March 26, 2021

A N AG E N C Y O F T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A

The Jewish Press WWW.O M A H A J E W I S H P R E SS .CO M

INSIDE

|

WWW. J E W I S H O M A H A .O R G

MARCH 26, 2021 | 1 3 NISA N 578 1 | VO L. 1 01 | NO. 2 3 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 7:25 P.M.

Yom HaShoah SCOTT LITTKY IHE Executive Director ach year it is an honor for the Institute for Holocaust Education, along with our local congregations, to plan our annual Yom HaShoah commemoration. Due to the restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 virus, this year’s commemoration will take place virtually as a Zoom webinar.

Communities and Holocaust centers throughout the world have now been tasked with redesigning their annual commemorations. One theme that has been universal in each community is to look at this as an opportunity and not to cancel their commemoration. So, with this in mind, we too, in Omaha, will continue our long-standing tradition to honor and remember those who died and those who survived the Shoah.

This year’s commemoration will be held via Zoom webinar on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 7 p.m. The link to register for the event can be found at https://zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_4BQj5YMGQJ617 HpduBhG1Q The program will be presented by Scott Littky, Executive Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education, Hazzan Michael Krausman, the son of Holocaust survivor, Henry Krausman, and Dr. Steven Wees, the son of Holocaust survivor, Elizabeth Wees.

Our speaker this year will be Sarah Kutler, granddaughter of Holocaust survivor, Bea Karp. Ms. Kutler will be presenting Bea’s story of survival and her dedication to sharing her experiences with thousands of people during her lifetime.

E

Building update Page 3

What we can learn from each other!

Page 5

Raising A+ Human Beings Page 12

REGULARS

7 8 10 11

Lessons learned at home BEN MAZUR Temple Israel Director of Congregational Learning As we approached March 25, the one-year anniversary of moving the Temple Israel youth learning programs online, I found myself reflecting on the special relationship Jews have with time. Throughout the course of a year we celebrate specifically timed holidays and festivals

Sarah Kutler

This year’s Yom HaShoah commemoration is supported by Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Temple Israel and the Murray H. & Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation.

The IHE will also be posting various articles and other materials during the Week of Remembrance beginning on April 4 through April 9 that will assist in shedding light on how and why we take a week every year to honor, remember and reflect on the Shoah.

For more information on this year’s commemoration, please contact, Scott Littky at slittky@ihene.org.

Death and Mourning in Judaism The Chevra Kadisha Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

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

SAM KRICSFELD AND ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP There are several terms we will use often in this month’s article. They are Chevra Kadisha, Tahara and Shomer.

The literal meaning of Chevra Kadisha is ‘sacred society,’ and it refers to the people who perform the mitzvah of caring for the body after death.

They are anonymous volunteers; the

mitzvah they perform is considered most holy because the deceased cannot reciprocate. Tahara refers to the ritual purification that takes place

after death and before burial. Shomer (pl. shomrim) comes from the word shemira, which refers to the ritual of See Death and Mourning page 3

Ben Mazur

that make note of the passing of the seasons, and throughout the course of a lifetime we emphasize important stages and transitions as we grow older. We wish for children to be born “at a good hour,” and that they live to 120 years. We practice solemn rituals for the ends of times, and we have set blessings for firsttimes and returning times. So now that we’re looking back on one year since a major significant moment, how are we supposed to mark this timely occasion?

The last time the Temple Israel community gathered together was Sunday, March 8, 2020, the morning of our Purim carnival. We had an absolute blast with food, games, entertainment and fun, all part of a fundraiser which brought in thousands of dollars for the future of the synagogue’s youth and education programs. But that future quickly fell into uncertainty as the staff discussed closing the building just days later. This coincided with Spring Break, which gave us a small amount of time to consider our next steps but not enough to plan an intentional and meaningful replacement for our in-person learning. March 25 arrived and the first online classes were held. With such little time to plan, what we offered our students and families was, to put it bluntly, less than acceptable.

We did what we could to keep our learning community engaged, but we were unable to offer genuinely engaging online experiences. With just over a month remaining in the school year, and without a full See Lessons learned page 4

2 | The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021

News

JCC School Break Specials

LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

ADL’s April events feature the future

MURPHY SCOTT WULFGAR Extremism is dominating the news. Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism are at record highs, and racism is on full display in the public square. We are losing an entire generation of firsthand survivors and Civil Rights activists at a time when their stories couldn’t be more important.

Whether, and to what extent, we keep a doorway to the lessons of the Shoah and the legacy of Jim Crow relevant and accessible will determine if our past dictates our future.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is doing its part to begin conversations and construction on bridges between marginalized communities to see if the sum of today’s efforts can bring forth the future others have fought for.

On Tuesday, April 13 at 2 p.m. CST, ADL’s Plains States Region (ADL-CRC) will present the next offering in its Food for Thought Series, “How to Ask & When to Listen: Using Media to Foster Black/Jewish Allyship.” This insightful and introspective discussion between two prolific local press editors—Annette van De Kamp-Wright, editor for the Jewish Press, and Terri Sanders, editor and publisher of the Omaha Star—will focus on how Jewish and

Black communities can help each other during a time when both racism and anti-Semitism are dramatically increasing.

On March 8, each editor began writing to

the other in their respective publications in an on-going, shared weekly conversation, aptly entitled: “Letter from a Friend.” Using this venue to ask questions, lift up the other’s voice and discuss topics to help move the conversation forward, the public is encouraged to follow their letters, form questions of their own and join the April 13 discussion and Q&A. On Monday, April 19 at 1 p.m. CST, ADL’s Central Division Series will present “The Future of Holocaust Education,” with experts from Echoes & Reflections on hand to discuss questions regarding the relevance, immediacy

and challenge of making Holocaust Education synonymous with civic education in today’s schools. Moderated by the Institute for Holocaust Education’s Education (IHE) Coordinator, Kael Sagheer, this webinar aims to not only deepen the serious need for education on this topic, but to show how Holocaust Education is uniquely suited as an entry point to a myriad of social justice issues and connectivity amongst allies.

Echoes & Reflections is a global program dedicated to reshaping the way that teachers and students understand, process and navigate the world through the events of the Holocaust.

This expert discussion features Director of Echoes & Reflections for Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center (Jerusalem, Israel), Sheryl Ochayon and ADL National Director of Echoes & Reflections (New York, NY) Ariel Behrman.

Only together can we move forward through the collective obstacles we face.

Opening lines of communication and sharing experiences and ideas seems an excellent place to start.

You can learn more about these events (and others) or register for the webinars at ADL’s local website: omaha.adl.org/events.

GABBY BLAIR Jewish Press Staff Writer Looking for some spring break fun for the kids? The Staenberg Omaha JCC has your K7 students covered! School Break Specials are sure to get your kids off the couch and fill their day with a wide variety of activities from sports and art projects to cooking and yoga.

Available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., JCC School Break Specials are open to members and non-members alike. Before and after care is available with additional registration. Daily registration allows for flexibility to fit your family’s needs at an affordable cost — sign them up for any number of days you’d like!

JCC School Break Specials run during all local school districts’ scheduled breaks. For additional information including full descriptions of upcoming dates, registration options and policies, please visit us at: jcc omaha.org.

Questions? Contact Amanda Welsh or Jake Lenagh at 402.334.6409.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javi tch@gmail.com or leave a message at the B’nai B’rith JCC office 402.334.6443.

It’s not just what they know.

It’s who they become.

Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

This Passover, help us make it possible to celebrate another kind of freedom.

Freedom from a pandemic.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage around the world, there’s reason for hope. And no country has offered more hope for what life might be like again than Israel, which has led the world in immunizing its people.

Magen David Adom, Israel’s paramedic and Red Cross service, has played a major role in this success. MDA has treated tens of thousands of stricken Israelis, administered Covid tests to more than 4 million, and vaccinated Israel’s most vulnerable populations, including all its nursing home residents.

When you support Magen David Adom, your gift has an immediate impact in helping Israelis — today and every day.

Make a gift today. Pesach kasher v’sameach. afmda.org/passover

Primrose School of La Vista 8202 S. 97th Plaza La Vista, NE 68128 402.517.1153 | PrimroseLaVista.com

Now enrolling for the Fall.

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2020 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021 | 3

Building update JENNIE GATES BECKMAN JFO Director of Community Engagement & Education It has been humbling over the past several years watching the transformation of the JFO Campus - one area at a time.

The community has celebrated the completion of the main entrance that flows into the Art Gallery, Theater and Learning Commons.

Other articles have expanded on particular areas of focus as each has been associated with the name of a generous donor.

All throughout this process, many questions have popped up about the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Where are the books? Do we still even have a Library... or a Library Specialist?

What about Friedel’s collection? And other children’s books?

What about Jewish content, historical exhibits, the book club and author events? To date my childhood, “patience, grasshopper.”

While the concept was explained in a very general overview in the Aug. 2, 2020 edition of this paper, I can only imagine how challenging it is to visualize the full scope of a vision not

yet materialized. Even though the space is structurally sound, beautiful and open to the public - it’s certainly not complete!

Enter this new weekly column. As Director of Community Engagement & Education at the Jewish Federation it is my job to transition the USE of this space. Many other community members are involved in this transformation, and many other organizations and individuals will be partners in this process of filling the space with a wide array of programming and events.

If we are able to successfully bring to reality our full vision - this space will shift from a very classic community Library with rows and rows of high stacks containing our full 36,000 volume collection, to an open Learning Commons which provides an environment not only for reading, learning and exploring the Kripke collection, but also for connecting with one another - face to face.

I know this last piece is something we all miss dearly; I am excited to share the answers to the above questions and more, starting in next week’s Jewish Press as we “get settled” into our new community space!

Hearth For Healing Counseling Ctr, LLC hearth4healing.com

Joanna Hochfelder, LIMHP Psychotherapist

Empowering Couples, Adults, Children 13304 West Center Rd. | Suite 218 | Omaha

712-571-0680

Anne & Alan Cohen

Marty & Kathy Cohen

We have 48 years of experience marketing our listings, plus Kathy Cohen is now a certified home stager.

Kathy is an incredible resource available to our sellers.

If you have been thinking of moving, now is the time to act!

Historically low inventory combined with low interest rates makes the perfect time to sell your home for top dollar.

Let the Cohen Team go to work for you!

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.

Marty Cohen | 402-690-1591

Death and Mourning Continued from page 1 watching over the body of a deceased person from the time of death until burial. A male guardian is called a shomer and a female guardian is a shomeret.

Judaism teaches that life is sacred. What do we, as Jews, do once life ends?

“Man was created in the image of G-d,” Maurice Lamm, author of The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning, wrote, “and, although the pulse of life is no more, the human form must be respected for having once embodied the spirit of G-d, and for the character and the personality it housed. The manner of respect is governed and detailed by religious tradition rather than by personal sentiment and whim alone.”

THE MOMENT OF DEATH When a person is dying, nobody in the room is allowed to leave during the final minutes. When death occurs, the mouth of the deceased must be closed and the body should be fully covered by a sheet. Opening a window at time of death is a custom. The feet of the deceased must face the doorway and a candle should be placed near the head of the deceased. This is the moment when family and friends may ask forgiveness from the deceased for any wrongs that may have occurred during his or her life. The mirrors in the house where the death occurred are covered to remind us that a death has diminished the image of God reflected, and to discourage vanity during a tragedy.

Psalms 23 and 91 are recited. Those present in the room with the deceased must refrain from eating and drinking or smoking in their presence (it is allowed in the rest of the house). The clergy will then notify the Chevra Kadisha, and the funeral director. A doctor must be called to confirm time of death.

Until the body can be moved, a shomer will be appointed (ideally a family member or a close friend) because the body cannot be left alone between the moment of death and burial.

This shomer is exempt from all other duties. If a death occurs during Shabbat, special arrangements must be made; if the death occurs in a hospital, certain aspects may not be possible. In such cases, please consult with your clergy.

TAHARA The ritual washing of the deceased is often compared to a newborn, who must be washed immediately after birth. The source for this is Ecclesiastis: “As we come forth, so shall we return.”

Members of the Chevra Kadisha are highly trained and must be Jewish and able to display proper respect. With the ritual cleansing of the body, the members recite the necessary prayers and ask G-d for forgiveness for any sin the deceased may have committed. Nail polish and jewelry are removed.

The ritual of Tahara is not merely physical, it is a religious act and an absolute requirement for Jewish burial. Members of the immediate family are advised against attending Tahara, because it is considered too painful.

Ideally, Tahara takes place as close to the funeral as possible; no more than three hours should separate the ritual purification and the burial.

During the actual washing of the body, no idle talk is permitted. As much of the body as possible stays covered during the washing.

In Omaha, we have what is called a ‘communal Chevra Kadisha,’ with members from our own community who generally remain anonymous as a sign of respect. The members

of the Chevra Kadisha will be the same gender as the deceased. A minimum of four Chevra Kadisha members should be in attendance.

DRESSING OF THE BODY Once the washing of the body is completed, the body is dressed in specific garments before being placed inside the casket. After death, we are all equal and our dress reflects that.

Almost two millennia ago, rabbi Gamaliel installed this practice “so the poor would not be shamed and the wealthy would not vie with each other,” according to Lamm’s text.

The burial shroud (tachrichim) should be simple, white and handmade from muslin, cotton or linen, without pockets (the deceased cannot carry anything with them). There are seven parts to tachrichim: (1) mitznephet, or head dress; (2) michnasayim, or trousers; (3) k’tonet, or chemise; (4) kittel, or upper garment; (5) avnet, or belt; (6) tallit, if male and (7) a sovev, which is a linen sheet. One of the fringes of the tallit is cut to indicate it will no longer be used.

Pieces of pottery are placed over the eyes and mouth. There are two common explanations for this. When using caskets, this is one way of having earth come in direct contact with the body, as is considered most desirable and it is a sign of teshuva (penitence) for any possible sin the mouth or eyes may have been responsible for in life. These shards should not be glazed or colored-just plain terra cotta.

The information in this article is somewhat generic; there may be variations at your synagogue or in your city, it is therefore always best to check specific details with your clergy. For more information about the Chevra Kadisha in Omaha, please contact your clergy as well.

Sources: Maurice Lamm, The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning; Rochel Berman, Dignity Beyond Death; Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington (jewishfunerals.org).

We aim to run these articles the last week of every month.

If you have questions, or are hoping there is something specific we will cover, please feel free to reach out. The writers can be reached at skricsfeld553@gmail.com and avan dekamp@jewishomaha.org.

IN THE NEWS The Old Avoca Schoolhouse in Avoca, Nebraska will be streaming on line “Scottish Workshops” for folks who play fiddle, violin, viola, cello, bass, mandolin and soprano recorder.

The Workshops will be on Tuesday, April 6, 7-8 p.m., and Wednesday, April 7, 10-11 a.m., CDT. Each participant residing in the US will receive a copy of our “Scottish Fiddle Tunes for Two,” written for the instrument of their choice. There will be an extra charge for folks outside the US. During the Workshops, we will play and experience what makes these tunes so special.

Pre-registration required. The fee for each “Scottish Workshop” is $25.

For more information, and to register, send an email to Debby at debby@greenblattandseay.com. If you think you have registered but do not receive an e-mail confirmation from Debby within 24 hours please e-mail her at debby@green blattandseay.com to let her know.

WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?

NORM’S DOOR SERVICE GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS SALES AND SERVICE

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

6200 South 90TH St. at 90th & Washington

Omaha, Nebraska

402-331-8920

4 | The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021

Lessons learned Jackson Home Appliance “OMAHA’S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN APPLIANCE REPAIR” NOW BRINGS THAT SAME ATTENTION TO HEATING & COOLING

Jackson Heating & Cooling FEATURES CARRIER HOME HEATING & COOLING PRODUCTS CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM ONE OF OUR HVAC SPECIALISTS ON A NEW FURNACE, AIR CONDITIONER OR HEAT PUMP 8827 Maple Street Omaha, NE 68134

402-391-4287 Carrier Factory Authorized Nate Certified Technicians

ENTERTAIN

FIRST CLASS WITH

HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US? • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champagne Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains

Our Visit room w Sho

11226 Wright Circle (1 Block South of 114th & Center)

402-333-2882

We Disp dding Sup lays & plies

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant CARRY OUT AVAILABLE

402-498-8833

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

Continued from page 1 understanding of the new reality we had entered, we coasted through our final few class meetings to reach the summer.

We spent the first few weeks of summer offering daily online experiences for students. These included art, dance, yoga, music, games and more. At the same time, we were looking ahead and hoping to return to in-person gatherings in the fall; we began to develop an exciting new structure for Jewish education meant to leave traditional models of “Sunday school” behind. We spent all summer planning and getting ready to implement it, building excitement and energy for what was coming. But when August arrived and the virus was still a part of our reality, we made the difficult decision to keep the building closed. We had to create another new model, this time to be used exclusively online. Based on our shortfalls in the spring and understanding how frustrating our virtual reality had become, we knew we had to do better than what an “online” program could offer.

My philosophy as a Jewish educator is that while holidays, rituals and customs are taught in the synagogue, they are meant to be lived in the home. A community survey at the end of 2019 told us that an overwhelming number of parents wanted their kids to know how to live a Jewish life, but they did not feel comfortable or confident enough teaching these things themselves. With the building closed and classes held via Zoom, we now had the perfect opportunity to offer not an “online” program but an “at-home” program. Instead of hoping that our students held on to enough Jewish knowledge and passion to bring their learning home with them, we started broadcasting Jewish stories, values and practices directly to living room couches and kitchen tables, where they’ve always belonged, and created a holy partnership with parents to become active participants.

To facilitate at-home learning, we distributed the materials and craft supplies necessary for each week’s lesson for students to interact in real time, which allowed our teachers to begin lessons on Zoom that continued into projects and conversations at home, without a screen, face-to-face within families. For our younger students in pre-kindergarten through second grade who needed additional assistance to both use the technology and stay focused on a screen, we asked parents to participate during class time. Students were assigned to teachers not by grade or age, but by family unit.

They were no longer in a class, but in a chavurah – a cohort or fellowship of friends.

Here we learned another important lesson: parents are far more than assistants or partners in the learning process.

When parents have the opportunity to be participants in their kids’ learning, they want to participate as learners. Our spring semester unit for PK-2 families was planned with this exact thought in mind, and we made family the foundation of their learning. They walked through the stories of Judaism’s “first family,” from Abraham and Sarah down to Jacob’s children, along the way learning the Hebrew words for family members.

Our families explored how their own journeys are a continuation of the biblical narratives and how all of these stories shape their values. This will all culminate with a family tree project that will connect our learners to Torah, Jewish history, their own ancestry and each other. In this way Abraham’s story is not the ultimate lesson, but the vehicle through which we deliver deeper relevant and meaningful understandings about being a part of a Jewish family and community.

My reflections on Jewish time led me to consider the intention of Jewish education – how, when, where and why we teach. This brought me to the most important lesson of all: we shouldn’t have needed a pandemic to prioritize at-home

JEWISH PRESS READERS If you do business with any of our advertisers, please tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press. It really helps us!

FOR A LIMITED TIME!

nal o i t sa

n e

S

CD Rates Ask an Enterprise Banker about our latest CD Special and let us help put your money to work for you!

12800 West Center Road

330-0200 210 Regency Parkway

392-0400 N.A., MEMBER F.D.I.C. MEMBER F.D.I.C.

www.enterprise.bank

and family learning. We’re reminded of it during every prayer service when we say the V’ahavta, echoing the words of Deuteronomy 6:7 that tell us how to pass Jewish knowledge and practice down to our children: V’shinantam l’vanecha, v’dibarta bam, b’shivt’cha b’vaytecha uvlecht’cha vaderech “Teach [G-d’s commandments] diligently unto your children, and talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way.”

These words are a constant reminder that learning is most effective in the home and on the go, and the Torah never once mentions the confines of a classroom. We cannot forget this message when we eventually return to in-person learning, which is why plans are already in motion to redesign our spaces, create new activity areas for specialized hands-on learning, and provide more opportunities for parent participation as learners both with their children and just with other adults. We long to return to learning in the synagogue so much because what we’re truly missing is seeing our community and being physically present with each other. But when we do return, we must take with us the lessons we learned at home: • Learning must be intentional, meaningful and engaging.

• Learning is not exclusive to the classroom.

• Jewish education is as much about parents as it is about children.

• Parents are most effective at passing down desired knowledge and values when they participate as fellow learners.

A mentor of mine gave me this important advice at the beginning of the pandemic: “Don’t do virtual learning. You can do distanced learning, asynchronous learning, and even online learning, but don’t for a second ever allow learning to become virtual. Learning should be REAL, there should be nothing virtual about it.” I hope we’ve lived up to that standard, and that we continue to do so once we can return to gathering in-person. It’s just a matter of time.

For more information on the future of Temple Israel’s Youth Learning Programs, e-mail Ben at bmazur@templeisrael omaha.com.

Who Am I?

The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS) requests help from the community in identifying photographs from the archives. Please contact Kathy Weiner at 402.334.6441 or kweiner@jewishomaha.org if you are able to assist in the effort to preserve Jewish Omaha history.

You are the most powerful influence in your child’s daily life.

Kids who learn from their parents or care-givers about the risks of drugs are: • 36% less likely to smoke • marijuana than kids who don’t • 50% less likely to use inhalants • 56% less likely to use cocaine • 65% less likely to use LSD

For more information call:

1-800-648-4444 http://www.prevlink.org

The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021 | 5

News

JCC Kid’s Night Out Kids take over at the J! Parents can enjoy a night off knowing their children are being cared for by our trained and professional staff.

Available on select Saturday nights from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Kid’s Night Out is open to all families regardless of membership and offers a sibling discount. Kids will enjoy an age appropriate fun “themed” evening with a movie, dinner, and access to the popular Youth Lounge!

JCC staff are dedicated to following Covid protocols to provide a safe evening of fun for your children aged 6 months - 12 years. Space is limited, especially for those 2 and under.

For more information including upcoming dates, pricing, policies and registration, please visit us at: jccomaha.org or contact Amanda Welsh or Jake Lenagh at 402.590.2152.

Hearing Aid Styles A hearing aid is an electronic device small enough to be worn in or behind the ear. It assists those with hearing problems, allowing them to hear sounds louder and more clearly.

So, which type of hearing aid is best for you or your loved one?

Canal style hearing aids are fitted to go inside the ear canal. There are two types: in-the-canal aids that are visible at the opening of the ear and completely-in-canal aids that are almost completely hidden.

• Best for: Adults with mild to moderately severe hearing loss • Benefits: Small; low visibility • Challenges: Can be uncomfortable; features are limited A behind-the-ear hearing aid is a plastic case that sits behind the ear and is attached to a tube and mold placed in the ear.

• Best for: Children and adults with mild to profound hearing loss • Benefits: Better battery life; can be rechargeable; Bluetooth capability; easy to clean/maintain • Challenges: Not as discrete; maintenance of ear mold and hearing aid In-the-ear hearing aids are made for each wearer with plastic that fits in the concha and canal of the ear.

• Best for: Adults with mild to severe hearing loss • Benefits: Easy to manipulate; additional features available; Bluetooth capability • Challenges: Not as discrete; can take time to get the fit right Receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids have a small plastic piece behind the ear with a wire attached to a small dome that goes in the ear.

• Best for: Teenagers/adults with mild to severe hearing loss • Benefits: Can be rechargeable; Bluetooth capability, have a discrete look • Challenges: Can be difficult for people with dexterity concerns TAKE THE NEXT STEP For more information on determining if a hearing aid is right for you or a loved one, contact the experts at Boys Town Hospital at 531.355.0815.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

PARKWOOD T E R R A C E

A PA RT M E N T H O M ES

9205 Western Avenue | Omaha 402.397.3994 | ParkwoodOmaha.com Managed by

402.393.6306

LOCA L | N ATION AL | WORLD

What we can learn from each other!

SCOTT LITTKY IHE Executive Director When I became Executive Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education, I reached out to teachers in our community who taught Holocaust topics. One of the first to reply was Mark Gudgel. An English teacher at Omaha North High School, Mark has a national reputation as a gifted Holocaust educator. Over the course of the last two years, I have enjoyed our conversations on various topics related to the Holocaust.

Recently, Mark was telling me how excited he was that his new book, Think Higher, Feel Deeper: Effectively Nuancing the Holocaust in Secondary Classrooms, is releasing from Columbia University Teachers College Press this year. In our conversation about why this book was so important, I asked if he would be fine with me telling our community about the book. He very humbly agreed!

Mark told me that he wrote the book in the first person and was meant to be accessible and candid about both his successes and mistakes as he has approached being a Holocaust educator.

When I further asked him why he wrote this book he shared with me a part of his introduction where he quoted Eli Wiesel.

“Tolerance is condescending. Who am I to tolerate your views? I should respect your views. Who knows – they may be better than my own.” ~ Elie Wiesel Gudgel recounts his experience hearing Dr. Elie Wiesel speak in New York City and the profound impact it had on him, as well as, his students in the book.

“The question flitted about nervously in my head, as if it wished to escape. I had been waiting all year to ask this single question of a single individual of whom I am not ashamed to admit I was perpetually in awe. My students and I

stood anxiously in a large side room adorned with modern artwork – pictures of flatware and cutlery if I recall correctly, at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, far from our homes in Lincoln, Nebraska. A few of my colleagues, teachers like me, had joined us, along with my student teacher, Melissa; we were twenty-five in all, maybe twenty-six, the number agreed upon months ago when the planning for this annual excursion again had begun. A few young men had failed to heed my directive and wore tshirts, and later I would be too hard on them, but most of my students looked as if they were on their way to worship, or perhaps a homecoming dance. My own suit didn’t fit particularly well; I had not yet discovered tailors.

When Professor Elie Wiesel at last entered the room from a door on the opposite wall from the one we had used, silence rang out like a gong; my students stopped breathing, all whispers evaporated. He made his way to his seat, pausing to take hold of a hand and exchange a kindness along the way, and sat down.

My students – and only my students, surrounding him. “Well,” he asked them at last in his famously pensive voice, “What do you want to know?”

Gudgel had spoken with Dr. Wiesel

years prior to this specific experience, and the pair had stayed in contact with one another. This relationship enriched both Gudgel’s ability to teach the Holocaust, and be a student of Wiesel’s at the same time. Gudgel’s students were able to benefit from this relationship as he describes repeatedly journeying to New York, “with around twenty-five kids and a handful of teacher-chaperones, mostly my fellow Literature of the Holocaust teachers, to hear him speak. He would patiently answer my students’ questions, sign our books, and in his own powerful way make a group of sixteenyear-olds feel as if he were there to see them, rather than the reverse.”

The experiences were always very powerful for Gudgel, yet one question loomed for him. A specific inquiry for Wiesel himself, one that would be answered in a clear and though-provoking way. Gudgel recalls his asking of the question here: “But... my question! Though I had written him a note of thanks the year before for seeing us yet again, and while I knew he would respond on the 5” by 7” Boston University letterhead he always used, I had resisted the urge to include my question in a letter. Now, a year later, I again had the opportunity to ask him in person. As he concluded his talk with my students, we again met to shake hands. My own clasped in both of his, he graciously thanked me for bringing students all the way from Nebraska, though I always felt quite clearly that I was the one indebted. When it was my turn to speak, I at least released my query: “What advice would you give me, as a teacher?” He paused for only a moment, so short it might not have even been a pause at all, just enough time for a subtle movement of his head, slightly upward toward my own. Then he responded: See What we can learn page 6

6 | The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021

News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

Raising A+ Human Beings

AMY WILSON Two leading Jewish educators present a blueprint for how to create an educational culture that informs, motivates, inspires and shapes character steeped in Jewish values and “advanced placement” kindness in Raising A+ Human Beings: Crafting a Jewish School Culture of Academic Excellence and AP Kindness, the new book by Dr. Bruce Powell, Distinguished Lecturer of Jewish Education, and Omaha native Dr. Ron Wolfson, Fingerhut Professor of Education, both faculty members at American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California.

Powell, a legendary leader of three outstanding Jewish day high schools in Los Angeles, reveals the origin of the book title: “I would tell incoming students: ‘Not all of you will be A students in chemistry, but all of you can be A+ human beings.’ This is the fundamental goal of Jewish education.”

The book is written for the heads, principals, teachers, administrative staff, boards and parents charged with crafting a school’s culture. “This is an ideal book to read together,” Wolfson said.

“The most successful organizations understand that to shape an embracing culture of kindness, everyone needs to be literally on the same page. Each short chapter includes discussion questions for assessing and deepening the best principles and practices of culture creation that are applicable to any Jewish institution - schools, synagogues, religious schools, youth groups and camps.”

Reactions to the book are enthusiastic from pre-publication readers.

“Bruce Powell shares in very clear and practical terms, his firsthand experience in the ‘Who,’ ‘What,’ and ‘How’ of creating a school culture that nurtures A+ human beings,” according

to Dr. Gil Graff, Executive Director, Builders of Jewish Education in Los Angeles.

“The lessons of this instructive and uplifting book can contribute to the success of any organization,” Harlene Appelman, Executive Director of the Covenant Foundation, said.

“Raising A+ Human Beings is an essential read for all those who work with and care about our young people—from heads of schools and their boards to educators and camp staff.”

“My coauthor and I are doing a Streicker Center webinar on April 6 at 5:30 p.m. Central time. The moderator is Wendy Mogel, herself an outstanding thinker about how our kids are raised. It would be wonderful to welcome our Omaha family and friends to this event.”

Details about how to register, as soon as they are available, will be shared on the Jewish Press website at omahajewish press.com and on our Facebook page.

The book evolved when Wolfson invited Powell to lecture his students in the Graduate Center for Jewish Education at American Jewish University.

“When I heard Bruce say that the goal of Jewish education was to raise A+ human beings, I immediately encouraged him to write a book about the values, principles and practices that shape a culture to do just that,” he said. “When he invited me to write it with him, I jumped at the opportunity and it has been an absolute joy.”

Raising A+ Human Beings: Crafting a Jewish School Culture of Academic Excellence and AP Kindness is available now aplushumanbeings.com and Amazon. The Kripke Institute through its Institute for School Culture is honored to publish this important contribution to the field of Jewish education and organizational development.

SAVE THE DATE Yom Ha’atzmaut

On Sunday, April 11, the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Beth El and Temple Israel invite the community to participate in a virtual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. Although we are all eager to come together in-person, we are not quite there yet. To maintain everyone’s safety, we will once again meet through our computer and phone screens.

The celebration will include a virtual concert featuring Cantor Joanna Alexander and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

Please stay tuned for more details about this great event!

What we can learn

Continued from page 5 “Think higher; feel deeper.” It was the last time I ever saw him. I have been contemplating his advice ever since.”

Gudgel is open to inform his audience that this book is not an academic text, but a text for teachers to utilize in order to more effectively and holistically teach the Holocaust. It was a book written in the first person, in order to bring the reader into an intimate space that provokes personal thought and distinct responses to the material it handles.

Gudgel also notes that this is not a comprehensive on how to teach the Holocaust, such a tome would be quite large and nearly impossible to adequately write by a single perspective.

Thinking toward the big picture of all this, Gudgel says, “My hope is that you’ll read this book, and that it will make the difficult, often daunting task of approaching the Holocaust in your classroom somewhat more manageable. It will never be easy – it shouldn’t be, but it can be done accurately, efficaciously, meaningfully, and in such a way that it edifies and empowers, rather than be draining, boring, or causing despair.

This is as important for ourselves as it is for our students.”

As I’m sure you can now see, that Mark’s book and his ability to reach people on concepts raised in Holocaust education have made him very effective in his classroom and to all those who have had the opportunity to speak with him. I personally look forward to reading Mark’s book and look forward to him presenting at an IHE Teacher Workshop during the next school year.

MOTHER’S DAY

Publishing date | 04.30.21 Space reservation | 04.20.21 Contact our advertising executive to promote your business in this very special edition.

SUSAN BERNARD | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021 | 7

Above: Touring the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater were Joanie Jacobson, left, Howard Kooper, Jan Goldstein and Alan Potash.

SP O TLIGHT Above, below and bottom: RBJH Residents say goodbye to winter and hello to spring by decorating the lounges, making decorative butterflies and enjoying the fresh air.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

Below: Thanks to super-volunteer (and alumni parent) Karen Cohen, Friedel Jewish Academy students made hamantaschen using THREE kinds of dough: regular, chocolate, and rainbow. Each student took home their own creations in time for Purim!

Above and below: Young families drove by to participate in Kids Campaign for a Purim-related surprise.

8 | The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021

Voices The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920) Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, David Finkelstein, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Margie Gutnik, Natasha Kraft, Chuck Lucoff, Eric Shapiro, Andy Shefsky, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press.

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication.

E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org.

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events.

News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press Association Award winner 2008

National Newspaper Association

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.

What story do we tell?

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor There seems to be some confusion about why a gunman walked into several Atlanta businesses and killed eight women. Was it because the majority of the victims were Asian-Americans? Was it because they were women? How much does the ‘why’ matter?

That last question is more complicated than it seems. Because, of course it matters, but at the same time it doesn’t—the end result, after all, is the same. Lives were lost, friends and family are left behind with trauma, and a community is reeling from yet another violent attack.

So, what story do we tell? For all the articles I’ve read about the Atlanta shooting, there was not a single one that didn’t lead by mentioning the Asian-American community. And of course, part of that community overlaps with the Jewish-American community.

There is a problem with our tendency to categorize the victims. After all, if it’s Asian-Americans, those of us not of Asian descent can stop empathizing. If it’s women, we don’t have to stay awake all night worrying about racial profiling. By shoving victims in a box, the “rest of us” can breathe more easily. That may sound harsh, but it’s how our brains work—and most media outlets know that. This way, we can sympathize without feeling attacked ourselves, without feeling unsafe and taking ownership.

When we see each other as part of the human race, without gender- or skin- or national origin bias, we understand that this attack should con-

cern us all. Because at the end of the day, someone differentiate between the victims in a Sikh temple somewhere has decided another’s life is worth or a high school, between a black church that is nothing. At the same time, violence against Asian- burned to the ground or a Chabad house that is Americans continues to be on the rise: firebombed, between a mosque that is vandalized “In January, President Joe Biden acknowledged or a cemetery that has its headstones toppled and the difficulties in reporting on these statistics, signing a memorandum condemning the rise in attacks towards the Asian community and asking the attorney general to "expand collection of data and public reporting regarding hate incidents against such individuals."

(CNN.com) Racism in the U.S. continues to be underreported. Besides, different states have different rules and guidelines as to what constitutes a hate crime. The real picture of how the AAPI A man walks past a massage parlor where three women were shot and (Asian American Pacific Is- killed in Atlanta, March 17, 2021. Credit: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images lander) community is treated is sure to be uglier desecrated. We can empathize and stand with our than we think.

Asian-American communities, when we aknowlI ask again: what story do we tell? Do we act edge that this affects us all. sympathetic for a few days, only to move on quickly We must remind ourselves: when it comes to to the next big news story? Or do we understand racial crimes and baseless hatred, we have a duty that this baseless hate continues to grow out of to stand up for the victims—regardless of who they control, and that whichever minority group is tar- are, what they look like or what they believe in. geted today, it’s all of us that pay the price? As Jews, There are eight victims in Atlanta. They are the latwe owe it to ourselves to take that ownership, to be est in this cruel category. If we want their memoupset and feel hurt, whether the shooting happens ries to be for a blessing, we better make sure we in a massage parlor or a synagogue. We shouldn’t become that blessing.

LGBTQ people lack full legal protections in every state.

Jews need to be part of the solution.

STACY SCHUSTERMAN JTA In the 1980s, Dennis Neill, an employee of our family business, came out as gay to my late father, Charles Schusterman. Coming out in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the height of the AIDS crisis was a risky thing to do, and it could have cost Dennis his job. But my father embraced Dennis and assured him that his job was safe.

At the time, there was no law in Oklahoma to prevent Dennis from being fired or discriminated against simply for being gay. My father provided that protection on his own. Nearly 20 years later, Dennis’s story and many others like it inspired me to ensure that our company extended full benefits to LGBTQ+ people, even though no federal law and very few state laws mandated we provide such benefits.

Even today, no such laws exist in many states or at the federal level. Despite measurable achievements for LGBTQ rights, such as legalizing samesex marriage, the federal government has never passed comprehensive legislation for fair and equal treatment of LGBTQ people.

That could change soon as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on the Equality Act. If signed into law, the Equality Act would prohibit employers in all 50 states from discriminating against employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

It would also protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, education, government services and public spaces.

As a business owner, philanthropist and American Jew who strives to honor the dignity of all people and to work toward a more just and inclusive society, I believe this is a critical moment for our community to mobilize in support of LGBTQ rights. Beginning under the leadership of my mother, Lynn, our family’s philanthropy has proudly supported efforts to advance LGBTQ equality for more than two decades. We have seen how investments in LGBTQ rights — in the U.S., Israel, and in our home state of Oklahoma—have led to significant progress and, in turn, helped to strengthen communities civically, socially, and

even economically.

Today, I call on all American Jews to join with Keshet to support the Equality Act so that all people in the U.S. — regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity — can live with dignity.

Reach out to your senators to tell them to vote for the legislation. Encourage your family and networks to do the same. And urge Jewish organizations you are a part of to join Keshet’s coalition of partners. We need all American Jews to take action.

Credit: Flickr Commons

Numerous polls indicate that roughly 80% of Americans — including a majority of Democrats, Republicans and Independents — support a bill like the Equality Act. Yet LGBTQ people continue to lack full legal protections in every state.

The impact on people’s lives has been disastrous.

For example, in Missouri, a lesbian couple was denied an apartment in a senior living community because their marriage is “not understood in the Bible.” And in my home state of Oklahoma, a professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University was denied tenure and not permitted to reapply to teach the following school year after she came out as transgender.

The safety and dignity of LGBTQ workers should not depend on the generosity of individual employers. Similarly, housing security for LGBTQ tenants should not be subject to the whim of a landlord.

Passing the Equality Act would ensure that LGBTQ Americans nationwide — including many members of our own Jewish community — would not be denied opportunities simply because of their

sexual orientation or gender identity.

Historically, many faith groups have fueled discrimination against LGBTQ people in the name of religion. I fear that conservative religious voices will continue to grow louder in the coming weeks. That is why Jewish communities must uphold the ethical mandates of our tradition by advocating for justice, equality and basic human dignity for LGBTQ Americans in all 50 states — now more than ever before.

We know that when the Jewish community organizes for LGBTQ rights, we make a critical difference. For example, in 2018, when anti-trans groups sought to legalize discrimination against transgender people in Massachusetts, Keshet mobilized the largest Jewish campaign in history to protect transgender rights — and their work paid off. Seventy percent of Jewish community organizations in Massachusetts, including 100 synagogues, joined Keshet’s campaign. Thanks to the work of a broad coalition of partners, including Keshet, voters resoundingly defeated the effort to rescind legal protections for trans people in Massachusetts.

When I think back to the 1980s, I’m proud that my father embraced and supported Dennis. And under my mother’s leadership, Dennis went on to become a leader in our family’s philanthropic efforts to advance LGBTQ rights in Tulsa. But it is unconscionable that nearly 40 years later, people still cannot rely on the law to protect them. No one should have to live in fear that they will be fired from a job or denied an apartment simply for living their lives.

Passing the Equality Act would be a major step toward building an American society rooted in justice and dignity for everyone. I urge all American Jews to join Keshet’s campaign to help pass the Equality Act. Together, let’s build an inclusive future that reflects our Jewish values and benefits us all.

Stacy Schusterman is Chair of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies.

(70 Faces Media, JTA’s parent organization, is a grantee.)

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021 | 9

This rabbi has seen the future, and it sounds like Clubhouse RABBI WENDY PEIN This op-ed first appeared in The Jewish Week.

“A Chabad rabbi and Reform rabbi walk into a club” sounds like the beginning of an old, tired Jewish joke. Yet this actually happened to me through the new social media app Clubhouse, when I entered a virtual discussion room hosted by a Chabad rabbi. What ensued was an intriguing dialogue that has left me contemplating the potential of this application for learning, dialogue and outreach.

Clubhouse is an invitation-only social media application through which users join virtual rooms for dialogue through their iPhones. Users move seamlessly through virtual rooms to listen and discuss topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, culture and, in my case, Judaism. It is like an interactive podcast. Clubhouse’s appeal as an audio-only application is reflected in its subscription of 10 million users, an increase of 8 million users since January. It is now the fifth most popular downloaded app through Apple.

The Clubhouse room I entered had the approximate title of “Vashti as the unworthy Jewish heroine of modernity.” As I joined the virtual room, I was prepared to defend the oft-maligned Vashti — the queen banished by an angry King Ahasuerus — as the unsung heroine of the Purim story.

Instead, the Chabad rabbi and host provided background about Vashti that was unfamiliar to me: a midrash saying that during her time in the palace, Vashti had enslaved other Jewish women. I was immediately skeptical and was ready to argue … until I looked up and read Megillah 12b. Here, the Talmud does in fact state that Vashti had previously enslaved and humiliated Jewish women, and therefore, being asked to abase herself before King Ahasuerus was a punishment “measure for measure.” However, Megillah 12b provides other reasons for her refusal to display herself before the king and his court, including that she suffered from a case of leprosy.

The Chabad rabbi called on me and asked for my opinion. I acknowledged that the Talmud and other commentaries provide multiple reasons for Vashti’s refusal, and we each need to discern which explanations provide truth for us. I also shared that through this discussion room, I had learned something new about Vashti and the Talmud. This experience reminded me of the famous teaching that wise people learn from every person (Pirke Avot 4:1) and how much there is to learn from

new, virtual forms.

Clubhouse provides an intriguing virtual platform for dialogue. I have listened and engaged in discussions about Judaism, Israel and anti-Semitism. Participants on Clubhouse reflect a wide range of ages and demographics, a more diverse population than is typically found in Jewish institutions.

Credit: Flickr Commons

Seth Cohen, the founder of Applied Optimism, a community and experience consultancy with a focus on supporting organizations in the Jewish community, has observed that Clubhouse is drawing a younger audience than is often found in our established institutions.

“Clubhouse provides a frictionless, inclusive and low barrier environment in which one can explore their Jewish identity in both meaningful and deeply personal ways,” according to Cohen.

Clubhouse began with a small membership of prominent tech investors. As it started opening up, general users who joined the platform helped its popularity surge. Today it represents a “grassroots initiative led by people,” according to Tori

CONGRATULATE

YOUR GRADUATE The annual Graduation Issue will publish this year on May 21, 2021. Senior photos will run in that issue and we know you’ll want to highlight the achievements of your high school graduate! Congratulatory ads are available in two sizes.

Limit of 25 words.

CONGRATULATE YOUR GRADUATE ORDER FORM _____________________________________________________

A

2x3 2 column by 3 inches

$36

B

3x4 3 column

Greene, an administrator of the Shabbat Shalom club on Clubhouse, which has 11,000 members and followers.

Greene also points out that Clubhouse is not an intentional Jewish space but a virtual space with Jewish content, and users easily gain access to a variety of different perspectives on ideas and values that they may not encounter from in-person forums, possibly a part of its appeal. As Cohen summarized, “Clubhouse is not an end … but rather the beginning … of ways to foster a playful, experimental way to engage others Jewishly.” We can learn a lot about successful Jewish engagement simply by scrolling through Clubhouse, listening in on the rooms with Jewish content and observing the participation of Clubhouse users.

The Talmud teaches that if you want to learn about a new practice, go out and see what the people are doing (Menachot 35b). During these past few weeks, I have seen and heard that our people are on Clubhouse. As Rabbi Hillel wisely advised us, “Now go and learn” (Shabbat 31a).

Rabbi Wendy Pein and Seth Cohen appeared in a Clubhouse room titled “A roomful of rabbis talking about the Jewish future” on March 17.

Rabbi Wendy Pein is the director of congregational learning at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester (TINW) in Croton-on-the-Hudson, New York.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Readers can also submit announcements: births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at www.omahajewish press.com/site/forms/. Deadlines are normally nine days prior to publication, on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.

Mazal Tov, Aaron!

We are so proud of your achievements – membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from the Band.

ere Photo h

Love, Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters

by 4 inches

$99

Congrats, Rachel!

_____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Name ___________________________________________________________

ere Photo h

Address _________________________________________________________ City, State and Zip _________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________ Ad A O Ad B O Photo enclosed O Check enclosed for $ _________ Send check and photo to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 by May 3.

We are so proud of your achievements – membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from B.E.S.T.T.

Love, Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

CHABAD HOUSE

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’NAI ISRAEL Join us via Zoom on Friday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. for evening services. Our service leader is Larry Blass.

Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber.

Handicap Accessible.

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

VIRTUAL MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Mincha, 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Passover I Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Mincha, 5:30 p.m.; Virtual Seder, 6 p.m.

MONDAY: Passover II Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:25 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Surviving and Thriving in the Sinai and Negev Deserts, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-April 2: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY-April 3: Passover Shabbat Morning Services with Yizkor, 10 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, WhatsApp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in Sukkah, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required.

FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Chometz Burning at Beth Israel, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; Mincha/Candlelighting, 7:25 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m.; Latest time to eat chometz, 11 a.m.; Latest time to dispose of chometz, 12:15 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting and earliest time for first seder, 8:26 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting and earliest time for second seder, 8:27 p.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 9 am.; Kids Class, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:28 p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi with Rabbi Yoni — 30 mins prior to Mincha; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi with Rabbi Yoni — 30 mins prior to Mincha; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari

(Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Character Development, 9:30 am. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi with Rabbi Yoni — 30 mins prior to Mincha; Pesach Seder To-Go Pick-Up, 6 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY-April 2: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Candlelighting, 7:32 p.m.

SATURDAY-April 3: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kids Class, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:40 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:34 p.m.

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

MONDAY: Makers of Jewish Things, 7 p.m. via Zoom; Havdalah, 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Synagogue Staff Meeting, 10 a.m.; Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 4:30 p.m. via Zoom.

THURSDAY: Fast begins, 5:59 a.m.; Fast ends, 8:18 p.m.

FRIDAY-April 2: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Steve and Nathaniel Kaup, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom; Candlelighting, 7:35 p.m.

SATURDAY-April 3: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Felch via Zoom; Torah Study, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom; Havdalah (72 minutes), 8:35 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE All services canceled until further notice.

CHABAD HOUSE Due to Coronavirus, classes are being offered online at ochabad.com/classroom. Services are covid compliant and safe in person at Chabad. For schedules and more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800.

FRIDAY: Minyan, 8 a.m.; Burn Chametz by 12:27 p.m.; Lechayim, 4 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Candlelighting, 7:25 p.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Minyan, 10 a.m.; Eat Chametz until 11:23 a.m.; Nullify Chametz by 12:26 p.m.; 1st Seder Night; Light Candles after, 8:26 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 10 am.; Light candles after 8:27 p.m.; Count the Omer.

MONDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Shacharit, 10 am.; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen; ochabad.com/classroom; Havdalah, 8:28 p.m.; Count the Omer after nightfall.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m.; Count the Omer after nightfall.

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen; Count the Omer after nightfall.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Professor David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon with Rabbi Katzman; Count the Omer after nightfall.

FRIDAY-April 2: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 4 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman; LIght Candles at 7:33 p.m.; Count the Omer.

SATURDAY-April 3: Shacharit, 10 a.m.; Candlelighting after, 8:34 p.m.; Count the Omer.

Virtual services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex and Elaine Monnier, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom; Candlelighting, 7:27 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Alex via Zoom; Torah Study on Parashat Tzav, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom; Havdalah (72 minutes), 8:28 p.m.

SUNDAY: No LJCS classes; Virtual Second Seder with Rabbi Alex, 6 p.m. via Zoom; Candlelighting for Yom Tov, 8:29 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander.

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

Join us via Zoom.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Service — Racial Justice Sermon Series: “Questions for the Self: Race, Identity and Us” with Tarirov Nussinov, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom.

SUNDAY: Passover Service, 10:30 a.m.; Passover Pick Up/Chametz Food Drive, noon-1:30 p.m. If you ordered Seder Kits and/or Passover Meals, they will be ready for pickup from noon-1:30 p.m. LEGO boxes can also be picked up at this time if you haven't already done so. The Temple Israel clergy and staff will be outside to wave and say a quick, socially-distanced, hello! During this time, you may drop off any items for our Chametz Drive. Temple Israel is partnering with Food Bank for the Heartland for the Chametz Drive.

Chametz are foods that are leavened or contain leavening agents and are traditionally prohibited to consume or own during Passover; Passover Family Seder: Let My People LEGO, 5:30-7 p.m. Join for a fun, interactive Community Seder via Zoom! Together, we’ll tell the Passover story, tracing the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom through LEGOs! During seder, we’ll ask our community members to share their LEGO creations, piecing together the story that we all know and love! Plus we’ll hear the Four Questions and sing Dayenu together. We’ll eat the Hillel sandwich and search for the Afikomen, and more!

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

WEDNESDAY: Mindful Meditation with Margot Anderson, 9 a.m. Join us via Zoom.

THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Discussion, 9:30 a.m. with Moshe Nachman. Join us via Zoom.

FRIDAY-April 2: Bonim Family Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Shabbat Service — Racial Justice Sermon Series: “Experiencing the Jewish Teen Trip to Israel while Black: The Right of Passage that Was and Wasn’t” with Ellen Platt, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom.

SATURDAY-March 27: Conclusion of Passover Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. Join us via Zoom.

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

Joint statement from ADL and Committee of 100 on the rise of anti-Asian hate New York, NY, March 17, 2021 In response to historic increases in anti-Chinese and anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander incidents and assaults, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), the world’s leading anti-hate organization and Committee of 100, a non-profit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans, issued the following joint statement: “We are united with all of our Asian American brothers and sisters in standing up against hate, xenophobia and violence,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Violence towards any minority group is not the answer. The anxiety and fear in the Asian American community is palpable, and we grieve with and support the millions of Chinese Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the U.S. who feel targeted. We commend Committee of 100 for their work in bringing this

issue of anti-Asian hate to the forefront and we very much look forward to working with them hand in hand to help solve a crisis that many communities are facing.”

“We at the Committee of 100 are extremely saddened by the increased attacks against Chinese Americans and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community overall. Chinese Americans are Americans. Period. The violence and rhetoric that is happening now in these communities across the U.S. is horrific, sad, and unacceptable,” said Zheng Yu Huang, President of Committee of 100.

“These acts of hate have no place in America, whether directed against Asian Americans or anyone else. We are extremely thankful to the AntiDefamation League for standing with us as we collectively work towards concrete actions that will address the roots of the violence and xenophobia

directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Hate has no place in our society.”

ADL and the Committee of 100 are calling on all our elected officials and law enforcement to urgently address racism, discrimination, and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with actionable, concrete results.

With additional funding, education, and action, there is a chance to put these horrific incidents in the past and move forward as a nation. Earlier this month, Committee of 100 outlined seven calls to action that look to hold elected officials and law enforcement accountable for producing change for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. On Thursday, March 18, the House Judiciary Committee held hearings on discrimination and violence against Asian Americans.

Life cycles BIRTH NOAH HARRISON GELLMAN Dana and Jay Gellman of Highland Park, IL. announce the birth of their son, Noah Harrison.

He has a big brother, Spencer.

Grandparents are Lynne and Steve Gellman of Austin, TX, and Roberta Greenspan and Ricky Greenspan of Highland Park, IL. Great-grandparents are the late Phyllis and Leonard Friedel of Scottsdale, AZ (formerly of Omaha).

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, In the Jewish Press March 12, 2021 issue, Adi Adamit-Gorstein has no problem with the comment made by comedian Michael Che on Saturday Night Live saying “Israel is reporting that they’ve vaccinated half of their population, and I’m gonna guess it’s the Jewish half.”

She later adds that Israel should be supplying vaccinations to the Palestinians living in the West Bank. However, she notes, “Israel doesn’t seem to find this obligation on the top of its priority list.”

Her essay reminded me just how fortunate is Israel to have Bibi as PM and not someone with the naivete and moral blindness of Adamit-Gorstein. So, Israel does not place, on the top of its priority list, the well-being of a group of people who by and large would love to see Israel wiped out! How strange! How bizarre!

What kind of people are those in Israel who are somewhat neglectful toward those who wish them ill? I would say that they are decent, rational, practical, and fully human beings. This is the kind of discrimination that simply makes sense for a Jewish state.

Adamit-Gorstein even adds that “It is truly a mystery” why the AJC and other Jewish groups “choose to focus their attention on a comedian who has nothing to do with the very real and very deadly epidemic of anti-Semitism unfolding in the United States.”

Perhaps it is because Che’s “joke” is a classic example of the double-standard that is so often employed by journalists when they look at Israel. They apply standards of behavior to Israel that they would rarely apply to others. This is a dangerous form of antiSemitism that has been employed for centuries. Indeed, I would argue that this view is more dangerous to the Jewish people than “the deadly epidemic of anti-Semitism” to which she refers.

At the root of Adamit-Gorstein’s problem is that she has what appears to be a growing virus in the West. That is, an ideological preoccupation with applying “equality” to situations where it does not belong. Palestinians in Gaza should not be viewed by Israelis just like any other Israeli. They have a completely different agenda vis a vis Israel right now and it could eventually be fatal to Israel if those of Adamit-Gorstein’s ilk should ever come to lead the Jewish state of Israel.

Incidentally, she is currently an intern in NYC with the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Ah yes! An organization that has always treated Israel with consummate fairness.

Michael Gendler

The lion ate a bunny BEN SALES JTA The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem is clarifying its feeding protocols after families watched a lion devouring a bunny.

Video of the incident, which was shared on Twitter by Israeli TV journalist Yossi Eli, shows the lion eating a white rabbit.

The voices of onlooking parents and children wondering aloud about the meal can be heard in the background.

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

1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452 Family Owned and Operated

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

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

NEBRASKA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $225/25 word classified ad. Over 150 newspapers with circulation of more than 237,000. Contact The Jewish Press or call 1-800-369-2850.

APPLYING FOR Social Security Disability or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-866-818-0868.

Free Consultation. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St. NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar).

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 155 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

PROTECT YOUR yield from soybean white mold and SDS! Ask your seed dealer for Heads Up® Seed Treatment. Cost effective, Proven results. headsupST.com/plant 21 or 866-368-9306.

Portrait of a male lion in Tanzania. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Biblical Zoo features animals alive during the time of the Bible, as well as other species.

“The Biblical Zoo turned into National Geographic in the middle of the day,” tweeted Eli, Jerusalem correspondent for Israeli Channel 13. “The kids at the zoo were astonished to see how a lion devoured rabbits in the middle of the day. Parents were shocked.”

The zoo released a statement explaining that the lions are usually fed dead animals behind closed doors but that, in this case, the lion dragged its food out into public view.

“The Asian lions in the zoo, which are a species in danger of extinction, are part of a worldwide lion conservation program,” the zoo’s statement said, according to Eli. “The lions in the zoo are fed prey that is no longer alive, which the zoo receives from an animal food provider. Due to sensitivity, the lions receive their foo behind the scenes. In this case, the lion dragged its prey into the exhibition area.”

Several Israeli Twitter users pointed out that it isn’t exactly a shock that lions eat meat. Some connected the incident to a classic Hebrew children’s book, “The Lion Who Loved Strawberries,” by Tirza Atar, which is about a lion who thinks he likes strawberries but (spoiler alert) has never actually tasted them and in fact finds them disgusting once he does.

“It would have been a great crossover if the bunny were named ‘Strawberry,'” one user wrote.

Charles Barkley’s hora went fine JTA Earlier this month, Charles Barkley confessed to Jimmy Kimmel that he wasn’t sure he’d make it through the hora at his daughter’s wedding.

He needn’t have worried. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing around 250 pounds, the NBA Hall of Famer was concerned that the wedding guests wouldn’t be able to lift him in a chair during the traditional Jewish celebratory dance. His daughter, Christiana, married Ilya Hoffman, who is Jewish, at a Scotts-

The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021 | 11

dale, Arizona, resort. “I’ve been really working out hard because apparently they’ve got to pick me up in a chair,” Barkley told Kimmel on his talk show on March 4. “Listen, I need all Jewish people on deck, brother. Cause I can only get so skinny

by Saturday, man.”

But according to a write-up of the wedding in The New York Times, the chair-lifting went just fine. The dancing followed a wedding officiated by Rabbi John Linder, who leads Temple Solel, a Reform congregation near Scottsdale.

GUARANTEED LIFE Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be cancelled for non-payment. 855-7043167.

4G LTE Home Internet now available! Get GotW3 with lightning fast speeds plus take your service with you when you travel! As low as $109.99/month! 844-210-0464.

HUGHESNET SATELLITE Internet - 25mbps starting at $49.99/month! Get More Data. Free Off-Peak Data. Fast download speeds. WiFi built in! Free Standard Installation for lease customers! Limited time, call 1-844-290-3051.

TWO GREAT new offers from AT&T Wireless! Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy 510e on us with AT&T’s Buy One, Give One offer. While supplies last! Call 1855-574-9119.

AT&T TV - The Best of Live & On-Demand on all your favorite screens. Choice Package, $64.99/month plus taxes for 12 months. Premium Channels at No Charge for One Year! Anytime, anywhere. Some restrictions apply. W/24-mo. agmt TV price higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/month is extra & applies. Call IVS 1-855-763-0124.

DIRECTV - EVERY live football game, every Sunday - anywhere - on your favorite device. Restrictions apply. Call IVS, 1-855-9773794.

DIRECTV NOW. No Satellite needed. $40/month. 65 Channels.

Stream Breaking News, Live Events, Sports & On Demand Titles.

No Annual Contract. No Commitment. Call 1-855-417-4299.

DISH NETWORK $64.99 for 190 Channels. Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/month (where available). Switch & Get a Free $100 Visa Gift Card. Free Voice Remote. Free HD DVR. Free Streaming on All Devices. Call today! 1-877-688-4784.

LIFE ALERT, One press of a button sends help Fast, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. Free First Aid Kit (with subscription). Call 855-663-0118. Free Brochure.

DOES YOUR basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair. A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. Free Inspection & Same Day Estimate. Call 1-844-9583431.

ELIMINATE GUTTER cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a Free LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-671-2859.

CDL CLASS A Tanker Truck Driver. Annual compensation exceeds $80,000.00. Home Weekends, and Benefits like no other.

We haul our own products! Contact Tony, 608-935-0915 Ext. 16.

WESLEY FINANCIAL Group, LLC, Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews.

Call 855-899-7756.

BECOME A published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. Call Christian Faith Publishing for your Free author submission kit. 1-866-558-6428.

BECOME A Published Author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing - trusted by authors since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution.

Call for your free Author’s Guide, 1-877-858-2822 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/Nebraska.

A-1 DONATE your car, running or not! Fast Free Pickup. Maximum tax deduction. Support United Breast Cancer Foundation programs. Your car donation could save a life. 888-981-7797.

12 | The Jewish Press | March 26, 2021

News

Discovery in “Cave of Horror”

LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

Beit Midrash: Listen, discuss, and learn MARK KIRCHHOFF Community Engagement and Education Wednesday, March 17 marked the 18th evening of the 2020-2021 Beit Midrash weekly series with the fourth of a four-part series titled “The Promised Land?: Jewish Pluralism & Power in the State of Israel.” As of this writing, March 24 will be a Community Panel Discussion, “The Never-Ending Story: Slavery, Freedom & the Meaning of Pesach in the Modern World.” Beit Midrash will not meet for the weeks of March 31, April 7, and April 14 in observance of Passover, Yom Hashoah, and Yom Ha’Atzmaut.

The series begins again on April 21 with Part II of the topic, “The Future is Now: Re-Imagining Judaism for a Post-Pandemic World.”

The idea for community-wide adult learning involving all three synagogues and Chabad and partnering with the Jewish Federation of Omaha originated last year when Rabbi Stoller and Rabbi Abraham had their monthly lunch together. Rabbi Stoller said: “We began talking about collaborating on a project, and the idea of an adult Beit Midrash was born.” Rabbi Abraham added, “Oftentimes, when we as congregations collaborate, it’s a limited, one-time thing. We talked about something more solid, more permanent and the idea took shape and gathered momentum.” And while the challenges presented by the COVID epidemic and adjusting the venue to virtual sessions required some quick thinking, the learning continued.

The 2020 -2021 Beit Midrash has proven to

be a popular learning experience, with an average of 54 participants per evening – the highest attendance being 79. No wonder: it has been so popular: the topics have been timely and informative and the discussions robust. This year’s Beit Midrash opened on Oct. 21 with a two-part series titled “The Jewish Vote, Torah, Civic Duty & the 2020 Election.”

Those sessions were capped off with three clergy and a moderator presenting a panel discussion titled, “Election Debrief: Where Do We Go From Here?” Other topics have included Jewish views on race, diversity and justice; Judaism and the glass ceiling for women and families; the many voices of Judaism – the similarities and differences between denominations, and more. For a full listing of topics

Family-owned for 50 years!

Art, lamps, tables, accessories and gifts One-week custom picture framing service www.lewisartgallery.com

and presenters, and to register for participation if you have not already done so, visit the Jewish Federation’s website, www.jewish omaha.org and select the Beit Midrash sliding banner at the top of the page and proceed as directed. It’s that simple. Once you register, you will receive all the information and reminders for the series.

To encourage you even more, May 5 & 12 will feature “ You Shall Surely Heal’: Medicine & Health Care in the Jewish Tradition.” The 2020-2021 series ends on Sunday, May 16 with a final Community Panel Discussion, Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot. If you have questions about Beit Midrash, contact Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchhoff@jewishomaha. org or 402.334.6463.

PHILISSA CRAMER JTA Digging for ancient relics, Israeli archaeologists uncovered a fragment of a scroll with a message seemingly designed for today: “Speak the truth to one another... And do not contrive evil against one another.”

That commandment is inscribed on a fragment found in a dig organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Judean Desert. The dig has turned up a trove of artifacts, including the biblical fragments — the first Dead Sea Scrolls unearthed in 60 years — and an intact basket produced more than 10,000 years ago.

Archaeologists have been exploring the caves since 1947, when a shepherd happened upon a set of biblical fragments that became known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. That discovery and others over the subsequent 15 years gave scholars a new understanding of how Jewish life and texts evolved over time.

The newly discovered fragments, from Zechariah in the Book of the Twelve Minor Prophets, add to that understanding by, for example, showing that the name of God was written in Hebrew even as the text was largely in Greek. The relics were found in what is known as the “Cave of Horror,” a cave in the West Bank desert that can be accessed only by rappelling down a sheer rock face. Inside the cave, according to the announcement, were coins left behind by Jewish rebels who sought refuge there after the Bar Kochba Revolt, a failed insurgency against Roman rule nearly 2,000 years ago.

The archaeologists also found the crude burial site for a child who appears to have died about 6,000 years ago.

Personal Threads Special COVID Hours Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

We offer a large assortment of Knitting and Crochet yarns, needles and hooks.

Also, we have a outstanding assortment of Needlepoint canvases and supplies including Appleton English wool and Paternayan Persian wool.

Always the best.

www.personalthreads.com Find us on social media @personalthreadsboutique

8600 Cass Street | Open: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 402-391-7733