thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
this week
Jewish Pride in the Heartland Page 5
Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Meeting Pages 6 & 7
inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles
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Hornstein Scholarship awarded
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LinDA POLLARD Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation he Bennett G. Hornstein Memorial Scholarship for aspiring or current law students has been awarded to Shailana Dunn-Wall for the 2018-2019 academic year. Shailana is currently a student at University of Nebraska College of Law, with a graduation date in 2019. Her areas of interest are public interest and non-profit organizations. Shailana graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2015. During her undergraduate years, Shailana worked at Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, where she was an Organizer-in-Training intern and then a Supported Engagement Specialist. After college graduation, Shailana worked at the OpenSky Policy Institute, a non-partisan organization dedicated to fiscal research and analysis. The mission of OpenSky is to improve opportunities for every Nebraskan by providing impartial and precise research, analysis, education and leadership. For the last year,
Shailana Dunn-Wall Shailana has been working as a law clerk for the ACLU. Shailana related that, “As I became more interested in policy work during my three years at non-profits, it became clearer that law school was the best way to achieve that goal.” A recommendation letter from one of Shailana’s past employers states Shailana “has a deep commitment to public service and a desire to help the most vulner-
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YOni DOROn Community Shaliach Friday, June 1, we held our first “Shishi Israeli” – Israeli flavored Shabbat dinner event in Omaha. We chose to gather at the JCC pavillion, behind the Federation building,
able.” The letter continues, “but the most impressive keynote throughout all her work has been her diligent labor to provide equal justice for everyone. Her unwavering dedication to a legal system that allows a voice for every individual makes her well suited for a future legal career and a prime candidate for this scholarship.” Another letter of recommendation reads, “Shailana works for those who are marginalized and whose civil liberties are jeopardized. She has worked with Planned Parenthood and with the ACLU; she has volunteered at the Immigration Clinic; and she has devoted her limited free time to the Multicultural Legal Society and the Equal Justice Society.” Shailana said, “After graduation, I plan on continuing to work in public interest. While my future job will ideally involve policy work, it will definitely involve working in areas with the greatest need.” For Shailana, earning her law degree is more of a calling than a career path. It is how she feels she can best serve the most vulnerable and overlooked part of our society. Shailana continued, “Looking See Hornstein Scholarship page 3
ADL announces student finalists
Shishi Israeli
Potash brothers bring food and music together Page 12
WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG
SPOnSOReD BY THe BenJAMin AnD AnnA e. WieSMAn FAMiLY enDOWMenT FunD
where we could really get an authentic picnic-esque feeling. We were next to the playground and the serene grove. Around 80 people came, most of our crowd consisted of young families who enjoyed the better-than-predicted weather. Attendees ate not-so-obvious Israeli foods, such as red cabbage salad, and notat-all Israeli foods with an Israeli twist, such as dairy lasagna and sweet potato casserole. Kids played joyfully in the playground and with fun outdoor games. A comfortable PJ Library/Keshet story time corner was created for whoever sought a peaceful Shabbat reading time (with English and Hebrew books available), all See Shishi israeli page 2
Dr. Mary-Beth Muskin at Room at Our Table teaching programs at the university level. Student-led teams from Boise State University, the University of Maryland (College Park), and the University of Nebraska (Omaha) have been selected as the top finalists. Those teams will present their projects before a jury panel and an audience of industry leaders at a livestreamed event on June 12 at a joint event with New America in Washington, D.C. Over the course of the last semester, the 19 student teams competed against See ADL announces finalists page 4
PAM MOnSkY Community Development Liaison, ADL-CRC The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today announced the top three finalists in the ADL: Innovate Against Hate campus program which challenged students at 19 universities in 16 states to develop and launch a social media and marketing campaign working to counter hate and extremism on campus and in society. The pilot program was developed by ADL in partnership with EdVenture Partners, an educational organization with expertise in developing and implementing peer-to-peer
2 | The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018
community
Shishi Israeli
Continued from page 1 the while an Israeli Shabbat playlist completed the Shabbat backdrop. One parent came up to me and said this was the most “Israel” – like she’s felt since her trip to the country earlier this year with the JWRP trip. This was wonderful to hear, especially because attempting to grasp some sort of universality out of the Shabbat experience can be tricky, seeing how every family and synagogue community has their own traditions and ways to feel the entering of Shabbat. This wonderful program was supported by the Israeli American Council (the IAC) as a way to “develop strong community bonds while sharing Shabbat traditions through an Israeli Shabbat dinner...” Even though this event was held internationally on the 18th of May and we only managed to organize it by June 1. I felt that, through this event, we managed to transcend past our own modest gathering and touch something broader. This is due to the majestic and spiritual ability of the local Kabbalat Shabbat to become part of our wider traditions of how we welcome and celebrate Shabbat. I believe we are all adding our story and tradition to a wider Jewish phenomenon, and it reminded me of an interesting story which happened not long ago in Israel. Around 2014, an NGO named “Shishi Israeli” aroused much discussion and upset when they launched a five million Shekel campaign of TV ads, billboard signs and social media outreach trying to show how “beautiful” and “appropriate” a very specific traditional Shabbat experience could look like. According to the organization’s chairs, the purpose of this was to bring people together and encourage performing a religiously-oriented Shabbat dinner,
including the well-known traditions of wearing white, doing a Kiddush, not using electricity and so on. The TV spots boldly showed two families. The first, a secular family’s Shabbat experience, was
which I am a part of, I am proud to say that we have developed and found many creative and beautiful ways of making our Shishi experience holy and very “Israeli”. This should be celebrated, and I
argument for the sake of heaven: Parshat Korach
The rabbis tell us that a disagreement for the sake of heaven will last forever. This seems to say that the world is built on different viewpoints. However, when a disagreement about ideas becomes personal, we create disunity as opposed to unity. As a community we have different ideas how to proceed. The test, is can Rabbi aRi we all come together with our different DembitzeR world views? Beth Israel Synagogue Shabbat Shalom.
Omaha Chamber music Society 2018 Summer Concert Series
shown as being distant and obnoxious. In contrast, the religious one was shown as a magical and spiritual experience. All this was shadowed by the very obvious Ashkenazi-dominant (Ashkenormative) idea of what constitutes proper religious practices – a sore subject amongt the religious community itself. This story just reminds me how we, in Israel, are constantly fighting the issue of homogeneity, and a certain fixation with all things Israeli looking in a specific way, dating back to the melting pot attempts of the early 50’s and 60’s. We should really be embracing the multi-culturalism of Israel and all that this spectrum has to offer. I think that there are many ways to make Shabbat feel special and “holy”. The feeling of “Kodesh” – holiness, according to the Jewish religious text, should arise from our performing certain things. But as a dominantly secular society, and one
am glad that the IAC has enabled me to share with this community some of the aspects that make my Shabbat feel special. I was happy to see how it resonated with many people and hope that this will evolve into a yearly tradition, with each Shaliach/a bringing her/his own personal input, all the while embracing the Omaha spirit and incorporating it into an ongoing, developing experience within which we and our kids can grow. I want to thank everyone who came out to dine with us, to all the wonderful volunteers who helped us with the laborious cooking (which took three days but was worth every second!) and our partners who shared our enthusiasm. This program was a collaboration between the Shaliach program and Omaha’s PJ Library, and was generously sponsored by both IAC and the Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
Summer Concert Series Omaha Chamber Music Society
Omaha Conservatory of Music | 7023 Cass Street | 3 PM
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OmahaChamberMusic.org
The Omaha Chamber Music Society has announced its 2018 Summer Concert Series, with four performances taking place over four weekends at the Omaha Conservatory of Music. Each concert features musicians familiar to the Omaha community, including artists from the Omaha Symphony, Omaha Conservatory faculty members, and friends to the Omaha Classical Music community. The concerts all take place on Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m., with pre-concert talks happening at 2:40 p.m. in the Accelerando Coffee House on the Conservatory premises. FOUR PLUS FOUR: June 17, 3 p.m. Two accomplished foursomes interpret two brilliant string quartets: Shostakovich’s brief Seventh, dedicated to his late wife, is one of many moods—from melancholy to ferocious to dream-like— and even the suggestion of a waltz; and Debussy’s only quartet is sensuous, luminous, full of passion and life. And when Four plus Four join forces you’ll hear a masterpiece by 16-year-old boy wonder Felix Mendelssohn that has youthful energy written all over it: his Octet—all gossamer and incandescent and lightning-fast—will leave you quite giddy with joy. Tickets are available online at https://www.omahachambermusic .org/ticketsbeta/ as well as the door at each concert. The Omaha Chamber Music Society is a 501c(3) nonprofit, performs and produces over 16 concerts each season with partners such as KANEKO, Gallery 1516, and the JCC, as well as engages in community service and education programs with Josie Harper Hospice House and Omaha Public Schools. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018 | 3
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Introducing new Summer Camp Shlicha YOni dOrOn Community Shaliach eet Lilish Greenberg, our new J Camp Shlicha (emissary) from Israel. She is very excited and full of energy to spend her summer with our great community. Lilush grew up in the small village of Ashalim which is in the Ramat Ha’Negev regional council. This is a beautiful place located just 20 minutes drive from Be’er Sheva in the majestic south of Israel. Lilush is coming to us after a two year IDF service which she spent mainly in the Artillery corps as a commander, but also as an Lilish Greenberg executive director to the Battalion Commander himself. Growing up in Ashalim, Lilush took part in many social programs; Lilush has been riding horses for the past 11 years, going on to be an instructor as well. She loves animals and believes in their ability to truly heal a person. She also took an active part in the Bnei Ha’Moshavim youth movement,
Hornstein Scholarship
Continued from page 1 forward, I am excited to continue helping others for the rest of my career.” Although an Omaha native, Shailana has spent the last seven years in Lincoln. Her volunteer work includes immigration clinics with the law school, working on the Women’s Law Caucus annual action Relay for Life, as well as a few other volunteer organizations at school. Even though law school and all her volunteer activities keep her busy enough, when Shailana has much-deserved down time she enjoys reading, running, baking and spending time with her family and dog. The late Bennett Hornstein, assistant Douglas County public defender for 20 years, was a passionate advocate of the rights of those who could not afford a lawyer. After his battle with cancer and untimely death at the age of 46, his family established the Bennett G. Hornstein Endowment Fund in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. This fund provides an annual scholarship for a law student who will carry on Hornstein’s commitment to working for those members of society whom no one else wants to help. The criteria for selection are those qualities that Hornstein exemplified: a high standard of academic achievement, an adventurous spirit and a desire to take on an active role in service to the community. Applicants must also be attending law school at University of Nebraska or Creighton University. The scholarship selection committee is headed by Hornstein’s son, Joe of Denver, Colorado, and includes Hornstein’s
Wells Fargo Financial advisors
I am Asher Stoller. I live in Omaha, Nebraska and am a member of Temple Israel. My wife is Sara. We have four children: Ava, Ruby, Lola and Sam. All of my children went to the Child Development Center through the Jewish Community Center. I received my undergraduate degree in History of Art and a master degree in Kinesiology-Sports Management & Communications from the University of Michigan. I received my J.D. and M.B.A. from Creighton University. I am a Financial Advisor of The Weissman Eppler Investment Group of Wells Fargo Financial Advisors, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based wealth management team for high net worth individuals and families. My team is customer focused. As a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, I am committed to assisting my clients with developing strategies and solutions to help accumulate, manage, protect, and transfer clients’ wealth. My job is to help clients pursue their
first as a participant in her youth and later as a counselor in her teen years. As you might imagine, all this makes Lilush a very commanding person with a great will to volunteer, help others and lead kids to fun, meaningful activities. In her leisure time, Lilush enjoys reading, specifically suspense novels. In contrast to that, her all-time favorite book is Winnie the Pooh. She even has a tattoo of him. Ask her about it, for she would be glad to tell the very special story behind it. For the far future, Lilush dreams of going to medical school to become a doctor. This is an aspiration she has been pursuing for years now, after some very meaningful experiences she’s had in the past. As for now, Lilush wishes for our kids to learn more about Israel, get to know her and hear some of her personal stories, and come to see her beloved country through her eyes. We welcome Lilush to our community with open arms. If you see her in the JCC, don’t be shy - stop her and thank her for her brave choice to head out alone (a very uncommon thing for the summer camp program) and volunteer her time for our summer camp. We are still looking for host families for the rest of Lilush’s stay. Might you be able to help us out with that? You can contact Allison Burger, Director of Youth Programming at 510.506.2455 or Yoni Doron, Omaha Community Shaliach at 402.490.1468.
daughter Jill Goldstein, attorney for Kutak Rock, as well as other attorneys from the Omaha area. The committee has awarded $39,000 in scholarship funds to aspiring law students since the endowment was established in 2006. For more information about the annual Bennett G. Hornstein Memorial Scholarship, please visit www.bghendow ment.org. Scholarship applications are accepted each year, per instructions on the website. The Foundation welcomes donations to the Bennett G. Hornstein Endowment Fund in support of the scholarship. Donations may be made via the Foundation’s website, www.jfofoundation.org, or by mail to: Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For more information, call the Foundation at 402.334.6551.
Organizations
B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers
B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers meets weekly on Wednesdays at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. 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.
personal and financial goals to make their lives and the lives of their children and grandchildren better. With access to a broad array of company resources, I help create a customized retirement plan for clients utilizing research analysts and economic and market experts available through Wells Fargo affiliates. I help with exploring life goals, investment strategy with benchmarks, track progress, and make changes as lives and goals change. Comprehensive wealth management includes not only investments, but also liability management, risk management, and trust, estate and fiduciary services. Working for Wells Fargo Advisors, allows me to offer access to these services through Wells Fargo affiliates. I am here in Omaha to listen, learn, and help you and your family with your wealth management needs. You can contact me, Asher Stoller, at 402.201.3583 or email at asher.stoller@wellsfargoadvisors.com.
Investment and insurance products: NOT FDIC-Insured/No Bank Guarantee/MAY Lose Value. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. The projections or other information generated by Envision regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results and are not guarantees of future results. Results may vary with each use and over time. Based on accepted statistical methods, the Envision tool uses a simulation model to test your Ideal, Acceptable and Recommended Investment Plans. The simulation model uses assumptions about inflation, financial market returns and the relationships among these variables. These assumptions were derived from analysis of historical data. Using Monte Carlo simulation, the Envision tool simulates 1,000 different potential outcomes over a lifetime of investing varying historical risk, return, and correlation amongst the assets. Some of these scenarios will assume strong financial market returns, similar to the best periods of history for investors. Others will be similar to the worst periods in investing history. Most scenarios will fall somewhere in between. Elements of the Envision presentations and simulations results are under license from Wealthcare Capital Management LLC.© 2003-2018 Wealthcare Capital Management LLC. All Rights Reserved. Wealthcare Capital Management LLC is a separate entity and is not directly affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors.
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4 | The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018
Temple Israel Annual Meeting
Cassandra HiCks Weisenburger Director of Communications, Temple Israel At Temple Israel’s 147th Annual Meeting,
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shared with us her vision for Temple Israel’s future. Thank you to all who came and we can’t wait to see what this year will bring!
we began the beautiful morning with our clergy and past presidents dedicating the new Presidents plaque in the hallway outside the Social Hall. We had over 150 congregants join us for a delicious brunch, after which several awards were given out to our wonderful members who are making a real difference in our community. We honored Rosie Zweiback on her two years as president, installed the new board, and listened as Andie Gordman
adL announces finalists
Continued from page 1 of any US state, according to the Pew Research one another to build, launch and scale a social Center. Far Right extremist groups are also commarketing campaign working to counter hate and peting for the uncommitted majority’s views on extremism on campus and in society. UNO’s Room refugees as demonstrated by the ADL’s Hate at Our Table is a project created by students at the Crime Map (2017). University of Nebraska in Omaha that challenges “These entrepreneurial young people have crestereotypes and false narratives about refugees, ated inspiring campaigns to mobilize people at the which had a target audience of the “uncommitted community level. These campaigns have the population” and college-age individuals in Nebraska. In April of this year, the ADL-CRC Plains States Region sponsored and participated in a Sustained Dialogue event to discuss the refugee experience in Omaha. With over 60 students and community members in attendance, including the Spring 2018 cohort of YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative), small groups came together students participate in room at Our Table at unO. to discuss their thoughts on three questions: What does diversity look like, and power to grow and change perceptions and even how do I imagine it here in Omaha? What does it change lives,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL mean to be a refugee here in Omaha? What does CEO. “The future of combating hate and building a an inclusive Omaha look like, and what part can better future begins with young people who unwe play in that? derstand how grass-roots activism mixed with dig“The Plains States Regional Office is excited ital and social media tools can create powerful about this project and what it adds in supporting movements for change.” our refugee population as they become part of their The student teams will deliver their final prenew communities,” said Mary-Beth Muskin, ADLsentations before the judges on Tuesday, June CRC Regional Director. “We are thrilled that Room 12 at a joint event with New America in Washingat Our Table is a finalist for this great recognition!” ton, D.C. The event will be livestreamed so all of “Being selected as finalists means a lot to me the students involved in the program may watch because it allows us another opportunity to give the finalist teams compete for the top prize. back to the community and the partners who have The participating judges include Ashley Bell, helped us so much through this process,” said Vir- founder and CEO of the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice ginia Gallner, the team leader for Room at Our Center; Ron Estrada, SVP of Corporate Social ReTable. “For me, this has been an eye-opening colsponsibility, Univision; Imam Magid, Executive laborative experience, getting to know leaders in Imam of All Dulles Area Muslim Society Center; local organizations who are working towards eqSally O’Brien, SVP of Institutional Partnerships, uity for all, as well as meeting members of the The Pew Charitable Trusts; George Selim, SVP local refugee community.” Programs, Anti-Defamation League; and Fariba The other team members include Alexis D’AmYassaee, Policy Manager, Facebook. ato, Amber Johnson, Rachel Pruch and Lauren Each of the student-led teams will have 10 minZimmerman. Faculty advisor for the project is Dr. utes to present their campaign followed by five Gina Ligon. minutes of responding to judges’ questions. FollowImplicit bias research has found that stereoing the presentations, the jury panel will deliberate types shape opinions on refugees. But here in Neand determine the final placement of the three braska, people are changing their minds about teams. The first-place winner will win a cash prize refugees based on personal interactions. In 2016, of $5,000, and the second- and third-place winNebraska resettled the most refugees per capita ners will receive $3,000 and $1,000, respectively.
Summer camp is here!
The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018 | 5
community Jewish Pride in the Heartland
The JCC Summer Camp began Monday, June 4th. The camp will run until August 10th with post-camp from August 13th through the 17th. This week the children were enjoying the newly renovated outdoor waterpark. We’re excited about all the new experiences the camp members will have during their time here.
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LogAn MiLLer and CASSAndrA HiCkS WeiSenburger Director of Communications, Temple Israel n just over two weeks Temple Israel and Beth El Synagogue will team up to represent Jewish Pride in the 2018 Heartland Pride Parade in Council Bluffs. Through the leadership of Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Robert Friedman of Temple Israel, Matt Blodgett of Beth El, and our joint task force, we have been able to organize a sizable march to promote the love we have for our LGBTQIA+ family. This will be a shining example of two congregations’ dedication to inclusiveness and celebration of diversity and individuality. The ultimate goal of this eventful day is to embody Tikkun Olam, and the statement we hope to make at the parade is that we are all family. With each step we take we hope to show our acceptance and love for all of our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters. Saturday, June 30, we will begin together with a short Shabbat service with bagels at 8 a.m. at the southwest corner of Bayliss Park (100 Pearl Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503). Lineup for the parade begins at 9 a.m. with the parade starting promptly at 10 a.m. This is a family-friendly event celebrating Pride month and everyone is welcome to join! “Together we will be marching under our
rainbow chuppah as a symbol of our acceptance and inclusivity of all people,” explained Rabbi Berezin. “In Jewish tradition, we get married under a chuppah to symbolize a Jewish home. It’s open on all four sides to
demonstrate our openness and eagerness to welcome all people into our homes and our hearts. We hope that marching under this rainbow chuppah at the Heartland Pride Parade this year will be a symbol of our desire to be welcoming and inclusive communities.” Interested in joining? Let us know you will be walking with us! Register to walk by contacting Temple Israel, 402.556.6536. If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Robert Friedman, TIPride@ templeisraelomaha.com. Parking: There will be street parking located around the park’s perimeter and streets close by. Please be advised some streets may be closed off for the parade. As parking is likely to be an issue, please arrive early and be prepared to walk a couple of blocks! We look forward to seeing you there!
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6 | The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018
The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018 | 7
annualmeeting
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onday, June 4, the 2018 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Meeting brought the community together in the JCC Theater. The 2018 Volunteer of the Year Awards were given to Jess and Shane Cohn(JFO), Alex Epstein (JFO/JBL), John Walter (IHE), Jim Fried (ADL/CRC), Ray Pred (RBJH), Yachad Donors and Funds (JFS), Daniel Grossman (JCC) and Eric Dunning and Sandy Friedman (Jewish Press). The Robert and Ellen Gordman Jewish Teen Leadership Awards went to Raelyn Cherry and Lauren Kirk; Esther Katz was the recipient of the Jody and Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence. The Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award was presented to Sonia Tipp, while Danny Cohn received the Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award. Lisa and Gary Epstein were the recipients of the Phil and Terry Schrager Spirit of Federation Award. A highlight of the evening was Gloria Kaslow’s presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year Award to Bea Karp. Attendants also said thank you to outgoing President Bruce Friedlander, while welcoming incoming President Jon Meyers. The evening continued with a poolside reception at the brand new JCC water park, including a pool ribbon cutting.
8 | The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018
viewpoint thejewishpress
(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 Thierry ndjike Accounting Jewish Press board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex Officio; Laura Dembitzer; Candice Friedman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson; Michael Kaufman; David Kotok; Natasha Kraft; Debbie Kricsfeld; Eric Shapiro 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@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.org. Letters to the editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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A day at the beach
anneTTe van de KamP Editor, Jewish Press ccording to a story reported June 10, New York City councilman Chaim Deutsch, a Democrat, is renting a city beach on Coney Island in order to host gender-segregated swim days for his Jewish and Muslim constituents. “For many New Yorkers,” he announced on Facebook, “including religious Jews and Muslims who observe modesty laws, there isn’t an opportunity to utilize our City’s beautiful beaches. I’m excited to offer the chance for EVERYONE to enjoy!” Here is the rest of the story: “Men and boys will be able to swim at the southern Brooklyn beach on Friday, June 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Women and girls will be invited to do the same on Friday, July 27. Deutsch has raised $400 per day to cover the cost of lifeguards and other staff, the New York Post reported. The beach at Kingsborough Community College, next to the popular Manhattan Beach in south Brooklyn, is closed on those Fridays since there are no summer classes then, according to the newspaper. “I have a lot of Orthodox Jewish and Muslim constituents in my district who have never been able to go to the beach before,” Deutsch told the Post. “They’ve never been able to smell the beach, to walk in the sand. Everyone should be able to enjoy the beach.” While I don’t live anywhere near Brooklyn and nothing about these gender-segregated beach days affects me personally, I find myself remarkably excited at councilman Deutsch’s initiative. Here’s why: if we aim for a tolerant society, we have to be aware of those who live according to a stricter set of rules. There is no difference between me defending the choice to have my son circumcised and my neighbor refusing to wear a bathing suit in front of men. Too often we look upon gender-segregation as a negative, something that is forced on women against their
will. Yet I know a multitude of women who cover their hair because it is their choice. Who dress modestly because it is their choice. Men who refuse to shake my hand, not because they respect me less, but because they respect me more. Should some people stay away from the beach because the rest of us live by a different set of rules? Should we defend our choice to be more liberal, while discarding someone else’s choice to be more modest? Live and let live, right? Yet, there is a definite tendency in many to scoff at those who choose to live a more traditional life. I wonder why that is. “Responses on Facebook to Deutsch’s initiative ran from “great idea” and “Thank you. This is amazing,” to “Since we are going to have now Gentile-free days on the beach, can we also have a couple of Muslim-and-Jew-free days per week also? I think it will be only fair solution.” Another Facebook follower wrote: “This is not Tel Aviv or even close to it. And if you want something like that perhaps go there?” Note; we’re talking about two days during which the beach would normally be closed, so nobody is taking anything away from anyone. This is not a permanent change to the beach hours, there are many other beaches to go to during those two days, gender segregation on those two days does not mean ‘gentile-free.’ Having these two days hurts literally nobody. Right? Wrong, said New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman: "People don't have the right to impose gender discrimination on a city beach simply because it's mandated by their religion. It is one thing for the city to provide reasonable accommodation for religious practice and quite another to limit the public access of everybody else.” (nyPost.com)
Again, that beach would have been closed during those two days, so nobody’s missing out on anything and suggesting so is pure hypocrisy. There is no discrimination, nobody’s access is limited, except for that of Or-
The second season of 13 Reasons Why, a Netflix original series centered around mental health, premiered last month and the death of Kate Spade last week have both increased conversations on mental health, but the conversations are slowing down; they shouldn’t. briTTany Hamor Mental illness affects ap- Intern, Jewish Press proximately one in five adults in the United States alone. That’s roughly 44 million people just in the United States. 18 per cent of adults in the United States have reported experiencing an anxiety disorder such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), and specific phobias, according to the National Alliance of Mental Health. Here’s the thing many Americans tend to overlook when discussing mental illness: it is not limited to only adults. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14; 75 percent by age 24. One in five children between the ages of 13 and 18, that’s over 21 percent, experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life, according to the National Alliance of Mental Health. Severe mental disorders include, but are not limited to, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Only about half of children, between the ages eight and 15, have had mental health services in the last year. If children do not get the necessary help for mental illnesses, it leads to severe consequences. People living in the United States with serious mental illnesses die on average 25 years earlier than others, largely due to treatable medical conditions, according to National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Council. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people be-
tween the ages of 15 through 24 and the third for children younger than 15. More than 90 per cent of children who die by suicide have a mental health condition, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Mental illnesses are affecting Nebraska slightly more than the national average. In a study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) in 2015, it found that over 79,000 Nebraskans over the age of 18 suffer from a serious mental illness. It also found that 53 per cent did not receive mental health treatment and/or counseling. “I never admitted to anyone that I went to therapy as a kid. I was embarrassed and thought people would say I was weird,” said James from Amherst New York on letstalkstigma.org, “It took me until I was 35 years old to admit it to people. I don’t even know why.” One of the major reasons people do not seek help is the stigma behind mental illnesses. Stigma is disapproval of a person based on social characteristics. Many times this stigma makes people feel isolated or ashamed because of their mental illness. Learning about mental illness is one of the best ways to stop the stigmatization of it. Separating the truth from the stigma can help increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance for those living with mental health challenges, according to letstalkstigma.org. Learning about mental illness usually starts with familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of serious mental illnesses. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), these are some of the most common signs of serious mental illnesses: social withdrawal, difficulty functioning at school or work, problems with memory and/or thinking, feeling disconnected from reality, severe changes in sleeping, eating and hygiene habits, alcohol or drug abuse, and extreme mood changes If you’re concerned a friend or family member is exhibiting these signs, first consider whether there
are other circumstances that might be affecting the person’s mood or behavior and encourage them to seek help if needed, according to apa.org. A way to help your loved ones beyond the diagnosis is to provide support to them. According to apa.org, medications can be helpful for controlling symptoms of many serious mental illnesses, but they might take a while to become effective: and medication alone is often not enough to keep these diseases in check. Professionals encourage people with mental illnesses to take part in peer support groups or group psychotherapy. What’s truly important to recognize is that mental illness does not define their identity, they still have a voice. “Engage your loved one in open and honest conversations. Ask what they’re feeling, what they’re struggling with and what they’d like from you. Work together to set realistic expectations and plan the steps for meeting those expectations,” the American Psychological Association said. “Recognize and praise your loved one’s strengths and progress. Research shows that compared to offering positive support, repeatedly prompting or nagging people with serious mental illnesses to make behavior changes actually results in worse outcomes.” Mental illness affects millions of Americans annually. It’s time to de-stigmatize conversations about mental health and help give our peers and loved ones the help they deserve.
Drop the stigma: Mental health doesn’t define you
thodox Jews and Muslims, who, but for Deutsch’s initiative, would be able to go to the beach exactly never if people like Lieberman got their way. Apparently, that’s acceptable? Gender segregation and discrimination are not automatically the same thing. And by the way, with all the issues surrounding body-image, isn’t it about time we allow those of us who choose modesty a little more respect?
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The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018 | 9
Why it’s a big deal that Argentina canceled its soccer game in Israel
Ben SALeS wrote in a letter to Tapia obtained by Haaretz. “e Israeli govJTA ernment has turned a regular sports match into a political tool.” Israelis want nothing more than for their country to be conRajoub also called on Palestinians to burn their Messi jersidered normal. seys in protest of the game. And this isn’t his first foray against at may have to wait. Israeli soccer. In 2015, he unsuccessfully tried to get Israel A much-anticipated soccer game between the Argentine kicked out of FIFA, the international soccer organization. and Israeli national teams was cancelled because, Israeli and In an informal online poll conducted by Ynet, a news webArgentine officials say, of physical threats made to the Argen- site that tends to oppose Netanyahu, almost 60 per cent of retine players — including spondents blamed Regev for megastar forward Lionel the match’s cancellation. Ben Messi. e exhibition game Caspit, a journalist for the Iswas set for less than a week beraeli daily Maariv, tweeted that fore the beginning of the Messi visited Jerusalem in World Cup. 2013 without incident “beBeyond the disappointment cause no one turned the event of tens of thousands of Israeli into a political campaign.” e soccer fans, the cancellation Jerusalem decision, he wrote, shows Israelis once again that “woke the Palestinians up and even seemingly innocuous awakened the mob.” cultural events, like a soccer But Regev is known for being match, aren’t immune from bombastic, and she isn’t backthe festering Israeli-Palestining down. In a fiery statement, ian conflict. Israelis want to Lionel Messi, left, and Gonzalo Higuain of Argentina playing she blamed Palestinian terrorportray their country as a against the United States during the 2016 Copa America Cente- ism for the cancellation and thriving democracy like any nario in Houston, June 21, 2016. compared the threats against Credit: Bob Levey/Getty Images Messi to the murders of 11 Isother — violence on the border and the occupation notwithstanding — and a full mem- raeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics by the Palestinian ber of the family of nations. Black September terror group. And they appreciate when other countries treat them that “We’re talking about an old-new terror that scares, deters way. ousands of Israelis lined the streets for the Giro d’Italia and frightens players, the same terror that led to the murder cycling race last month, even though it’s not a popular sport of the 11 Munich victims in the 1972 Olympics,” she said. in Israel. Celebrating that international sporting event, per- “e true story here is not Haifa and not Jerusalem. e true haps the largest to be held in Israel, one of Israel’s leading story here is the threats on Messi’s life.” newspapers ran a full front-page photo with the headline Regev also accused Rajoub of inciting terror and accused “We’re on the map.” opposition Israeli Knesset members of “backing up terror” Last month an Israeli, Netta Barzilai, won the Eurovision because they wrote tweets criticizing her conduct. Regarding song contest, a 43-country competition that this year drew the idea that the move to Jerusalem directly caused the cansome 186 million viewers. cellation, she said “there is no bigger lie.” Such signs of normalization are manna for Israelis, and a “How much stupidity can you talk all the time? How much setback for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions move- nonsense can you say?” she said. “How nasty and mean can ment, which aims to isolate Israel internationally. So the BDS people be? Don’t people have national pride?” community seemed ecstatic to claim the Argentines’ decision JTA briefs editor Marcy Oster contributed to this report. as a result of their political pressure. e truth seems murkier. e president of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia, apologized to Israel and LetterS to tHe editor said players had received threats. Protesters outside the team’s Dear Editor, practice facility in Barcelona also waved Argentine soccer jerYasher Koach to the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Censeys covered in fake blood — leaving it up to observers to de- ter and all of the movers and shakers that brought forth our new Outcide whether the blood was meant to symbolize Palestinians door Aquatics Center. I just returned from walking The Lazy River, for who died or soccer players who might. exercise, and I am unbelievably impressed with all of it. The facility is is cancellation, nevertheless, cuts especially deep. Israelis beautiful, wonderful for all family members, and the many lifeguards feel stung when foreigners cancel appearances because of the are extremely attentive to what is going on around them. Our “J” is conflict. Soccer is Israel’s most popular sport, and Messi’s pro- definitely an A Class facility and I hope that all members will take adfessional squad, FC Barcelona, is the most popular interna- vantage of what we are so lucky to have. tional team in Israel, according to a recent survey. So Susie Silverman watching him face off against Israel’s team on its home turf would have been an especially big deal. Dear Editor, Israelis are outraged — and split on who is to blame. Even Congressman Don Bacon recently wrote a “Guest Editorial” for the if the ultimate decision was not a direct response to BDS pres- Jewish Press describing his support for Israel and noting that America sure, many accuse Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev of in- recently “recognized another truth by the opening of our Embassy in flaming the opposition by politicizing the game. Regev told Jerusalem.” This event may be a “truth” for President Trump and ConIsrael’s Army Radio that she moved the game from the north- gressman Bacon, but it is not for all Jews. In fact, the American Jewern city of Haifa to Jerusalem, specifically to exhibit Israel’s ish community is deeply divided on the issue. claim to the city. She also linked the game to “our fight over I am sure that the Omaha Jewish Community is interested in the the [United States] embassy moving to Jerusalem,” which Congressman’s position on Israel. But community members might also happened last month amid objections from Palestinians, the find it useful to review his position on a few other issues he did not European Union and the United Nations. mention in his editorial. He opposes abortion in all cases and supports “From my perspective, the important thing is that Ar- defunding Planned Parenthood. He supports defining marriage as begentina’s national team and Messi are coming to Israel and tween one man and one woman, and opposes same-sex marriage. He playing in Jerusalem ahead of the World Cup,” Regev told supports tax dollar vouchers that would allow parents to send their Army Radio on Monday, two days before the cancellation. children to private, religious schools. He opposes gun control legisla“Jerusalem is on the map. In this era — which includes BDS tion. And finally, he supports privatizing social security. — in this era nothing is more important.” It is certainly appropriate for Congressman Bacon to highlight his A Palestinian official also name-checked Regev, and the views on Israel, especially when dealing with a community that has a Jerusalem move, in a letter requesting that the game be can- particular interest in the subject. But he should also provide the Jewcelled. ish community with his complete record and explain his position on all “Aer political pressure took place from the Israeli govern- issues. That way the community can make their vote choice based on ment, as it was openly said by Israel’s Minister of Culture and all of his positions, rather than one hand-picked issue designed to Sports Miri Regev, the match was moved to Jerusalem,” Jibril paper over the rest of his record. Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, Paul Landow
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synagogues B’nAi isrAel sYnAgogue
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth el sYnAgogue
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
Beth isrAel sYnAgogue
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
chABAd house
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
congregAtion B’nAi jeshurun
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
offutt Air force BAse
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
rose Blumkin jewish home
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
temple isrAel
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
tifereth isrAel
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’nAi isrAel sYnAgogue
following a short summer haitus, we will meet again in september: Young Jewish Omaha Shabbat Event, friday, sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. For information conctact Nate Shapiro at nshap iro@jewishomaha@org. Erev Rosh Hashanah, sunday, sept. 9, 7:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah, monday, sept. 10, 10:30 a.m. Kol Nidre, tuesday, sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. Yom Kippur, wednesday, sept. 19, 10:30 a.m. and Concluding service and Break-the-fast, 5:30 p.m. Our High Holiday services are led by guest Cantorial soloist Jeff Taxman. For information on our historic synagogue, contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf, or email nanc ywolf16620@gmail.com.
Beth el sYnAgogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. fridAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. sAturdAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.; Shabbat Mincha following Morning Services. weekdAY serVices: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sundAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m. tuesdAY: Baking Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Beauty and Ugliness with Rabbi Abraham, noon. wednesdAY: Baking Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Chesed Committee visits Sterling Ridge, 2 p.m; Beauty and Ugliness with Rabbi Abraham, 6 p.m. Calling all bakers — Help us fill our freezer with sweets for Beth El Baking Days, june 19 and 20 and july 10 and 11 between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nebraksa AIDS Lunch , friday, june 22, 11:30 a.m. Contact Joan if you can help by donating baked goods.
Beth isrAel sYnAgogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. fridAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:41 p.m. sAturdAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; June Simcha Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 7:40 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:25 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:51 p.m. sundAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Midrash, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Ari. mondAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m. tuesdAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m. wednesdAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m. thursdAY: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Connecting With Our Fatih, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari.
chABAd house
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. fridAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. sAturdAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. weekdAYs: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. mondAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wednesdAY: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman. thursdAY: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman. All programs are open to the entire community.
congregAtion B’nAi jeshurun
Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. fridAY: No Services at Temple; Yom Shishi Israeli: Outdoor Shabbat Service and Dinner, 6:30 p.m with Yoni Doron, the JCC Shaliach at Tifereth Israel; Candlelighting, 8:42 p.m. sAturdAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Studay on Parashat Korach, 10:30 a.m.; Potluck Dinner and Game Night, 6 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 10:12 p.m. sundAY: Adult Beginning Hebrew, 11:30 a.m.; Feeding the kids at the F Street Rec Center, 2:30 p.m.; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wal-
lick at miriam57@aol.com. tuesdAY: Ladies Lunch, noon at The Egg & I, 1601 Q St. Please contact Deborah Swearingen at 402.475.7528 with any questions; Star City Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m. wednesdAY: Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. thursdAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, july 9–july 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Light Kosher dairy snack and lunch included. Tuition for each week is $75. This program is open to children ages 5-14. We require ALL campers to be registered through the LJCS, therefore we cannot accept drop-in guests.
offutt Air force BAse
fridAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
rose Blumkin jewish home
sAturdAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Renee Kazor and Jack Cohen. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
temple isrAel
fridAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. sAturdAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.; TiYPE Event at Dave & Busters, 5 p.m. Temple Tots Havdalah at the Park, saturday, june 23, Zorinsky Park, 3808 South 154th Street, Please contact Temple Israel for more information! Walk with Temple Israel and Beth El Synagogue at the 2018 Heartland Pride Parade in Council Bluffs, saturday, june 30, The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m. with the pa-
rade starting promptly at 10 a.m. Shabbat services will be held in Council Bluffs that morning before the parade begins. More details to come. Let us know you will be walking with us! Register to walk by contacting Temple Israel, 402.556.6536.
tifereth isrAel
Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. fridAY: Yom Shishi Israeli: Outdoor Shabbat Service and Dinner, 6:30 p.m with Yoni Doron, the JCC Shaliach. Open to the community. RSVP Required. sAturdAY: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m followed by a Kiddush luncheon. sundAY: Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. tuesdAY: Ladies Lunch, noon at The Egg & I, 1601 Q St., Unit A. Please contact Deborah Swearingen at 402.475.7528 with any questions. wednesdAY: Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Please join us for Tifereth Israel's Annual Congregational Meeting, sunday june 24 at 3 p.m. in the social hall. As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, july 9–july 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Light Kosher dairy snack and lunch included. Tuition for each week is $75. This program is open to children ages 5-14. We require ALL campers to be registered through the LJCS, therefore we cannot accept drop-in guests.
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The Band’s Visit wins 10 tony Awards, including for best musical
JTA news sTAff many years of my life I pretended I was not a The Band’s Visit, a jewel-box musical based on Middle Eastern person,” he said. “And after 9/11 an Israeli film about an Egyptian band stranded it was very, very difficult for me, and so I conin a hardscrabble Negev town, won the 2018 cealed and I missed so many special events with Tony Award for best musical. them. And they’re looking at me right now and I The Band’s Visit dominated its categories during the 72nd annual Tony Awards ceremony at Radio City Music Hall Sunday night, June 10. Ari’el Stachel, the California-born son of an IsraeliYemeni father and an Ashkenazi mother from New York, won the award for best featured actor in a musical for his performance as a romantic Egyptian trumpeter in the musical. Tony Shalhoub (Monk) won for Best Actor in a Musical and Katrina Lenk for tony shalhoub, winner of the award for best actor in a leading role in a best actress in a musical for musical for The Band’s Visit, posing at the ceremony at 3 west club in their roles as, respectively, new York city, june 10, 2018. Credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions the leader of the band and the Israeli cafe owner who takes him in. can’t believe it.” The Band’s Visit also won awards for best book He also thanked producer Orin Wolf “for (by Itamar Moses), best direction of a musical, telling a small story about Arabs and Israelis getbest original score (by David Yazbek), best lighting ting along at a time where we need that more design, best orchestration and best sound design. than ever.” Stachel, 26, is making his Broadway debut in Angels in America, playwright Tony Kushner’s The Band’s Visit. The play is based on the 2007 1993 epic about the AIDS epidemic, won the award-winning Israeli movie directed by Eran award for best revival of a play for the 2018 iterKolirin. In her acceptance speech, Lenk paid ation starring Andrew Garfield. tribute to the late Israeli actress Ronit Elkabetz, Lindsay Mendez won for best performance by who originated her role in the film. an actress in a featured role in a Musical for the In his acceptance speech, Stachel acknowl- revival of Carousel. Mendez, whose father is edged his parents, who were in the audience, say- Mexican American and who identifies herself as ing the musical led him to again embrace an “a Mexican-Jewish girl,” said she had been adidentity he had long avoided. vised to change her surname to downplay her “Both my parents are here tonight. I have ethnicity when she first moved to New York, but avoided so many events with them because for so was glad she refused.
The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018 | 11
lifecycles BIRTH
lEO GRaHaM fINKlE
Jessica and Andy Finkle of Washington, DC, announce the May 7 birth of their son, Leo Graham. He has a brother, Simon, age 2. Grandparents are Judi and David Finkle of Omaha, and Mary and Michael Levine of East Lansing, MI. Great-grandparents are Rose Davis and the late Saul Davis of Omaha, Barb Finkle and the late Maynard Finkle of Omaha, the late Joseph and Sarah Levine of Detroit, MI, and the late John and Gloria Parmenter of Sylvan Lake, MI.
New Mural at JCC
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60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
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NaOMI EvE PaSSER
Drs. Sonia and Joel Passer of Philadelphia, PA, announce the May 19 birth of their daughter, Naomi Eve. She is named for her great-grandfather, the late Nathan Step and her great-grandmother, the late Edith Passer. Grandparents are Dr. Jeffrey and Sandra Passer of Omaha, and Drs. Eugene Step and Julia Rashba-Step of Newton, MA. Great-grandparents are Dr. Emmanuel and Erna Rashba of Brookline, MA, Lyudmilla Step of Los Angeles, CA the late Stanley and Edith Passer, Omaha, and the late Dick and Dorlene Graham of New Market, IA.
artist Boris Bally waves as he installs the new mural on the front of the Jewish Community Center.
Poll shows deep divide between Israeli and American Jews — on Trump
RON KaMPEaS American Jews said it should while 13 percent said it should WASHINGTON | JTA not. A majority of Israeli Jews also favored civil marriage, but Israeli and American Jews disagree on much — settlements, it was a closer split at 55-40. religious pluralism, even the degree to which they are “family.” American Jews favored by 73 percent “a mixed-gender And now you can add Donald Trump to the mix. prayer area adjacent to the Western Wall administered on an Twin polls of Israeli and American Jews published by the equal basis with the services at the Wall itself,” while 21 perAmerican Jewish Committee on Sunday uncovered divides cent were opposed. Among Israeli Jews, the split was 42 peron all these issues, but an especially stark one about percep- cent in favor and 48 percent opposed. tions of the American president. Peoplehood: Asked how Asked if they approved of they viewed Israelis, 12 perTrump’s handling of the U.S.-Iscent of American Jews said rael relationship, 57 percent of “siblings,” 15 percent said American Jews disapproved while “first cousins,” 39 percent 34 percent approved. Among Issaid “extended family” and raeli respondents, the divide was 31 percent said “not part of 77 percent approved while 10 my family.” Affections were percent disapproved. greater among Israelis: 28 at gap extended to perhaps percent regarded American Trump’s best known Israel related Jews as “siblings,” 10 percent policy, moving the U.S. embassy President Donald Trump gestures during a meeting with Israeli as “first cousins” and 40 from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the percent as “extended famAmerican Jews were statistically White House, March 5, 2018. ily,” while just 22 percent Credit: Olivier Douliery/Pool/Getty Images said “not part of my family.” evenly split, with 46 percent supporting and 47 percent opposing. Israeli Jews were overere were areas of agreement, too: whelmingly in favor, with 85 percent supporting and 7 e Jewish future: Among Israeli Jews, 78 percent thought percent opposing. a “thriving” Diaspora was vital to the future of the Jewish peoere are areas of agreement as well, on the importance of a ple, while 15 percent did not. e split among American Jews thriving Israel and a thriving Diaspora to the Jewish future, and was 69 percent agreeing and 17 percent disagreeing. e same on whether being Jewish is a matter of religion or ethnicity. question regarding a “thriving” Israel had 87 percent approval “e surveys reveal sharp differences of opinion between the among Israeli Jews, with 6 percent disagreeing, while among world’s two largest Jewish communities on President Trump, American Jews the split was 79 percent agreeing and 17 perU.S.-Israel relations, and Israel’s security and peace process cent disagreeing. policies,” the AJC said in a release. “On Jewish communal isJewish identity: 56 percent of American Jews said being sues, such as Jewish religious equality in Israel, the surveys con- Jewish was “mostly a matter of ethnicity or culture,” while 24 firm fissures between American Jews and Israelis, though, at percent said it was mostly a matter of religion and 17 percent the same time, the data show a degree of commonality in opin- said it was both equally. Among Israeli Jews, the split was 40 ions about the vitality of both the Diaspora and the State of Is- percent believing ethnicity and culture were more important, rael and their significance for the future of the Jewish people.” 19 percent listing religion and 37 percent listing both. ere’s also a small bright light for Trump stateside: Amere Israeli poll, carried out by Geocatography, reached ican Jews still overwhelmingly disapprove of him, but not as 1,000 Jews over the age of 18 by phone in May. It has a margin much as they did the last time AJC polled them — he gained of error of 3.1 percentage points. 6 points, going from 77 to 71, just outside the margin of error e American poll was carried out by SSRS; it reached of 3.9 percentage points. Favorable ratings climbed 5 points, 1,001 Jews over the age of 18 by phone between April 18 and from 21 to 26. (By way of contrast, a Wall Street Journal/NBC May 10, and has a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points. poll last week scored 44 percent approval ratings for Trump among the general population.) Other areas of division included: Settlements: Asked whether Israel should dismantle some, all or none of its West Bank settlements in a peace deal with the The University of Nebraska Medical Center Board of Counselors Palestinians, 4 percent of Israeli Jews said all, 35 percent said held its annual meeting recently, naming new officers and welcomsome and 54 percent said none. Among American Jews, 15 pering 14 new members. One of the new members is Bob Wolfson of cent said all, 44 pe rcent said some and 35 percent said none. Omaha, who is the co-founder of WeLaunch. Some of the other Pluralism: Among American Jews, 80 percent said non-Orboard members who will continue to serve include; Howard Epthodox rabbis should be able to officiate at weddings in Israel stein, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Founand 17 percent said they should not; among Israeli Jews, the dation, Susan Roffman Norton, J.D., a civic leader, Nelson split was 49 percent in favor and 45 percent against. Asked Gordman, and Suzanne Singer, a career volunteer. whether Israel should allow civil marriage, 81 percent of
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12 | The Jewish Press | June 15, 2018
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Beats and Bites: Potash brothers bring food and music together
Annette vAn de kAmp Editor, Jewish Press he new food series on Bravo, Beats and Bites, has some very familiar faces. Ezra and Adeev Potash, talented Jazz musicians, native Omahans and sons of Amy Nachman and Alan Potash are following their previous food-inspired Southern road trips with a new show that lives at the intersection of music and food. Combining top chefs like Leah Cohen and Michael Voltaggio with musical guests (Hip-Hop artist Smino and Pianist Robert Glasper among them) gives the Potash twins the opportunity to cook up a special kind of magic. Acorrding to the Potash Twins’ bio, e Miami World Herald named them the Musicians of the Food World: “e twins have become well known in the food scene by chefs and foodies alike. ey have performed around the country at events including Food Network and Cooking Channel’s South Beach Food and Wine Festival, the James Beard Leadership Awards, Palm Beach Food and Wine (including Chef Daniel Boulud’s infamous Sunday brunch at Cafe Boulud), Cochon 555, the opening of Chef Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable, the opening of Chef Mike Isabella’s Kapnos Taverna, and at legendary Chef Rick Bayless’ James Beard Awards aer-party.” Watching Beats and Bites is kind of like visiting with an old friend, discussing favorite topics, jamming and — of course — exposing one’s self to great food. “We never decline tasting what these chefs offer us,” they said. “We are so fortunate to share a meal with the most in-
credible chefs in the world. When they put food in front of you, you eat it!” By Omaha standards, the most outrageous thing they have ever eaten, they think, is wok-tossed bumblebees in China, or crickets at Andrew Zimmern’s house. It was Zimmern, of Bizarre Food- fame, who produced their first show, Southern
Road Trip with the Potash Twins. Zimmern, like few before him, was instrumental in expanding the audience’s idea of what food is and can be. Why is food and Music such a fertile combination? “It’s organic,” Adeev and Ezra answered. “Everyone loves food and everyone loves music. People have strong feelings about their favorite bands and their favorite restaurant. Food and Music are things embedded into the human genome. Luckily, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to both, and
hearing about each other’s favorite is part of the process.” ey’ve been hitting the morning talk show circuit, in order to promote their new show: “We’ve done about 9 so far,” they said, “in Minneapolis, Chicago and Kansas City, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Las Vegas and New York City. ey are fun! We love talking about our experiences with new people every day. You learn a lot about each city and the people who live in it, simply through conversation with the local hosts. We love being in new places, trying new things!” One thing each Bravo episode makes clear: the Potash twins like surrounding themselves with hard working, talented people — whether they come from the music or the restaurant world. “One thing we’ve learned is that you can never learn everything. e one thing every master we’ve spoken with has in common is that they feel they still have so much to learn. When you see a few of your idols repeat this same notion, you start to get the idea and understand its importance.” ey haven’t really thought about opening their own restaurant, saying it’s not their field of expertise. at field remains Jazz—but as long as they can combine their first love with their close second, they’ll be entertaining and educating the rest of us. Episodes of Beats and Bites can be viewed at bravotv.com. You can also see some of their talk show appearances by going to https://www.facebook.com/PotashTwins/. One important question remains: Abandoned Island, one album, one meal, go: “Steak au Poivre from Lucky Strike in NYC and Kind of Blue by Miles Davis.”
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