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Community Service Award
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The newly-arrived Syrian family and members of the Welcoming the Stranger committee
AnneTTe vAn de KAMP-WrigHT Editor of the Jewish Press uring the Annual Meeting June 5 at 7 p.m., the Jewish Federation of Omaha will present Beth El Synagogue with the Community Service Award for its Welcoming the Stranger initiative. The entire community is invited. In September 2016, Beth El welcomed a Syrian refugee family to Omaha. In addition, Allan Murow said: “We have participated in the resettlement of two Afghani families and a South Sudanese family. Our role in each of these cases was to provide furniture, housing fixtures, home appli-
May is Jewish American Heritage Month Page 12
ances and clothing. As a result from the outpouring of support from our community, we were able to fill a storage unit with excess items collected. Besides, we have worked with various community members to assist in relocation and transfer furnishings to families in need. This initiative has reached so many people.” “As Jews, there is no question that we are obligated to help Jews, but the Torah states 36 times to love the stranger,” Rabbi Abraham said. “As Jews, we are obligated to help the widow, the orphan and the stranger, because we know how it feels to be strangers in a strange land. Watching See Community Service Award page 2
Hornstein Scholarship awarded
inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles
9 10 11
Jody and Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence
MAY 2 6 , 2 0 1 7 | 1 SIV AN 5 7 7 7 | V O L. 9 7 | NO . 3 3 | C A nd LeLi g H Ti ng | FRID AY , MAY 2 6 , 8 : 2 8 P. M.
Partnership2Gether Corner Page 3
Lag B’Omer with YJO Page 8
SPonSored by THe benJAMin And AnnA e. WieSMAn fAMiLy endoWMenT fund
LindA PoLLArd Endowment Assistant & Staff Writer, JFO Foundation The Bennett G. Hornstein Memorial Scholarship for aspiring or current law students has been awarded to Jenessa Cruz-Alfaro for the 20172018 academic year. Jenessa is currently a student at Creighton University School of Law, with a graduation date in 2018. Her areas of interest are family law and immigration. Jenessa is a native Omahan and the mother of a son and daughter, ages nine and five. She works part time at a law firm and volunteers as a judge at Sarpy County Teen Court, all while attending law school full
graduation she worked at a local café as an assistant manager and at law firms as a paralegal, law clerk intern and law clerk. Last summer Jenessa interned with Justice for Our Neighbors, where she assisted low income immigrant families and children. While working as a full time paralegal, Jenessa felt the desire to go further with her education in order to help an often under-served part of the community. For Jenessa, the next logical step in achieving her goal was law school. “In areas such as immigration Jenessa Cruz-Alfaro and her family and family law, sometimes the time. Through a program coordiinability to obtain legal counsel or nated by the Latino Law Student As- the inability to obtain competent sociation, Jenessa also mentors legal counsel can lead to serious students from Central High School. consequences for children and famiIn 2004 Jenessa earned her B.A. in lies, and in some cases, can even be Paralegal Studies at College of Saint the difference between life and Mary. Jenessa was on the Dean’s List death,” explained Jenessa. and was an Academic Scholarship At Creighton, Jenessa is currently Recipient while at the college. Durranked number one in her class. In ing her undergraduate years, she addition to handling her own rigorvolunteered at the Domestic Vioous academic schedule, she mentors lence Coordinating Council. After See Hornstein Scholarship page 3
MArK KirCHHoff Program and Communications Assistant Julee Katzman, Special Projects Coordinator for the Jewish Federation of Omaha, will receive the Jody and Neal (Buzz) Malashock Award for Professional Excellence at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Meeting and Awards night on Monday, June 5 at 7 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Theater.
Julee Katzman Credit: Mark Kirchhoff
The Jody and Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence is presented annually to a professional in the Omaha Jewish community who has shown exemplary performance in advancing the mission of their organization. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors selects the recipient of the award from those nominated. In accepting the award, Julee will join an esteemed group of fellow recipients since its inception in 2011-Marty Ricks, Shane Kotok, Sandy Nogg, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. When she first heard that she was the recipient, Julee responded humbly to the group of friends, colleagues, and fellow professionals with her in the room who collectively joined in congratulatory applause. “I never expected this at all. I didn’t even know I was nominated. I’m surprised and humbled that the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Omaha selected me,” said Julee. “This award is especially meaningful to me not only because of my career, but also because it honors the many colleagues I have worked with and who share in what we have accomplished.” “Buzz and I congratulate Julee on this well-deserved honor,” said Jody. “As a past president of the JFO, I worked closely with Julee. She was my go-to person as she was and continues to be a walking wealth of information on the ins and outs of the Federation. Not only is she the consummate professional, she has the biggest heart which has led to her success. I’m proud to call her my friend.” See Malashock Award page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017
community Community Service Award
Continued from page 1 Omaha Jewish Community. LFS has been the news every day and seeing the growing active in Afghanistan, Burma, South Sudan refugee crisis, I realized the importance of and other strife-ridden countries. putting our traditions and words into action “We discussed our interest in getting inand getting involved.” It all volved,” Murow said, “and exstarted when Rabbi Abraham plained to Lacey that, as Jews, and Allan Murow happened we felt a visceral connection to read the same July 19 on this issue. We also made it Omaha World Herald article. clear our outreach was nonThe story focused on denominational and we Omaha’s first Syrian refugees’ would assist in resettlement settling in and being showfor any refugees, regardless of ered by local support. where they came from.” “The article discussed the After the meeting, Rabbi controversy and politics inAbraham and Murow worked volved in resettlement,” on a piece to communicate Murow remembered, “and all their intentions to the conI could think of was, as Jews, gregation. An email blast was we had to help. For some rea- The Syrian mother and Gloria delivered by August 8. A folKaslow embrace son, I kept thinking about low-up meeting was schedPresident Roosevelt rejecting the passengers uled for Aug. 23, during which Lacey of the St. Louis in 1939, when Jews tried to Studnicka discussed the inner workings of escape the Holocaust. How can we turn our the resettlement program with interested backs on political refugees from war-torn parties. countries?” “We spent the following week forming Coincidentally, that same day, there was a the needed committees, and the response Beth El board meeting. The OWH article was incredible: Diane Malashock, Shira was discussed, and “I piped in that I had Abraham, Tippi Denenberg and Lennie seen the article as well and felt we needed to Greenspoon immediately stepped up as get involved,” Murow said. committee chairs!” Murow said. In early August, a meeting was set up with From that moment, things moved fast. Lacey Studnicka, Program Development Before the committee chairs knew it, LFS Officer at Lutheran Family Services. LFS announced “their” Syrian family would arpartners regularly with faith-based organirive Sept. 18. See Community Service Award page 5 zations but had never worked with the
Malashock Award
Continued from page 1 After graduating from college, Julee began her professional career at what was then called Metropolitan Technical Community College (Metro-Tech) – now Metropolitan Community College. Julee was promoted from her initial position and became the Area Director for Admissions. “This was a fabulous job,” said Julee. “Metro-Tech was growing and I was a part of that growth.” During her time with MetroTech Julee married, had a son, Jacob, and later left her job to focus on family life. Not one to sit home for long, Julee began volunteer work with her synagogue, Beth Israel. She has served on the Board of Directors for over ten years and is currently the treasurer. It was during these early years that she enrolled Jacob in the Jewish Community Center’s pre-school. “With my work at the synagogue and getting to know other mothers with kids in pre-school, my association with the JFO grew. In 1989 she was awarded the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award. This award is given annually to honor a young woman, under age 45, who has demonstrated personal commitment, dedicated involvement and exemplary leadership qualities in rendering service to the Jewish and general community. “It was a great honor to receive this award,” said Julee. “In addition to being an uplifting experience, it was a great encouragement for me to continue with my volunteer career.” In the mid-nineties Julee accepted the responsibility to co-chair the Woman’s Campaign with Anne Shackman. “Providing women with the opportunity to contribute their own tzedakah proved to be quite meaningful to all,” Julee stated. The first year of giving exceeded anticipated amounts. “What a tremendous thing it is to see the power of women’s giving over the past 25 years,” Julee offered. In working closely with Julee, Jan Goldstein, Women’s Campaign Director at the time, recognized Julee’s outstanding abilities. When Jan became the Executive Director of the JFO in 1998 she asked Julee to be her personal assistant. Julee accepted
and subsequently earned her way to the positions of Assistant Executive Director and later Associate Executive Director. “I enjoyed focusing on governance issues,” said Julee. “There is something very special about seeing how lay people and professionals can work together to solidify the mission of the organization and to provide the structure by which the goals and objectives within the mission can be accomplished.” As Associate Executive Director, Julee was also involved in staff training, retreats, and participation in national conferences that stimulated ideas and provided fresh ways of addressing challenges. With her first family trip to Israel in 1980, Julee shared that her life changed dramatically. “Once you go there, it becomes a part of you,” she said. That experience provided the seed for her involvement with the inception of the Partnership2GETHER program – now over 20 years old. “In partnering with the people in Israel, we didn’t know for sure what we were going to do or how we were going to do it; but we knew that by partnering, we would be providing a vehicle for close bonds between people in Israel and the United States,” Julee explained. With the hard work and creative thinking of Julee and many others like her, the program has grown to the tremendous success it is today. In 2015 Julee was a key organizer of the Community Teen Trip to Israel in which 30 local teens participated. “In a way, I relived my first trip to Israel, only this trip had some special elements to it,” Julee shared. Both Julee and participants expressed the excitement that came from teens making this trip with teens from other synagogues that they didn’t know well. When Julee reviewed the essays that the teens wrote about their trip upon their return, she was moved by the spiritual and social experiences that every participant shared. “This is something very special that we are doing for our kids. It is life-changing for them. I am so excited to be helping with the 2017 teen trip,” Julee shared. See Malashock Award page 3
* Bruce Friedlander President Jay Noddle, Past President Toba Cohen-Dunning Eric Dunning Mike Siegel Jason Epstein Bruce Goldberg Jim Fried
Richard Heyman Dana Kaufman Scott Meyerson Jon Meyers Mike Norton Carl Riekes
Steven Bloch Paul Epstein Michael M. Erman Ted Friedland Bruce Friedlander, Ex-officio David Gilinsky Donald Goldstein Gloria Kaslow Howard Kooper
Jody Malashock Murray H. Newman Steve Nogg Carl Riekes Andrew Robinson Harley D. Schrager Jeffrey Schrager Ted M. Seldin, Emeritus Mike Siegel, Ex-officio Norman Veitzer
the
omaha
Toba Cohen-Dunning, Co-President Jeff Kirshenbaum, Co-President James Farber, Past President Ex-Officio Richard Jacobson, Past Co-President Steve Nogg, Past Co-President Kate Kirshenbaum, Treasurer Susan Norton, Secretary Joanie Bernstein Sharon Brodkey Dr. Alan Kricsfeld Tina Meyers Jeff Platt
James Polack Mike Shrago Dorothy Spizman Terri Zacharia Sally Zipursky
Jason Epstein, President Mike Siegel, Past President Scott Simon, President Elect Shira Abraham Dan Epstein Karen Flayhart Jason Franklin Dusty Friedman Chuck Lucoff Bruce Muskin Wendy Raffel Dorothy Spizman Linda Zimmerman
A ti D f
ti
L
Eric Dunning, President Andy Ruback, Past President
Jim Fried, Co-President Gary Nachman, Co-President
Sandy Friedman Alex Grossman Jill Idelman Michael Kaufman David Kotok Debbie Kricsfeld Abby Kutler Pam Monsky Barry Zoob Eric Shapiro Andy Isaacson
Additional Executive Board Members: David Gilinsky Rich Juro Carol Bloch Becki Brenner Ron Giller
We invite the community to the Federation Annual Meeting on Monday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m for the installation of the Boards.
*As of May 22, 2017
The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017 | 3
o
U Name It, We Clean It
Partnership2Gether Corner nate shapiro Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha n May 1st, Omaha saw the arrival of a delegation of 11 Israeli Teenagers and their two chaperones. This delegation was invited to our community for three reasons: to help with our Israel Independence Day celebration, to help get our teens excited about the upcoming teen mission to Israel, and to act as ambassadors for Israel, by visiting area schools. The delegation was provided through our Partnership2Gether consortium. They arrived on May 1 from Northwest Indiana and immediately traveled to the JCC campus to assist our community in celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day). The delegation lent a hand to the Jewish Federation of Omaha by working with teenage volunteers from BBYO and others to help run the various stations. Each station represented an Israeli geographic location, with an associated activity. For example, the delegation helped run a Ga-Ga game in “Ceasaria,” an orange juice stand in Tel-Aviv, and a board game station in Jerusalem, etc. After the carnival, the delegation spent some time in the Youth lounge, socializing with their American peers. The delegation visited area schools the next morning to present a small presentation about Israel to any classes they could visit. They visited Millard North, Central High, Beveridge and Brownell-Talbot. The group enjoyed lunch at the Flagship Commons, followed by a tour of the riverfront area, where
hornstein scholarship
Continued from page 1 first year law students, guiding them through their challenging first year. This spring, Jenessa began volunteering as a judge at Sarpy County Teen Court, with court held every two weeks. As one professor said of her, “What makes her academic achievements most remarkable is that she has done so while being a full time mother, working in a small law firm during the school year, and volunteering her time to serve others.” Another professor stated, “But beyond the ways she has excelled as a student, what stands out about Jenessa are the ways she has excelled as a person and as an advocate for those without the means or voice to speak out for themselves.” Jenessa recognizes that experienced and skilled legal representation is not always available to those with lower incomes. She wants to help provide qualified and competent counsel to that segment of the community. It is Jenessa’s desire to do nonprofit and pro bono work when she completes her degree. She is fluent in Spanish and hopes to utilize that skill in her work. After law school, Jenessa hopes to obtain a judicial clerkship to garner experience and knowledge so that she can then work for a non-profit organization or law firm that allows pro bono work on a regular basis. Serving others is the constant thread running through Jenessa’s life. This was summed up by one of her law school professors when he wrote, “Beyond her academic acumen, though, what stands out the most to me is her desire to improve and be the absolute best that she can be. That attitude is a big part of what allows Jenessa to balance a family life, a rigorous academic schedule, and a desire to find time and ways to be of service to those in need.” When Jenessa has free time in the summer, she enjoys spending her days with her husband and children. The family enjoys swimming, biking, hiking and visiting farmers markets. Jenessa states that by receiving the Hornstein Scholarship she will be able to attend summer classes, allowing her to spend more time with her family during the next school year. “She is one of those individuals who will make their mark on this world and leave it a better place than they found it,” predicted another of Jenessa’s professors at Creighton. With Jenessa’s intelligence, drive and dedication, that prediction is most certainly an accurate one. 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
they rented bicycles and rode across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. The group then traveled back to the JCC to play basketball and workout. They were then invited to join the BBYO group for activities designed to help the American teens and the Israeli teens get to know each other and create people-to-people connections. On their last full day in Omaha, the group toured the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and saw the Lied jungle, the Desert Dome, and the Kingdom of the Night, as well as the recently born baby giraffe. After the zoo, the group headed to Nebraska Crossing to shop at the outlet mall, which they particularly enjoyed. That evening, the Jewish Federation of Omaha, in conjunction with Beth Israel, Beth El and Temple Israel synagogues, hosted an informational meeting for parents and teens about the upcoming mission to Israel. The delegation was on hand to formally invite the Omaha teens and to present to the group about their home in Israel, the Western Galilee region. After assisting in the recruitment event, the teens went to a host’s house for a farewell get together. The teens continued on their journey to Texas the following morning. We look forward to reconnecting with our new friends this December, when our teens head to Israel. The Jewish Federation of Omaha would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the following families for hosting our Israeli visitors: Drs. Isaac and Susan Fellman Witkowski, Robert and Wendy Reiss, Dan Marburg, Aviva Segall and Patrick McNamara, Marla and Robert Cohen, Michael and Susan Norton, Shlomo and Hodaya Abramovich, and Hazzan and Laurel Krausman. For information regarding Partnership2Gether, the Teen Mission, or Israeli programming, contact Nate Shapiro at nshapiro@jewishomaha.org.
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David and Bobbi Leibowitz 402-496-7499 | OmahaHouses.com law student who will carry on Hornstein’s commitment to working for those members of society who no one else wants to help. That perfectly describes Jenessa. “She will accomplish many great things on behalf of the underprivileged throughout her career as an attorney,” predicted another professor. The criteria for selection are those qualities that 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 University of Nebraska or Creighton University. The scholarship selection committee is headed by Hornstein’s son Joe of Denver, Colorado, and includes Hornstein’s daughter, Jill Goldstein, attorney for Kutak Rock, as well as other attorneys from the Omaha area. “We have awarded $36,000 in scholarship funds to aspiring law students since the endowment was established in 2006,” according to Joe Hornstein. “We were very impressed with Jenessa Cruz-Alfaro’s qualifications and thought she was an ideal candidate for the 2017 scholarship. Her commitment to serve children and families is inspiring and we are honored to support her.” For more information about the annual Bennett G. Hornstein Memorial Scholarship, please visit www.bghendowm ent.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 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For more information, call the Foundation at 402.334.6551.
Malashock Award
Continued from page 2 Reflecting on Julee’s receiving this year’s award, Buzz concluded, “An excellent professional leads when it is time to lead, follows when it is time to follow, learns at all times, and produces the highest quality results in all she does. From our experience and from all who have been asked, Julee exemplifies these qualities. Indeed, she is an example of professional excellence.” Please mark your calendar for Monday, June 5 at 7 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Theater. Join fellow community members in congratulating and commending Julee for her continued professional excellence.
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4 | The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017
calendar June 2017
All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the events.
FRIDAY, MAY 26 Friday Learning Series: Jerusalem, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, MAY 27 Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 28 Torah Study, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsal, 3 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 30 Meet the Counselor Ice Cream Social, 5 p.m. Yachad Personal Training with Terry, 5:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH THURSDAY, JUNE 1 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Hebrew Class with Rabbi Schlomo, 10 a.m. at RBJH FRIDAY, JUNE 2 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, JUNE 3 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JUNE 4 Torah Study, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsal, 3 p.m.
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MONDAY, JUNE 5 Eye on Israel, noon Jewish Federation Omaha Annual Meeting Reception, 6 p.m. Jewish Federation Omaha Annual Meeting, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 16 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH
TUESDAY, JUNE 6 Musical Theater Tech Rehearsal, 4-9 p.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 18 Torah Study, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH Musical Theater Dress Rehearsal, 4-9 p.m. JFO Campaign Women’s Event-Author Janice Kaplan, 7 p.m. at One Pacific Clubhouse
MONDAY, JUNE 19 Mainstreeters Lunch, 11 a.m. at RBJH
THURSDAY, JUNE 8 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Hebrew Class with Rabbi Schlomo, 10 a.m. at RBJH Musical Theater Performance, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH
FRIDAY, JUNE 9 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. at B’nai Israel in Council Bluffs
SUNDAY, JUNE 25 Torah Study, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El
MONDAY, JUNE 12 FJA Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at FJA WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH THURSDAY, JUNE 15 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Hebrew Class with Rabbi Schlomo, 10 a.m. at RBJH Life & Legacy Celebration, 6 p.m.
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Community Service Award
Continued from page 2 Rabbi Abraham and Allan Murow polled all committee chairs on the spot to see if they could execute this within 18 days; the answer was a resounding ‘yes.’ “You know how we Jews are used to miracles!” Murow said. “Diane and Shira drove the procurement at warp speed. Tippi took over the day of arrival, and Lennie arranged a meeting with his team and LFS to explain the role of mentoring the refugees. I couldn’t be more proud of our community,” Murow said. “How fortunate we were to have such tremendous committee chairs and volunteers. Without their passion, organization and fastidiousness, none of this would have been possible.” Gloria Kaslow, who participated in the airport welcome, put the event in an historical context. “For those of us who were involved with the resettlement of the Russian Jews into our community 25 years ago, I look at this new young family of refugees who have been transported into the middle of a new country and know the challenges they face, but also the amazing prospects for their future. It feels wonderful to be part of their journey, to help them settle in, to help teach them English and to forge relationships between our two faith communities.” Murow added: “The welcome at the airport was incredibly emotional, both on the part of our new friends and the Beth El welcoming committee. Tears flowed, and I have to tell you how inspirational it is to see what you accomplish in such a short time when you have true compassion and concern. I couldn’t be prouder of our synagogue and our community.” It takes a village: “Ellie Batt and Esther
Katz played a significant role in mentoring the family,” Murow said. “Darlene Golbitz, Helen Epstein, Marti Rosen Atherton, and Gloria Kaslow, are involved on an almost daily basis. Mike Levine was instrumental in working with the dad on driver’s education and helping procure a minivan. There was widespread support from Beth El congregants, our entire community and those outside of the Jewish community. We also had a crowd funding site on social media that we were able to drive people to and it has raised $10,000 so far. As a result of a story published in the Washington Post, an artist from British Columbia called me and donated several art pieces which we auctioned off at our adult Purim carnival. We have heard from synagogues in New Orleans and South Florida who are interested in working with us on fundraising. We were also a recipient of grants from the Herbert Goldsten Trust and the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation. “This initiative started in the summer of 2016,” Murow continued. “It is certainly not meant to be political; but given the changes we have seen in attitudes toward immigration over the past six months, the initiative is extremely important,” Murow says. “Our effort is articulated as a humanitarian effort, not political, and as Jews we are all too familiar with the prejudices, bigotries and challenges faced by the immigrant community. As sponsors of this program, we are getting more than we are giving. I only wish the entire community could have been with us on the day of arrival. Seeing this family of seven coming off the plane and stepping foot on Omaha soil defines independence and freedom. To be a part of this is something none of us will ever forget.”
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The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017 | 5
community Temple Confirmation temple israel Confirmation Class of 2017: Sharon Comisar-Langdon, left, alec Feidman, rabbi berezin, robert osborne, Leo norton, Peyton blake, isabella Wright, brooklyn armstrong, aaron norton, elijah Marburg, rabbi Crystal, Cantor Shermet
Volunteer opportunities at the rose blumkin Jewish Home Sabine Strong Volunteer Coordinator, RBJH Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Sabine Strong. I am the Volunteer Coordinator at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. I started here in Feb. 2017. I am originally from Germany and I have lived in Omaha for 23 years. As the Volunteer Coordinator, I am always looking for volunteers to enrich the life of each and every resident at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. A volunteer at the Home plays a key role in care we provide to our residents. You can make a difference! Volunteers are people who give the gift of themselves and their time to do something in which they
believe and people who by their actions are ready to help where help is needed. Becoming a volunteer is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Complete the volunteer application 2. Interview/Orientation 3. Placement and Training We need volunteers in many different areas, such as giving our residents manicures, conducting friendly visits, assisting residents with the computer and many more. If you are interested, contact me for an application by emailing sstrong@rbjh.com. Or calling 402.334.6519. You can also pick up an application at the front desk of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home any time. Please consider volunteering with us, and have fun while you are here!
6 | The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017
The Road Scholar: Personal driver
community
Hello, My name is Vaughn Howard and I am a personal driver. I can take you to doctors and therapy appointments, movies, dinner engagements, barbershop, or hair appointments. As your driver, I promise to be dedicated to you and your needs. I offer a personal touch, such as opening all doors for you and assisting you with your coat or jacket. Prior to being a personal driver I worked for eight years at the JCC and had the wonderful opportunity to meet many people in the Jewish community. Please see the ad on Page 3. I look forward to serving you!
CDC graduation
Russ Kaplan joins Frank Fox & Hoagstrom Financial Group
Friday, May 19, the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center celebrated their pre-K graduation. Parents, grandparents and, in some cases, great-grandparents came out in droves to mark this momentous occasion. Mazal tov to al the graduates, and good luck in Kindergarten!
Linda Hartough
After more than 30 years in the industry, Russ Kaplan, owner of Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc., has merged his firm with Roger Frank, Managing Partner at Frank, Fox & Hoagstrom Financial Group. Frank, Fox & Hoagstrom is a full service investment firm, formed in 2010, with like-minded Advisors who share core values. Russ is looking forward to letting the new firm take care of daily business operations, so he can focus on investing for his clients. Of all the firms he could have joined, Russ decided Frank, Fox & Hoagstrom was the best fit for himself and for his clients. Roger is a managing partner of Frank, Fox & Hoagstrom Financial Group and a Financial Advisor with Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. and BFC Planning. He is one of the top producers with Berthel Fisher and has earned the Presidents Club Honor in years 2011-2015. Roger is the stock market contributor for the Grow Lincoln radio show on KLIN 1400 AM. Roger has worked with individuals investing in traditional and non-traditional investments for over 21 years. Russ received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Iowa and his MBA from the University of Nebraska. Russ is located in Omaha, NE, where he has been frequently quoted in the World Herald, Barron’s, The Bull & Bear, and The Dick Davis Report. Russ is a published author and has been the subject of featured articles in local newspapers.
Visit us at jewishomaha.org
Aldo Luongo
Disclosure: Registered Representative of and securities offered through Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. (BFCFS). Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through BFC Planning, Inc. Frank, Fox & Hoagstrom, BFCFS, and BFC Planning, Inc. are independent entities.
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The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017 | 7
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Celebrate Shavuot at Beth Israel with community learning and more
S
MArY SUE GroSSMAN Beth Israel Synagogue havuot will be a special event at Beth Israel Synagogue beginning with community learning from 8 p.m.-midnight on Tuesday evening, May 30. Rabbi Ari Dembitzer and Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich will be joined by an array of community leaders and lay volunteers for an inspirational four hours of learning. Some topics that will be explored include the Oral Tradition vs Written Law, the Story of Ruth and Conversion, Cheesecake and Paradise, Jewish vs Non-Jewish Calendars, What Really Happened on Shavuot and many more fascinating sessions. Learning opportunities will also be held for children of all ages. “Pesach is about the seder, Sukkot is about the succah, and Shavuot is just about the learning - and cheesecake!” comments Rabbi Dembitzer. “We’ll be learning the ‘how’s and why’s of Judaism’ from an amazing line-up of presenters. Beth Israel is honored and excited to be the host of this special evening. Absolutely everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to be a part of this incredible learning experience.” The evening begins with Mincha/Maariv at 7:30 p.m. A light meal of macaroni and cheese, challah rolls, and fresh vegetables begins at 8 p.m. with the first learning session
Foundation update
A long-time donor to the Jewish Federation and a long-time Berkshire Hathaway shareholder is thinking of selling one “A” share of Berkshire. He needs some current income and Berkshire does not pay dividends. Instead of selling this stock, what about donating the stock and establishing a CRAT? A CRAT is charitable remainder annuity trust. A charitable remainder HowArd EpStEiN annuity trust is right for you if: Executive Director, You want to maintain or increase JFO Foundation your income. You want the security of predictable payments for life or a term of years. You want to save income taxes or capital gains taxes. You want to choose the person who administers your gift and guides its investments. You are considering a gift amount of $125,000 or more. What are those tax benefits? • Earn an income tax charitable deduction. • Avoid capital gains tax. • May reduce estate taxes and probate costs. Consider the following scenario: At age 35, on May 1, 1980, our Foundation donor purchased one share of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock at $275 per share. Thirty-seven years later, the price is $250,000. If the donor donates that one share of Berkshire A to the Foundation to establish his CRAT, he will receive income of $12,500 each year (5% return) for the rest of his life, he will receive an income tax deduction of approximately $118,918, he will not pay any capital gains tax, which could have been as much as $59,435, and he will be able to fulfill his philanthropic goals because the balance remaining in his CRAT after his lifetime will go to the Foundation to support his chosen causes and programs within Omaha’s Jewish community. Is a CRAT right for you? If you would like to explore a charitable trust and other philanthropic opportunities available to you, please feel free to contact me at 402.334.6466 or by email at hepstein @jewishomaha.org.
organizations
B’NAi B’ritH BrEAdBrEAkErS
Speaker to be announced for wednesday, May 31, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
taking part during the meal. Beginning at 8:30 p.m., 30minute learning sessions will take place, continuing through midnight. A variety of dairy desserts will be served at midnight. One-on-one learning will continue through the early morning hours. Beth Israel’s Shavuot services continue on Wednesday, May 31 with Shacharit at 9 a.m. Mincha/Maariv will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, June 1, Shacharit begins at 9 a.m. with Yizkor at 10:30 a.m. A Shavuot lunch with lasagna, pasta primavera, tossed salad, garlic bread and dairy desserts will follow services. The lunch cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children 3-12 and free of charge for those under 3. Please call the synagogue office by Tuesday noon to check on space availability for lunch. Mincha/Maariv will be held on Thursday evening at 8:30 p.m. with Havdalah at 9:41 p.m. “The focus on learning makes Shavuot a special holiday,” says Toba Cohen-Dunning, Beth Israel’s President. “The strength of the Jewish people has its roots in a passion for learning and has been passed on through the generations,” she adds. “It will be wonderful to welcome people from throughout Omaha’s wonderful Jewish community to learn together on Tuesday night.” For additional information on any Shavuot events and for lunch reservations, please call 402.556.6288.
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Trivia night
tiYpE trivia Night at Varsity Sports!
College Graduation Day
Emory University graduation day, Monday, May 8. Pictured are: Sophie Cemaj, daughter of Shirley and Sam Cemaj, left, and Naomi Zipursky, daughter of Sally and Jim Zipursky. Both girls graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences, Sophie with a B.S. and Naomi with a B.A. Couldn’t be prouder of these two beautiful Emory Eagles!
Course on Dead Sea Scrolls offered in June
Professor Leonard Greenspoon is offering a course on the Dead Sea Scrolls as part of Creighton University’s program in ancient history and religion. The 3-credit course (CNE/THL 520) will meet on the Creighton campus on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the month of June from 5:45 p.m.–9:45 pm. For further information, including details about the class and registration, contact Greenspoon at ljgrn@creighton.edu or 402.960.4137.
Father’s Day
Coming
in
june
publishing date | 06.09.17 space reservation | 05.30.17 camera ready deadline | 06.02.17 Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and a short article. Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.
Susan Bernard
402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org
8 | The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017
Lag B’Omer with YJO
Memorial Day Service Sunday, May 28 • 11 a.m.
Oak Hills/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery 1350 East Pierce Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa
For directions, call Marty Ricks, 402/334-6440 Cemetery Manager John O’Connor, 402/670-8913
Patty Nogg President; Sissy Silber, Secretary; Marty Ricks,Treasurer; Harold Bernstein, Mark Eveloff, Joel Finkel, Elyse Gallner, Mike Gallner, Dave Goodman, John Goldner, John Katelman, Rick Katelman, Gail Krasne Kenkel, Bob Kully, and Ted Seldin
NaTE shapIRO Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha On May 14th, Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) hosted the annual Lag B’Omer Bonfire at the home of Mary Sue and Alex Grossman. The event attracted over 20 Young Jewish adults. Attendees made kosher foil pack meals, roasted marshmallows, and made s’mores. YJO is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Omaha which seeks to engage Young Jewish Adults and provide an inclusive platform for Jews to do Jewish with other Jews. For information about YJO, contact Nate Shapiro at nshapiro@jewishomaha.org. YJO would like to extend a thank-you to the Grossmans for graciously hosting us. Thank You!
Shavuot and the future of Israel On Wednesday, May 31, secular Jews around the world will have a regular work day; in Israel, secular Jews will have vacation due to the Shavuot national holiday. What is the religious and/or ethnic TEDDY import of Shavuot for WEINBERGER secular Israelis? I would argue that the answer to this question is crucial for the future of the State of Israel. I used to feel a bit sheepish in considering the Jewish lives of secular Israelis. Isn’t this more of a diaspora fixation? What is there to worry about on this score here in Israel? After all, we live in a Jewish state, where intermarriage is not a problem and where it is normal for there to be an easy back-andforth flow between periods of greater and lesser religious commitment. Besides, I am certainly not privy to the complex weighting system concerning good deeds versus sins. Perhaps, unbeknownst to me, my neighbor who blares his television on the Sabbath also volunteers in a soup kitchen? Who am I to judge if his life contains enough Jewish content? More and more, however, it is becoming obvious that without some kind of Jewish attachment to this land, we will be in trouble. With the ideology of secular Zionism having run its course (it was basically all downhill after 1948), affinity for the Hebrew language (a key element to the identity of many secular Israelis) is proving inadequate to what must be said again and again to our enemies: this is our land and we are not going anywhere. Already the situation is alarming. In many of the most educated secular families, it is standard to find at least one of the adult children making their life abroad. Israelis are still very much engaged in a fight for our right to exist within defensible borders, and our staying power for this fight is built on our Jewish identity. And here is
where the Jewish content of my secular neighbor’s Shavuot does very much affect me. It has been assumed that a person’s Jewishness will mean something to him or her simply because of the fact that they live in Israel, simply because of the fact that, for example, the country closes down on Shavuot. It’s now clear that evidence supporting this thesis is very sketchy. Here is a test to see whether or not Shavuot is able to order and affect the experience of an Israeli Jew: If an Israeli finds themselves abroad, will it matter to them whether or not they celebrate Shavuot in some way? My hunch is that the extent to which an individual celebrates Shavuot will be directly tied to the religious elements and customs of the holiday that speak to them -studying Jewish texts, eating dairy foods, and rejoicing in “first fruits.” If an Israeli’s Shavuot typically had consisted of several days at the beach, it’s highly doubtful that that Israeli, now living in the United States, will take off from work on May 31, especially when the long Memorial Day weekend just ended. What this means is that Shavuot as a beach vacation only affects a person’s experience like any beach vacation that they might take. If the fact that it is Shavuot is incidental, then Shavuot does not affect a person’s experience, then that person’s identity as a Jew remains unaffected by this holiday, then you have one less reason to be passionately committed to living here. I’m not saying that everyone has to be religious, but I am arguing that the more a person is connected to Jewish tradition (however one defines this), the more intimately tied they will be to this particular state in this particular land. Food for thought as we sit down to our cheesecake on Shavuot. Happy Pentecost! Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest four, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie and Ezra are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.
The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017 | 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 Thierry ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; Jill Idelman; Mike Kaufman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz 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@jewish omaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha. org.
Letters to the editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@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
nebraska Press as- national newspaper sociation association award winner 2008
See you at the Annual Meeting
anneTTe van De kamP-WRiGhT Editor of the Jewish Press his week’s front page stories are the last in our series about this year’s Jewish Federation of Omaha Awards; we’re gearing up for the June 5 Annual Meeting and we hope you will be there with us. These articles are really just the icing on the cake (although I owe Nate Shapiro and Mark Kirchhoff a big thank you for their help writing them) because much work goes into organizing this every year. Award recipients are chosen, the script for the meeting is put together, there are never-ending marketing requirements; the sheer planning that goes into our Annual Meeting is mind blowing. It’s worth it: having the opportunity to celebrate our community is a worthy reason for all the hard work. The success of our community only happens when many different people, professionals as well as volunteers, are involved in the most passionate way. Those volunteers often work without much fanfare. They do what they do because they care, because they see the value in being involved and are generous with their time and energy. When we look at the monthly calendar and check the events at synagogues and Jewish organizations, we should remind ourselves that every single event has volunteers working in the background. I sometimes wonder, were we to add up all the volunteer hours community wide, how large would that number be? So when June 5 comes around, come and join us in celebrating passion and dedication, and help us say thank you. While we can never
adequately express our gratitude, we can certainly come together this night and honor some of the people who make it all possible. Right now, the month of May isn’t quite done yet. Between graduations and the end of school, it’s a bit of a crazy month every year. The last thing many of us want to do is add another event to our calendar. So let me make my case: since coming to Nebraska, I’ve seen a bit of personal growth in the area of ‘small talk.’ Okay; scratch that”: it’s more than a bit. The ability to attend social events and connect with many different people throughout the evening is something I wasn’t so good at when I first left my own country. I’ve come to realize it’s one of the most attractive aspects of living in Omaha- where even in the parking lot of my local super market I can run into people I know and spend five minutes just shooting the breeze. Never mind making it from my office to my car in one straight line. It’s a never-ending source of frustration for my children that I can’t make it out of synagogue (any synagogue) or out of the JCC without stopping to talk to just one more person. For me, the Annual Meeting, more like any other event, is a great way to connect. It’s like schmooze central. And what kind of community are we, if not a community of people? It’s all about the people. This is for us to come together, to say hello to people you maybe haven’t seen in a while, to visit and catch up. It’s our market square, our coffee break and our happy hour all rolled into one. I hope to see you at the Jewish Community Center, Monday, June 5, at 6 p.m. for the reception and at 7 p.m. for the Annual Meeting. Let’s celebrate the way we do best: together.
PJ Library helps families make connections and celebrate Jewish life
Jennie GaTes Beckman is to collaborate with community partners to offer more these things... and the Get Together grants are a great opways for families to connect and “do Jewish” together. portunity for parents to experiment with what this type of Director of Community Engagement & Education Omaha-area families raising Jewish children will now In February we worked with Beth El Synagogue on their parent-driven program might look like. have more opportunities to participate in Jewish life, thanks event with visiting author Marjorie Ingall, who spoke on her One of the best things about these micro-grants is that to a grant opportunity recently awarded by the Harold Grin- new novel, Mamaleh Knows Best: What Jewish Mothers Do parents will get two separate layers of support: PJ national spoon Foundation (HGF). The grants will be distributed to to Raise Successful, Creative, Empathetic, Independent Chil- will share some of the best program ideas from the first members of PJ Library, the flagship program of HGF that dren. I had several parents come up to me afterwards and round of these grants, answer any questions about eligibility offers free Jewish books and programs to more than and, of course, provide the funding. Once applications 125,000 families around the world. are accepted, parents are encouraged to connect with Omaha is among a select group of PJ Library comme if they have any questions about how this might look munities in the US and Canada chosen to participate in locally. I love brainstorming ideas for PJ Library-inspired the Get Together grants program, an opportunity that programming – and can ensure parents know where to will give local families up to $150 to create their own look for all needed elements of whatever amazing gathexperiences to get together with friends. ering they dream up. Get Together grants are designed to help build social Part of a strategy to expand Jewish engagement in connections among families and encourage them to enthe U.S. and Canada, these grants are funded through gage in Jewish life, programming, or learning. In the the PJ Library Alliance. Partners in the Alliance include past, Get Together grants have been used for Shabbatthe Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the William Davidson themed experiences, baking or crafts, book clubs, and Foundation, the Marcus Foundation, Inc., the Jim even parent-only evenings. Joseph Foundation, the William & Audrey Farber PhilWhen I received the email from Lori Hoch Stiefel with anthropic Fund; the Diane & Guilford Glazer/Jewish This family hosted a music night for their PJ Get Together PJ Library’s national office that we had been nominated Community Foundation of LA, Carl & Joann Bianco, the to participate in this pilot program, I knew it was the perfect share how it was such a treat to attend a lecture and that Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation, the Susser opportunity to involve more parents in the formation of our they simply wouldn’t have been able to make it work with- Family Trust, Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall, and programs and to expand the programming beyond the out the childcare and dinner PJ Library provided. Shortly two anonymous partners. monthly opportunities we’ve had. I was honored that the after that, we teamed up with Temple Israel to facilitate a Locally, PJ Library is implemented by the Jewish Federafolks in our national offices had recognized the work we’ve special Shabbat experience for families with young children, tion of Omaha with funding from The Dorothy and Myer S. done in the past nine months to offer more frequent, diverse providing a relaxed atmosphere where no one had to worry Kripke Institute for Jewish Family Literacy, the Murray H. opportunities to bring families together. about their four-year-old running around the dinner tables, and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, and many “PJ Library’s impact goes well beyond the more than since we were all there with our little ones and happy to other Jewish Federation Foundation grants. 170,000 books we send out each month across the US and see them playing together. PJ Library and PJ Our Way™ families currently living in Canada,” said Judi Wisch, Director of Community EngageBeyond partnering with area synagogues, PJ Library Omaha are invited to apply to host a Get Together. Applicament for PJ Library. Omaha is beginning to work directly with families to crys- tions open Tuesday, May 23 and close Friday, June 30. If “We have worked closely with our local partners for years talize smaller neighborhood-based networks. Ever wonder if you aren’t already part of PJ Library – sign up at pjlibrary.org to help advance Jewish family engagement, and now we there are other families near you looking to connect and cel- and you’ll be eligible to apply within days. are able to add financial support to help ensure the success ebrate your shared Jewish values? We can help you find the For more information, please visit pjlibrary.org/GetToof great initiatives created by families.” families that live closest to you and identify the best place gether or contact me at jbeckman@jewishomaha.org. Not everyone realizes that PJ Library isn’t just about the to meet up, whether that is the nearest public library or the Families with children ages zero-eight can receive free books. Don’t get me wrong – we LOVE the books. As a work- neighborhood splash pad. Want to organize a playgroup but books every month by signing up for PJ Library at ing parent, a brand new book connecting my daughter to don’t have the resources (time, knowledge, or money) to cre- pjlibrary.org. Children ages nine-11 can choose a free chapter her Jewish values arriving in our mailbox each month is a ate a craft highlighting the upcoming Jewish holiday? Want book or graphic novel every month by enrolling in PJ Our huge time-saver for me and I really can’t thank HGF enough! to figure out how to explain tikkun olam to a four-year-old Way with a parent at pjourway.org. However, part of my role at the Jewish Federation of Omaha (or learn about it yourself)? We can help connect you to all
10 | The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017
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
RoSE BlumkIn JEWISh homE
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
TEmplE ISRaEl
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
TIfERETh ISRaEl
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’naI ISRaEl SynaGoGuE
Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on June 9, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Sandi Yoder, Director of the Iowa Jewish Historical Society. Our special guest Torah reader will be Noah Levine of the Jewish Community Legacy project. Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! Our services are led by lay leader Larry Blass. 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: NE AIDS Coalition Lunch, 11:30 a.m. at at NE AIDS Project; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SaTuRday: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEkday SERVICES: Sundays, 9:45 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sunday: Torah Study, 10:15 a.m. TuESday: Shavuot Learning, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel, 12604 Pacific St. Beth El, Beth Israel, Temple Israel and Chabad are coming together for a night of learning with Rabbis Abraham, Dembitzer, Abramovich, Berezin and Katzman for all ages and abilities. Dairy treats will be served. Our Shabbat Tables, friday, June 2, 6 p.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETh ISRaEl SynaGoGuE
Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. fRIday: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Friday Learing Series with Rabbi Shlomo, 11:15 a.m. at the JCC Kripke Library; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:28 p.m. SaTuRday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights in the Weekly Torah Reading, 7:25 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:10 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:37 p.m. Sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. monday: Synagogue Office Closed for Memorial Day; Shacharit, 7 a.m. TuESday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Erev Shavuot/Light Meal, 8 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:31 p.m.; Learning Sessions, 8 p.m.-midnight; Dairy Desserts, midnight. WEdnESday-Shavuot day 1: One-on-One Learning, 12:30 a.m. thru early morning; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Earliest Candle Lighting, 9:32 p.m. ThuRSday-Shavuot day 2: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Shavuot Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Havdalah, 9:41 p.m.
ChaBad houSE
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 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. followed by a festive kiddush luncheon. Sunday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 a.m. WEEkdayS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. monday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. TuESday: Shavuot Learning, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel, 12604 Pacific St. Beth El, Beth Israel, Temple Israel and Chabad are coming together for a night of learning with Rabbis Abraham, Dembitzer, Abramovich, Berezin and Katzman for all ages and abilities. Dairy treats will be served. All programs are open to the entire community.
ConGREGaTIon B’naI JEShuRun
Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. fRIday: Pre-neg, 6 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:29 p.m. SaTuRday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Bemidbar; Havdalah (72 Minutes), 10 p.m. Sunday: Board of Trustees Meeting, 1:30 p.m.
monday: Synagogue Office Closed for Memorial Day TuESday: Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m.; Candle Lighting for Shavuot, 8:33 p.m. WEdnESday: Shavuot Dairy Potluck/Torah Study Session, 6 p.m. at Antelope Park; Candle Lighting for Shavuot, 10:03 p.m. Bring a dairy or vegetarian main dish, appetizer, salad, or dessert to share at our potluck dinner. Drinks, paper goods, cups, and cutlery will be provided. We will have two study sessions following dinner led by Nancy Coren and Rabbi Lewis. Approximate times of the sessions will be 7-7:45 p.m. and 7:50-8:35 p.m. Please RSVP 402-423-8569 to let us know you can join us. ThuRSday: Trope Class, 6:15 p.m. with Michael Boekstal. Class participants will need The Art of Torah Cantillation by Marshall Portnoy and Josee Wolff; Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. Special Farewell Service for Rabbi Lewis: Services and Special Remarks, friday, June 2, 7 p.m. followed by Potluck Dessert Reception at South Street Temple. Please help us fund our Annual commitment to Clinic With a Heart. The funds we contribute help to pay for clinic supplies and prescription medications for the patients. Your tax deductible contribution to Clinic with a Heart can be made with a check to the Temple, designated for the clinic. Help in our Temple Gardens! Help us get ready for a beautiful summer garden! How can you help? Tending the flower beds during the summer: We can also use help with routine weeding and trimming during the spring and summer. Help us keep a beautiful garden to enhance our Temple! Contact: Ellin Siegel at ellin7@aol.com or 402.525.4022 or the Temple Office and let us know you would like to help in the gardens. LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 10–July 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at TI. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering. Tuition for each week is $75 and if you are enrolling two or more children, the cost is $50 per child, per week. This program is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Please send tuition checks payable to LJCS to Andrea at TI no later than July 1. Camp registration is required through LJCS.
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 Jim Fried. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
Don’t miss Oklahoma!
TEmplE ISRaEl
fRIday: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SaTuRday: Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Torah and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer. TuESday: Shavuot Program, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel, 12604 Pacific St. Beth El, Beth Israel, Temple Israel and Chabad are coming together for a night of learning with Rabbis Abraham, Dembitzer, Abramovich, Berezin and Katzman for all ages and abilities. Dairy treats will be served. WEdnESday: Shavuot Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. June First Friday Shabbat Service and Picnic, friday, June 2, 6 p.m. Please bring your own picnic to enjoy after service or the 402BBQ Food Truck will be here for those who wish to purchase a meal.
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 Services, 10 a.m. There will be no Kiddush lunch this week. monday: Synagogue Office Closed for Memorial Day. TuESday-ThuRSday: Synagogue Office Closed for Shavout. WEdnESday: Join us on Shavuot as members of Tifereth Israel and South Street Temple gather at Antelope Park at 6 p.m. Bring a dairy or vegetarian main dish, appetizer, salad, or dessert to share at our potluck dinner. Drinks, paper goods, cups, and cutlery will be provided. We will have two study sessions following dinner led by Nancy Coren and Rabbi Lewis. Approximate times of the sessions will be 7-7:45 p.m. and 7:50-8:35 p.m. Please RSVP 402-423-8569 to let us know you can join us. friday, June 2, Services and Special Remarks at 7 p.m. followed by Potluck Dessert Reception at The South Street Temple, 2061 S. 20th St, Lincoln. Please bring your favorite dessert to share as we celebrate this bittersweet occasion of Rabbi Lewis' departure for Mizpah Congregation in Chattanooga, TN. LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 10–July 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at TI. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering. Tuition for each week is $75 and if you are enrolling two or more children, the cost is $50 per child, per week. This program is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Please send tuition checks payable to LJCS to Andrea at TI no later than July 1. Camp registration is required through LJCS.
The Jewish Community Center’s Musical lin, Director Fran Sillau, Musical Director Theater Community Acting Group will present Bernadette Smith and Choreographer CourtOklahoma! June 8 at 7 p.m. and June 11 at 2 ney Stein, this program has flourished since its p.m. in the JCC Theater. inception in 2010. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students and can be purchased at the door on the day of the show, or by calling Registrar Laura Wine at 402.334.6419. Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a Jeremy Wright, Rob Thornhill, Emerson Bostrom and Scott Goodman rehearse handsome cowboy, their lines on a Sunday afternoon. and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. AlDon’t miss the opportunity to see and hear though the road to true love never runs smooth, what all the buzz is about! with these two headstrong romantics holding the Musical Theater Community Acting Group reins, love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride performances have been made possible by the down a country road. following Jewish Federation of Omaha FoundaSince January, members of MTCAG have retion Funds: The Karen Sokolof Javitch Music hearsed tirelessly every Sunday afternoon. It Fund, the Morton A. Richards Youth Program takes a village: under the expert guidance of Fund, the Samuel and Bess Rothenberg MemoCultural Arts Director Esther Katz, Dance & rial Endowment Fund and the JCC Theater Cultural Arts Assistant Director Jessica Wester- Program Endowment Fund.
lifecycles in memoriam
richard ‘dick’ glazer
Richard ‘Dick’ Glazer passed away in his home on May 19 at age 79. Services were held May 21 at Temple Israel. He was predeceased by wife, Phyllis Bernstein Glazer, and sister, Harlene Lewin. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Jordana, and John and Jennifer Glazer; and grandchildren: David, Grant, Emily, Danny and Jane. Richard loved his family, work, friends and community. He was a respected businessman, as well as, an avid football, golf and auto enthusiast. To his family he leaves many lessons, blessings and traditions. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. Memorials may be made in his name to the Cornerstone Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
JuSTin “Judd” manviTz
Justin “Judd” Manvitz passed away on May 14 at age 90. Services were held May 18 at Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive. Private interment, Beth El Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Eva (Cohn) Manvitz. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Phyllis Manvitz; son and daughter-inlaw, Todd and Wendy Manvitz, and daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Kyle Hutchings; grandchildren: Alissa Matt Arbeiter, Diana and Jason Williams, David Manvitz, Steffany, Whittany and Bradley Hutchings, Victoria and Brent Rice; great-grandchildren: Addison and Jackson Wiliams; and other loving relatives. Following his service in the US Navy and the Marine Corps as a Corpsman, during World War II, he attended the University of Nebraska and Omaha University, where he lettered in baseball, graduating in 1949. He played in the Industrial Baseball League for Shell Oil for two years. In the early 1950s he returned to Omaha and joined the family business, Omaha Compound, which his father founded in 1924. He retired in 2010. During his life he was active as a Mason, Omaha Rotary, B’nai B’rith and had an active interest in Creighton University and the University of Nebraska sports. Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.
maxine SimonS
Maxine Simons passed away on May 12 at age 93. Services were held May 15 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Laurie Misle; and grandson, Jason Fields. She is survived by her husband, Milton; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Judy Simons, and daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Alan Parsow, Sharl and Kerry Fields; grandchildren, Jim Simons, John and Heather Simons, Josh Parsow, Danny Parsow, Michael Parsow, Jared Fields, Andy and Hilary Misle, Amy Misle-Elmore and Tony Elmore; great granchildren: Carter Simons and Maysie Simons. Memorials may be made to the Beth El Cemetery Fund or the Seth Rich Memorial Scholarship Fund at www.bethel-omaha.org, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home at www.rbjh.com or the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society at www.nebraskajhs.com.
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Email the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.
Sports brief
Sandy Gordon, owner of Integrity ATA Martial Arts and 3rd Degree Black Belt competed in the Great Plains District Championship Tournament in Sioux City May 20th. Gordon placed 2nd in Traditional Forms and 1st in Traditional Sparring, Traditional Weapons, Combat Sparring and Creative Weapons. Sandy has already qualified to compete at the Tournament of Champions for world champ in Little Rock next month being ranked: 6th in Traditional Forms/ 1st in Traditional Sparring/ 2nd in Traditional Weapons/ 3rd in Combat Sparring/ 3rd in Creative Weapons in her age division. David Kay, 14, 1st Degree Black Belt, finished the competition year in 2nd place in Tradition Forms, Traditional Sparring and Combat Weapons in the State of Nebraska. John Spears, a Green Belt, is also finishing the competition year as Nebraska State Champ in Sparring and Combat Sparring. John, who is 13 years old, also came in 2nd place Traditional Forms and 3rd place Traditional Weapons. John also competed in Sioux City.
Pulverent e
The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017 | 11
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Russian court orders a 2nd Chabad rabbi deported
JTA news sTAff A Moscow district court ordered Yosef Khersonsky, an Israeli who heads one of the capital’s communities, to leave the Russian Federation in connection with his “setting up without permission a for-profit foreign entity,” the RIA Novosti news agency reported. e court did not specify the nature of the entity. In a hearing, Khersonsky denied the allegation, arguing that he acted as a consultant on religious matters for existing Jewish institutions, the report said. He intends to appeal the ruling. In March, a Russian appeals court affirmed an expulsion order issued against another American rabbi working in Sochi. In its ruling against Ari Edelkopf, the Krasnodar Court of Appeals accepted the determination of a Sochi tribunal that Edelkopf, who had been working as Chabad’s emissary to the city, was a threat to national security. Boruch Gorin, a senior Chabad rabbi in Russia, told the AFP news agency that both expulsion orders were part of an attempt by Russian authorities “to replace our foreign rabbis with Russian ones, to head communities so that they [the authorities] could control them better.” Approximately half of the 70 rabbis working for the Chabadaffiliated Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia are foreign. At least eight of them have been denied permission to work in Russia over the past decade, Gorin told JTA in March. Under President Vladimir Putin, Russian Jews have experienced a cultural revival in which Chabad has played a leading role. Dozens of synagogues and Jewish community property have been returned to communities, while the authorities and judiciary have been relatively intolerant of anti-Semitic violence and hate speech against Jews. But Putin has also led a crackdown on human rights and religious groups in general, particularly those with international affiliations.
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12 | The Jewish Press | May 26, 2017
usnews
O
May is Jewish American Heritage Month. Here’s why you didn’t know that. recently took over as JAHM’s public face and organizer JOSefiN DOlSTeN JTA from the American Jewish Archives. She hopes that with nly one religious group in the U.S. has a the museum’s support, the heritage month can raise its federally-proclaimed month celebrating profile both within and outside the Jewish community. their history: the Jews. In 2006, PresiThe museum is providing some financial and staff supdent George W. Bush officially declared May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Yet it hardly seems a priority -- not in the government, not in the media, not even within the Jewish community. There is not a single paid employee working to organize the commemoration, and neither the federal government nor any Jewish organizations or foundations are funding its operations. (By contrast, for example, the organization that coordinates Women’s History Month lists four staff Jewish American Heritage Month is celebrated every year in May. members and 16 sponsors.) “To tell you the truth, I’m very dis- Top left, clockwise: Obama Credit: Aude Guerrucci/Pool/Getty Imappointed,” said Marcia Zerivitz, who ages; Wasserman Schultz Credit: Andrew Burton/Getty Images; was one of the driving forces behind Calendar Credit: Dafne Cholet/Flickr, CC BY 2.0; Menorah photo: lobbying Congress to establish the National Museum of American Jewish History; Trump Credit: month. The current annual budget for Mark Wilson/Getty Images, Museum Credit: Jeff Goldberg/Esto. JAHM is about $10,000 and consists entirely of individual port, but Barsky hopes to obtain funding from corporadonations, according to Ivy Barsky, the director of the tions and foundations. Manischewitz has served as a National Museum of American Jewish History and a sponsor, promoting JAHM on its products, and Empire member of the JAHM advisory committee. Kosher Poultry provided funding, but the two kosher food “It’s its own tiny little 501C3, all with people who run producers are no longer doing so. their own institutions volunteering some time to work Educating the wider American public was the goal of on JAHM,” Barsky told JTA. “So like any of these things, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who in 2005 introduced until it has a dedicated staff person, it’s always going to legislation in Congress to establish the month with the be a little patched together.” late Sen. Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican at the Barsky hopes to change that. Her Philadelphia museum time (he later switched parties) and also Jewish.
“If you educated and raised awareness about contributions throughout American history all over the country, it would make people more familiar with the Jewish community and our people and hopefully impact a reduction of anti-Semitism and intolerance,” Wasserman Schultz told JTA about the inspiration for the legislation. Wasserman Schultz recalled the joy she felt upon the heritage month’s proclamation. “It was exhilarating. It was the first legislation that I passed as a member of Congress, and I’m the first Jewish woman to represent Florida in Congress, so it was very significant for me personally,” she said, citing experiences with anti-Semitism both in New York, where she grew up, and in Florida. But has the legislation lived up to its expectations? While calling the month “still a work in progress,” Wasserman Schultz said she is “very satisfied with how it’s been celebrated.” Jonathan Sarna, a professor of American Jewish history at Brandeis University, disagrees. At the time of the proclamation, “there was considerable excitement,” but JAHM has yet to live up to its potential, he said. “So much money is spent on Jewish education in the United States that the fact that we have not been able to harness this golden opportunity given to us by the government, and really develop a month that would affect every American Jew, is a sign of the disorganization that we’ve seen -- ultimately it’s a sign of a problem,” Sarna told JTA. JAHM’s website lists 17 events this month, most of them hosted by local groups, including a poetry reading organized by a social justice group in Connecticut and an event about Jews and jazz at a Florida library. The Library of Congress, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and the Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco are each hosting one event, and the Na-
tional Museum of Jewish History is hosting two events. “Every Jewish newspaper and media outlet should be focused on American Jewish history during that month,” Sarna said. “Programming materials should be sent to every rabbi, every synagogue. Synagogues should be encouraged to have a speaker dealing with American Jewish history.” To be sure, JAHM celebrations have had some highlights over the years. In 2010, President Barack Obama hosted the first Jewish American Heritage Month reception at the White House with such Jewish luminaries as Sandy Koufax and musician Regina Spektor, but the program was cut due to the budget sequester. Also in 2010, Jewish-American astronaut Garret Reisman brought the original proclamation with him aboard the Atlantis space shuttle. Jewish groups, however, have been hesitant to commit money to the commemoration. “I would think that all these national [Jewish] organizations would get behind it, but everyone is struggling for funding,” said Zerivitz, who is on the JAHM board. “[The] Holocaust gets the emotions going in the American Jewish community, and Holocaust things are much easier to fund than American Jewish history things,” she added. Barsky said she looks to more prominent national commemorations for inspiration. “We hope we’ll be able to fundraise and get some great attention for Jewish American Heritage Month, so that this can grow into something a little more akin to Women’s History Month or African-American History Month,” she said. Sarna also is optimistic about JAHM’s future. “This is a lot easier than making peace in the Middle East, believe me,” he said.
Please join the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and our nine community partner organizations as we recognize and thank the members of our Omaha Jewish community who have generously made a commitment to leave a legacy gift through the LIFE & LEGACY™ program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
Lighting the torch of
PHILANTHROPY
Together GENERATION TO GENERATION
COMMUNITY PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS The Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies; Jewish Community Center, Jewish Press and Jewish Social Services (Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Outreach, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home)
Anti-Defamation League/CRC Beth El Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue Chabad House
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
June 15, 2017 | 6:30 PM
Friedel Jewish Academy Institute for Holocaust Education Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Temple Israel
333 South 132nd Street, Omaha NE 68154 6:30-7:00 PM - Heavy hors-d’oeuvres and wine 7:15-7:45 PM - Keynote speaker Amy Hirshberg Lederman is an award-winning, nationally-syndicated columnist, author, Jewish educator, and attorney. Musical performance by Karen Sokolof Javitch following keynote. 8:00 PM - Dessert reception
RSVP
BY MAY 31, 2017
To RSVP or for more information please contact Margo Parsow, Life & Legacy Coordinator at 402-334-6432 or mparsow@jewishomaha.org