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J UN E 4 , 2 02 1 | 24 S IVA N 578 1 | VO L. 1 01 | NO. 33 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 8:35 P.M.
JFO ANNUAL MEETING
Jeannette Gabriel to speak at B’nai Israel Page 3
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he Jewish Federation of Omaha invites the community to our Awards Night and Annual Meeting, Monday June 7 at 7 p.m. Current CDC guidelines will be followed. We are excited to welcome you to the beautiful new Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater. The 2020 award recipients include Marty Ricks, who is the JFO Humanitarian of the Year; Jamie Friedland and Ted Friedland, the Phil & Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award; Shane Cohn, recipient of the Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award; Abigail Kutler, who receives the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award; Chris Ulven, recipient of the Jody and Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence; Chabad, who will receive the Jewish Federation of Omaha Community Service Award; Laura Kirshenbaum and Jordan Raffel, recipients of the Robert and Ellen Gordman Teen Leadership Award and, finally, the recipients of our Agency Volunteer of the Year Awards. Please join as we celebrate all recipients while helping us install the new JFO board of directors. We will also have the opportu-
You can’t sing, go home Page 3
Thoughts on the current Mideast Crisis Page 8
REGULARS
Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
MURPHY SCOTT WULFGAR Communications Director, ADL-CRC Plains States Region A little over one month ago, Ellen Platt delivered her D’var Torah and entrusted the Jewish community with a painful and personal story whose roots had been hindering racial progress and healing for more than a year. If you have not done so, we en-
nity to thank those who are retiring, including Louri Sullivan and Steve Levinger. So much has happened in our building over the past year. The Annual Meeting is the perfect opportunity to see all the changes to our newly renovated Staenberg JCC. Come experience the beautiful Schlessinger Family Lobby and the newly installed donor wall. It’s a work of art! See JFO Annual Meeting page 2
courage you to watch it. Through her words, we were invited to become a part of this story and a communitywide solution to a systemic problem. Since Ellen’s sermon, there has been a groundswell of positive support, heartfelt apologies and conversations aimed at moving us forward. Anti-racism work, like Temple Israel’s Racial Justice Initiative led by Rabbi Deana Berezin, is beginning to blossom in spaces throughout our community just as we at the Jewish Federation of Omaha ( JFO) and Omaha’s Anti-Defamation League (ADL-CRC) have been thoughtfully preparing our own internal and community-facing plans of action. ADL-CRC has been part of the JFO family for years, yet, despite this longstanding relationship, some might be unclear what the ‘CRC’ stands for.
The CRC (Community Relations Committee) is a bridge between the resources of a national social justice organization like ADL and the immediacy and intimacy of local community outreach provided by JFO. The CRC has always been an ideal; a principle to adhere the work of ADL to the local community and vice versa. We are looking to re-imagine that ideal and realize it in a much more concrete way. First, by expanding the scope of ADL-CRC’s Civil Rights Committee to include a wider range of community members working alongside both JFO and ADL staff to dismantle any silos that may have prevented collaboration and to join the many others seeking to usher in a new era of Jewish allyship in the Omaha community as See Allyship Initiatve page2
It’s good to be back! I’m back! After a productive and fun summer as the Jewish Press’s intern in 2020 and a whirlwind of a senior year at college, I SAM KRICSFELD am grateful Intern, Jewish Press to return as the 2021 Summer Intern. If you don’t know me, my name is Sam Kricsfeld. I just graduated from the University of Kansas with a BS in news and information journalism and a minor in creative writing. I also studied Hebrew to pick up where I left off after my time at Friedel Jewish Academy. At KU Hillel I was a writing and marketing intern, and I am just finishing up my fellowship in the Hillel International Writing Program. I’ve written and edited for KU’s newspaper, the University Daily Kansan, and its magazine, CHALK. I have written upwards of 25 articles for the Press between last year’s internship and freelancing. My father, Dr. Alan Kricsfeld, is a physician in Council Bluffs, a board member of Jewish Family Services and a past president of Beth Israel Synagogue. My mother, Debbie Kricsfeld, was previously a board member for the Jewish Press, Friedel and Beth Israel. My sister, Rachel Kricsfeld, was a dancer at the JCC Dance Training Company and a student at Friedel. She will be attending KU in the fall. I can’t introduce myself without mentioning my passion for cars. My Bar Mitzvah was car-themed, I have bookshelves full of car books and I have a few too many Hot Wheels. I hope to have a career in automotive journalism as an editor for a car magazine or website. I am proud to write and intern for the Press. Every person I work with is welcoming and supportive. The Press’s audience is constructive and loyal. The JCC has been renovated and looks beautiful. Every aspect about working for the Press is fantastic, and I’m so glad to be back for another summer. As always, I aim to produce enjoyable and interesting content for you throughout the summer in addition to Annette’s and my Death and Mourning series. You all were so supportive of my writing last year, and I thank you very much. I am fortunate to be a part of the Omaha Jewish community and to have a voice here at the Press. Keep an eye out for my byline! The Jewish Press Summer Internship is made possible through the generosity of the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation.
2 | The Jewish Press | June 4, 2021
News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D
Allyship Initiative
Continued from page 1 we join the fight against systemic discrimination and marginalization. Second, by combining ADL’s strength in anti-bias work (the cornerstone of social justice) with the JFO’s spirit of community connection and enrichment, coupled with participation from all Omaha-area synagogues, to create The Ruby Platt Allyship Initiative—a comprehensive, coordinated effort to create allies through understanding bias and bullying and recognizing the impact of our actions—and inactions—despite the intent behind them. THE INITIATIVE WORKS THROUGH THREE PILLARS: 1. Strengthening Jewish Leadership through training and education. 2. Building a Community of Jewish Allies through programs, discussions, and opportunities to get directly involved. 3. Integrating Anti-Bias Curriculum in all facets of Jewish learning. Named after the bright, young soul who has reminded us that we must all do the work to be better friends and allies, The Ruby Platt Allyship Initiative uses allyship as a framework to approach racism, xenophobia, sexism, ableism, ageism, white privilege, and discrimination based on religion, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our first step was to do Community Outreach in early May. Jennie Gates Beckman (JFO Director of Community Engagement/Education), and the ADL-CRC staff answered community questions about the Allyship Initiative, discussed ADL’s and JFO’s joint plans for building an interconnected support system of Jewish allyship and shared how everyone could get directly involved. • Leadership Training: On June 9 JFO CEO, JFO Board President, and clergy and board presidents from every Omaha-area synagogue will gather to begin their learning
journey as one during a half-day, national ADL-led anti-bias training program. In attendance: Rabbi Steven Abraham, Cantor Joanna Alexander, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Deana Berezin, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, Rabbi Yoni Dreyer, Dan Gilbert, Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Jeff Kirshenbaum, Hazzan Michael Krausman, Gary Nachman, Alan Potash, Ari Riekes, Anthony Scioli, Mike Siegel, and Rabbi Brian Stoller. Curriculum Integration: Planning has already begun for Fall 2021. Integrating anti-bias work into Jewish curricula, youth programs, and trainings for all participants (student and chaperone) in out-of-town trips. Currently seeking volunteers to join an already active Education Committee.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via Zoom. Although the RBJH auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. Dr. Jeffrey Gold, UNMC Chancellor will focus on the world-class achievements taking place at the Med Center on Wednesday, June 9, noon. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair Gary Javitch at breadbreakersomaha@gmail.com or leave a message at the B’nai B’rith JCC office 402.334.6443.
JEWISH PRESS READERS If you do business with any of our advertisers, please tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press. It really helps us!
Jewish Book Council
The Jewish Federation of Omaha is a proud member of the Jewish Book Council. Jewish Book Council, founded in 1944, is the longest-running organization devoted exclusively to the support and celebration of Jewish literature. Our membership allows us access to hundreds of Jewish authors who tour the country promoting their books and sharing a love of writing JENNIE GATES and literature with the Jewish people. BECKMAN Each year during the annual confer- JFO Director of ence, attendees are delighted by over Community 200 author spotlights (each only 2 Engagement & minutes) of the experience they Education would provide if hosted by our community. Historically this was done in person, in New York City, but this year is now the second virtual conference... so everything is via Zoom. Quite a different experience, although much lighter on the budget! The authors on the JBC circuit are available for a mix of virtual, in-person and hybrid programs. Each community can host an author in whatever format they agree upon with the author. Here in Omaha we’ll have some tough decisions in selecting who to bring in for our annual Jewish Book Month Luncheon, or any number of other author events. In years past we have enjoyed partnering with other agencies and synagogues to bring this programming to the community at large - we’re looking forward to sharing more details soon!
JFO ANNUAL MEETING Continued from page 1 We will install new mezuzot starting at 5:45 p.m. and continuing after the event ends at 8:15 p.m.; the front door mezuzah will be installed at 6:45 p.m., so come a little early! A celebration including dessert will be held poolside after the event. To schedule a tour before or after the event, please contact Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@jewishomaha.org. We are so excited to see everyone in person and LIVE!
The Jewish Press | June 4, 2021 | 3
Jeannette Gabriel to speak at B’nai Israel untold stories that complicate and enrich the CAROLE LAINOF B’nai israel will be opening for in-person servexisting historical record. Dr. Gabriel’s current ices on June 11, 2021. Dr. Jeannette Gabriel, research projects include African American and will be the guest speaker on “More Diverse, More Jewish collaboration and conflict and Jewish Divided: The Jewish Americans in 2020 Pew history of the Midwest. Dr. Gabriel teaches Study.” classes in Religious Studies that have been cross Dr. Gabriel will be examining and analyzing listed with Women’s Studies, History and Black the newly released, The Jewish Americans in Studies. Dr. Gabriel also teaches classes within 2020 Pew Study. Omaha’s Jewish community and sits on the She will consider what the study results inform board of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday us about the future of the Jewish community in evening at the synagogue, 618 Mynster St. in greater Omaha and beyond. Council Bluffs and will be led by Larry Blass. Dr. Jeannette Gabriel is the Director of the The congregation will be delighted to welcome Nate and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jeannette Gabriel everyone to this First Live Shabbat Service. CurJewish Studies at the University of NebraskaOmaha. Dr. Gabriel’s research examines Jewish communities rent CDC Covid recommendations will be in effect. Hope to through the lens of race, ethnicity and gender. She documents see you there!
You can’t sing, go home The Friday morning of May 20 in the that Shabbat. year 1948 was perfect, at least for me in She was an immigrant from Russia, actually from the city of my Omaha home. I was to celebrate my Zhytomyr in Ukraine. She could read and write both Yiddish Bar Mitzvah starting that Shabbat, Friand Hebrew, she spoke some Russian, and in America she atday evening and Saturday morning, tended a school for newcomers to learn English. As a child and in another ten days I would reach she read the comics to me until one day she said to me, “You my 13th birthday. can read better than I can, so you read these by yourself.” And My world was at peace. But all was she liked to sew. She sewed all the badges I earned in Boy not at peace in the world, for Israel’s Scouts on my uniform and kept asking me when I would be neighbors on all its borders had de- RICHARD FELLMAN earning more. She knew, I later understood, that this encourclared war, Israel’s War of 1948. The aged me to keep advancing in Scouts. dream of 2,000 years had taken place just one week before But this early evening in the corner of the kitchen in the Synwhen Israel declared its independence, David Ben Gurion be- agogue she stood alone. In front of her were Sabbath candles, came Israel’s first prime minister, and our own President Tru- six of them, two of them the usual custom and an additional man had recognized the new state. four, one for each of her children. She had brought them herThat Friday morning I didn’t go self in her purse with matches and to school. I walked to Beth El Synsmall holders, one for each candle, agogue where my Bar Mitzvah and she had all six fully lit in front would take place and met with of her. She was reciting the tradiCantor Aaron Edgar for a lasttional prayer upon lighting Sabminute rehearsal. The six-block bath candles. Her arms were walk was one I had taken time waving, as tradition required, in and time again, the cantor was on front of her, as if she was pulling time, and so was I. My mother fresh air from her shoulders had made sure I left on time. around her body towards her face. Cantor Edgar was imposing. He I could hear her softly reciting had a beautiful singing voice, he prayers and in a soft voice naming knew the prayers and the service each of her four grown children by memory, he was always and the name of her deceased dressed immaculately and he alhusband. The six candles burned ways wore a head covering, in his Credit Olaf.herfurth, licensed under the Creative Commons brightly as she stood with her case a kippah that sat squarely on Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. hands covering her eyes. his bald head and formed a sort of square box covering his enMy father and I stood together at the other end of the long tire crown. It sat about two inches high and gave him height kitchen. He leaned over to me. In not more than a stage whiswhich nature had also given him and a sense of majesty. Every- per he said, “Dick, watch my mother. She’s saying prayers over one liked Cantor Edgar and admired him. the Sabbath candles, one for each of her children and two He took me into the main synagogue, asked me to stand on which are traditional. She’s doing it the way she was taught by the pulpit where I would be conducting most of the service, her own mother, in a combination of Hebrew with some Yidhanded me a prayer book, and told me to turn to the blessing dish included, and her arms and hands are moving as women that I would sing at the end of the service. He then returned have done for ages. She’s not well, and I know she won’t live to a seat a few rows back, smiled and said, “Dickie, go ahead, much longer. But tonight she is alive and doing exactly what sing.” Only a few called me “Dickie” but he was one, and he she has done since she was a young woman in Russia.” was always nice to me. “Take a good look, Dick,” my father said. “You’ll remember As he took a seat he warmly said, “Now, go on and sing.” this day, even if the cantor said you can’t sing, and you’ll reI did. He said, “Do it again.” And I did. He said “Dickie, do it member the picture of your grandmother we are now standagain.” This went on three or four times until he stood up. He ing together and watching. You’ll remember this all your life.” was a tall man. He walked towards the pulpit and pointed his finger at me. Then he raised his hand and slapped it against his kippah, crushing it against his scalp, and he almost yelled at me. “Dickie, you know the entire service, and you’ll do well, but Dickie, you can’t sing. You just can’t sing. You can’t carry a tune. Go home, Dickie, go home.” And he walked out of the synagogue, leaving me standing on the pulpit. I walked home, told my mother what had happened, and she smiled. “You’ll do just fine,” she said, giving me all the confidence I needed and restoring all that the cantor had taken away. Services that evening were to start at 8 p.m., for the sun was just setting. But all of our family arrived an hour earlier. My mother went to the synagogue kitchen to make sure everything was ready for the reception which was to follow the service. My father asked me to stay with him. Then, after watching as the preparations were being completed, my father said: “Follow me, Dick, there’s something I want you to watch, something you’ll remember the rest of your life.” The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS) requests Back in a corner of the long kitchen quietly standing alone help from the community in identifying photographs from was my paternal grandmother. She was less than five feet tall the archives. Please contact Kathy Weiner at 402.334.6441 and in her mid-sixties. She was no longer healthy. About a year or kweiner@jewishomaha.org if you are able to assist in later she died. My father was her oldest son, the second child the effort to preserve Jewish Omaha history. of four. Her husband had passed away over ten years before
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4 | The Jewish Press | June 4, 2021
Top, above and below: The Pennie Z Davis Early Learning Center celebrated 2021 graduation outdoors.
Top, above and below: Thank you to Taylor Keen for teaching the Tri-Faith Garden and Orchard Team how to plant the Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash)!
SP O TLIGHT
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.
Above and right: JFO staff members enjoyed ice cream treats for the Shavuos holiday.
Above: Asher, Ari and Ethan Finkelstein with dog Maverick, who joined the family during the pandemic.
Below: The Child Saving Institute thanked Cadee and Renatta who created “Rose” Bags for the children who enter CSI’s Triage Center at Project Harmony. Cadee and Renatta share the middle name Rose, therefore they decided that it would be the perfect name for the bags they put together. Each bag contains items for a particular age group and includes card games, water bottles and coloring books.
The Jewish Press | June 4, 2021 | 5
Voices The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920) Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, David Finkelstein, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Margie Gutnik, Natasha Kraft, Chuck Lucoff, Eric Shapiro, Andy Shefsky, 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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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 stubborn belief in peace
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor All the news is bad. Anti-Semitism is up by 80%, the headlines tell us. There’s a teacher’s union that announced support for BDS. Random citizens in America and Europe are attacked because they are Jewish and are held personally responsible for lives lost in Gaza. A Holocaust scholar was murdered in the Ukraine. Protest marches, online animosity and ugly, hateful language directed at us. And everywhere, people are taking sides: for the Palestinians, against the Jews. Hamas isn’t mentioned much by those who seem ready and willing to blame the Jews. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Then why is it that this time, it feels different? And why do so few people see that the biggest obstacle to peace is Hamas? Maybe it’s naïve to want to turn away and focus on the good stories, any good stories. On the other hand, as Jews, we must have hope; the one lesson we can always learn from our Israeli family and friends is that believing in peace is a necessity. Even when, especially when, rockets fly. To all of you out there who claim to care so much about the people in Gaza but don’t know where to find it on the map (yes, I’m feeling snippy): I am tired of arguing with you. Educate yourself, please; once you do, maybe we can have a grown-up discussion. We might still disagree, but at least we’ll disagree about the things we know, rather than the lies you happened to see on your Instagram feed. When that time comes, I can tell you some of the other stories. I can tell you about the volunteers at
United Hatzalah: the medics, paramedics and doctors, who are secular and religious, male and female, Jewish and non-Jewish. I can explain how
they answer emergency calls in the middle of rocket attacks and help anyone who needs help, no matter who they are. You could learn about the Nitzana Educational Eco-Village in the Negev, a Jewish Agency initiative where young people of all backgrounds from Israel and elsewhere come together for educational experiences that change them, and the environment, for the better. Or I could tell you about Ahmed Jarbiya, principal of The Jewish Agency’s Neve Midbar youth village, which serves 100 Bedouin boys from southern Is-
rael. Maybe you could learn something about the incredibly diverse population served by the Western Galilee Medical Center. A few weeks ago, Jews and Israeli Arabs stood together on the Hemed bridge, overlooking the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway: “Similar manifestations of brotherhood occurred at the Nahalal junction in Galilee, at Habima Square in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem, where hundreds gathered under the banner of the Yad be Yad (Hand in Hand) organization. In Afula, Jewish and Arab doctors at the Emek Medical Center emerged from their operating rooms to sing “Peace Will Come” in Hebrew and Arabic,” Marc Schneier wrote for the Jerusalem Post. I know, positive stories about Israel are not fashionable right now (were they ever?) and frankly, many of us are tired of repeating how nothing is black-and-white. The simplistic “Israel-is-bad-and-so-all-Jews-are-bad” narrative is just too convenient for many. And maybe that’s what is really bothering me, behind all this, the ease and eagerness with which such an overwhelming number of people embrace the antiIsraeli viewpoint. Like they have all been waiting for the opportunity to let loose the vitriol. As if they get a certain kind of enjoyment out of feeling indignant. Here’s my question: how does that help anyone in Gaza? You know, those who are the actual victims of Hamas’ actions, the ones who you so vehemently defend on your social media timeline? Do they stop bleeding when you post your stupid hashtag? Do their lives improve when you let loose your inner anti-Semite? Or do you actually care more about hating Jews than helping Palestinians?
NYC’s mayoral candidates haven’t said much about Jews or Israel. The Pew study suggests why. very hard. ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL Unless asked, no one is talking about antiNew York Jewish Week via JTA The Pew Research Center’s latest study of Amer- semitism, a topic that only last year galvanized ican Jews came out last week, with few bombshells. some 25,000 mostly non-Orthodox Jews to march That’s probably because the study confirms what across the Brooklyn Bridge. No candidate headed anyone paying close attention already suspected. to Riverdale after a vandal smashed windows at The study felt right to me in its description of the four synagogues, including a Conservative one. most rapidly growing cohorts of young Jews: the Orthodox and what Pew describes as Jews who do not identify with Judaism as a religion. Not only are the ranks of these divergent cohorts growing but, says Pew, the Jews of no religion “feel they have not much or nothing at all in common” with Orthodox Jews. Pew noted this in 2013, “[b]ut it is especially evident in the 2020 survey, conducted during a polarizing election campaign.” Between the frum and the “nones” is a Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, seen at a Hanukkah shrinking middle – that is, Reform and event in 2019, has been counting on support from Brooklyn’s Conservative Jews who identify as Jews by Orthodox community in his race for New York City mayor. religion, but whose politics and religious Credit: Office of the Brooklyn Borough President/Flickr observance tend to skew centrist or liberal. I’d suggest that outside the Orthodox commuIn most things, New York offers a new spin on the nity, there is no real “tribal” issue that would inspire old joke: We’re just like the Jews, only more so. That Jews to vote any differently than similarly situated the Orthodox community is larger here than any- gentiles – and the candidates know this. where else is self-evident, and an important study The younger “nones” will take an interest in either of New York Jews in 2011 showed a growing secular, progressive issues or the quality-of-life concerns that marginally affiliated community. have been a big part of the mayoral forums, and will “In the past, [synagogue] membership was more not vote according to any distinctly Jewish interest. of a given,” Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central SynThe “middle” voters – older, centrist, Jewishly afagogue told Pew this year. “People felt they had to filiated — probably are thinking mainly about join a synagogue in order to belong and affiliate. crime and economic recovery, the two big issues in Now I would say there’s a lot more ‘do-it-yourself the race. When two big nonprofits – UJA-FederaJudaism’ and internet Judaism and virtual Judaism.” tion of NY and Met Council – held mayoral forums The current mayoral race is a reflection of this this year, the focus was largely on their sponsors’ softening middle. To the degree that candidates secular concerns: social service delivery, COVID rehave explicitly courted the “Jewish vote,” it has lief and assistance to nonprofits. mostly been a bid for the haredi Orthodox blocs. The conflict between Israel and Gaza would norCity Comptroller Scott Stringer, currently trying to mally be the kind of issue that a candidate would fend off a #MeToo accusation, is the only Jewish use to establish his or her pro-Jewish bona fides candidate in the race, but he hasn’t really hit that across the Jewish spectrum. But only four of the
eight candidates issued statements of the “we stand with Israel” variety. (Only progressive candidate Dianne Morales appeared to criticize Israel, condemning “state violence.”) Andrew Yang, the businessman and former Democratic presidential candidate, even had to walk back a one-sided statement of support for Israel following criticism from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and, he said, members of his own staff. Although a centrist, Yang heard the concerns of progressives, and didn’t feel it would cost him many Jewish votes to acknowledge “the pain and suffering on both sides.” Contrast that with what is happening in Congress: While the mayoral candidates were quiet on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Democrats were growing increasingly impatient with the violence and more willing to criticize Israel. And its not just the far left: Pro-Israel stalwart Rep. Jerry Nadler, whose Upper West Side district is considered the most Jewish in the country, joined 11 Jewish colleagues in the House on a letter urging an “immediate ceasefire.” Sen. Jon Ossoff, the Jewish freshman from Georgia, led a call by 28 Democrats in the Senate for a ceasefire. Gregory Meeks, the Queens congressman who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, came close to asking for a delay in an arms deal between the U.S. and Israel. Perhaps the candidates are wary of alienating Jewish voters on either side of the Israel divide, especially this close to the primary. Or they sense that the Jewish community itself is split on the latest clash in Israel. Pew says “these generational shifts toward both Orthodoxy and secular Jewishness have the potential, in time, to reshape American Jewry.” I’d say the time is already here. Andrew Silow-Carroll (@SilowCarroll) is the editor in chief of The New York Jewish Week and senior editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
Synagogues
6 | The Jewish Press | June 4, 2021
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
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL Join us in-person on Friday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. for evening services with guest speaker, Dr. Jeannette Gabriel, Director, Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies, University of Nebraska-Omaha on “More Diverse, More Divided: The Jewish Americans in 2020 Pew Study..” Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at 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, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays-Fridays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services/Bar Mitzvah of Tyler Epstein, 10 a.m. In-person by invitation, all others via Live Stream; Havdalah, 9:40 p.m. SUNDAY: Passport to Shabbat Origami Class, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m. WEDNESDAY: God and Goalposts with Ori Soltes, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Minch/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. followed by Jennifer Kay Memorial Speaker; Passport to Shabbat Eggroll Class with Chef Mike, 6:30 p.m. FRIDAY-June 11: Kabbalat Shabbat/Annual Meeting/Annual Awards/Picnic in Beth El’s Backyard, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY-June 12: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El; Havdalah, 9:40 p.m. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.
BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, WhatsApp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in Sukkah, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbos, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:35 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:40 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Kids Class, 8:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Laws of the Land, 9:40 a.m. with Rabbi Moshe; Daf Yomi, 8 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf
Yomi, 8 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 6:45 am. FRIDAY-June 11: Shacharit, 6:45 am.; Candlelighting, 8:39 p.m. SATURDAY-June 12: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:40 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Kids Class, 8:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:49 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered online at Ochabad.com/classroom. For more information or to request help, please visit www. ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/Lecha yim; Light Candles, 8:35 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m.; Shabbat Ends, 9:44 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit & Coffee Conversation, 9 a.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon with Rabbi Katzman. FRIDAY-June 11: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad. com/Lechayim; Light Candles, 8:39 p.m. SATURDAY-June 12: Shacharit, 10 a.m.; Shabbat Ends, 9:49 p.m.
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now being offered in person. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service/Bat Mitzvah of Elise Weisser, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Elise Weisser, Nathanial and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 8:36 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service/Bat Mitzvah of Elise Weisser, 9:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Alex and Elise Weisser at SST; Torah Study on Parashat Sh’lach, noon via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Men's Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln meets Sundays at 10 a.m. rain or shine to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if its too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. No fee to join, no dues, no president, no board or minutes taken. If Interested please email Al Weiss at albertw801@ gmail.com to find out where to meet each week. MONDAY: Makers of Jewish Things, 7 p.m. via Zoom. TUESDAY: Synagogue Staff Meeting, 10 a.m.; Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY-June 11: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:40 p.m. SATURDAY-June 12: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex; Torah Study on Parashat Korach, noon via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:49 p.m. Jewish Book Club, Sunday, June 13, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
FRIDAY: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. Join us via Zoom. FRIDAY: Shabbat, Service, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom. SUNDAY: Neighborhood Outreach Event at Temple Israel Cemetery, 10 a.m. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Discussion, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel. FRIDAY-June 11: Pride Shabbat, Service, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom. SATURDAY-June 12: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom. Annual Meeting, Sunday, June 13, 11 a.m. Join us virtually or in person for our annual meeting. There will be an award presentation, annual report, introduction of our new board members, and an address from President Dan Gilbert. Water and coffee will be served. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
Antony Blinken travels to Middle East to sustain ceasefire RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON | JTA U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is traveling to the Middle East to sustain the ceasefire after the 11 day war between Hamas and Israel — but is not focused for now on reviving an Israeli-Palestinian peace process. “The United States has engaged in intensive diplomacy to bring an end to the hostilities in Gaza,” Blinken’s office said in a statement. “Secretary Blinken is traveling to the region to discuss essential follow-up efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and reduce risks of further conflict over the coming months.” Blinken will meet with Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian and Egyptian leaders. Egypt led the brokering of the ceasefire and Jordan plays a key role in administering the Al Aqsa Mosque, atop the Temple Mount, a site holy to Jews and Muslims where clashes preceded the outbreak of war on May 9. The short-term outlook was deliberate, a senior administration official said in a background briefing for reporters.
“We are primarily focused on making sure that the ceasefire holds, on making sure that the people of Gaza get the relief that they desperately need, and that we create the conditions to hopefully advance forward,” the official said when a reporter asked whether reigniting the peace process was on the agenda. A key challenge will be rebuilding the Gaza Strip after the bombing war Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at a news conference in Brussels, April 14, 2021. Credit: Johanna Geron/Pool/AFP via Getty Images while keeping any incomthings, again, in a way that diminishes Hamas’s ing funds from Hamas, the official said. “We’re in touch with the Gulf,” the official said, abilities, strengthens the people of Gaza, begins a referring to wealthy Sunni Arab countries that have process of hopefully reintroducing and reintegratin the past proffered assistance to the Palstinians, ing the Palestinian Authority into Gaza, and is in “and other donors – and we’re trying to structure partnership with the United Nations.”
Life cycles BIRTH HUDSON JOSEPH BELMONT Amanda and Colin Belmont of Overland Park, Kansas, announce the May 21, 2021 birth of their son, Hudson Joseph. Hudson's Hebrew name, Yosef Binyamin, honors the memory of his great-grandfathers, Joseph Belmont and Ben Kaiman. Grandparents are Michelle and Ron Bucher and Jill and Mark Belmont, all of Omaha. Great-grandparents are Joan Kaiman of Omaha, and the late Ben Kaiman; Shirley and Gerald Bucher of Tucson, Arizona; Barbara and Marshall Kushner of Omaha; and the late Florence and Joseph Belmont.
SUBMIT OBITUARIES TO THE JEWISH PRESS: Email the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or online at online at www.omahajewishpress.com/site/forms/.
IN MEMORIAM ZENA FISHBAIN Zena Fishban passed away on May 21, 2021 in Highland Park, IL. Services were held May 23, 2021 in Northbrook, IL., and were officiated by Rabbi Ryan Daniels of North Shore Congregation Israel. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bennett Fishbain. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Allen Chandler, son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Fishbain and Nancy Grossman and daughter, Susan Levin; grandchildren: Jennifer McKeag, Daniel Chandler and Sara Borodin, Kevin Fishbain and Annie Friedler, Maggie Grossman, Ashley Levin, Chelsea Levin and Michael Levin; great-grandchildren: Rachel, Katherine, Jacob, Sam, Ben and Nathan. Memorials may be made to North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 North Sheridan Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, www.nsci.org or Cradles to Crayons, 4141 W. George Street, Chicago, IL 60641, www.cradlestocrayons.org/donate-now/.
Requests for ‘psychological first aid’ spiked in Israel ZEELA KOTLER HADARI Shomrim via JTA The calls came at an unprecedented pace: from a woman afraid for her mother’s safety, from a parent anxious about what to tell her children, from a man who was unnerved by the news but felt unable to turn it off. ERAN, an Israeli nonprofit that provides what it calls “psychological first aid,” received 7,200 hotline calls during the recent flareup of violence in Israel. That was more than twice as many as the hotline typically gets, a testimony to the deep fear and anxiety that gripped Israelis during the recent conflict with Gaza and the internal tensions between Jewish and Arab Israelis that accompanied it. “We hear people talk about how the world, their environment and their cities have become dangerous places,” said Shiri Daniels, ERAN’s director. The uptick in calls — from both Jewish and Arab Israelis — suggests that Israel could be reckoning with the emotional consequences of the recent violence long after its conclusion. Many of the calls came from mixed Arab-Jewish cities that emerged as flashpoints of mob violence during the recent conflict, according to Daniels. Both an Arab and Jewish Israeli were killed in the fighting. “We got a call from one woman who said she’s so worried about her mother, who lives in Acre, that she is dropping everything and going to be with her,” Daniels said. “Some callers say that they are not afraid of the hundreds of rockets
The Jewish Press | June 4, 2021 | 7
being fired at Israel, but what they call ‘civil war.’ That is what is making them feel insecure and unprotected.” Arabic speakers rarely call the hotline. “This isn’t because there’s no distress among Israel’s Arab population. It’s because, in Arab society, it’s hard to ask for and receive help,” Daniels said. “We’re working to raise awareness and to send a message that asking for help when you’re in trouble is a superpower.” ERAN is encouraging Arab citizens of Israel who are suffering from emotional distress because of the disturbances to contact their helplines, and it’s recruiting more Arabic speakers to join the 50 volunteers already taking calls. “The lynching in Bat Yam has scared me more than the missiles,” said one caller, referring to an attack in a Tel Aviv suburb in which Jewish young men dragged an Arab driver from his taxi and beat him. Streamed live on national television to stunned gasps from newscasters, the incident shocked many Israelis. The caller said she was afraid to go to work and felt disoriented and pained by what she said felt like the unraveling of society around her. This article was produced in partnership with Shomrim, an Israeli nonprofit investigative newsroom. It was edited for length. Read the full story on our website at www.jewishomaha.org.
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8 | The Jewish Press | June 4, 2021
News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D
Thoughts on the current Mideast Crisis The world has been riveted by the crisis on the ground in the Middle East. There is a lot of opinion out there painting this deeply complicated and longstanding conflict in simplistic terms. If only the lens through which many view the situation in Israel were so simple and bifurcated as some would have us believe. The reality on the ground, in fact, is complex and nuanced. GARY NACHMAN The fact remains that Israel is the Regional Director, only democracy in the Middle East. Im- ADL-Plains States perfect and messy (see American Region democracy) as nearly all democracies are, it is an exponential improvement over all of its autocratic neighbors. Non-Jews represent a non-trivial percent of the Israeli mosaic, including in its government body. Are there issues in Israel of inequities and racism? Yes, as there are in all societies (see America). The eruption of violence and hatred seen in recent days in Israeli towns, between Jewish and Arab residents is stark evidence that much more needs to be done to repair and improve the social fabric. What about the Palestinians? Most American Jews and supporters of Israel believe in a future whereby Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side with peace, security and selfdetermination for both peoples. When this current crisis ebbs, both the Israeli and Palestinian Authority leadership need to find ways to constructively engage, build confidence and work towards a better today and a better tomorrow. What about Gaza? The scope of death and suffering in this most recent round of fighting is horrendous, and we all mourn the loss of innocent Palestinian lives and pray for a (sustained) ceasefire. What is being lost, however, is what Hamas has done to Gaza and to Gazans. Hamas is globally recognized as a terrorist organization, sponsored and trained by the extrem-
ist regime in Iran, which literally hides its weapons among and question the Jewish people’s right to sovereignty even while underneath its own people. championing the national aspirations of other peoples. Hamas has shown through its actions that it has no respect Should there be two states? Israel and Palestine? I believe for loss of life or any intention of improving the welfare of the the answer is yes. It has always been the only realistic solution. Gaza people. If it did, when Israel withdrew completely from However, it will never be achieved through violence. It can Gaza in 2005, Hamas would have spent its resources on infrastructure, schools and commerce instead of weaponry and hidden tunnels. Hamas shoots its thousands of weapons intentionally and indiscriminately at Israeli civilians. While it is true that Israel has superior armaments, it nonetheless,employs them only in response to the attacks upon its sovereignty and takes great pains not to harm the helpless. By protecting its citizens, Israel is doing what any country must do. The particular challenge Israel A dumpster is set on fire in Yafo amid violent protests across Israel, May 11, 2021. Credit: faces at this moment is how to Avshalom Sassoni/Flash 90 deter Hamas from amassing greater and greater arsenals of only happen when two willing parties, with two responsible sophisticated rockets to bombard Israeli civilians. Hamas es- leaders, are willing to take the journey together. calated already brewing tensions and took a calculated risk Fanning the flames with perversions of truth and seeking to attempt to fill a power vacuum when President Abbas, blame does not create allies. Misinformation and disinformaleader of the Palestinian Authority, called off elections out of tion only leads to confusion. Arms are not what is needed, but fear that he would lose power. Whereas Arafat and Fatah, and hands. Hands willing to work together. today’s Palestinian Authority, today representing mostly the With news of a cease-fire, we can only hope that instead of West Bank, recognized Israel’s right to exist, Hamas, today an us-vs-them mentality, we can come together and construccontrolling Gaza, is committed not only to the destruction of tively work for reconciliation and understanding. the state of Israel but to the elimination of Jews. For further information, please contact Gary Nachman, ReWhile it is fair to disagree with or oppose policies of a gov- gional Director of ADL-CRC (Anti-Defamation League’s Plains ernment, including Israel, it is simply an antisemitic trope to States Region) at gnachman@adl.org.
Celebrating Community
AWARDS NIGHT & ANNUAL MEETING MONDAY • JUNE 7 • 7:00 PM Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus 333 S. 132nd Street Omaha, NE
Congratulations Award Recipents: Jewish Federation of Omaha Humanitarian of the Year Marty Ricks Phil & Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Awards Jamie Friedland & Ted Friedland Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award Shane Cohn Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award Abigail Kutler
Jody & Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence Chris Ulven Jewish Federation Community Service Award Chabad Seder-to-go Robert & Ellen Gordman Teen Leadership Awards Laura Kirshenbaum & Jordan Raffel
Agency Volunteer of the Year Awards IHE: Shannon Vesely Jewish Press: Eric Shapiro RBJH: Bob Kaplan JCC: Gabby Williams ADL-CRC: Walk Against Hate Committee Tippi Denenberg, Jen Goodman, Erika Kirby, Preston Love, Jr., Sara Rips, Justin Spooner
JFO-CEE: Jeannette Gabriel JFO: JFO DEI Committee Michelle Alberts, Leigh Chaves, Jonathan Crossley, Jennie Gates Beckman, Esther Katz, Erika Lucoff, Pam Monsky, Mariana Nieto, Kael Sagheer, Jamie SkogBurke, Halley Taylor, Jessi Taylor, Murphy Wulfgar