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MAY 1 3 , 2 02 2 | 1 2 IYA R 578 2 | VO L. 1 02 | NO. 30 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, MAY 13, 8:16 P.M.
Volunteers of the Year Introducing Rabbi Batsheva Appel Page 2
New album by the Potash Twins Page 5
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Leading up to the Annual Meeting, which will this year be held on June 28, the Jewish Federation of Omaha selects individuals in our community who deserve an extra spotlight. Below are the JFO’s and its agencies’ picks for the 2021 Volunteers of the Year. JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA: JESS COHN Jess Cohn was one of the four campaign chairs for the 2022 annual campaign. The Federation is deeply grateful for her expertise and experience in event planning. In June 2021, veteran staff members retired from the Campaign team, and the community event was set for September 2021. Because of COVID-19, the brand-new staff needed to plan an outdoor event. Jess sprang into action, measured the parking lot, managed the tent companies, and led the staff in creating an amazing atmosphere. Then, one day before, lightning showed up in the weather forecast. The entire event had to be moved inside, while COVID-19 measures were still in place. Jess showed herself to be a true leader. She created a fun party environment inside within 24 hours. After a whirlwind of changing dynamics, she wrote
personal thank you notes to everyone. Jess Cohn made the staff look good at the community event, and we want to formally thank and honor her with this award. ADL-CRC: 70TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT COMMITTEE On Sept. 19, 2021, 125 community members gathered for an in-person, outdoors, COVID-safe event to recognize the critical work of the ADLCRC in Omaha for the past 70 years. ADL-CRC 70 Strong was originally slated for 2020 but was derailed by the pandemic. An enthusiastic committee of lay leaders planned and beautifully executed an amazing event, one of the first in-person celebrations on campus since the pandemic began. The CRC is proud to recognize committee members Ellie Batt, Jill Belmont, Dana Gonzales, Geordi Gonzales and Zoë Riekes as our volunteers of the year. Knowing that a pivot to a virtual program was possible, committee members had to create a contingency plan, essentially planning two events simultaneously. During a stressful time, the committee focused on uniting and engaging the community. They handled everything from naming the event and creating a logo and related artwork to producing a program and invitation as well as all the publicity. They See Volunteers of the Year page 3
This week at the Federation in photos Pages 6 & 7
Community Geniza Day
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
8 9 10 11
NATE SHAPIRO Temple Israel Executive Director On May 1, 2022, hundreds of unusable books and ritual objects were buried in Temple Israel’s cemetery as part of a community Geniza day. A Ge-
niza is a storage area in a synagogue or cemetery where worn-out Hebrew prayer books or texts are stored prior to burial. It is forbidden in Jewish tradition to throw away writings that contain the sacred name of G-d. Having served as an executive director of Beth Israel and currently Temple Israel, Nate Shapiro noticed a challenge at both synagogues. Precious storage space was being occupied by sacred items or texts waiting to be buried. Nate worked with all three Omaha synagogues to collectively tackle this issue. Nate successfully applied for funding from the JFO See Genzia Day page 3
The Kaplan Book Group’s cure for the Winter Blues SHIRLY BANNER JFO Kripke Library Specialist On May 19 the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will gather for their monthly meeting. Group members have the choice of meeting either via Zoom or in person in the Benjamin & Anna E. Wiesman Reception Room in the Staenberg Jewish Community Center. They will be discussing Windy City Blues by author Renée Rosen, who will be joining us part of the time via Zoom. In 2018, the group read her book What the Lady Wants. Windy City Blues tells the story, of the musical and social revolution that began in the late 1940s through the late 1960s, that swept through the South, Midwest and Chicago
specifically. It was during these times that notably the Chicago Blues was emerging, shaping and revolutionizing the music scene and record industry. It was also during these times that the subsequent Civil Rights Movement was making itself known throughout the country. Leeba Groski has always had an ear for music from her early days as an immigrant from Poland. Best friends with fellow immigrant brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, the three eventually become major players in the changing music and record industry in Chicago. Also struggling to become a part of the changing music scene See Kaplan Book Group page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | May 13, 2022
Kaplan Book Group Continued from page 1 is transplanted Louisiana native guitarist Red Dupree. As the Chess brothers become partners in Aristocrat Records and then sole owners and rename the company Chess Records, their record company becomes home to such legendary blues performers as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter Jacobs, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and Etta James. Leeba’s role in the company goes from simple receptionist to successful songwriter. Black blues guitarist Red Dupree is also making a name for himself on both the music scene and as part of the Civil Rights movement when acceptance of his and Leeba’s relationship is put to the test both by social revolution and her Orthodox family. Will love conquer all? Will music be what bridges the gap between a segregated Chicago and the Civil Rights Movement? As their story develops, there are many twists and turns in their lives together both romantically and as part of the world of R&B and eventually rock and roll music. Renée Rosen has once again provided us with a story based
on facts with just enough fiction intermingled to move the story along. Please feel free to join us on May 19 in person or via Zoom. The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. New members are always welcome. To view books discussed by the group over the past several years, go to www.jewishomaha.org, click on the “Community & Education” pulldown tab and navigate to “Kripke-Veret Collection of the Jewish Federation” then to “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.” The group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group and to join in the discussion, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org.
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Experience the difference
Introducing Rabbi Batsheva Appel
CASSANDRA WEISENBURGER Director of Communications, Temple Israel Rabbi Batsheva Appel will join Temple Israel as Interim Rabbi. She has served congregations in a variety of different roles: sabbatical rabbi, rabbi educator, settled rabbi, and interim rabbi, including serving as Director of Rabbinic Services for the Goldring/ Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Mississippi. Rabbi Appel is a trained Mussar facilitator and is part of the national faculty for teaching the URJ’s Introduction to Judaism Online. Rabbi Batsheva Appel is a Rabbi Appel certified Interim Rabbi living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A native of Seattle, she graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences and Economics. She entered the corporate world, first working in a research laboratory and then in sales and marketing. Rabbi Appel was an active layperson in her congregation, singing in the choir, taking classes, and serving on the Board of Directors, when she decided to become a rabbi. She attended Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. Temple Israel President Dan Gilbert said, “We’re excited to have Rabbi Appel join our community as our interim rabbi. She brings thoughtfulness, a wide variety of experience, and a sense of excitement and adventure that will add to our congregation and our professional team. We have so many opportunities at Temple Israel. Rabbi Appel is going to be a great help in turning them into realities.” Rabbi Appel is passionate about community and especially diversity. She values relationships with people of all backgrounds and is empathetic, warm, and a compassionate listener. Rabbi Appel understands that the connections in community can be based on something as important as the cookies served at Oneg Shabbat. Rabbi Appel is a compelling preacher and teacher who believes in the transformative power and spiritual connections of Jewish learning for all ages. She is also leveraging the innovative possibilities of technology, but still uses a fountain pen. Rabbi Appel is very excited about working with Temple Israel and moving to Omaha this coming year. She cannot wait to meet everyone. Rabbi Appel’s hobbies include reading, playing Dungeons and Dragons, doing the New York Times Spelling Bee, hiking, and competitive sock knitting. One of her goals is to go back to the Grand Canyon for a rim-to-rim hike. Rabbi Appel will be moving to Omaha in June, and her official start date is July 1, 2022.
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Geniza Day
Continued from page 1 Foundation to assist in paying to rent a U-Haul and to have a large hole opened and closed. “It seemed like an easy and a big win to me. I checked with Rabbi Ari to see if there would be any halachic issues, he said there wouldn’t be. So, I thought this would be a great way to do a community mitzvah, as well as help the synagogues do a little spring cleaning. I’m very proud of how this project worked out,” Shapiro said. During the month of April, Temple Israel, Beth El, and Beth Israel asked their members to bring in sacred items to be buried. At the end of the month, Nate drove the U-Haul to each location to pick up their items, where volunteers from the three synagogues were waiting to assist. We were honored to receive items from all over the community. The truck was then driven out to Temple Israel’s cemetery, where they were unloaded into a hole. Temple Israel’s fifth graders were there learning about lifecycle events, and Rabbi Stoller lead a “mock” funeral for the items to demonstrate a Jewish funeral and teach the importance of the mitzvah of disposing of sacred items respectfully and in accordance with Jewish tradition. Special thanks go to: • The Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish • Federation of Omaha Foundation for generous funding. • Becky Kahn of Beth El, and Liora Herskovitz of Beth Israel • for assistance in coordination, publicity, and volunteer • recruitment. • Mushka Tenenbaum for arranging the delivery of Chabad’s items • Rabbi Brian Stoller of Temple Israel for leading the burial • ceremony • Ken Betts of Betts Enterprises Inc. for opening and • closing a massive hole at Temple Israel Cemetery. Thank you to the following volunteers who assisted in loading and unloading our ritual items: Rabbi Yoni Dreyer, Sidney Zacharia, Judah Benedah, Alex Shyken, Howard Kutler, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, Lloyd Roitstein, Ian Yellen, Francisco Guzman-Jimenez, Ben Taxman, Eric Shapiro, and David Finkelstein.
LOCA L | N ATION AL | WORLD
Volunteers of the Year Continued from page 1 also selected the menu and managed most of the logistics. ADL-CRC 70 Strong was a tremendous success because of the work and passion of the event committee. IHE: SYDNEY TETRAULT Sydney was an early member of the Nebraska Holocaust Education Consortium. She taught lessons of the Holocaust to her students in the Lincoln Public Schools. Sydney contributed to the planning and presentation of lessons at our annual Holocaust education conferences for teachers. She often helped with IHE information tables at conferences such as the Plum Creek Literacy Festival at Concordia University in Seward, NE. Sydney has a passion for teaching lessons of the Holocaust and can always be counted on to be an enthusiastic participant in any assignment given her. She is one of the most dedicated volunteers in our SAC Museum - Search for Humanity program. JCC: SHANE COHN Together with his wife, Jess, and Iris and Marty Ricks, Shane chaired this year’s Annual Campaign. Shane always volunteered to call more community members to ask for their annual campaign pledge. He enjoys engaging with the community and has enthusiasm and passion for everything Jewish. The Cohns regularly host Shabbat dinners at their house, and they serve the community with passion and joy. Shane is also the incoming President for the Jewish Community Center’s board of directors. “He is committed in everything he does and will not volunteer unless he is all-in,” JCC Executive Director Mark Martin said.
JEWISH PRESS: ANDI GOLDSTEIN For quite a few years, Andi has been a dedicated proof reader for the Jewish Press, and we have been incredibly lucky to have had her on our team. She approaches her volunteering with grace and humility and doesn’t love taking credit, but she needs to hear how much we appreciate her. When the pandemic hit and our building shut down, making it impossible to get the physical proofs to our volunteers, she was able to pivot and do her proofing electronically — which was not easy to do. In addition to being a dedicated volunteer, Andi knows this community really well and is a fantastic ambassador for the Jewish Press. The Press appreciates her husband, Donald, as well: when there are no pandemic-related closed doors, he picks up and drops off the proofs every time. RBJH: PATRICIA MARK Jewish Social Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home selected Patricia (Trish) Mark as their annual volunteer. Trish has been volunteering with the RBJH since 2018. Trish has regularly visited with Residents, and through long conversations about anything and everything, she has formed great friendships. Trish has a lovely, calm personality and is a great listener. She has a patient nature, and shows empathy and kindness. Trish helped with Saturday Services in the RBJH Chapel by assisting Residents and the service leaders. As soon as Trish heard that RBJH needed help with the Resident visitation schedule and visitor antigen testing due to COVID-19, she was the first to reach out to help. Trish takes pride in her duties and can be depended on when needed. Trish has a three-year-old daughter who attends the ELC and a five-year-old son at Friedel Jewish Academy. Trish and her husband are members of Temple Israel.
Bucky & Caryl Greenberg Inclusivity, Respect and Equity Scholarship PAM MONSKY Community Relations Council Assistant Director Two $500 college scholarships will be awarded to eligible graduating high school seniors in the Omaha metro area who have demonstrated a passion for building inclusivity, respect and equity in their school and community. The completed application is due May 20, 2022, and can be accessed here: https://www.jccomaha.org/bucky-
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News LOC AL | N ATI O N A L | WO R L D
The Milton Mendel and Marsha Kleinberg Jewish Heritage Center
JEANNETTE GABRIEL, PH.D. Many of you have wondered why there is an empty gallery space in the lobby of the Jewish Community Center. What could possibly be so complex and important that it is taking so long to develop? Now there is an opportunity to receive an in-depth update and have your questions answered. The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Federation of Omaha invite you to a community update at the Milton Mendel and Marsha Kleinberg Jewish Heritage Center on Tuesday, May 24, at 7 p.m. in the gallery. The event will showcase the Federation’s short video that provides an overview of the upcoming history exhibits. The Heritage Center will feature exhibits about Omaha’s Jewish history, utilizing NJHS archival materials. The Center will provide a gathering place for members of the community to visualize how all of us fit into a larger Jewish historical narrative across generations. The Center will also bring back pieces from the Riekes Museum,
including artifacts from the Kapulier Shul, one of several Orthodox synagogues in Omaha. There will be brief presentations from NJHS and JFO partners that will address a variety of topics, including the overarching themes of the exhibit, plans for permanent and temporary segments, and community engagement plans both inside and beyond the Jewish community, Jon Meyers, Past President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, said, “I believe the community will be extremely pleased and even proud of the final product. It will be informative, historical, attractive, and interactive.” NJHS looks forward to collaborating with Federation partners on the development of the Kleinberg Heritage Center, including the Institute for Holocaust Education. Ben Justman, NJHS Board President, said, “NJHS is excited to provide historical expertise and material from the archives to highlight Jewish Omaha’s commitment to service.”
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch the Press for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com.
The Community Relations Council wants to hear from you PAM MONSKY Community Relations Council Assistant Director As you may have heard, we are in the process of both structural and staffing changes within the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Community Relations Council (CRC). The Jewish Federation of Omaha and our counterparts at the ADL have been working diligently over the past few months to develop a new partnership that will allow the Omaha commu-
nity to benefit from all of the resources and expertise of the ADL while also building up the CRC as an independent agency. In order to meet the needs of our community, we have created a survey to determine the issues that matter most to you. This information will guide us in creating programs and educational opportunities for the Jewish community and the community at large. The survey takes less than 10 minutes and can be accessed by scanning the QR code.
Join our JFO team! ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor The Jewish Federation of Omaha ( JFO) currently is looking for our next Director of Engagement and Education. The Director of Engagement and Education for the JFO leads the team tasked with inspiring Jewish connections, promoting lifelong, innovative Jewish learning and contributing to community planning to ensure a strong Jewish Omaha. How would you feel if your next job was not just a job, but a passion? You could engage with different segments of our Jewish community, and experience real substance and meaning in your job! Among other tasks, the Director of Engagement oversees the JFO Kids’ Campaign and Young Jewish (teen) giving. They plan and implement JFO-led adult Jewish learning, including, but not limited to, Beit
Midrash and Exploring Judaism classes. They engage families with young children through programs like Shalom Baby and PJ Library. They help organize local author events, oversee the Jewish Film Festival, give input on the potential creation of a new Children’s Library on our campus, attend the Jewish Book Council conference and organize the Jewish Book Month Luncheon. In addition, this position is the JFO liaison with the UNO Schwalb Center, Friedel Jewish Academy and the UNO Goldstein Chair. They also work closely with the synagogue school directors, manage the budget and grants, and report for all programs that fall under Engagement or Education. To apply for this full time position at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, or for more information, please contact Jenn Tompkins at jtompkins@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6435.
The Jewish Press Endowment The purpose of this endowment fund is to ensure the Omaha Jewish Press continues to serve the Omaha Jewish Community. Here’s how you can help: $36 pays for two weeks of office supplies $180 covers the monthly cost of our copier contract $360 helps us develop new content, such as our author series $1,800 will cover two weeks of printing the Jewish Press Fill out the information below and simply return it to the Jewish Press office, or visit us online at http://www.omahajewishpress.com.
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The Jewish Press | May 13, 2022 | 5
About the Maccabeats ROBBY ERLICH Beth El Engagement Coordinator When the Maccabeats formed at New York’s Yeshiva University in 2007, its members did not imagine that one day they would sing at the White House and reach millions with songs inspired by traditional Judaism. The group hit it big in 2010 when the members decided to create a holiday video for family and friends. They adapted the lyrics of the song Dynamite by English rapper Taio Cruz to tell the story of Hanukkah. The result was Candlelight, and it became an unexpected YouTube sensation. The video eventually topped 10 million YouTube hits. While at the university, The Maccabeats opened for Matisyahu. Then the popular artist invited the group to join him at one of his other concerts. It was from this invitation that the Maccabeats took their performing beyond the Yeshiva campus. Julian Horowitz manages the band and serves as music director and a performer. Most of The Maccabeats have second careers — lawyers, medical students, architecture students among them. They meet several nights a week to practice, then tour on Sundays. The acclaimed a cappella ensemble numbers 13, but they travel in groups of seven or eight. The Maccabeats play in all sorts of venues in all sorts of places. They have performed at St. Marks Square in Venice and have per-
formed in Latin American countries. The Maccabeats’ fans include Big Bang Theory star and Jeopardy host Mayim Bialik and former President Barack Obama. They have played in the White House twice. They’ll be flying from New York and Los Angeles to perform at Beth El Synagogue on Sunday, May 22, at 4 p.m. Proceeds from the concert will go to benefit the Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund. This fund enables students to attend Jewish summer camps and approved Israel programs. This concert is presented in memory of Seth Rich. Seth was a part of our Beth El family. He attended Camp Ramah in Wisconsin for six years and participated in the Ramah Seminar in Israel. Seth served as a staff member in Wisconsin for two years. Seth was an outstanding example of how attending Jewish summer camps can benefit the camper and our community. Buying a ticket for this event will not only provide you with an unforgettable afternoon of entertainment but will also be an investment in our future. Concert chairs Mary and Joel Rich and Pam and Bruce Friedlander, together with the entire team at Beth El, are working hard to produce this outstanding concert. Individual tickets start at $18 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. To purchase tickets for the May 22 concert, please visit www.beth el-omaha.org.
New album by the Potash twins ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Adeev and Ezra Potash are excited to announce that their new album Hornography was released earlier this month. “Our goal was to bring horns to the forefront,” they said, “and showcase where brass fits in the modern musical landscape. After two years of isolation, we were more than ready to start collaborating again. On this project, we had the opportunity to work with many of our favorite artists including Cory Wong, Robert Glasper, Jazz Cartier, Bob Saget, Terry Crews and many more. “This year we lost one of our people, Bob
Saget. Bob had been a supporter of ours since we moved to LA five years ago. On the outro of the album he spoke about the importance of horns throughout history and in his honor, we are donating a portion of the album to the S clero d erma Research Foundation, a cause close to Bob’s heart and ours.” This is an album they couldn’t be more excited to share with you! H o p e f u l ly, you’ll find a few moments to give this project a listen. Horn ography can be found on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yr5JXJ Scleroderma Research Foundation: srfcure.org.
Now at the Omaha Community Playhouse: Stick Fly Stick Fly is now on stage at the Omaha Community Playhouse. The LeVays, a wealthy Black family, set out for a relaxing weekend at their second home in Martha’s Vineyard. When brothers Kent and Flip both bring their new girlfriends to meet the family, the newcomers butt heads over everything from class to race to cultural expectations. Sibling rivalries and parental expectations bring their rollercoaster weekend to a boiling point in this bitingly funny
comedy-drama. This production runs from May 6 through June 5 in the Howard Drew Theatre at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at OmahaPlayhouse.com or by calling the OCP Box Office at 402.553.0800. Reserve your seats early for the best pricing and seating options. Disclaimer: Contains adult language.
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HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 27, 2022. To be included, send us an email with the student’s name, parents/guardian’s names, high school they are attending, the college they will be attending and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org by May 17, 2022.
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6 | The Jewish Press | May 13, 2022
This week at the Federation
The Jewish Press | May 13, 2022 | 7
The Jewish Press Centennial Celebration
Women’s Event
O
maha’s Jewish women joined at Lola’s for a reception, after which we enjoyed a conversation between JFO’s Stacey Feldman and Film Stream Executive Director Deirdre Haj. Clockwise, from top left: Jenn Tompkins, event chair Nancy Schlessinger, Deirdre Haj, Stacey Feldman; Sharon Kirshenbaum, event chair Cindy Goldberg and Stacey Rockman; Rachel Ring, Roxanne Kahn and Vicki Allely; Michelle Whyte, Mindy Marburg and Susan Long; Carol Bloch and Jan Goldstein; Sara Kohen, Abby Kutler and Ally Freeman; Pam Friedlander and Melissa Shapiro; Andi Goldstein and Nancy Noddle; Annette van de Kamp and Jennie Gates Beckman; Jan Schneider Lund, Robyn Freeman, Andi Goldstein, Patty Nogg, Sandy Nogg, Nancy Noddle and Carol Parsow; event chair Jess Cohn and Stacey Feldman; a group of guests catching up befpre the main event; Sara Kohen, Abby Kutler and Tamar Yellin; Ann Cohen; Shani Katzman, Annette van de Kamp, Rochi Katzman; Ann Cohen, Jan Goldstein and Patty Nogg; Deirdre and Stacey; Diana Williams and Rosie Zweiback. Nancy Schlessinger, Cindy Goldberg, Jess Cohn, Hillary Rubesin, Ally Freeman and Ellie Novak co-chaired the event.
After a long wait, we were finally able to come together and celebrate the Centennial of the Jewish Press, Sunday, May 1 on the outdoor pool deck. There was live music by Kyle Knapp, there was community, there were costumes, signature drinks and food, and most of all: perfect weather, for a change. We are sorry it has taken this long, but incredibly grateful for the support this community continues to show our paper. Special thanks to the Jewish Press board, pictured above, and to Rabbi Eli Tenenbaum, for all his help with the food while waiting for baby Tenenbaum #2.
8 | The Jewish Press | May 13, 2022
Above: Omaha BBYO’s newly elected BBG and AZA Board: Front row: Lauren Dolson (N’siah), left, Rachel Dowd (S’ganit), Adria Tipp (Aym Ha’Chaverot), Eva Bloom (Mazkirah/Gizborit), and Elizabeth Brodkey (Sh’licha); Back Row: Alex Kugler (Godol), left, Evan Kugler (S’gan), Jordan Nogg (Moreh), Ben Kaufman (Mazkir), AJ Shefsky (Gizbor), and Noah Atlas (Shaliach).
Above: Beth El 3rd Graders led services and received their own Siddurim. Front row: Sam Kutler, Dayton Abramson, Jonas King and Eadie Tsabari; back row: Evie Zacharia, Lea Shapiro, Talia Kohen, and Yael Frey. Below: Omaha Community Shlicha Sivan Cohen poses with a student at Beth El.
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, right and below: Anne Stepanek, a UNO Gerontology student, spent the semester at RBJH for her practicum. For her project, Anne had Residents paint clay pots and plant succulents and starter seeds just in time for the lovely weather to spring. Anne was such a magnificent blessing as she volunteered before her practicum and will continue to volunteer. Residents and staff simply adore Anne!
Above: Richard Jacobson, Gail Raznick and Bruce Friedlander; right: Annette van de Kamp and Danni Christensen at the Jewish Press Centennial celebration.
Above: Christina Caniglia, Assistant Activities Director at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, won a $1,500 Scholarship through the Nebraska Health Care Foundation. In June, she will attend the AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C. Mazel Tov, Chrissy!
Left and below: In art class, Friedel students learned about prehistoric clay heads found in caves and then made their own!
The Jewish Press | May 13, 2022 | 9
Voices
The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920)
Margie Gutnik President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Sam Kricsfeld Staff Writers Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Board Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen; David Finkelstein; Bracha Goldsweig; Mary Sue Grossman; Les Kay; Natasha Kraft; Chuck Lucoff; Joseph Pinson; Andy Shefsky and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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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.
We need Israel more than ever
That’s just a more complex way to say that ‘Hitler ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT was nice to his dog,’ something we say back home Jewish Press Editor Last Friday, I came upon an image.The two peo- when anyone tries to justify bad behavior by stating ple in it are named Fernando and Josefina (no last there was also good behavior. Like a murderer who names have been given) and were married in Tlaxcala, Mexico on April 29, the same date Hitler married Eva Braun. That was not by accident; their wedding party was Nazi-themed, complete with plenty of swastikas and flag-waving. The bride sits on top of a camo-painted Volkswagen Beetle, the groom is dressed as an SS officer. The car is draped in Nazi flags, combined with white tulle. “Mexican media have reported additional details about the couple,” Caleb Cuedes Reed wrote for JTA, “in- Credit: Tomer Neuberg/Flash90 cluding that their son Reinhard is named after is nice to his mother, or a serial rapist who is kind Reinhard Heydrich, a Nazi general, and their to senior citizens. Also, being a vegetarian doesn’t daughter Hanna is named after a woman on quite get you off the hook when it comes to genoHitler’s team of pilots who was one of the last peo- cide. Seriously. ple to see him alive and remained an admirer her When we see images like these, we tend to not whole life.” respond with fear, but with ridicule. We have that In other words, they’re all-in. Why? luxury, because this happened in another country. “I understand that for many people, Hitler repre- It won’t be much more than a blip on our radar, if sents genocide, racism and violence,” the groom re- that. But what if this happened right here in portedly said. “People, on the other hand, make Omaha? Would we still think it was funny? judgments without having all of the facts. Hitler It’s the notion that Hitler was actually, secretly, a was a vegetarian who rescued his country from good man, that has me the most confused. Do they famine and returned to his people the lands lost admire him for the genocide, or are they denying during World War I. His friends and family adored the genocide happened? I’m not sure. There is also him.” the question: if you admire a pollical leader, from
anywhere, any regime, where does that translate into theming a wedding around that regime? I don’t get it. It has to be a statement of some kind, a barely-coded message to all the other neo-Nazis in the region. Of course, Hitler himself was fond of pomp and parades, so maybe this is a natural consequence if you admire him? Still, a tasteful offwhite caddillac would have been much more appropriate—and the bride wouldn’t have to perch uncomfortably on the roof. I can joke all I want, but I’m very aware of the fact that I only crack jokes about these idiots because yhey scare me. As much as I would like to deny it, whenever I see a swastika anywhere, no matter how small, my heart races a little faster. Seeing there are people who wave those flags, who even theme their wedding around it, terrifies me. For obvious reasons, we won’t run the photo on this page. Instead: a photo of one of 21 Holocaust survivors who were rescued from the war in Ukraine, and arrived at Ben Gurion airport on April 27 (see the full story on P10).These refugees aren’t alone; since the start of the war in Ukraine, between 3-and-500 Holocaust survivors have arrived in Israel. There is something in the way these young boys are holding the woman’s arms that hit me so hard I had to call my mother and tell her all about it. I even made a print and posted it on my office door. If we ever needed a reminder of why we need Israel, and why we need to support Israel, imagine a Nazi wedding in 2022—and then look at this woman’s face. You’ll get it.
I was a proud Jew in Russia, but I had to leave. TATIANA GLEZER BUDAPEST, Hungary | St. Louis Jewish Light via JTA It has been more than a month since I fled Russia with my two daughters, a cat and a dog. Like thousands of other Russians horrified by the senseless war in Ukraine, we left with few suitcases and no plan. The decision to leave my country was excruciating. Our life in Moscow was full and happy. I had a job I loved as the Jewish community center’s creative director. My daughters — Varya, 14, and Katya, 12 — loved their school and the many friends they had there. Our cozy flat, with two balconies in the center of the city, was a cherished home. Why would I give all that up? Why would I leave everything I had worked for — and leave my father? I am still coming to grips with the answer. All I know for sure is that I simply couldn’t stay in Moscow. The war against Ukraine, and the accompanying laws aimed at silencing all dissent, broke my relationship with Russia, perhaps forever. Day after day, I was hearing about friends being arrested for attending peaceful demonstrations. One friend was asked to leave her job after her boss found out that she had gone to a protest. A sociology professor from the university I attended was badly beaten by police for speaking out against the war. I feared I could be next, or worse, my oldest daughter, who insisted we take to the streets and revolt. I had already signed a letter condemning the war. I had put up anti-war flyers on buildings in my district. I had posted unflattering comments about Vladimir Putin on social media. At the same time, media from outside of Russia was being censored. People around me feared talking openly on the phone. I was seriously afraid of being cut off from the rest of the world, stuck behind a newly erected iron curtain. I started to feel claustrophobic in the biggest country in the world. I couldn’t sleep at night. In the day, it was literally hard to breathe. All this to wage war against Ukraine, the place where my great-grandparents are buried and home to some of my dearest friends and colleagues. I spoke to the mother of one of those friends on Viber, a secure messaging app, as she hid in a bomb
shelter. It was heartbreaking. I love Ukraine and I We made it to St. Petersburg, staying just one night am ashamed that my country has caused so much with a friend. Luckily, I found a solution. I paid for pain and destruction. a full night in a spa-hotel with a medical treatment This is why I decided to leave Russia, despite the package in Estonia. I also found someone to give many obstacles in my way. us papers for our pets — at quadruple the typical As a result of Western sanctions, I was unable to cost. A taxi drove us to the border. We then crossed use my credit card to buy airplane tickets, book a a bridge into Estonia by foot. hotel or do much of anything that might help me esIt was March 8, International Women’s Day, cape Russia. International travel was mostly halted. when we left Russia. It was cold and sunny. The sun Prices for flights that were taking off skyrocketed was shining directly in front of us on our way to the tenfold, with demand far exceeding supply. border. I recalled the famous Pet Shop Boys’ song I stayed online late into the night, desperately Go West as we journeyed. looking for tickets to take me anywhere, from Uzbekistan to Casablanca. My friends in Europe and the United States tried to help me, but their money couldn’t pay for flights that were no longer allowed to fly. I decided I might have better luck speaking face-to-face with an airline ticket agent rather than on the phone. After a fruitless search to find tickets, the agent asked to speak to me privately, away from her colleagues. She told me how scared she was because of the war, how hard it was to see so many people trying to flee Russia. She told me how unbearable it was to watch Tatiana Glezer, left, shown with a taxi driver she met other Russians living everyday life like nothing in Estonia while on the way from Moscow to Budapest, had happened. Then, she started to cry, and we fled Russia soon after it waged war on Ukraine. “The war against Ukraine, and the accompanying laws hugged, two strangers united by fear. My failed attempts to leave by air increased my aimed at silencing all dissent, broke my relationship anxiety enormously. I bought train tickets to St. with Russia, perhaps forever,” she writes. Courtesy Petersburg. From there, I would take a bus to FinWe needed to get to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, to land, Estonia or Latvia. catch a plane to Budapest where my close friend I discovered very quickly that all the bus tickets from childhood now lives. We could stay with her had been sold out for days. I decided to go to St. Pe- until I figured out our next steps. Friends in tersburg anyway, figuring I would somehow find a Kharkiv, Ukraine, despite being under shelling, way out, even if we had to walk. Maybe that sounds found us accommodations in Tallinn. With the crazy, but I was in a state of panic. I was not willing help of a local Chabad-Lubavitch community, we to wait any longer on the chance that Russia might stayed in a hotel room on the banks of the Gulf of right itself. My kids’ futures, as well as my own, were Finland for a few days. at stake. A version of this essay originally appeared in I remember the last hours in my flat in Moscow. the St. Louis Jewish Light. It is reprinted here I was so tired. I just wanted to lie down on my bed with permission. The full article can be found under the blanket. It was three hours before the on www.jewishomaha.org. train departed. I looked around at my things — my Tatiana Glazer an event manager and project bookshelves, a table, a favorite painting on the wall. manager, is the former creative director at the They looked as they always had, like everything Ralph I. Goldman Nikitskaya Jewish Commuwas still OK, still normal. I didn’t want to move. nity Center in Moscow.
Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | May 13, 2022
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
CHABAD HOUSE
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154 rbjh.com
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL Join us on Friday, May 13, 7 p.m. for evening services with guest speaker, Jeff Kirshenbaum, who will speak about his recent humanitarian mission to Ukraine. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on COVID-related closures and about our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Six-String Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream. SATURDAY: Shabbat Zimra Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Doggie & Davening following Shabbat Zimra; Havdalah, 9:15 p.m. Zoom only. SUNDAY: Last Day of BESTT with Talent Show (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Retirement Celebration for Eadie Tsabari: Program, 11:15 a.m. and Brunch, 11:45 a.m.; Book of Daniel, 6 p.m. with Rabbi Abraham and Pastor Johnson. TUESDAY: Mussar, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham at Beth El & Zoom. WEDNESDAY: BESTT Lag B’Omer (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High Lag B’Omer (Grades 8-12), 6 p.m. Meet at Rainwood. THURSDAY: Miriam’s Escape Room Program, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-May 20: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream. SATURDAY-May 14: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Havdalah, 9:25 p.m. Zoom only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.
BETH ISRAEL FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/ Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:16 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha, 8:10 p.m.; Shalosh Seudos/ Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 8:30 p.m.; Ma’ariv, 9:23 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:50 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Prayer, 7:45 a.m. (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 7:50 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Prayer, 7:45 a.m. (Zoom); Kids Parsha Class, 3:45 p.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:50 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Prayer, 7:45 a.m. (Zoom); Wednesday School, 4:15 p.m.; Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.;
Daf Yomi, 7:50 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Character Development, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Medical Ethics, noon with Rabbi Yoni at UNMC; Lag BaOmer Celebration, 5 p.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:50 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. FRIDAY-May 20: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:23 p.m. SATURDAY-May 14: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit and Ethan Cohen Bar Mitzvah, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:40 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha, 8:20 p.m.; Shalosh Seudos/Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 8:40 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 9:31 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person/Zoom hybrid (Ochabad.com/classroom). For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5:45 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/Le chayim; Candlelighting, 8:16 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:22 p.m. SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps, 9 a.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha Class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 18 — No advance experience necessary), noon with Rabbi Katzman; Lag BaOmer Volunteer Recognition Event, 5 p.m. and Cookout, 6 p.m. Visit ochabad.com for additional details. FRIDAY-May 20: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5:45 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochab ad.com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 8:23 p.m. SATURDAY-May 21: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:30 p.m. Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch.
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now being offered in person. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:17 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Emor, noon; Havdalah, 9:23 p.m. SUNDAY: Men's Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln
meets Sundays at 10 a.m., rain or shine, to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if it’s too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. If interested, please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com to find out where to meet each week; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. and will discuss The Sunflower: On the Possibility and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal via Zoom; Pickleball at Tifereth Israel is on hiatus until after Yom Kippur 5783. In the meantime, everyone is welcome to play at Peterson Park through the spring and summer; just wear comfortable clothes and tennis or gym shoes. For motre information, contact Miriam Wallick by email at Miriam57@aol.com. TUESDAY: Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. WEDNESDAY: Federation Annual Mtg, 7:30 p.m. THUSDAY: Candlelighting, 7:54 p.m. FRIDAY-May 20: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 8:24 p.m. SATURDAY-May 21: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Behar, noon; Havdalah, 9:31 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
FRIDAY: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m.; Shabbat B’yachad: Choir Exchange with Saint Paul Benson, 6 p.m. via Zoom or In-Person. Kol Rina and the Saint Paul Benson Choir will be singing during services. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom or InPerson. SUNDAY: Youth Learning Programs, 10 a.m.; Choir Exchange at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 10 a.m.; Words of Wisdom, 10:15 a.m.; Book Club, 10:30 a.m.; The Unique Tri-Faith Initiative and Its Synagogue Library Presented by the Judaica Library Network of Metropolitan Chicago, 3 p.m. via Zoom. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. via Zoom; Holy Smokes, 7 p.m. In-Person. TUESDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. . WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.; Youth Learning Programs: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m. In-person; Lag B’Omer BBQ and Confirmation Service, 6-8 p.m. In-person. THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Class, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel via Zoom or In-Person FRIDAY-May 20: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m.; Donor Shabbat to Honor Life and Legacy, Sponsors and Patrons, 6 p.m. via Zoom or InPerson. SATURDAY-May 21: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom or In-Person; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Shabbat Service with Tri-Faith, 10:30 a.m. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
Ukraine Holocaust survivors land in Israel GABE FRIEDMAN JTA Multiple planes carrying Holocaust survivors fleeing the violence in Ukraine landed in Israel on Wednesday, the eve of Yom Hashoah, the Holocaust remembrance day marked by Jewish communities worldwide. An estimated 300 to 500 Holocaust survivors have now taken refuge in Israel since the start of the war in Ukraine on Feb. 24. “I never thought that this is what would happen again, that at my age I would have to again flee a war and again hear the sounds of bombs going off around me,” said Ninel Zhilinska, an 88-year-old survivor on the flight, according to The Times of Israel. “I was a refugee in 1941 and now I’ve become a refugee again.” The flights, reportedly carrying 21 survivors in total, were organized by the International Fellow-
ship of Christians and Jews. Previous flights bringing survivors to Israel have been organized by organizations including the Jewish Agency, a quasi-governmental nonprofit that facilitates immigration to Israel, and Zaka, an Israeli NGO that rescues people from emergency zones. Multiple survivors of Nazi atrocities during World War II have died amid Russia’s onslaught, including Vanda Semyonovna Obiedkova, who died on April 4 while sheltering in a basement near her Holocaust survivors rescued from the war in Ukraine arrive at home in Mariupol. The final plane carrying survivors on Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, April 27, 2022. Credit: Tomer April 27 night departed from Moldova, Neuberg/Flash90 “It is symbolic. During the Holocaust, they didn’t and the passengers were greeted by Israel’s Immigration Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata at Ben Gu- have a place to run. Today, there is a strong Jewish home,” she said. rion Airport.
Life cycles ENGAGEMENT BERMAN/GOLDSTEIN Zoe Berman and Yigal Goldstein of Jerusalem, Israel, announce their engagement. Zoe is the daughter of Beth Cohen and Harry Berman of Omaha. She completed Michlalah Jerusalem College for Overseas Students and will begin Hebrew University in the fall. She is the granddaughter of Sheila and the late Harvey Cohen of St. Louis, MO, and Marilyn and the late Dr. Bradley Berman of Omaha. Yigal is the son of Dr. Shmuel and Chana Goldstein of Chicago, IL. He attends Yeshivat Mir Yerushalayim. He is the grandson of Shulamit and the late Dr. Avraham Goldstein of New York, NY, and Hellen and Ernst Weglein of Jerusalem, Israel. A wedding in Jerusalem is being planned for July 2022. KANE/SPOONER Elisabeth "Lissy" Jordan Kane and Justin Zachary Spooner of Omaha announce their engagement. Lissy is the daughter of Rebecca and David Kane. Lissy earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech. She then received her Master's Degree and Ph.D. in Education Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Lissy is a Pediatric Psychologist at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha. She is the granddaughter of Iris Kane, Marvin and Helen Borer and the late Richard Kane. Justin is the son of Gayle Milder and Oliver "Jim" Spooner. Justin earned his Bachelors of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and he also attended Boston University and The George Washington University. Justin is a commercial real estate broker with Sage Capital Commercial Real Estate in Omaha. He is the grandson of the late Fran and Jerry Milder, and the late Lillian and Ben Spooner. A wedding is planned for May 14, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Joslyn Art Museum, and will be officiated by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel.
IN MEMORIAM MAIMOUN EDMOND COHEN Maimoun Edmond Cohen passed away in the early hours of May 8, 2022, at age 73 in Ashdod, Israel. He was laid to rest on the day of his death, carried by his family and community in a truly extraordinary outpouring of support, fitting for a man who was himself extraordinary. Shiva is being held in Ashdod, Israel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rachel and Eliyahou and sister, Fortune. He is survived by his beloved wife, Raymonde; son, Elie Cohen, of New York; daughters and sons-in-laws, Gabriella and Jason Blair of Omaha, Rachel and Nathanial Nahum and Melanie and Sahar Knafo of Ashdod, Israel; beloved grandchildren: Noah, Mo and Ezra, and Noa, Aaron Chaim and Ovadiah Yosef, and Shmuel and Meir; siblings: Zion, David, Armond, Raymonde, Miriam, Esther, Sima, and Shula, all of Jerusalem. Many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends around the world also mourn his loss. Born in Morocco, Maimoun worked many jobs from a young age to help support his family. At age 13, his family was placed in a refugee camp in Israel before eventually settling in Jerusalem. He was a paratrooper in the IDF and was a veteran of the Six Day War and the War of Attrition in both of which he sustained many injuries in battle. He immigrated to America where he spent over 30 years building his family and his own businesses with much emunah, bracha and success. A light to all who crossed his path, Maimoun was a leader in the community and was committed to a life of chasidim tovim and mitzvot. Kind and generous to both those he loved and the stranger, his impact in this world has been great. To say this Tzaddik is beloved and will be missed is an understatement in the extreme.
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12 | The Jewish Press | May 13, 2022
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USA.gov’s Guide to Mental Health Resources
Struggling with mental health challenges can make you feel isolated, frustrated, and overwhelmed. It impacts every stage of life, and affects how you think, feel, and act. This guide from USA.gov can help you learn how mental illness differs from other illnesses, recognize warning signs, and find resources to help. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESS At times, people use the terms interchangeably. But, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. It’s important to understand the difference. Mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It also helps determine how you handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental illness is one of the most common health conditions in the United States. It affects a person’s thinking, mood, or behavior. The most common forms include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. These may be short-term or long-lasting and affect a person’s ability to function day-to-day. A person can experience poor mental health and not have a mental illness. A person with a mental illness can experience periods of good social or emotional well-being. RECOGNIZE WARNING SIGNS When it comes to your emotions, it can be hard to know what’s normal and what’s not. Pay attention to warning signs like these that
show you or a loved one may have a mental health problem: Withdrawing from the people and activities you enjoy; having low or no energy; smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual or having severe mood swings that cause problems in your relationships. FIND HELP If you or a loved one is struggling or has concerns about their mental health, know that there are ways to get help. Reach out to a health care provider. Connect with professional groups, advocates, and experts. And you can get help right away from these official helplines and resources from the CDC, National Institute for Mental Health, and other organizations. • Dial 911 if you need emergency help • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: • Call 800.273.TALK (8255) Beginning in •July 2022 Dial 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 800.273.TALK •(8255) and press 1 or text to 838255 • Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 800.985.5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 It’s important to remember that asking for help is a normal part of life. You never need to feel like you have to take on the world alone. This monthly mental health series is sponsored by the Jewish Press and the Jennifer Beth Kay Memorial Fund.
JFO Save the Dates
Our Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus is getting busier and busier, and it can be hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. While we encourage you to check the full community calendar at www.jewishomaha.org for any and all community events, we’ll provide the highlights in your weekly paper as well. If you see anything you are interested in, please contact Rachel Ring at rring@jewishomaha.org, or visit our website. JUNE 1 JUNE 2 JUNE 11 JUNE 12 JUNE 12 JUNE 12 JUNE 13 JUNE 16 JUNE 16 JUNE 20 JUNE 21 JUNE 21 JUNE 28
Community/Staff Meet and Greet, from 9–10 a.m. in the Wiesman Room L’chaim Shavuot edition, 6–8 p.m. Location TBD Booth at Omaha Arts Festival, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Aksarben Village Family Day at Henry Doorly Zoo All You Need is LOVE Event,1 p.m. AND 6 p.m. in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts theater JCC Piano Recital Eye on Israel Event, noon–2 p.m. IHE Lunch and Learn, 11:30 a.m.– 1 p.m. Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1– 2 p.m. in the Wiesman Room YJO College World Series and Tailgate, 5:30 p.m. Charles Schwab Stadium Local Author Series with Harold Mann, 10–11 a.m. Wiesman Room (in person and on Zoom) An Evening with Milton Mendel Kleinberg , 7–9 p.m. in the Goldstein Family CEV JFO Annual Meeting and Awards Night, 7–9 p.m. Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater
IN THE NEWS The Old Avoca Schoolhouse in Avoca, Nebraska will be streaming two on line “Baroque Tunes for Two Workshops” for fiddlers, violists, cellists, bassists, mandolinists, and recorder players. The Workshops will be on Tuesday, June 14, at 7 p.m. Central Time, and Wednesday, June 15, at 10 a.m. Central Time. Different tunes will be played at each session. Each participant will receive a copy of our Baroque Tunes for Two book, arranged for the instrument of their choice. Just as in all of the collections in the Tunes for Two series these books contain the same tunes in the
same keys making it easy for you to play with a friend playing another instrument. During the Workshop, we will read, play, and discuss various survival skills for these kinds of pieces. A treble clef version of the sheet music for the tunes being played will be displayed on the Zoom screen during the workshop. There is limited enrollment, and pre-registration is required. The fee for each “Baroque Tunes for Two” workshop is $25. For more information, and to register: https://www.green blattandseay.com/workshops_baroque.shtml.
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