May 17, 2019 by Jewish Press

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration page 5

Saluting the graduation class of 2019 pages 6 & 7

Let’s talk about sugar page 8

WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG

SpOnSOred By the BenjAmin And AnnA e. wieSmAn FAmiLy endOwment Fund

Spirit of Federation

MAY 1 7 , 2 0 1 9 | 1 2 IY AR 5 7 7 9 | V O L . 9 9 | NO . 3 1 | C A nd LeLi g h ti ng | FRID AY , MAY 1 7 , 8 : 2 0 P. M.

Nancy Rips Larry Kelberg

gABBy BLAir Staff Writer, Jewish Press he Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award is annually presented to those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to build and strengthen the Omaha Jewish community. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that Nancy Rips and Larry Kelberg are this year’s recipients of the Spirit of Federation Award. Please join us in honoring them at the Annual Meeting Monday, June 3 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Known and admired throughout the community, Nancy Rips has repeatedly demonstrated extraordinary personal commitment and leadership in cultivating community engagement. She is a dedicated volunteer and an enthusiastic participant, taking part in programming and projects at every local synagogue and throughout our JFO campus. Upon finding out that she was one of this year’s award recipients, Rips was humbled. “It was a combination of being stunned and honored. When I think of people I admire who have received this award before me: Joanie Jacobson, Howard Kooper, Margo Riekes, Bob Belgrade, Howard Epstein... I feel privileged to be recognized. These are people, See Spirit of Federation: nancy rips page 3

Annette vAn de kAmpwright Editor, Jewish Press ur Jewish Federation of Omaha campus has long benefited from Larry Kelberg’s keen intelligence, hard work and humility. He is a long-time volunteer and on many occasions has provided expertise in a variety of areas. He has been involved with the campus insurance task force, has been a member of the JFO Audit Committee and has assisted both formally and informally in the areas of Human Resources and Benefits. In recent years, he has worked tirelessly on the campus improvement project, helping to develop the new aquatics center. Because he has given so many hours to benefit our community and to get the job done (and certainly not for the accolades), he will receive the Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award during the JFO Award Show and Annual Meeting, June 3 at 7 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Theater. “You know, I tried to turn this down,” Larry said when asked about the upcoming honor. “I feel committed to make the world better, leave it in better shape, because over the years I’ve learned from Howard Kooper and Tom Fellman to ‘try to figure out how to say yes all the time.’ See Spirit of Federation: Larry kelberg page 2

No Place for Hate end of year rally

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

9 10 11

pAm mOnSky Community Development Liaison, ADL-CRC Seventy-five students from area high schools, middle schools and elementary schools celebrated at the ADL-CRC Plains States Region No Place for Hate® initiative end of the school year rally at Goodwill Benson Gardens recently. For over sixteen years, the ADL’s No Place for Hate® initiative has been recognizing schools for their contributions in creating safe and inclusive school environments through school-wide activities that help to reduce bullying, name-calling and other expressions of bias.

Bret Anderson, center, with his students

Thirty-nine schools representing Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas participated in the No Place for Hate® movement this year which has inspired over 2,000 schools, nationwide, to combat hate and increase the appreciation for the richness that diversity brings. During the rally, highlights of the

schools’ No Place for Hate® activities were presented and students took part in small-group programming to discuss everyday issues of bias that many of them face. New to the rally this year was the presentation of the “Fighting Hate for Good” award presented to a community member, educator or stakeholder in education who

is a social justice warrior that embodies the principle concepts of No Place for Hate. This year’s recipient is Bret Anderson, retiring principal at Wilson Focus School. Wilson Focus School originally started as the Underwood Hills Focus School and represents the spirit of the learning community with three districts collaborating and being open to all 11 districts. According to Mr. Anderson, “Joining the ADL as a partner was a no-brainer since our concept was to be accepting of all and develop a school that represented the large diversity of our population. The idea was to be a model for what schools can do. We became a “No Place for Hate” school in 2008 and have been going strong since. We have incorporated the pledge into our Lion pledge and being NPFH is engrained into the school. “ This year, the Bucky and Caryl Greenberg No Place for Hate® Scholarship went to two deserving young women. Bucky Greenberg was a committed member of the ADL-CRC board for over 50 years. His generous donation has made it possible to See no place For hate page 4

2 | The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019

community

Celebrating Cantor Shermet

Spirit of Federation: Larry Kelberg Continued from page 1 He’s worked at Broadmoor for 35 years and finds that same longevity with his friends, most of whom he’s known since Kindergarten, religious school at Beth El or since his AZA and Central High days. He’s athletic; from basketball and baseball to running, he likes competition: “I like the physical exertion,” he said, “because it’s important to win and it’s important to lose and be good at both. Some of the best leadership skills can be developed through sports.” He put those thoughts into action when, approximately 12 years ago, he began coaching basketball to a group of Omaha kids, many of whom were recent immigrants from Sudan. In addition to driving all over town to transport the kids and teach them athletic skills on the basketball field, space was made available at the Broadmoor offices where Larry arranged tutoring and additional mentoring. “Howard and Tom were kind enough to let us use the space. We found restaurants to donate meals and teachers who volunteered their time. Some of those kids went on to earn scholarships to Creighton and Mount Michael. This kind of hands-on volunteering that is so meaningful because it is direct and real; you can see the outcome.” He might not want those accolades, but they are coming his way regardless. “Larry is a man who cares deeply and works quietly behind the scenes to make sure things get done well,” Howard Epstein, Exec-

utive Director of the JFO Foundation said. “He has genuine enthusiasm and love for Jewish Omaha. When he and his partner Stephanie Cohen recently hosted the Omaha Jewish Alumni Association’s gathering in Arizona, they most graciously opened their home, even though the crowd was three times as big as we’d anticipated!” “That wasn’t me,” Larry said. “It was all Stephanie. She did all the work, together with Lisa and Gary Epstein and Margo Parsow. They deserve the credit.” Friend Mike Abramson calls Larry one of the most decent human beings he’s ever known: “If I need advice, Larry is the one I go to. We’ve known each other for 45 years and over time I’ve learned he likes to do things quietly, but then goes above and beyond. Sometimes it can be easy to write a check and be done, but Larry likes to be hands-on, always. I remember how hard he worked to help those kids, driving his suburban all over town to give them rides! This award is very well-deserved.” Barry Siff, who has known Larry since he came from Boston to Omaha in 1985, agrees: “I am so happy he is getting this! Larry is incredible and does everything without waiting for recognition. He genuinely doesn’t want it, although we do have a long-running joke about making the JCC Athletic Hall of Fame.” Siff met Larry on his first day in Omaha See Spirit of Federation: Larry Kelberg page 3

On April 26, Temple Israel held a wonderful celebratory service honoring our beloved Cantor Wendy Shermet as she retires after 18 years of service at Temple Israel. During the service, Noemi Gilbert, Aaron Norton, and Cantor Shermet all chanted Torah while Kol Rina, Jerry Brabec, Julie Sandene, and Len and Sam Burrell chanted the blessings before and after. Jill Idelman and Peyton and McKenna Blake presented Cantor with a special gift: a book filled with messages from her former b’nai mitzvah students. Rabbi Brian Stoller gave a meaningful tribute to Cantor and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Tami Field announced the musical tribute in her honor: The Priestly Benediction by Danny Maseng. Thank you to everyone who came together to celebrate our wonderful Cantor. We will miss her dearly!

See full digital issues of The Jewish Press https://issuu.com/jewishpress7

Memorial Day Service Sunday, May 26 • 11 a.m.

Oak Hill/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery 1350 East Pierce Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa

For directions, call Patty Nogg, 402/493-3479 Cemetery Manager Steve O’Neill, 712/328-1579 Patty Nogg, President; Joel Finkel,V.P.; Bob Kully,V.P.; Gail Krasne Kenkel, Secretary; Doug Krasne,Treasurer; Mark Eveloff, Elyse Gallner, Mike Gallner, John Goldner, Larry Goldstrom, Jerry Goldstrom, John Katelman, Joshua Katelman, Rick Katelman, Sissy Katelman, Marty Ricks, and Ted Seldin

The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019 | 3

Spirit of Federation: Nancy Rips Continued from page 1 each in their own way, who live the phrase Tikkun Olam and make the Omaha Jewish community a better place to live.” Throughout her life Rips, an Omaha native, learned the importance of Judaism and community from an early age. “I was blessed with great parents: Dr. and Mrs. Leon Fellman who set the Judaism bar high with regular Shabbat service attendance and Shabbat dinner every Friday night. I have the best twin brother in the world, Tom Fellman, and great siblings: Jane Pickus and Dick Fellman.” Nancy has spent a lifetime sharing her many talents and passions from visiting and reading to residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and other elder care facilities to her special visits to promote reading at the Friedel Jewish Academy. She also loves chanting haftorah at Beth El. “I like singing the melodies and learning the trope. One of my current plans is to chant haftorah in different cities. I’ve been to Des Moines, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs, and I’m going to Overland Park next.” As a child, Nancy wanted to be a Cantor, but that wasn’t an option for girls at the time. Instead of giving up this dream, Rips has found a way to bring her love of song and prayer to many by leading Shabbat services to those who can no longer attend. “It’s been my privilege to bring Shabbat to residents in nursing homes and retirement centers who may not have the opportunity to attend services at a synagogue. It has been an ultimate honor to be invited into hospice rooms to sit with a patient and hold their hands and sing a few Shabbat melodies. I have been stunned how sometimes the person, from the depth of their being, will sing out loud and clear with me. Many times, their families have confided, they have not spoken for weeks, but they hear a familiar Shabbat melody from their childhood and it sparks a wonderful memory. Each Shabbat service I do is different. At the Blumkin Home, I go through all the dining rooms starting at 6 p.m. with my wonderful singing partner, Lisa Marcus! She has a glorious voice and

knows just the right kind word to say to each resident. We have both learned if we take a moment to look each person in the eyes and touch their hands or shoulder, we can connect with a fellow Jew. When I go to Sterling Ridge, I bring wine and fresh challah. When I lead services at Remington, I bring cookies and wine, and we laugh and have fun! It’s truly my privilege and honor to bring Shabbat to Jewish people all over the city.” Nancy is a wonderful representative of Jewish Omaha in the greater Omaha community as well. With her work at the Bookworm and her spot on local radio talking about new books, she is an ambassador of reading. As a published and successful author, Nancy has found fulfilling her passions easy because she is doing what she loves. Her avocation has always been about sharing her love of books and reading with adults and children everywhere and she is pleased to announce her 5th book, Noah and the eight trucks of Hanukkah will be released this coming fall. Additionally, Nancy is bringing back her successful ‘Book Swap’, a program of Beth El Synagogue’s Miriam Project. Nancy Rips is a “go to” person in Jewish Omaha and a real mensch. She is always available to help with a program whether it is a presentation or using her musical talents. She is great with welcoming newcomers and groups and has the ability to reach out in a personal way to her audience. She is a warm and compassionate person, sharing her talents and abilities with so many. Working with or just knowing Nancy brings to mind the word “spirit” which says so much about her talents, compassion and love for the Omaha Jewish community. When asked about the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Rips shares, “we all hope to make a difference, leave the world a better place for the next generation, but I don’t think about a legacy. I think about the work now. I know if I can bring joy and Shabbat and a smile to someone on a Friday night, or at the Current Events group I lead, I will have fulfilled a mission in my Jewish and personal life. Whatever legacy I may create is up to others to determine.”

Spirit of Federation: Larry Kelberg Continued from page 2 when he showed up at the JCC for his morning run: “We bonded over our shared passion for running and have been best friends ever since. I met my wife through him, we’ve run multiple marathons together and we’ve shared everything. He’s not just Larry, he’s ‘Larry-Kelberg-my-best-friend-in-life.’ While I lived in Omaha, we ran together every morning at 6 a.m.” “Larry knows how to ask the right questions,” Mike Abramson added. “When he’s in, he’s all in, and that’s obvious from his work in the Jewish community and outside of it as well.” He has three terms on the Jewish Community Center’s Board of Directors under his belt and was involved with the B’nai B’rith sports banquet for 15 years. Recently, Larry spends more time at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, where he has lunch with his mother at the Deli every Friday.

Brenda Patton, Park Lane Jewelry I am a Senior Division Leader, fashion stylist, and sales rep for Park Lane Jewelry. Park Lane Jewelry is a 63-year old, family owned and operated U.S. company, established in 1955. They are the world’s leading direct selling jewelry company, debt free, and in ten foreign countries. Park Lane has quality jewelry that is backed by an unconditional guarantee, adored by music and movie stars, and is designer inspired. We provide the jewelry for Dancing with the Stars, and are well known for our generous benefits for clients, hostesses, and our fashion directors. Park Lane offers FUNdraisers with up to 50% back to non-profits including our “Party with a Purpose” events. I would love to invite you, your friends, and charitable organizations to host an event. Guests purchase beautiful jewelry while having a fun time learning about current fashion trends, enjoying refreshments, winning door prizes, and the organization receives a cash donation. FUNdraisers can be held as frequently as the group desires--there is no limit. Make a Park Lane Fashion Show one of your regular events. My services include personal styling appointments, jewelry fashion

Anne & Alan Cohen

Marty & Kathy Cohen Tish Selk A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.

Marty Cohen | 402-690-1591

FOR SALE 206 S. 201st Street $320,000 Updated True Ranch, 3 car. Elk Valley, Elkhorn Schools. 7321 N. 153rd Street $430,000 Majestic 2Story, 3+ car garage, 4926 sq.ft. 1308 S. 91st Avenue $975,000 District 66 Custom 1.5 Story under construction by Jensen Construction. COMING SOON Ponca Preserve 1 1/2 Story on 1.84 acres Impressive All Brick Ranch in desirable Dillons Fairacres

Associated Counseling P ro f e s s i o n a l s G l e n F i n e m a n , L I C S W, L I M H P C l i n i c a l S o c i a l Wo r ke r

Family & Children Issues Marriage Counseling Depression | Anxiety | Grief & Loss

“It’s the people who make Omaha home,” he said. “People here really care to make the world better and you don’t hear ‘no’ very often. People in our community are truly generous

2255 So. 132nd Street | Suite 200 | Omaha 402-334-1122 | fax: 402-334-8171 www.acpcounseling.com

Reunion! and willing to go further in doing what needs to be done.” “There’s no community like Omaha,” Barry Siff added, “and Larry is a great example of what makes this place so special.”

shows, bridal party accessorizing, Blingo Bingo, and informational presentations including “the top 10 jewelry essentials” suggested for your fashion wardrobe. There is something for everyone including women and men, as well as the little princesses, from simple to statement pieces, and styles including traditional, boho chic, classic, and trendy with reasonable prices. Park Lane is the most generous company in the direct selling industry. We offer a 5 Star Hostess Plan, and I love to lavish gifts on my event hostesses who receive an average of $400 to $700 in free jewelry. I have the perfect gifts for Weddings, Graduations, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Holidays, Cruises, and “Just Because”. Do some one stop shopping for all those upcoming gift giving needs. Free gift wrapping and delivery in the great Omaha area. Park Lane has a fantastic sale going on right now. Contact me for details. Mention this article and receive 10% off your first order. I am looking forward to hearing from you and your organizations. Brenda Patton, Park Lane Senior Division Leader, 402.517.1712, memoryldy@cox.net or www.myparklane.com/bpatton.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

A CELEBRATION OF ESTHER K. NEWMAN CAMP

May 19, 2019 2–4pm

Plaque Dedication will begin at 2:30 pm Mallet Lodge in Platte River State Park 14421 346th St • Louisville, NE 68037 Join us at camp as we celebrate the legacy of Jewish summer camp in our community. We will meet at the former site of Omaha’s Esther K. Newman Camp in Platte River State Park to highlight the importance of EKN camp in our shared history and revel in memories of summers spent by the lake! Come for the dedication of a memorial plaque in honor of Esther K Newman, reminisce with old friends and see what new updates have taken place over the years.

Everyone welcome -

Family friendly with activities planned for children under the age of 12.

RSVP online at

tinyurl.com/EKNcampreunion For more information contact Jamie Skog-Burke at jskog-burke@jewishomaha.org.

4 | The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019

Grants awarded by Goldstein Supporting Foundation LinDA poLLARD Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer, JFO Foundation t is with great pleasure that the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation announces the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation grants that were awarded during their April, 2019 semi-annual meeting. Since the Goldstein Supporting Foundation’s inception in 2003, the board has allocated over $1.5 million dollars to charitable causes throughout the country, particularly to Jewish institutions and causes in metropolitan Omaha. According to Donald Goldstein, “The Board was very pleased with the number and type of received applications. We were able to fund many local, national and international projects that were in line with our Foundation Mission Statement.” The Goldstein Supporting Foundation considers requests for funds that support local projects and programs of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies, synagogues and Jewish service organizations. They also consider applications from local and national Jewish and secular charities in the areas of medicine and medical research (with an emphasis on kidney-related diseases), education and current events of Jewish content, and human rights. The following organizations and programs were awarded grants at the April meeting: • B’nai israel Synagogue – Bathroom improvements • Friedel Jewish Academy – Sixth Grade Connection trip • Halachic organ Donor Society – Educational Brochures to • Jewish Day Schools • institute for Holocaust Education – wwii Speakers Series• Searching for Humanity Field trips • Jewish Agency for israel – Camp Micki-Camps in the • Former Soviet Union • Jewish Community Center – Building partnership Bonds • through Dance • Jewish Federation of omaha – Mikvah Update • Jewish Federation of omaha – israeli Movie Series• presenting princess Shaw • Jewish women’s Renaissance project – MoMEntum trip • for omaha Men • nebraska Jewish Historical Society – Designated/Quiet oral • History interview Area • omaha north High Magnet School – trip to new York City • omaha theater Company – Diary of Anne Frank School • Field trips • pKD Foundation – Research Grants-Scientific Division • Uno College of information Science & technology – Digital • Human Rights: Refugee Empowerment App “A supporting foundation is a separate legal entity with its own board of directors, which is created by a donor or family,” explained Epstein. “The JFO Foundation manages and invests the funds, administers operations and makes disbursements as directed by the supporting foundation board. This offers the board a level of independence to determine where to al-

402.905.0459 | @Realpmlegacy

www.RealPMLegacy.com

info@realpmlegacy.com

RPM Legacy is a full-service real estate brokerage firm founded to protect investments, minimize costs and maximize income. • Manage single family homes and • residences with up to 10 units • Help rental owners maximize • revenue, minimize expenses, and • avoid costly mistakes • Provide top notch customer service • Oﬀer 24/7 maintenance support • Use cutting edge technology to • market, communicate, and • maintain properties

Here are are some of our SOLD transactions: • 19809 X Street 68135 - SOLD (Sellers) • 4706 Primrose Lane 68157 - SOLD (Sellers) • 10808 S 18th Street 68123 – SOLD (Buyer) • 3118 Daisy Street 68123 – SOLD (Buyer) • 111 S 52nd Street – SOLD (Sellers) • 4324 Center Street – SOLD (Sellers)

no place for Hate

locate donations to non-profit organizations it wishes to support. We truly appreciate the generosity of the Goldstein Supporting Foundation.” The members of the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation are: Donald Goldstein, Kathy Goldstein, Gail Raznick, Rebecca Groothuis, Toba Cohen-Dunning, Danny Cohn, Ari Kohen, Mike Siegel, and Nancy Wolf.

Support the Jewish Federation of Omaha and Community through an IRA Charitable Rollover

The IRA Charitable Rollover gives you a terrific opportunity to support Omaha’s Jewish community, to make your annual gift to the campaign, and to establish a permanent charitable fund which will support the Jewish Federation of Omaha, its agencies and programs. An endowed gift can support the cause or program most important to you, a HowARD EpStEin legacy gift that demonstrates your Executive Director, values. JFO Foundation The law allows you to make gifts of up to $100,000 per year (per individual) to the Federation from your IRA account. You incur no federal income taxes and your gift counts toward your required minimum distribution so long as you meet the eligibility requirements and follow certain rules. You must be 70-1/2 or older and your IRA administrator or trustee must distribute the funds directly to the Federation – not to you first – in order for the gift to be tax free. The gift cannot benefit a donor-advised fund and tax-free distributions can be made only from IRAs, not 401(k)s and other retirement accounts. Please consult with your professional advisor for further information about the rules and regulations of the law. IRA charitable rollover gifts are a great way to establish a permanent endowment or to make your annual gift to the Federation campaign. For questions or assistance, please contact: Howard N. Epstein at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 402.334.6466, hepstein@jewishomaha.org, or Steve Levinger at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 402.334.6433, slevinger@jewishomaha.org.

many amazing friendships and experience so much. Hearing their mesContinued from page 1 sage about wanting to create a school community where bullying and continue his commitment to making the world a better place. discrimination are non-existent was inspiring. I wanted to not only The overall winner and recipient of $500 is Emily Kutler, a senior at Westside High School. In her scholarship application essay, Emily said, “At my school, I have demonstrated a commitment to advocacy for the importance of spreading love and putting an end to hate. It’s something I do so my younger brother can go to school without seeing a swastika etched into his desk. It’s something I do to give a voice to my Muslim friends about the adversity they have faced as a part of a religious minority. It’s a commitment I make everyday when I stop derogatory language overAbove: Bucky & Caryl Greenberg Scholarship recipients Alexus Regnier, left, and Emily Kutler, heard in the hallways. I strive to bring the adversity others face to right: Dr. Mary-Beth Muskin addresses the rally. change other people’s lives but mine too. I opened my mind to acceptthe front of discussion because I know that education is the best way ing differences and not judging or making assumptions about someto prevent hate in the future.” Emily plans on attending Tulane University in the fall. one.” Alexus will attend Metropolitan Community College for two The runner-up and recipient of $250 is Alexus Regnier, a senior at years before moving on to a university. She plans on becoming an eleMillard South High School. Alexus became a dedicated member of the mentary school teacher. school’s Diversity Club, and said in her scholarship application essay, “I The ADL-CRC is grateful to the Fred and Eve Simon Foundation for never once thought that when I joined Diversity Club that I would gain their generous support of No Place for Hate® programming.

The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019 | 5

community

Yom Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Atzmaut

C E L E B R A T I O N

Members of the Omaha Jewish community came together for a Yom Hazikaron commemoration and the JFO Yom Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;atzmaut carnival, Wednesday, May 8 at the JCC.

8 | The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019

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

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

Finding two Jews on the savage island, Part 2 rich JurO

MAY 22

2019 OOMAHAGIVES.ORG

Join us and the Omaha Community Foundation on Wednesday, May 22nd for this 24-hour on-line giving event! Support the work of public 501(c)(3) nonprofits and Jewish Omaha by donating to our local Jewish organizations.

Support

JEWISH OMAHA ADL-CRC Beth El Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue B’nai Israel Synagogue Chabad Center Friedel Jewish Academy Institute for Holocaust Education

Jewish Federation of Omaha Temple Israel National Council of Jewish Women - Omaha Nebraska Jewish Historical Society

SUPPORT ONE OF THE FEDERATION’S

Cheer Page Campaigns! JCC Performing Arts Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center Community Teen Trip to Israel

ue was very nice but, being a Kiwi, didn’t know much about the local Polynesian history or traditions. So instead we drove around on the decently paved road, seeing the lush greenery that fills Niue and occasional lovely glimpses of the ocean from the limestone cliffs. We drove to Alofi, the village that is Niue’s capital. There we went shopping and found T-shirts, postcards, and first day covers (stamps with envelopes that we collect). We also went through a local art gallery, but saw nothing we needed to have. It was time for lunch and we headed for the Crazy Uga Cafe. The local crab is called Uga, or coconut crab. It’s good-sized, and so powerful that it can crack open coconuts and help themselves to the good white “meat” inside. (This Uga should not be confused with the University of Georgia bulldog, also called Uga, though I’m not sure which animal would win in a fight.) I love crab, but the lady at the Crazy Uga Cafe said it was not crab season, so Fran had a sandwich and I had a chocolate soda. The cafe did have a beautiful view of the ocean though. There are several other restaurants in Niue. One is called the Washaway Cafe, probably because its by the boat ramp. Its only open on Sundays, only takes cash, and may be the only remaining “honesty bar” in the world. You take what you want to eat or drink, sit and schmooze on Sunday afternoon, and when you finally exit you leave enough New Zealand dollars to cover what you had. Even in our upright Midwestern city, I don’t think an honesty bar would last long. We told Sue we were Jewish, and she headed for an ocean overlook. There we met Rami, a middle-aged, very fit man. Rami grew up in Israel, served in the IDF (Israeli Army), lived in New Zealand for 20 years, and moved to Niue because, as he said, “I liked it”. We chatted and learned that Rami now runs a local scuba diving company. I’m not sure if he was temporarily out of busi-

ness because of the kaloama season. When we were driving I noticed a sign that said “Israel Mart”. Now Sue took us to find the source of that sign. We parked and walked between a couple of houses, stopped at a nice looking residence, knocked, and were welcomed by a man on crutches. Avi, now 60, told us his life story:

ters, now teenagers. Avi runs a few businesses, including a small inn and the best restaurant (according to locals and the Trip Advisor), called Kai Ika. It specializes in Japanese food (!) and pizza. Now that Avi broke his ankle and is on crutches, he’s very proud that his daughters are running the restaurant. Avi concluded: “My wife Loa is Polynesian but

“I was born and grew up in Israel. I developed a good business, sold it, and moved to California and Las Vegas in the US. After I married and had one son, I decided to move to an island in the Pacific. I visited several, really loved Niue, so moved here and brought my son. He’s now 30 and a doctor in New Zealand, but he may move to Las Vegas.” Avi continued: “I remarried to a local Niuean woman named Loa. She wanted a store, so I set one up and called it the Israel Mart.” Even though the store was now closed, it explained the old sign by the road. He and Loa had three daugh-

makes great hummus. So maybe the Polynesians are descended from the lost tribes of Israel.” Niue has no local industry and just small individual plots of land growing a few fruits and vegetables for the homeowners. But there are a few small cruise ships stopping nowadays, and more Niueans are returning to their home to retire to the island they love. As you’ve read, we met some New Zealanders and at least two Israelis who have moved to Niue permanently. Fran and I predict a slow but rosy future for this isolated but lovely place once named the Savage Island.

Let’s talk about sugar deBOrah denenBerG Sugar consumption is way up. In the early 1800’s, Americans consumed about four pounds of sugar per person per year. By the early 1900’s, that number rose tenfold to about 40 pounds. Today, we consume over 100 pounds of sugar per person per year. We pay for it with our health. Sugar consumption drives obesity. Recently passing nicotine, obesity is now considered the number one cause of preventable death in America. In 1987, not that long ago, Nebraska’s obesity rates were less than 10%. Now they are greater than 30%. That number includes our children, 30% of whom are overweight or obese. Correlating to the rise in obesity are epidemic rates of diabetes and heart disease. Recent and softer data links obesity to 12 kinds of cancer. Serious. Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness and lower extremity amputation in Nebraska. Anecdotally, I can think of three people close to me who have suffered lower extremity amputation, and eight more who are diabetic, three of them children. The Jewish community is not im-

mune to the health issues around us, but we can be persuaded by science to do something about the boat we are in. That’s one reason our leadership recently formed the JCC Wellness Committee. We can examine our nutritional environment on campus and transform our offerings from the types of food that cause disease to foods that will nurture us and protect us from chronic illness. We are starting this year with

two task forces, one to examine vending, and one to examine the foods we feed our youngest community members at the CDC. Obesity is a preventable cause of death. That means the power is in our hands to protect ourselves. With science and good public policy on our side, our future can be bright and healthy. Join our efforts, send comments or questions to: debbie@denenberg.com.

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers meets weekly on Wednesdays at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@ Gmail.com, Breadbreakers chairman. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith @jewishomaha.org.

The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019 | 9

viewpoint thejewishpress

(Founded in 1920) abby Kutler President annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard busse Creative Director susan bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby blair Staff Writer Thierry ndjike Accounting Jewish Press board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex Officio; Laura Dembitzer; Candice Friedman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson; Michael Kaufman; David Kotok; Natasha Kraft; Debbie Kricsfeld; Eric Shapiro and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.org. Letters to the editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. 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 Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

american Jewish Press association award Winner

nebraska Press as- national newspaper sociation association award winner 2008

The news is not all bad

anneTTe van De KamP-WRiGhT Editor, Jewish Press ometimes, when one reads too many headlines in various news sources, things can get a bit overwhelming. Here’s a short list from a random day last week: “Dutch soccer fans beat Jew and sing song praising Nazis.” “Israeli man attacked at proPalestinian event in Berlin.” “Poway gunman said he did it because ‘the Jewish people are destroying the white race.’” “Farrakhan speaks of ‘satanic Jews’ in talk at Catholic church.” “Arkansas Holocaust commemoration interrupted by white supremacists with Nazi flags.” “Tennessee judge posts link on Facebook saying Jews should ‘get the f*** over the Holocaust.’” While it is important (really important!) to stay informed, how do we find balance and keep our sanity? How do we stay positive and remind ourselves there are good people in this world and no, not everyone hates us? Because it is oh so easy to drown in bad news—we all know that. It’s why, when we have an argument with a friend, we obsess over it until we can’t sleep, while forgetting about all the healthy relationships we do have. It’s a human trait, focusing on the bad and taking the good for granted. And maybe that’s where those people who want to harm us are the most powerful; they know how it irks us when we feel assaulted from all sides by hate and intolerance. It’s difficult not to take it personally. So, what do we do about it? We fight back by living. Last week, hundreds of community members of all ages came together to celebrate Israeli Independence day. A month before that, seders were held all over town, in homes, synagogues and schools. Temple Israel was filled with people like you, coming together for Yom HaShoah

because all of you understood the importance of remembering. The Gallery at the Jewish Community Center is currently filled with children’s art, reminding us that another class is graduating from the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center as well as Friedel Jewish Academy. The pool recently opened (the air may still be

Kids’ art in the Jcc Gallery

chilly, but the water is warm). While volunteers from the wider community planted trees for Tri-Faith, countless people showed up to Beth Israel’s blood drive. Temple Israel celebrated 18 years with Cantor Wendy Shermet and Beth El’s Cantor Concert was a big success. I could go on, because we are lucky: we live in this community that never stops sustaining us and filling our calendars with opportunities to come together. Think it’s too much, because you’re already so busy? Not so fast. Remembering the good in the face of evil is hard work, but with a tremendous payoff. “With ongoing anti-Semitism at heights unseen in ages,” Benji Levy wrote in The Jerusalem Post recently, “victimization and crisis are deeply ingrained within our national narrative. Too many seem to focus on reactively extinguishing fires rather than proactively sowing seeds and planting trees.”

He continues: “As we stand between Holocaust Remembrance Day, Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars, and Independence Day, three days that embody the complex duality of tragedy and triumph, we must consider how to shift this balance toward the positive. We must stand tall and say that we are proud to be Jews, not because of terrorism, violence in places like Pittsburgh or Poway, or because of Israel’s enemies, but in spite of them. A healthy Jewish communal body cannot thrive on a diet of tragedy alone. It cannot devolve into a skeleton devoid of bone marrow based on external threats, and instead must celebrate the inner beauty of Jewish life. To move from oy to joy, we need a paradigm shift in our pedagogy. The impetus for Jewish living must come from inside the Jewish world, being proactive rather than reactive. We must begin by truly believing that the Jewish story is worth telling and then reconsider how we tell that story. After all, our children no longer want to hear how not to leave. They need to experience why they must stay.” Acting instead of reacting, it’s an important distinction. It’s essential we show up during the bad times, but just as essential we show up during the good times. Celebrating who we are, as a community, is much more than another busy event we attend; it’s a confirmation that we are in this together. And no, you can’t go to every single thing- I get that, none of us can. But take your pick and show up for at least some of the events in our community, whenever you can. Why? Because we all belong here. Let’s fill those seats, together. Those headlines will keep happening, we can be realistic about that. It doesn’t mean we give up. 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.

Did this ancient Jewish scholar introduce the world to pizza?

henRy abRamson JTA In 1983, the Italian-Israeli professor Sandra Debenedetti Stow stunned the scholarly world with an explosive article that proposed that Jews introduced pizza to the European diet. She cited Yehuda Romano, a 14th-century Hebrew scholar from Italy, who translated Maimonides’ use of the word “hararah” (a type of flatbread) in the Mishneh Torah with four simple Hebrew letters: peh, yud, tzadi and heh, or “pizza,” arguably the very first time the word was ever used in any language. Before the leaven could rise, a new scholarly subfield was born. I tripped over this appealing historical fact while reading the catalog of the new National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah in Ferrara on the intermediate days of Passover (no doubt that my gustatory interest was partially fueled by the holiday). I was intrigued by the possibility that while oblique references to the aromatic staple of adolescent diets can be traced to ancient times, it was the Jews who first gave a name to the global delicacy. The connection to Maimonides was also quite tempting – was his “hararah” really an Egyptian antecedent of Chicago deep-dish? A thousand questions erupted. Did Maimonides hold, asked Yechiel Goldreich on Twitter, with the “one slice mezonos, two slices hamotzi rule”? And if Rambam ate pizza, wondered Professor Jared Ellias, how did we Ashkenazim get stuck with gefilte fish and stuffed cabbage? Even my wife chimed in: “Finally — the end of challah tyranny!”

Unfortunately, it turns out the story is a little more complicated, and our ethnocentric glee was premature. A 10th-century Latin code from Gaeta explicitly mandates the donation of “twelve pizzas”

Old High German word “pizzo,” meaning “bite.” Maiden seems to gives little credence to the obvious association with pita bread, suggesting instead that the Mediterranean food was also influenced by Gothic vocabulary. Seriously. After much research, I’m not much closer to really pinning down the origins of the word, but one thing is clear: Pizza, in one form or another, has been part of our diet as long as Jews have been turning over the kitchen after Passover. Who knows, even Maimonides himself might have enjoyed a slice or two. Henry Abramson is a specialist in Jewish history and thought who currently serves as a Dean of Touro College in Brooklyn, Did maimonides introduce pizza to the world? New York. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Pixabay The views and opinions expressed in this to the local bishop every Christmas and Easter, an- article are those of the author and do not necessarily tedating Romano’s reference to the word by 400 reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 years and, incidentally, providing evidence of the Faces Media. very first pizza delivery service. Writing in the journal Onomastics in ContemTo submiT announcemenTs porary Public Space, Ephraim Nissan and Mario Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at Alinei, perhaps hoping to redeem the Jewish anjpress@jewishomaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 tiquity of the doughy disc, pointed to the pizSt., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also submit anzarelle, possibly a cookie-sized version of pizza nouncements -births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, eagerly consumed by Jewish children in ancient marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- onRome. The fact that pizzarele were served on line at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www. Passover, however, diminishes its value for our jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to purposes – if it isn’t chametz, it can’t be real pizza. Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight Nissan and Alinei vehemently dispute Oxford days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Please Professor Martin Maiden’s argument that the word check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines. “pizza” is of Germanic origin, deriving from the

10 | The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019

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 June 14, at 7 p.m. with guest speaker Rabbi Steven Abraham. Please note the special earlier time. 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, contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Howard Kutler, Carole Lainof, Wayne Lainof, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf, or email nancywolf16620@gmail.com.

Beth el synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friday: L’Dor Va Dough Delivery Day, 10 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Shabbat’s Cool (Grades K-7) and Grandfriend’s Shabbat, 10 a.m.; Mincha following Shabbat morning services. weekday serVices: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: BESTT Last Day with breakfast, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; God 101 Class, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Torah Tots breakfast, 10:15 a.m.; Scoops for Shavuot, 10:30 a.m. tuesday: A Journey through the Talmud, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Mahjong, 1 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 6 p.m. wednesday: L’dor Va Dough Baking, 10 a.m.; A Journey through the Talmud and Rabbinic Literature, 7:15 p.m. with Rabbi Abraham. thursday: Morning Minyan with Breakfast and Brachot, 7 a.m. NE AIDS Coaltion Lunch, friday, May 24, 1:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Joan Marcus serves lunch once a month at the NE AIDS Project, and she needs baked goods for dessert. Contact Joan if you can help by donating baked goods.

Beth israel synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:20 p.m. saturday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Simcha Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 7:20 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:27 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Antisemitism: The World’s Oldest Form of Hate. What is the Solution to the Age Old Problem?, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:25 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Jewish History — Your History, noon with Rabbi Shlomo; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:25 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:25 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Lag Baomer Bonfire and BBQ, 8 p.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:25 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Connecting with Our Faith, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:25 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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; Power Lunch, noon with Shani. thursday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman. All programs are open to the entire community. For more information call 402.330.1800 or visit www.ochabad.com.

congregation B’nai Jeshurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. friday: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. featuring music by Steve and Nathaniel Kaup; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Kelen-Bloom Family; Candlelighting, 8:21 p.m.

saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study on Parashat Emor, 10:45 a.m.; Temple Tour for wedding guests, 5:30 p.m.; Potluck Dinner & Game Night, 6 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:52 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. Parents please join your student at 11 a.m. for end of the year presentations and a picnic lunch; ZemanDohner Wedding Service, 2 p.m. and Wedding meal, 3:30 p.m.; Feed the Kids at F Street Community Center, 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Aimee Hyten at aimee. hyten@gmail.com or Lupe Malcom at lupemalcom65@ gmail.com; 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. tuesday: Ladies Lunch, noon at Ginger Grill, 6055 Apple Way. Let Deborah Swearingen (402.475.7528) know if you plan to attend and if you need a ride; Inclusive Communities Table Talk, 6 p.m. thursday: Board of Trustees Meeting, 6 p.m. As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 22–aug. 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Light Kosher dairy snack and lunch included. Tuition for each week is $75 per camper. This program is open to children ages 5-14. We require ALL campers to be registered through the LJCS, therefore we cannot accept dropin guests.

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

teMple israel

friday: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. with Kol Rina and St. Paul Choir Exchange. Bar Mitzvah of Michael fingold, son of Carrie and Steven Fingold. saturday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. sunday: Kol Rina and St. Paul Choir Exchange, 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church. wednesday: Lag B’Omer Celebration and Annual Meeting, 6 p.m. This year, our Temple Israel community will celebrate Lag B’Omer with a family-friendly congregational cookout in our beautiful outdoor amphitheater area overlooking the green rolling hills of the Tri-Faith Commons while we listen to lively Israeli music! We will start the evening with a short annual meeting during which we will install several new board members, honor those who are outgoing, and vote on the extension of Rabbi Stoller’s contract to serve as our Senior Rabbi through 2023. Then, we will celebrate the holiday with hamburgers, hot dogs, and fun for the whole family! RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536. The suggested dona-

tion for this event is one canned food item per person. We will gather the food items and donate them to a food pantry. thursday: The History of the Jewish People: The Jews of Georgia (the country), 10 a.m. with Cantor Shermet. Shabbat Service with Kol Rina and St. Paul Choir Exchange friday, May 17, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel and sunday, May 19, 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist. Annual Meeting & Lag B’Omer Celebration, wednesday, May 22, 6 p.m. (see full story below) “More Than a Joke” – Shavuot Edition, saturday, June 8, 5 p.m. Over the past several years, the Tri-Faith Initiative’s “More Than a Joke” learning program – where a rabbi, a minister, and an imam lead an interactive panel discussion about interesting issues – has become a highly sought after experience in the Omaha area. On the evening of Shavuot, when the Jewish community celebrates the gifts of Torah and learning, our Tri-Faith clergy partners will join our rabbis for a holiday edition of “More Than a Joke” – an evening of conversation about the Ten Commandments in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. And while the adults learn with the clergy alongside our fellow congregants and Tri-Faith friends, there will be fun and educational activities for our children to learn about the Ten Commandments with kids from Countryside and AMI as well! Here are the details: Multi-generational Shavuot service, followed by a congregational holiday dinner, 5 p.m.; More Than a Joke” – Shavuot Edition: Panel #1 – The First Tablet: For the Love of God, What Do You Want from Us?! and Panel #2 – The Second Tablet: Adultery, Coveting, and Other Big No-No’s, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Children’s Shavuot activities: What are the Ten Commandments and Why Are They Important to Us?, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

tifereth israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday: No Shabbat Service; Candlelighting, 8:21 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Service, 10 a.m. followed by light kiddush lunch; Got Shabbat, 11 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:22 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. Parents please join your student at 11 a.m. for end of the year presentations and a picnic lunch; Tifereth Israel Board Meeting, 10 a.m.; 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. tuesday: Ladies Lunch, noon at Ginger Grill, 6055 Apple Way. Let Deborah Swearingen (402.475.7528) know if you plan to attend and if you need a ride. As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 22–aug. 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Light Kosher dairy snack and lunch included. Tuition for each week is $75 per camper. This program is open to children ages 5-14. We require ALL campers to be registered through the LJCS, therefore we cannot accept dropin guests. Tifereth Israel Annual Meeting, sunday, June 2 at 3 p.m.

Texas governor signs amendment

Marcy oster JTA Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation that limits the scope of a law already on the books that bans the state from doing business with Israel boycotters. The new legislation exempts individuals and businesses valued at less than $100,000 or employing fewer than ten full-time employees from the ban on doing business with companies who abide by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel. The new legislation comes two weeks after a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against the enforcement of the state law after hearing testimony from a Palestinian speech pathologist who lost her contract with a Texas school district for refusing to sign a contract that said she does not boycott Israel. Following the signing of the new legislation on Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who had appealed the preliminary injunction to the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, filed a motion

to dismiss the federal lawsuit brought by several Texas contractors who claimed it violated their right to free speech, the Houston Chronicle reported. “The law still discriminates against companies that engage in political consumer boycotts of Israel, which is a right protected by the First Amendment,” Tommy Buser-Clancy of the ACLU told the newspaper. “An unconstitutional law cannot be salvaged merely by making it apply to fewer people.” “The concerns we’ve heard are from individuals or those who have small contracts,” Republican state Rep. Phil King, who authored the original 2017 law and sponsored the amended legislation, said in a statement on Thursday. “This bill addresses those issues and should resolve the litigation.” Over 25 states in recent years have passed similar laws which punish businesses that support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. Federal courts in Arizona and Kansas also have blocked similar state antiboycott laws.

The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019 | 11

lifecycles BirTh

MYLeS ALLeN KirSheNBAuM

Sara and Nic Kirshenbaum announce the April 15 birth of their son, Myles Allen. Grandparents are Sharon and Greg Kirshenbaum, and Connie Gunia. Great-grandmother is Joan Kirshenbaum.

Mainstreeters Hello Dolly tickets

Before someone offers you alcohol or other drugs, decide what you are going to say. Having the facts can give you confidence.

Pulverent e MONUMENT CO.

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

For more information, call

1439 So. 13th

1-800-648-4444

402-341-2452

iN MeMoriAM

DAviD herzoG

Omaha attorney David Herzog passed away on April 16 at age 81 after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was buried at Beth El Cemetery in Omaha, Rabbi Steven Abraham officiating. A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 2, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. at Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California, Omaha, with a reception to follow at the synagogue. He is survived by his wife, Julianne Dunn and three children, Michael, Claudia and Erika Herzog; brother, Ian (Buddy) Herzog and sister, Barbara Greenwald.

LorrAiNe hopSoN

Lorraine (Larrie) Hopson passed away April 16 in Omaha. Services were held on April 18 and officated by Cantor Wendy Shermet. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Warren Hopson (second Husband) and Hymie Weiner (first Husband). She is survived by her son and daugther-in-law, Eric and Margery Weiner, daughter, Susan Weiner, and daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Matt Paul; grandson: Eli Weiner. Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

South Street Temple on NSNA Tour

South Street Temple was a popular destination this past Saturday evening and Sunday aernoon, as part of the Near South Neighborhood Association's 2019 Tour of Homes. On Saturday evening May 11, Nicholette Seigfried and Leslie Delserone welcomed about 70 visitors to the sanctuary on the VIP tour. On Sunday aernoon (1-5 p.m.), Rabbi Appleby, Maria Cadwallader, Leslie Delserone, and Peter Mullin hosted almost 1,000 visitors and informed them about many aspects of our building, Torahs, and h i s t o r y. Many of the guests marveled at our beautiful sanctuary, and commented on how grateful they were to visit. A special Yasher Koach to all who took time from their Shabbat and Mother's Day weekend to help out, and to Dennis Dohner, whose timely mowing on Friday had the Temple grounds looking their best for our guests!

LeTTer To The eDiTor

Dear Editor, I was thankful and disturbed seeing the photo of the Friedel Jewish Academy students at the civil rights memorial in Montgomery (4/26 issue). I've been there; it's at the office of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Thankful that the students are learning about the history of the civil rights movement. Disturbed that after all these decades of requests by those of us who were in the movement and those who supported us, the monument still doesn't acknowledge the source of Dr. Martin Luther King's declaration at the 1963 March on Washington, "Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." As a clergyman, Rev. King was quoting the biblical prophet Amos (Amos 5:24). The SPLC website has finally mentioned the origin, but that's simply not good enough. Glenn richter of New York City

CorreCTioN

In the May 3 edition Janie Kennedy (Ann’s sister) actually made and photographed the Kennedy Brownies. Credit where credit is due! Note: The brownies require 2 oz. of chocolate and the frosting 1 oz. The chocolate packaging has changed since the recipe was written, so go by ounces, not squares. The Jewish Press regrets the error.

NeBrASKA STATewiDe CLASSiFieDS

e JCC Musical: Hello Dolly on Sunday, June 2, 2 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center eater. Cost: $5 per person, a savings of 50% to Mainstreeters only. Note: we have only a limited number of tickets. First come, first served. Pick up your tickets the day of the show at Will Call – the doors to the theater open at 1:30 p.m. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send reservation with full payment to JSS, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132nd Street, Omaha NE 68154 by ursday, May 23.

Trade School Scholarships available for 2019-20 academic year

An anonymous donor in our community has created two trade school scholarship opportunities, up to $5,000 each, to go towards the 2019-20 academic year. Not every student who advances into higher education signs up for a four-year curriculum. Some high school graduates seek job training that lasts a year or two, and then places them in the workforce. Such opportunities include, but are not restricted to, Information Technology, Construction, Industrial and Transportation and Horticulture. It is not too late to apply for the upcoming school year! Qualified students who have unmet needs regarding tuition for either a two-year trade school program or a trade certificate program can contact the Jewish Press at avande kamp@jewishomaha.org for more information.

Yom HaShoah

“Our lives are fashioned by our choices,” Anne Frank wrote in her diary. “First we make our choices. en our choices make us.” e topic of ‘choices, risks and rewards’ was presented to Omaha religious school teens Wednesday, May 1 at Temple Israel. Participants ate dinner and watched a film, titled Pigeon, which is set in France in 1941. ey discussed what they saw with a number of Holocaust survivors from our commu-

ADverTiSe STATewiDe for $225/25 word classified ad. Over 162 newspapers with circulation of more than 265,000. Contact The Jewish Press or call 1-800-3692850. pLeASe JoiN us in Blair, NE, for Gateway to the West Days, June 6-9,2019! Carnival, Taste of Blair, June Jam, Car Show, Parade, Horseshoes, Eats, Cleats and Beats & More! www.blairchamber.org, 402-533-4455. AFForDABLe preSS Release service. Send your message to 164 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

FiNANCiAL BeNeFiTS for those facing serious illness. You may qualify for a Living Benefit Loan today (up to 50 percent of your Life Insurance Policy Death Benefit). Free information. Call 1-866-434-4975. viASAT SATeLLiTe Internet. Up to 12 mbps plans starting at $30/month. Our fastest speeds (up to 50 mbps) & unlimited data plans start at $100/month. Call Viasat today: 1-877-255-9312. GeT A Smartphone for $0 down* with AT&T Next® and AT&T Next Every Year $250 Gift Card for switching to AT&T! (*Requires well-qualified credit. Limits & restrictions apply.) 1-855-539-2046. DireCTv Now. No Satellite needed. $40/month. 65 Channels. Stream Breaking News, Live Events, Sports & On Demand Titles. No Annual Contract. No Commitment. Call 1-855-954-7227. DiSh NeTworK $59.99 for 190 Channels. Add High Speed Internet for Only $14.95/month. Best Technology. Best Value. Smart HD DVR included. Free Installation. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-688-4784. eArThLiNK hiGh Speed Internet. As low as $14.95/month (for the first 3 months). Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic technology. Stream videos, music and more! Call Earthlink today, 1-844-254-0368. GeT DireCTv! Only $35/month! 155 Channels & 1,000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/Select All Included Package). Plus Stream on Up to Five Screens simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV, 1-855-977-3794. SpeCTruM TripLe Play. TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 each. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More channels. Faster internet. Unlimited voice. Call 1-855-389-3104. ATTeNTioN: oXYGeN Users! Gain freedom with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator! No more heavy tanks and refills! Guaranteed lowest prices! Call the Oxygen Concentrator Store: 888-491-3421. FDA-reGiSTereD Hearing Aids. 100% risk-free! 45-day home trial. Comfort fit. Crisp clear sound. If you decide to keep it, pay only $299 per aid. Free Shipping. Call Hearing Help Express, 1-855-763-2604. LiFe ALerT, 24/7. One press of a button sends help fast! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! Free Brochure. Call 855-663-0118. STAY iN your home longer with an American Standard Walk-in Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-888-332-9560. iNveNTorS: Free information package. Have your product idea developed affordably by the Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers. Call 1-877-581-2504 for a Free Idea Starter Guide. Submit your idea for a free consultation.

Brittney Clignett with grandparents Sarah and Dr. Fred Kader nity and answered some diﬃcult questions, such as: “How can we best prepare ourselves for making diﬃcult and risky choices quickly?” e event was followed by the community Yom HaShoah Commemoration in the main sanctuary. is event was made possible through support from the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, the Gertrude T. and Albert B. Newman Supporting Foundation, the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation and the Morton A. Richards Youth program Fund of the JFO Foundation. Additional support came from Beth El, Beth Israel and Temple Israel as well as the IHE and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

CDL DriverS! NEBCO is now hiring Class A & B Drivers. Great pay, medical and retirement benefits, paid time off, and Home Every Night! www.NEBCOinc.com/careers CoMpuTer iSSueS? Free Diagnosis by Geeks On Site! Virus Removal, Data Recovery! 24/7 emergency service, In-home repair/On-line solutions. $20 off any service! 877-774-3624. BeCoMe A Published Author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted by authors since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for your free Author’s Guide, 1-877-858-2822 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/Nebraska. DoNATe Your car, truck or boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, tax deductible, free towing. All paperwork taken care of. Call 1-877-730-8167.

12 | The Jewish Press | May 17, 2019

community

Tri-Faith garden

Russian Cultural Club

On May 3, 2019, the Russian Cultural Club enjoyed a STAR Deli Luncheon at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for a Victory Day memorial celebration. Participants appreciated the opportunity to be together while enjoying a nice lunch and poignant music by Anna Mosenkis. This program was generously sponsored by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Omaha Community Playhouse to present Ragtime

Ragtime—winner of four Tony Awards—opens at acters are connected by their compassion, belief the Omaha Community Playhouse on May 31. A and resolution that they, too, will find their place tragic yet hopeful tale, Ragtime explores the pursuit in the world. of the American dream and the meaning of family. The Omaha Community Playhouse production Set in the melting pot of New York City at the will run from May 31 through June 30 in the turn of the century, the lives of a wealthy white Howard Drew Theatre. Tickets are on sale now couple, a determined Jewish immigrant and an and start at $42. Tickets may be purchased at the African American ragtime musician intertwine, Omaha Community Playhouse Box Office, located creating a rich tapestry of American life. With at 6915 Cass Street, by phone at 402.553.0800 soaring ballads and a stunning score, these charor online at OmahaPlayhouse.com. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Compassion is a lesson that can’t be unlearned.

8LI çVWX ]IEVW SJ E GLMPHÙW PMJI EVI crucial to discover empathy and develop emotional intelligence. Our Balanced Learning® approach sparks these lightbulb moments, helping children to become caring adults.

The Leader in Early Education and Care® Infants – Pre-Kindergarten and After School Call for a tour today! Primrose School of La Vista 8202 S. 97th Plaza La Vista, NE 68128 402.517.1153 PrimroseLaVista.com Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools®, Balanced Learning®, and The Leader in Early Education and Care® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2019 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

Sunday, May 12 was a busy day for Tri-Faith, as numerous volunteers came together to create the new orchard and vegetable beds. e beds are located behind the Temple Israel playground, while fruit trees were planted between Temple Israel and the American Muslim Institute.