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High School Graduates Pages 6 & 7
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Beth El Shavuot
Shavuot Garden Luncheon at Chabad Page 8
inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles
MAY 1 8 , 2 0 1 8 | 4 SIV AN 5 7 7 8 | V O L. 9 8 | NO . 3 1 | C A nD leli g h ti ng | FRID AY , MAY 1 8 , 8 : 2 1 P. M.
Annette vAn De KAMP Editor, Jewish Press he Jewish Federation of Omaha invites the community to join us for the Annual Meeting on Monday June 4, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. In addition to honoring our many volunteers, this evening marks a change in Federation lay leadership. e term of current JFO President Bruce Friedlander will end aer two exciting years. Bruce remembers vividly what it was like when he first agreed to become President: “ere was an article in the Jewish Press announcing it, and a few people came up to me and asked me if I knew what I was getting into. ey said ‘It’ll be the hardest thing you’ll ever do. Are you sure about this?’ ey couldn’t have been more wrong.” For Bruce, the past two years have been nothing but gratifying. “Our Federation works every day to make Jewish life in Omaha the envy of Federations throughout this entire country. We are your safety net. We work hard to do it right. Being a part of that –because I did not do this alone—and getting a first-hand view of the many different aspects of this community is something I am extremely grateful for every day.” According to Bruce, you can’t put a price tag on the level of care that exists in our community. at extends to both staff and lay leaders. One of those lay leaders is Jon Meyers, who will take over as JFO Board President this June. See Annual Meeting page 3
A Shaliach’s April Page 5
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Rev. McKnight received her Masters of ozzie nogg Divinity from Southern Methodist UniverBeth El Synagogue’s annual Shavuot sity in 2008. “That same year, I started a Night of Jewish Learning (Tikkun Leil community called WesShavuot) is scheduled ley Pub in Omaha’s Old for Saturday evening, Market,” she said. “It May 19, beginning at 9 was a church without a p.m. The featured steeple, open to everyscholar is Rev. Debra one, who offered beer McKnight, founding or wine, a piece of popastor of Urban Abbey etry, music, art, converin the Old Market. “I sation that explored plan to explore how we social justice, a clip engage the spirit in from The Daily Show. reading and living Sometimes Rabbi Linder Torah,” said Pastor Rev. Debra McKnight from Temple Israel McKnight, “seeking to practice faith taught by Jesus, a faith that joined me. The Pub grew, and I was invited invites questions, surprise and wonder. We to our Bishop’s office to explain what I was doing. When she asked if I could do Methodists explore the questions of living my ministry with just coffee, I said no. Two through Scripture, Tradition, Reason and years later, in 2010, I was ordained in the Experience. This invites a diversity of outUnited Methodist Church. Soon after, the comes into connection and makes the discipline of study important so we are all up Bishop awarded me a substantial grant to start Urban Abbey — with just coffee.” to the theological task of diving in.” Wesley Pub is still offered quarterly. “I met Pastor McKnight through Beth Katz, right after I arrived here in 2012,” said Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El. “At the time, Debra was working at First United Methodist Church across from Temple Israel, and I realized immediately that she is a down-to-earth, progressive religious leader in Omaha. Most recently, Pastor McKnight was kind enough to let our congregants, including our USY kids, use See Beth el Shavuot page 2
Bruce Friedlander and Jon Meyers
June of 50% to Mainstreeters. We must MAggie Conti Director of Activities and Volunteer Services, have your reservation by Monday, May 28. Pick up your tickets the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Mainstreeters -- the fun-filled or- day of the show at Will Call. Make ganization for Jewish residents of check payable to Jewish Social Servthe Omaha area age 60 and older -- is keeping its promise: to offer social events and learning opportunities that give participants the chance to meet new people, exercise their brains, take part in new activities and continue enjoying life to the fullest. For information call, Maggie Conti, Director of Activities & Volunteer Services at 402.334.6521 or e-mail at mconti@rbjh.com. Upcoming June programs inRat Pack Jazz with Adams and Cooley clude: Reminder Sunday, June 3, 2 p.m. ices and send reservation with full in the Jewish Community Center payment to Jewish Social Services, Theater. The JCC Musical: Willie c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132nd Wonka. There will be no assigned Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For quesseating so come early to get the best tions call Maggie at 402.334.6521. seat. Cost: $5 per person, a saving See Mainstreeters page 2
Beth El Shavuot
2 | The Jewish Press | May 18, 2018
community
Mainstreeters
Continued from page 1 Fly Me to the Moon with Rat Pack Jazz with Adams and Cooley: Thursday, June 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the RBJH Auditorium. This is a community concert and there is no admission fee all are welcome. Performing music from the golden era of music! Featuring the Swing hits of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole. Johnny Adams is a singer-songwriter and vocalist. His time is spent in many facets of the business of music. Johnny operates a Nashville-based publishing company, works as a proIowa Western Community Band duction staff director for recording artist Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller and keeps an active schedule performing and recording music. Ron Cooley is an arranger-composer and guitarist. Writing and playing music is second nature for this artist. Ron has contributed his talents as a fretted instrument specialist for Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller for many years. Refreshments will be served following the show. Tour the Omaha Conservatory of Music on Monday, June 11 which is located in the former Temple Israel at 7023 Cass Street. The tour will begin at 1 p.m. Join us for lunch at noon at the Accelerando Coffee House – winner of “Omaha’s Best Grilled Cheese”. This place is a hidden gem and it is located at the west entrance of OCM. Lunch will be on your own and there is no charge for the tour. You must make a reservation by calling Maggie Conti or emailing at 402.334.6521 or mconti@rbjh.com by June 5. For transportation call Maggie at 402.334.6521 by June 5. The Iowa Western Community Band, JCC Auditorium at 7 p.m.
on Tuesday, June 12. The band echoes the sound of time-honored Americana from Broadway Show Tunes to Marching Band Music. Made up of volunteer musicians, both students and members of the community are from eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa. The Iowa Western Community Band has delighted audiences with eclectic musical selections in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area for over 30 years. The concert is free and open to the community, is sponsored by the city of Council Bluffs and Jewish Social Services. Join us at the Movies: Darkest Hour: Friday, June 15 at 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Free film and unlimited bags of warm, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. During the early days of World War II, with the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms. As the seemingly unstoppable Nazi forces advance, and with the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. While maneuvering his political rivals, he must confront the ultimate choice: negotiate with Hitler and save the British people at a terrible cost or rally the nation and fight on against incredible odds. Directed by Joe Wright, Darkest Hour is the dramatic and inspiring story of four weeks in 1940 during which Churchill’s courage to lead changed the course of world history. Academy Award winner for Best Actor Gary Oldman. Rated PG-13 for thematic material and the running time is two hours and five minutes. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m.
Continued from page 1 Urban Abbey on the Friday night before the March For Our Lives. We had services at the Abbey and then stayed at a hotel so we could walk to the Bob Kerry Bridge and march on Saturday morning. I consider Debra to be a true innovator in bringing both prayer and spirituality to the people, as opposed to believing that people have to search for spirituality and prayer on their own.” According to Rev. McKnight, “The Urban Abbey is about relevance. We are a living sanctuary that welcomes everyone, all the time, no matter what they are seeking. I started the Abbey in the spiritual practice of hospitality, to build relationships with people who may never enter a church. I want to build relationships that can help people connect with God and one another, and out of that connection we are more likely to treat one another justly because we know one another. So I’m actually a pastor barista — a pastor-ista. I serve coffee and foam milk and listen when people tell me their stories, pray with people when they ask. I serve coffee and communion in the same apron because I want to bend the lines between secular and sacred. My visit to Beth El on May 19, when we will learn together, is part of that relationship-building process, so we can get to know one another better.” The custom of Tikkun Leil Shavuot is often credited to the 16th-century mystics of Safed, led by Rabbi Isaac Luria. These sages believed that on Shavuot, the time of the giving of the Torah, the heavens opened at midnight and favorably received the thoughts and prayers of those who stayed awake all night to study. Through the ages, scholars have observed these learning sessions by delving into traditional text and Talmud. Today, the tikkun often gathers participants together to explore a variety of topics including Jewish history, current events, mediation and song. Beth El’s Shavuot Night of Jewish Learning is offered to the community at no charge. Traditional dairy desserts will be served.
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his Omaha Gives!, we ask you to support Jewish Omaha by supporting any number of our local Jewish organizations: Anti-Defamation League – Community Relations Committee (ADL/CRC), Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, B’nai Israel Synagogue, Chabad Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE), Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO), Temple Israel, National Council of Jewish Women - Nebraska (NCJW) and Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS). Visit https://www.omahagives.org/ to join in this community wide effort! Omaha Gives! is a year-round online giving platform or-
ADL reacts to Iran decision
WASHINGTON, D.C. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today reacted to President Trump’s decision regarding the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO issued the following statement: “With or without the JCPOA, the Administration, Congress and the international community must cooperate to reach an end that all desire: to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, its aggressive militarism across the region, its direct threats against Israel and other U.S. regional allies, and its unacceptable, systemic human rights violations against ethnic and religious minorities, women, LGBTQ, activists and other groups inside Iran. The recent revelations of Iran’s nuclear archives demonstrate the regime’s long record of deceit and its intent to weaponize its nuclear capabilities. It underscores that it is imperative for the international community to cooperate to halt the threat that the Iranian regime poses in the Middle East and around the world.”
Annual Meeting
Continued from page 1 “Ever since he became the President-elect,” Bruce said, “Jon has worked hard to familiarize himself with his new position. He has attended countless meetings and will bring great energy to our Federation. He really loves this community and I’m utterly impressed with the dedication he’s shown going into this.” Jon Meyers will serve a two-year term; while he initially was surprised to be asked, he thought the timing was right to answer the call. “I’m semi-retired,” he said, “so I can dedicate the time. Besides, right now I have the energy needed for what is happening in the building. As a developer, I know what is involved in making the changes we need to make. is building fulfills many different needs for different interest groups and it is important for lay leadership and community to see eye-to-eye on what those needs are.” Jon Meyers’ goals include seeing the Jewish Community Center through current and future renovations and to make sure our infrastructure is up-to-date. He also wants to take a fresh look at the JFO’s governance: “It is important to ask how boards are structured, how do board members interact with staff and with each other. Within the Jewish Federation, there are many different tasks, but when everyone moves in the same direction, when we build and maintain strong relationships, we gain clarity and unification. We need more succession planning and we need to grow our volunteer involvement. at makes us stronger and enables us to fulfill our strategic mission.” Jon wants to make one thing clear: he will not become the ‘President of the Jews:’
ganized by the Omaha Community Foundation to grow philanthropy in Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie counties. Each year, there is a 24-hour online giving event in May to celebrate nonprofits. This year’s giving day will take place on Wednesday, May 23. The goal is to inspire the community to come together for 24 hours to give as much as possible to support the work of public 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the metro area. The minimum donation is $10 and there is no maximum. Prizes and challenge funds amplify charitable donations to make each dollar go further. Search profiles of participating nonprofits and track progress during the event on our leaderboard. Last year, the community raised over $7.8 million for local nonprofits.
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ADL has long expressed concern regarding Iran’s aggressive policies that are not constrained by the JCPOA, including its hostile regional policies (its increasing entrenchment in Syria being just one); its untrammeled development of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile program; its serial support of terrorism; and its state-sponsorship of anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism; and its ongoing human rights violations against vulnerable minority communities and activists inside Iran. In 2015, ADL expressed “deep reservations” about the JCPOA, calling its shortcomings “too great a risk to the U.S. and for our critical allies like Israel.” Today we call on the international community to address these issues before the risks are too great for any potential act. ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_National.
“I won’t presume to speak for all of us. Becoming President of the JFO Board of Directors job involves our organization; that means working together, it means giving staff the tools they need to be effective. It does not mean micro-management in every area.” e thing Bruce and Jon have in common: excitement about this community and all its possibilities for growth: “ere is such vibrancy!” Jon said, “If you look at how many different individuals are involved in so many different things, it’s very impressive. All the programs and classes and opportunities that go on and on, with no end in sight: it’s very exciting to be a part of it. And as we seriously work on our infrastructure, we will only get better. It’s about much more than swimming pools; it’s about our organizational backbone.” “Working with both board members and staff has been greatly rewarding,” Bruce added. “I always knew this community was great, but these past two years have given me a whole new appreciation for what it takes to get there. “No one knows when the phone rings and you will be faced with a life-changing call,” Bruce said. “Never underestimate the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s power and commitment to help in any way possible. It was an honor for me to be a small part of making the Omaha Federation better.” e 2018 JFO Annual Meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 4. We will meet in the JCC eater for the inside portion of the program, then invite everyone outside for a Pool Celebration. Appetizers and drinks will be served. For more information about the Annual Meeting, please contact Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects Louri Sullivan at 402.334.6485 or lsullivan@jewishomaha.org.
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The white stuff
n honor of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, with its tradition of eating dairy foods, I decided to write about the dairy section in Israeli supermarkets. Perhaps what is most striking about the Israeli dairy case is the size of the products: There are no gallon milk containers (the largest size is two liters—around half a gallon), there are teddy no mounds of large hunks of cheeses, WeinBerGer and the various kinds of cottage cheese (differing mainly in fat content) only come in one size: 250 grams (one cup). My wife Sarah says that this is a throwback to a time when Israeli refrigerators were small. Traditionally, Israeli milk is sold in one-liter plastic bags, though milk is now available in cartons and plastic jugs. The plastic bags are fairly sturdy, though they can feel a little slimy to the uninitiated (this is because, while chances are good that they will make it into your refrigerator without springing a leak, there might have been a leaky bag in the supermarket’s bin). You need to buy a plastic milk-bag holder if you are going to buy the milk bags. The fancy ones come with a sharp edge upon which you can snip off a top corner of the bag before pouring; for those with non-fancy holders, a scissors does the job nicely, and the desperation method of biting off the corner works as well--though less nicely. Like Jews the world over, Israelis are partial to cheesecake at this time of year. However, rather than cream cheese (which has grown in favor only recently), the main ingredient in Israeli cheesecake is “white cheese.” A mark of white cheese’s popularity is that it comes in sizes ranging up to 850 grams. White cheese is similar to cream cheese but it has the consistency of thick yogurt. My daughter Rebecca, our family’s white cheese fan, likes to use it as a dip for pita or chips. Hard cheeses occupy relatively little space in the Israeli dairy case. The Tnuva dairy giant (which monopolizes Israel’s dairy industry) mainly pushes its two “yellow cheeses” (akin to
“American cheese”): Gilboa and Emek. Surprisingly, almost as large as the hard cheese section is the feta section (also known as “Bulgarian cheese” here). Whether from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk, Israelis eat large amounts of feta cheese—in salads, but also with fruit and especially with watermelon. Labaneh and leben, exotic items in the States, are much more popular in Israel. Labaneh, sometimes known as yogurt cheese or strained yogurt, is often eaten for breakfast with olive oil and bread. Leben, which is technically “coagulated low-butterfat milk” (whatever that means), is similar to yogurt. And here is an interesting Israeli dairy-case story. I noticed that the same company (of course, Tnuva) makes two lines of leben. One line comes in slick colorful containers, while the other line comes in simple white plastic boxes. Other than a very slight price difference, the two lines of leben seem identical—and yet it is precisely the “no-frills” line that is more expensive. I asked Tiran about this (he and his brothers own and run my supermarket—it’s part of Givat Ze’ev’s small-townness to note here that a few years ago Tiran married my neighbors’ daughter Oshrit and I went to their wedding). Tiran said, “Don’t you know?” He then pointed to the tiny “badatz” seal on the no-frills package. “Badatz” (the acronym in Hebrew stands for “high court of law”) is an ultraorthodox seal of kashrut. Tnuva’s regular leben only has the supervision of Israel’s chief rabbinate, which obviously is not good enough for a lot of people. Endnote: Sarah eats 3% cottage cheese for breakfast almost every day. She says that “It’s rich and creamy and is the perfect food.” Sarah also says that it epitomizes for her what the Bible means when it refers to the land of Israel as a “land of milk and honey”--an excellent quotation upon which to end this survey of the Israeli dairy case. Happy Shavuot. Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Jane Ross, and their five children, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie, Ezra, and Elie, all of whom are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.
Nobody who follows politics closely, not even outstanding political historians, ever places Omaha at the center of major significant events in presidential campaigns, except for those who remember the debate between the vicepresidential candidates in the 1988 election. Of all the presidential and vice-presidential debates, one of the most fa- richard fellMan mous and most-quoted took place in Omaha in the Fall of 1988. e debate was between Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana, a young, goodlooking politician who George Bush selected as his running mate in the hopes of attracting the young vote, and Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas. As the only debate between the two, it was well covered by the national press and was held in the Omaha Civic Auditorium at 17th and Douglas Street. A stage was set in the middle of the hall, with seats surrounding it. Tickets were hard to get, but I was fortunate in knowing Bart McEvoy, then Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Omaha and a long-time Democratic operative who was a good friend. When I called him, he merely asked how many seats I wanted and promised to have the tickets delivered. Bev and I, together with our youngest son Daniel (even then fascinated by everything political) sat right behind a large group of Washington politicians who had flown in just for that evening. As it turned out, the debate did not disappoint. ree members of the national press corps were selected to question the candidates. e question of the evening, directed to Senator Quayle, was a simple: “Senator, at your age and with your experience, how do you think you are qualified to be one heartbeat away from becoming the President of the United States?” Sen. Quayle began his answer by comparing himself to Sen. John F. Kennedy, saying he served in Congress nearly the same number of years as Kennedy had when he was elected President. e questioner then turned to Sen. Bentsen and told him he had 30 seconds to respond. All attention was focused on Sen. Bentsen, who had served
many years in Congress, had an impressive record from World War II and was considerably older than his opponent. In addition, during the campaign, Sen. Quayle had made countless mistakes and had come across as inexperienced and immature—quite the opposite of Bentsen’s reputation. Bentsen quickly took center stage, turned directly to Sen. Quayle, stretched out his arm and pointed his finger at the other candidate. “Senator Quayle,” he said, “I served with Jack Kennedy.” ere was a pause. “I knew Jack Kennedy.” Another pause. “Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine.” One more pause, followed by the ultimate: “Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy.” e audience, Democrat and Republican, stood and cheered. e press had its story. Senator Quayle mumbled his answer, which has long been forgotten. Forever aer, he was identified as “no Jack Kennedy.” In the end, George H.W. Bush, with his running mate, did win the election over Gov. Michael Dukakis and Sen. Lloyd Bentsen. Senator Dan Quayle became Vice-President Quayle. Fortunately, he was never called upon to assume the Presidency.
You’re no Jack Kennedy
organizations
B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers
AIPAC’s area director from Denver, craig Gardenswartz, will return to Omaha to analyze the unfolding Middle East events and turmoil from May 9 thru 19 on Wednesday, May 23, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
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A Shaliach’s April
The Jewish Press | May 18, 2018 | 5
nATE SHAPIro deep connection with Yom Hazikaron, Israel Memorial Day Director of Development for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Yoni’s great and MArK KIrCHHoff uncle, his grandfather’s brother, was murdered while serving Program and Communications Assistant his country. Our community Shaliach, Yoni Doron, is coming down April 18 began with leading the students of Friedel Jewish the home stretch of his time with us. Yoni will be returning Academy through song and his guitar playing to the tune to Israel at the end of June. We are very appreciative of the of When the Heart Weeps. work that he’s done so far, The celebration of Isand look forward to his help raeli Independence Day, transitioning our new Yom Ha’Atzmaut, continued Shlicha (more on that soon). with a carnival in the JCC To give you a taste of the gymnasium. Yoni created Ishard work that a Shaliach/ rael-themed stations for the Shlicha does, here’s a bit event, including a military about the events that Yoni obstacle course, a treasure organized in April. hunt “noodle” pool, hummus April 4 Yoni brought his making, and Hanoch Piven father and mother, Israel crafting. (Hanoch Piven is an “Issy” and Tal Doron to Israeli mixed media artist). Omaha. They came with a Following the carnival and purpose. Israel was a guest as a program of the JFO, Yoni scholar at The Shwalb Center organized the screening of where he shared his expertise the film Ben Gurion, EpiYoni with his parents Tal, left, and Israel “Issy” Doron. in gerontology. Israel and Tal logue, which was crafted remained in Omaha for sevfrom long-lost videos of ineral days interacting with the terviews with Ben Gurion community. during the later stages of his After weeks of planning life. The evening featured came to fruition on April 8 as renowned husband and wife Yoni led “Four Cups of Freespeakers Elan Ezrachi and dom: A Community Round Naama Kelman to discuss Table event” in the auditothe movie. rium of the JFO. The event Yoni participated in arrangwas a revisit of the four cups ing the display of the Humans of the Passover Seder with Humans of Tel Aviv founder Erez Kaganovitz addresses local of Tel Aviv photo exhibit in discussions of immigration Jewish teens at an exclusive pre-reception talk. Yoni looks on. the JCC Gallery on April 22. and liberty in the US and Israel. This interactive forum feaOn April 25 he hosted a formal reception and artist talk tured introductory presentations by Ari Kohen, Ph.D. and from the creator of the project and photographer/biograPatrick McNamara, Ph.D., each giving overviews of US and pher responsible for all the entries, Erez Kaganovitz. Israeli policies respectively. Over 40 people participated in On a routine basis, Yoni’s Israel-related programming this event. consists of weekly learning sessions on Tuesdays at the April 11, Yoni conducted a teenage engagement activity RBJH, a Friday activity at the CDC, a monthly activity at at Beth El Synagogue prior to the community-wide Holo- the JCC Kids Inn, and class at both Temple Israel and Beth caust Commemoration event. El Hebrew schools. Yoni organized a Yom Ha’Atzmaut carnival for the Temple When you see Yoni, pat him on the back and make him Israel Hebrew school on April 15. The carnival featured five sit down for a moment to catch his breath. Then look him unique learning stations, each with an Israeli educational squarely in the eyes, tell him “Thank you.” Pause, then tell theme. One station was a Krav Maga – Israeli martial arts him, “Now get back to work.” He’s got a great sense of learning station which was run by an instructor from our humor. partnership region. Another station was for learning Israeli Thank you very much to Yoni for his work, and thank folk dancing, run by our very own Ophir Palmon. YOU, the community of Omaha, for supporting this imporYoni spoke at Beth Israel on April 17 about his family’s tant program.
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community Beth Israel Annual Meeting Highlights
Jordana Kurtzman, Volunteer of the Year, left and Toba CohenDunning
MArY SuE GroSSMAn Executive Director, Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue’s Annual Meeting was held Sunday, May 6. Following the State of Synagogue address by President Toba Cohen Dunning, the election for Board of Commissioners was held. Officers and board members for 2018-2019 are Toba Cohen-Dunning, President; Bruce Goldberg, Vice President-Financial Planning; Julee Katzman, Vice President–Administration; Jeff Kirshenbaum, Treasurer, Bruce Potash, Vice President–Membership; Susie Shyken, Secretary; Janet Kohll, Jonathan Rockman, Lynne Saltzman, Adina Schuller, Yosef Seigel, Helene Shrago, Lauren Tam, Sherry Taxman, and Harry Weiner. Jordana Kurtzman was recognized as the Beth Israel Volunteer of the Year. A comment on one nomination stated “Jordana is one of those people who can always be counted on to say ‘yes” when asked to help. From baking to proof reading to shopping to serving on the programming committee, not to mention hosting numerous Rosh Chodesh get togethers, she is a consummate “go to” person.” For more information on Beth Israel, please visit orthodoxomaha. org or call 402.556.6288.
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thegraduates SALUTING THE CLASS OF 2018
Benjamin Brodkey
Aleia Budwig
Cooper Clark
Jackson Clark
Adam Cooper-Kahn
Catherine Cox
Lauren Dietrich
Adam J. Folsom
Jane Glazer
Harley Gordman
Jono Gordman
Noah Hale
Dahlia Hamicksburg
Gilad Hamicksburg
Illyana Hamicksburg
Sarah Zlotsky Hoagland
Jacob Kirshenbaum
Kathleen Kirshenbaum
Kassandra Kizlin
Joshua Kurtzman
Benjamin S. Leathers-Arnold
Samantha Matz
Simon Alex Murphy
Ben Raffel
Julia Raffel
Madeleine Rauhauser
Chloe Ray
Eliana Reiss
Ethan Herschel Shrago
Ellie Simon
The Jewish Press regrets it if some graduating seniors are not included.
If parents would like to submit an announcement for ‘In the News’, we will run it when space is available. Please send via e-mail (with photo of
at least 100K, attached as a .jpg) to jpress@jewishomaha.org, or to the office at: Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Include: name Harrison Stoneking
Mia Vinci
Brooke Wilczewski
of graduating senior, name(s) of parent(s), high school from which student graduated, and college which the student will attend.
Britain’s first Orthodox female rabbi is ordained
The Jewish Press | May 18, 2018 | 7
Benjamin BrOdkey Stacie Brodkey and Marc Brodkey aleia Budwig Larry Budwig and the late Kirsten Budwig
Westside University of Nebraska-Omaha
cOOper clark Kim and Kevin Clark
Elkhorn South Bentley University
jacksOn clark Kim and Kevin Clark
Elkhorn South Northwest Missouri State University
adam cOOper-kahn Amy and Paul Rabinovitz
Westside Metro Community College
catherine cOx Penny and Michael Cox
Westside University of Nebraska-Omaha
lauren dietrich Sheri (Passer) and Greg Dietrich
Elkhorn South University of Nebraska-Lincoln
adam j. FOlsOm Jim and the late Jill Folsom
Westside University of Nebraska-Lincoln
jane glazer Jennifer and John Glazer
Westside Clark Honors College at University of Oregon
harley gOrdman Bridget and Kip Gordman
Millard North Arizona State University
jOnO gOrdman Bridget and Kip Gordman
Millard North Arizona State University
nOah hale Debbie and Patrick Hale
dahlia hamicksBurg Nanciana and James Hamicksburg gilad hamicksBurg Nanciana and James Hamicksburg illyana hamicksBurg Nanciana and James Hamicksburg
sarah zlOtsky hOagland Amy Zlotsky and Kyle Hoagland jacOB kirshenBaum Barb and Scott Kirshenbaum
Westside Drake University
Millard North University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln Southeast Southeast Community College Central University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Butler Southeast Community College Lincoln Southwest University of Nebraska-Lincoln Millard West University of Nebraska-Omaha
kathleen kirshenBaum Jenn Tompkins Kirshenbaum and Matt Kirshenbaum
kassandra kizlin Ronna Jo Kizlin and Daren Kizlin
Burke University of Nebraska-Lincoln Millard South University of Kansas
jOshua kurtzman Jordana Kurtzman
Burke Metro Community College
samantha matz Stacie Spies-Matz and Jay Matz
Westside University of Kansas
JTA news sTAff Dina Brawer became Britain’s first Orthodox female rabbi. She received her semicha in London from Britishborn Israeli academic and rabbi, Dr. Daniel Sperber, after he administered a two-hour exam. Brawer, who was born in Milan to Moroccan-born paents, will take the title of rabba. “I will describe myself as a rabbi, that’s what I’ve trained to do and that’s what I’m qualified to serve as,” she told Britain’s Jewish News.
Benjamin s. leathers-arnOld Elkhorn South Dr. Ilene D. Arnold and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Carrie L. Leathers
simOn alex murphy Kate and Joe Murphy
Glenwood Community University of Nebraska-Omaha
Ben raFFel Wendy and Adam Raffel
Millard North University of Wisconsin-Madison
julia raFFel Amy Tipp and Andy Raffel madeleine rauhauser Nancy Nogg chlOe ray Shayna and Matthew Ray
Westside University of Nebraska-Lincoln Central University of Nebraska-Omaha
eliana reiss Wendy and Robert Reiss
ethan herschel shragO Melissa and Michael Shrago and Lesli Shrago ellie simOn Stacy and Bruce Simon
Millard North Northwest Missouri State Omaha Northwest Arizona State Westside Loyola Marymount University
harrisOn stOneking Cindy and Brian Stoneking mia vinci Jody Vinci and Gino Vinci
Elkhorn South Metro Community College and continuing onto University of Kansas
Millard North University of Nebraska-Lincoln
BrOOke wilczewski Allyson and Chris Wilczewski
Westside University of Nebraska-Lincoln Millard North University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dear Benjamin
She sat for her semicha test after completing a four-year program at Yeshivat Maharat in New York, according to the Jewish Chronicle. A graduation ceremony will be held in June at Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in Bronx, New York. Yeshivat Maharat trains and ordains Orthodox women clergy members. Brawer served this year as a rabbinic intern at Netivot Shalom, in Teaneck, New Jersey. She is also the founder of the United Kingdom branch of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, or JOFA. She has been performing ritual and pastoral duties as a rabbinic student, and served as a scholar-in-residence at Hampstead Synagogue from 2015 to 2016. “I wanted to be a role model to women and girls in the community, to show this is not something only possible as a man, but definitely possible as a woman and something women should aspire to,” she told the Jewish News. “Young girls should become anything they want. You can be well-educated, you can get a PhD in any topic, but when it comes to Jewish studies and religious studies, there’s a limitation. Well, there’s definitely no limitation.” Brawer was raised in a Chabad community. She and her husband Rabbi Naftali Brawer, the former rabbi of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue outside of London, announced that they will be moving to the Boston area. She is currently completing a Hillel Office of Innovation Fellowship for Rabbinic Entrepreneurship, and her husband will start work as executive director of Tufts University Hillel.
Mazal Tov, Julia! You walk with a purpose living strong, smart and true. You were made to inspire, your future awaits you. We are so incredibly proud!
You sing, dance, and have excellent grades, too Kind, sweet, and thoughtful– that’s loveable you Playing guitar at Temple and busy with BBYO Our tireless grandson– high places you’ll go! Congratulations–we’re so very proud of you. We love you!
Vic and Papa
Love, Mom, Michael and Brandon
To you, Sarah! Mazal Tov, Harrison! Mazal Tov, Maddee! So proud of the young woman you have become — kind, thoughtful, dedicated to good causes, and beautiful inside and out. Love, Mom
We are so proud of you and all of your achievements. You are a very good and kind person. We love you! Bubby Linda and Steve
We are so proud of who you are; your attitude; all of your awards, accomplishments and scholarships. Love, The FAM!
8 | The Jewish Press | May 18, 2018
An indoor Lag Ba’Omer celebration
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Dana Wayne Gonzales 402-850-9007 dana.gonzales@bhhsamb.com
PRESENTS
Omahagives.org May 23, 2018
www.american.bank 30 locations in Nebraska and Iowa
Mary Sue GroSSMan Executive Director, Beth Israel Synagogue Neither rain, nor lightning, nor burn ban stopped Beth Israel from a celebration of Lag Ba’Omer. Though the weather required last minute changes and a bit of creativity, over 100 people enjoyed a great evening which included a delicious barbecue meal, a great trivia game, music, and fun, albeit messy, games for the kids. And yes, there were even s’mores with marshmallows roasted over candles. Kudos to the Beth Israel staff and great volunteers for making it a night to remember.
Shavuot Garden Luncheon at Chabad Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press “On Shavuot, we reenact our receiving of the 10 Commandments and celebrate the unity of the Jewish people who came together to accept them at Sinai,” explains Shani Katzman, of Omaha Chabad. “In the spirit of the day, we urge you to join us for a special Torah reading followed by a beautiful garden luncheon on Sunday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Chabad (1866 S. 120 Street). Shani and her team’s famous garden party luncheon will feature traditional Shavuot delights. “We will be preparing a number of delicious dairy dishes; cheesecakes, blintzes,
mini-pizzas, salads and the like. We always have lactose-free options for those who are sensitive to dairy. We are looking forward to having a fabulous time; bring your parents, bring your kids. Let us assemble as our ancestors did!” The family friendly, kid-oriented garden luncheon will have something for everyone; socializing, games, door prizes and interesting discussion. All night study, Priestly Benediction and a special Yizkor service will also be held for those adults interested in attending. For more information about this event or to RSVP, please call 402.330.1800, email off ice@ochabad.com or visit our webpage at www.ochabad.com.
american national bank presents Omaha Gives! American National Bank is proud to once again serve as Presenting Sponsor for the sixth annual Omaha Gives! charitable challenge. Over 1,000 community nonprofits are expected to participate on May 23 at www.omahaGives.org. “People prefer to work for and do business with companies that support nonprofit organizations. American National Bank has built a legacy of commitment to charitable giving and employee volunteerism. It is important to work together to transform our communities and improve the quality of lives where it makes the greatest impact.” said Wende Kotouc, Executive Co-Chairman. As the second largest privately owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area with 3.6 billion in assets and greater than 525 employees, American National Bank has 30 locations in Nebraska and Iowa and 7 locations in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area. The American National Bank Community Banking Difference: relationship We want to build a personal relationship with
you. We know that for many, banking is quickly becoming an online transaction rather than a face to face business. We are always here to speak to you in person or on the phone. Community Growth and Sustainability We are personally involved in activities that benefit our community. Through our community involvement, we are strengthening our neighborhoods and making them a better place to live for all of us. We are committed to making a difference every day. Giving back Giving back drives change. Since 1856, American National Bank has participated in national and local fundraising campaigns. Giving is the essence of who we are and the formula for fostering healthy communities. Partner for local business Supporting a local business means supporting our local economy. As a community bank, we offer businesses local and in-house centralized decision making, processing and client management. Visit us online at www.american.bank.
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The Jewish Press | May 18, 2018 | 9
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(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning 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 Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Alex Grossman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson, Mike Kaufman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Eric Shapiro and Barry Zoob. 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, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. 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
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m
Eishes Chayil
ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP Editor, Jewish Press ost of us are familiar with Parsha Mishlei 31. In it, Salomon famously praises his mother and asks: “A woman of valor who can find, for her price is beyond rubies.” According to some of the reading I’ve done, the original word for ‘rubies’ should have been translated as ‘pearls.’ For instance, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein wrote: “Rubies are a naturally occurring gemstone. While they are beautiful, valuable, and hard to find, they do exist given the right environment. A pearl, on the other hand, has to be earned. It is created by a process that begins with an irritation. Something uncomfortable enters a clam, such as a grain of sand, a parasite, or even a piece of itself that was damaged. As a result of the irritation, the clam responds by sealing off the contaminant and ultimately producing a pearl — a beautiful, valuable, and rare gem that all began from something irritating. “Now we can appreciate the value of comparing the woman of valor to a pearl over a ruby. A woman may be lovely like a ruby, but even greater is if she became beautiful through difficult circumstances that she overcame and became better for it. It’s one thing to have been born especially kind, patient, and God-fearing, but it’s another to master those traits in the face of adversity.” As interesting as this is, I’m not getting into it—I will leave that to the rabbis. After all, I am not entirely sure about that adversity bit; best not use the editorial page to mull that over. The reason I’m bringing up this parsha is entirely different: in August of this year, the Jewish Press will present a
photo- and story exhibit to the community. One month later, we plan to publish our annual Rosh Hashanah edi-
tion. Both projects have the same theme and title: “A price above Rubies.” It’s going to be all about the women in our community.
That could mean you, or your wife, sister, mother, daughter—but we need a little help. Compiling lists of names for these two projects means limiting ourselves. The Omaha Jewish Community has many inspiring stories to tell about the women who built it and those who continue to build it; we cannot possibly cover every single woman in our community. It creates a dilemma: how to choose? That’s where you come in. Call or email, please, with the name(s) of those you think should be included. Nominate your favorite woman; all we need is a name and a short description by May 25 and we’ll take it from there. If you have photos to share for the exhibit, we’d love to see those as well. Do you have a great-aunt who kept a diary when she first came to Omaha? A grandmother who was famous for her Shabbat dinners? A distant cousin who is an artist? Or maybe an old friend who is remarkable in some other way? We are particularly interested in women from our Jewish Omaha community whose stories have never been told. There are few things better than being surprised while reading the special edition stories and we love writing unfamiliar stories. So think about it, and let me know whom you’d like us to write about. And if you want to nominate yourself, there is no shame in that. You can reach me at avandekamp@jewish omaha.org or leave a message by calling 402.334.6450. Let me know it’s about the “Price above Rubies-“ project and I will follow up with you.
I voted against the Iran nuclear deal. Withdrawing from it is a mistake. BEN CARDIN WASHINGTON | JTA President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known as the Iran nuclear deal, is bad policy and calls into question America’s international credibility. Mr. Trump has now set the international community on a slippery slope, imperiling the national security interests of the United States and our allies, particularly Israel. I voted against the Iran nuclear deal three years ago because I felt it left certain long-term questions about Iran’s enrichment capabilities unanswered. Since it was entered into however, I have worked to ensure there is rigorous enforcement and oversight of the deal. Three years in, Iran is complying with its end of the nuclear bargain, according to international observers and American intelligence officials. But the United States is now breaking the deal, poised to re-impose sanctions that were lifted on Iran for the promise of ceasing their nuclear weapons program. President Trump has breathed air into Tehran’s inevitable argument to the international community: We kept our end of the deal, but America is not good for its word and cannot be trusted. It is in fact America who has violated its obligations under the deal. That is a deeply unfortunate and frankly dangerously embarrassing prospect, because Iran is one of the most nefarious actors on the world stage, playing a destabilizing role across the Middle East and proudly carrying the mantle of the greatest nation-state threat to Israel today. The Ayatollah and the hard-liners in Tehran have propped up Bashar al-Assad’s murderous rampage against the Syrian people and propelled the collapse of that country’s economy and infrastructure – direct, physical threats to Israel. Tehran has fueled the civil war in Yemen and exacerbated the gross humanitarian crisis borne out of that conflict. And day by day, Iran seeks and seemingly achieves greater influence over the central government in Iraq. I agree with President Trump’s concerns about Iran’s global posture and its non-nuclear actions.
But we can keep the nuclear deal working while also going after Tehran for its support for terrorism, its human rights abuses against the Iranian people, its ballistic missile testing, and its violation of arms embargoes. These are not mutually exclusive actions. Last year, Congress passed into law a number of sanctions and other tools President Trump could use to hold accountable three of America’s princi-
Sen. Bob Corker, left, shaking hands with ranking member Sen. Ben Cardin during a committee markup meeting on the proposed nuclear agreement with Iran in Washington, D.C., April 14, 2015. Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images ple adversaries: Russia, North Korea and Iran. I was proud to co-author and negotiate that legislation through to final passage. President Trump has not used the full power of his office, or the additional tools Congress granted him, to strengthen our hand and lead the international community against Iran. It did not have to end up this way. In 2015, as President Obama was nearing conclusion of the JCPOA negotiations, I worked with Senator Bob Corker in our capacities as the leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to write the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. That bill asserted Congress’ right to review any agreements reached as part of the effort to keep Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. INARA passed each chamber of Congress with near unanimous support and brought greater accountability
and understanding to the American people about the nuclear deal and why it was in our interests. Donald Trump then became president and sought to make good on his campaign promise to tear up the deal. For months throughout 2017, I worked with then-White House National Security Advisor, General H.R. McMaster, to brainstorm possible changes to INARA that would not violate two of my principles: no changes that would have the U.S. violate its JCPOA obligations, and no changes without European concurrence. As the international community stands at the precipice of this cliff now created by President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal, I am mindful of two immediate realities. First, when Israel looks north, she sees Iran staring back from its strengthened footholds in Syria and Lebanon. President Trump’s decision to walk away from the deal will inevitably embolden Iran and endanger Israel. Second, within the month President Trump is expected to sit down with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un as part of the international effort to denuclearize the Korean peninsula and end the Korean conflict. Our friends and partners will understandably approach this important endeavor more cautiously now given Mr. Trump’s decision to violate U.S. obligations under the Iran nuclear deal. Will the U.S. keep its word this time? At the end of the day, the JCPOA is an executive agreement that the president can leave at any time. But just because he can leave the agreement does not mean he should. Mr. Trump has failed to make a convincing case for U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and in the process, may very well have strengthened Iran. The author is a member of the US Senate from the state of Maryland, and is a senior member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.) The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
10 | The Jewish Press | May 18, 2018
synagogues B’NaI Israel syNagogue
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BeTh el syNagogue
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BeTh Israel syNagogue
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
ChaBad house
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
CoNgregaTIoN B’NaI JeshuruN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
offuTT aIr forCe Base
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
rose BlumkIN JewIsh home
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
TIfereTh Israel
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NaI Israel syNagogue
Synagogue Service for June 8, 7:30 p.m. (Note this will be our final service until Erev Rosh Hashanah on Sept. 9. Our next Friday evening services will be Oct. 12. We invite your membership). For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.
BeTh el syNagogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. frIday: USY Installations and Shabbat Dinner, 5 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush with Chef Cedric, following morning services; Shabbat Mincha following morning services; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Learing Session I, 9 p.m.; Ma’ariv, Havdallah and Learining Session with Rev. Debra McKnight, Founding Pastor of Urban Abbey, 9:30 p.m. weekday serVICes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. suNday: Shavout Services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha and Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. moNday: Beth El Offices closed; Shavout Services with Yizkor, 9:30 a.m.; No Evening Minyan. Tuesday: Beauty and Ugliness with Rabbi Abraham, noon. wedNesday: Movie Day: Hunting for Elephants, noon; Beauty and Ugliness with Rabbi Abraham, 6 p.m. NE AIDS Coalition Luncheon, friday, may 25, 11:30 a.m. Joan Marcus serves lunch once a month at the Nebraska AIDS Project, and she needs baked goods for dessert. Contact Joan if you can help be donating baked goods. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BeTh Israel syNagogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:21 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 7:40 p.m.; Festive Seudah Shlishit, 8 p.m.; Shavuot Night of Learing and Introspection, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.; Ma’ariv/Candle Lighting, 9:22 p.m.; Pasta Dinner plus “Cheesecakes in Paradise” contest, 10 p.m. suNday: One-on-One Learing, 12 a.m.; Early Shacharit, 5:35 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 9:23 p.m. moNday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Shavuot Delicious and Delectable Dairy Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Call the office for reservations; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:31 p.m. Tuesday-wedNesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. Thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Connecting With Our Fatih, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; L’Dor V’Dor — Intergenerational Learning, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Shlomo; Character Building for Teens, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Ari.
ChaBad house
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. wedNesday: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman. Thursday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman. All programs are open to the entire community.
CoNgregaTIoN B’NaI JeshuruN
Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. frIday: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. with the Star City Kochavim; Oneg, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:22 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Bemindbar; Tikkun Leil Shavout dinner and study sessions, 6:30 p.m.; Havdalah and desserts, 9:30 p.m. suNday: Garden and Grounds work party (mulching), 9
a.m.; Feeding the kids at the F Street Center, 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Aimee Hyten at aimee.hyten@ gmail.com or Lupe Malcom at lupemalcom65@gmail.com. Tuesday: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Hiro 88, 5730 Hidcote Drive. Please contact Deborah Swearingen at 402.475.7528 with any questions; Intro to Judaism: Holy Days/Festivals — Rosh HaShanah/Yom Kippur, 7 p.m. wedNesday: Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. LJCS CAMP ISRAEL is gearing up for another great twosession July 9–July 20, 2018. Make plans for your child to attend this summer. It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit.
offuTT aIr forCe Base
frIday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
rose BlumkIN JewIsh home
saTurday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Stan Edelstein. suNday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz. moNday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
Temple Israel
frIday: Shabbat Service and OTYG Installations, 6 p.m.; TiYPE Shabbat, 6-8:30 p.m. RSVP Required. saTurday: Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of reagan koom, daughter of Jennifer and Brandon Koom; Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Evening service, dinner and study sessions, 5-8:30 p.m. suNday: Shavuot Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. Thursday: No Adult Education. College Age TiYPE Program: Summer Fun & Havdallah, saturday, June 2, 6 p.m., TiYPE, Temple Israel’s Young Professionals’ group for 18+ will welcome the summer with old and new friends at Rabbi Stoller’s house. RSVP to Temple Israel, rsVp@templeisraelomaha.com by monday, may 28. Annual Meeting Brunch, sunday, June 3, 10:30 a.m. Every year, Temple Israel has an annual meeting and all members are invited. Brunch will be served. The cost is $18 and you must RSVP to Temple Israel, rsVp@templeisraeloma ha.com or 402.556.6536, by Tuesday, may 29. Soul Zimra comes to Omaha! friday and saturday,
June 8-9, Join us for a very musical Shabbat! Friday evening we will have a family Shabbat cookout at 5:15 p.m. followed by Shabbat Service featuring Soul Zimra, a live band from Chicago, in our outdoor amphitheater! Then, on Saturday morning, join us for Torah study at 9:15 a.m. where Rabbi Brian Stoller will invite his friends from Soul Zimra to discuss “Music: The Language of the Soul”, followed by Shabbat service at 10:30 a.m. again featuring Soul Zimra!
TIfereTh Israel
Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. frIday: Services, 6:30 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m.; Please join us after services for a Kiddush Luncheon; Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Celebrating the Giving of the Torah, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at South Street Temple. We will have a dairy/pareve potluck supper, followed by adult study sessions Tzedakah Saves Death led by Nancy Coren and Love Stories in the Talmud led by Rabbi Appleby, and concluding with havdallah and dessert! Please RSVP. Please sign up to bring a salad, kugel or blintzes, fruit, or dessert for 6-8 people in a new foil or glass container, or in original packaging offic e@southstreettemple.org or 402.435.8004. suNday: Shavout Mincha, 5 p.m. moNday: Synagogue Office closed; Shavout Services with Yizkor, 10 a.m. Tuesday: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Hiro 88, 5730 Hidcote Drive (South of Campbell’s Nursery on 56th and Pine Lake Rd). Please contact Deborah Swearingen with any questions. Thursday: Hebrew classes for adults, 6:30 p.m., with Esti Sheinberg. Each meeting will include listening, speaking and a little reading. Don't forget to take some time to come to the Israel 70 Exhibit. It will be available until may 20. We are fortunate to have this exhibit from the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv in our possession. This display was paid for by the Lay-leader Discretionary Fund and will be part of our permanent educational materials to be used in future years. It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit. Application packets are availible in the Tifereth Israel foyer. As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 9–July 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Light Kosher dairy snack and lunch included. Tuition for each week is $75. This program is open to children ages 5-14. We require ALL campers to be registered through the LJCS, therefore we cannot accept drop-in guests.
left-wing Irish eu representatives call for boycott of Israel following eurovision win JTA Two European Parliament lawmakers from Ireland expressed support for boycotting Israel in connection with its winning the Eurovision song contest. Following Israel’s winning Saturday of the competition with a song about female empowerment, Lynn Boylan of Ireland’s far-le Sinn Féin party wrote on Twitter: “Israel wins Eurovision so let’s make BDS more successful than ever in Israeli singer Netta Barzilai 2019,” wrote Boylan on Twitter, adding an image of a clenched fist. Nessa Childers, another Irish lawmaker for the Party of European Socialists, retweeted Boylan’s message, adding the word: “is!” She later wrote: “Jerusalem? e mind boggles. I thought Tel Aviv.” BDS are the initials for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel, whose critics say is a form of modern anti-Semitism, though the movement’s advocates say it is a legitimate and non-violent form of protest against Is-
rael’s actions in its conflict with Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the next Eurovision song contest will be held in Jerusalem. e winner of the contest gets to host it at a place of their choosing, most oen in the capital city. Israel has hosted the Eurovision in Jerusalem twice in past years. Emmett O’Brien, a lawmaker from Ireland’s Limerick County, criticized the European Parliament lawmakers Credit: Facebook on Twitter for politicizing the cultural event. “So much pathetic hate against Israel,” he wrote, asking them to condemn Hamas. Others accused Boylan of supporting anti-Semitism, which she denied. Órla Nic Biorna, a regional lawmaker for Sinn Féin, an Irish nationalist movement that was affiliated with the now-defunct Provisional Irish Republican Army terrorist group, wrote on Twitter: ”Shocked at the support for Israel tonight in the Eurovision. People seem to forget that they are a Zionist state illegally occupying Palestine.”
The Jewish Press | May 18, 2018 | 11
lifecycles bat MitZVah
jeMMa elisheVa cOren
Jemma Elisheva Coren, daughter of Abigail Coren, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 26, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln. Jemma is a seventh-grade student and an avid reader and is fond of writing, music, and art. After her Bat Mitzvah celebration, Jemma will be touring Israel with a group from the Lincoln Jewish Community and attending Camp Ramah in the Rockies. For her mitzvah project, Jemma has been raising funds for the Israel Guide Dog Center to help provide independence to visually-impaired individuals in Israel. She ran a BEST IN SHUL dog show to help her reach her goal. She chose her mitzvah project because she hopes to study ophthalmology one day to help individuals with their visual health needs. Great-grandparents are Nancy and Charles Coren.
nOah harrisOn schOp
Noah Harrison Schop, son of Melissa and Michael Schop of Chandler, AZ will become a Bar Mitzvah on May 26 at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley in Chandler, AZ. Noah is a seventh-grader at The Arizona Autism Charter School. For his Mitzvah project, Noah volunteered at Saving One Life, a cat/kitten rescue and sanctuary in Arizona that provides shelter and medical care to felines for the purpose of finding them permanent adoptive homes. He has a sister, Sarah. Grandparents are Bobbie and Bob Epstein of Omaha and Edith Schop of Monticello, NY.
in MeMOriaM
ira s. epstein
Ira S. Epstein passed away on April 21 at age 85. Services were held on April 24 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Simi Valley, CA. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Noddy Schein Epstein, three sons, Mark, Bob, and James, their spouses; six grandchildren, one greatgrandchild; two brothers, Arnold (Tuffy) Epstein of Omaha and Allen Epstein of Overland Park KS; and sister, Gloria Epstein Hyman. Ira S. Epstein was born April 23, 1932, to the late Harry and Jennie Epstein of Omaha. He graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln on a gymnastic scholarship. While at UNL, he was president of SAM fraternity, head cheerleader, editor of the law review, and an Innocent. He was one of the founding partners and managing partner of entertainment law firm, Cooper, Epstein & Hurewitz, in Beverly Hills, CA. Early in his career he represented Larry Harmon (Bozo the Clown) and nearly all of the acts who recorded under the Motown label. Later his clients included Carroll O’Connor, Marlon Brando, Barbra Streisand, Mary Tyler Moore, Ted Knight, Lou Scheimer and Filmation Studios, and many others. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Michele Bachmann apologizes for calling on Jews to convert
JTA Michele Bachmann apologized in Israel for statements she previously made calling on Jews to convert to Christianity in order to help bring the End of Days. Bachmann, a former congresswoman from Minnesota who ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, said in 2015 that Christians need “to be faithful in the Kingdom and to help bring in as many as we can, even among the Jews — share Jesus Christ with everyone that we possibly can because, again, He’s coming soon.” Bachmann made the comments during a radio interview in Israel while on a tour organized by the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian group. Bachmann apologized for that statement Sunday at a joint Jewish-Christian Bible study at the Knesset, held in honor of Jerusalem Day. She asked for “repentance from the Jewish people for the horrible and arrogant way Christians – myself included – treated and regarded the Jewish people.” e event was co-sponsored by the Knesset Caucus for the Encouragement of Bible Study, the Schindler Society and Israel365’s Yeshiva for the Nations, which aims to teach Torah to non-Jews. is was the third such Bible study and the first one to take place on Jerusalem Day.
shavuot
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This weekend, Shavuot, we celebrate the giving of the Torah. It is also the culmination of the counting of the Omer which connects Shavuot to Pesach. On Pesach we become a nation. At Shavuot, we receive our eternal job as a nation. The Torah tells us how to rabbi ari act as an individual, community, and as DeMbitZer a nation devoted to the soul of the Beth Israel Synagogue world. May we accept this responsibility with joy, and cheesecake, so we can fulfill our goal. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach.
Robert Freeman inducted in Hall of Fame
alycia ZabrOcki On April 6, Bob Freeman was inducted into the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame at a gathering of 900 industry peers. Freeman has practiced real estate law with Fraser Stryker, where he has led some of Omaha's largest and most significant commercial developments. Among these are Riverfront Redevelopment (MECA’s 2003 Arena/Convention Center); TDAmeritrade Park Omaha in 2012; Aksarben (representing Noddle Development Company); Legacy (representing then land-owner Children’s Hospital); Crane Trust Platte River habitat planning; and the TriFaith Commons at Sterling Ridge. Freeman has served in leadership roles on the boards of Temple Israel, the ADL, the Omaha Bar Association, the Omaha Sports Commission and the Tri-Faith Initiative. He and his wife Robyn have three adult children, Ally, Lauren and Susan.
Volunteers needed
sabine strOng RBJH Volunteer Coordinator We are looking for volunteers for our Saturday morning religious services at the RBJH. We really need your help with escorting Residents to and from the chapel, and assisting service leaders with their needs, such as handing out books, setting up, etc. Times are Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 11a.m. Volunteer training will be provided by Renee Kazor. If you are interested in this opportunity to help our Residents, please contact Sabine Strong, Volunteer Coordinator at sstrong@rbjh.com, phone: 402.334.6519. Orientation and a background check will be required.
US dedicates embassy in Jerusalem amid jubilation and violence
Marcy Oster JERUSALEM | JTA e United States dedicated its newly established embassy in Jerusalem in a high-profile ceremony attended by prominent Trump administration officials. Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin pronounced the “Shehechyanu” prayer during the Monday aernoon ceremony, which is said when one is thankful for a new or unusual experience. e dedication came as Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli defense forces had killed at least 50 Palestinians during protests by tens of thousands of Palestinians who were massed on the territory’s border with Israel. ousands of Palestinians also marched in protest in the West Bank. Among the administration members attending Monday’s ceremony were Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Assistant to the President Jason Greenblatt, who serves as Trump’s special envoy to Middle East negotiations. Trump’s senior adviser and sonin-law, Jared Kushner, was also in attendance, along with his wife, Ivanka Trump, who also serves her father as a top presidential advisor.
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12 | The Jewish Press | May 18, 2018
THANK YOU, OMAHA 5/25/2018