths to survival could not have been more different. The

event is a collaboration with the Center for Faith Studies.

There is no cost to attend and reservations are not necessary.

Week of Understanding is an effort to maximize the opportunity for Nebraskans to hear from Holocaust survivors and liberators while these eye-witnesses are still among us. The program is made possible by generous support from The Sherwood Foundation, Omaha Schools Foundation, Wahoo Public Schools, the Murray and Sharee Newman Supporting Foundation, the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation (both of the JFOF) and by Rich and Fran Juro.

We did it!

Continued from page 1 able to meet that goal. On Sunday, Feb. 28, Yachad and BBYO came together to assemble 100 Care Packages to IDF Soldiers, thanks to the following community participants: Beth El Synagogue: 100 pairs of socks Temple Israel: 100 Word Find/Sudoku Books Beth Israel Synagogue: 100 sticks of Chapstick CDC: 300 sticks of Twizzlers Friedel Jewish Academy: 100 Personalized Notes to the soldiers Bag-N-Save: Kosher candy, donated to JFS BBYO: 100 purse size packs of tissue Jewish Federation of Omaha Staff, community members and JSS Board Members: 100 decks of playing cards and 100 tubes of Neosporin The packages are now on their way to NY, where they will be shipped to Israel, collectively, with those of the other National Yachad Chapters. Thank you!

March 11, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 3

Opera Omaha to visit RBJH

by OZZIE NOGG Opera Omaha brings Voices in the Community to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium on Wednesday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m. The performance, featuring Mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz accompanied by Opera Omaha’s Resident Music Director J. Gawf, offers a program of opera and musical theater melodies along with popular standards. The Voices in the Community concert will be followed by a Q&A session and ice cream social.

The concert is an example of Opera Omaha’s commitment to expanding its civic outreach programs to all demographic groups, including seniors. “I’m passionate about keeping our seniors as an active part of our world,” said Dimitri Kontos, Opera Omaha Engagement Programs Manager. “The elderly in our community are too often overlooked for their need for a creative outlet, so it’s important to me that we bring live performances to residents of the Blumkin Home. It is music that runs through us and helps sustains us by giving us expressive meaning. I’m honored that through my role at Opera Omaha I am able to produce an event that helps RBJH residents celebrate life and rejoice through music.”

Sherry Taxman, a board member of the Opera Omaha Guild, introduced Mr. Kontos to Maggie Conti, the Blumkin Home’s Director of Activities and Outreach Programs. That meeting initiated the Voices in the Community performance at the RBJH. “Hopefully this concert will be the start of a beautiful relationship to bring outstanding Opera Omaha talent to community seniors throughout the year,” Conti said.

The March 16 Voices in the Community is sponsored by the Ruth Riekes Richards Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

For more information on Opera Omaha, please visit www.operaomaha.org or call the office at 402.346.4398.

Upcoming performances of Handel’s Semele are scheduled for Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater.

In the news Sandy Gordon of Integrity ATA Martial Arts is proud to announce the rank advancement of three of her students.

David Kay received his 1st Black Belt; Ethan Finkelstein received his 2nd Black Belt; and Julian Witkowski took a midterm to go towards his 2nd testing. These young men needed to do their form (which consists of specific choreographed martial arts moves), sparring and board breaking.

Mrs. Gordon was very proud of how these young men performed at their testing on Feb. 21.

www.JQoffice.com 402.339.5003 CONTACT

Ben Heaston: bheaston @JQoffice.com

PRINTERS POSTAGE METERS COPIERS DIGITAL DISPLAYS FOLDING & INSERTING EQUIPMENT INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

Beth Israel is the place to celebrate Purim

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Publicity Chair, Beth Israel Synagogue Be a part of Beth Israel’s Purim events on March 23 and 24! With multiple readings of the megillah, an ice cream social, a delicious suedah meal, costume contest and the balloon fun of Poppin’ Penelope, Beth Israel will celebrate in style.

Wednesday, March 23 begins with the Fast of Esther, starting at 5:50 a.m. This fast and special prayers recognize the fast of the Jews during the time of Esther and Mordechai. Shacharit begins at 6:45 a.m., Mincha at 7:10 p.m., Maariv at 8 p.m. with the fast ending at 8:11 p.m.

The first Megillah reading will begin at 8:15 p.m. followed by an ice cream and hamantashen reception. A late Megillah reading will take place at 9:30 p.m.

Purim day, Thursday, March 24, begins with Shacharit at 6:45 a.m. Megillah readings will take place at Beth Israel at 7:15 a.m., 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. There will also be a 10:30 a.m. reading at the Blumkin Home and a 11:15 a.m. reading at Remington. Additional readings are being planned.

Mincha begins at 6 p.m. immediately followed by the seudah and costume contest at 6:15 p.m. The seudah menu includes meat loaf, mashed potato bar, tossed salad, and dessert. The cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children 4-12 and free for those

3 and under. A family rate for parents and immediate family is available for $36. Poppin’ Penelope will join the fun as well, entertaining young and old with her balloon creations.

Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume for the seudah, with prizes given in the homemade, kids, adults, and other categories.

Purim is a wonderful Jewish holiday, and Beth Israel will help you fulfill the four special mitzvot: hearing the Megillah, both at night and during the day, the enjoyment of a festive Purim meal, sending gifts, Mishloach Manot, and giving gifts to the poor, Matanot l’Evyonim.

To assist with Matanot l’Evyonim, Beth Israel is once again partnering with Garin Ometz in Akko, Israel, located in Omaha’s Partnership2GETHER region to support the Orot Chesed center. The volunteers of Orot Chesed provide over 700 sandwiches every day for needy children in 14 schools throughout the city. You may make a contribution for Matanot L’Evyonim by giving a check to the Rabbis’ Discretionary Fund (with “Purim” in the memo), and Beth Israel will make the contribution to Orot Chesed.

Dinner registrations can be made online at www.ortho doxomaha.org, by emailing bethisrael@orthodox omaha.org or by calling the synagogue office at 402.556.6288. All events are open to the community.

Kids Campaign Continued from page 1 in it will be entered into a raffle with fun family prizes.

Storm Chaser tickets, Nebraska Furniture Mart gift cards, a family membership to the Omaha Children’s Museum and a family night at Flagship Commons. Lunch will be available for sale by Star Catering. The carnival promises to be amazing with games for all ages, an inflatable, face painting, balloons and of course, cotton candy, snow cones and a frostyour-own cookie station. As a throwback to Purim Carnivals of the past, each kid will leave with a goldfish of their own.

“It’s about more than giving; it’s about being part of a great community and celebrating that community together,” Louri said. “That is why we asked kids to be on the committee with their parents, so younger members can be involved from start to finish.”

Why is it so important to involve the younger members of our community in our fundraising? Sophie Ambrose, one of the Committee Chairs, said this:

“My husband Jimmy and I want to involve our son at an early age, because it will help us confer our family and community values of caring for others to our son. It will also help him develop empathy and deepen his social consciousness. We find giving to be personally fulfilling, and we want him to experience that as well.

During Purim, we celebrate the strength and the survival of the Jewish people, and we do so by coming together as a community. We dress up, sing, dance and eat; we read the Megillah and we remember that to remain strong as a people we have to work at it. The Tzedakah we give as a community helps keep our seniors happy and healthy, provides food to families in need, helps our children attend preschool, Jewish Day School or summer camps, and gives assistance to Jews around the world.

Please join us on March 20 as we celebrate giving Tzedakah. The event is free and open to the entire community. For more information, please contact Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@jewishomaha.org or call 402.334.6485.

A New Choice in Senior Living Resident First Focus: Omaha’s first senior living community where Independent Living apartments are licensed for Assisted Living, so residents don’t have to move when they need more care.

1111 Sterling Ridge Drive Phone: 402-504-3111 heritage-communities.com

SERVING THE GREATER OMAHA BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Support

Now Open

Apartments Available!

4 | The Jewish Press | March 11, 2016

What you should know about the JFO Foundation

by HOWARD EPSTEIN Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Tucked away on the garden level of the northwest corner of the Jewish Community Center campus is the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation office. To many people on the campus and in the community, the Foundation is somewhat of a mystery, unless your agency or organization receives money from one of the Foundation’s many endowments or donor-advised funds. To clear up any mystery, the following is a “Q&A” on the Foundation and the work it does.

What is the official mission of the Foundation?

The mission of the Foundation is to help assure the stability and continuity of Jewish life and to support Jewish communal services in the Omaha area by establishing and accumulating enduring assets for permanent funding resources.

The Foundation administers and distributes funds for charitable causes from over 110 donor-advised funds, almost 60 teen tzedekah funds, over 300 endowment funds, and three supporting foundations. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation also coordinates and administers Omaha’s LIFE & LEGACY™ initiative, an initiative which gives generous Jewish Omahans the opportunity to leave after-lifetime gifts to the Federation and its agencies, all three of Omaha’s synagogues, the Institute for Holocaust Education, the AntiDefamation League/CRC, the Friedel Academy, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and Chabad.

How long has the Foundation been here?

The Foundation was established in 1972 as a part of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Milton Abrahams served as the chairman of the original Foundation committee. Other members were Daniel Katzman, C.M. Newman, David Friedland and Stan Perlmeter. As noted in a letter written October 11, 1972 by Federation President Morley Zipursky, the first contribution to the Foundation was in the very generous amount of $1,364,298.56. In 1983, the Foundation formally became a separate entity, and in 2004 was incorporated as a separate non-profit corporation, legally classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a supporting foundation of the Federation. Over the years, the Foundation has grown, with total assets under management of $78,545,043 at the end of the 2015 fiscal year.

Why is the Foundation so important?

The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation distributes huge sums of money each year to local and national Jewish organizations and secular organizations. Most of our favorite Omaha Jewish institutions depend, in part, on Foundation distributions for their operations. In fiscal year 2015 alone, the Foundation disbursed $5,977,000. Of that total, $1,426,000 went to the Federation’s annual campaign,

$203,000 for scholarships for Jewish students to attend college, Jewish summer camps, the Child Development Center, and the Friedel Academy. Jewish Social Services, including Jewish Family Service, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and Jewish Senior Outreach received over $300,000, and the Jewish Community Center received $134,000 for its operations and programs. All of Omaha’s synagogues, the AntiDefamation League/CRC, Institute for Holocaust Education and numerous other institutions and causes also received

needed funding. The LIFE & LEGACY initiative has demonstrated the willingness of Omahans to commit to securing the future of our Jewish community. In just 22 short months, we have received over 385 commitments for after-lifetime gifts with an estimated value of almost $12.5 million. What a tremendous step towards securing our financial future.

Do you have a Board of Directors?

Yes. The Board is responsible for setting the overall goals, direction, and governance of the Foundation. The full Board meets quarterly and committees meet at least quarterly, sometimes more often. They focus much of their attention on Foundation investment policies and marketing efforts.

Carl Riekes is now in the third year of his presidency of the Foundation board. Murray Newman heads the investment committee and Paul Epstein chairs the Marketing Committee. Other board members are: Donald Goldstein, Steven Bloch, Michael Erman, Ted Friedland, David Gilinsky, Gloria Kaslow, Joseph Kirshenbaum, Howard Kooper, Jody Malashock, Steve Nogg, Andrew Robinson, Harley Schrager, Jeffrey Schrager, and Norman Veitzer.

How many employees are at the Foundation, and what are their names?

The Foundation employs five people: Howard Epstein, Executive Director; Laurie Peatrowsky, Endowment Associate; Janet Henthorn, Office Manager; Margo Parsow, LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator; and Linda Pollard, Endowment Assistant and Staff Writer.

Why do you all feel committed to do the work you do?

Each day we do our part to secure the future of Omaha’s Jewish community. Without a doubt, each member of the Foundation staff understands and appreciates our mission and purpose. Whether the work involves behind-the-scenes

records keeping, administration of finances and investments, or meeting with our constituents and donors, we know that our work will ultimately impact Omaha’s Jewish community. What could be more satisfying than knowing the work we do today will bear fruit for future generations?

One hundred years from now, those who benefit from the funds that are established today may not know us personally, but they will know we cared enough to help secure their Judaism and their financial security.

How can people in the community get involved?

Everyone in Omaha’s Jewish community can help us fulfill our goal of building a secure financial future for our community. Whether of modest means, exceptional wealth or in-between, you can make a commitment today to provide gifts to your favorite Omaha Jewish organizations. All of us at the Foundation will be happy to assist you in establishing an endowment fund, including a PACE or LOJE Fund, a donor-advised fund, a supporting foundation, or a LIFE & LEGACY future fund.

An endowment fund is created by contributing a minimum of $10,000. You complete a simple agreement, and then fund your endowment. The Foundation invests your endowment fund assets; income is reinvested and grows taxfree. Endowment funds may be unrestricted or restricted, and the endowment fund will annually provide income for the Jewish purpose you select.

Perpetual annual campaign endowment (PACE) and Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) Funds are separate endowments you create at the Foundation, the income from which will make an annual Federation campaign gift in your name well after your lifetime.

A Donor-Advised Fund is a personal charitable tool that helps you organize your charitable giving in one account. You establish a fund with the Foundation by completing a simple agreement and contributing a minimum of $2,500. You may contribute cash or publicly traded securities to your fund at any time. You receive an income tax deduction in the year of the gift, though distributions from the fund need not occur in the same year. The Foundation invests your Donor-Advised Fund assets; income is reinvested and grows tax-free. You recommend distributions of a minimum of $100 from your DonorAdvised Fund to any IRS qualified 501(c)(3) charity, either Jewish or secular, and the Foundation takes care of the details.

A Supporting Foundation is a separate legal entity (with a separate Board) created by you and your family. This entity enters into a relationship with the Foundation whereby the Foundation manages and invests the funds, administers operations and makes disbursements as directed from time to time by the Supporting Foundation Board.

Food Issue The

Coming in April

Publishing Date | 04.01.16 Space Reservation | 03.23.16 Camera Ready Deadline | 03.25.16 Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and a short article.

Contact our advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

March 11, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 5

Omaha Area Youth Orchestras Inc.

by SHARON BRODKEY OAYO works with professional musicians, studios, coachNearly 60 years ago, a group of passionate and visionary es, instrument dealers, donors and foundations to make sure music lovers and educators collaborated to form a joint part- that their musicians have access to private instruction and nership between the metro area public schools and the mentoring, quality equipment and instruments, transportaOmaha Symphony Guild. Led by Joseph Levine, then Music tion to rehearsals and performances, and even recording Director of the Omaha Symphony, the Omaha Area Youth facilities for auditions and admissions to collegiate music Symphony was born. In 1958, its inaugural season, 110 stu- schools. dents auditioned and 70 were chosen.

The National Association For Music Education (NAMC) Fast-forward to 2016. suggests on their Omaha Area Youth Music Education Orchestras, now known as Facts and Figures OAYO, has grown to an website that independent, non-profit there are four organization governed by major categories a volunteer board of direcof benefits of tors and three full-time music education: and three part-time staff. success in socieTogether, they manage ty; success in more than 550 young school; success in musicians from age 9 to developing intel18, almost 120 professionligence; and sucal musicians who coach cess in life. and mentor, and more Many OAYO than 300 parents and comalumni have munity volunteers. Pictured left: Music Director Aviva Segall conducts the Omaha Area Youth gone on to prestiOAYO’s volunteer force Orchestra, right, Youth Philharmonic with Ernest Richardson. gious performing contributed over 1100 hours of specialized skills and pro- careers as studio musicians, symphony concertmasters and duction assistance this season. The organization’s substan- conductors as well as soloists. tial music library, activities, rehearsal and performance Not all OAYO musicians are singularly focused on a schedules rival that of professional performance-based arts career in music performance. The lessons and skill sets organizations. acquired through early music education are extremely valuExecutive Director Rana Scarlett-Johnson and Music able in non-music contexts such as learning how to read and Director Aviva Segall credit much of OAYO’s success and understand a new language and vocabulary based in characgrowth to the nurturing, philanthropic, collaborative and ters, symbols, foreign terms and shorthands; how to take diverse arts community in Omaha. Maestro Segall was eager direction; how to function as a large team, small group or to point out that “We actually do more with the Omaha soloist; self-confidence; discipline; how to lead and when to Symphony than a lot of other youth orchestras across the follow; how to communicate effectively without words; and country do even though they are embedded within and let’s not forget that music is all about math and timing. managed by professional orchestras.” Segall has been the OAYO is a musical boot camp and has also served as a driving force behind OAYO for more than 17 years, largely foundation for the skills used by graduates in medicine, law, responsible for developing symbiotic relationships with arts administration, application development, and even sucmore than 100 area school and music departments, Omaha cessful retail and e-commerce businesses. Whether OAYO Performing Arts, The Omaha Conservatory of Music, The musicians pursue a professional musical career or decide to Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, Hear Nebraska, Vesper pursue other academic credentials and careers, data proves Concerts, YOUTH COMPOSES Competition and more. that people who were trained in music and participated in Her successful collaborations also provide a wonderful organized music programs as children, grow up to be meanexample of “strengthening the community and respecting ingfully engaged in the arts as parents, patrons and philanthe integrity of each partner” -- a vital model for young thropists. musicians to understand. She added that OAYO is also a 18-year-old Leon said, “I feel that being a part of OAYO founding member of the Omaha Directors of Education in has been significant to my development as a young adult Cultural Arts (ODECA), a group dedicated to resource and and think it is an important part of my high school experiknowledge-sharing, as well as supporting and expanding ence. Thank you [OAYO] for providing such an amazing opportunities in the arts for Omaha area students. orchestra experience for me. Through orchestra, I have OAYO is the only ensemble-based, pre-professional, per- gained so much in terms of community, leadership and colforming classical music program in the area, so there is a laboration in a way no other activity has provided.” strong commitment to provide access and opportunities to To learn more about Omaha Area Youth Orchestra’s six all students who demonstrate the talent and desire to work orchestras, the 18 Chamber ensembles, and the Prelude at an advanced level. Almost 30% of the talented young Strings and Honors Orchestra programs, and to see a schedmusicians in OAYO programs are free to reduced lunch ule of our upcoming performances, log on to our website: students. www.oayo.org or call us at 402.238.2044.

Dorothy Kaplan Book Group March selection: This is Where I Leave You

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life Thursday, March 7 from 1-2 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will discuss This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. In addition to this work, Tropper is the author of How to Talk to a Widower, Everything Changes, The Book of Joe, and Plan B. The themes of his books appear to stem from his personal experiences: they deal with topics such as being single, growing up, getting married, being married, getting divorced, and living in suburbia.

Tropper’s hometown of New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York, is a main source of inspiration when creating the characters and settings in his books. This is Where I Leave You was published in August 2009 and was a New York Times bestseller. It was made into a Warner Bros. film in 2014.

The novel begins with the death of Judd Foxman’s father.

This event marks the first time that the entire Foxman family has been together in years. Conspicuously absent is Judd’s wife whose affair with Judd’s boss has recently become public. Simultaneously mourning the death of his father and the

demise of his marriage, Judd joins the rest of the Foxmans as they reluctantly submit to their patriarch’s dying request to spend the seven days following the funeral together - in the same house – like a family.

The week spins out of control. Longstanding grudges resurface; secrets are revealed; old passions reawakened. Judd struggles throughout the week to make sense of the mess his life has become and to avoid being sucked into the battles of his madly dysfunctional family.

Amidst these struggles Judd learns of the bomb his wife dropped the day of his father’s death – she’s pregnant. The novel provides a large amount of material waiting to be discussed. Plan on joining the discussion group to do so.

The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 1-2 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. New members are always welcome to join in the discussion. Contact Library Specialist, Shirly Banner, at sbanner@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6462 with questions The discussion group is supported by the Center for Jewish Life whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

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

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

Snow Is Coming!

Your World Made Perfect

Commercial and Residential Snow Removal Call or Text 402-957-5087 ECOTERRANE.com

6 | The Jewish Press | March 11, 2016

Omaha Schools Foundation:

Serving Generations…

A conversation with Toba Cohen-Dunning

Bill Cutler III

402-391-3900 KORISKO CHAPEL

402-391-3900 402-731-1234

7805 Center Rd. 5108W. F Street BELLEVUE BELLEVUECHAPEL CHAPEL 402-291-5000 402-291-5000 Bellevue Bellevue DWORAKCHAPEL CHAPEL DWORAK 402-346-1144 402-346-1144 16th&&Vinton Vinton 16th

Bill Cutler IV

www.heafeyheafey.com

Bob Wolfson Consulting • Impact Innovation • Thoughtful Change • Transforming Non-Profits Announcing the opening of a consulting practice focused on working with non-profits to build and enhance capacity through improvements in programs, process, practices and people and with individual donors to maximize their philanthropy.

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Board of Jewish Social Services. I also chair Jewish Press Editor the Jewish Federation’s Planning and Toba Cohen Dunning is married to Eric Engagement Committee. Lastly, I am Dunning; they are members of Beth Israel President of Beth Israel Synagogue. and the parents of Eleanor In the last few years, OSF and Teddy. She is someone has been involved in renowho takes giving back serivating fields and stadiums ously, whether it is during that not only benefit stuher free time, or in her dents of OPS, but also the career. She has been worklarger community. 26 ing with the Omaha Schools JROTC cadets from Benson Foundation for ten years, High School represented and is passionate about its the State of Nebraska in mission and the students it Normandy, France two serves. For more informayears ago upon the 75th tion about the Omaha anniversary of D-day Schools Foundation, please thanks to private donations. visit https://www.omaha Students from all over the Toba with daughter Eleanor schoolsfoundation.org/.

District participate in the Can you tell us a little about what OSF IHE’s Week of Understanding each year, and does? we help provide transportation so students The Omaha Schools Foundation is the may hear Holocaust survivors and relatives 501(c)3 of the Omaha Public Schools. Our tell their story around Yom HaShoah. One mission supports the mission of the District of my absolute favorite donor funds here at as we raise funds for projects and programs the Foundation ensures that every OPS stuwhich cannot be funded by tax dollars. In dent can take a field trip to the Joslyn Art September of 2015, OSF was named the 4th Museum. Bryan High School is working on largest K-12 education foundation in the raising funds to support their Urban United States out of the top 200 largest dis- Ag/Trucking Distribution/Logistics Career tricts. That is a tremendous honor and we Academies and are soon to have a state-ofdon’t take it lightly. the-art facility! South High is doing the What are the main issues your organizasame to build a Visual and Performing Arts tion deals with? addition to their school!

The Omaha Public Schools serves over What makes our Omaha community so 52,000 children in the Omaha metro area. wonderful is our welcoming attitude and The Foundation operates the parent-pay our sense of duty to ensure that children before/after school childcare program enti- receive an exceptional education, incredible tled Kids Club in 41 OPS elementary schools out-of-school experiences, resources in serving approximately 5000 children per times of need, a path toward a successful year. We operate six parent-pay early child- career or scholarships to gain a post-secondhood classrooms in five OPS elementary ary education. This happens in every corner schools for 4-5 year olds to prepare them for of this great city, and I love working with my kindergarten. We provide scholarships for counterparts at the various foundations that graduating OPS seniors, approximately make up the Learning Community. $400,000 each year. We provide innovation What does a typical day look like for you? classroom grants for OPS teachers.

There is no typical day! I am constantly Do you think it is important for Jews to writing grants, working with donors, pronot only care about our own community, viding assistance, working with scholarship but look beyond it? recipients, being the fiduciary agent for and I’m Jewish and care very, very deeply for ensuring that projects are completed, workthe Jewish community and the larger com- ing with our fabulous OPS administramunity. I just finished my term on the Board tors/principals, supervising our large staff of Directors of the Omaha Home for Boys, a and making sure that we always provide a very important resource for male and safe/fun environment for our childcare and female At-Risk youth that provides a safe, PreK participants. As parents of a 2nd gradnurturing, guided path toward independ- er and an 8th grader within OPS, Eric and I ence. I sit on the Board of Fontenelle Forest, could not be more in awe of their incredible one of the most glorious nature preserves in educational experiences. I don’t just work the Midwest and an incredible place for kids for the Foundation that supports OPS, I to experience the beauty of the outdoors and believe in it to the depths of my core. I don’t learn about our environment. I am soon to just volunteer for the Jewish community; I be finishing my tenure on the Board of the believe in it to the depths of my core.

Jewish Federation of Omaha. I sit on the I simply believe that you can do both!

Luncheon for Nancy Noddle

www.bobwolfsonconsulting.com Bob@bobwolfsonconsulting.com Cell: 402.203.2833 Back row: Jill Erman, Nancy Noddle, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Jeanie Neff, Wendy Whinnery (former Omahan); front row: Nancy Greenberg, Joan Lehr.

March 11, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 7

Coming home: Bob Wolfson’s new adventure

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor A few weeks ago, Bob Wolfson emailed us at the Jewish Press to announce his pending retirement from his position as Associate National Director for Regional Operations at the Anti-Defamation League and to let us know, “We are moving back to Omaha.”

Including his time in Omaha as the Plains States Regional Director, Bob has worked at ADL for nearly 28 years. “I’m starting a consulting practice, concentrating on the traditional issues non-profits face, but also working with donors to focus their philanthropy.”

In addition to the announcement, we asked him a few more questions.

What are some of those traditional issues non-profits face in 2016?

Every not-for-profit today faces Management and Leadership challenges. These challenges come with unique opportunities for not-for-profits: Board/Staff relationships, governance, sustainability, programs, efficiency and effectiveness. In the end, creating solutions to the challenges comes down to successful Strategy and Execution.

Managing the relationship between strategy and execution is the secret to success and is difficult to get right.

I heard the other day there are over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in America. Why do you think that number is so high?

Donors, like everyone involved with not-for-profits, want to have an effective impact in the world, make a difference, make a contribution. Not-for-profits have not always been fast to adapt as money has become so important to their survival. The demand for accountability and proof of impact has become the gold standard, especially for larger donors. Some philanthropists look at what they seek to accomplish and decide to start from scratch so that their giving reflects their wishes and intent. The ease of mounting and funding a startup project has led to an enormous growth in the number of not-for-profits.

People still want to make a change and a contribution to society but also want increased control and influence over the course of the actions chosen by the places they invest.

Support for legacy organizations that have history, culture and sometimes problems has become more difficult. Long history and past success used to be seen as an enormous asset. That is not universally accepted today and it is viewed by different age cohorts with different lenses. Younger donors do not all value longevity. Relevance and alignment with donative intent is seen as a more central concern and longevity may signal institutional resistance to change. This approach may or may not be true, and in some cases is an operating attitude without regard to actual facts, but it is nonetheless a powerful trend today.

These forces all motivated by desire to do good work are affecting many organizations. Change is the norm for the not-for-profit organizations of today that want to survive

A Fantastic shopping event.

“MID-AMERICA CENTER” Over E 150

ARTS & Crafts SHOW

MARCH 12 - 13 MID-AMERICA CENTER COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 9-4

xhib itors

ADM. Just $5.00 Huge Aisles (10 & under free) FREE 2-day re-entry stamp PARKING

Over 150 Talented Exhibitors Present & Sell 1,000’s of Unique Handmade Creations.

Callahan Promotions, Inc., 563-652-4529

Bring this ad to show for $1.00 OFF One Admission

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAYS SALE!

MARCH 10-11• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. / MARCH 12 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Serving You Since 1978, Over 100,000 Buildings Sold!

Best Prices of the Season!

FEATURING:

Stop in and experience the Cleary advantage!

FREMONT, NE 220 Sheryl Ave. (Hwy 77 N & Hwy 30 by-pass) • 402-727-9322

NORFOLK, NE

1105 13th St., Ste 210 (Hwy 81 exit off I-275) • 402-371-8567

ClearyBuilding.com • 800-373-5550

this generational shift. While it is challenging, I think it is very exciting to see everyone moving to real measurements and outcomes that will help determine if we are in fact making the change in the world with our philanthropy.

You say it will be fun to be home. What has, and does, Omaha meant/mean to you?

Omaha is the place my family came to from Russia, so for me it is my history. Second, the Jewish community here is unique unlike any other community I have been in (and I’ve been in many). Our unique history, location, size and leadership have helped bring out some outstanding qualities like a “get it done” attitude, deep communal sense of belonging, and amazing generosity of spirit and support in the organized community, Jewish and general. For me, there is great meaning in returning to the synagogue where my Zadie and Bubbie, my large family and my parents prayed and were leaders. My wife Sibby and I have loved being in New York for the past decade. It has been a fantastic experience and my ADL journey has been expansive, educational, challenging and wonderful beyond words. I have worked with some of the most fantastic, talented and intelligent people in the world and learned so much.

But in the end, New York was never home. It was a great place to do great work that also enriched our personal lives immeasurably. We have some special people, mostly in Omaha, who made it possible for us to have this experience and we are eternally grateful. But Dorothy had a wisdom that is timeless and cannot be denied. “There is no place like home,” and we are so excited to have the opportunity in this next phase of our lives to be in Omaha and to be part of this exciting and bustling community. In Omaha you can actually get things done. Omaha is big enough to welcome big ideas but small enough to make those ideas more than a fantasy.

Doing great things is still what motivates me and Omaha is a great place to do that! We could not be more excited!

Births Dr. Jesica and Greg Herrick of Glenview, IL announce the Feb. 16 birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Audrey.

Grandparents are Sandra and the late Milton Herrick of Chicago, and Cathy and Bill Christensen of Omaha.

Great-grandparents are the late Dr. Earl and Lee Wigodsky, the late Wayne and Juanita Christensen, the late Donald and Alice Herrick, and the late Carlton and Mina Olson.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Wednesday, March 16, noon Two non-Jewish military vets saw Israel for the first time as guests of AIPAC and will share their experiences. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Israel Experience Grant Teen Trip to Israel A group of 36 Omaha-Jewish teens huddled together under the intense gaze of their Rabbi. He didn’t yell at us, he didn’t intimidate us, he simply questioned us. A rather easy question to 99.8% of the world, but to those 36 transitioning adolescents, it managed to silence even the rowdiest of us.

“What does Israel mean to you,” he said for the third time. I watched his eyes scan the room, making contact but never holding the blank stare of my peers; that is, until his unwavering intelligence fixated on me. I was never one to stray away from voicing my own opinion and public humiliation

Omaha teen Josh Polack prays at the Western Wall, one of the most holy sites in all of Judaism. Polack, along with 35 other teens from Omaha, found this to be the most enlightening part of the trip. has never been a fear of mine. This wasn’t a question that could be easily answered, but was one that deserved a simple interpretation. I knew Rabbi wanted an answer, and I intended to give him one. The silence was deafening; though he hadn’t called me out, everyone knew it was I who was going to give him an answer. “Experience,” I unfortunately muttered. The word unexpectedly caught in my throat as I willed my soul to continue my answer. “Experience to travel, experience to learn, an experience of culture, and an experience of spirit. But after all,” I added, “That’s purely what Israel is to me. I’m not sure about everyone else.”

It’s been 2 weeks since we’ve returned from Israel and 2 months since I last answered “What does Israel mean to you?” As I look back and read my response, I smile at my simple answer and feel a sort of pride for my last little bit of wit I added at the end. Though I stand by my response, I would like to add one last sentence. Never before had I felt such a sense of belonging. No matter who I met, it felt like I was talking to a friend I haven’t seen in a long, long time. It was as if I had been to Israel before, and stepping off the plane, I knew immediately what I would change about my answer to Rabbi.

“Israel is home,” I would add.

Elias Ginsberg

8 | The Jewish Press | March 11, 2016

Voices of Beth El: The Friedmans

by SHERRIE SAAG “was a truly once in a lifetime experience/memory.”

Millard School District, including Beth El’s Rabbi. The comfor Beth El Synagogue For Sandy, it is important that Beth El offers daily servic- mittee tackled topics as diverse as religious holiday obserAs this week’s Voices of Beth El, Amy and Sandy Friedman es both in the morning and evening because it provides both vance and sex education. It helped build mutual respect and are profiled together, as members of Beth El for almost 39 Beth El congregants and all Jews in the community the abil- understanding among clergy and the Millard school district. years. As a couple and parents, they worked together to con- ity to observe a Yahrzeit or just participate in daily prayers.

Today, Amy continues to share her professional experitribute in different ways; but, most importantly, in support “When we are in town, I try to attend the morning service as ence by serving on the Board of Friedel Jewish Academy and of their children, Beth El, the Jewish community and the much as possible. It is a great way to start the day, and it is as an elected representative on the Learning Community of Omaha community. important to help make a Douglas and Sarpy Counties.

The Friedmans want people to minyan”, he said.

In the broader Omaha community, Sandy served as know that Beth El is an egalitarian Amy and Sandy take civic President of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and welcoming synagogue. “It is a responsibility very seriously and was active on the United Way Budget and Allocations beautiful place both physically and and both have been heavily committee, the Omaha Symphony Board, Girls Club of spiritually. Our congregation is involved in the community. Omaha Board, and is a member of the FBI Community diverse, engaged and generous,” Sandy has served on the Board Outreach Program.

Sandy said. They feel fortunate that of the Jewish Federation of Amy was on the Omaha Ballet Board and served as Beth El has lay leadership that proOmaha, including its President of its Guild. She was president of the Nebraska vides outstanding stewardship. He Executive Committee as Vice School Public Relations Association, and for many years added, “However, and most imporPresident. He has had numer- served on the Millard Public Schools Foundation Board. tant, what everyone needs to know ous roles in the JFO Annual Voices of Beth El, a storytelling series from Beth El is that we have a fabulous profesCampaign including chairing Synagogue, serves to connect the broader Jewish communisional team and a wonderful adminthe men’s Pacesetter Division. ty with its congregants. The Friedmans’ story, along with all istrative staff. They make everything He served on the ADL/CRC those previously published, illustrates Beth El’s commitment that takes place possible.” board and eventually was the to support Jewish Omaha and drive the community converSandy and Amy Friedman Sandy was born in Omaha and is President. In addition, he sation for synagogue life and involvement. a graduate of Dundee Grade School, Central High School served on Beth El’s Board and as its President.

Sandy and Amy participated because they’ve always felt and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His family attendCurrently, Sandy is the Treasurer of the Jewish Press. that Omaha is a great place to live and raise their family. ed Beth El, and he is a graduate of Beth El Talmud Torah.

When Amy worked as the Communications Director of They mentioned the excellent school systems, outstanding Amy also grew up in Omaha but attended Temple Israel. Millard Public Schools, she assisted the Superintendent in medical care and the citizens’ philanthropic mentality.

She is the daughter of Frederick and Molline Cassman, life- the creation of a very active Clergy Advisory committee “Most of all, Sandy says, “The city is easy to live in. What long members of Temple Israel. She graduated from Westside whose representatives came from all houses of worship in the makes Omaha so great are the people.”

High School and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and obtained her masters degree from Boston University.

“It’s been so long since I joined Beth El; I’m not sure of the exact date, but I would guess it was when I was around 25 years old, so 45 years ago. Amy and I have been members

by SCOTT LITTKY and Spiritual Leader of Makom LA, a new, dynamic, postsince we were married in 1977,” Sandy recalled.

Program Director, Temple Israel denominational Jewish Community in Los Angeles.

“My motivation to join was easy. I am the third generation His critically acclaimed off-Broadway musical Wasting From Friday, April 15, until Sunday, April 17, Temple of Friedmans to belong to Beth El.” Sandy’s grandfather was Time with Harry Davidowitz: The Israel will host their next schola founding member. “That makes our kids the fourth generMusical Journey of a Jewish Soul, along ar-in-residence, Danny Maseng. ation of Friedmans to be members of the Synagogue.” with his innovative ‘Soul on Fire’ and Born in Israel to American parThey say the fondest memory they have is of their chilLet There Be Light productions, are just ents, Danny first came to the dren’s B’nai Mitzvahs. “There is something about the process three exciting projects that have earned United States to star on of your child transitioning to a young adult that is forever Danny accolades.

Broadway in Only Fools Are Sad. memorable. The training and their reading of the Torah porMaseng is also one of the most popular A playwright, actor, singer and tion helped both of our kids to grow and gain a tremendous and respected composers of contempocomposer, Danny has served as amount of self confidence.” rary liturgical and synagogue music. He Evaluator of New American The Friedmans say there are so many events that take has been the invited guest of the Plays/Opera-Musical Theater for place at Beth El that it’s hard to identify them all. But for American Conference of Cantors and the National Endowment for the them, one of the standouts is the blowing of the Shofar to the Cantor’s Assembly, as well as the Arts, as the Director of the Danny Maseng’s Jerusalem Concert end Yom Kippur. “This is very special at Beth El. It incorpoJerusalem Symphony Orchestra. His Spielberg Fellowships for the rates all congregants, but most importantly the young kids FJC, as Spiritual Leader of URJ congregation Agudas compositions are sung worldwide, with a recent Disney get involved to make it a very exciting and emotional event.”

Achim in NY and as Cantor of Temple Israel of Hollywood Hall appearance by the renowned Pink Martini, who The march from 49th Street and Farnam to the in California. Danny is most excited to now be the Chazzan Continued on page 10 Synagogue’s new building on 144th Street, Sandy recalls,

Scholar-In-Residence, Danny Maseng at Temple Israel

Upcoming Events at

Your computer: is it a blessing or a curse?

Need help with your Computer, iPad, or iPhone?

----We offer private lessons at your home.

• Learn all about email and sending • attachments.

• Learn how to run APPs on your • computer, iPad or iPhone • Learn how to use the INTERNET • safely

All events held at the Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands, 2910 S. 84th St.

Type 2 Diabetes 101

David M. Cohen, Ph.D.

Call DR. DAVE at 402-637-3935 to schedule a lesson with the Home Technology Tutor

March 21 & 23 | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Call for Pricing and Registration

Prediabetes Class

Wednesday Evenings beginning April 6 | 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Call for Pricing and Registration

HIRO 88

Insulin Pump Night

April 7 | 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | FREE, Call to Register

Comprehensive Diabetes Education

April 11-14 | 5 p.m. - 8/9 p.m. | Call for Pricing & Registration

Type 1 Diabetes Support Group

Saturday, April 16 | 10 a.m. | FREE, Call to Register Go to Diabetes-education.com for more information or call (402) 399-0777 ext. 230

WEST OMAHA

OLD MARKET

3655 N 129th St.

1308 Jackson St.

402.933.0091

402.933.5168

MILLARD

LINCOLN

17664 Welch Pl.

601 R St. #100

402.933.5168

402.261.9388

www.Hiro88.com S U S H I | J A PA N E S E | C H I N E S E

March 11, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 9

Omaha Jewish Community Mission to Israel

by LOURI SULLIVAN Director of Community Impact and Special Projects, Jewish Federation of Omaha We are thrilled to announce that the Jewish Federation of Omaha is among the newest JWRP partners and will be sponsoring an Omaha Jewish Community Mission to Israel for women with children 17 and under July 10 - 19, 2016.

What is JWRP? The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (www.jwrp.org) was established in 2008 by eight diverse women in the Washington D.C. area who saw a deep need to create an inspiring trip to Israel that will empower women to change the world through Jewish values that transform the women, their families and communities.

What’s unique about Jewish Federation of Omaha’s partnership is that we have the opportunity to bring nine women committed to the work of JFO to experience Israel with a focus on learning, leading and community. Through the JWRP Israel curricu-

lum, we will learn Jewish values that elevate our leadership, and through our trip experiences, we will connect this learning to the programs and projects in Israel that our dollars support.

Requirements to participate: be Jewish or identify yourself as Jewish. This includes converts and special cases where the woman is married to a Jew and raising the kids as Jews, be physically and emotionally healthy, be willing to participate in pre and post programming with the Jewish Federation of Omaha and have an interest in becoming more actively involved in the Jewish community.

Come to an information meeting to learn more about this opportunity on either Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m. in the Kripke Library or Tuesday, March 15, at 9 a.m. at the CDC. If you are unable to attend either of these meetings, or to RSVP, please send an email to lsullivan@jewishomaha.org or call 402.334.6485.

PACE: A compelling cause

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP In the spring of 2005, Antonio (Tony) Espejo attended a gang symposium in Florida. One of the speakers was Robert Muzikowski, a successful businessman who began an inner-city baseball league in one of the toughest neighborhoods of Chicago.

Muzikowski’s theory was that if you can get kids to play together at age 11, it is hard for them to shoot each other at age 16.

After returning to Omaha, Tony realized that for every gang member he arrested, there would be two to three more kids to take their place. Various gangs existed in South Omaha and gang violence was high. Something had to be done at the source of the problem. He then approached his supervisor, Sgt. Richard Gonzalez, and proposed the idea of a free soccer league.

“Through the new Foundation,” the website states, “Police Athletics for Community Engagement (PACE), we hope to take the athletic program city-wide. This endeavor will provide athletics to kids in each section of Omaha that normally would not participate in organized sports. We hope to build partnerships with organizations throughout the city and help provide affordable athletics. We also want to emphasize the importance of education in athletics, as well as our anti-gang message. Our goal is to build stronger relationships between neighborhoods and the officers who patrol those communities and most importantly help make Omaha a better place to be -- one kid at a time.”

One volunteer who is passionate about PACE is Kip Gordman, who chairs its Board of Directors: “About four or five years ago, Ray Somberg invited me to lunch,” he said, “and that is when I became involved.” Somberg is the liaison to the First Responders Foundation, and on the PACE Board of Directors.

“It is very exciting to do something locally with high impact,” Gordman says. “You watch all these police officers, who volunteer with the kids during their spare time, and it is very compelling. The soccer games are like the United Nations: you see kids from Mexico, Central America, and Sudan; we have nine Karen soccer teams! There are 1,400 kids involved in soccer, and there are about 200 kids involved in baseball games,

and it’s growing! This will be a city wide program in just a year or so. This summer we will play baseball games in North Omaha and we transport kids in from North Omaha. 2017 will the year where we really expand. This is a model program that we want to replicate in other cities. We already have cities like Kansas City, MO and Austin, TX making inquiries.”

Tony Schrager in turn became involved with PACE in 2013, when Gordman explained the program to him.

“I was introduced to Tony Espejo, Rich

credit: www.pace.org and Greg Gonzalez of the Omaha Police Department,” Schrager said, “and their passion for the program was really what convinced me to get involved.

“For me, this cause is so exciting because it is transformational on many levels. I think we could see higher high school graduation rates, higher college matriculation, lower crime rates, etc. Further, the integration of the OPD into this community not merely as enforcers of the law, but as friends and coaches who truly care about the citizens in their community, could transform any negative notions that may exist.

“I think looking only for causes that address concerns of people like oneself (Jews, Catholics, etc.), ignores the fact that we are really one community. While there is certainly a place for more focused efforts, I find it fulfilling to involve myself in causes that ignore those boundaries. PACE, for example, might be a South Omaha focused organization, but really touches kids from all different Omaha neighborhoods.”

Kip Gordman says there is no doubt the program is working: “Gang recruitment is down in South Omaha, as is violent crime. PACE is not solely responsible for that, but it is a part of a larger effort to make the city better.

Hopefully, we will someday see this program implemented citywide and beyond.”

Class of 2016 High School Seniors

High School Seniors and Parents

We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 20, 2016.

To be included, we need your graduation photo and the information below. You can also email the items to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

High School Senior Information

Name _________________________________________________________________________ _ Parent(s)’ Name(s) _________________________________________________________________________ _ Current High School _________________________________________________________________________ _ College you plan to attend _________________________________________________________________________ Send by April 27 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. | Omaha, NE 68154

10 | The Jewish Press | March 11, 2016

There is a God Revenue Cycle Manager Wanted Full-time employment opportunity at Brown County Hospital. Candidate !"#$%&$'()*+,&-#$,-$)!($+)(&$./0!&"$)1$2-#&3(,#45$67+&00&-+&5$8) '/"",)-$/-9$:-,#4;$<=&$ >&.&-!&$84+0&$?/-/3&($,"$(&"')-",%0&$1)($&-=/-+,-3$/-9$ /,-#/,-,-3$/$'()'&(04$1!-+#,)-,-3$ (&.&-!&$+4+0&$'()+&""$#=()!3=$/$+()""@9&'/(# &-#$)(3/-,A/#,)-/0$"#(!+#!(&;$8(&/#&"$./0!&$ ,-$)'&(/#,)-"$%4$,-+)(')(/#,-3$+=/-3&$ /-/3& &-#$/-9$"&&B,-3$)!#$-&C$C/4"$#)$9&/0$C,#=$ ,""!&"$/-9$)'')(#!-,#,&"$#=/#$C,00$%&-&*#$#=&$)(3/-,A/#,)-; $ D/+=&0)(E"$F&3(&&$,-$D!",-&""5$G,-/-+&$)($H++)!-#,-3$,"$(&I!,(&9J$+)-",9&(/#,)-$C,00$%&$ 3,.&-$#)$)#=&($9&3(&&"$C,#=$'().&-$+) '&#&-+,&";$H$+) '(&=&-",.&$%&-&*#"$'/+B/3&$,"$ /./,0/%0&; Contact Lisa Fischer or Lisa Wood for more information at 402-387-2800. !"#$%&'(&)*+#),+-.$)"/0-1 2)&34 #5)'(&)*+#),+-.$)"/0-1 2)&3

Brown County Hospital !"#$%&'()*+,)(+''%-%./01234567%89%-%222:;4320#3<05=631>/5?@:34A

Looking for work in

NEHires.com Your online source for Nebraska jobs, owned and operated

by Nebraska’s newspapers.

Nebraska?

Visit www.NEHires.com for more job postings. Search by region of the state, job category, keyword.

You can also link to individual newspapers’ online job postings from NEHires.com.

See what Nebraska employers have to offer!

Advertising Really Makes Cents!

Save Time & Money!

Place your 2x2 display ad in over 160 Nebraska newspapers and get your message to over 760,000 readers.

Statewide coverage for $5.95*/publication.

Regional ads also available in central, southeast, northeast or western Nebraska. Additional sizes available. *Statewide cost is just $975.

Contact this newspaper for more information or call 1-800-369-2850.

Nebraska 2x2 Display Ad Network www.nebpress.com

YOU CAN HAVE THE BEST LAWN IN TOWN Your local certified local K-Lawn dealer is fully trained to give you the best ease lawn in town. Our proprietary lawn chemicals and slow release od. fertilizers will make your lawn the envy of any neighborhood.

If you don’t have a K-Lawn dealer in your area, and feel you have what it takes, we’re looking to add a few quality dealers to our network. Call us today at 800-445-9116, or visit us online today at www.k-lawn.com to learn the full story.

Kugler Company PO Box 1748 McCook, Nebraska 69001 www.k-lawn.com

by BARRY ZOOB Editor’s note: Barry Zoob is the Chairman Emeritus of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Nebraska Chapter. Eight years ago, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 1975, I decided that I wanted to make a difference for children with health issues. I joined the United Cerebral Palsy Board. Back then, fundraising was done primarily through direct mail and through national telethons. So I manned a phone bank during my initial telethon.

The first year it was fun as a lot of my friends called; after the second year, I found the effort less meaningful and decided to seek another option. My CFO was on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Board and suggested I meet with them. What I learned is they raised their funds through event fundraising, which was revolutionary at that time. I also learned this disease was a “death sentence” for kids with CF as the average life expectancy was 12 years old.

They immediately had my heart and my attention. In 1977 I joined the Nebraska Chapter of The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Board of Directors and was able to immediately make a difference.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetically-inherited disease, which affects approximately 30,000 people in the US and 65,000 people worldwide. There is no cure. In 1981, our son was born and after a few months he had a number of the symptoms of a CF child. He was having trouble breathing as well as difficulty retaining his nutrients. We called the CF care center and had him tested and fortunately, Jonathan tested negative.

Approximately three years later, I received a call from my sister Barb who said her daughter Lindsay, at age 6 months, has similar symptoms as our son had experienced, and she was frantic as she had read up on the disease. I encouraged her to have Lindsay tested and assured her that we had no family (genetic) history of the disease. After all, Jonathan tested negative, and I was confident Lindsay did not have CF. Unfortunately, my confidence was shattered when Barb called me back and told me Lindsay did indeed have Cystic Fibrosis. The disease is caused by a defective gene which does not permit the normal flow of chloride through your cell channel. A sticky mucous builds up in the lungs and becomes a haven for bacteria. Eventually, this causes lung deterioration. CF also attacks the digestive tract and the mucous prevents nutrients from being absorbed, resulting in excessive bowel movements or bowel obstructions.

There are many other side effects, and there are over 1,500 different mutations of the disease. With such a small population affected by CF, it was impossible for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to engage Big Pharma in drug development. We were losing kids before they finished high school, and that is obviously not the order of life. It is simply unacceptable.

The CF foundation set off on a mission to take control of drug discovery, and its sole mission is to find a cure or a control for cystic fibrosis. Ninety percent of all monies raised goes directly towards research. The CF Foundation partners with biotech companies in drug development funding early phase trials and requiring the biotech company to fund final Phase III trial. If that final trial provides the desired medical benefits, they apply to the FDA for drug approval.

In 2012, Kalydeco was approved by the FDA. It is the first drug in history for any genetic disease that actually treats the basic genetic defect. Lindsay took part in this drug trial, as her mutation was benefited by this compound. Lindsay,

prior to being on Kalydeco, could not climb a staircase without gasping for air. Today she is running marathons and teaching spin classes. It is truly a miracle.

Had I not been introduced to the CF Foundation after my stint on the UCP board, Lindsay may not be alive and as vibrant today, nor would my life have been changed by this decision.

Over four decades, my work has taught me two valuable lessons. The first one is: never be defined by the challenges you face, but rather be defined by how you face those challenges. CF kids tend to make their mark in life at an earlier age than their peers because they do not know how long they will have life.

The second lesson is: there is nothing more important than the moment we are in right now, so make this moment memorable. If we do that consistently, each of life’s moments are memorable, and you will live a full and complete life.

To date, the CF Foundation has brought two drugs to market which treat the basic defect of the disease. In addition to the aforementioned Kalydeco, Orkambi was approved by the FDA on July 2, 2015. This drug impacts 50% of the CF population. No other therapeutic has been developed or brought to market that treats the basic defect of any other genetically inherited disease.

There is a strong genetic link between cystic fibrosis and Ashkenazi Jews. The CF Foundation in Nebraska raises more money per patient than is raised for any other disease in the State.

While my initial involvement was to give back, it obviously became quite personal. That being said, I have met so many CF patients and their families over the years, held a child in their final hours of life, have seen the incredible breakthroughs in medicine, and my work is now a part of who I am and my legacy. In 39 years, I have raised over $5 million for CF research. But more importantly, my work has changed who I am and how I view how precious life is.

My wife Nora and I annually present the Barry Zoob Breath of Life Award to a volunteer who has made a difference and impacted the cure or control for cystic fibrosis but who has also made a difference in our community as a whole. The award is in its 5th year. The community needs to know that with their continued financial support, we will cross the finish line and CF will then stand for “Cure Found.” I believe this will occur in less than a decade. The average life expectancy is now 42 and increasing annually.

As Jews, we are taught at a very young age the importance of giving Tzedakah. Tzedakah is an obligation of goodwill and a marker of generosity. As my wife says: “To give is to get.” You get so much more by caring and helping others.

This is certainly demonstrated by whatI have learned from my work with Cystic Fibrosis. All of our children are involved in charitable causes in their local communities, and even our grandchildren have participated in raising money or volunteering for causes which are important to them.

The world is bigger than our religion, Israel and our Jewish beliefs. I believe we are all placed on this earth to make it better for our children, our grandchildren and future generations. The more ways we can effect positive change, change we can see through philanthropy and volunteerism, the more rewarding one’s life can be. Today is the most important day in our lives. As the quote goes: Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift, That’s why it’s called the Present.

Scholar-In-Residence, Danny Maseng at Temple Israel Continued from page 8 performed Danny’s Elohai N’tzor.

He has been featured in a number of documentary films including the popular Hava Nagila, and The Other Men in Black and he was interviewed for Nancy Spielberg’s Above and Beyond.

Danny has been the Patron Artist of the Avraham Geiger School for Cantorial Arts in Berlin, Germany. Danny’s essays, writings and poems have been included in recent books by leading Jewish rabbis and scholars, including Naming God by Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman, Jewish Men Pray by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, and A Dream of Zion by Rabbi Jeff Salkin.

Danny has had a long and celebrated career with appearances on television, Broadway, and film. He most recently completed a novel called Apollonia and an Oratorio about poet Paul Celan. He has been a faculty member for major organizations including The Wexner Heritage Foundation,

Elat Chayyim and Limmud, JCM and is deeply involved in interfaith dialogue. A much sought after Scholar/Artist-inResidence, Danny travels the world, inspiring, teaching, and rekindling the love of Judaism through Torah, Kabbalah, Jewish Culture and the Arts.

Danny’s visit to Omaha is made possible by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. During his visit to Temple Israel, Danny will participate in Friday Shabbat services at 6 p.m. on April 15. On Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. Danny Maseng will present a concert at Temple Israel that is open to the public and free of charge. A dessert reception will follow the concert. Finally on Sunday morning, April 17, Danny will teach an adult education class titled, Israel Through Poetry and Music at 10 a.m. and will also be open to all who would like to attend.

For more information on Danny Maseng’s visit to Temple Israel, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

March 11, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 11

Dan Gilbert and the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance Purim at Tifereth

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor No sooner did we start planning this non-profit issue of the Jewish Press, when Dan was a guest speaker at the Center for Jewish Life’s Klutznick Learning Series. While there, he spoke about his work with the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, an organization which strives to make homes safer for Omaha children and families. He is just one of many members of our community who works not only towards improving the Jewish community, but looks beyond that, seeing a need to make Omaha a better city.

Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance is a children’s environmental health organization focusing on healthy housing. Its mission is to improve children’s health through Healthy Homes. The organization assesses homes, works to mitigate hazards and educate families. In 2015, OHKA directly impacted 374 kids; 2480 staff hours were dedicated to helping kids become safer and healthier. Learn more about this local non-profit by visiting http://www.omahahealthykids.org/.

Dan Gilbert is a Temple Israel board member and married to Sarah. They are the parents of Micah and Noemi. Prior to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at OHKA, Dan worked with educators and students around the world to design, execute and evaluate innovative learning activities.

At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Dan launched and supported innovative and strategic collaborations among students, faculty and staff. Dan has taught multiple courses at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education and has facilitated strategic planning sessions and led workshops on creativity, innovation, and design thinking for non-profit and learning organizations of all sizes. He holds a Master’s Degree in Learning, Design and

Technology from Stanford University.

When people say Jews should help other Jews first, what is your response to that?

I understand where that impulse comes from historically, but I believe that in 2016 and beyond we are all better served by acknowledging how connected we all are to the world and then acting on making it better. Improving people’s lives no matter who they are has ripple effects that come back to impact Jews in all kinds of ways. Our tradition is about doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do not because of any particular person we might be helping.

How does the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance help you become a better person and a better Jew? My work makes me feel better about many parts of my identity, not just professional or religious. Our organization works with people who are living a very different experience from mine in some ways and very similar in other ways. I am inspired when I can see the connections between all of our lives, and those connections come through in both Jewish and professional contexts.

Speaking of better Jews vs. better persons: why do we often treat the two categories as separate? Shouldn’t they be one and the same?

So many of us, including me, separate our identity into distinct pieces. We make a list like father, brother, husband, professional, sports fan, school affiliation and so on. The way we live now, moving so fast in so many directions, we spend a certain amount of hours every week nurturing specific parts of our identities and not enough time looking for the connections that bind these parts together. For me, I see Judaism as a powerful connector that can make the transitions between these pieces of my identity meaningful.

Passover A Greetings B

Visit us on facebook: ps://www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress

$52

This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Passover issue. Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren. Just fill out the form below and send or bring it to the Jewish Press office. But hurry; these ads will only be accepted through March 15, 2016.

Passover Greetings Ads

Name ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip ________________ Check the size of ad you would like: O A O B O C

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

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________ Please send a check for the amount listed along side the different sized ads with this form to the Jewish Press office in the JCC or mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154

by NANCY COREN Tifereth Israel’s Purim Extravaganza will be held at the Coren home on Wednesday evening, March 23. The gathering will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a light dinner and will be followed by a full reading of the Megillah while young children in attendance enjoy a magic show by Howard Feldman. After the completion of the Megillah reading, the entire group will have a delightful encounter with a persona created by Charley Friedman, a performance artist. This get-together is open to all ages.

Costumes and frivolity are encouraged.

It’s Adar! Hamentashen baking at Temple Israel

Temple Israel members preparing Hamentashen for Purim.

Passover Greetings from Your names go here

Passover

$65

G R E E T I N G S

Passover C $81

from

Your names go here

GREETINGS from Your names go here

12 | The Jewish Press | March 11, 2016

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Not for profit

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT backyard. When we look at the nation as a whole, beyond ment, from helping youth in our city with after-school proJewish Press Editor our Jewish communities, the number of organizations that grams and the betterment of education, to improving the A few weeks ago, we asked our daughter Isabella if she work tirelessly to make this world better and more accessi- effectiveness of the non-profit world itself, mountains are wanted to join us for Karen Sokolof Javitch’s play, Love at the ble to everyone is dizzying. being moved.

Café, which was performed at the Jewish Community And the people who dedicate themselves every day to It’s good to take a moment, sit back, and think about how Center’s theater. Her answer: “Yes, of course. I want to sup- non-profit work should be admired for what they do. many people work this hard for a better tomorrow. Think port Karen. She’s basically funded my childhood.” about what you yourself contribute, and how every little It’s not the answer we were expecting from a teenager bit helps -- and that no matter how tough life gets, or how who guards her free time like it’s going out of style. An horrible the evening news sometimes makes us feel, the interesting comment, and not only because we as her parhuman race continues to show this relentless optimism. ents do not consider that childhood exactly over (slow Those who dedicate their lives to causes bigger than themdown, kid!), but also because it shows an awareness we selves will more often than not point to their elders when didn’t anticipate. asked who influenced them.

She is at least partially correct: since 2010, Isabella has “If,” Toba Cohen Dunning wrote to me the other day, taken full advantage of the JCC’s Musical Theater pro“you don’t teach your children at the youngest possible gram, acting, singing and dancing in every single play ages why it’s important to give (of your time, of your from Willy Wonka to the current Joseph and the Amazing resources) then the concept dies. The only way they will Technicolor Dream Coat. The fact that she knows funding become invested as they grow up, is if they have lived it.” for it comes in large part from the Sokolof Javitch Music She is right. If we want our children to grow into adults Fund is not surprising; she interprets that to mean she who care about the world around them, we must embrace has a responsibility to a) be grateful and b) to give back, the responsibility to teach them. So let’s do that, and let’s even if it is only with precious time, and that is a bit of a do it together, as a community. When we do, we’ll find surprise. that we receive as much as we give.

Of course, there are many other funds and scholarships I want to thank those featured in this issue for what they that affect our children’s lives. Without donors, without do, and for sharing their story. If you yourself, Press readCaryn Scheer, left, Stephanie Olsen, Scott Goodman and Jeff the Jewish Federation of Omaha, they wouldn’t have gone er, have a story to share, or you can think of someone else Dworkin in Love at the Cafe to Friedel Jewish Academy, attended countless summer who should be featured, please email me at avandekamp@ camps, gone on trips or participated in numerous classes.

For this non-profit issue of the Jewish Press, we decided to jewishomaha.org.

Trying to imagine what our children’s lives would look like highlight just a few community members who give their And don’t forget to read that front-page article about the were there not such a thing as non-profit involvement is time, energy and dollars to improving life for others. It’s the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Kids Campaign, and then join impossible. I am guessing we are not the only parents who tip of the iceberg, a very small sample of what happens in the us on March 20 when we celebrate the act of giving, togethfeel that way. city of Omaha every single day. From fundraising to create er with the younger members of our community. It’s going The concept stretches much further than our immediate cures for life-threatening diseases to supporting law enforce- to be a great party!

Finding a cure for Diabetes

by PAM MONSKY Working for a non-profit organization is hard. It’s also amazing. I have spent the past 28 years at a number of wonderful organizations and have learned a lot about myself, the community and the people who live here.

Most of the time, the work is energizing and fulfilling. But sometimes it’s not. Let’s address the frustrations first, because the good times outweigh the bad.

Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re really making a difference. You have to have faith that the day to day work is really having an impact. You are more likely than not asked to do more with less. Resources and staff are often hard to come by, so be prepared to think creatively. Burnout in the industry is relatively high. Most people who enter the nonprofit workforce do so with great purpose which places a heavy burden on their shoulders. In that same vein, the stakes are higher than that of a corporate job. Losing a few percentage points off a stock price doesn’t compare to losing a young person to drugs or disease. The pressure to raise funds is relentless and stressful. But without fundraising, your work cannot move forward.

My favorite things about the non-profit work are the people I get to work with. Contrary to popular belief, non-profits attract the most dedicated and creative people I have ever encountered. You’re working with people who have chosen to work toward a higher ideal.

You have to rely on all your skills every day. Fewer resources means multi-tasking, doing everything from licking envelopes one minute to schmoozing board members at the country club the next. It’s ever changing and never boring work. You also have to be nimble and able to respond to changes and opportunities in the community marketplace. It’s an incredible feeling to wake up in

(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Andrew Boehm, Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, Alex Grossman, David Kotok, Debbie Kricsfeld, Abby Kutler, Pam Monsky, Paul Rabinovitz, Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob.

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 sto-

the morning and know that you are a part of a larger purpose, and I can’t imagine a better way to spend a career.

My passion for non-profit work comes largely from the experiences I had as the Federation Communications Director several years ago. I learned the value of “knee cap to knee cap” fundraising. The experience of sitting face to

Rachel, left, Pam and Sam Monsky face with someone and talking about their goals and passions is something I’ve carried with me to this day. And being personally invested in a cause makes the work even more compelling. ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma ha.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@jew ishomaha.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@jew ishomaha.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.

My current position is Development and Stewardship Manager of the American Diabetes Association. My husband Henry was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 25, just months after we were married. I’m not sure why or how, but I knew the signs of diabetes (probably from TV and radio ads as this was in the early 1980s) and seemingly overnight, he was exhibiting every one of them! We went to the doctor who immediately sent us to the hospital. We couldn’t even go home from the office. It was frightening to be sure. I was still working on my degree, and I remember coming to the hospital after classes. I hadn’t eaten all day and was starving. Henry had a sandwich on his bed tray, so I ate half of that. He had his first insulin reaction that evening because I took part of his food. Oy, the guilt!

That was almost 35 years ago. 35 years of shots, blood testing, schedules, side effects, doctor appointments, med changes, high blood sugar and low blood sugar. Still, thanks to the research being conducted with American Diabetes Association funding, Henry is alive and well. That isn’t to say it’s been easy. It hasn’t. Diabetes affects the entire family emotionally, physically and financially. There have been times when my kids were very young and had to call 911 when they noticed their dad having a severe insulin reaction.

The fact that there is no cure for diabetes 75 years after the founding of the American Diabetes Association is discouraging. But as with other diseases, improvements in the lives of diabetics are considerable. And that gives me hope and keeps me motivated to fulfill our mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

To find out more about the American Diabetes Association, visit www.diabetes.org.

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, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. 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 Kamp-Wright, 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.

March 11, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 13

At Hillel, fostering a culture of disabilities inclusion

by ERIC D. FINGERHUT ORLANDO, Fla. (JTA) -- Standing before the burning bush, Moses asks of God, “Mi anochi?” Who am I to be the one who goes to Pharaoh? Though there are many reasons why Moses may have asked the question, a tip-off to what is really on Moses’ mind comes just a few verses later when Moses reminds God that he is “slow of speech and tongue.”

In most commentaries, this is interpreted to mean that Moses has a severe speech impediment. God’s response to Moses’ disability is powerful. God wants him for his leadership qualities notwithstanding his disability, and Moses draws strength from having his brother, Aaron, stand beside him and support him.

Noah Weiss is a 2015 graduate from a doctoral program at my alma mater, Northwestern University. Noah writes in the new issue of Hillel College Guide magazine that his Asperger’s syndrome had often stood in the way of building strong connections with his peers, but the community he found at Hillel helped change that.

“Hillel events helped me to break out of my Aspie shell,” he writes. “I could feel a sense of community that didn’t discriminate against others because of their background or human conditions.”

That’s why Hillel International is launching a multi-year campaign, through a generous partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, to build cultures of inclusion on college campuses. We can all be Aarons who make it possible for students with disabilities, including mental illness, to find their voice. We can work together with all students to break down barriers to participation in the Jewish community and on the broader campus. And we can be among the ones that students turn to as a resource when they are grappling with mental illness, depression, anxiety and trauma.

We can create welcoming spaces, and we can make it clear that they, too, are Jewish leaders.

With Hillel staff from around the world gathering this week in Orlando for the second annual Hillel International

Global Assembly, inclusion of students with disabilities and mental illnesses will be top among our major focuses.

Research shows that the college years are the time when many mental illnesses first manifest, the result of both biological and environmental changes and stresses. Campuses across the country are reporting even higher rates of student

Janu Mandel, left, Robyn Fisher and Karem Sandgarten, all of the Hillel Miami, at the Hillel International Global Assembly in Orlando, FL., Dec. 15, 2015. Credit: Hillel International mental illness, according to the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA. Facing up to this reality, many colleges and universities are working to expand services on campus, and for that we applaud them. Yet students still face far too many barriers to services: lack of availability, high expense and social stigma.

Rabbis and Hillel staff from campus to campus tell us the same stories: Students who don’t know where else to turn often look to Hillel clergy and staff for support. Like clergy of all kinds, Hillel staff play the role of confidante and pastoral adviser. They are often the first to learn about depres-

sion, sexual assault and mental illness. They can play a profound role in making Hillel a place where every student can feel fully at home.

This year we are undertaking a series of trainings -- beginning this week in Orlando -- to equip Hillel staff with the skills to recognize and lower barriers to inclusion and be a partner for students struggling with mental illness. In addition to skills training, the Hillel International Global Assembly will feature a session on inclusion of students with disabilities and mental health awareness, featuring several recent graduates sharing their stories about mental illness on campus. These stories include themes of depression, anxiety, suicide and eating disorders. This session will also include a presentation from Shira Ruderman of the Ruderman Family Foundation about the importance of striving for disabilities inclusion in the Jewish community.

Additionally, we are hiring a cohort of Ruderman Engagement Interns, students on campus trained to identify ways that students with disabilities are excluded from Hillel programming and work to build more inclusive communities. Even among communities committed to inclusion, students with disabilities and mental illness are too often silenced and their stories ignored by the broader community. Hillel will work with our students and staff to use our capacity for storytelling, our publications and our online presence, to ensure that we lift up the experiences and contributions of students with disabilities and mental illness.

Moses was certainly not alone among our forebearers having a disability that could make it difficult for him to connect with and lead the Jewish community. Today there are still plenty of people like Moses, plenty of young Jews with disabilities waiting to take leadership. We all must be Aarons and commit ourselves to helping them do just that.

Eric D. Fingerhut is the president and CEO of Hillel International: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life.

Why ‘good for the Jews’ is bad for the Jews

by MIK MOORE Jews, as a community, are similarly vulnerable. Jews are the are white. And, to date, the biggest beneficiaries of affirma(JTA) -- Ever wonder if Bernie Sanders is good for the wealthiest religious group in the United States, and with the tive action are women, including Jewish women -- whose Jews? How about Andy Warhol? The pope? 9/11? The exception of Hindus, the most educated. Two of President exclusion from Jewish leadership gave lie to the notion that Diaspora? Alexander the Great? Drake? The year 5775?

Barack Obama’s four chiefs of staff have been Jews with deep a singular entity known as “the Jews” exists in the first place.

These questions and many more have all been asked and ties to the community.

Even on its own terms, affirmative action was both good and answered. Apparently a lot of people still see this as a useful Given our unprecedented standing and influence, denying bad for Jews. metric. our collective privilege can lead to complicity in oppression.

Jewish leaders believed our responsibility was to put the “Is it good for the Jews?” is as much a punchline interests of Jews first. There was no evidence that as a question. And yet, whether the question is affirmative action, even pro-”minority” quotas, asked explicitly or not, there remains a corner of would impede Jewish progress. In short, the benefiour community that brings a “good for the Jews” ciaries needed affirmative action more than relamentality to every concern. tively few Jews might be (marginally) hurt by it.

A recent JTA Op-Ed was titled Why campus antiNeeded it and deserved it. racism protests are bad for the Jews. The headline is Finally, Jewish leaders saw a slippery slope. They problematic because it assumes that Jews want to feared that quotas to help “minorities” would do what is good for the Jews. And once these Jews inevitably lead to quotas against Jews. They understand #BlackLivesMatter is bad for the Jews believed the Jewish position in American society - because, the Op-Ed argues, some of its activists was precarious; too precarious to take any chances. support Palestinian claims against Israel or there’s That was and remains a miscalculation. There are been pressure on campus administrators to silence communities living in a precarious position. Some similar Jewish demands -- well, they will oppose of these communities most need affirmative action. #BlackLivesMatter.

Jews have a fundamental interest in a more equiThis is an excellent example of the dangers of table society. This is true for practical reasons: “good for the Jews.” First, it suggests that Jews have inequitable societies are less stable, and instability uniform interests. Second, it prioritizes how someleads to scapegoating. And too often we are the thing impacts Jews over how it affects others. Third, goats. It is also true for moral reasons: Our tradiMany people and issues have been the subject of the question “Is it good for the it reinforces a communal identity built around isotion has all kinds of mechanisms for ensuring Jews?” Clockwise, from top left: Pope Francis Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty lation, vulnerability and fear; genocide hovers, greater equality as a reflection of our values. These Images; Black Lives Matter activists at a Bernie Sanders rally in Seattle Credit: always. include Kuppah, a communal fund to support the Elaine Thompson/AP Images; Drake Credit: Drakeofficial. com, and Israeli Prime Good and bad are binary. Communal interests, poor, and shmitta, a Sabbath year where we forgive Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90. however, lie on a continuum. Jews are diverse. We debts and provide extra resources to the poor, to are liberal and conservative; rich and poor; radical and reac- This is painfully true when we do so in disputes with com- help balance the scales. tionary. We are of all races, ethnicities and sexual orienta- munities that might understandably be guided by a sense of Today, most major Jewish organizations support diversitytions. Suggesting that our interests are singular is disingen- their own precariousness. based affirmative action, but there are many examples of uous. Telling Jews (and non-Jews) that you are either for or The “good for the Jews” mentality is particularly troubling communal confusion inspired by efforts to divine our colagainst us is manipulative. It is also at the root of fascistic when applied to issues with a racial component. Take affir- lective interest. Some Jews support fracking and the tendencies. mative action, which is back in the news. In the 1970s, every Keystone XL pipeline because it hurts oil-producing eneIn life, sometimes we put our needs first; sometimes we major Jewish civil rights group opposed affirmative action mies of Israel, even while it damages local communities and put first the needs of others. Viewing life through a “good for in the landmark case Bakke v. University of California, undermines more comprehensive efforts to combat climate the Jews” prism encourages us to place our multivalent which banned the use of racial quotas to increase university change. Some in the Jewish community soft-pedal the selves at the center of every conversation. Only our needs enrollment of students of color. Tipping the college admis- Armenian genocide to curry favor with Turkey, when that matter. But it’s often true that what’s “good for the Jews” sion scales in support of “minority” students, male Jewish relationship is “good for the Jews.” doesn’t necessarily help Jews all that much -- and can be leaders declared, was bad for the Jews. As Rabbi Robert So what’s the bottom line? When we focus on what is “good downright harmful to those who need a hand most. As the Marx noted at the time, this assertion was based on misin- for the Jews,” we often get it wrong. For us and for others. expression goes, sometimes it’s not about you. formation and miscalculations. And it broke the heart of It is past time that we retire this mentality. It limits a comIn the immediate shadow of the Holocaust or pogroms, Justice Thurgood Marshall, who had worked so closely with munity that does amazing things when it looks past its own Jews were understandably guided by a sense of their own Jewish groups to end legal segregation. nose. And that would be good for... everyone. precariousness. That’s what should happen when governThese same Jewish leaders assumed affirmative action Mik Moore is the principal at Moore + Associates, a bouments are committed to your annihilation. But 60 years later, helped blacks at the expense of whites; after all, Jews had tique creative agency based in New York with expertise in particularly in the United States, it is wrong to pretend that benefited from “merit-based” admissions. Yet not all Jews comedy and cultural change strategy.

14 | The Jewish Press | March 11, 2016

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

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.

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 Linda Glaser.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Pekude.

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

TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Red Fox, 1339 West “O” Street. Questions? Contact Deborah Swearingen.

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

THURSDAY: Torah on Tap, 8 p.m. Location: TBD ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Intro to Judaism, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Lewis.

A TOTALLY ‘80’S PURIM SPIEL! on Sunday, March 20.

Carnival at 1 p.m. and Purim Spiel at 3 p.m. at the Temple.

Lincoln Jewish Community School CAMP ISRAEL, July 11–July 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade are eligible to attend Camp Israel. Those in 8th grade and up can participate as Counselors in Training. Contact Andrea Halpern or Tracy Gordon if you are interested!

Will you help the Temple get our gardens ready for spring and keep them beautiful this summer? Beginning in March, SST members will meet regularly on Sunday mornings to get the gardens ready for spring. We hope you will join us, as we do not have many volunteers. We also need some members to donate mulch or flowers. Contact Ellin Siegel at ellin7@ aol.com and let her know how you would like to help!

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.

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: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services/Cup of Coffee with God, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Shabbat’s Cool (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m. followed by lunch; BESTT Shul-In, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: No BESTT Classes; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Learn to Read Hebrew with the Hazzan, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY: Lunch and Learn with Eliad Eliyahu, “The Real Reality -- Israel’s Diversity, noon.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY General Board Meeting, 5 p.m.; Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m.

Shabbat Dinner honoring Rabbi Azriel, Friday, March 18, 7 p.m.

Morning Service/Men’s Club Shabbat, Saturday, March 19, 9:30 a.m.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish 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, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:10 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Monthly Simcha Kiddush, noon; Insights in the Weekly Torah Portion, 5:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv and Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:55 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:10 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash: Understanding Our Prayers, 10 a.m.; Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m.; Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.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.

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.

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.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.

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 Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown; Shabbat Evening Services with Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Uri Regev, 6 p.m. In religion unlike in politics, united we fall divided we stand!.

SATURDAY: Torah Study with Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Uri Regev, 9 a.m. Parsha Pekudei; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush Lunch Talk After Services with Scholarin-Residence Rabbi Uri Regev, noon. Advancing religious pluralism in Israel - how important is it really, and why aren't we serious about it?

SUNDAY: No Religious School.

TUESDAY: Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: No Grades 3-6; No Grades 7-12; No Family School.

THURSDAY: No Adult Study Class.

TIFERETH ISRAEL 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: Services, 6:30 p.m.

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

Candlelighting Friday, March 11, 6:10 p.m.

Israel.

TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Red Fox Steakhouse and Lounge, 1339 West “O” Street. Please contact Deborah Swearingen with any questions.

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

LJCS Summer Camp Israel 2016 is coming! Save the dates: Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 22 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Any questions, please email Andrea at Ahalpern1386@ gmail.com.

Purim Extravaganza, Wednesday Evening, March 23 at the Coren Home. Join us for a light dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by a reading of the Megillah for adults and pre-teens/teens and entertainment for the younger children (starting at approx. 6:30 p.m.) The evening will end with a special guest entertainer joining us all from 7:30-7:50 p.m.

Let us know you’ll join us by calling the office 402.423.8569 or e-mailing Nancy at corenancy@gmail.com by Wednesday, March 16 so we can plan on the amount of food needed.

A Special Pre-Shabbat Gathering will be held Friday, March 25, at the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery, 1650 N. 35th St. Jim Berk will speak about his mother, Ilona Berk, and her Holocaust experience as it relates to her work as a designer and seamstress. Many of Ilona’s creations will be on display. The Gallery talk begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a dessert reception. There is free parking in the lot north of the east campus student union and handicap parking in front of the Gallery on 35th St. Following this gathering those who desire will return to shul for a shortened Kabbalat Shabbat service which will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Anyone needing a ride to this event should call the office.

Beth Israel welcomes Kansas City 5th and 6th graders for Shabbaton

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Publicity Chair, Beth Israel Synagogue The weekend of March 25-27, Beth Israel Synagogue will welcome 5th-8th grade students from Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner (BIAV) in Kansas City for a Kesher Shabbaton. The event is open to all Jewish 5th-8th graders in Omaha.

With Kansas City as one of the closest Jewish communities to Omaha, the goal of the Shabbaton is to build relationships between the youth of the two congregations.

More programming is in the works for the future.

“Anyone who participated in a Shabbaton in their preteens and teens will remember the great relationships they made,” commented Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. “No matter the number of participants, the kids have a great time and really learn what Yiddushkeit is all about.”

Rabbi Yaakov Weiss echoes those comments adding, “The kids get to know one another so quickly and they really become a cohesive group. They learn together while having fun.”

The weekend begins Friday night with dinner for participants, leaders and chaperones, and a Shabbat Gameshow followed by an Oneg. After Shabbat morning services, the group will enjoy a special lunch and afternoon learning sessions with a musical Havdalah bidding Shabbat farewell. Saturday evening will include a movie and Melava Malka, all at Beth Israel.

To register for the Shabbaton or for additional information, contact Rabbi Weiss at 402.556.6288 or rabbiweiss@ orthodoxomaha.org. Attendees will be provided home hospitality with families in the neighborhood.

Volunteers are needed as host families and also to help throughout the weekend. Please contact Rabbi Weiss if you can help.

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; 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: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’ and go to Submit Announcements.

Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m.

Pulverent e

March 11, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 15

In memoriam RUTH POLLAK Ruth Pollak passed at the age of 95 in Laguna Woods, CA, with her family surrounding her. She was buried at Mount Sinai - Hollywood Hills Cemetery.

She is predeceased by her husband, William Pollak, parents, Felix and Nellie Bachmann, and sister, Irene Seligman.

Ruth Pollak was born February 18, 1921, in Hanover, Germany.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Oliver B. and Karen (Goldstein) Pollak of Omaha, and daughter and son-in-law, Judy and William Lo of Laguna Woods Village, CA; grandchildren: Noah Pollak and Erika Yabek of Berkeley, CA, and Aaron Pollak and Marianna Shtromberg of San Francisco, Justin Lo of Los Angeles, and Chelsea Lo of Laguna Woods, CA; four great-grandchildren: Zev and Yael, and Shaina and Jaikob; and nephews and cousins.

Family was important to Ruth and William, and although they did not have middle names, they preserved the memory of deceased family members by giving their children middle names. Judy’s middle name is Agnes after her paternal grandmother who died in Theresienstadt. Oliver’s middle name Bert, is for Adelbert, the name of his paternal grandfather.

Ruth's Parents were Nellie Bachmann, nee Borgzinner and Dr. Felix Bachmann. She left Hanover, Germany, in 1939, after Kristallnacht, as a refugee.

She met William Pollak, a refugee from Vienna, Austria, who was in the Czech Brigade of the British Army, in Cambridge, England. They married in 1942 and emigrated to America in November 1952. They lived two years in McConnelsville, Ohio, where her survivor father worked in a tuberculosis sanitarium. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1954 where she worked as a medical assistant. She loved her family, California, the outdoors, travel and food.

Memorials may be made to the the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, Beth El Synagogue or a charity of your choice.

HAROLD WALTER (BUS) SLOSBURG Harold Walter (Bus) Slosburg passed away peacefully on Feb. 11 at age 95 in St. Petersburg, FL. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Marion (Gill); daughter and son-in-law, Jill Slosburg-Ackerman and James Ackerman of Cambridge, MA, and son and daughter-in-law, Jack Slosburg and Donna Gelardi-Slosburg of St. Pete Beach, FL; grandson, Jesse Ackerman of Cambridge, MA; and brother, Stanley J. (Bud) Slosburg of Omaha.

Harold was born on December 4, 1920, in Omaha. He was a resident of Omaha for 95 years. He is the son of Sally and Jake Slosburg. He was the second of three generations to attend Omaha Central High School where he was voted “wittiest in his class”. He earned a Phi Beta Kappa key for academic excellence at the University of Illinois where he met his life partner, Marion. Harold attended Harvard Business School before enlisting in the U.S. Army Signal Corps where he trained as an interpreter at Georgetown University. He became fluent in Mandarin Chinese, serving in Shanghai, China, throughout the war and retained the ability to converse in Chinese for his entire life. With his

Bloomberg won’t run

by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) -- Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he will not run for president in the 2016 race.

The billionaire media magnate, who is Jewish and had been exploring the possibility of running as an independent, announced that he will stay out of the race because he does not believe he can win and fears a three-way race could benefit Republican front-runner Donald Trump or Trump’s rival, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

Bloomberg, 74, wrote that Trump has run “the most divisive and demagogic presidential campaign I can remember, preying on people’s prejudices and fears.”

“Abraham Lincoln, the father of the Republican Party, appealed to our ‘better angels.’ Trump appeals to our worst impulses,” he said.

Bloomberg specifically cited Trump’s threat to bar Muslims from entering the United States, his promise “to deport millions of Mexicans” and his “feigning ignorance of David Duke,” the former Ku Klux Klan leader whose endorsement Trump took days to reject unequivocally.

Bloomberg also criticized Cruz, saying his “pandering on immigration may lack Trump’s rhetorical excess, but is no less extreme.”

In February, Bloomberg confirmed rumors that he was considering a presidential run and would spend up to $1 billion of his own money. He served as mayor of New York from 2002 to 2013. While elected as a Republican, he became an Independent in 2007.

father and brother, he founded the Slosburg Realty Company where he worked until his retirement. Marion and Bus traveled around the world and were among the first to visit the newly re-opened China in the 1970s. He was a lifelong reader, raconteur, gourmand and oenophile.

Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

STEPHEN MARK SKULSKY, PH.D. Stephen Mark Skulsky passed away March 5 at age 67 in Omaha at The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He died from complications of Parkinson’s disease. A memorial service was held at The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Martha Skulsky and his sister Marlene Strayer.

He is survived by his beloved committed partner, Kathy O’Connor MSW; daughter, Sasha Skulsky of East Hampton, NY; sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Marty Miller of Calabasas, CA.; as well as all of the caring staff at the Rose Blumkin Home.

He was born September 8, 1948 in New York City. Dr. Skulsky graduated High School at age 16 as an honor student and immediately began college at Pennsylvania State University. He completed his undergraduate work at Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY, and earned his PhD. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE. He completed the Post Graduate Training Program at the International Institute of Psychoanalytic Training in Washington, D.C., subsequently providing training and supervision for many in the Midwest. Dr. Skulsky also participated in various training experiences provided by the C.G. Jung Institute of New York, The New York Center for Jungian Studies, and had a special fondness for the Omaha Friends of Jung. A skilled speaker, he presented workshops and training intensives across the country.

A Clinical Psychologist practicing in Omaha for over 30 years, Dr. Skulsky helped to change the lives of many adults, children, and families. He saw the good in people and recognized the possibilities. He practiced and taught tolerance, openness, honesty, and realism. He didn’t judge but listened and encouraged his clients to learn to make different choices. He didn’t judge but listened and encourages his clients to learn to make their own choices.

He lived a life with gratitude and meaning. As a two year old, he contracted polio and spent an entire year in a hospital ward. He said that experience changed his life into one of reflection, observation, and diligence.

His life embodied Judaism’s highest ideals. “Justice, justice shall you follow all the days of your life” was a concept he embraced. His strong consciousness inspired every act he did. Tzedakah, Hebrew for justice, can also be translated to charity, philanthropy, and encouraging every personal endeavor to bring out what is best and highest in others.

That was the work he did every day of his life.

Dr. Skulsky had wisdom, strength, and a presence that inspired countless people.

Memorials may be made in his memory to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 333 South 132 St, Omaha, NE 68154.

To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.

BULL SALE?

Pella Tulip Festival May 4-6

Wisconsin Treasures

Run this size ad in over 160 Newspapers for just $5.95*/newspaper!

June 6-11 0

California Gold Coast

National Parks Adventure June 21-30

July 1-8

New York City Broadway & Baseball Aug. 3-7

Alaska Cruise Aug. 5-13

Allied Tour & Travel See Tours at AlliedTT.com 800-672-1009

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers.

MONUMENT CO.

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th

402-341-2452

BULL SALE

Poss Easy Impact 5536 • Reg# 18316082 CED +13, BW -.3, WW +77, YW +136, Marb +.87, RE +.57, $W +75.85, $B +171

Friday, March 25, 2016 Ericson Livestock Market Ericson, NE Leading Edge Genetics Bull & Female Sale.

Offering: 160 - Yearling Bulls, 40- Falls & Coming 2s, 50- Yearling Angus Heifers

Danny, Kristi, Nolan, Nathan, Neleigh and Natalie possangus@nctc.net 48981 801st RD - Scotia, NE 68875 • 308-245-3143 or 308-571-0417

For more information, pictures and videos, visit Poss angus at: www.possangus.com

WE BUILD RESPECT. NOW HIRING Call: 402-568-2224 or Email: hr@smeal.com

Fabricator

Machine Operator

Ability to use hand tools required

Running the plasma table

Welder

Mechanical Engineer

MIG/TIG experience preferred

Applicator

Previous experience required

Mechanic Final Inspection Department

Paint Department

SMEAL FIRE APPARATUS CO. 610 W 4th ST. Snyder, NE 68664 www.smeal.com

EOE/Substance Screening

Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $225/25 word classified you can advertise in over 165 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

BRANSON COLLECTOR Car Auction - Celebrating 38 years. April 1516, 2016. Featuring Corvettes, Mustangs, Mopar, Jaguar, MG, Triumph.

Consign your car today! 800-335-3063, www.bransonauction.com.

COLUMBUS ANTIQUE Flea Market, Columbus Ag Park, March 12, 95; March 13, 10-4, Admission $2.50. Jay Albert, 402-202-5443.

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 170 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

June 15-27

Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

Place your 1x4 display ad in over 160 Nebraska newspapers & get your message to over 750,000 readers. Statewide coverage for just $975*. Regional ads also available in Central, Northeast, Southeast or Western Nebraska.

Other sizes available upon request.

RNs UP to $45/hour, LPNs up to $37.50/hour, CNAs up to $22.50/hour. Free gas/weekly pay, $2,000 bonus. AACO Nursing Agency, 800-656-4414 Ext. 5.

CAN YOU dig it? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We offer training and certifications running bulldozers, backhoes and excavators. Lifetime job placement. VA Benefits eligible! 1-866-362-6497.

Call this newspaper or 1-800-369-2850 for more information.

DRIVERS WANTED. Justa Trucking, Lexington, NE, 800-445-0135.

Home weekly. Trips to various Midwest points. Drop pay, Vacation pay.

Excellent equipment. OTR experience required.

Nebraska 2x2/2x4 Display Ad Network

QLF TRANSPORTATION — Class A CDL Drivers/Tankers. Great pay, home weekends, and benefits! Potential of $60,000 plus per year!

Contact Tony, 608-935-0915 ext. 16, www.qlf.com.

emerging voices

16 | The Jewish Press | March 11, 2016

My name is Daisy, I’m not normal (and that’s a good thing)

Pills, examine, poke, repeat. That was my life.

The doctors and nurses were my family, the hospital my home. Just a normal Tuesday consisted of four IV saline flushes, an X-ray, mashed potatoes and Monsters Inc. (on VHS). From the age of zero to eight that was my whole existence. I did say existence for a reason – it was no way to live at four years old. I wasn’t living, I was simply existing.

Now I don’t mean to get all dark and depressing, but that is the truth, and I won’t apologize for telling the truth.

Some people may be confused by all of this because I didn’t explain myself. Let me do that now.

I came to Omaha in 2006 for a liver, small-bowel, pancreas transplant at Nebraska Medicine. This meant lots of stays in the hospital for long periods of time. Blood draws three times a week, feeding tube and a suitcase full of medicine. The thing is, all of this stuff I’m talking about, I don’t remember any of it. I was so little, how could I? I hear stories from my parents and try to piece together the rest for myself.

It’s a constant internal struggle because I don’t know half of what I’ve gone through. Isn’t there a saying: “What you don’t know can’t hurt you?”

I am 13 now and at the point in my life where I want to separate myself from the sick little girl in my past. Looking back, it doesn’t seem like me in the pictures and TV interviews I get to see. It seems like a different human being, separated by an eternity of time. The easy part about separating myself from this person is that there are no physical traces of her on my body. Until I lift up my shirt to reveal a bad scar, but I don’t do that very much. She lets me live my life as a normal human being. In return, I don’t forget

about her entirely. I’m not her anymore, nor have I been for a very, very long time. I have unconsciously learned many things from her that I will be able to take with me in every aspect of my life. Bravery, compassion, empathy, wisdom and uniqueness.

DAISY FRIEDMAN Being “normal” isn’t something I’ve really had to work hard towards; it kind of just happened without a thought. I’m not saying I haven’t had the typical growing pains like heartbreak and anxiety, but that is normal. I don’t even enjoy the term “normal” because in the words of American Horror Story,

During a visit to Nebraska Medicine in 2012, Daisy Friedman spent time being a “normal” kid on the rooftop garden. “normal people scare me.” In fact, I am most likely the least normal person ever, and that does not have a lot to do with that sick little girl I used to be.

Here’s an example: A few weekends ago, my best friend and I were having a sleepover. I don’t enjoy waking up early at sleepovers, but she does. So we have this system going where she tries to come up with the most creative ways to wake me up in the morning, and they are always the most annoying things ever. One time she threw giant marshmallows at me until I woke up. Another time she downloaded a bullhorn app on my phone and blasted it in

Celebrating

el ri z A ce ly E & eh ry A i b b a R Rabbi Azriel’s retirement is fast approaching, so please join us in celebrating 28 years of service and leadership to our community.

Throughout all the extraordinary and ordinary times of our lives, Rabbi Azriel has been there for us as a friend, mentor, counselor, scholar and religious guide.

A wonderful Tribute Book is being prepared for distribution during the celebration weekend of May 27-29 to honor Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel. This will be your opportunity to express gratitude for the impact Rabbi Azriel has had over the years. Contributions to the Tribute Book will help support his Youth Engagement Fund.

We ask that you reserve a space in the Tribute Book no later than THURSDAY, MARCH 17.

You can find the form and sample tributes in the Temple Israel office or online: www.templeisraelomaha.com/transition/tributebook Please send your form and image(s) to Cassandra Hicks, chicks@templeisraelomaha.com. You may also mail or leave photographs and forms at the Temple Israel office.

Questions? Please contact Cassandra Hicks, 402-556-6536, or Mendy Halsted, mendyhalsted@gmail.com or 402-680-9246.

Temple Israel The Reform Jewish Congregation of Omaha

my ear. Now this time was by far the best. She lifts up my shirt and proceeds to stick individual CheezIt crackers in my scar to see if they would balance.

You see? Far from normal.

Some may think my experiences have affected my maturity and social skills. Now you see, humans, this is where you are wrong. When I walk into a room I sometimes feel like the most mature person in there (yes I am including adults). I have had many firsts this year that are rather mature for my age. I went to sleep-away camp for a month in Wisconsin, which was wonderful. I had my first kiss and breakup. Both in the same week. Camp... it’s a long story. I’ve had my first day of middle school, first real boyfriend, and just had my Bat Mitzvah.

Some say I am wise beyond my years or I’m an old soul. Maybe this has come from my experiences or maybe I was simply born that way, but I am very happy I am the way I am. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.”

I have learned to face my fears and not hide from them. To take a bad situation and to turn it into the motivation that pushes me forward. To have compassion and treat everyone as equals. Most of all, to accept and love myself despite every flaw, crease and crevice.

I am not normal, because normal people have no courage. I am more than what I was when I was little, I am simply me. Daisy Friedman, 13 years old, aspiring actress and photographer, wanderlust traveler, dreamer of dreams, me!

Daisy Friedman is a seventh-grade honor roll student at Westside Middle School. She has a passion for writing. Her other interests are acting, dancing, singing, photography, travel, comedy, and volleyball. Daisy shares her story as part of the Emerging Voices series. Emerging Voices invites writers between the ages of 13 and 25 to share their thoughts and opinions. If you are interested in writing for this series, please email the editor at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.