May 24, 2024

The Jewish Press

HUMANITARIANS of the Year

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT

Jewish Press Editor

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is delighted to announce Gail Raznick, Kathy Goldstein, Andi and Donald Goldstein as 2023 Humanitarians of the Year.

“It’s not the first time a Goldstein family member has been named Humanitarian”, JFO CEO Bob Goldberg said. “Their mom Shirley was named Humanitarian in 1982, their dad Leonard (Buddy) Goldstein received the honor in 2011. It should not come as a surprise that Kathy, Gail, Andi and Don are now receiving the same award, as each of them is passionate about humanitarian causes. This community is lucky to be in a position to honor the family this way.”

According to Kathy, “My parents always modeled philanthropy as a way of life. They were blessed with the ability to help others and they never hesitated to do so, especially to advance Human Rights causes. Growing into that role has brought me enormous joy, not only because it honors my parents, but more importantly, because helping others really is the greatest thing that a person can do. I feel so lucky to be able to carry on their legacy.”

Gail expressed that “Mom and Dad changed so many lives in so many ways. Through example, they instilled in us the value of family, of friends (old and new) and of community, I am proud to live by these values and to have passed them on to our children.”

Don agreed. “Mom and Dad were wonderful role models. They didn’t tell us what to do; they showed us. They worked

DIANE WALKER

JFO Foundation Fund and Scholarship Administrator

The Bennett G. Hornstein Memorial Scholarship for aspiring or current law students has been awarded to Eliana Reiss for the 2024-2025 academic year.

This award is accompanied by a $5,000 stipend.

Eliana received her B.S. in Political Science, graduating magna cum laude from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. As an undergraduate, Ellie was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha Political Honor Society, participated in Sigma Kappa, the Mock Trial Team and served as a Peer Advisor. At Creighton University School of Law, she participates in the Women in Law Society and the intraschool Negotiation Competition. She will graduate from Creighton Law in May 2025.

From a young age, Ellie has been driven by a passion for service. Whether volunteering at the Munroe Myer Institute, participating in community food drives, or organizing the Temple Israel Spaghetti Dinner in support of Camp Rainbow, giving back is an integral part of her character. As she pursues her legal career, See Eliana Reiss page 3

so hard to make our community and the world a better place. Our family is doing its best to continue to promote and support the many causes and organizations that they See Humanitarians of the Year page 2

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT

Jewish Press Editor

The Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award is given annually to honor a young woman who has demonstrated personal commitment, dedicated involvement and exemplary leadership qualities in rendering service to the Jewish and general community. This year’s recipient is Tori Haussler Lemek, Chief Executive Officer at Elite Tactical & Security Protection.

“Tori has chaired many events since becoming part of the Temple Israel community,” Mindi Marburg said. “She co-chairs the Temple Israel Caring Community and is one of the lead event coordinators for our Rosh Chodesh program. Tori is a member of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and a winner of the Small Business of the month award with Elite Tactical Security & Protection. Before becoming a full-time business owner and mother, Tori worked in marketing, in the wine

industry,and for the US government and several international NGOs. She currently sits on the board of the Brian Smiles Foundation, is a

volunteer at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Cancer Society, Arbor Day See Tori Haussler Lemek page 4

Mazal tov, Eliana Reiss Mazal tov, Tori Haussler Lemek

Shirley Goldstein with her children – Don, Gail, and Kathy

Tori Haussler Lemek

Eliana Reiss

Humanitarians of the Year

Continued from page 1 believed in, as well as expanding our involvement in related opportunities in our community and beyond.”

Although she did not grow up as a Goldstein, Don’s wife, Andi, said she was blessed to join this family by marriage. “It is not a coincidence that we grew up with such similar values.”

“From open-minded, liberal backgrounds, and at young ages, Donald and I were made aware of social injustices and saw our parents working within their organizations to right the wrongs. As an early teen, I was first exposed to racism as I canvassed my neighborhood for Los Angeles mayoral candidate Tom Bradley. It was an eye-opening experience which made me sensitive to discrimination and anxious to make social change.”

They all followed in Shirley and Buddy’s footsteps, yes, but each of them also has made a deliberate choice to make these causes their own.

thors. The Goldstein Family Aquatic Center is not “just” a pool; it’s a venue for family time, a place where different generations, family and friends can come and socialize together.

”My parents did not help others for show or to gain celebrity,” Kathy said. “It is humbling to be recognized for an award like this and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support causes near to my heart. I do what I am able to do because I believe it’s the right thing to do. My parents and their dedication to helping others has been my life-long inspiration. If I have helped to make the world a better place, it is all thanks to them.”

”I, too, am honored to receive this award”, Gail said.

The Goldstein Supporting Foundation recently awarded over 20 grants during their recent semiannual meeting. Since the Supporting Foundation’s inception, nearly $3 million has been awarded to a wide variety of programs. Areas of support include JFO Agencies, local synagogues, medical research (mainly kidney-related diseases), human rights and Soviet Jewry. The Supporting Foundation Board membership includes one of Buddy and Shirley’s grandchildren (on a rotating basis).

The Goldsteins have increased their involvement at UNO in the last decade. A Human Rights Center and a Community Chair in Human Rights have joined the annual Human Rights Lecture in providing opportunities for students and the Omaha Community to learn about, volunteer for, and experience a wide offering of Human Rights topics. Andi and Don’s recent focus has been participating in the inception and development of the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center which is open to the public with the goal of Holocaust education for all ages.

The family support of the Staenberg JCC includes the Community Engagement Venue, which has been home to everything from Friedel Jewish Academy Seders to Early Learning Center family Shabbats, from board retreats to visiting au-

Why do you give?

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home has begun the first phase of its renovation, bringing needed updates and improvements, it’s something that cannot be done without donors who care deeply about continuing the level of care the Blumkin Home is known for. This week, we hear from Patty and Mike Sherman.

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home personifies a guiding tenant of Judaism: caring for one another.

The RBJH has compassionate and skilled staff, a warm environment and many connections to community. The updates to the facility that are underway will prepare for the future and expand services.

RBJH has been meaningful to our families for generations. My (Patty’s) grandmother resided at the Dr. Sher Home (predecessor to RBJH). Both of our moms and my dad spent their later years at Blumkin. With his typical positive approach, 95-year-old Dad said, “This place is great!” Our parents received excellent care, rehab services and end-of-life nursing. When our grandsons were very small, Mike’s mom Phyllis enjoyed seeing them burn off energy on the interior play-

“I haven’t lived in Omaha for a very long time, but it still feels like home when I come back. It’s important to me to support the places here that have been meaningful in my life.”

“This honor given to the Goldstein family is a magnificent tribute,” Andi added. “I only wish Shirley and Buddy could be here to appreciate the legacy that is respectfully fulfilled by their children and the highly competent professionals and board volunteers by whom they are supported.” Don considers the award a wonderful honor as well. “It makes you feel good that others agree that the work you do is meaningful,” he said. “I am fortunate Andi is as dedicated as me to the same causes and organizations, and is helping make ideas become reality. I was also pleased for the recognition of Gail and Kathy. Although they no longer live in Omaha, they continue to support their home community. Many of the things we have been able to do would not have happened without their involvement.

We would be remiss if we did not also include Ann Kennedy Goldtein’s impact on our community. Ann, Don’s late wife, died in 2011. Her involvement as a powerful community activist was both considerable and meaningful.

Please join us in congratulating Kathy Goldstein, Gail Raznick, and Andi and Don Goldstein on being named the 2023 Humanitarians of the Year. Award presentations will be made at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Awards Night and Annual Meeing on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alan J. Levine Theater on the Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus

ground. We celebrated her 94th birthday there with a big family gathering, which turned out to be the day before everything closed because of COVID.

Both the Sherman and Shafer families have provided financial support to RBJH over the course of many years. It is so

vital to our Jewish community to be able to have this highly accredited facility, incorporating the legacy of centuries of Jewish traditions, as a part of the lifecycle offerings at our campus. And now that we’re becoming a “bit” older, it is reassuring that an even better RBJH will be there for us with updated facilities, private rooms and expanded rehab services.

We feel that supporting the RBJH Enhancing Quality of Life Campaign is a commitment that we’re pleased and proud to make. It is vital to the future excellence of this facility, to our immediate family, to the welfare of our Jewish community and to people in the entire area. From Generation to Generation...

Above: Don and Andi Goldstein; below: Gail Raznick, Don Goldstein and Kathy Goldstein

Expressive Arts Project at Friedel Jewish Academy

SARA

FJA Director of Advancements

Friedel Jewish Academy was delighted to welcome Hillary Rubesin, an expressive arts therapist, at Jewish Family Service for a three-week expressive arts program with third and fourth graders.

Students explored self-care and community care through creating mixed-media images of themselves doing something to care for themselves, for example, swimming, playing soccer, reading books or dancing. They then set these images into frames that were decorated with images and words related to community care.

For example, one student created an image of himself skiing. He then designed the frame to include inspirational quotes from his ski coach, and he also mentioned his parents who helped him start ski lessons.

Students wrote artist statements and then shared their pieces with the rest of the class in the final session.

Rubsein says, “This project helped students to see how self-care and community care are linked, and the project also invited students to work together in various ways, hopefully inspiring community care within the classroom.”

Eliana Reiss

Continued from page 1 this commitment to service has guided her to make a meaningful difference through pro bono work. Since beginning law school, Ellie volunteers monthly at the Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) at their victim advocacy clinic. During these clinics, she meets with survivors, listens to their stories and helps them formulate legal questions. She then takes these questions to an onsite attorney who provides free legal advice. Ellie spent last summer as a law clerk for Johnson and Mock Attorneys at Law, analyzing case details and evidence including police reports, medical records, previously filed pleadings, and applicable laws. She is currently a law clerk with Oestman & Albertsen Law. She works on their appointment case which includes indigent parents in custody cases as well as criminal defendants who cannot afford counsel. Ashley Albertsen, Partner at Oestmann & Albertsen shared, “Ms. Reiss has been a huge asset to our firm. She conducts legal research, assists in client meetings, and helps develop trial strategies. She is eager to learn and very self-motivated. Ms. Reiss is also always empathetic to our clients, who are often experiencing very low

points when they first come to us.”

Despite her busy schedule, Ellie makes time to teach at Temple Israel’s Religious School on Sunday mornings. Rabbi Deana Berezin shared, “Ellie is a tremendous role model to our learners, and someone I know they all look up to. She is an excellent example of someone who has successfully and intentionally been able to blend her secular and Jewish priorities. We are so fortunate she has chosen to come back to Omaha for her post-graduate studies and to reengage with our Omaha Jewish community.”

Ellie’s clerking experience and her time at WCA have solidified for her the privilege and responsibility that comes with the ability to navigate the legal system. It has also shown her there is a lack of legal resources in the Omaha community for those in need. Ellie feels strongly that pro bono work is not merely a professional obligation but also a moral imperative that drives her.

Ellie Reiss embodies the qualities that Bennet G. Hornstein exemplified: a high standard of academic achievement, an adventurous spirit and a desire to take on an active role in service to the community. Applicants must also be attending law school at the University of

Nebraska or Creighton University.

The late Bennett Hornstein, assistant Douglas County public defender for 20 years, was a passionate advocate of the rights of those who could not afford a lawyer. After his battle with cancer and untimely death at the age of 46, his family established the Bennett G. Hornstein Endowment Fund in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. This fund provides an annual scholarship for a law student who will carry on Hornstein’s commitment to working for those members of society whom no one else wants to help.

For more information about the annual Bennett G. Hornstein Memorial Scholarship, please visit the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation website www.jfofoundation.org. Scholarship applications are accepted each year, per instructions on the website.

The Foundation welcomes donations to the Bennett G. Hornstein Endowment Fund in support of the scholarship. Donations may be made via The Foundation’s website, www.jfofoundation.org, or by mail to: Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For more information, call the Foundation at 402.334.6551.

The Jewish Press

KOHEN

Tori Haussler Lemek

Continued from page 1

Foundation, and the Global Language Network.”

Tori and husband Nick are the parents of Hannah, Brad, Ari and Ira. She is also an avid reader, a WSET- (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certified wine nerd, soccer fan and traveler.

She said she was incredibly honored when she received the call that she would receive the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award:

“I was grateful beyond words,” she said, “and I’m sure I stumbled over the conversation on the phone from both surprise and appreciation! I immediately called my husband, to tell him the good news. I then called a few of my mentors to let them know and to express my heartfelt gratitude for their guidance and support. I have seen so many of the incredible leaders in our community who have also been honored with this award, and I feel so blessed to be among their company.”

Mindi called her organized and dependable.

“She’s thorough,” Mindi said, “whether chairing an event or leading a committee. Her dedication to our community is evident in both her ability to plan and organize events and programs, as well as caring for members in our community who need an extra set of hands while recovering from an illness or support with their family members.”

Tori grew up on her family’s farm in western Nebraska, where her parents are still actively farming on land that has been in the family since the 1800s. She attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she majored in Political Science and Global Studies.

“While in school, I worked and studied in northern India,” she said, “and I moved back to the United States and settled in Washington, DC for six years, working in both the public and private sectors. I then moved to Chicago for two years, and then moved back to Nebraska. I had planned to only stay here for a year. During that time, I met my husband Nick Lemek, and we were married in 2020. We welcomed our first son, Ari, in March of 2022, and our second, Ira, in December of 2023.”

Her passion is her family; she is the ‘family manager,’ and

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enjoys spending time and doing activities with their children:

“I think that throughout our lives, our passions are dynamic and ever-changing,” she said. “At any point before now, I would have definitely had a more self-indulgent answer - my career, one of my various hobbies or activities I was involved in. Now, I focus on spending time with my husband and our children, and establishing a foundation for our ‘village’ that they get to grow up and thrive in. My husband and I are so lucky to both have incredibly supportive and encouraging parents, who are relishing their roles as grandparents, and wonderful friends and found family that surround us with joy and compassion. We are passionate about raising our children to be strong in their Jewish faith, and proud members of the Jewish community. I hope that one day, those values, their faith, and our community will be where they look for both guidance and comfort throughout their lives.”

While doing for others, Tori has found her place: “I find profound personal significance in my service and volunteerism for my synagogue and the Jewish community at large,” she said. “Being involved feels like a tangible expression of my Jewish faith, values and ethics.

“Especially during challenging times, active participation in our community can provide a personal sense of strength, support and purpose, while also contributing to the vitality and continuity of Jewish life. We have a rich tapestry of voices and experiences that allow for each individual to become involved in causes that are close to their heart, but also finding solace in shared worship, study, and prayer. That strengthening of faith can provide great comfort in times of uncertainty and crisis.”

“In every event I have attended or helped with, I have seen our diverse community come together for common purposes and shared values, both in times of joy and celebration, and times of mourning and grief. That interconnectedness is one of the things that makes our community so beautiful.”

Award presentations will be made at the JFO Awards Night & Annual Meeting on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alan J. Levine Theater on the Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus.

ORGANIZATIONS

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS

The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch our email for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com

Join our Packing Party and support the mission of Dignity Grows

MARGO PARSOW

Imagine having to choose between buying food for your family or buying toilet paper, soap or feminine personal hygiene products. This is a reality for one in five women in the US who struggle with the choice of paying for food and shelter or these personal care items.

Inspired by the Jewish values of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam, the Omaha Jewish Federation has established a local chapter of Dignity Grows. The mission of Dignity Grows is to eliminate hygiene poverty through support, research and social policy change.

A key element of this effort involves identifying, connecting and maintaining relationships with social service agencies, schools and religious institutions as we become distribution partners so we can meet the needs of the populations that they serve. A great example in our community is Jewish Family Service who strives to meet the needs of our community and its families each and every day.

As distribution partners we will be hosting a Packing Party on June 18 from noon-2 p.m. at Swanson Towers, 8405 Indian Hills Drive. Our Event Chairs are Mary-Beth Muskin and Nikki Kirshenbaum and our Honorary Chair is Carol Parsow. A kosher lunch will be served. During the packing party we will be assembling totes which will contain a month’s supply of sanitary pads, toothpaste and a toothbrush, soap, deodorant and shampoo, all of which will be packed in discreet, reusable zipper-top bags and then will be distributed to local schools and non-profit organizations where a need has been recognized.

Help us prevent the consequences that women and girls face by not having the most basic of human needs that the availability of personal hygiene products can provide. Come to our Packing Party and make a difference in someone’s life and well being, because where Dignity Grows, Women and Girls thrive.

Profiles in Service

LINDA POLLARD

JFO Foundation Endowment

Assistant/Staff Writer

The Foundation’s mission is to ensure the ongoing and future sustainability of Jewish Omaha by managing donor assets and distributing funds. These funds are instrumental in providing support for scholarships, grants, special projects and programs that benefit both Jewish Omaha and secular and Jewish charitable organizations near and far chosen by our donor-advised participants. Your support enriches Jewish Tomorrows. We take great pride in our dedicated board members, each of whom plays a vital role in advancing our mission. Throughout the year, we will be spotlighting members to recognize their valuable time, talents and contributions to making our community stronger.

STACEY ROCKMAN has served on The Foundation board since 2020 and is the current Vice President, becoming the President on July 1, 2024.

What attracted you to The Foundation board?

My father, Mike Erman, is one of the founding members of The Foundation. I was taught the importance of a strong Jewish community that upholds Jewish values. I am proud to be both the first female president of the board, and the first second-generation president. What about being on The Foundation board inspires you?

I am inspired by the commitment and continued support of the Jewish community in Omaha. The Foundation board is committed to building a better today in order to ensure a better tomorrow for the Jewish community of Omaha and Jewish communities around the world. What do you see as the strengths you bring to the board?

I am proud to have been involved in the Jewish community of Omaha for my entire life. I have been lucky enough to serve on the boards of several synagogues, as well as serving multiple roles within the Jewish Federation of Omaha. I am also a member of the National Jewish Philanthropy board. My strength is the Jewish community that I have built for myself. There is no better group to seek advice or help from. We are all better together. What accomplishments of the board are you most proud of?

I take pride in the support and care that we extend to each other, in small and large ways. With new hire Amy Bernstein Shivvers at the helm, The Foundation has done an incredible job educating our community.

Has serving on the board changed your perspective of Jewish Omaha in any way?

Sometimes it’s easy to forget how many people are involved in the community. Serving on the board has reminded me of truly how much effort is involved. Being on the board has solidified my gratitude and pride of being a community member.

What do you think people should know about The Foundation?

When Covid turned the world upside down, community members like Bob Belgrade stepped up and served a longer than usual term on The Foundation board. The Foundation board is comprised of members spanning many generations, with some members having served on the board for over 30 years. I look forward to learning all that I can from them. We should be loud and proud of what a community our size has built, amounting to over $120 million under management and $7.5 million in grants distributed in 2023.

JFS Friends Campaign

The Annual Jewish Family Service Friends Campaign is in full swing, and if you haven’t donated yet, here are some reasons to:

• 56% of the agency’s revenue comes from the JFO Annual Campaign allocation.

• 4% of its budget still needs to be raised. This number amounts to roughly $20,000 and needs to come from the Friends Campaign.

You can donate to our Friends Campaign by scanning the QR code, by calling JFS at 402.330.2024 or by visiting our website at www.jfs omaha.com. You can also recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund at the JFO Foundation, or simply send your check to JFS, 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

• Money raised goes to support Back-to-school programs, project Tzedakah for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and Passover, providing Thanksgiving meals, Project Dreidel and the expanded food pantry. None of these things is possible without your help. Our mission is to strengthen and preserve life in the Jewish community and the community at large through every stage of the life cycle. Please help us to fulfill that mission by giving today.

Hello, Dolly!

is coming to the Omaha

Community Playhouse

Dolly Levi is coming to the Omaha Community Playhouse stage! Hello, Dolly! opens on Friday, May 31, 2024. The show will run in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre through Sunday, June 30, with performances on Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Winner of 15 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Revival, Hello, Dolly! is classic musical theatre at its finest. Hello, Dolly! is bursting with showmanship, glamour, romance, dance, humor and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. Whether you’re new to Dolly! or you’ve seen her 100 times, this colossal production is bound to be historic. Tickets are on sale now, with prices varying by performance. Tickets may be purchased at the OCP Box Office, by phone at 402.553.0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com

The Omaha Community Playhouse is supported in part by the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. Established in 1924, the Omaha Community Playhouse is the largest community theatre in the United States based on memberships sold and facility size, among other factors. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Hill/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery

The Graduates

NOAH ATLAS Westside

Stacey and Brett Atlas University of Wisconsin

NOAH COHEN BLAIR Millard West

Gabriella and Jason Blair Princeton University

EVA BLOOM LPS Science Focus Program

Sarah Kelen and Ken Bloom University of Denver

JACK DODD Creighton Prep

Debra and James Dodd Loyola University-Chicago

RACHEL ANNA DOWD Westside

Aviva Abosch and Joseph Dowd Columbia University—NYC

AVI J. DRAPER-MOORE Lincoln

Jayne Draper and Julie Moore University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ELLA EPSTEIN Elkhorn South

Michelle Epstein and Dan Epstein University of Nebraska-Lincoln

JOSEPH FISCHER Burke

Linda and Joe Fischer University of Kansas

RYAN FISHER Westside

Andi and Patrick Fisher University of Arizona

ANNA R. GITTELMAN Millard North

Jennifer and Larry Gittelman Missouri State University

PRESTON GORDMAN Elkhorn North

Allison and Jay Gordman University of Nebraska-Lincoln Honors Business Academy Program

DANIEL HARRIS Norris

Karen Gilbert and Seth Harris Focus on Powerlifting career

KATHRYN HOWELL Inicio Academy Homeschool

Danielle and Bryan Howell Peru State College

JULIA ROSE HYTEN Lincoln Southwest

Aimee and David Hyten University of Nebraska-Lincoln

JEREMY KADER Millard South

Karen and Darrin Kader University of Nebraska-Lincoln

BENJAMIN KAUFMAN Westside

Dana and Michael Kaufman University of Oregon

OLIVER “OLLIE” LUCOFF Elkhorn North

Erika and Phil Lucoff Iowa State

RYAN MCGAUVRAN Westside

Kathy and John McGauvran University of Arizona

JORDAN NOGG Westside

Jaime and Brian Nogg University of Arizona

DONIVEN REESE POLIVKA Millard North

Dana (Danni) and Michael Christensen Make Aliyah with Garin Tzabar and will serve in the IDF

ALEXANDER RICH Acellus Academy

Sheila and Jonathan Rich University of Nebraska-Omaha

ZACHARY RICH Acellus Academy

Sheila and Jonathan Rich Carolina Jr. Hurricanes Hockey

AJ SHEFSKY Westside

Jessica and Andy Shefsky University of Arizona

ABIGAIL STEIN Westside

Dasha and Jeff Stein University of Alabama

SAMANTHA A. STERN Elkhorn North

Kim and David Stern University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Eva Bloom Jack Dodd Rachel Anna Dowd Avi Draper-Moore

Ryan Fisher Anna R. Gittelman Preston Gordman

Kathryn Howell

Daniel Harris

Julia Rose Hyten

Jeremy Kader Benjamin Kaufman Oliver “Ollie” Lucoff Ryan McGauvran

Ella Epstein Joseph Fischer

Noah Atlas Noah Cohen Blair

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@jewishom aha.org, or to the office at: Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Include: name of graduating senior, name(s) of parent(s), high school from which student graduated, and college which the student will attend.

Alexander Rich Zachary Rich

Samantha A. Stern Ava Lily Stoller Adria Tipp

AJ Shefsky Abigail Stein

Jordan Nogg Doniven Reese Polivka

below and bottom: RBJH's fascination with Bernese Mountain Dogs is

as we can’t seem to get enough of their unique

and beauty. RBJH C.N.A. Gigi Genchi-Bernal adopted Bourbon, a Bernese Mountain Dog who looks just like Appa (Chrissy Caniglia’s BMD and our RBJH Mascot). We love dogs at RBJH!

SP O TLIGHT

PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org

Rabbi Sharff’s Installation Weekend! Top: Shabbat evening service; above left: Temple Israel clergy with Rabbi Dan Fellman (Omaha Native, Friend of Rabbi Sharff), and Rabbi Azriel on the Bimah during Installation/Shabbat evening service; above right: Family Havdallah in the Simon Community Court; below left: Saturday morning Torah study with Rabbi Sharff and Rabbi Fellman; and below right: Carousel’s ice cream truck after Havdallah.

Above, above right and below: Jewish Federation of Omaha staff commemorated Yom HaShoah in the Tichauer Memorial Garden.

Above: Celebrating Babe’s 98th birthday. Howie Cohn (Sausalito CA), left, Barry Cohn (Omaha), Claudia Boehm (Omaha), and Babe Cohn (Omaha).

Above: The RBJH Residents enjoyed every minute of the performance by Avi Wisnia as he performed classics from the great American songbook. Avi briefly shared stories of his grandfather, Cantor David S. Wisnia, who was a Polish singing star before the war, and became an Auschwitz prisoner. Residents watched the PBS documentary How Saba Kept Singing on May 8, reflecting on his grandfather’s harrowing life journey. On behalf of the Residents, we thank Scott Littky for organizing this awe-inspiring event.

Above,

unparalleled,

charm

Voices

The Jewish Press

(Founded in 1920)

Margie Gutnik

President

Annette van de Kamp-Wright

Editor

Richard Busse

Creative Director

Howard Kutler

Advertising Executive

Lori Kooper-Schwarz

Assistant Editor

Gabby Blair

Staff Writer

Sam Kricsfeld

Digital support

Mary Bachteler

Accounting

Jewish Press Board

Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Helen Epstein; Andrea Erlich; Seth Feldman; David Finkelstein; Ally Freeman; Mary Sue Grossman; Chuck Lucoff; Suzy Sheldon; Joseph Pinson and Larry Ring.

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 JFO are: Institute for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Social Services, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Press Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

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A Shameless Plug

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT

Jewish Press Editor

Allow me to introduce you to Greg Berenstein, who used to be a lawyer in Chicago until he moved back home to Sioux City to be near his aging parents. When COVID hit, he responded like many of us: he got creative. Remember the sourdough craze? The people who took up knitting? Greg chose art as his outlet. Turns out, he’s very, very good at it. This June, we all get to enjoy the results of this labor of love, when Greg’s works will be on display in our Eisenberg Art Gallery. Why did I choose for this story to go on the editorial page? Because It’s a good story, but it’s also a story I want to write with lots of personal notes. And yes, I’m making a shameless plug.

There are many good reasons why we have the Eisenberg Art Gallery take up prominent real estate: art heals, it’s beneficial, it constantly changes, and it elicits feelings in those who look at it, even if those feelings differ from the artist’s. Every day, I see teachers from the ELC walk their students past the art, Residents from the RBJH, and random community members. There is a moment of peace that comes with slowly moving past the artworks, taking it all in—whether you are two, or 99 years old.

Greg has always been an art lover, but mostly through buying and displaying other people’s work. A self-described “art and design addict,” he remained a consumer for most of his life. However, watching, looking, seeing art, whether you purchase anything or simply stare and enjoy, one soaks

up an education of sorts.

“At the very beginning of the pandemic,” Greg said, “this gallery in Chicago sent me images of something I was considering buying, when it suddenly dawned on me: I could create art myself.”

And he did, using the artist name “NIETS.” He’s influenced by 20th century artists like Matisse and Mauricio Lasanksy, but also the Bauhaus and Art Deco movements. Ultimately he grew into his own

style. He works mainly with vinyl, cuts and manipulates the shapes and coordinates the color palette to form images. He does small, 4x6 pieces, but also much, much larger work. His pieces are displayed in collections in Palm Springs, San Francisco, Chicago, Arizona, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, Sioux City, Okoboji and Sioux Falls.

We all remember the pandemic, and how we flailed around trying to find our rhythm. We now once again experience a time where we often don’t know what to do with ourselves, what to think, say, how to act. Being in the presence of art in real time is something that is beneficial to all of us. It’s like meditation, while you’re looking at pretty things. Want to meet the artist and hear his story firsthand? There will be an opening reception June 15 from 5-7 p.m. as well as a closing reception June 30 from 1-3 p.m. The entire community is invited.

How Israel’s Independence Day connects us to Jews over generations

DR. MIJAL BITTON

This story was originally published on our sister site My Jewish Learning | JTA

As an undergraduate student, I used to delight in small rebellions. I would pen papers trying to show how different facets of Jewish observance developed, at times differently from what we were told in school. I spent an inordinate amount of time one semester excavating books from the library to interrogate the mourning practices of the time period called the Omer, the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot we are in the midst of now.

The practice of counting each day between Passover and Shavuot is commanded in the Bible, but over time these days have become chiefly seen as a period of mourning in observant communities.

The Talmud notes that over these seven weeks, 24,000 students of the famed sage Rabbi Akiva died because they did not treat each other with respect.

While the Talmud does not explicitly connect this to any mourning practices, most observant Jews today do. In my Jewish day school, we learned that the deaths of Rabbi Akiva’s students is the reason we don’t perform weddings, celebrate engagements or host big parties during this time. Some people refrain from buying new clothes, listening to music or even getting a haircut. Most Jews who observe these practices continue them until the 33rd day of the Omer, known as Lag Baomer, which is celebrated as the day on which the great mystic Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai died. His death signified a joyful reunification with God and marked the end of the deaths of the students.

These strictures bothered me mostly because the story behind them felt tenuous. My exploration seemed to prove me right — these practices developed over time, and not in the way I was taught. I wrote about how mourning practices were not introduced in talmudic times, but much later. Around the ninth century, for example, we first see weddings and engagements prohibited. As the centuries rolled on — especially in medieval Ashkenaz — more and more mourning was added to these days and tied to the students of Rabbi Akiva. There are good reasons to wonder about all of this. The famed medieval authority Maimonides, who systematically categorized all of Jewish law,

didn’t include these mourning practices in any of his extensive writings, an omission that hints at their late development. And some scholars suggest they became especially important in medieval times because Jews experienced the tragedies of the crusades and found in these rituals of mourning an acute relevance to their own grief.

When I submitted the paper to my professor, I felt a bit triumphant. I had taken a tradition that most around me observed uncritically and excavated its layers of historical development. But as I’ve grown a bit more mature, I realize how wrongheaded my approach was — not because I tried to understand a tradition or its development, but in thinking that the Jewish observance of this sacred time should be valued less for being the product of history.

our lives not guided by scientific history, but by a memory that commands and rewards us with ties of fraternity and even love. That means that when I mourn during the Omer, I am connected to my people — connected to the talmudic rabbis who described a massive tragedy that occurred to an entire generation of students, and connected to every tragedy thereafter that moved Jews to add more grief to these days.

That’s because the Jewish calendar wasn’t (only) set by God. The biblical commandment to mark the new month inaugurated a practice of marking time, which Jews have done ever since. We have added rabbinic holidays like Hanukkah and Purim to biblical holidays and infused our days and months with meaning inspired by different Jews across time and space.

Daniel Sperber, an expert in the development of Jewish customs, poignantly observes that the Ashkenazi tradition of mourning during the Omer “reflects the tragedy of the persecutions of Tatnu [the first crusade in the 11th century]. Blood touched blood; the blood of Rabbi Akiva’s disciples is mixed with the blood of the martyrs of Ashkenaz, who sacrificed themselves for the sanctification of God’s name.”

To observe Jewish time then is to be bound by Jewish peoplehood and Jewish solidarity. It’s to live

This coming week we will mark Yom Hazikaron, the day of remembrance for fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror who were killed since the state of Israel was established in 1948. This day was created in 1951 to honor those who paid the ultimate price for creating a safe refuge for Jews — a day to which new names are added every year, and which after Oct. 7 will hit many of us much harder. We will then transition to Yom Ha’atzmaut, the day celebrating the establishment of the state of Israel, a day connecting us to the millions of Jews whose prayers for Zion across generations have been given new life in our lifetime.

This year, when I mourn and then celebrate Israel, I will not just be reaffirming my commitment to how Jews have continued to add to and develop the Jewish calendar, but I will honor how that living and breathing calendar links generations of Jews together in solidarity.

Dr. Mijal Bitton is the Rosh Kehillah of the Downtown Minyan, scholar in residence at the Shalom Hartman Institute and a sociologist of American Jews.

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.

The sundial at the Zoharei Chama Synagogue in Jerusalem.

Credit: Shosh Sharet/Wikipedia

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Synagogues

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766

712.322.4705 www.cblhs.org

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980

402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BETH ISRAEL

SYNAGOGUE

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154

402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

CHABAD HOUSE

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646

402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:

B’NAI JESHURUN

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797

402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

OFFUTT AIR

FORCE BASE

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123

402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

ROSE BLUMKIN

JEWISH HOME

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206

402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:

TIFERETH ISRAEL

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236

402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, June 14, 7:30 p.m. with Bob Yaffe, he will discuss his book Relinquished. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information about our historic synagogue, please visit our website at www.cblhs.org or contact any of our other board members: Renee Corcoran, Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Ann Moshman, MaryBeth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

IN-PERSON AND ZOOM MINYAN SCHEDULE:

Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Nebraska AIDS Project Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Havdalah 9:30 p.m. Zoom only.

SUNDAY: Morning Minyan, 9 a.m. Zoom Only.

MONDAY: Beth El Office Closed; Morning Minyan, 9 a.m. Zoom Only.

TUESDAY: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.; Pirkei Avot, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; USY Mystery Bus Tour, 4:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.

THURSDAY: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.; PJP Program with Rabbi Dr. Haim Rechnitzer, 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

FRIDAY-May 31: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY-June 1: Shabbat Morning Service 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream followed by Kiddush Lunch in honor of Bob Epstein’s 85th Birthday; Havdalah 9:35 p.m. Zoom only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

FRIDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:27 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Tehillim, 7:05 p.m. at the Uzi’s; Soulful Torah, 7:35 p.m. with Rabbi Geiger; Mincha, 8:20 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity 8:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:36 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit 9 a.m.; Kinyan 9:40 a.m.; Lag Ba’Omer, 4:30 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Kinyan 7:50 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Kinyan, 7:50 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.; Parsha Class, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY-May 31: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:33 p.m.

SATURDAY-June 1: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class 10:45 a.m.; Tehillim, 7:05 p.m. at the Uzi’s; Soulful Torah, 7:35 p.m. with Rabbi Geiger; Mincha 8:20 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 8:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:42 p.m.

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

All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person and via Zoom (ochabad.com/academy). For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800.

FRIDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5:45 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: Ochabad.com/ Lechayim; Candlelighting, 8:27 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:35 p.m.

SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps: Shacharit, 99:30 a.m., Video Presentation, 9:30 a.m. and Breakfast, 9:45 a.m.; Torah and Tea, 10:30-11:15 a.m.; Advice for Life, noon-1 p.m. at Chabad. For more info visit ochabad.com/AFL

MONDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m.; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Advice for Life, noon-1 p.m. at JCC. For more info visit ochabad.com/AFL;; Parsha Reading, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 7 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 10 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 34), noon; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) Class, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-May 31: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5:45 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: Ochaba d.com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 8:32 p.m.

SATURDAY-June 1: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:41 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:

JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL

Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options.

FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:28 p.m.

Memorial day thoughts

PATTY NOGG

My story is not unique. Many of you reading this may have a similar story to tell. But it is important to recall and share these stories each year as we honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces.

I was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Jewish community was not huge, but it was close and active. My family belonged to B’nai Israel Synagogue (still thriving today). My grandparents, mother and brother are buried at Oak Hills/Bikhor Cholim cemetery. And that is where this story begins...

The Council Bluffs Jewish cemetery was established in 1887. It is divided into two sections. Oak Hills follows reform burial rules, and Bikhor Cholim, where my family is buried follows Orthodox rules. Although few and far between, burials are still conducted there. The cemetery has a governing board, and memorial services are held twice a year - the Sunday before Memorial Day and the Sunday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. When I was growing up, I distinctly remember how much the memorial services, especially Memorial Day meant to her. I started going with her

when I was in my teens. Those experiences no doubt inspired me to be active on the cemetery board as an adult.

Last year Marti Nerenstone, an Army veteran and cemetery board member and the Judge Advocate of American Legion Rainbow Post #2 in Council Bluffs, obtained small American flags to place by the graves of all the veterans buried at Oak Hills/Bikhor Cholim. Board members, armed with various lists of names, walked the rows of graves, placing the flags. Thinking there should be a more systematic way of locating veteran graves, using the lists and marking the grid map which had recently been created for the cemetery, a search was made for a youth looking for a special project.

Contact was ultimately made with Keller Cannon, a Boy Scout in Troop 537 in Council Bluffs looking for an Eagle Scout project. Keller, who is simultaneously a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School and a student at Iowa Western Community College, drafted an Eagle Scout project to begin the process of identifying the veteran graves on the grid maps. Meanwhile, discussion was held about honoring my uncle, Irving Cohen - Council Bluffs native and

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30-11 a.m. at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Behar via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:36 p.m.

SUNDAY: Men’s Bike/Coffee Group, 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room at Rock 'n Joe (5025 Lindbergh St.). For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com; Pickleball, 3-5 p.m. Anyone interested in playing or learning how to play can text Miriam at 402.470.2393. If there are enough interested people; we will play in the Social Hall at TI.

MONDAY: Synagogue Offices Closed

TUESDAY: Ladies' Lunch, 1 p.m. at High Peak Asian Restaurant, 2840 S 70th St. For more information email Barbara Barron at oohhmmm.barb@gmail. com; SST Board Meeting, 7-9 p.m.

FRIDAY-May 31: Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:33 p.m.

SATURDAY-June 1: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:3011 a.m. at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Bechukotai via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:42 p.m.

FRIDAYS: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.

In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin, and Cantor Joanna Alexander

FRIDAY: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. In-Person; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. In-Person & Zoom.

TUESDAY: Adult Prayer Hebrew: Level Aleph, 6 p.m. In-Person; Holy Smokes, 7 p.m. In-Person.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9-11 a.m. In-Person; Rosh Chodesh Planning Meeting, 7 p.m. In-Person.

THURSDAY: The Zohar: Thursday Morning Class, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Sharff and Rabbi Azriel — In-Person & Zoom; Concert of Lights: The Movie, 6:30 p.m. InPerson.

FRIDAY-May 31: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. InPerson; Shabbat B’yachad Service: Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Joseph Telushkin — Moral Imagination: On Being a Good Person In a Morally Complicated World, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-June 1: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom.

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

fighter pilot whose plane was shot down over Mersberg, Germany, on Nov. 25, 1944. He was declared Missing in Action and a year later, his status was changed to killed in action. He is buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery in Belgium. At different times, both my mother and I tried to visit his grave - and both times our plans were cancelled due to train strikes. So, it seemed fitting that his memory and the memory of all who have served be on the grounds of our cemetery.

On Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 11 a.m., a memorial service will be held at the cemetery. It will include the placement of flags by the veteran graves, readings, replacement of the large cemetery flag, a dedication of the Irving Cohen memorial marker (also honoring all who have served our country), and a ceremony by the Boy Scouts. Keller Cannon will discuss his Eagle Scout project and I will talk about my uncle and my family connection to Council Bluffs and the cemetery.

Oak Hills/Bikhor Cholim is located at 1350 East Pierce Street in Council Bluffs. There is a large stone marker at the entrance to the cemetery road, which is on the north side of the cemetery complex.

B’NAI ISRAEL

BETH EL

BETH ISRAEL

CHABAD HOUSE

Life cycles

SHELDON (SHELLY) COHEN

Sheldon (Shelly) Cohen passed away on May 1, 2024 in Northbrook, IL Services were held on May 9, 2024, at Beth El Cemetery and were officiated by Rabbi Abraham.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Florence Davis; brothers, Arthur and Don Cohen; father-in-law, Bert Render; mother-in-law, Ruth Render Stein, and by his beloved wife, Joyce Render Cohen.

He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Bert and Leslie and Mark and Wendy; grandchildren: Morgan, Drew and Avery Cohen; sisters-in-law, Gayle Render Dinerstein, Evelyn Render Katz (John Lof), Tina Render Dacey (Sue Dacey Render); nieces and nephews, David Davis, Henry Davis, Leslie Cohen, Sharee Newman (Murray), Lawrence Cohen, Laura Cohen, Monica Cohen, Jennifer Skrzypek (John), Aaron Dinerstein (Christine), Beth Katz-Lyda (Jesse), Daniel Katz, Ben Dacey-Render, Sam Dacey-Render; and many loving great nieces and nephews. Sheldon was born Feb. 8, 1939, in Omaha to Herman and Rosalie Cohen. Sheldon attended Dundee Elementary school and graduated from Central High School in 1957. He served in the Army and worked in communications while stationed in Hawaii. He married the love of his life, Joyce Render Cohen in 1967. Their sons Bert and Mark attest to the fine example of love, devotion to family, friends, and community Shelly and Joyce provided. Their home was always open and welcoming to newcomers and old friends alike. They hosted many memorable family dinners and other occasions over the years with style and warmth.

Shelly created thriving businesses in real estate, the sprinkler business, and most notably, The Travel Company. He had a passion for travel and introducing others to the joys and experiences that awaited them. Shelly was filled with enthusiasm for the people, places, and things he enjoyed and wanted to share them— even with friends he hadn’t yet met. Some of his additional interests included cooking, wine tasting, visiting Costco, and meeting with other Tesla drivers. He, and Joyce supported music and the arts, as well as a variety of local organizations and philanthropic causes.

Memorials may be made to the UNMC Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s Association of Nebraska and the Bert & Ruth Render Memorial Fund at Beth El.

Rabbi Geiger’s Weekly Torah Expedition

PARSHA BEHAR

One weekend, when my family and I were living in Phoenix, we visited another community. While there, we stayed with the wonderful Murroff family. They have converted a special section of their house for guests. The accommodations were beautiful; everything had been considered, from the minifridge with drinks to the hot-water urn and coffee selection. Friday night, we all slept so well, even though they had several little ones, it was quiet, and the beds were so comfortable. When my wife thanked our hostess, she asked, how did you think of everything?! Mrs. Murroff answered, believe it or not, my husband actually slept in the guest room when we first set it up. He wanted to ensure the mattress was comfortable and everything was in order.

At the end of this week's parsha, it describes the Jewish slave. The Jewish slave was someone who stole and did not have enough money to pay back. So the Torah says that he is sold into slavery until he has paid back his debt. The fascinating thing is that if you learn the laws of how a Jewish slave is to be treated, you may be left wondering who got the better side of the deal. For example, if there is only one pillow in the house, do you know who gets it? The slave! Because the Torah understood that if someone could steal, it was only because they never had true role models to show them how to give. If we push ourselves to care for other people, we have no idea just how powerful an impact it will have.

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Beth Israel

Shifting perspectives: Introducing the Impact from Philanthropy (IFP) Model

AMY BERNSTEIN SHIVVERS

JFO Foundation Executive Director

What is an IFP? Often, when discussing the establishment of an endowment (a charitable gift in perpetuity) with a potential donor, the inevitable question arises: what is the return on investment (ROI)? In other words, if we donate

$1,000,000 to The Foundation, what revenue can be expected in return? It’s a valid question. However, we believe that sometimes community members may view charitable gifts as they would a traditional investment in real estate, the stock market, or purchasing a business.

But what if we broaden our perspective on the impact of funds used to establish an endowment? Your gift may support program expansion, building renovations, increased enrollment/participation, and broader mission services. Additionally, it can contribute to the potential improvement and sustainability of the financial health of the agency, synagogue, or program or the updating of an older, heavily used building along with generating overall excitement from such a transformative gift.

In a recent donor meeting discussing the ROI of a $10,000 gift, the conversation veered toward traditional business expectations of such an infusion of funds. For instance, a $10,000 gift might only yield $200 in annual revenue, amounting to a 2% return. Although The Foundation’s investment track record exceeds this, averaging a 5% return, a donor’s reaction may question the rationale of investing $10,000 for what appears to be a relatively modest return from our long-term moderate investment strategy with moderate risk.

During a family philanthropy meeting, some of the adult children approached the discussion with their left brains— analytical and logical—while the parents led with their right brains— emotional and creative. Ultimately, the family united to establish a family endowment in memory of a loved one, aimed at supporting senior programming. The conversation was lively, and everyone felt optimistic about the last-

ing impact this philanthropic gift will deliver year after year.

Ultimately, these conversations and others led to changing the narrative from ROI to emphasize that philan-

Beth Israel Synagogue Annual Meeting

MARY SUE GROSSMAN

Beth Israel’s Annual Meeting was held on May 7, with Jeff Kirshenbaum, outgoing president chairing the meeting. Jeff thanked everyone for attending and quipped while there was a change to a Tuesday evening rather than the traditional Sunday morning for the meeting, Krispy Kreme donuts were still available for everyone’s enjoyment.

BETH ISRAEL

thropic gifts are about impact rather than monetary return. The financial health of an agency must be strengthened both in the short and long term. Endowments of all types are aimed at making a charitable impact. Instead of solely focusing on ROI, we propose shifting to an Impact from Philanthropy (IFP) model.

By shifting their perspective, the donor was able to move away from a sole focus on ROI to recognizing the significant impact their endowment, in perpetuity, will have on individuals, the future of an agency, and the community as a whole. I would love to hear your thoughts on this approach and discuss how you and your family can make a lasting gift that truly endures. Reach out to me at 402.334.6466 or ashivvers@jewishomaha.org

Jeff began by thanking the many volunteers who are invaluable to the continued success of Beth Israel, citing the passion and ongoing involvement of the membership. He next praised the staff, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, Rabbi Mordechai Geiger, Liora Herskovitz, and Becca Ruestch-Finkelstein for their incredible hard work to keep everything running and moving forward.

Jeff then turned the meeting over to Toba Cohen-Dunning, chair of the Nominating Committee. Toba discussed items the committee recommends that the Board of Directors discuss in the coming year. She also expressed her sincere thanks to those who agreed to be considered for the board.

The election results were then announced, which represented 100% approval of the slate. Officers are President, Yosef Seigel; Vice President of Administration, Helene Shrago; Treasurer & Vice President of Financial Planning, Howard Kutler; Secretary, Toba Cohen-Dunning; Membership Vice President – Vacant; Members-at-Large - Shirly Banner, Shane Donnelly, Ron Giller, Jeff Kirshenbaum, Bruce Potash, Nancy Rampey-Biniamow, Debra Roitstein, Michael Shrago, Susie Shyken, Harry Weiner and Fred Weiss.

Newly elected president, Yosef Siegel, thanked everyone for their support and commented he looks forward to serving the congregation. The meeting was then adjourned.

Awards Night

Location: Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater Kosher Dessert Reception following program

JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA HUMANITARIANS OF THE YEAR

Goldstein Family

Don & Andi Goldstein

Gail Raznick

Kathy Goldstein

PHIL & TERRI SCHRAGER

SPIRIT OF FEDERATION AWARDS*

Mike Siegel & Terri Zacharia

BRUCE FELLMAN MEMORIAL

YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD

Yosef Seigel

Kooper

LOIS JEANNE SCHRAGER MEMORIAL

YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD

Tori Hausseler-Lemek

JODY & NEAL MALASHOCK AWARD FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Richard Goedeken

JEWISH FEDERATION COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Concert of Lights

ROBERT & ELLEN GORDMAN

TEEN LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Eva Bloom & Adria Tipp

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

JFO: Richard Heyman

IHE/JCRC: Janie Kulakofsky

Jewish Press: Margie Gutnik

NJHS: Ben Justman & Jon Meyers

Staenberg Omaha JCC: Doug Heikel

RBJH: Joe & Tina Meyers

JFO Foundation: Steven Bloch

JFS: The JFS Reimagining Committee:

Marti Rosen Atherton

Sally Kaplan

Gloria Kaslow

Alan Kricsfeld

Marti Poulos

Shayna Ray

Norm Sheldon Sonia Tipp

OMAHA NEBRASKA