April 24, 2020

AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

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Emergency Financial Assistance available Our approach to desperate times: Step 1, Nurture human wellbeing Page 2

Masks for RBJH Staff Page 4

KAREN M. GUSTAFSON, MS, NCC, LIMHP Executive Director, Jewish Family Service ith the best professional and licensed staff, JFS is wholly focused on providing the services individuals, couples and families require when facing challenges in their lives. Financial assistance, counseling, Project Tzedakah, Project Dreidel and family life education; these are among the ways that JFS restores dignity, hope and meaning when it seems like life’s struggles appear insurmountable. This may be an uncertain and challenging time, what is certain is that, together, we will meet the challenge. Our shared values provide a roadmap for weathering this storm.

While the JFO and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation took the lead in designing a Fund Raising Campaign to meet the expected needs of the community, Jewish Family Service ( JFS), was behind the scenes developing a strategic, shortened version of our Assistance Program. Our goal is

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to quickly and easily offer some financial relief to those families who have lost jobs during this crisis and are waiting on the government stimulus checks to come in the mail and for those who need groceries or help paying a portion of a bill, such as rent or utilities in order to remain stable.

If you are in need of assistance, you can make your request in several different ways.

Our preferred method is for you to contact us by phone. We created a process whereby a community member who has a request can call the JFS Main Office at 402.330.2024, between the hours of 9 a.m.-noon, Monday –Thursday. During this time, we have staff and volunteers dedicated to taking calls. The reason for these times, is to allow JFS to process calls each day and to ‘ideally’ finalize each days’ requests by the end of that day, with Friday designed as a catch-up day to finalize anything that was pending for the week.

You can also email us at info@jfsomaha. com, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha has provided an online form with a few short See Emergency Financial Assistance page 3

A boulevard in Marrakesh Page 6

Thank you to our donors

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ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press Since 1991, the Jewish community of Omaha has, on six separate occasions, delivered emergency assistance to fellow Jews experiencing extreme hardship in vulnerable regions of the world. Today, the COVID-19 virus impacts all of us, and many of our neighbors have been hit with levels of adversity the likes of which we have never witnessed.

“Life on the Jewish Federation of Omaha campus is not business as usual,” JFO CEO Alan Potash said.

“However, the staff is hard at work.

Some are able to be on campus and others are working remotely from home. The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home staff in particular is working

Image by wagnercvilela from Pixabay

around the clock to care for the residents and we are all grateful for the fantastic job they are doing.”

To address immediate needs in our community, the Jewish Federation of Omaha and the JFO Foundation have launched The Jewish Federation of Omaha COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund to provide emergency assistance where it’s needed most.

While our Annual Campaign adequately provides vital programming and services throughout the year, the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund will fill the urgent shortfall brought on by the current crisis. We estimate

that at least $500,000 will be needed to help Omaha’s community.

“As of April 15,” JFO Chief Development Officer Steve Levinger said, “73 gifts totaling $190,169 have been made by community members to the Jewish Federation of Omaha COVID19 Emergency Relief Fund!”

As we collectively have met the Challenge laid out by the JFO Foundation, this figure includes the $50,000 Matching Funds generously provided by the Foundation.

“We want to sincerely thank all donors who contributed to the Jewish See Thank you donors page 3

RBJH: Staying connected through music AVIVA SEGALL Music Director, Omaha Area Youth Orchestras GABBY BLAIR Staff writer, Jewish Press In the midst of COVID-19 chaos, musicians have turned to technology to inspire and perform for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

OAYO musician Anna Stednitz performs on the clarinet for resident Elaine Feldman.

Aviva Segall, Music Director of Omaha Area Youth Orchestras, shares that she began brainstorming ways her students could still perform after the cancellation of their March 15 concert due to COVID-19.

“Music is such an integral part of life for our dedicated students. As I was reflecting on the current inability to perform and practice together, I also began thinking how difficult this isolation must be for residents of senior homes. I then thought... what if we have a ‘symbolic concert’ and have our musicians perform a small snippet of the music they would have performed on March 15, but for residents of senior homes. Since I already knew Maggie Conti and know all of the great activities at the Blumkin Home, that was a natural first call.”

Segall e-mailed her musicians with a google form to sign up and the response has been great. “When I sent the e-mail to our students, I also included two quotes about the true purpose of music education for them to consider,” shares Segall.

The first, from Jose Abreu, “It is evident that music has to be recognized as an element of socialization, as an agent of social development in the highest sense, because it transmits the highest values - solidarity, harmony, mutual compassion. And it has the ability to unite an entire community and to express sublime feelings.”

The second, from Shinichi Suzuki, “Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good See Staying connected page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020

Inviting Soledad to Our Passover

Bloomberg Challenge Second Intermediate Day of Passover 28 Nisan 5780 Easter Sunday April 12, 2020

If It Works in Omaha, It’ll Work Anywhere #027 in this Sponsored Series Soledad O’Brien — Matter of Fact Dear Soledad, Congratulations on another fine show tonight. I especially liked your focus on ordinary people helping out in the Coronavirus crisis by making masks and protective headgear in new and creative ways.

So too for the segment on how COVID-19 attacks the poor and people of color in far greater proportion than the rest of us.

I’d read about these shocking figures recently in The NY Times. But it was your interview of Brian Castrucci that clearly explained how decades of inadequate funding have crippled our Public Health System to the point of virtual collapse.

You presented a powerful call for action. We’re trying to do the same about how Victory Gardens could assist our physical and mental health in our fight against the Coronavirus.

Reviving Victory Gardens Through our Passover Bloomberg Challenge, the Benson Plant Rescue hopes to lead a renewal of Victory Gardens which were so popular during the Second World War. The goal in doing so is to improve public health through locally sourced organic food raised at or near home.

But in this current “war” against the virus, Victory Gardens can have the added effect of improving our communal mental health by getting people out of their isolation and into the fresh air and sunshine.

And in this new twist on an old tradition, we envision not just the classic Victory Garden grown out in the yard but also new adaptations to our urban environment: hydroponics, vertical gardening, rooftop gardens, cellar mushroom caves, and so on.

Filming Victory Gardens Widely As for how we’ll communicate helpful suggestions to the world at large, we’ll use print for old folk like myself who still prefer the warm feel of paper in our hands verses the cold computer screen. But Millennials and younger folk prefer what can be seen and listened to on their phones.

So we plan to film short segments over the spring and summer using at risk kids from North and South Omaha. Then we’ll blast them out over YouTube and social media to help inform people of helpful gardening hints as we all go through the process of learning together how to achieve Victory over Coronavirus with (1) home grown organic food to sustain our bodies plus (2) flowers and plants to elevate our souls and calm our minds in the midst of this continuing crisis.

Omaha is a common sense, typical Middle American city, and that is a great strength. For we believe that what has worked so well here for the past 22 years will work anywhere! So what do you think, Soledad? Will you help us spread the word nationwide? If so, let us tell you more….

READ MORE at BensonPlantRescue.Org

by Dr. D, Co-Founder & President Benson Plant Rescue/Community Produce Rescue (BPR-CPR) 7224 Maple, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 933-3867 © 2020. Diamond Digital Media. All Rights Reserved.

Our approach to desperate times: Step 1, Nurture human wellbeing JEREMY FRICKE Education Director Tri-Faith Initiative We each have a responsibility to hope for the best and to prepare for the worst.

At Tri-Faith we’re building a future where we each find meaningful relationships with people from all backgrounds in our communities, bringing congregational partners and community members together to show that people of different traditions can build trust, learn together, and meet shared goals.

Together, we must be a force for good in a time that may feel desperate.

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER Maybe you’re feeling like I’m feeling today. Not only do I worry about the health of people in my community during this public health crisis, but I also fear the social implications of COVID-19 - especially for marginalized communities. Asian-Americans are feeling the brunt of hate crimes in retaliation for the novel coronavirus. Antisemitic conspiracy theories are being peddled in hyper-nationalist circles, attempting to inspire hate crimes against synagogues.

WHAT HISTORY SHOWS US With sadness, we know these are not new responses. Desperate people do desperate things.

History is dotted with desperate people committing desperate acts. Most human-made atrocities are carried out by those who either have genuine struggles or perceive themselves to be marginalized and endangered. The quality of life for the average person - physical, financial, or social - is often quite low when we go to war or genocides take hold.

In many communities, the Jewish people endured blame for the Black Death in the Middle Ages. This likely emerged because the Jewish community’s hygiene practices kept them healthier, opening the door to conspiracy theories.

In 1858, a mob burned down a quarantine hospital on Staten Island, in fears that Irish immigrants were carrying yellow fever.

Immigrants at Ellis Island in the early 20th century were subjected to racist, bigoted, and antisemitic harassment in the wake of scares about trachoma.

Rampant illness is not only a health problem, but also an economic one.

Nearly every minority group has been blamed for economic collapse at some point in human history. Xenophobia and hate will rise as the economy and healthcare industry fall.

WHAT WE CAN DO, INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER There are concrete, proactive steps we can take to prevent and reduce these travesties.

Pandemics often inspire hateful retaliations. But we must not lose hope. We have a responsibility to be proactive with what we can control. If we recognize the problems, feel the fears, and recognize the struggles of people of all backgrounds, we can reduce hate and bigotry.

What can you and I do in this time of desperation and crisis?

FIRST, WE CAN AND MUST PROMOTE WELLBEING FOR ALL PEOPLE. At Tri-Faith Initiative, we approach improving human wellbeing by: • Co-creating produce for food banks, serving people struggling financially

(such as through our Tri-Faith Garden).

• Creating educational opportunities that allow people to learn about the diversity of humanity and grow both spiritually and socially.

• Connecting to each other across our differences - reducing isolation and extending beyond those served, creating an expansive culture of social support.

• Promoting human rights of all people, with particular attention to the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18: Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

• Providing opportunities to experience diverse religious expressions, whether from one’s own perspective or from someone else’s.

• Ensuring that all people feel invited, welcomed, and respected.

• And, especially while medical experts call for physically distancing, we are innovating to make all of these actions as accessible and communal as possible.

See Desperate times page 3

Happy Passover There’s something for everyone KHULWDJH FRPPXQLWLHV FRP 402-504-3111 | WK 3DFL¿F LQ 2PDKD

The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020 | 3

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Staying connected

Continued from page 1 citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”

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Thank you, donors

OAYO musician Caroline Zweedyk performs for Betsey Tully

Segall explains that “these two ideas, that the orchestra is really the encapsulation of the ‘ideal society’ and that music can help develop beautiful souls are what the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras are about. Although we are sad to have canceled the rest of the season and even sadder that the residents of the Blumkin home can’t have regular visits from loved ones, at least this was something that we could do that was in keeping with our mission and values.”

Maggie Conti was able to connect OAYO musicians with the staff at the Blumkin Home and the project has been a success so far. RBJH Activities Coordinator, Cheryl Poulin, shares one story of Caroline, an OAYO student, and Betsey, a resident.

“Caroline was wonderful with Betsey! She gave Betsey with her own private concert. Caroline played her bassoon and Betsey moved her hands to the music. We asked Caroline questions about the bassoon, how long she’s been playing it and where she goes to school. Betsey asked her how old she was. Caroline said she would be happy to do it again.”

As for Segall, she is “really pleased with the result so far! I think it has succeeded in both lifting the spirits of the residents and expanding the hearts of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras musicians!”

Desperate times Continued from page 2 Our mission at Tri-Faith is to create inclusive environments to build relationships and understanding. In our TriFaith community, each of us has a responsibility to uphold these ideals --not only because they are the right thing to do, but because they prevent bigotry and hate from rising in the first place. They reduce the desperation of desperate times.

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Continued from page 1 Federation of Omaha COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund,” Steve added. “Through your generosity, the Federation’s agencies and professional staff are able to provide urgent assistance for housing and utilities, medical needs, food assistance and delivery, and expanded social work and mental health therapy.

“Because of your generosity, we are able to meet Jewish Omaha’s immediate needs. Our future and long-term demands are evolving, but we are heartened with the knowledge that we are a community beyond compare, and we will emerge stronger than ever. We are grateful!”

JFO President Jon Meyers said: “I have a sense of pride and gratitude that our community is able to respond in such a quick and decisive manner. The boards of both the JFO and the Foundation recognized immediately that there would be a need in our community and our response has been determined and appropriate. I want to thank all who understand that need and have given so generously. Our Jewish Community is always there to lift up those in need.”

“The board of directors of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation was quick to realize the severity of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” JFO Foundation Executive Director Howard Epstein said. “They took the lead in raising funds for Omaha’s Jewish community by unanimously approving a $50,000 challenge/matching grant. The Foundation board members understand the need to provide immediate assistance for the Metro-Omaha Jewish community’s most vulnerable populations, to meet the need for food, housing and other necessities, and to provide counseling services to deal with the anxieties and uncertainties resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

When authorizing the matching grant, the Foundation board members also knew the importance of addressing the needs of the Jewish community and of Federation staff who may be displaced from their livelihoods. ” According to Howard, the response was immediate: “Within hours after announcing the challenge grant, donations started coming in, and they continue to arrive from all segments of the community, from young and old, from those with moderate means and those with considerable means.

Among the first to donate was the Jewish Federation of Omaha Teen Foundation.

Foundation President David Gilinsky said: “The Foundation is proud to be a catalyst for the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The commitment and resilience of our Omaha Jewish community never ceases to impress me. The partnership between the Federation and Foundation is a testament not only to our Leaderhip’s ability to come together and meet the needs of our community, but to rise to the challenges of the unknowable and extreme circumstances facing us today.”

“I’m personally grateful for all who have stepped up to contribute to this fund. But, the challenges grow by the day. So, if you haven’t yet, I would encourage everyone to consider supporting this fund and helping the most vulnerable in our community.”

“It is gratifying,” Howard added, “to see Omaha’s Jewish community step up to meet and far exceed the challenge.”

For more information and to donate, please visit our website at www.jewishomaha.org where you will find a donation link. You can also contact Howard Epstein at hepstein@ jewishomaha.org or Steve Levinger at sleveinger@jewish omaha.org.

Emergency Financial Assistance Continued from page 1 questions, which can be found at www.jewishomaha.org; click on the orange banner ad at the top of the home page and you will be redirected to this form.

Our Counseling services continue to be offered through our new “Virtual Counseling” program. Sessions are held via Zoom Video-communications, and are covered by most insurance carriers. You can attend your sessions using your smartphone or computer from home. Please call our office at 402.330.2024 to make an appointment.

We continue to offer Adoption Home Study services though

secure video-conferencing. Call our office at 402.330.2024 to learn how.

Through April 10, Jewish Family Service has provided $2,385 in Emergency Financial Assistance to 60 families We realize that we cannot pay every bill for every person, but we want to offer as much assistance as we could to families in our community. We care about YOU and we worry about YOU. The entire collection of agencies under the umbrella of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is behind this effort and wants YOU to know that we are here to help YOU. We are just a phone call away!

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4 | The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020

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Jewish Family Service: Here for us

GABBY BLAIR Staff Writer, Jewish Press Jewish Family Service wants the community to know they are open and ready to lend a helping hand.

At the time of writing, JFS was busy delivering Passover Tzedakah Meal bags to over 55 local families for the holiday which began on the evening of Wednesday, April 8. Meal bags contained an assorted variety of traditional Passover foods and a grocery gift card. While holiday bags are a normal service provided to those in need, JFS understands this year may be very different than expected for many in our community.

“In light of the many complications associated with COVID-19, Jewish Family Service is taking requests for a variety of emergency assistance,” explains Mariana Nieto, JFS Assistant to the Executive Director.

As JFS offices are currently closed to the public, those wishing to request emergency assistance should call the JFS mainline at 402.330.2024 between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday through Thursday.

The limited call hours will allow the staff at JFS the time needed to follow up each afternoon and match clients with a handful of carefully vetted community volunteers who will serve as their main point of contact. These community volunteers will collect pertinent information and assess needs which will then be passed onto JFS Assistance Coordinator, Linda Cogan, to finalize. As always, this process is 100 percent confidential and all seeking assistance will be treated with dignity and respect.

JFS also wants people to be aware of their Virtual Counseling sessions. “Available to anyone in the community who may be dealing with increased stress, anxiety or even cabin fever during this

time of extreme restrictions, JFS is here to help. Remote Play Therapy is also available for our younger community members who may be having difficulty with the changes going on around

COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. Donations made to this fund will help ensure that JFS is able to continue meeting our community’s needs. You can donate through the Federation’s website, by

them,” explains Nieto.

She continues. “We have our own securely encrypted/HIPAA compliant contract set up with Zoom Video Communications, which will allow us to conduct online counseling sessions in real time.” A smartphone or camera enabled computer is required. Virtual Counseling sessions are covered by most insurance companies, though clients are advised to verify their plan’s coverage with their insurance providers.

Please call the JFS main line to schedule any counseling sessions.

Normally, JFS would be kicking off their annual FRIENDS campaign this time of year. Instead, if you are in a position to help those in need, the leadership at Jewish Family Services asks that you to consider making a donation to the Jewish Federation of Omaha

calling the Relief Fund Hotline at 402.334.6430, by mailing in a check, or through the JFO Foundation for itemized deductions. The Foundation is matching every dollar up to $50,000 through May 31. If mailing a check, please make it payable to Jewish Federation of Omaha - COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

It is very important to note that emergency assistance requests to JFS can only be made by calling the JFS main office at 402.330.2024 between 9 a.m. and noon Monday through Thursday. Requests for services not provided by JFS will be re-directed to the right resource.

The parting message JFS wishes to share is that in our community, no one needs to suffer alone. Jewish Family Service is here for you!

2020 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

When was the last time you invited third cousins to your Seder AND they agreed to attend? While it wasn’t the richest in tradition, our “family” Seder on Zoom had nearly 50 people attending! I went so far as to write a 30minute Haggadah in order to keep everyone’s attention, especially my father’s... What was clear and amazing, was to recognize how people just GARY NACHMAN wanted to connect. For some it was Regional Director, enough to stare at others eating their ADL-Plains States dinner or being willing to read a short Region passage from the Haggadah. While we are physically isolated, we truly are not socially isolated.

We have the ability to connect in simple mundane ways that make relationships meaningful.

I feel that had I invited this same group of people to attend a Seder in person, half would not be able to attend due to travel or fear of me leading a Seder. There has never been a time in history when it was easier to invite the stranger, even if they are relatives! Believe me, I have some strange relatives!

(Of course they would say the same of me...) It was such a wonderful experience to share the connection. People didn’t want to end the call! They were happy to stay connected while everyone ate at their own pace at home, catching up on life. It was a good thing I didn’t use the free Zoom app or I would have been cut off due to time!

In this time of isolation, I find the ability to remain socially connected, even if not face-to-face, satisfying in ways that might be more challenging otherwise. Like many, we have family all over the US and several overseas. The ability to hold virtual hands and share real smiles, gives us an opportunity we would most likely not invest the time in doing were we not forced to. Think about having virtual Shabbat dinner with generations that are spread out. A virtual cocktail hour with friends and family is a great way to energize in this period of energy sapping experiences. Sometimes the lemonade you make from lemons can be sweet...

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Due to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home temporarily being closed to the public, B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers will not meet until further notice. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@Gmail.com, Breadbreakers chairman.

For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

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HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND PARENTS

We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 15, 2020. To be included, send us an email with the student’s name, parents names, high school they are attending, the college they will be attending and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org by May 1, 2020.

The Jewish Press

Administrative Assistant and Grant Writer Positions Chabad of Nebraska has two part-time positions we are hiring for to help support our mission founded in Judaism and supporting our community. The first position is working as an Administrative Assistant to run our office operations in conjunction with both Rabbi Mendel Katzman and Shani Katzman. The second position is for an individual with previous experience in writing and submitting grant applications, and to help and support the Administrative Assistant. Please submit your resume to Shani Katzman by email to shani@ochabad.org.

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The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020 | 5

Masks for RBJH Staff SABINE STRONG RBJH Volunteer Coordinator The Rose Blumkin Jewish home has some really wonderful volunteers sewing masks for the staff. A relative of staff member Shana Hester has made 200 masks. What an accomplishment - we are so grateful!

Volunteer seamstress, Diane Sims, has dropped off almost fifty so far, and plans on dropDiane Sims ping off 20 masks twice a week going forward. There is a funny story about Diane that starts with her sister who had donated, and I quote: “a ton of fabrics to me, saying perhaps you can find a good use for this.” And a good use she has found!

Diane said the donated fabric is just perfect for the masks and are pretty much already the correct size she needs for making the masks. Diane is truly an angel and such a sweetheart; she is always ready to help with sewing needs and is very passionate about her sewing.

The same day I asked her to sew masks she had a prototype out to the home for approval. Within days she provided the home with almost fifty masks for the staff, and she is working on even more.

An interesting fact about Diane is that she always found the

Inviting Melinda Bates to Our Passover

Bloomberg Challenge We Hope You’ll Join with Us #021 in this Sponsored Series

Yiddish word “beshert” so fascinating. Diane has often used that word in conversations with me. I personally have always associated “beshert” with “meant to be” or “given” ( from my German language), so I was not surprised when Diane said to me that it was “beshert” that she received the donated fabric from her sister so she could put it to good use. It was all meant to be - Beshert!

A big “THANK YOU! “ to all our staff and community members that answered my call for t-shirt donations. We received a great amount of t-shirts (and even some elastic material that is hard to find right now). The t-shirts are being used for making the ties on the masks. According to Diane they are the perfect material for the ties since they are stretchy. Thank you so much everyone- your support means so much to all of us at the RBJH!

Mimouna in the age of Corona

GABBY BLAIR Staff writer, Jewish Press Moroccans have the tradition of holding a Mimouna to break our Passover fast.

This tradition has been widely adopted throughout Israel and is a fun and much looked forward to celebration, usually held as an open house, the evening that Passover ends. A steady stream of friends, family and neighbors is normal until the wee hours of the morning. The host provides tables laden with mufleta (thin My father blessing my son at a crepes filled with honey or traditional Moroccan Mimouna jam) other traditional in 2013. sweets, alcohol, and symbols for health and good fortune.

One of my favorite and most meaningful parts of the Mimouna is when my father gives out blessings and recites the Birkat HaKohanim. This is one of those traditions that would

look very strange to outsiders unfamiliar with the practice and meaning.

Taking large leaves of romaine lettuce (symbolizing renewal and growth) dipped into a bowl of milk (symbolizing life), he would paint our foreheads and cheeks with one hand and rest his other on the tops of our heads while singing blessings.

During our Mimouna, he does this all night long, for Every.

Single. Guest. We are talking hours of blessings for upwards of 100 plus people. Some come just to get his blessing before moving onto other Mimounas.

Obviously, this year is different than all others in light of coronavirus, and just as our seder tables were devoid of guests, the tradition of Mimouna seemed impossible. Imagine how surprised I was on the last afternoon of Passover in Omaha, as nighttime fell in Israel, to get a video call from my father. There he sat with a bowl of milk and a large pile of fresh green leaves. We passed the phone between us, each taking a turn to “sit before him,” as he poured his love and blessings out for each of us over the distance, brushing the air before him as thought we were physically there. As I closed my eyes to receive mine, I felt the hint of moisture on my face, just as though I was there. It was just a tear, but it made it more real just the same.

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Dear Melinda, In all seriousness, we need your help. And Mike’s too, although given the New York COVID-19 situation, it may be a while until we hear more back from him. So let’s summarize where we want to go and how you can assist.

1. Spreading the Word Over these past 22 years, we’ve developed a neighborhood-based recycling project that raises money for the Omaha public library, provides free produce to nonprofits and refugee families, educates old and young alike in the basics of plant care, and keeps organics out of our landfill, thus reducing methane emissions contributing to global warming.

To the best of our knowledge, our model is both novel and distinctive, and we’d like to share it with others. Last month the CEO of a Minnesota nonprofit visited to learn how our system could be useful there. This summer a group of Master Gardeners from South Dakota wants to come tour the BPR if we are no longer in a Coronavirus lockdown.

As we discussed earlier in #007 in this series, we’ve done considerable good in this community without it costing a dime from either government or foundations. We feel our example of self-sufficiency is one that is highly pertinent in these changing times of great need but limited resources.

2. Promoting Victory Gardens The Coronavirus lockdown illustrates the pressing need for a return to the idea of 1940’s Victory Gardens.

In our battle against an invisible enemy, gardening will enhance public health through better nutrition while easing mental stress by getting people’s hands into Mother Earth as they breath fresh air.

3. Building an Attraction What’s at stake in the next few weeks is more than a matter of buying a building. We’re building a venue that is destined to become a national attraction. That’s good for Omaha and America.

Our long range plans involve not just our present building and envisioned Green House but a working urban farm, collaboration with the YMCA on a nature trail, reforestation of floodplain lots along Cole Creek, and a multimillion dollar development fusing Benson’s growing reputation for art and culture with a produce reclamation center and restaurant.

Our desire is to make this site as enduring as the 125+ year old Cottonwood tree that anchors our Meditation Garden.

Magnificent trees like this are a rare commodity in Omaha, just as our enterprise is unique not just in Nebraska but nationally.

Will you join with us, Melinda? And you?

READ MORE at BensonPlantRescue.Org

by Dr. D, Co-Founder & President

Rockbrook Village | 108th and Center 402.397.8866 | www.bodybasics.com

Benson Plant Rescue/Community Produce Rescue (BPR-CPR) 7224 Maple, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 933-3867 © 2020. Diamond Digital Media. All Rights Reserved.

6 | The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020

Returning to Mike in Our Passover

Bloomberg Challenge Seventh Day of Passover 21 Nisan 5780

If It Works in Omaha, It’ll Work Anywhere #029 in this Sponsored Series Dear Mike, Wow, it seems like forever since I wrote you last month at Purim and first suggested Our Passover Bloomberg Challenge. Isn’t it astonishing how the whole world has been stood on its head for the past weeks since the Coronavirus began rearing its invisible head outside of China?

Now that there are the first signs of the pandemic beginning to slow down a bit in New York, I hope you have had the chance to give more thought to our proposal regarding Victory Gardens. Please help us promote them as a means of combatting stress and even mental illness resulting from the sudden change of all social contact consequent upon our forced isolation and confinement.

Gardening’s Therapeutic Effect The mental benefits of gardening are well documented both in medical studies and popular literature. Dorothy Frances Gurney (1858-1932), the English hymn-writer and poet, immortalized the sense of spiritual peace and calm found in the garden in her poem, “God’s Garden.”

One stanza in particular leaps out from the poem and has become a staple on signs that can be found in many garden shops:

Victory Garden Contests Truth is, there already has been a significant public response to begin gardening right now. Garden centers are reporting record interest and sales.

That momentum is being provided by gardeners already initiated into the physical and mental benefits of gardening. But what about those newcomers who need guidance and instruction on just how to proceed?

Back in the Forties our government published pamphlets to assist people in how to set up their Victory Gardens, and we’ll need some of that as well. But like I was telling Soledad back in #027, we also need short videos on YouTube and social media for the new generations. And contests with prizes.

As you can see from the old poster at the left, Victory Garden Contests were part of the national effort back then. And they should be part of our new effort now. It’s not going to take that much money or effort to get this ball rolling again. And think of the good it will do for people’s mental and physical health.

So how about it, Mike? Can we count on your support? Spring’s around the corner.

The time to act is now. Are you with us? Please be in touch.

READ MORE at BensonPlantRescue.Org

by Dr. D, Co-Founder & President Benson Plant Rescue/Community Produce Rescue (BPR-CPR) 7224 Maple, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 933-3867 © 2020. Diamond Digital Media. All Rights Reserved.

A Boulevard in Marrakesh RICHARD FELLMAN Morocco, the California-sized nation in the far northwest corner of the continent of Africa, points west out over the Atlantic towards the ‘New World’ and north towards the European ‘Old World’. It sits like a bookend on the most northwestern corner of the vast Arabic world, that stretches across all of North Africa, the Middle East and into the far reaches of East Asia.

On the second to last day of our trip, I lunched in a cafe with with a few of my traveling companions in the Marrakesh Market. We sat on the second floor balcony of the restaurant overlooking the entire area. Our menu came in French, but we ordered in English, which set us apart as all other tables spoke only in Arabic. Sitting there in a café with a French menu on a warm and sunny afternoon, it felt much more like Paris to me than it did Marrakesh.

Below, people were everywhere and the market also seemed to be everywhere.

Considered one of the largest open air markets in the world, Marrakesh’s market is filled with almost everything anyone would want to buy. The view from above was fascinating and the market was full of people of Dick Fellman, every description. with son Rabbi Daniel FellWomen traveled alone and in man of Temple Concord, pairs, wearing colorful head- Syracuse, NY, enjoying a scarves and traditional Arab ride in an open carriage in robes which covered them from Marrakesh, Morocco, early the top of their bodies to inches March 2020. above their feet. Their garments came in all colors, some pastels and some stark black. Those in all white, I was told, were in the early days of mourning for their deceased husbands.

There were also women dressed far differently, just as they might have been on a similar afternoon in France, in short mini-skirts and slacks. Some were dressed as wealthy matrons, as though window shopping in the finest of women’s stores on the Left Bank.

There were also men- old and young-wearing every imaginable type of clothing.

There were no cars, but motorcycles and motorbikes were everywhere, as well as plain old fashioned bikes ranging from rickety to the latest sporting models.

On our last day in Morocco, my travel group was eager to return to the great open air market place to shop for souvenirs and gifts for their families back home. I had no desire to shop so I opted to leave the group behind and wander off alone, down one of the main boulevards deep into the heart of the old city of Marrakesh.

I wanted to see another part of Marrakesh, so I left our western-style hotel and followed the crowds. The afternoon was warm, though it was only the first week of March. I took off my sweater and carried it, hesitant to put it around my neck and tell anybody who looked that I was an American. Actually, I knew I wasn’t misleading anyone, for my clothes, how I walked and carried myself, my entire being broadcasted “this is an American.” Deep down, that feeling made me proud even though it made me very aware that I was the foreigner, unlike all these folks passing by me on the crowded sidewalk.

In the distance across the boulevard, I could see stretches of bougainvillea in soft lavender and pink that covered old walls in buildings. I imagined that these walls have stood exactly as they were for hundreds of years, but in front of me was only today.

Shops thirty feet back from the street left wide walkways for shoppers and carried names familiar to me from the States.

On one far corner stood a KFC and on the other far corner was a Starbucks with a Victoria’s Secret in the middle. In between were shops with names not known to me; shops with clothing for both men and women. Shops full of household

goods and furnishings, and items which appeal to young buyers, almost none of which I could name. And there were SALES! SALES! everywhere.

On the street there were no private cars, only motorcycles

Top: Hats on Marrakesh market Credit: Feliciano Guimarães from Guimarães, Portugal, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license above: A food stall, Djemma el Fna, Marrakesh Credit: Mihal Osmenda, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

and bikes, and occasionally horses and carriages. On the side streets, lined up in some places and roaming in others, were taxis, all painted a bright yellow.

I walked and walked before finally deciding to have a seat at one of the many sidewalk cafes. The one I selected was called 16 Café which describes itself as located at Place du 16 Novembre, Marrakech Place. Off in the distance were models of the caps on the Louvre Museum in Paris, angular black triangles that appear nowhere else. For a moment, I almost imagined I was in Paris again, until I tuned into the conversations of those around me, not in French, but Arabic. In the sun it was hot, but under the shade of my umbrella, I was cool.

Next to me sat two women, and across from my table were three woman, all resting from an afternoon of shopping. They each ordered hot tea with fresh mint. It reminded me of similar situations I had experienced before. In Paris, where café noir or espresso was commonly ordered. In Ukraine, where I lived for half a year over a decade ago, where women after shopping would sit in a similar café and order a shot of vodka with a beer chaser. But this was the Arab world. No alcohol was served in the outside plaza, though whatever one wanted to drink was available inside the café with no questions asked.

The waiter was courteous as I ordered Café Expresso et Salade Niçoise, in my best attempt at French. He smiled and said something which I didn’t understand. I nodded and smiled back. He responded again, in English. Whether in France or in Morocco, me ordering in French and being responded to in English never fails.

An excellent choice, the Salade Niçoise was absolutely authentic, just like it was in every sidewalk café I had ever been in on many trips to France. It didn’t seem like Marrakesh for those moments, but it was absolutely Morocco.

I sat and watched people walk by for a long time. It was a See A boulevard in Marrakesh page 8

The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020 | 7

On Wacky Wednesday, staff and Residents wore blue in support of first responders and health care workers. Above: RBJH Therapy Team, below: Chrissy Caniglia-Nelson making food feeders with Candy Bold and right: Hand Sanitizer? Really?

Above: Mia Werner shows that Passover isn’t Passover without chocolateand-sprinkles-covered matzah.

Below: Amy and Andy Isaacson’s daughters Maya, Mimi and Lily- this one is just to make everyone smile.

SP O TLIGHT

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.

Above: Rachel and Lior Shyken at the Kotel Feb. 17 2020! While Rachel was visiting her daughter at Machon Maayan Seminary and family in Israel Feb. 2020, they spent the day in Jerusalem.

Above: Joshua Strauss during the Seder at home in Brooklyn. Joshua is the son of Bridget Kelly and Eric M. Strauss. He has a 2-year-old brother, Benjamin. Eric is managing editor for medical news at ABC News. Grandparents are Mike and Barbara Kelly and Karen Strauss of New York City and the late Dr. Elton Strauss.

Left and above: Sadie and Walter Beckman enjoyed Seder at home- and some home-made, gluten-free matzah.

8 | The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020

Time to Will Our Passover

Bloomberg Challenge

Getting ready for Yom Ha’atzmaut

50th Anniversary of Earth Day, April 22

Willing Our Way to Victory #031 in this Sponsored Series Dear Jewish Friends of the Environment, I must have been out of my mind when I wrote that last HyperText (#030). I probably still am. I can hear my wife already: ‘Look, you Old American Fart, you’re delusional.

You’re nothing but a dreamer.” And she’s right, you know. That’s exactly what I am in the way of Theodor Herzl: “If you will it, it is no dream.” The future is shaped not by wishful thinking but by determined planning and resolution of will.

So this dream that we have of making the Benson Plant Rescue into a national model for neighborhood-based plant and produce rescue, it is no dream if we but will it into action. And willing it into action will take place over the next few weeks as follows: Free Plants for Medical Staff For the past six years the Benson Plant Rescue has staged a “Free Plants for First Responders and Medical Staff” program in July, giving away some of the rescued annuals that turn up in midsummer as the pop-up nurseries around town shut down at the end of the spring season.

This year, in appreciation of the way medical and hospital staff have been stressed by the coronavirus, we are offering them choice of three (3) gallon (#1) perennials from our rescue garden.

Additionally, we are setting up an online portal where people can purchase gift certificates for free distribution to First Responders and Medical staff.

Free Plants for Victory Gardens As the economic collapse and mass unemployment ripple through our economy, food security has become an increasing concern for large parts of our population. As stated in several previous texts, we feel neighborhood Victory Gardens are an answer to that “unintended consequence” of COVID-19.

April 29 is Yom Ha’atzmaut, also known as Israeli Independence Day. Normally, we would celebrate together, but things are different now. That’s why a team of JFO volunteers, led by Shlicha Ron Lugasy, took it upon themselves to stuff packages to be sent to families with children under 18 who are in the JFO or PJ Library systems.

“The package contains items that will allow us to celebrate from a distance,” Ron said, “including a Hamsa Project for each child, water color paints and the wording for a Hamsa Blessing. There is also a yarzeit candle with a specific fallen soldier’s photo and information for Yom Hazikaron, a brochure with Al HaEsh recipes(Israeli’s celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut by grilling), an Israeli flag and an Escape Room challenge.”

Thanks to the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Community Engagement Venue, volunteers had plenty of space to spread out the tasks and get the packets assembled. Masks were used by all volunteers and masks and gloves will be used by staff and volunteers doing deliveries.

“We will miss celebrating in person, so getting over 300 packages ready to be hand-delivered felt really good,” Louri Sullivan said. “We will be asking the entire Omaha Jewish Community to participate in a Virtual Happy Birthday Israel by sharing pictures at #jfovirtualvillage. Besides, we’re adding a Yom Ha’atzmaut car parade at the JCC on 4-27 at 4:30 p.m.”

Volunteers included Jeff, Danielle, Harper and Zev Gordman, Jay Katelman, Jamie Skog-Burke, Esther Katz, Michelle Johnson, Rod Kestel, Margie Utesch and Mark Kirchhoff. The packages will be mailed or hand-delivered between April 23 and April 26. Many CDC teachers and JFO staff have offered to help deliver.

“Especially now that we’re all so isolated,” Ron said, “it is im-

TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS

For over twenty years the Benson Plant Rescue has been giving away thousands of free plants during the height of the vegetable rescue which usually peaks around the second week of June or so. This year we intend to redouble our efforts to secure plants as soon as possible and get them out into the community where they can do much good. We want to encourage more actions like those of one of our Members who only last weekend was in buying plants for a small strip of land just outside her fenced yard where she is setting up a local Victory Garden to share with her neighbors.

Launching Our Gimme 5 Campaign Finally, we will be launching next week details of our “Gimme 5, Mike” campaign whereby we will be soliciting you to contribute as little as $5 per month in a recurring donation that will give us the financial security to expand these community outreaches ever more widely. Stay tuned.

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

Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.

portant to come together-even if we do it from a distance.”

Support for this project is provided by the Herbert Goldsten Trust and the following Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Funds: Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, Special Donor Advised Fund and the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation.

A boulevard in Marrakesh Continued from page 6 wonderful afternoon to be in Morocco. Finally, I asked for the cheque. I paid and was given a receipt printed from a small hand-held unit for accepting credit card payments.

At the bottom of the receipt it read: “Samedi, 7 Mars 2020, 15:11” and added “Merci de votre visite. Abientot.” The date and time and “Thank you for your visit. Farewell.” It was in French, neither Arabic or English. That was the farewell from my waiter. And my response, far from perfect but in his language, “Shokaran bezzaf,” thank you very much, right out of my Darija and French phrasebook.

WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?

NORM’S DOOR SERVICE GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS SALES AND SERVICE

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

READ MORE at BensonPlantRescue.Org

6200 South 90TH St.

by Dr. D, Co-Founder & President

Omaha, Nebraska

Benson Plant Rescue/Community Produce Rescue (BPR-CPR) 7224 Maple, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 933-3867 © 2020. Diamond Digital Media. All Rights Reserved.

at 90th & Washington

402-331-8920

The Jewish Press | April 17, 2020 | 9

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 Michael Ivey Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Jill Idelman, Andy Isaacson, Natasha Kraft, Andrew Miller, Eric Shapiro, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

A more deadly disease ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press At some point after social distancing began in earnest, someone tweeted the following: “I finally know how Anne Frank felt.”

Because not being able to go to school or to the movies or the mall for a few weeks is exactly the same as hiding from the Nazis in a cramped attic?

There is no need to explain why this is a problematic line of thinking. Unfortunately, it wasn’t an outlier; all over social media, hashtags comparing Anne Frank’s tragic circumstances with our current situation have sprung up. “At least Anne Frank had a boyfriend,” one twitter-user lamented.

Then, there are the protests. One sign in Columbus, Ohio showed a blue rat with a star of David and peyos; the phrase “The real Plague” scrolled along the bottom.

“In Idaho, Republican state Rep. Heather Scott called Republican Gov. Brad Little “little Hitler” and compared his shutdown orders to Nazi Germany during a podcast interview Thursday, the Spokesman-Review reported.” ( JTA.com) Scott defended her language: “My videos and interviews are generating a lot of positive responses and people are waking up. My recent analogies are poignant and relative to our times.,” she wrote. “While human lives are certainly more valuable than a business, we cannot underestimate nor ignore that our businesses are the life blood of the citizens who own them, the commu-

And there was this: Two Minnesota high schoolers drew public condemnation for a TikTok video involving Holocaust imagery. Screen shot from YouTube

nities they are in and to the customers they serve.

Losing the former destroys the latter.”

Note: she mentioned how in Germany, people

were told: “You are an essential worker or a nonessential worker,’ and the nonessential workers got put on a train.”

State officials who try to keep people home in order to keep them safe are compared to Nazis, making not at all similar decisions which were designed to make people by definition unsafe. The fact that the analogy is so faulty, the fact that, when called out, those who spread them double down and refuse to apologize, are mind-boggling and, frankly, terrifying. Add that these expressions of hate “generate positive responses” means we have, again, taken an enormous step backwards.

Here’s what happens when politicians spout their hatred and their words go unchecked.

In Massachussets, a man by the name of John Rathbun allegedly attempted to detonate a homemade bomb, discovered on April 2, at Ruth’s House, which is located within one square mile of three synagogues, a Jewish private school and a Jewish community center.

In New Haven, Connecticut, a synagogue’s windows were shot full of holes by a BB gun.

In Sarasota, Florida, someone spray-painted swastikas on the doors of Temple Emmanu-El. And so the list goes on and on, should you care to read the news.

While we are trying to fight one virus, there is another, much more deadly, disease that continues to go unchecked. And it’s one that seems highly contagious.

Embracing solitude tially because, like so many people, I’m Zoomed out.

JOANIE TERRIZZI JTA All of the options I declined sound wonderful and When I was little, Passover was heralded every lovely and meaningful in their own ways, and I year by my mother digging out Passover dishes: know that a lot of people surely found them to be melamine kids’ cartoon plates featuring a character lifelines in this turbulent time. I certainly hope that named “Herself The Elf.” I can’t find an image of the Strawberry Shortcake contemporary online, but I’d love to, because I want to take another glance at those words that I would find underneath our matzah-laden meals: “Sprinkle a little magic everywhere you go.”

In the intervening years, I tried to create magic through my many Passover experiences. Some years, I was successful: I hit other people’s family members with scallions, threw puffy “hail” that accidentally landed in the saltwater, received a handdrawn ticket out of Egypt from a child, laughed with strangers in Berlin, helped a Credit: John Encarnado/EyeEm/Getty Images pregnant friend cook during her first Passover in our isolated elderly found some way to safely see her new home, read poetry with friends, sang out faces that they love, some way to be included in the of key with someone’s uncle’s cousin. In those years, meaning-making during this holiday.

I belonged.

But I suspected that beyond the practical conThis year, I was at a loss about how to spend the siderations, I could gain something by leaning into first night of Passover. I do not have a family to have loneliness. Isolation is used as a form of torture, a downsized Seder with. I was off-handedly invited and I viscerally understand why. But especially durto a few Seders that were still happening near my ing this quarantine period, I am finding that fighthome in St. Louis, and probably could have ac- ing isolation is more exhausting than simply feeling cessed at least 100 Zoom Seders with a simple it. As someone who has practiced meditation seriFacebook request. A friend invited me to sit outside ously for over a decade, I have learned to make her family’s dining room window so I could hear peace, or at least acceptance, with things I cannot her Seder. With all of those options, I chose to be change. I know I can struggle against loneliness all alone — even though, like so many people, I deeply I want, as I have for so much of my life, but I also fear loneliness and have spent much of my life seek- know that even if I set a chair outside someone’s ing to avert it. dining room window I would still feel alone (and I chose not to join a live Seder because it was perhaps more so, as it would bring up other times simply not worth the risk, even though I had not I’ve been asked to sit separately from “everyone been within six feet of another human for more else”). The struggle wears me out. The moment I than three weeks. I didn’t want to sit outside some- decided to stop floundering, I finally felt a real one’s window and feel like a second-class citizen sense of peace.

(Would they feed me? Would I have to bring my If I had sought out a Seder with other people in own food? What if it rained?). the current state of the world, I would have been And I chose not to join a Zoom Seder, partially running from myself. I would have been telling mybecause I didn’t know how I would choose from all self that I can only find meaning and belonging in the public and private Seders I had heard about the context of others. I would have been trying to through my networks; partially because my prefer- replicate the way things have been at a time when ence is to be offline for Jewish holidays; and par- they cannot be that way. Choosing to rattle around

in my home alone is not resignation; it is an active stance and a full acceptance of “what is.” And this doesn’t have anything to do with what will or won’t happen in the future and whether there will be tables with a place set for me or not. This is not about whether I belong in the world; this is about whether I belong with me.

There is perhaps something divine in just being here in this aloneness. This is what I would miss if I look too quickly for distraction, trying to outrun a loneliness that I just can’t escape at the moment.

With a good number of Seders and meditation retreats under my belt, I am trusting that I can find my way to the deepest place in my aloneness and in my connection to a long-flowing tradition.

If you looked in the window at my solo Seder, here’s what you wouldn’t be able to see: the light of my Jewish grandmother’s love, shining in my heart. My Jewish grandfather’s love of tradition coming forth in the acts of my hands, holding on to what he valued. The generations and generations before them who lived simply, whose blood I carry but whose lives I’ll never know about.

And Herself The Elf, reminding me to sprinkle a little magic everywhere I go. This is what I chose, and it was more than enough for right now: Dayenu.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Jewish Press, I greatly enjoyed your Passover edition celebrating 100 years of publishing. I think an important aspect of your story was omitted. From the age of five until I graduated from Central High in 1973, a vital part of my life was influenced by Chuck Arnold, who was the athletic director at the old JCC. He taught iddy biddy basketball and ran tremendous youth leagues from fifth grade through high school. All through the time I played in those leagues, Chuck took it upon himself to write a short summation of every game for the Jewish Press. You always looked forward to seeing if your name got in the Press the following Friday.

Chuck’s articles are a vital part of the Jewish Press’ history, especially for fifth through eighth graders during the 1960s. It was a truly wonderful experience.

EDDIE EPSTEIN Central High Class of 1973

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020

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

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

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

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

TIFERETH ISRAEL

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

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, MaryBeth Muskin and Sissy Silber.

Handicap Accessible.

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

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

FRIDAY: Virtual Let’s Get Cooking with Eadie (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Virtual Shabbat Story Time (Grades PreK2), 11 a.m.; Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat with BESTT, 4 p.m.; Shabbat To-Go, (Pick Up); Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Virtual Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Virtual Havdallah, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY: Virtual BESTT (Grades K-7), 10 a.m.; Yiddish Class with Hazzan Krausman, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY: Virtual Jewish Values Class with Rabbi Abraham, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Virtual Coffee & Conversation with Rabbi Abraham, 2 p.m.; Virtual BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4 p.m.; Yom HaShoah, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Virtual Singing in the Synagogue with Hazzan Krausman, 11:30 a.m.; A Stitch Online, 3 p.m.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller.

DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, Senior Send Off and Brandon Thomas Scholarship, sermon by Andie Gordman; 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.

SUNDAY: Youth Learning Programs for Grades PreK6, 10 a.m. Visit ParentSquare for link information.

WEDNESDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning with Rabbi Stoller, noon.

THURSDAY: The Israel Forum with Ron Lugasy, 10 a.m.

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

TIFERETH ISRAEL

FRIDAY: Evening Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30-7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:58 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat morning Service, 10 a.m.; Havdalah (72 min.), Candlelighting, 8:59 p.m.

As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL! July 20-31 from 9 a.m.

- 2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Kosher snack and lunch included. Tuition is July 20-24 - $75 per camper and July 27-31- $75 per camper. This program is open to children ages 5-14. We require ALL campers to be registered through the LJCS, therefore we cannot accept drop-in guests. Please contact Andrea at 402.217.2631 if you are interested in enrolling your student no later than July 1.

Please visit tiferethisraellincoln.org for additional information and zoom service links.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

Virtual services conducted by Nancy Coren.

A Note from the JCC’s Mark Martin

BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Kehillati, 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: Havdalah Kehillati, 9:01 p.m.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Deepening Prayer, 7:15 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 7:30 a.m.; JYE BI Parsha and Mishnayot with Rabbi Yoni, 1- 2 p.m.

MONDAY: Yom Hazikaron, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Yom Ha’atzmaut, 8:45 p.m.

THURSDAY: Parsha Inspiration, 4:30 p.m.

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

CHABAD HOUSE Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Due to Coronavirus, all services and classes have moved online. For schedules and more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.org or call the office at 402.330.1800

B’NAI JESHURUN Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby.

The office will be open during regular office hours, Monday–Friday from 1-5 p.m. Feel free to call 402.435.8004; you can also email office@southstreet temple.org.

Rabbi Appleby is available via email, telephone, FaceTime or Skype. Please email her at rabbi@southstreet temple.org or call her at 423.763.8007.

FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:58 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. Havdalah, 9:29 p.m.

TUESDAY: Tea Time with the Rabbi, noon.

As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL! July 20-31 from 9 a.m.

- 2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Kosher snack and lunch included. Tuition is July 20-24 - $75 per camper and July 27-31- $75 per camper. This program is open to children ages 5-14. We require ALL campers to be registered through the LJCS, therefore we cannot accept drop-in guests. Please contact Andrea at 402.217.2631 if you are interested in enrolling your student no later than July 1.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE All services canceled until further notice.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.

See full digital issues https://issuu.com/jewishpress7

Even though the campus remains closed, work has been continuing on various renovation projects. We are very excited about what will be waiting for our members when the facility is able to reopen. Great progress is being made on the new family changing area, group exercise studios and indoor leisure pool. You’re going to love it!

PROGRAMMING • We continue to work hard to bring you a steady stream of live and on-demand content via the Virtual J. If you haven’t checked it out yet, please do so at www.jccomaha.org.

• All April programming has been cancelled or rescheduled. Credits will be issued to those registered for cancelled programs. Credits can be applied to future JCC programs.

• The status of May programming will be determined soon.

REGISTRATION PROCESS • At this time only Summer Camp and Summer Swim & Dive Team registration is open.

• Camp registration can be done on our website or by emailing jberkey@jccomaha.org.

• If any camp is cancelled and not able to be rescheduled, refunds will be issued.

• Virtual Personal Training can be purchased through Johanna at jberkey@jccomaha.org.

CONNECTING WITH US During the campus closure, staff may not be in their offices or at the desk to receive your call or voicemail. The best way to get in touch with our staff during this time is via email.

Staff information can be found on our website.

Membership or business representatives can be reached by emailing jccmembership@jccoma ha.org.

GROUP EXERCISE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS If you want to watch a Group Exercise class, join the link on Facebook prior to the start of the class. A link to join can also be found on the main JCC Omaha facebook page. Choose from Yoga,

High Intensity Interval Training, Boot Camp or any of our many other options. In addition, join our nutritionist, Heather Bucksner, as she shares healthy recipes.

JCC Members can also purchase and participate in Virtual Personal Training. All sessions are 30 minutes long and utilize body weight movements or basic items that you have in your house.

No special equipment is needed. These sessions are a great way to connect and prioritize your fitness! To purchase, contact jberkey@jccomaha. org. For questions, you can email mthomas@jcc omaha.org.

Once purchased and scheduled, training appointments will be completed via video call with a JCC Personal Trainer.

Select programs and classes are now being broadcast on Facebook Live! Watch and follow along from the comfort of your own home. To watch a live broadcast, simply log into Facebook and visit the page of the agency holding the event (JCC, JFO, etc) on the day and time the event is going live.

MEMBERSHIP STATUS With the temporary closure of our facility, we have received many questions regarding the payment of membership dues. Given the uncertainty of when it will be safe to reopen, we have established some new options regarding your membership. Details on these options were sent out in an email on March 26 and April 3. You can review them on our website.

We will continue to email updates and information as needed. Past updates can be found on the JCC website.

Please stay safe and healthy. We look forward to welcoming you back to the JCC as soon as we can. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the JCC staff. We’re here for you!

The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020 | 11

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“As the virus continues to spread, it’s important to remember that most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and are able to recover at home with rest,” said Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone. “If you are sick and self-isolating at home or you are caring for a loved one who is sick, there are things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect others from getting the virus.”

Here are some recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): STAY HOME. Do not leave your home if you are sick, except to get medical care. If medical care is needed, avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. It’s especially important for older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes to contact a health care provider if they have COVID19 or think they have it, as these people are at a higher risk for developing serious complications.

MONITOR YOUR SYMPTOMS CAREFULLY. Follow instructions from your health care provider and local health department as they may have additional advice about checking and reporting symptoms and information.

Call for medical attention right away if your symptoms get worse or if you experience any of the following emergency warning signs. Call 9-1-1, your doctor or emergency room, tell them that you have or may have COVID-19, and tell them if you are experiencing: • Trouble breathing • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest • New confusion or inability to arouse • Bluish lips or face (This list doesn’t cover everything. Talk with your health care provider if you have other symptoms that are severe or concerning.)

PRACTICE SELF CARE. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated as you would with any illness. Eat healthy food and try

to reduce your level of stress. As there are currently no medications to treat COVID-19, over-the-counter medicines like fever reducers and cough syrups may offer some relief.

STAY AWAY FROM OTHERS. When recovering at home, sick people should stay away from other people and pets as much as possible. Stay in a specific, designated “sick” room if possible, away from others. Also, sick people should use a separate bathroom if one is available.

WASH YOUR HANDS. Whether you are sick yourself or taking care of someone who is sick, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.

If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Wear a facemask or cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth if you are sick. Put on the cloth face covering when you must be around other people, even at home, and before you enter a health care provider’s office. Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put the tissue in the trash right away. If you don’t have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your elbow.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Sick people should avoid sharing personal items with other people in the household, like dishes, towels and bedding.

CLEAN AND DISINFECT. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often throughout your home, like counters, tabletops, doorknobs and light switches. Use household cleaning products according to instructions.

Clean high-touch surfaces in your designated “sick room” (and bathroom) every day like phones, remote controls, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is 402.552.6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

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12 | The Jewish Press | April 24, 2020

“The glass is not half empty or half full; I’m grateful we have enough to drink.”

—Michael Staenberg