May 11, 2018

thejewishpress

Volunteers of the Year AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

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Jim Fried

Daniel Grossman

AnnETTE VAn DE kAmP Editor, Jewish Press very year, agencies at the Jewish Federation of Omaha select deserving community members for their Volunteer of the Year Awards. The following lay leaders went above and beyond in their dedication and commitments to our shared mission.

They will be honored at our Annual Meeting, which will be held this year June 4 at 5:30 p.m. The entire community is encouraged to attend.

Yachad Volunteers

JFO | SHAnE AnD JESS COHn The Cohns were very engaged co-Chairs of this past year’s Kehilla Cup. They took it to the next level with mostly new chairs and volunteers, raised $20,000 more than last year, almost doubled the amount of cards completed and were personally responsible for reaching out to 142 donors. They handled all correspondence with the captains, as well as weekly emails and phone calls. They would also take any cards that teams were not successful reaching. We can’t say enough about how much

Dinner in Abraham’s Tent

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

Alex Epstein

Jess and Shane Cohn

Cheesecake on Shavuot Page 12

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Shavuot Garden Luncheon at Chabad Page 7

100 Cameras Page 8

SPOnSORED bY THE bEnJAmin AnD AnnA E. WiESmAn FAmilY EnDOWmEnT FunD

lAuRA PAulSEn Marketing & Development Specialist, Tri-Faith Initiative On Sunday, April 22, the Tri-Faith Initiative hosted its first major fundraising event since 2009, Dinner in Abraham’s Tent. The event, held in the ballroom of the

Credit: Scott Griessel with Creatista CenturyLink Center, attracted over 700 guests, including especially those from Omaha’s Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities.

The evening opened and closed with performances by an interfaith choir that included members of Temple Israel, Countryside Community Church, and the American Muslim Institute. The program featured prayers, reflections, and storytelling from members of all three faiths, as well as a special acknowledgment of four of the Tri-Faith Initiative’s founders: Rabbi Emeritus Aryeh Azriel and Bob Freeman of Temple Israel, Dr. Syed Mohiuddin of the American Muslim Institute, and Rev. Tim Anderson of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska.

See Dinner in Abraham’s Tent page 4

John Walter

Ray Pred

Eric Dunning

Sandy Friedman

ownership they took of this event!

JFO-Jbl | AlEx EPSTEin Alex came to us over a year ago to start Jewish Business Leaders. He put together the board, the meeting ideas, the Hall of Fame concept and the first round of speakers! He personally recruited members and sponsors, helped to formulate the structure, logo and the meeting format. He has been a strong leader and kept all of us on task to keep moving forward. JBL has been well received See Volunteers of the Year page 3

JFO in Israel

Garin Ometz Van: donated to Orot Hesed of Garin Ometz in Akko by the Thomases Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Omaha and Henry Davis of Omaha, to serve as a rescue vehicle and to deliver food, now with a brand new sign! nATE SHAPiRO Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha On April 16 the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Israel/Overseas Committee met to decide on projects in Israel and abroad to support on behalf of the Omaha Jewish community.

As part of our agreement with Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), our parent organization, a percentage of our annual campaign is sent to JFNA to be split among three JFNA partners: the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and WorldORT. This money, known as the “core” allocation, has been about $800,000, roughly 30% of our annual campaign.

Traditionally, the Israel Overseas committee has been given $50,000 from the aforementioned “core” allocation funds to designate to special projects to build relationships between the Omaha Jewish community and communities in need abroad and in Israel. This year, the See JFO in israel page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018

community

JFO in Israel

Continued from page 1 JFO Board of Directors elected to hold back $100,000 from the “core” allocation for designation by the Israel/Overseas Committee.

Over the year, organizations contact us requesting funds. JFO staff keeps track of these requests and compiles them for the committee to review. During the first meeting, questions are asked by the committee of the proposals, and JFO staff corresponds with the organizations to get clarification. At the last meeting, the committee ultimately decides which projects to support. The committee tends to support projects that are in our Partnership2Gether (P2G) region and that cater to taking care of peoples’ basic needs, and/or provide education for children. Our P2G region in Israel is the Western Galilee area and the city of Akko.

The committee decided to support the following projects: 1. Kivunim (Israel) The mission of Kivunim is focused on the adults with physical/sensory disabilities. Their 2018 request is for funding for occupational training and job placement to assist their clientele in achieving successful independent living. For more information, please visit their official website: http://www.kvn.org.il/ english/ 2. P2G (Partnership2Gether) Support for Lone Soldiers (Israel) “Lone soldier” is the official IDF status for soldiers in the IDF that either have no family in Israel or have no material support from their family in Israel. Many of these soldiers are from abroad and live in groups on Kibbutzim. Our P2G area (Akko and Western Galilee region of Israel) is home to 112 of these soldiers.

The kibbutzim work to provide living quarters and a clubhouse, but laundry-

Chernivtsi: WorldorT specialized School #41. a Jewish school was opened in Chernivtsi in 1991. In 2010, as a result of a three-way agreement of cooperation between the school, orT and the educational department of Chernivtsi City Council, orT established computer classes at the school. at the start of 2011 the school officially became an orT school, and in 2012 an orT IT Centre was established in the school.

Since 2010 the school has been ranked first amongst schools in the city. alongside the general education provided, the school also specializes in two advanced tracks of study: Jewish education and technology education. has become an issue. These soldiers have precious little free time during furloughs and often spend it waiting in line to use the machines. Omaha will be helping with rental costs of industrial washer and dryer units so that these soldiers can enjoy some respite before returning to their duties with clean uniforms.

3. Garin ometz – Women’s empowerment Project (Israel) Garin OMETZ has been serving the Akko area for over 20 years in areas of the social and communal sphere. Recent years have shown increasing needs for women, particularly single mothers who are unable to bear the burden of work and family responsibilities and become impoverished. This program will provide assistance and support through a program coordinator and social worker as well as workshops, personal training and skill building. The goal is employability and creating a network of women helping each other. For more in-

formation about Garin Ometz, please visit their website: http://www.omezak ko.co.il/202486/English 4. WorldorT- Chernivtski School (ukraine) WorldORT is the world’s largest Jewish education and vocational training non-governmental organization. They operate schools around the world, especially in Israel and the Former Soviet Union (FSU). By creating the highest quality schools for a secular STEM curriculum to attract Jewish students, they combat the complete assimilation of Jews in the FSU by providing a Hebrew and Jewish/Israeli studies curriculum.

5. P2G – The Partnership Center Partnership2Gether is a platform beloved by the Omaha community. For many years, the administrative offices for our consortium have been housed in an absorption center in Nahariyah. For the past five years, they have been raising See JFo in Israel page 5

Shavuot 2018: Learning, cheesecake, and more

Mary Sue GroSSMan Beth Israel Synagogue eth Israel’s observation of the holiday of Shavuot will begin Saturday evening, May 19 and continues through Monday, May 21.

In talking about Shavuot, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer shares “On Pesach we become a nation and on Shavuot we receive our eternal job as a nation. Each year, G-d “re-gives” the Torah and we renew our acceptance which should then inspire us to increase our understanding of the Torah. Beth Israel’s night of learning will be a great way to begin this process.”

The evening begins with Mincha at 7:40 p.m. A festive Seudat Shlishit, including salmon, salad and other treats. The first round of learning will begin at 8 p.m. and will include the following speakers and topics: Joel Alperson, G-d Authored the Torah: The Rational Arguments, Matti Monheit The Clarity of the Torah, Dr. Howie Gendelman, An Enemy of the People, and Aviva Segall, What Makes a Good Gift? Faige Jeidel and Zisi Monheit will lead classes for kids between 8:30-9:30 p.m.

A pasta dinner plus a “Cheesecake in Paradise” contest will lead off the second round of learning at 10 p.m. The cost for the meal is $12 for adults and $6 for children. Round two of learning then continues until midnight and will include Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich with The Secrets of the Kabbalah, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer on Judaism: A Nation or a Religion, Yoni Hershkovitz talking about Shavuot – A Time for Our Agricultural Ancestors, and Yosef Seigel teaching Why We Eat Dairy on Shavuot – Laws and Customs. Teen classes will be held from 9:30-10:30 p.m.

Beginning at midnight and continuing through the night, one-on-one chavruta style learning will take place. No need to arrange a study partner in advance as several people will be available for learning.

Services continue Sunday morning, May 20 with an early Shacharit at 5:35 a.m. and a regular Shacharit at 9 a.m. Mincha/ Maariv will take place at 8:20 p.m. with candle lighting at 9:23 p.m.

On Monday, May 21 Shacharit begins at 9 a.m. with Yizkor at 10:30 a.m. A Shavuot lunch with lasagna, pasta primavera, tossed salad, garlic bread, and dairy desserts will follow services. The lunch cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children 3-12 and free of charge for those under 3. Mincha/Maariv will be held at on Monday evening at 8:20 p.m. and the holiday concludes with havdalah at 9:31 p.m.

All events are open to the community. For meal reservations or additional information, visit orthodoxomaha.org or call 402.556.6288.

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The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018 | 3

Volunteers of the year

Continued from page 1 and is clearly a way for a segment of the Jewish community to attend a JFO event for the first time.

IHE | JoHn WaltEr John Walter is a hard working volunteer who is dedicated to the mission of the IHE. He drives all over Nebraska, getting Holocaust survivors to speaking engagements. He is a gracious and personable companion for the survivors on these journeys. When a drive is extra-long and no other volunteer would want to do it – we can always count on John. John has also supported the IHE financially, making generous contributions to the “Searching for Humanity” program and the My Broken Doll touring play. With John’s support over the past several years, thousands of Nebraska students have benefitted from these programs. John is also a thoughtful participant in the Life & Legacy initiative. rBJH | ray PrEd Jewish Social Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home would like to nominate Ray Pred as the Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Volunteer. At the golden age of 86, there is no slowing down this great volunteer. Ray has been assisting the activities staff for over seven years as the Monday afternoon bingo caller.

Ray started volunteering after he retired from the men’s clothing store that he owned for over 20 years. Participants have no trouble hearing his deep strong voice and he knows how to have fun with the game. The activities staff is grateful for Ray

because they are free to assist other Residents with the game.

Ray will also help out for holidays such as Christmas, Memorial Day and Labor Day. He will lead the bingo game while the majority of the staff is off for the day. Volunteering is not a new concept for Ray, who has helped take seniors in the community to doctors’ appointments and run other errands. For years he picked up another volunteer, who happened to be in her 90s, and brought her to bingo. She was unable to drive any more and he offered to bring her each week so she could continue to volunteer. Now that is a mensch.

Ray not only exemplifies a commitment to service, but he also shows compassion and dedication and is an integral part of the Omaha Jewish community. He is a sincere friend to the Residents who play bingo each week. We want to thank Ray for his dedication to the Home. It is an honor and pleasure to work with him. adl | JIm FrIEd Jim Fried first served on the ADL-CRC board under Bob Wolfson and has returned as a member of the board and then as a co-chair. He took a systematic approach to the co-chairmanship, becoming involved in all committees to learn about current priorities, direction and strategies. His leadership and sense of humor are truly valued, as he works hand in hand with professionals and lay leaders to address the changing and enhanced need of an organization that works toward ending See Volunteers of the year page 4

What’s so great about the memorial day run?

Every year Boys Town National Research Hospital hosts the Memorial Day Run on Boys Town Campus. We reached out to some past participants to see what keeps them coming back year after year.

Here’s what they had to say.

It’s family-friendly!

“I run because it’s an opportunity to do something fun on Memorial Day. I enjoy the company of my Boys Town family and my own family who tries to participate every year.” – Rose The race is filled with smiling faces – some competitive and some simply appreciating a nice morning walk – and the finish line area has plenty of activities for those who choose not to participate. The whole family can enjoy face painting, dance exhibitions, balloon artists and more! you earn a sense of accomplishment!

“My goal is always to beat my previous years’ finish time. I love

the Boys Town kids on the sidelines with posters cheering all the runners on. That helps motivate me to finish the race!” – Julie The final straightaway is lined with spectators cheering you on as you reach your goal, regardless of if you finish first or last. You might even get a photo of yourself triumphantly crossing the finish line, which will be posted on the Memorial Day Run Facebook page for you to share as you please.

Proceeds support a worthy cause!

“Knowing that the steps that I take are making a difference in the lives of children makes it worthwhile.” – Samantha Proceeds from the Memorial Day Run support the Center for Childhood Deafness, Language and Learning (CCDLL). The CCDLL aims to improve the lives of children who are deaf and hard of hearing or have other communication disorders through early identification, education, state-of-the-art rehabilitation, rigorous research and family support.

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4 | The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018

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camera ready deadline | 06.01.18 Promote your business in this special issue.

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

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

Return Nancy Kratky to OPS School Board District 6

Nancy Kratky is a retired teacher and board member who cares about the Omaha Public Schools, its students and the community. She seeks to use her history, knowledge and experience in public education to help the Omaha Public Schools to enable all students to achieve their highest potential.

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Volunteers of the Year Continued from page 3 the defamation of the Jewish people and securing justice and fair treatment for all.

Jim sits on the JFO Board of Directors representing the ADL-CRC and is also on the Planning and Community Engagement Committee, most recently working with the Community Study. Jim has had a long time involvement in the areas of education and social services. We are honored to have Jim’s commitment, expertise and support.

JCC | Daniel Grossman Daniel has been a tireless volunteer for BBYO and specifically the AZA chapters for several years. He has traveled with the teens to conventions, workshops, and seminars.

When Omaha has hosted regional conventions, he has played an integral part as an adult volunteer and someone the teens can rely upon. He has also been known to chaperone for a straight 72 hours without a cup of coffee. Our Jewish teens look up to him for leadership and guidance. Dan has helped to organize many of the local community service projects our teens participate in. No matter what the situation, Daniel has a smile on his face and approaches every BBYO event with enthusiasm. Daniel is a great reflection on young Jewish Omaha and we are proud to call him the JCC volunteer of the year.

JFs | YaChaD supporters Over the last six-seven years, JFS/Yachad has received much community support for the Yachad Program, including but beyond the Parsow family. I would like to take this time to acknowledge and thank ALL of our community supporters. Without these Grants, the Yachad Program would not exist.

This growing community support shows how the community’s knowledge of the group has increased as Yachad has been involved in

more community programs as inclusive members of the Jewish community, like weekly personal training at the JCC, the Annual Seder at Beth El and Temple’s Hanukkah dinner. Inclusion has always been the goal.

Maybe one day an “organized group” may not even be needed as every member of the Jewish community’s needs is accommodated for “independent” attendance at events or programs. We are thrilled to be moving in this direction, but much work still needs to be done. We especially thank Alan Potash, JFOCEO; Jim Farber (Million Dollar Round Table Grant Sponsor); Alan and Carol Parsow; the Simons Family; The Milton S. & Corinne N. Livingston Foundation Fund, Bob Kully, President; The Harris Family Endowment, Claudia Harris Sherman and Sindie Harris Katskee; Samuel and Delma Goodman Endowment, Mr. Fred Uehling, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Goodman (Barbara) and Mr. Steve Goodman (Toni); The Sokolof Foundation, Sokolof grandchildren Mark Javitch and Allison Pascal, Jenny Javitch and Alon Ventura, Rachel Javitch Canfield and Dan Canfield.

Jewish press | eriC DunninG and sanDY FrieDman Eric Dunning has served on the Jewish Press Board for nine-plus years and as our president for the past three; during that time he has been a wonderful example of what it means to be a leader. He is supportive, kind and very easy to work with. A good Board president will make you feel like you have someone in your corner, someone who has your back and supports you no matter what roadblocks may surface. It should also be someone you can be completely honest with.

Eric is that person. And he understands the value of short and effective meetings! It has see Volunteers of the Year page 5

Dinner in Abraham’s Tent Continued from page 1 The guest speakers, comedy duo Standup for Peace featuring Scott Blakeman and Dean Obeidallah, delivered an incredibly funny performance, joining everybody together in laughter.

The event also marked the first major public event for the Tri-Faith Initiative’s new executive director, Rev. Bud Heckman, who took on the role in March. Rev. Heckman invited the attendees to imagine a world in which harmonious dispositions, mutual respect, and sincere appreciation of the religious “other” were socially normative. He said, “My hope is that the entire Omaha community would take part in this beautiful experiment, see themselves as ambassadors and storytellers of it,

and every one of us would be able to say ‘Yep, we did that. Together. Right here. In Omaha.’

Proceeds from Dinner in Abraham’s Tent will support the operations and programming of the Tri-Faith Initiative, whose mission includes promoting dialogue, transcending differences, fostering acceptance, and building bridges of respect and trust.

“Dinner in Abraham’s Tent was a wonderful validation of the work that Tri-Faith has been doing!” said event chair Jane Rips. “People of all faiths came together for an evening that was filled with laughter. Our entertainers were fun and very funny and confirmed for us the belief that if we can laugh together, we can live together!”

Our best days are ahead of us. I am running for Congress because my experience has shown me that with trusted leadership, we can accomplish just about anything. There are few things that I am more proud of than having represented the state that my family has called home since 1856 in the Nebraska Legislature and the United States Congress. My work has always been about public service, not politics. The driving force behind my years as a legislator is listening to and addressing the needs of our community, working with anyone who is interested in building lasting and impactful legislation.

The biggest challenge facing Washington is the hyper-partisanship that is blocking effective government and this has to stop. I am uniquely positioned to break this gridlock having served in our non-partisan unicameral and as a representative in Congress. Thoughtful and bipartisan leadership is

the pathway to making sure we are focused on lifting up working families, developing sound policy for making health care affordable and accessible, developing comprehensive immigration reform that enhances DACA and protecting Medicare and Social Security.

Nebraskans deserve an experienced representative who has a record of forward thinking, proven results. A representative who listens, who believes in transparency and common-sense solutions, and is ready to go to work every single day for their interests. That is exactly what I will be and what I will do as your Representative in Congress.

I am proud of what we have accomplished and I am grateful for the relationships made at home and in Washington, but first and foremost I am focused on building a more prosperous tomorrow for all Nebraskans. So once again, my friends and neighbors, I ask for your support and your vote.

Brad ashford for Congress

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JFO in Israel

Continued from page 2 money to build a dedicated P2G building, to house collaborative projects and be a home away from home for our community. Each of the communities in our consortium has pitched in to help turn this dream into a reality.

6. Young Jewish Giving (YJG) YJG began as a way to teach and inspire philanthropic habits in our youth by creating a kind of “junior” Donor Advised Fund with a matching component. YJG has increased the number of accounts and has created a curriculum which introduces YJG participants to local philanthropists and organizations. YJG will receive a small allocation that they will be able to use in tandem with the 2019 Teen Trip. The next teen trip will visit certain projects in Israel and then, with this allocation, support projects that they deem worthy.

The Israel/Overseas allocation committee is chaired by Stacey Rockman. Stacey said “This committee has a diverse mix of backgrounds. We have people of different ages and genders. We have members from all the synagogues. And each of us has our own unique passions. We believe that having a variety of differing opinions, mixed with a shared appreciation for Israel and the desire to make a meaningful positive impact, allows us to come together and make these allocations as representatives of the community.” As chair, Stacey has been responsible for working with JFO staff to ensure that the committee has the information necessary to make informed decisions.

The Israel/Overseas allocation committee is an effective way to include more lay voices in resource decision making at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The choices made have lasting impacts on the lives of those directly served by these organizations. When visiting Israel or the Ukraine, Omahans will see and hear about how our community’s generosity has helped in Tikkun Olam—repairing the world.

There are no requirements for being a part of the committee and the time commitment isn’t large. If you would like to be involved in this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at nshapiro@Jewishomaha.org.

Volunteers of the Year

Continued from page 4 been a delight to work with, someone so supportive and genuine, and we are extremely grateful for all the time Eric has given to the Press.

Sandy Friedman has been the Jewish Press Treasurer for the past six years; He knows our budget well and knows which questions to ask, but also knows how to tell the story of our agency through the numbers. Whether Sandy is in town or not, he is always quick to make himself available to discuss budget issues and has been a great sounding board throughout the years. He is loyal and supportive; we will miss his input very much.

The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018 | 5

community Commercial Real Estate Summit announces Barry Zoob as 2018 Hall of Fame inductee

E

ach year, the Commercial Real Estate Summit recognizes the outstanding men and women of our community who have made an impact on the commercial real estate industry.

We are excited to announce that Barry Zoob, Colliers International, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Barry Zoob CRE Summit luncheon held on Friday, April 6, at the CentruryLink Center.

Barry Zoob joined Colliers International in April of 1999.

His areas of emphasis include corporate real estate relationships and the sales and leasing of high-grade commercial office space. Barry also focuses on investment sales for individual and institutional clients. His responsibilities encompass listing negotiation, marketing, contract negotiation, tenant representation, and strategic services coordination.

Zoob’s significant accomplishments include: supporting the Gallup Organization in their site selection of their 60-acre campus; the representation on a national basis of a major

Re-elect Theresa Thibodeau

Last October, I was appointed to the Nebraska Legislature to represent District 6. It’s been an honor and privilege serving in the Legislature these last six months, and I’m asking for your support to allow me to continue representing you.

Nebraska truly is the Good Life. Our great state has afforded me the blessings of raising a family, starting a small business, and being active in our community. I understand the importance of providing common-sense leadership in the Legislature, and that’s my promise to you for the next four years.

Every child deserves a great education. Through my small business, I see firsthand the positive impact a quality education has on a child. Our state’s promise to children is a quality education, wherever that promise can be realized. I support empowering parents to make choices about their children's education that will best prepare them

publicly-held information services company, the sale of a 100acre parcel of land, the sale and development of a large previously undeveloped parcel of land to a national big-box retailer, represented one of the nation’s largest privately owned companies (Tenaska) on a 100,000-square-foot buildto-suit, and site selection for a build-to-suit for a Fortune 100 company.

Barry’s substantive business background as an owner and as an executive enables him to offer insightful expertise to corporate and institutional clients. He also served as the leader of Colliers International’s Office Advisory Services team and has completed over $450 million in transactions.

Beyond business, Barry still carries a 5 handicap on the golf course and spends a lot of time with his three children and seven grandchildren. And as important as any other part of his life is his commitment to community service. His 40-yearterm as a member of the board of directors of the Nebraska Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are testimony to Barry’s commitment to make this world a better place and he now serves as Chairman Emeritus.

Barry has been a staple of the real estate community for numerous years and his contributions to the industry and our community will leave a lasting impression on the city skyline for years to come.

for an increasingly complex, competitive economy.

Public safety has to be a top priority. I will work to ensure Nebraska law enforcement and the state prison system have the resources needed to keep us safe. And I’m proud of our work this session to close the bottle club loophole and provide law enforcement greater ability to ensure compliance with our laws in these establishments.

We must lower taxes on Nebraska families, seniors and small business. High taxes constrict family budgets and drive away the investments Nebraska must compete for to create jobs, grow paychecks, and strengthen our economy. We need to reduce the state’s uncompetitive income tax rate, eliminate the tax on Social Security benefits, and reduce the property tax burden.

I hope to earn your vote in the primary election on May 15. Thank you for the honor of serving as your voice in the Legislature!

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6 | The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018

community Friedel students go to State

strawberry and Cream rugelach Chaya rappOpOrt The Nosher via JTA I had never been much of a rugelach baker until this recipe. While I gravitated toward challah and babka, I always found store-bought rugelach to be a bit bland and disappointing.

But to my great delight, rugelach are supremely easy to make. Most recipes rely on a 1-to-1 ratio of butter and cream cheese in the dough for flavor and flakiness. I stick with that classic method (don’t mess with perfection!), but also add a bit of sour cream for an extra tender texture. The dough comes together in seconds with the help of a mixer (or food processor) and, after a short rest, it’s ready to be rolled out. But don’t forget to rest and chill your dough!

These rugelach are perfect for spring, for Shavuot, or just because homemade rugelach are delicious.

Notes: These will store well in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature, and will freeze well for up to three months.

Chaya Rappoport is the blogger, baker and picture taker behind retrolillies.wordpress.com. Currently a pastry sous chef at a Brooklyn bakery, she’s been blogging since 2012 and her work has been featured on The Feed Feed, Delish.com, Food and Wine and Conde Nast Traveler.

The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.TheNosher.com.

straWBerry and CreaM rugelaCh

Beth COhen Head of School, Friedel Jewish Academy Having finished in the top three in the 30th annual Friedel Jewish Academy Speech Contest, 5th graders Sasha Denenberg, Gabor Petro and Darby Smith moved on to compete in the Omaha/Sarpy County District 5th–8th grade speech contest. They were the only 5th graders in a field of 15 competitors from five schools. Six of the 15 competitors move on to the State competition. And all three of the Friedel fifth graders go to State! Sasha Denenberg, daughter of Steve and Tippi Denenberg, took home the 2nd place trophy. Gabor Petro, son of Gabor Petro and Mercedes Obora, and Darby Smith, daughter of Doug and Crystal Smith, each received an honorable mention award. Pictured with them is Mrs. Denise Bennett. Mrs. Bennett introduced the speech contest at Friedel during her first year teaching at the school. Over the years, Friedel students have placed first in the state competition five times, and Friedel student Danny Denenberg won the National contest in 2015.

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers

Our favorite political analyst, dick Fellman will analyze the results of the May 15 primary election and will offer insights about our very volatile political environment held on Wednesday, May 16, noon.

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

Ingredients: For the dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed 1 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt 1/2 pound cream cheese, chilled and cubed 2 tbsp. sour cream 1/3 cup sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten raw sugar, for decorating For the strawberry filling: 3/4 cup good strawberry jam 2 tbsp. sour cream 3 ounces cream cheese 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract pinch salt 1 tsp. lemon juice Directions: Add your cubed butter and flour to your mixer with the paddle and attachment and mix until the butter is broken up well and the mixture looks like wet sand.

To the mixing bowl, add in the salt, cream cheese, sour cream, egg and sugar. With the paddle attachment on medium speed, mix everything together quickly, until the mixture is crumbly, wet and mostly coming together.

Turn the dough out onto a sheet of foil, press down on it slightly, and form the dough into a thick disk. Wrap the disk tightly in the foil and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Make the filling: Using a stand mixer fitted with paddle, beat the sour cream, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and salt on low speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice and mix to combine. Taste filling —

add more juice if needed. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic and refrigerate until ready to use.

When your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375 F. and line a few baking trays with parchment paper.

Sprinkle the parchment paper with some raw sugar.

Remove the dough from the fridge and unwrap the dough. Flour your work surface extremely well, roll the dough into a ball, then press it down until it’s about 3/4-inch thick. The sides may crack a bit at first, but just keep working it until you have a smooth sided disk, adding more flour as needed.

Roll the dough out into a 13- to 14-inch circle of even thickness.

Fold the dough into a half-moon and use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut away any uneven sides, as you want the circle to be as symmetrical Credit: Chaya Rappoport as possible for even cookies. Unfold the dough so it’s a full circle again.

Brush the dough with the cheese filling and then top with the strawberry jam. Swirl the jam over the cheese.

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the circle into 16 equalsized wedges.

Roll up each wedge, starting with the bigger side, tightly and carefully, to make the classic rugelach shape. Place the rugelach seam side down onto your parchment.

Brush each cookie with egg wash and sprinkle with raw sugar.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through baking, until the cookies are a nice golden brown. Allow to cool before moving and serving.

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The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018 | 7

come together: Shavuot Garden Luncheon at Chabad

i

Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press t is said that every Jewish soul was present when the Ten Commandments were first given to our people at Mt. Sinai. Shavuot is the holiday which marks our yearly commemoration of this most transcendent and divine gift. In honor of receiving the commandments, brought down by Moses from on High, Omaha Chabad invites the community to a special Torah reading followed by a beautiful garden luncheon on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at The Chabad House (1866 S. 120 Street).

The idea behind this is just as children rely on their mother’s milk in their infancy, the Torah nurtures and feeds our souls in this same manner, allowing us to grow and thrive as people and as Jews. Symbolism is an important part of the holiday, a reminder of who we are: the people of milk and honey.

For example, blintzes, sweet cheese-filled crepes, are rolled to resemble Torah scrolls which are filled with sweetness and nourishment. “Shavuot is, in my opinion, one of the most important, yet overlooked, holidays,” laments Katzman, who explains that this joyous holiday is one that really emphasizes the importance and participation of our children.

rabbi Katzmann showing the children how a torah is written

“We reenact our receiving of the 10 commandments every year,” explains Shani Katzman, of Omaha Chabad. “In the spirit of the day, we urge all the members of Omaha’s Jewish Community to join us for this very special holiday, just as the Jews congregated together when first receiving the commandments at Sinai.”

The Torah service will be followed by one of Shani’s famous garden party luncheons featuring traditional Shavuot delights. “I will be preparing a number of delicious dairy dishes; cheesecakes, blintzes, mini-pizzas, salads and the like. We will also have lactosefree options for those who are sensitive to dairy. It would really be fabulous to have a large turnout for this event; bring your parents, bring your kids. Let us assemble as our ancestors did!”

For generations, the consumption of dairy rich foods has been a tradition on Shavuot.

“When G-d came to the Jews with the Torah, the children of Israel were our people’s guarantors; it is they who are charged with continuation of our traditions, and it is to them we pass down the commandments we received at Sinai. In honor of this special duty and knowledge, we pass down to our youth, all children under the age of B’nai Mitzvah a very special gift during our garden party this year.”

The family-friendly, kid-oriented garden luncheon will have plenty of interesting discussion and content for the adults as well, including interactive games and door prizes.

All night study, priestly benediction and a special post-Yizkor service will also be held for those adults interested in attending.

For more information about this event or to RSVP, please call 402.330.1800, email off ice@ochabad.com or visit our webpage at www.ochabad.com.

Kara eastman for congress

Enough is enough. We cannot continue to allow taxes. They are your neighbors and friends. the administration to use DACA recipients as politAnd, they are in an impossible situation. One ical playing cards. Their protected status has been DACA recipient told me that she lives in fear of used as a bargaining chip to pay for an expensive being deported. I have someone working on my and ineffective border wall, to pass a deficit-excampaign here in Omaha who has a bag packed at panding budget, and to silence those who would all times, just in case today is the day that she be willing to stand up and fight against our Presihas to leave. Imagine living like that for a moment. dent’s immoral leadership.

The reality is that lives are in limbo right now.

DACA recipients are people. I had the honor to We need to pass a Clean Dream Act. We need to sit down with a group of Dreamers from here in put people first. I am someone who stands firm in my values - we should not be compromising on Omaha, and was blown away by their stories.

These are students who were brought here as human rights. We need to work together to prochildren. They were not given a choice, but they vide stability and a future for these Americans.

You can be a part of the solution. Please vote grew up calling America home. They contribute to our communities. They are students. They are atfor me, Kara Eastman, on May 15 in the Demotending college. They are working, and paying cratic Primary.

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early deadline notice

The deadline for the June 1 issue is Wednesday, May 23, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Behar-Bechukotal: Oh, Jerusalem!

8 | The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018

100 Cameras

BrittAny steiGner Outreach Specialist-Community Services, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc. Oen we hear stories of Refugees displaced from their homes and forced to live in camps or neighboring countries.

If we are fortunate enough, we might see a glimpse of the life of a refugee who comes to the United States and about their circumstances in the land of opportunity.

But, what about the in-between?

What about the children of refugees, who were too young to remember their home, or who were born and raised in refugee camps?

What about those who have seen much trauma at too young of an age? ese youth need a place to tell their story. ey need someone to listen, to see their point of view and the world through their lens. ey need their community to recognize that they are American, yet also Sudanese or Somali, or Karen. at they are the product of parents who le everything behind to give them the opportunity to succeed. eir stories are worth sharing.

For the last eight weeks, 12 remarkable refugee students

from Burma, Sudan, and Somalia have been learning to tell their stories through a photography workshop hosted by Lutheran Family Services and 100 Cameras, a nonprofit based out of NYC. ey have been given cameras and the tools they need to photograph their everyday lives, to take pride in where they come from, how they dress, their friends, family, and their home. ey have been encouraged that their story is worth telling. anks to the support of Omaha community members such as Rich and Fran Juro, they will know that others value their story also. With their generous donation, each student was able to have one-on-one professional instruction, given cameras, and will have their work displayed for a night of storytelling and showcase at the JCC on May Credit: Maranda Loughlin 17, 6-8 p.m.

When Rich suggested the Jewish Community Center gallery for this event, we knew it would be a perfect fit as he described how “the Jewish community, also, is committed to welcoming the stranger.”

Come out and be a part of welcoming our newest neighbors, hearing their story, and seeing life through their lens.

Gallery opens at 6 p.m. Programing begins at 7 p.m.

Liz FeLdstern Executive Director, Institute for Holocaust Education e winners of the 16th annual Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest received their awards at the April 30th ceremony, held in the RBJH Auditorium. e moving ceremony was MC’d by Nils Gjoca (grandson of an AlbanianMuslim Holocaust rescuer), and included a Keynote speech by Dr. Ari Kohen. e winning high school students and their teachers received scholarship awards and prizes totaling some $4,000, generously provided by the Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation and its trustees (Harold and Linda Mann).

Winners: 9th-10th Grades: First Place: Bridget Langenfeld, V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School; Second Place: Kelly Nowak, V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School; ird Place: Judy Dismuke, Omaha Burke High School; Honorable Mention: Edward

Cole Hajek, V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School.

11th-12th Grades: First Place: Jorden Paule, Omaha Marian High School; Second Place: Megan Rutten, Omaha Marian High School; ird Place: Alex P. Costilla, Grand Island Senior High School; Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Hernandez, Douglas County West High School. teacher Awards: First Place: Kristen Deane, Skutt Catholic High School, Omaha; Second Place: Aleecia Cotton, Omaha Marian High School; Second Place: Elizabeth Butters, Grand Island Senior High School; Second Place: Tracy Larsen, DC West High School, Valley. e Essay Contest is open to all high school students in Nebraska and western Iowa, asking them to consider the concept of Moral Courage, as it relates to the Holocaust and other historical events. e contest is organized by the ADL/CRC and the Institute for Holocaust Education.

Moral Courage essayists win awards

This week we finish the third book of the Torah, Vayikra. We also celebrate the heart and soul of the Jewish people, Jerusalem, as we were reunified with our beloved city in 1967. Jerusalem represents the duality of the Jewish people. This duality is reflected in the two names for the city, Jerusalem rABBi Ari and Zion. Zion represents what the city demBitzer means for us as a nation and Jerusalem rep- Beth Israel Synagogue resents what it means for the world. As we finish the book of Vayikra, which talks about the relationship between the Jews and G-d, this also is represented in our holy city. We get close to G-d in order to radiate the godliness and oneness to the world. This is the job of our people and also of our beloved Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom Happy Yom Yerushalayim!

striving to continue a legacy of service and support

dAnA WAyne GonzALes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate Growing up in Omaha was one of the many gifts my parents bestowed upon me. Omaha possesses a strong Jewish community with a rich history of philanthropy. I am blessed with very giving, active and energetic parents and I reaped the benefits of their hard work and dedication.

Jan and Phil Wayne have been and continue to be an influence in our area, beginning years ago with their involvement in the Junior Chamber of Commerce’s teenager entrepreneurial leadership program, Chairing United Talmud Torah of Omaha, Co-Chairing Central High School’s Parent’s Organization, and currently as Chairman of the Douglas County Housing Authority and serving as active members and leaders in both Beth El and Temple Israel.

I strive to continue their legacy of dedication to both the Jewish and secular communities originating in my youth as President of my BBYO Chapter M.Z. Yoshanah and as Volunteer of the Year for Central High School. Upon my return to Omaha in 2008, I served on the School Board of Beth El Synagogue, as Sisterhood President of Temple Israel, as Board member of Omaha Football Club, as Guild Board member and as Co-Chairman of the Big Red Tailgate Auction for Completely Kids. I was Booster President of Millard North Soccer, Cruise Away Chair, Guild President and a Board Member of Stephen Center.

As a former Social Worker, Sales Executive for the Ritz Carlton and Branch Manager of a large bank in Boston, MA, I am able to listen to your needs and help you fulfill your dreams while staying financially secure. Working to better the lives of those in our community is my priority and I am excited to expand that dedication by helping others achieve their goals of home sales, ownership and real estate investing.

You can contact me at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate 402.850.9007 or email me at dana.gonzal es@bhhsanb.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

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The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018 | 9

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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, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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W

It only takes one spark

ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP Editor, Jewish Press hile I’m not eager to read headlines about burning swastikas, it’s a little surprising there were so few after what the Neo-Nazis did in Georgia a few weeks ago. You didn’t hear about it? You are not alone. Even I missed it when it happened, until someone in my office pointed it out after the weekend.

Here’s the story: under leadership of Jeff Schoep, Members of the National Socialist Movement came together for a rally in the city of Newnan, just outside of Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday April 21. It was Hitler’s birthday and they wanted to celebrate. Since they had to apply for a permit, announcing their arrival, there were many more counter protesters than there were neo-Nazis.

Approximately two dozen party members attended, they stood around on a platform for a while and yelled nonsense; the police was out in force (reports ranged from 400 to 700 officers)and armed to the teeth. Charlottesville was on everyone’s mind, but this was no large and impressive gathering. It was the way white supremacist rallies used to be, small, pathetic and easy to make fun of. It didn’t scare; instead, it fizzled.

But then, after counter protesters and police went home, MSM members decided to end their night with a bang. They traveled to Draketown, located about an hour’s drive north from Newnan, went into a field and set fire to a swastika.

I feel conflicted. Part of me wants the whole world to be as disturbed as I am at the thought of Nazis burning a swastika in 2018, out in the open, without consequence.

The other part is tempted to ignore or ridicule it.

It is a bizarre thing, this National Socialist Movement.

They like meetings and demonstrations and remind me a bit of overgrown kids playing Dungeons and Dragons.

However, somewhere along the way they missed the distinction between real life and make-believe. They have flags and shields and seem very concerned with pageantry. Hence, the burning swastika.

“Schoep's group is known for the crudeness of its prop-

aganda,” The Southern Poverty Law Center said about the NSM. “the violence it works hard to provoke, and the faux SS outfits that have caused many other neo-Nazis to deride NSM members as "Hollywood Nazis."

Founded in 1974, the NSM apparently objects to being

Credit: Sebastian Ritter via Wikimedia Commons

called racist and Neo-Nazi, but the ideology centers on Neo-Nazism, Neo-Fascism, White Supremacy, anti-Semitism and Homophobia, so I don’t know what else we’d call them.

"When you put on your NSM uniform,” their website states,”you are not just representing the NSM but all National Socialists that fought and died for our Race and our Cause! You are showing the Jews and the rest of the

world that our Führer is not forgotten and that his life's struggle was not in vain!"

According to Schoep, illegal immigration from Latin America is driven by an international Jewish conspiracy whose leaders are plotting "the destruction of all races through the evils of race mixing."(source: splcenter.org) Fun fact: in 2009 the NSM sponsored half a mile of Highway 160 outside of Springfield, Missouri (I’m strangely fascinated by the idea of neo-Nazis picking up trash by the side of the road); the state legislature stepped in and renamed 160 the “Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Memorial Highway.”

The history of the party reads like an endless list of bad news. One party leader in California was shot and killed by his emotionally disturbed ten-year-old son who was tired of being beaten. In 1998, Jeff Schoep pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a burglary while his girlfriend's children waited in a getaway car. Several past members went to prison for drug trafficking and stockpiling weapons. In 2004, Indiana authorities posted a photograph of that state's NSM leader, John Edward Snyder, who had been recently released from prison for rape and other sex charges and banned from having any contact with children. Lawsuits are pending, most notably in Charlottesville, West Virginia. And with approximately 400 members, it’s not as if there’s a card-carrying Nazi on every corner.

And yet.

How many times has it happened that one person caused tragedy? How about two, or three? How easy is it to transfer disappointment and frustration with one’s station in life to hatred for others and subsequently act on it? When people have little to lose, they become all the more dangerous. When they find likeminded ‘thinkers’, when they have easy access to weapons, it is not hard to see where it can lead. Maybe we shouldn’t be focused on how small and insignificant they are. Maybe, instead, we should remember that it only takes one spark to light a giant fire.

Hurricane Harvey destroyed our synagogue. Here’s how we’re moving on.

BARRy GELmAN to cry here and to rejoice here.

While it is simplistic and often insensitive to say HOUSTON | JTA These walls have absorbed the sounds of our things like “it’s just a building” or “it’s just stuff," Over a four-day period at the end of August, prayers and the wisdom of our Torah. This room the community is resolute in believing that its Hurricane Harvey drenched this city with over 50 has been the setting where we offered thanksgiving strength derives from our members. inches of rain, inflicting $125 billion in damages. for our greatest triumphs and called out to God in We are facing a choice of how to rebuild our synThe result of the flooding was especially devas- turbulent times. agogue and where exactly in the neighborhood it tating for the tight-knit and geographically close We have expressed our greatest hopes and will be. These are important questions, even as we Jewish community of Houston. Seven major Jew- dreams here. know that we are each others' most important reish institutions have been severely impacted by source. For now we will hold services and Harvey, and an estimated 2,000 Jewish families events in Freedman Hall, a nearby building that were affected by the floodwaters. has the advantage of being elevated. It's imporUnited Orthodox Synagogues was particutant that we try to save the monumental stained larly hard hit, as approximately one-third of glass mural that serves as a dramatic backdrop our member households was damaged by the to our bimah. flood. The waters also destroyed our beautiful Since the flood, our community has seen its sanctuary, and ruined our daily and High Holprayer books and library replaced, and funds idays prayer books as well as our extensive Juhave been raised to help our families recover daica library. from the devastation. The outpouring of conOur current building has been the home of cern, expressed by hundreds of volunteers comour merged congregation since 1960. Harvey ing to our neighborhood to help and provide was only the latest in a series of floods, includfood for flooded families for a full month after ing in 2015 and 2016. As I write these words, the hurricane, have been nothing short of exthe main sanctuary, executive wing and class- A room in United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston that was traordinary. rooms are being demolished. A room that stripped of its furniture and floors.

One of the most astonishing aspects of our reCredit: United Orthodox Synagogues covery, however, is how flooded families have holds memories of so many happy occasions has become a place of tears.

Echoing off the walls of this holy chamber is the been helping each other.

We recently held a “farewell” to the building and lifetime of our community ... the multigenerational Despite individual suffering and anguish, memjoined together one last time in our beautiful sanc- and diverse sounds that can only be created by a bers of our community have continued to reach tuary for morning services. It was a morning of community like ours. out to others. It is so easy (and understandable) for mixed emotions as many spoke about memories So many of us have seen our kids graduate from those suffering from loss to close in on themselves of growing up in our synagogues. Others spoke UOSGMS [the local Jewish Montessori pre- and focus only on their own challenges, of which about the “end of an era," while others sat alone in school/kindergarten program] and RMBA [Robert there are many -- economic, psychological, social. small groups or alone and just cried.

M. Beren Academy, our Modern Orthodox day I have not seen that. I have seen the opposite.

I shared some thoughts with the congregation: school] on our bimah. And how many hundreds Rabbi Barry Gelman is rabbi of United OrthoThese walls brought together three different and hundreds of lollipops have been distributed dox Synagogues of Houston. congregations and ultimately combined them into up there ... reminding our kids that Torah, shul The views and opinions expressed in this article one united synagogue. The seats of this sanctuary and community are the sweetest treats they will are those of the authors and do not necessarily recradled generations of families ... grandparents, ever get. flect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 parents and their children, who came to pray here, Yet there was also hope in the room that day. Faces Media.

10 | The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018

synagogues 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 synagogue

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on may 11, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Rabbi Brian Stoller on Finding Your Portal: A Vision for Jewish Life in the 21st Century. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

BeTh el synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. frIday: Pre-Neg and Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. with Miss Patty; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saTurday: The Miriam Initiative’s Simchat Shabbat, 10 a.m. lunch following; Shabbat Mincha following morning services. weekday serVICes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: BESTT Classes Last Day with Breakfast, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, Ages 4-5, 10:30 a.m. wednesday: Chesed Committee visits Remington Heights, 2 p.m.; BESTT Last Day of Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Dancing with God, 6 p.m. with Rabbi Mark Kinus; Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m.

USY Installations, friday, may 18, 5 p.m.

Shavuot Services and Program, saturday, may 19, 8:30 a.m.

Movie Day: Hunting Elephants, wednesday, may 23, noon. $8 admission includes lunch. Register at www.http:// bethel-omaha.org by may 14.

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

BeTh Israel synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Friday Learnig Series wtih Rabbi Shlomo, 11:15 a.m. at the JCC; Mincha, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:14 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 7:10 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:55 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:20 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; What is the Importance of Jerusalem?, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Film — In Our Hands: The Battle for Jerusalem, 10:30 a.m. monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Talmudic Tales, noon with Rabbi Shlomo.

Tuesday: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Rosh Chodesh Grou, 7:30 p.m. wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Connecting With Our Fatih, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; L’Dor V’Dor — Intergenerational Learning, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Shlomo; Character Building, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Ari.

ChaBad house

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. monday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wednesday: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman.

Thursday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CongregaTIon B’naI Jeshurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. frIday: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m.; Family Dinner, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:15 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Behar-Bechukotai; Havdalah (72 Minutes), 9:46 p.m. sunday: Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com.

Join us on saturday, may 19 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for our community Tikkun Leil Shavuot event. We will have a dairy/pareve potluck supper, followed by special study sessions led by Nancy Coren and Rabbi Appleby, and we will conclude with havdallah and dessert!

LJCS CAMP ISRAEL is gearing up for another great twosession July 9–July 20, 2018. Make plans for your child to attend this summer.

It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit.

offuTT aIr forCe Base

frIday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

rose BlumkIn JewIsh home

saTurday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Stan Edelstein.

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

Temple Israel

frIday: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; OTYG Shabbat, 6-9 p.m. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin leathers-arnold, son of Dr. Ilene Arnold and Carrie Leathers. sunday: No Religious School; No Adult Education.

Tuesday: Youth Group Committe Meeting, 6 p.m.; Executive Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. wednesday: No Religious School; No Adult Education.

Thursday: Jewish Heroes, Heroines, and Personalities: Mainonides, 10 a.m. taught by Rabbi Brian Stoller. All classes meet at Temple Israel.

OTYG Shabbat, friday, may 11, 6 p.m., Join OTYG for services at Temple Israel followed by a fun activity. Stay tuned for more details! RSVP to Ben Leathers-Arnold, ben leathersarnold@yahoo.com, by monday, may 7.

Jewish Heroes, Heroines, and Personalities: Maimonides, Thursday, may 17, 10 a.m., taught by Rabbi Brian Stoller.

TiYPE Shabbat, Friday, May 18, 6 p.m., Please join TiYPE for services at Temple Israel, followed by dinner, laughs, and fun at Charred Burger + Bar in Sterling Ridge. Appetizers are on us! RSVP to Aliyah Lasky at alasky@templeisraeloma ha.com by monday, may 14.

Temple Tots Shabbat, saturday, may 19, 9 a.m. Join us for fun activities and Jewish learning with our youngest

members and their families. Enjoy stories, songs, crafts (and bagels, of course!) with your child, while connecting with our Temple Israel community. All are welcome – bring your friends!

Tikkun Leil Shavuot Evening Service, Dinner, and Study Sessions, saturday, may 19, 5 p.m., Temple Israel’s Shavuot festivities will include a joyful, family-friendly service with lots of singing, a community dinner featuring Chef Hattam’s finest dairy delights, and an evening of adult learning

TIfereTh Israel

with our clergy team on a variety of compelling Jewish topics.

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. frIday: Services, 6:30 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m.; Please join us after services for a light Kiddush Lunch. sunday: Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com.

Thursday: Hebrew classes for adults, 6:30 p.m., with Esti Sheinberg. Each meeting will include listening, speaking and a little reading.

It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit.

Application packets are availible in the Tifereth Israel foyer.

Don't forget to take some time to come to the Israel 70 Exhibit. It will be available until may 20. We are fortunate to have this exhibit from the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv in our possession. This display was paid for by the Lay-leader Discretionary Fund and will be part of our permanent educational materials to be used in future years.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Celebrating the Giving of the Torah, saturday, may 19, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at South Street Temple. We will have a dairy/pareve potluck supper, followed by adult study sessions Tzedakah Saves Death led by Nancy Coren and Love Stories in the Talmud led by Rabbi Appleby, and concluding with havdallah and dessert! Please RSVP by wednesday, may 16. Please sign up to bring a salad, kugel or blintzes, fruit, or dessert for 6-8 people in a new foil or glass container, or in original packaging office@southstre ettemple.org or 402.435.8004.

As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 9–July 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Light Kosher dairy snack and lunch included. Tuition for each week is $75. 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.

aly raisman: US gymnastics officials continue to fail abuse survivors WASHINGTON | JTA Officials responsible for U.S. gymnasts have failed to oust the enablers who allowed the team doctor to molest dozens of athletes, Aly Raisman told the ADL. We’re not having a full investigation of who knew and who didn’t know, and that’s a big problem,” Raisman said Sunday at the opening of the Anti-Defamation League annual leadership conference. The theme of the conference this year is “my good fight,” and is dedicated to underrepresented voices taking on discrimination, hate speech and violence.

Raisman, who is Jewish and the winner of numerous Olympic medals, including several golds, in March sued the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics alleging negligence for not stopping former U.S. Olympics gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar from sexually abusing young athletes. Nassar was sentenced earlier this year to 40 to 175 years in prison for molesting over 150 women and girls over two decades. Raisman spoke onstage in an interview with Sarah Wildman, the deputy editor of Foreign Policy who last year in an essay described her experience with sexual harassment as a young journalist.

Raisman, 23, described a culture that enabled Nassar, allowing him to groom the gymnasts he was supposed to care for. Nassar was the official the gymnasts turned to if they felt ill, if they needed comforting or if they were hungry. She said it is now clear in real time that some officials were aware of the abuse.

“The fact that no one pulled us aside and didn’t talk

to us is a huge red flag, those people need to be gone and some of those people are still there,” Raisman said.

Raisman faulted USA Gymnastics for a lack of transparency, noting that three board members resigned in January without explanations why. “Who’s picking the new board members?” she asked. “They’re not asking survivors to help out.” She said that the authorities should delve decades past to uncover how Nassar was able to get away with molesting victims believed to number in the hundreds.

“We need to look at every single year and figure out why this was ignored,” she said.

Both the USOC and USA Gymnastics have rehauled their leadership in the wake of the scandal. The USOC has not commented on Raisman’s lawsuit. USA Gymnastics said at the time that it first learned of Nassar’s abuses in 2015, when it reported him to authorities.

Raisman’s remarks at Nassar’s sentencing hearing earlier this year drew national attention. Speaking to the ADL, she said she nearly didn’t speak at the hearing because the prospect was so traumatic. She said she drew upon her training as a gymnast, when she learned how to ignore the crowds and the cameras and focus on her game, and wrote her 13-minute speech at the last minute.

She did not feel relief after the hearing, she said. “I felt awful. I felt sick.” She said she still often feels overwhelmed recounting her experience, and has taken up meditation as a means of self-calming. “It helps so much,” she said.

The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018 | 11

lifecycles b’nAi miTzvAh

ReAgAn KOOm

Reagan Koom, daughter of Jennifer and Brandon Koom, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 19, at Temple Israel.

Reagan is a seventh-grade student at Westside Middle School.

Reagan is interested in lacrosse, voice/singing and is an animal lover.

For her mitzvah project, Reagan volunteered at the Children’s Respite Center for special needs and the Nebraska Humane Society.

She has a brother, Evan.

Grandparents are Georgine and Larry Koom, and Shirley and Jim Ferley.

benJAmin LeATheRS-ARnOLd

Benjamin Leathers-Arnold, son of Dr. Ilene D. Arnold and Carrie L. Leathers, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 12, at Temple Israel.

Ben is a graduating senior at Elkhorn South High School.

Ben is interests include acting, pinball and singing. He enjoys performing and has participated in Show Choir, Concert Choir, School Musicals, One Act Plays, Marching Band and Forensic Speech at Elkhorn South High, and performed with the Elkhorn Community Theater. Ben also started an after school Slam Poetry Club. Ben is very involved with Temple Israel’s youth programs volunteers for many events such as OTYG meetings, Shabbats and lounge nights. He also served on the OTYG board through his high school years.

Grandparents are Rita Arnold, the late Burt J. Arnold, the late Larry L. Leathers, and the late Doris K. Leathers.

in memORiAm

fLOyd J. PeRLmeTeR

Floyd J. Perlmeter passed away on March 25 at the age of 97 in Denver. A private family service was held to celebrate his love of life on April 8 near Denver.

He is survived by his daughter, Peggy Randall of Denver and son, Stu Perlmeter of Denver; grandchildren: Taylor and Dustin Randall, Michael and Scott Perlmeter; and six great-grandchildren: Evan, Davis, Kayden and Avery Randall; Brynn and Bryce Perlmeter.

Floyd and his wife Beth (Bess) were long-time residents of Omaha, where they raised their family and were active participants in the community, and they moved to Denver in the late 1970s to be with their children and grand-children.

Floyd worked in the auto dealership business, where he spent the long span of his career. As sales manager of McFayden Ford, he won several national awards for his accomplishments.

Memorials may be made to Anti-Defamation League (Mountain States) 1120 Lincoln St., Suite 1301, Denver, CO 80203.

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At least 30 injured in Lag b’Omer bonfire explosion

JTA news sTAff Up to 30 people were injured when a Lag b’Omer bonfire exploded in London.

A fireball erupted when the bonfire was lit Wednesday night in the Stamford Hill neighborhood. e cause was believed to be fuel placed on the wood to make it catch fire easier. Initially it was thought that smartphones placed on the bonfire caused the blast.

People at the bonfire “shrieked and panicked,” and others “trampled on one another,” according to the Yeshiva World News website, which published a video and photos of the incident.

Ten people were taken to the hospital with burns on their faces. e rabbi of the community hosting the bonfire had spoken prior to lighting about the dangers of smartphones and said he would be burning one, similar to a speech he had given the previous year, according to Yeshiva World News, which cited eyewitnesses to the bonfire. Others reportedly also put their phones on the bonfire pile.

Lag b’Omer marks the 33rd day of the counting of the days between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot and the end of a minor mourning period recognizing the deaths of thousands of students of the second-century sage Rabbi Akiva.

Lag b’Omer also commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a kabbalist and mystic who was a disciple of Akiva. e bonfires, lit at sundown, are meant to symbolize the light of his teachings.

Report: Montreal home to one of North America’s ‘most influential neo-Nazis’

MONTREAL | JTA Montreal is home to one of North America’s “most influential neo-Nazis,” who is trying to build a white supremacist network in his city, according to the Montreal Gazette.

But the man, who uses the pseudonym “Zeiger” and is identified in the article as 32-year-old IT consultant Gabriel Sohier Chaput, only has managed to recruit a core group of 10 to 15 “members” since August 2016. e story characterizes Sohier Chaput as “probably” the “second-most prolific writer” on the Daily Stormer – an extreme right-wing news website, aer website founder Andrew Anglin. e site is described as getting 80,000 “unique visitors” a month. e article says Sohier Chaput emerged “as a key figure in the [neo-Nazi] movement” four years ago, though he does not have public profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or other social media. Zeiger’s “path of questioning” began in his early teens. In a white supremacist podcast, he describes his process of radicalization, saying: “I think I was about 14 when I was reading about the Holocaust and realized that it was a hoax.”

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12 | The Jewish Press | May 11, 2018

My MoM’s (z”l) sCruMptious CheeseCake

kitchen

o

Cheesecake on shavuot syBil kaplan n the second day of Passover, we begin to count “the omer,” Hebrew for sheaves of a harvested crop. This concludes, seven weeks later, with Shavuot, a holiday with many names.

In the Book of Exodus, it is called Chag Hakatzir (feast of the harvest). Shavuot is also known as Chag Habikurim, festival of fruits, when pilgrims brought offerings to the Temple; Chag Hashavuot, the feast of weeks, referring to its observance seven weeks after Passover; and the feast of Pentecost, derived from the Greek word for 50th day. Atzeret, meaning conclusion, is the only name by which the Shavuot holiday is called in the Talmud because the rabbis regarded it as the last day of the Passover holiday.

Among Ashkenazim and Sephardim alike, one traditional type of food is associated with Shavuot—dairy products.

And therein lies a host of interesting interpretations.

Song of Songs Chapter 4 reads: “honey and milk are under thy tongue,” a reference to the fact that the Torah is as nourishing as milk and as sweet as honey. Thus on the holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah, it became traditional to eat foods with milk and honey.

Interpreters of the Tanach liked to use gematria, the traditional Jewish system of assigning numerical value to a word or phrase, in the belief that words or phrases with identical numerical values bear some relation to each other, or bear some relation to the number itself.

For example, Psalm 68 is read on Shavuot; and in verse 16, it reads: “A mount of G-d is the mountain of Bashan.”

The Hebrew word for peaks is gavnuneem which sounds like gveeneh, the Hebrew word for cheese. Maybe one could interpret this to mean that on Shavuot one should eat mountains of cheese!

Crustless CheeseCake

Credit: tasteofhome.com

Ingredients: 1 cup cream cheese 1 1/2 cups creamed cottage cheese 1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup sour cream Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F. degrees. Spray veg-

etable shortening in a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix together cream cheese. creamed cottage cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Pour into cake pan.

Bake in preheated 350 F. degree oven 35 to 40 minutes or until center is firm.

Remove from oven and spread with sour cream while cake is hot. Cool then refrigerate.

For those who love gematria, here is another one. The numerical value of the Hebrew letters in the word chalav equals forty. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, so we eat foods with milk.

Another reason for eating dairy stems from a legend which says until Moses descended with the Torah, kashrut was unknown; so rather than go through the preparation of meat, that now required special rules, and since their dishes were unacceptable, the people ate dairy.

From a practical point of view, Shavuot is usually a summer festival.

The climate of ancient Israel was hot, so it was logical to eat light, dairy foods.

Also the sheep gave birth prior to this time, so milk and, ultimately, cheese would be plentiful.

The practice of eating dairy foods on the first day of Shavuot actually comes from the Shulchan Aruch, the authoritative code of Jewish law containing traditional rules of Jewish conduct, based on Talmudic and rabbinical sources.

Rabbi Moses Isserles added the commentary of Ashkenazic customs, and it is there where we find the issue of dairy food. Rabbi Isserles wrote: “It is a universal custom to eat dairy food on the first day of Shavuot.”

Here are some of my favorites:

Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup butter or margarine or 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. oil 1/4 cup sugar dash cinnamon Filling: 1 1/2 cups cream cheese 2 eggs 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 tsp. vanilla Topping: 2 cups sour cream 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. vanilla Directions: Preheat 350 degree F. oven.

Combine crushed crackers, butter, margarine or oil, sugar and cinnamon and press into a spring form pan.

Bake in preheated 350 degree F. oven 10 minutes.

Combine cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla of filling with a mixer until fluffy. Pour into crust and bake 30 minutes.

Beat sour cream, sugar, and vanilla of topping. When cake is done, remove from oven and spread topping on top. Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes. Remove from oven. Serve with cherries, crushed pineapple or strawberries on top.

Blender CheeseCake

Ingredients: 15 graham crackers 1 tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 cup melted margarine or 3 tbsp. vegetable oil Filling: 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 1 tbsp. lemon juice grated peel of 1 lemon 1/2 cup hot water or milk 1/3 cup sugar 2 egg yolks 1 package cream cheese 1 heaping cup crushed ice 1 cup sour cream Directions: Break 5 crackers into quarters, place in blender and blend to crumbs. Empty into bowl.

Repeat two times. Stir in sugar and cinnamon. Add melted margarine or oil and mix until crumbs are moist. Grease a spring form pan. Press against sides and chill.

In a blender, blend gelatin, lemon juice, lemon peel, hot water or milk 40 seconds.

Add sugar, egg yolks and cream cheese and blend 10 seconds.

Add ice and sour cream and blend 15 seconds.

Pour into crumb crust and chill.

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