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Humanitarian of the Year ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press ichael Staenberg is the 2019 Jewish Federation of Omaha Humanitarian of the Year. You are invited to celebrate with us at our virtual Annual Meeting, June 1 at 7 p.m. Many of us fondly remember the 2014 Jewish Omaha Reunion as a wonderful weekend, catching up with old friends and former community members, as we showcased Jewish Omaha with love and pride. Among the hundreds of visitors to our campus that weekend was native son, Michael Staenberg. “I never stopped reading the Jewish Press,” he said, “and when I saw the announcement for the reunion, I called my sister Beth. After talking to her, I decided to come-I hadn’t been here since the 1980s.” As Michael toured the JCC campus he saw a well- used facility maintained by a dedicated and strong Jewish community. As a successful commercial real estate developer and premier philanthropist, however, Michael envisioned something more: “I told Mark Martin the building needed some love,” he remembers. “During the weekend of the Omaha Jewish Reunion,” Renee Corcoran said, “I walked into the JCC with Michael when he said: ‘This place needs an update!’ That’s exactly what he has done for our community. Michael has made his own See Humanitarian of the Year page 2
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Giving thanks on Memorial Day
MATTHEW COHEN This past Monday was Memorial Day, a time to remember those who gave their lives in our country’s wars. More than just a day of barbeques, Memorial Day is worth a moment of introspection to give thanks and
renew connections to our forebears who sacrificed for future generations. Notably, among the one million Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in war are countless Jews. At least 17 Jewish servicemen have received our country’s highest honor for heroism in combat, the Medal of Honor, with approximately one-third awarded posthumously. American Jews have died in all our nation’s wars, from the Revolution through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the first to fall in battle was Captain Lewis Bush. Bush, who hailed from a family of Philadelphia merchants, served with distinction in numerous battles before receiving See Memorial Day page 3
Michael Staenberg
Happenings galore in the Beth Israel Zoom Room
MARY SUE GROSSMAN As a new reality enveloped everyone’s lives, synagogue life immediately moved to find ways to connect with everyone safely. The clergy and staff at Beth Israel jumped into action and the Beth Israel Zoom Room became the “place to be.” With this method of video communications, classes, Kabbalat Shabbat, musical havdalahs, and special events quickly populated the weekly Zoom Room calendar. Using cell phones, tablets, laptops, or desktop computers people have been “zooming in” to be a part
of the on-going action. Participants also have the option of calling in for audio access only. With schedules posted on the Beth Israel Facebook page, included in the weekly shul email, and at orthodoxomaha. org, information is readily at hand. “At a time when being together is an unsafe option, everyone has found the need to stay connected more important than ever,” shares Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. “Having the option to connect with people has been critical. I have found myself busier than ever making new See Beth Israel page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2020
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Humanitarian of the Year
Continued from page 1 successes while remembering where he came from. These are qualities to be admired and recognized. I want to congratulate him; he is well-deserving of this honor!” “He saw opportunity and the prospect of a more contemporary, vibrant facility,” JCC Executive Director Mark Martin said, “which could serve as a catalyst for the future of our Jewish Omaha. Before too long, we witnessed the beginnings of a campus transformation and Michael Staenberg has been with us every step of the way. The initial project included the renovation of the Fitness Center, a beautiful new indoor and outdoor Aquatics Center and the creation of the Community Engagement Venue. And there is much more to come!” To Michael, philanthropy is not something he views as a solo-act, and so he motivated others to join him, most notably Tom Fellman and Howard Kooper. “Michael is a tremendous energizer and doer,” Tom Fellman said. “If it weren’t for him, I don’t think we could have ever accomplished as much on this campus project. He is like a one-man steam engine. I admire and appreciate him and often wish I had his energy! Howard and I are so proud to be his partners.” Howard Kooper agreed: “I believe with all my heart that without him, we would not have been able to do anything like this. He is a motivation to all of us.” “He gets me excited,” Tom Fellman said in 2017. “He is so passionate and he made me a believer that a vibrant Jewish Community Center is absolutely essential for our Jewish Community. Having a communal home like this, in addition to our synagogues, helps us collectively and I’m absolutely thrilled that he got us on board.”
“To Jewish Omaha, Michael has become a dear friend, trusted advisor, generous donor and a man of vision and commitment,” JFO CEO Alan Potash said. “For this reason, we are proud to nominate Michael Staenberg as the 2019 Humanitarian of the Year for the Jewish Federation of Omaha.” “When I think of the people who have earned this award before me,” Michael said, “it’s hard not to feel humbled. It’s quite a list! I feel very honored to be named in such good company. Growing up, I never imagined I’d find myself here.” Born in Omaha in 1954, Michael grew up in a middle-class neighborhood with his parents Martin (Marty) and Marlene, his sister Beth and brothers David and John. His father taught Michael strong Jewish values, instilling in him the desire to help those less fortunate and to practice the values of Tikkun Olam. These words have guided Michael through the years and are evidenced in his philanthropic work. In fact, the blue pushka still sits by his desk in his St. Louis office as a reminder of this commitment.
And then, there was the “red coat.” “I was young, I wanted a red coat because of the Nebraska Huskers,” Michael remembers. “My dad said that if I wanted that coat so bad, I’d have to work for it. And so I worked, and worked. When I finally had the money to buy the coat, my dad placed the money in front of me and started putting it into piles. I knew right away what was happening; what followed was a hard lesson in how to divide up your earnings. How much goes to Tzedakah? After taking that portion out, there was not enough money left for the coat. I screamed and hid under my bed, I was so upset! My father said: ‘you have two choices. You can quit, or you can work another couple of weeks until you do have enough left to buy the coat. I eventually came out of my fit and made the right choice, worked another month and was able to get that coat. It’s a lesson that’s stuck with me to this day; every time I fail or do something stupid, I remind myself: ‘you have a choice.’ Do I quit, or do I work harder? The answer is right in front of me. If I want that ‘red coat,’ I work harder.” At the age of 13 Michael suffered a devastating loss when his father died suddenly, changing the course of his life. Following the loss, Michael pitched in, bagging groceries and other jobs, to help his family. He began a life-long association with Jewish Community Centers. Michael bonded with Jewish boys his age at the old downtown Omaha Jewish Community Center. He took the bus to the J after school at Westside High to play games and hang out with his friends. To this day, he remembers the feeling that he was “home.” Walk through our Jewish Community with Michael Staenberg and it quickly See Humanitarian of the Year page 3
Continued from page 1 connections and the Beth Israel Zoom Room has been great.” He expressed his thanks to Yaakov Jeidel for being the “Zoom guru” in addition to keeping Beth Israel social media always current. Offerings are available every day. Look through the list and make one or several a part of your regular schedule. Monday through Friday at 7:15 a.m., Rabbi Ari teaches a 15-minute class titled Deepening Prayer. Immediately following is a 30-minute class called The Laws of Shabbos. These classes are based on Reb Kook’s teachings with a focus on finding ways to make davening and Shabbat more meaningful. Thursdays from 9-10 a.m., Rabbi Ari leads a middot class and he returns at 4:30 p.m. with Parsha Inspiration found on Facebook Live. Beth Israel’s popular JYE BI – Jewish Youth Education at Beth Israel – continues to connect with youth. Faige Jeidel teaches Tefillah from 10-11 a.m., Sunday through Friday. Rabbi Yoni covers Parsha and Halacha 1-2 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Despite adhering to social distancing, Kabbalat Shabbat continues to be the perfect way to begin Shabbos. Each Friday evening at 7 p.m. there is music, inspiration and fun. The conclusion of Shabbat is made special on Saturday night with a musical Havdalah, beginning one hour after Friday evening’s candle lighting time. In addition to classes and Shabbat happenings, Beth Israel has hosted its monthly board meetings, the annual meeting, a farewell event to departing Executive Director Nate Shapiro and Administrative Assistant, Kaitlin Maher. Cooking classes have been given by Rabbi Yoni. Pesach classes helped everyone prepare for this year’s unique Passover. Other events have included concerts by Binyomin Lerner, a frequent visitor to Omaha. Many in the Beth Israel family have also celebrated the bris of Rabbi Moshe and Hadar Nachman’s son, Tuvia. Another simcha was joining the Bar Mitzvah of Shilo Abramovich, Rabbi and Hodaya Abramovich’s oldest son. The Abramovich family returned to Israel in October, after being an integral part of the Omaha Jewish community for three years. The Zoom Room also featured commemorations of Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron in addition to a celebration of Yom Ha’ztmaut. Sunday evenings frequently feature special Q&A sessions. One of these was on May 17 with Beth Israel’s own Dr. Howie Gendelman, an infectious disease expert at UNMC, giving a talk on COVID-19. Nearly 100 people from near and far took part. Beth Israel encourages everyone to continue to be safe, be strong, and be kind. To be added to the Beth Israel email list, simply call the synagogue office at 402.556.6288 or email exe cutiveasst@orthodoxomaha.org. “Like” Beth Israel Synagogue Omaha on Facebook and be up-to-the minute on all the happenings.
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The Jewish Press | May 29, 2020 | 3
Humanitarian of the Year
Continued from page 2 becomes obvious: this man notices everything. A builder by profession –he is the president of The Staenberg Group (TSG)–and a philanthropist by choice, Staenberg has an inspiring history of giving. In St. Louis, his family foundation launched the “Michael H. Staenberg Anything Grants,” providing a broad range of support for a variety of Jewish organizations as well as synagogues. Anything Grants have since been mirrorred in other communities and inspire ‘matching grants’ by additional donors. Michael worked his way through Arizona State University and upon graduation went to work for Leo Eisenberg & Company in Kansas City, then, building on that success, he became 1st Vice President of the St. Louis office. In 1991 Michael cofounded THF Realty and today serves as President and founder of The Staenberg Group. He has been recognized professionally with a wide array of accolades and awards focused on business, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. He and his wife Carol created the Staenberg Family Foundation over ten years ago, working through the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. They have contributed over $150M to non-profit organizations and an additional $150 million in-kind resources. “I give to give, because it makes me feel good inside to have a part in keeping things going,” Michael said. “Currently, we are benefiting from virtual connections, Zoom meetings are great and they keep us in touch during this time, but ultimately, we need face-to-face contact. It’s important that humans come together. For that, we need the right places, programs and people. While we are currently connecting in new and different ways, we will come back stronger on the other side of this!” There is no question that Michael Staenberg has earned great respect and admiration for his amazing achievements and the support he has offered to so many throughout his career. What makes Michael stand out, however, is his humanity. He is passionate about quality of life issues, particularly in the areas of education, arts, health and wellness. He coupled these concerns with his deeply held Jewish beliefs and found a way to help and strengthen Jewish communities while developing their abilities and resources to maintain and grow their services into the future. Jewish Community Centers in St. Louis, Denver, Omaha and Kansas City are thriving thanks to Michael Staenberg. He has positioned these Jewish organizations to achieve quality programs and facilities, which not only
bolster Jewish community but also improve life for each individual and family. The Staenberg Family Foundation exemplifies Michael’s altruistic and compassionate outlook on giving. “My dad always made sure we understood that we had a roof over our head, food on our plate, and that there were people more important that needed more help than we did,” he said. “So early on, we got the lessons.” Michael has made his father’s message his mantra for countless acts of kindness, Tzedakah, and humanity over the years. With the Family Foundation donations in excess of $150 million, 70 percent has gone to Jewish causes including Camp Sabra, development of a youth technology and education center, music and art appreciation for youth, support for a Jewish Food Pantry, contributions to a new St. Louis Chabad facility, St. Louis Jewish Lights newspaper, a new St. Louis Mikvah and many other organizations throughout the United States and in Israel. “Smaller cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, Des Moines and Omaha are great at building community,” Michael said. “The Jewish communities in those places have so much history and tradition, which you are in danger of losing in larger cities. At most, we are 20 minutes away from each other and that is a great benefit.” Michael Staenberg accomplished far beyond most in a stellar career of building, development and sales but his legacy will be all that he has done for others. From his shared story of grandparents immigrating through Ellis Island, dependent on the help of a new community, to his hands on work building and enhancing Jewish community centers, Michael has perpetuated the value of Tikkun Olam and is living, day to day, the lessons of his father - to give back and make the world a better place. Mark Martin said: “Much of Michael’s knowledge comes from his hands-on expertise. His fondness for Omaha is obvious: he visits often and always has time for the Omaha J.” “This is the time for the Jewish Federation of Omaha to take this unique opportunity to honor Michael Staenberg as he has honored our community,” Alan Potash said. “There could be no greater act of humanity than helping our community develop and sustain the resources we need to continue to serve the Jewish people of Omaha. From our most vulnerable community members who need help with life’s basic needs to our young families who are building Jewish lives, we are grateful for the opportunities that Michael Staenberg has made possible.”
Memorial Day Continued from page 1 mortal wounds at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. His brother, Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Bush—the highest ranking Jewish soldier in the Continental Army—was seriously injured in the same battle. Jews continued to serve meritoriously in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, the First World War, and numerous smaller conflicts. According to the commander of American forces during the “war to end all wars,” General of the Armies John J. Pershing, “When the time came to serve their country under arms, no class of people served with more patriotism or with Captain Benjamin Salomon higher motives than the young Jews who volunteered or were drafted and went overseas with our other young Americans to fight the enemy.” In the Second World War, American Jews continued this tradition, with some 7,000 falling in combat. Among those was Benjamin Salomon, who was a practicing dentist before the war but soon earned high marks as an enlisted infantryman along with a quick promotion to sergeant and leader of a machine gun section. When the Army found out about his previous occupation, however, it ordered Salomon—against his will—to leave his position as an infantryman and instead serve as a dentist. It was in this position that Captain Salomon went ashore with his regiment on the island of Saipan in June 1944. The Marianas were the site of some of the fiercest combat of the Pacific War, and Salomon was soon treating battle casualties in a field hospital close to the front line after the unit surgeon was wounded. After three weeks of fighting, the Japanese commander realized that the battle was lost and ordered his remaining men to advance in a fanatical banzai charge. Captain Salomon’s hospital was soon overrun by enemy troops. After killing the initial infiltrators in hand-to-hand combat, Salomon ordered his medics to evacuate the wounded while he held off the Japanese. When found, Salomon’s body—riddled with bullet and bayonet wounds—was slumped over a machine gun and surrounded by 98 dead enemy soldiers. Blood trails indicated that despite mortal injuries, he had managed to drag the
hundred-pound weapon into four different fighting positions over the course of a lengthy fight. He single-handedly delayed an overwhelming enemy force, saving dozens of his comrades. Unfortunately, due to a misinterpretation of the Geneva Conventions, it took almost 60 years for Captain Salomon to receive the Medal of Honor. Significantly, at least 58 American Jews have died in our recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was privileged to have known one of them, David Bernstein, through the West Point Jewish Chapel. Though I did not know Dave well—he was older and, unlike me, an exemplary cadet—his reputation Lieutenant David Bernstein preceded him. A brilliant and humble scholar-athlete, he graduated fifth in his class and completed the Army’s elite combat diver course. As a young paratroop officer, Dave was on patrol with his men in Iraq when ambushed by heavily armed insurgents. Bleeding profusely from a wound to his femoral artery, and with one of his soldiers dead, another wounded, and a third pinned underneath his Humvee, Dave had a choice—attend to his own wounds or look after his men. He chose the latter. After five attempts, Dave was finally able to free the trapped soldier by reversing the Humvee off of his arm. Shortly thereafter, Dave succumbed to his wounds. Lieutenant Bernstein, 24 years old, posthumously received our country’s third-highest award for bravery, the Silver Star. Let us remember Lewis Bush, Ben Salomon, Dave Bernstein, and the other one million Americans who gave their lives in defense of our country’s highest ideals, to include our traditional motto, “E pluribus unum”: Out of many, one. The author would like to thank the National Museum of American Jewish Military History for providing some of the facts in this article. Matthew Cohen is an active duty Army officer who lives in Omaha with his family. The views expressed above are his own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, Department of Defense, or US Government. He would like to thank the National Museum of American Jewish Military History for providing some of the information in this article.
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Beth Israel presents: “Zoomba”
Health+ Wellness
YAACOV JEIDEL Some say Zumba, others Jewmba - but at Beth Israel, we decided it would best be called ZoomBa! In an effort to keep our kids engaged and active we are proud to announce a FREE, yes free, Zoomba class being offered to #JewishOmaha girls 1st through 8th grade. No matter your level of dance experience, this class has something for you! This event will take place on Sunday, May 31 at 5 p.m. and for security reasons, we ask those wishing to attend to RSVP. The month of May is mental health awareness month and with everyone spending extended periods of time at home, we thought this would be the perfect time to be a little more social in a fun and active way. Studies from the university of New Hampshire show that the upbeat songs and fast-paced dancing aid in the release of endorphins, so you can
dance away your stress and the leave this class feeling happier. In addition to removing some stress, it’s a great full-body workout and can help boost confidence. This class will be led by our very own superstar, JFO teen volunteer of the year, Zoe Berman. Zoe is self-certified in Zoomba and will be heading off to Israel this summer to spend a gap year studying abroad and connecting even more with her Jewish roots and our eternal homeland. Come on; be honest - you must have had at least seven cheesecakes over Shavuot! Now you’re thinking: what will it help if my kid does a bit of exercise? We hope you will secretly join from a distance. Just be very careful not to embarrass your kid(s)! Either way, we hope your girls will join this phenomenal opportunity. Text 402.881.9739 with your name to RSVP. See you there!
A tribute to Nick Newman With fond memories we remember Nick today and what he stood for. His devotion to the Jewish Community, the broader Omaha community-in leadership and helping others and his love for the State of Israel and what it means to the Jewish people. A person passes away, but his spirit and principles remain as legacies for succeeding generations. Hard to believe that 47 years have passed since we flew one snow swept day in January to say good-bye to Nick. Yael was two years old and Racky said that he might be able to stay with us for a few minutes. He played with Yael for over an hour and we had a very meaningful visit culminating our relationship with him over the years since we met at Murray’s wedding. Racky and Nick were in Israel many times and we developed a meaningful relationship. We learned how their home was always open for the causes that they held dear. We continued in close relations with Racky for many years, as she too continued what they had started together. We are honored to have known Nick and may his memory be a blessing for his family and all those that loved him. IRIT AND MURREL KOHN Tel Aviv | May 16,2020
Get safety and security with Bloom Companion Care and Arial Home Health Home is where we want to be, our friends, reminders of where we’ve been and who we are surround us... Bloom Companion Care and Arial Home Health support and appreciate Omaha’s Jewish community. Right now, we share a perspective of what safety and security means. One caregiver per family is our goal. Our caregivers are practicing social distancing to protect our clients. Our caregiver’s families are practicing social distancing to protect the caregiver who protects you. The commitment of our caregivers
inspires our company to remember we’re a family, a family who protects other families. Your security, autonomy and health are our mission. This moment in history is temporary, our commitment is not. Bloom Companion Care along with Arial Home Health might be the answer for your family at this moment of uncertainty, explore the possibility. Joe Pepitone at 402.350.8230 or Gretchen Radler at 402.612.4383, let’s see if we can find a creative answer.
The Garden Cafe: An Omaha tradition
Publishing date | 07.17.20
Space reservation | 07.08.20
Contact our advertising executive to promote your business in this very special edition. SUSAN BERNARD | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org
The Garden Cafe is a premier bakery, restaurant and caterer and has been an Omaha tradition since 1985. We serve breakfast and lunch in house, and cater your house or office for your convenience. The Garden Cafe was voted Omaha, NE’s favorite family restaurant and bakery and the current titleholder of the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Omaha’s Choice Award as well! Other features include a complete carry-out menu, full-service catering, and two party room facilities seating up to 100. We have a large menu and also a full Bar that can serve as a host bar or cash bar for your guests. We offer $9.99 Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Margaritas every weekend, Saturday and Sunday! And, of course, we are famous for our desserts. If you haven’t tried them, give us a call today. At Garden Cafe, we offer exciting seasonal specials and a warm and friendly staff waiting
to serve you! To make your event easy for you, we deliver to offices, homes, and just about anywhere else. Call our catering director for more information. Looking for a facility to host your party? Bridal Showers, Birthdays and Bar Mitzvahs Anniversaries, Baby showers and more! Stop by or call 402.393.0252 today! Looking for a professional caterer on short notice? Need a party room that can hold 100 people for a business meeting? Call 402.393.0252 today. Catering is available 24/7. Short notice? Not a problem! Call us at Garden Cafe in Omaha NE at 402.393.0252. Open Daily 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Our service areas include Omaha, Chalco, Ralston, La Vista, Millard, Elkhorn NE, and Council Bluffs IA. Visit our website at www.gardencaferock brook.com for more information. We hope to see you soon!
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UNMC Pen Pals for our Residents SABINE STRONG Volunteer Coordinator, RBJH Emily Jezewski and Abigale Miller, two first-year medical students at UNMC College of Medicine, class of 2023, created a pen pal program where they pair health students with older adults in the community to combat isolation. They have 20-25 students interested and available. They are working with Drs. Harlow and Potter at the Home Instead Center for Healthy Aging on this project. Emily Jezewski contacted me about this pen pal program so we could pair our Residents with the students.
News LOCA L | N ATION AL | WORLD
I wonder why
Dear Patricia Faur,
JUST WANTED TO SEND YOU A SMILE TODAY! My name is Jennifer Grigsby, and I am a medical student at UNMC. I wanted to reach out to you to let you know that someone is thinking about you. I hope that you don’t feel alone as you go through this time. My heartfelt thoughts are with you all the way.
With the help of our great activities team at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home these pen pal volunteers have been reaching out to our Residents via email, handwritten letters and notes. Letters and emails were mailed to the activities team and they presented them to our Residents, as well as assisting the Residents with writing back to the students. Our Residents have been very exited about this. We have also received some wonderful uplifting notes for our Residents that are currently in quarantine. Such a wonderful gesture to brighten the day especially in times like this.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Due to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home temporarily being closed to the public, B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers will not meet until further notice. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@Gmail.com, Breadbreakers chairman. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
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In a few weeks, I’ll celebrate my 85th birthday. It has made me wonder about much, for I never thought I would reach my 85th year. I never planned for living that long, and now that I am at that age many thoughts come to my mind. I’m now older than both my mother and father were at the times of their deaths, and also older than each of my four grandparents were when they RICHARD FELLMAN died. My mother was one of eight children and my father was one of four children, so as a child years ago I had 19 uncles and aunts. I have now lived longer than all but two of them, aunts on each side of the family who each lived into their early 90s. And I had 17 first cousins. I was in the middle of that large group, but today a third of these cousins are gone and I am now the oldest living cousin. That’s a large family with rather poor life expectancies. I wonder why. Since my wife of 52 years died five years ago, I have been living alone. I learned how to do the laundry, cook routine meals, shop for groceries, make the bed and sort of keep everything going at home, but it has taken me a long time to learn to be alone. The quarantine dictated during the pandemic has not been difficult. It’s not much different than how I’ve been living
except for the rule, especially for those of my age, to stay home and never go any place at all. I speak with a few friends on the phone, exchange email and spend many pleasant hours writing and reading. I watch news on television and read two newspapers each morning. When I open them up I read the headlines first, then, without exception, I turn to the obituary page. Almost every morning there is someone listed in the Omaha World-Herald that I know. Then, after carefully reading that item, I glance through all the notices and look at the ages of those who have just died to see if they were older or younger than I am. To my surprise I’ve found that many of my contemporaries do the same spot check on the ages of those who died. It sort of places me and gives me a position in life. I wonder why. Most of all I find I look forward to the telephone calls from my four grown children. They don’t know it, but there is a rather established order of their calls. One calls nearly every day and another calls every other day or more often. One calls every couple of days and another calls every few days while driving. Many calls from adult children are made from their cars while they are in traffic. And those calls almost always end the same way which is not the way most telephone conversations end, sort of trailing off with a final goodbye. These calls from my children while they are in the car going some See I wonder why page 6
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THANK YOU!
Whether or not you have yet donated, we thank you for your interest and support. Here’s how we did on May 20
1010 Nonprofits $8.53 m. gross 65,160 donations
449 “small” NGO’s BPR Placed: #14 / 449 Largest # of Donors #6 / 449 Greatest $ Raised $13,321
This was, by far, our most successful OMAHA GIVES! But we’ve just begun. Your $ will help fund: 1. National Victory Gardens 2. ShareAgarden Videos
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I wonder why Continued from page 5 place have a unique ending: “Well, I’m here. Love you. Good bye,” And boom, the call ends. What those grown adult children don’t know is that each of those calls, regardless of how they end, give me a warm feeling of memory, a feeling that takes me back many years. I feel my hand running through a boy’s thick head of childish hair. Or I feel my hands tying a bow on the back of a little girl’s pretty pinafore. Sometimes I even feel, though only in my memory, myself wrapping a small body in a big towel after a bath and then reading a story while sitting on the side of a child’s bed and watching that child’s eyes slowly shut and go to sleep. Most of all those calls end with me feeling that I am again holding that child’s hand in my own hand as we are walking some place together. I wonder why. With the recent news of governors calling up the National Guard for duty I began to recall being a young Army officer in the year 1960. My mind flipped back and I was only 25 years old. I was lucky, for the Korean War was before my military service and the Vietnam War was yet to come. As I thought back those sixty years, I wondered what I would have thought then about serving in the Army 60 years before I was actually there. That would have placed me right in the middle of the Spanish-American War at the turn of the century. That seemed a long time ago. I wonder why. Just a few years ago I was teaching political science at UNO. One day in class, the discussion was about the Great Society and LBJ. I told the class that in 1964 Jim Exon, before he was Nebraska’s governor and US Senator, called me and said he was going to chair the Johnson-Humphrey campaign in Nebraska and asked me to work with him and chair the Young Citizens for LBJ and HHH. “Are you really that old?” a student asked. “That’s really ancient history, isn’t it?” How do you answer that to a student who is 19 or 20? A few classes later, I was telling the class about my Congressional campaign in 1980 and how I lost to Reagan who swept the country and carried a Republican House with him, all of which took me down. A student raised her hand and said “my grandfather always talks about Reagan and that was ages ago. Are you really that old?” I wonder why. Not long ago I was leaving my doctor’s office after a routine exam. I like my doctor very much. He’s smart and careful and he’s taken good care of me and my wife. I asked him as I was
leaving, “what can I look forward to?” “Well,” he said, “you’re almost 85, Dick, and you’re not going to outgrow anything any more.” We both smiled, and I said, “come on, what can I expect.?” “Sooner or later things will begin to happen to you.” “What,” I asked. “You tell me,” he answered. I wonder why. But these days every morning when I get up, I look out the window to see if the sun is shining and if the sky is blue or if the sky is gray with low hanging clouds and if there is a dampness that seems to cover the ground everywhere. On those soupy days I feel pain in my back for a while and then it feels better. I can tell if my lower back will ache or if I will feel good all day. I’m not sure why. I think it has to do with the barometer and the bones in my spine. But I feel sorry for my friends who always have sore backs, regardless of the sun. Even though I walk slower than I once did when I take a walk these days, and others out walking pass me by, I walk without a cane or a walker, and I know I am lucky. Others my age are not so lucky. I wonder why. At 85, I’ve lived a long time. Most of my life is behind me. And most of what I did, what I thought was so important back then, is forgotten now or considered ancient or old-fashioned. That’s all right with me, for I know that every one of those folks today who might think that about me will, if they are lucky, also become 85 years old. And almost everything that’s so important today to them will also be forgotten. But there are still questions. Questions that I’ve never been able to answer. And I still can’t. What happens next? I don’t know. Will America thrive? I think it will, just as it has in the past. Will the earth be habitable? I hope so. What about my children and grandchildren and everyone else’s children and grandchildren? What will happen to them? They will have their own ups and downs, but by the time they’re 85, I think they’ll be fine. And the biggest question of all... will the “Still Small Voice” which Elijah heard in the Biblical Book of Kings still be heard? I think so. I don’t wonder about that at all because way down deep, after all these 85 years, I still believe it will.
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The Jewish Press | May 29, 2020 | 7
Above and below: Beth Israel Lag B’Omer party at Casa Grossman.
SP O TLIGHT PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS Top, above and below: Graduation for the CDC’s future Kindergarteners was a little different this year: teachers lined up along the driveway as parents and grandparents slowly passed, allowing everyone to celebrate the graduates. Mazal tov!
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.
Right: RBJH Window Visits continue: JoAnn Woltkamp gets surprise birthday wishes from her family.
Left and below: Another Wacky Wednesday at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home: Dress Like a Pirate Day.
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
8 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2020
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Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Michael Ivey Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Jill Idelman, Andy Isaacson, Natasha Kraft, Andrew Miller, Eric Shapiro, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha. org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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Staying in touch ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press Thanks to Facebook, I accidentally found out Doris and Harry Alloy celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Mazal tov to a great couple; we hope you get to have a party some day! Normally, I probably would have found out sooner- someone would have mentioned it at work or in the synagogue. However, as a friend recently pointed out to me (over the phone- even though we’re in the same building) that happy grapevine is currently defunct. What else are we missing, now that we don’t see enough of each other? We jokingly call it the “parking lot-trap,” the way we run in to each other coming to or from the J, when conversations spark spontaneously and go beyond the ‘How are you’ to include News with a capital ‘N.’ The same goes for the shul’s Oneg, when you eat things you shouldn’t, or maybe you should because it is Shabbat, when you find your friends and acquaintances and exchange stories. Our community is a community for a reason. Our strength is most obvious face-to-face; no matter how many Zoom meetings we schedule, we don’t connect the way we ought to. I love working at the Jewish Federation of Omaha because we exist in that fantastic zone where colleagues are also friends, where if you are having a bad day the shoulder to cry on is only a hallway away. Where community members are so much more than visitors to our building—they are our friends, our relatives. We know each other. And don’t even get me started about the families who can’t visit their relatives in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. It’s necessary and it’s the right thing to do, but that does not make it any easier on anyone, including the staff. How do we stay in touch? Like, really in touch?
The answer is: we don’t; at least not in the manner to which we have become accustomed. And with that knowledge, we can do two things. We can complain and cry and lament; we can ignore sound advice and go to a pool party because
ation of Omaha’s Annual Meeting from home this coming Monday will be strange and unprecedented (I’m starting to really dislike that word!) but it is what we must do. This way, we ensure the safety of everyone we love, while living up to our mission to
our need for freedom demands it. We can go shopping without masks, hug our neighbors and friends and stand too close; we can dine in restaurants and visit bars and play hoops in the park. All those things are accessible to us; they are not actually illegal and we wouldn’t get arrested. Our other choice is to protect what and who we love. Yes, we miss each other—and wouldn’t it be fantastic if we came through this without losing many of our loved ones? If, once things get better, we can come together without having to ask ourselves if we’ve endangered our friends and family because we just couldn’t social distance anymore? And so, while we are probably all getting just a little tired of our computer screens, we ask you to stick this out with us. Attending the Jewish Feder-
build and sustain a truly amazing Jewish community (I’m paraphrasing). And know that, while we may not be able to hug you, we are thinking about you. Because seeing all your faces on a screen is definitely better than not seeing you at all. The entire community is invited to watch the Annual Meeting event streaming LIVE on June 1 at 7 p.m. We will recognize the outstanding service of the 2019-20 Board of Directors and install the 20202021 Board. Be sure to visit the JFO Facebook page or YouTube channel to participate in honoring our award recipients. The evening will also include performances by the JCC Dance Training Company, the Potash Twins and more! For more information, please visit www.jewishomaha.org. We can’t wait to see you!!
We need to radically change our assumptions
than empathy and deep understanding. Black Jews to count. They are also a way to express our values MARC L. DOLLINGER represented a microscopic number of Jews in the or devalue others. Through flawed questions, we SAN RAFAEL, Calif. | JTA Two summers ago, I published an academic book civil rights era, I reasoned. Therefore, minimizing dehumanize Jews of color. about blacks and Jews that did not include a single them, making them “invisible” to play on the title The existence of even a single black Jew, for examblack Jew in the narrative. Ilana Kaufman, founder of Ralph Ellison’s famed 1952 novel, made perfect ple, challenges some of our most basic assumptions and president of the Jews of Color Field Building academic sense. of postwar American Jewish life. How do Jews who Initiative, encouraged me to open are also black fit into our narrative of my eyes to my own implicit assumpblack-Jewish relations? To center tions about Jews, race, power and Jews of color in history demands that privilege. scholars ask important new quesSpecifically, she asked me to walk tions: What if the Jewish history of the through each chapter of the book civil rights movement reflected white and rethink its thesis through the racial privilege more than a manifeseyes of a black Jew. When I took tation of tikkun olam? How must we her advice, the very foundations of rewrite our entire understanding of my argument gave way to a much the civil rights era, and beyond, now more complex, nuanced and accuthat we recognize the existence and rate analysis of American Jews and experiences of Jews of color? race relations. Fortunately, I was able This is less a critique of Sheskin to add an epilogue that acknowland Dashefsky than it is a call for a edged the absence of black Jews in broader and deeper awareness of my book and the need for new academography’s racial implications. demic work, and have joined Kauf- Ethiopian Jews gather at a makeshift synagogue in Gondar to see if they have been While these two scholars base their given a date to move to Israel. Credit: Jenny Vaughan/AFP via Getty Images man in a series of talks that engage analysis on the field’s most reliable with these questions. But my colleagues in the field Sheskin and Dashefsy’s analysis cuts the number surveys, statistical analysis does not exist in a social and I have a lot of work ahead of us if we hope to of Jews of color in half, yet does so based on com- vacuum. Who we count, how we count and where accurately tell the story of diverse Jews. munity studies comprised of questions that as- we report our counting matters in an ever-more diIn an article recently excerpted from a forthcom- sume Jewish whiteness. verse American Jewish community. ing chapter in the next American Jewish Year Book, I am not surprised to read that traditional Jewish Those of us in senior scholar positions, and espescholars Ira Sheskin and Arnold Dashefsky took community surveys undercount, or worse did not cially those of us who enjoy the privilege of our white issue with a May 2019 demographic report that even count, diverse Jews. This is precisely why we Ashkenazi roots, need to pause before entering this concluded “at least 12-15%” of the nation’s Jews need new approaches to Jewish social science. We fray. We need to open ourselves up to the possibility identify as Jews of color — “broadly, anyone who need new and better questions. We need the very that our otherwise solid academic work plays out identified as non-white.” Instead, Sheskin and sort of work that Stanford University’s Ari Kelman differently in the real world than we initially imagDashefsky argue, the number stands closer to 6%. and his team undertook as they sought a more ac- ined. When we write about numbers, we are writing Reading the article, I winced, reflecting on my curate count of Jews of color last year, which Kel- about people. And when our writing causes even unown continual learning as a scholar of Jews and man further elaborated upon in response to intended harm, we need to rethink our assumptions. race. In both content and context, the article typi- Sheskin and Dashefsky. Marc L. Dollinger is the Richard and Rhoda fied the very problems it seeks to redress: the eraWhile Kelman has already addressed the Goldman Chair in Jewish Studies and Social sure of Jews of color in American Jewish life. When methodological issues at stake, I am interested in Responsibility at San Francisco State UniverKaufman challenged my racial assumptions about the social implications of counting and miscount- sity. This article was edited for length. You can Jews, I also initially responded with data rather ing Jews of color. Numbers are more than just a way find the full story at www.JTA.org.
The Jewish Press | May 29, 2020 | 9
How to build Jewish communities that will outlast the pandemic live nearby or can afford to travel in. LEX ROFEBERG The importance of digital Jewish gathering goes beyond PROVIDENCE, R.I. | JTA The other day, I saw an interesting Facebook post written that, too. People with disabilities — many of whom have been by a college student who lives in New York. She was looking calling for digital programming for years — will still want and to find a daily morning minyan. Specifically, she sought one need Jewish experiences that they can enjoy from their homes that met at a “college student-friendly hour,” since most minyanim are scheduled for fairly early in the morning while she is still asleep. A simple response arose in the comments: “Try a shul in the Midwest.” We cannot lose sight of how thoroughly astonishing a comment like this would seem to Jews of any previous generation, how ordinary it has become over the past two months, and what that shift signifies for the present and future of Judaism. Not only is it possible today for any of us to go to services — every day — 1,000 miles away, it’s more possible than doing so at our synagogue down the street. A few months ago, the digital Jewish ecosystem was relatively sparse. For most institutions, livestreaming a program was rare — the occasional cherry-on-top of the sundae that was A digital shiva call; Lex Rofeberg on Zoom Credit: Getty Images in-person Judaism. In just two months, the norms have flipped once this period ends. Jews who have grown frustrated by entirely. The reason that we need to sit with the astonishing their local communities, or who live in places without Jewish nature of this reality is that it represents a change in the entire institutions, will continue to crave digital opportunities for Jewish world for the years and decades that will come. Jewish engagement. I have worked for a digital Jewish organization for over four What we’re experiencing right now isn’t a blip on the radar. years. For five years I’ve been studying to be a rabbi — digitally. For many of us, finding transcendent, supportive communities For seven years I’ve been a part of Jewish social justice projects online isn’t some ridiculous pipe dream. We’ve felt it. We’ve that operate largely via video chat, Facebook groups and other shed tears at digital shiva minyanim. We’ve forged close bonds digital modalities. of friendship and connection with people we have never met It is exceedingly hard for me to believe that people will sim- in-person. In fact, we who have struggled to connect with our ply flip a switch at the end of social distancing and go back to local institutions may have found that growing and connecthow things were. Once somebody has held a Passover Seder ing to Judaism online has been easier than in our on-thethat brings together their grandparents in Arizona, their par- ground neighborhoods. Perhaps that fact is a challenging ents in Houston and their own self in Massachusetts, for free, thing to hear. Our approach to the digital world has too often I don’t think they will be content to gather only with folks who been to perceive it as a competitor to “in-person” Judaism and
its institutions. That need not be our attitude. Every Jewish community, all around the world, deserves to be celebrated and supported. And as it turns out, the Jewish community with the largest population today is not in Jerusalem or New York City. It’s the digital Jewish community, with a population numbering many, many millions. So let’s build it together; may digital Judaism become strong – truly strong – and through it may we all be strengthened. For some Jewish organizations, maybe all of this sounds like heresy. I can’t say that impulse is ludicrous. It’s rare that you can accurately use “always” to describe a historical reality, but Jewish religious and cultural practices have always — always! — been built on shared geographic proximity. Indeed, the very phrase “Jewish community” being ascribed to digital spaces might initially seem like a contradiction in terms. But will it feel like a contradiction to our grandchildren? Could we begin to craft early versions of digital Jewish experience that grow potentially into fully formed expressions of Judaism in the coming decades and centuries? My instinct is that we can, but doing so requires us to rethink what a community is and means. If community refers to a set of Jews who share a metropolitan area, then digital work is a challenge. But if community refers to a set of people who are interested in gathering together, supporting one another, sharing life’s moments of sadness and joy, and marking important calendrical times together, that’s achievable online. We just have to adopt that task fully as a Jewish collective in order to make it a reality. Lex Rofeberg is a Jewish educator and activist. He serves as co-host of the Judaism Unbound podcast and as part of the team behind jewishLIVE: a digital hub for Jewish live-streaming programs.
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Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | May 29, 2020
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
CHABAD HOUSE
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
TIFERETH ISRAEL
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, MaryBeth Muskin and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shavuot Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Shavuot Evening Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat & Festival Morning Services (including Yizkor), 10 a.m.; Havdallah, 9:40 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m. MONDAY: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.; Jewish Law Class with Rabbi Abraham, 8 p.m. TUESDAY: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.; Jewish Values Class with Rabbi Abraham, 11:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.; Coffee & Conversation with Rabbi Abraham, 2 p.m.; USY Check-In, 5:15 p.m. THURSDAY: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.; Teen Book Club, 4:30 p.m.; Singing in the Synagogue, with Hazzan Krausman, 7 p.m. FRIDAY: Kamp Kef, 9 a.m.; Shabbat To-Go Pick Up, TBD; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights to the Weeky Torah Portion, 7:15 p.m.; Micha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:10 p.m. SUNDAY: Rambam: Rabbi Moshe, 9:45 a.m.; Private Girls Zoomba Class, 5 p.m.; Special Q & A with Mordy
Merle, 8 p.m. MONDAY: Deepening Prayer, 7:15 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 7:30 a.m.; JYE BI Tefillah with Faige, 10 a.m.; JYE BI Parsha and Halacha with Rabbi Yoni, 1-2 p.m. TUESDAY: Deepening Prayer, 7:15 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 7:30 a.m.; JYE BI Parsha and Halacha with Rabbi Yoni, 1-2 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Deepening Prayer, 7:15 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 7:30 a.m.; JYE BI Parsha and Mishnayot with Rabbi Yoni, 1-2 p.m. TURSDAY: Deepening Prayer, 7:15 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 7:30 a.m.; Middot Class, 9:30 a.m.; JYE BI Parsha and Halacha with Rabbi Yoni, 1-2 p.m.; Parsha Inspiration, 4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Deepening Prayer, 7:15 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 7:30 a.m.; Musical Kabbalat Shabbat with DJ JJ, 7 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links. Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Due to Coronavirus, all services and classes have moved online. For schedules and more information or to request
B’NAI JESHURUN help, please visit www.ochabad.org or call the office at 402.330.1800 Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. The Temple office is on reduced hours until further notice and all services and activities are being offered via livestream or teleconferencing. Please call 402.435.8004 or email office@southstreettemple.org for further information or to make an appointment for a visit, if necessary. You may also email Rabbi Appleby at rabbi@ southstreettemple.org or Board president Nicholette Seigfreid at president@southstreettemple.org. South Street Temple’s events can be found at https://south streettemple.org/calendar/. FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service will feature music by Nathaniel & Steve Kaup, who will also lead the service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:32 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service will be led by Yoel Swartz, 9:30 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 10:03 p.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SUNDAY: Virtual Adult Hebrew, 11:30 a.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME TUESDAY: Tea Time with the Rabbi, noon All services canceled until further notice.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors. Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. FRIDAY: Shavuot Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, Dennis DePorte will receive a special blessing in honor of his many wonderful years of service at Temple Israel. The sermon will be given by Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes from Countryside Community Church, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Mindfulness Meditation with Margot Anderson, 9 a.m.; Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, noon. THURSDAY: The Israel Forum, 10 a.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, Sermon by Imam Jamal Daoudi from American Muslim Institute, 6 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links. Virtual services conducted by Nancy Coren. FRIDAY: Evening Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30-7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning Service, 10 a.m.; Havdalah (72 min.) Please visit tiferethisraellincoln.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
Healthy recipes from the JCC Having trouble cooking healthy during the pandemic? Not to worry- we have your inspiration right here. JCC trainers Josh, Maggie, and Heather have taken to the kitchen to share some of their favorite healthy recipes and tips.
BERRY SMOOTHIE
VEGAN JAMBALAYA This hearty recipe not only tastes great, but it warms you up and fills your kitchen with the best smells! Serves a crowd or freeze your leftovers for easy weeknight meals and lunches. Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. oil 1 onion, diced 2 stalks of celery, chopped 4 gloves of garlic, minced 1 green pepper, diced 1 red pepper, diced 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz) 4 cups vegetable broth 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 tsp. sweet paprika 1/2 tsp. smoky paprika 1/2 dried cayenne pepper 2 bay leaves 2 Tbsp. Tabasco sauce 2 Tbsp. soy sauce Black pepper, to taste 2 cups uncooked brown rice 3 cups beans (use your favorite) Directions: Heat the oil over medium high heat and sauté onion and garlic. Add celery and peppers and sauté lightly, keeping some of the crunch. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, all herbs, spices, and sauces. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the rice. Cover and simmer for 30 – 40 minutes on a low heat. Stir occasionally to keep rice from sticking. Once the rice is tender stir in the beans and cover for another 5 – 10 minutes to heat.
PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGERS This is an excellent meat free option the whole family can enjoy. Play with the toppings, cheeses,
Credit: D Sharon Pruitt
Stay on top of your workout nutrition This smoothie is loaded with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and probiotics. Ingredients: 12 ounces of water or milk 2 cups mixed berries
and choice of bread to make it your own. You can also grill, skip the cheese and add to a salad! Ingredients: 4 portobello mushroom caps 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. chopped rosemary 1 1/2 tsp. steak seasoning 4 thick slices red onion 4 oz thin sliced, reduced fat Swiss 4 thin slices tomato 1/2 avocado (sliced thin) baby spinach 4 whole wheat, low calorie buns Directions: In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce,
1/2 cup plain, low fat yogurt 2 scoops vanilla protein powder Directions: Combine all ingredients in blender. Add ice if desired. Blend to desired consistency. Serving: 1 smoothie/Calories: 500, Carbs: 54g, Protein: 57g, Fiber:14g, Fat:11g
oil, rosemary, and steak seasoning. Place mushrooms in the bowl and toss to evenly coat. Let stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, turning a few times. Heat the grill or grill pan over medium heat. When hot, brush the grill grate with oil or lightly spray the grill pan. Place the mushrooms on the grill. Reserve marinade for basting. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until tender. Frequently brush with marinade. Top mushrooms with cheese during the last minute of cooking. While mushrooms cook, grill onions for about 1 minute per side. Grill the buns until toasted. To finish, place the spinach and grilled portobello mushrooms on buns. Top with grilled onions, sliced tomato and avocado. Serving: 1 loaded burger/Calories: 295 cal, Carbs: 31g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 13g, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 6g
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Physically distanced Farewell Yard Party for Rabbi Teri Appleby Come bid a fond farewell to Rabbi Teri Appleby and Jonathan Leo at a special “Open-Outside-the-House Party” at Rabbi Teri and Jon’s home. We’ll “gather” (see options below) on Sunday, June 7 from 2-4 p.m. at 2321 Devonshire Drive - east of 70th, between South and Van Dorn Streets. Please wear a mask for this event! Here are ways you can take part: Park your car between South Street and a house or two south of Larchdale Drive OR between Van Dorn and Tiffany Road, and walk to their house, using the sidewalk on the west side of the street. Unless you plan on standing, it will help if you bring your own lawn chair(s). If you leave before 4 p.m., please walk on the east side of the street to get back to your
car. We don’t want cars to park close to the house because those planning to drive by will need room to pull over briefly. Join the Bike To The Party Parade. Park your bike in the driveway while you’re there. You can also drive by, and pause to shout greetings, honk, wave, flash your lights, etc. Very important: Please write a “best wishes/goodbye” note and email it to office@ southstreettemple.org. Carolyn Nelson will make a card from us all for Rabbi Teri and Jon. Please send your personalized messages by Wednesday, June 3. Individual cards are also welcome. We will hold them in a separate box - to mature safely to prevent virus spread - before being opened.
Hundreds protest outside of court as Netanyahu corruption trial opens Once inside the courtroom, MARCY OSTER Netanyahu refused to sit at the JERUSALEM | JTA Hundreds of protesters gathdefendant’s table, known as the ered outside the Jerusalem dock, until cameras had been building where Israeli Prime removed and the door closed. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s But he also called for the procorruption trial began Sunday. ceedings to be televised live. Demonstrators both criticizThe proceedings lasted for ing and supporting Netanyahu about an hour. Netanyahu will also could be found outside not be required to attend the the Prime Minister’s official next hearing, according to reresidence in Jerusalem. ports. Netanyahu arrived at the “Like any other citizen, the Jerusalem District Court on prime minister is innocent Sunday afternoon directly until proven guilty, and I am from presiding over his first Protest outside of the Prime MInister’s residence in Jerusalem confident that our justice sysCabinet meeting with his new on the first day of Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial on tem will give him fair trial,” AlMay 24, 2020. Credit: Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90 government. ternate Prime Minister and Before entering the courtroom, Netanyahu reiterated his Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, tweeted. “I would like to criticism of the trial. “These investigations were corrupted and reemphasize that my colleagues and I fully trust our legal sysfabricated from the start,” he said while flanked by by security tem and law enforcement agencies.” guards and government ministers from his Likud Party. He “Now, perhaps more than ever, we must move toward unity added, “This is an attempted political coup against the will of and conciliation, as a country and as a society, for the State the people.” of Israel and all of its citizens,” he added.
The Jewish Press | May 29, 2020 | 11
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These Yiddish words will get you through quarantine ELLEN SCOLNIC AND JOYCE EISENBERG This story originally appeared on Kveller. It was edited for length. We’ve been self-quarantining for more than 40 days and 40 nights and, quite frankly, we’re running out of steam. Still, we can’t escape all the social media posts and articles (and our mother’s voices in our heads) telling us to make good use of this time. Friends, editors, and even country singer Roseanne Cash reminded us that Shakespeare wrote King Lear when he was quarantined during the Great Plague. Actress — no, sorry, lifestyle expert Gwyneth Paltrow urged us to write a book, teach ourselves to code online and learn a language. Teen idol Harry Styles upped the ante when he told us he’s learning sign language and Italian. But in between cooking every single meal — to say nothing of snacks — and motivating our kids to stay focused on their distance learning assignments, just how are we supposed to find the time to learn a new language? (Moreover, how can we even practice said language when our mouths are pretty much always filled with cookies?) Here’s one thing we can find the time to do, however: We could all learn just a few words of a new language. Why not spend part of your “free time” at home brushing up on some of your bubbe and zayde’s favorite Yiddish words? In the shtetl, Yiddish was the language that allowed Eastern European Jews to talk freely among themselves without fear of reprisals. In American Jewish homes, it was the language that grandparents spoke when they didn’t want the kinder to know what they were talking about. And now, if your kids are literally all over you 24/7, wouldn’t it be nice to have a secret language when you want to have a discreet chat with your partner? So now that you’ve binge-watched Unorthodox, it’s time to get off your tuchas and start using your keppe (head)! These Yiddish words — each one loaded with emotion and angst,
Credit: Image by Imagno/Getty Images; design by Arielle Kaplan
and boy do we have plenty of that! — will come in handy to describe this pandemic mishegas (craziness). 1. TSEDRAYTE adj. (tsuh-DRATE) All mixed up, confused. Before the COVID-19 virus, tsedrayte meant we couldn’t remember if we promised to meet a friend for lunch on Thursday or Friday. Now we don’t know what day of the week it is. These days, just getting the mail makes us tsedrayte. Do we leave the letters on the floor for 24 hours? Do we wipe the package before we put it on the floor or wash our hands and then wipe the package? And what do we do after we open it? 2. SHPILKES (SHPILL-kiss) Impatience, restlessness. Before COVID-19, when our young kids had “ants in their pants,” we’d tell them to go outside and play. Now, however, we have to mask them up first, and watch them carefully so they stay six feet away from all the other kids who are also trying to get their shpilkes out. We used to go out to a yoga class; now when our little ones have shpilkes, we watch Cosmic Kids
Yoga and do downward facing dogs right along with them. 3. PULKES pl. n. (PULL-keys) Thighs. The word usually refers to cute, chubby baby thighs, but it can also mean those belonging to poultry. And with all the freezer diving we’re doing, we’ve discovered and eaten our fair share of pulkes in the last month. We’re counting the days till we can swap out our sweatpants for shorts and attend a summer barbecue, but we’re not certain our pulkes will be ready for public viewing after all we’ve eaten. 4. SEKHEL n. (SEH-khul) Common sense; good judgment. Advice used to flow downstream. Our parents would nag us: “Have a little sekhel; do you really have to fly when you’re pregnant?” Now the tables have turned and we nag our parents: “Wash your hands. Wear a mask. You’re going to the supermarket? You’re old. Stay home!” And our kids? They have the computer sekhel we need: They’ve taught us how to complete the online school attendance form and how to limit our Facebook posts to “friends only” so we don’t embarrass them in front of “the whole world!” They’ve also taught us that there’s nothing wrong with eating ice cream twice a day. 5. EYNGESHPARTER n. (AYN-guh-shpar-ter) A stubborn person; someone who cannot be convinced with logic. These are the people who are protesting to end the shutdown before it’s safe, ordering “cures” on the Internet, and claiming the pandemic is all a hoax. 6. ONGEBLOZEN adj. (un-geh-BLUH-zin) Sulky, pouty; a sourpuss. Our kids used to get ongeblozzen when we said we couldn’t go out for pizza. Now everyone’s ongeblozzen because we spent all afternoon making dough from scratch... and we didn’t have the right kind of cheese. “It tastes funny. It doesn’t taste like Panzone’s pizza. Why can’t we go to Panzone’s?”
Father’s Day
Publishing date | 06.12.20
Space reservation | 06.03.20
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