June 21, 2019 by Jewish Press

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this week

Captain Joe Kirshenbaum honored with French Legion Medal of Honor

gABBy BlAIr California where he, along with several other veterans, were Staff Writer, Jewish Press awarded the French Legion Medal of Honor for their service une 6, 2019 marked the 75th anniversary of D- in Normandy, France during World War II. e French govDay. It was on this date in 1944 that the Allied ernment is bestowing their country’s highest award to select living WWII veterans whose honorforces of the U.S., Britain able service on French soil prior to and Canada, numbering May 8, 1945, helped rid the country some 156,000 soldiers, of their Nazi occupiers and bring an launched one of the largest amphibiend to Hitler’s tyranny across Europe. ous military assaults in history, landJoe served in the Army’s 82nd Ording on the beaches of the heavilynance Group and was attached to fortified Normandy Coast in Nazi General George Patton’s 3rd Army in controlled France. is oﬀensive atFrance. His assignment was to keep tack, in which many of our brave serall 62 ammunition depots supplied vicemen gave their lives in order to for the 3rd Army between 1944-1945 wipe out the Nazi scourge, allowed in Normandy. He shares that “aer the Allies to gain a foothold in Westseveral months of record gathering ern Europe. It is a day historians now and detailing my military service mark as the beginning of the end of World War II. from the French Embassy in Santa e Jewish Press was honored to Monica, California, my portfolio was have recently received a letter from forwarded to the Embassy in Washone of our community’s own brave ington D.C. then onto Paris to be reservice men who took part in this viewed by the Protocol and Awards Captain Joe Kirshenbaum pivotal moment in history, Captain Bureau for final approval.”

March at Heartland Pride Page 3

Women’s Philanthropy Division Appreciation Event Page 9

Joe Kirshenbaum. In honor of his service, Joe was invited to participate in this year’s award ceremony in Los Angeles,

Schwalb Center in Japan

Mainstreeters presents flag-waving fun in July Page 16

Dr. Hutt and the President of Shizouka University, Dr. Kiyoshi Ishii. Curtis presents him with the Sefer HaAggadah.

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Dr. CUrtIS HUtt Associate Professor; Director, Goldstein Center for Human Rights; Director of Programming, Schwalb Center This last May 30-31, the UNO Schwalb Center led by Dr. Curtis Hutt organized an international academic conference at Shizuoka University in Japan focused on the work and influence of the early 20th century philosopher Edmund Husserl.

Hosted by the President of Shizuoka, the “indigenous rationalist” philosopher Dr. Kiyoshi Ishii, the international conference brought together over 20 scholars from around the world and Japan to discuss Husserl’s work on global philosophy and religion. Husserl, a very significant German philosopher expelled from Freiburg University because of his Jewish heritage, not only founded contemporary phenomenology but was the teacher of several of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century. One hundred years ago, in the wake of ongoing European horrors in the aftermath of World War One, Husserl published three articles in the Japanese journal Kaizo reaching out for intellectual partners in combatting a “crisis of reason.” It is in these texts, discussed explicitly at this conference, that Husserl forwards a rare contribution to social See Schwalb Center page 3

Kirshenbaum would like to thank his “close friends Burt See Joe Kirshenbaum page 2

Beth El: Remembering Jennifer Beth Kay

OzzIE NOgg According to Karen Gustafson, On June 25, 2017, Jennifer Beth Jewish Family Service Executive DiKay’s life ended tragically by sui- rector, “Les and Helen Kay turned cide. She was 37 years old. Subse- their family tragedy into action, by quently, Jennifer’s doing something parents, Les and meaningful for Helen Kay, estabothers. They told lished the Jenme, directly, ‘If nifer Beth Kay there are people Memorial Fund in our commuat the Jewish Fednity who want to eration of Omaha receive mental Foundation. health services “This fund probut are faced with vides mental a financial barhealth services, rier, we’re here to ongoing prohelp them.’ For gramming, counthe past year, JFS seling and has been focused education for deon Suicide Prepression and suivention,” Gustafcide prevention,” son continued, Jennifer Beth Kay Les Kay ex“and I’ve worked plained. “As the second anniversary closely with Les and Helen to best of Jennifer’s death approaches, we utilize some of their funds.” plan to honor her memory and To date, Les and Helen Kay — raise awareness of her fund at min- through their donor advised Jenyan on Tuesday evening, July 2, at nifer Beth Kay Memorial Fund — 5:30 p.m. in the Beth El Synagogue have helped subsidize therapy seschapel. A chili supper will follow sions with JFS counselors; given fiservices, and we invite the entire nancial support to the national Kim community to share this special Foundation® that connects at-risk See Jennifer Kay page 2 fundraiser event with us.”

2 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019

ADL-CRC presents Rosé at the Rose

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PAm monsky Community Development Liaison, ADL-CRC he ADL-CRC is proud to present Rosé at the Rose, our second annual summer fundraiser! Building oﬀ the success and momentum of last year’s Raise a Glass, this summer’s event is promising to be one to remember. Rosé at the Rose will be held Sunday, July 28 from 3-5 p.m. at the Rose eater, 2001 Farnam St. e event features a Rosé wine tasting, silent auction, music, food and our special guest, Sharon Nazarian, ADL’s Senior Vice President of International Aﬀairs. Community members will be able to join Ms. Nazarian

aernoon and enjoy the wine, pick up an auction item or two and see first-hand the hard work that our ADL-CRC does on a daily basis.” Event sponsors include Kutak Rock, LLP; David Kohll; Omaha Public Schools Foundation; Carol & Alan Parsow; Broadmoor Management Company; Belle Terre Vineyard & Reception Hall; Momenta Pain Care; Abraham, Kaslow and Cassman; Bloom Companion Care; W.H. Ferer Co.; Julie & Jim Fried; Ron Giller; Sheila & Gary Nachman; Stephanie Shakirhev & sons; Kathleen Starr; Danny Cohn and Andrew Miller; Becki Brenner; Gary & Lisa Epstein; Andrew and Kimberly Robinson and Dr. Joel & Mrs. Nancy Schlessinger.

Carol and Alan Parsow

Eric Dunning and Toba Cohen-Dunnin

for more intimate conversations at our VIP dinner following the fundraiser at Stirnella restaurant in the Blackstone District. Honorary Event co-chairs are Alan and Carol Parsow along with Toba Cohen-Dunning and Eric Dunning as Event CoChairs. “We are thrilled to build on the success of last year’s fundraiser!” said Toba. “Our work at the ADL-CRC is crucial. Just since our last event, we’ve witnessed synagogue shootings in Pittsburgh and California and a massacre at a New Zealand mosque. We must take every opportunity we can to stand together against anti-Semitism and hate in all forms.” Alan and Carol Parsow agreed, adding, “We invite the entire community to come together for a short time on a Sunday

Wine sponsor is the Gudgel family. Highlights of the silent auction include original artwork by Omaha native Jim Krantz, a night and dinner at Lied Lodge, Nebraska Football tickets, a week’s stay at a Palm Desert, California resort condo and much more. Tickets to the event are $50 and include wine and light fare. Event and VIP tickets are $150. VIP tickets only are $100. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Omaha.adl.org or call 402.334.6570. If you would like to be a Community Sponsor for the event or donate a silent auction item, please contact our oﬃce. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Joe Kirshenbaum

Continued from page 1 Collette, LtCol., USAF (Ret.), Robert Johnson and Terri Gans, Assistant to the Consul General of France, for their assistance in helping to gather and submit the records required for approval, allowing him to be honored with this beautiful French Legion Medal of Honor.” Captain Joe Kirshenbaum has received significant decorations for his service including having his Ordnance Unit being awarded the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque for the outstanding work for the ETO (Battle participation through Northern France with the 3rd Army, on into Rhineland, Ardennes and Central European Campaigns.)

Jennifer kay

Continued from page 1 people to mental health and suicide prevention resources; supported the Boys Town National Hotline; and co-sponsored a 13 minute video — What I Wish You Knew — produced by Jewish Family Service. “The video features seven young people, talking about how they feel about mental health and the importance of receiving mental health services,” Karen Gustafson said. “The video has been shared with 16 school districts in the Omaha Metro area and numerous other organizations, to help dispel the stigma of mental illness and as a suicide prevention tool. Les and Helen Kay are true Champions of the Cause. They want to be involved in any way that can help. Pain from the death of a child is excruciating, but pain from the death of a child by suicide is beyond comprehension. Les and Helen continue to work to turn their pain into something good. I believe they see it as a path to their own healing and as a way to help others before suicide becomes another family’s tragedy.” Les and Helen Kay say, “Jennifer was not defined only by her bi-polar illness. She was a loving, strong-willed, free-spirited,

Captain Kirshenbaum was honorably discharged in December, 1945 in Bowie, Texas. He turned down a promotion to major that would come with a three-year reenlistment obligation, instead choosing to return home to Omaha, Nebraska, and finished his college education. “I wanted to become involved in business, get married and start a family. I feel blessed to say I was successful in all three.” Indeed, Joe is a blessed man and so are we for knowing him. He shares that he will turn 100 years old on Dec. 27 this year, and enjoys “keeping up on his social life and Wolf Bros., and is thankful for his good health.” We are so proud of our “Big” Joe and wish to thank him once again for his service.

generous, creative and bright daughter, sister and mother with mental health issues. Following the minyan on July 2, we’ll host a chili supper in the Social Hall at Beth El as part of a fundraiser to benefit the Jennifer Beth Kay Memorial Fund and its outreach work. Our hope is to perpetuate Jennifer’s name by enlisting community support that is so vital for positive action.” The Kays credit their dear friend, Lloyd Roitstein, with suggesting the minyan and supper as a way to remember Jennifer and enlist support for her fund. “Helen and Les started this fund to help others, which is fantastic,” Roitstein said. “We read about people with mental issues every day and it’s not an easy fix. When we were around Jennifer, she was positive, enthusiastic and always wore a smile. That’s the thing about depression and other mental health issues. You just never know.” To reserve a place at the meal following the July 2 evening minyan and to support the Jennifer Beth Kay Memorial Fund, please visit the Beth El link: https://secure.acceptiva.com/ ?cst=cTqNgt. Donations may also be made through the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation website: jfofounda tion.org referencing the Jennifer Beth Kay Fund.

Schwalb Center

Continued from page 1 theory forwarding an ethics of cultural renewal. In addition to discussing themes and issues raised in Husserl’s Kaizo articles, several papers in the international conference and an entire session – sponsored by the Schwalb Center – addressed Edmund Husserl’s relationship with 20th century Jewish philosophy, religion and ethics. This was a unique and important undertaking, as academic conferences on Judaism in Asia are extremely rare. This was the first time that a conference addressed Husserl’s thought in the context of Jewish scholarship. Husserl’s work was compared and contrasted with that of Hermann Cohen, Max Scheler, Edith Stein, Emmanuel Levinas, Joseph Soloveitchik and J.Z. Smith. The renowned Jewish philosopher Lewis Gordon gave a keynote talk on the second day of the conference. The plenary address was given by Dr. Dermot Moran, President of the InterPresident ishii holding the book national Federation of Philoof Legends sophical Societies. In addition to the Schwalb Center, the UNO Fried Academy and Religious Studies department also sponsored the conference and sent representatives (Dr. Mark Celinscak and Dr. Paul Williams) to the event. The international conference was very well attended. Not only were several past and present presidents of philosophical associations from around the world in attendance, but Shizuoka students filled the conference hall. Attendees were provided introductions to Japanese culture including a concert, a tour of Shizuoka prefecture, and lots of local cuisine. On behalf of the Schwalb Center, Shizuoka President Dr. Kiyoshi Ishii was presented with a copy of Sefer HaAggadah (The Book of Legends). UNO hopes to host a follow-up conference in Omaha.

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The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019 | 3

community

Praying with our feet Rabbi Steven abRaHaM Beth El Synagogue Reprinted with permission from the Rabbi’s personal blog. A few folks have asked me about the potential conflict of the synagogue taking part in the Heartland Pride Parade on Saturday, June 29 and the observance of Shabbat. I wanted to take the opportunity to share my thoughts on the topic. A few years back, a few congregants asked if the synagogue would publicize a walk, taking place on Shabbat to support cancer research. My initial thought was, while I had no issue with folks participating in the walk, the question in front of me was whether the synagogue should publicize it. What struck me most was that the people who were asking and, being very considerate, were not folks who typically show up at services on Shabbat morning. ey wanted to take part in something they believed was meaningful, and they understood a conflict existed and wanted to see what could be done to alleviate the issue. As I sat and thought on the issue, the prophetic and all too oen-used line from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel came to mind. As he was walking with Dr. King in Selma, he responded to a reporter who was asking a question saying that he was “praying with his feet.” How ironic that we use the line so oen in

March at Heartland Pride

Folks across several Jewish organizations (ADL-CRC, Beth El Synagogue, Jewish Federation of Omaha, Temple Israel) are joining forces to march together at the Heartland Pride Parade. All are welcome to join as we put our feet to the pavement and support those who identify as LGBTQ within our community. “This year’s Pride parade is an opportunity for Jews in Omaha to share the message: All are welcome here. The Stonewall riots occurred 50 years ago this month; but in the 50 years since, Pride has become so much more. Praying with our feet is the perfect way to show that we stand together, with love for all.” said community organizer Robert Friedman. Details on the group assembling to march together (including an optional Rise & Pride Shabbat morning service led by Rabbi Brian Stoller) in Heartland Pride Parade can be found here at www.jewish omaha.org.

our writing, yet how oen do we act on Heschel’s prophetic words. Aer a few days of thought, the decision became an easy one. First, I do not believe there is only one way to observe Shabbat. At its core, Shabbat should be

a day held aside from the rest of the week; what that means in practice is unclear. I saw these individuals who were asking about the walk as seeking to turn Shabbat, a day that had typically been mundane, into a day pregnant with meaning. When the question came regarding the Heartland Pride Parade a few years back, the decision had already been made to allow the synagogue to publicize such programming (i.e., a walk/parade on Shabbat). e underlying question being asked was in regards to the theme of the parade, not whether Jewish law permits participating. Beth El is proud to be a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community, where all are welcome to pray and participate as they feel comfortable. On Saturday, June 29, there will be some who join me at Beth El in prayer and others who will be praying with their feet in the Old Market. Whatever you decide, you are honoring our prophetic tradition and Shabbat.

Shermet-Burrell Environmental Gap Year Fund

4 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019

community Mamanet is coming to Omaha

Julee KaTzMaN those who are interested. Special Projects Coordinator, JFO Classes and events are Mamanet, Israel’s largest FREE and open to ANY social/sports league for woman over 30 (mama or mothers, is coming to not), Jewish or Non-Jewish. Omaha July 1 and 2! MaEveryone is welcome! manet is a combination of ree introductory sports and community classes/practice sessions where women demonstrate Monday, July 1 will be held before the final, pride, good sportsmanship, 7:30 p.m. | JCC Gymnasium culminating game. ose friendly and professional Mamanet Introductory Class & interested are invited to atcompetition, fair play and Practice Session tend any or all of the sespositive physical activity. sions and participate in the Mamanet features the sport Tuesday, July 2 final game. Introductory of Cachibol (catchball), a 10 a.m. | JCC Gymnasium practice sessions will be variation of volleyball Mamanet Introductory Class & under an hour in length. where players catch, pass Practice Session ose interested in playing and throw the ball using a Noon | JCC Gymnasium in the final game may regulation-size volleyball Mamanet Introductory Class & RSVP to Esther Katz at and court. Mamanet draws Practice Session ekatz@jcc omaha.org or thousands of players in over 6 p.m. | JCC Gymnasium 402.334.6406. e final 90 cities across Israel and its Final Game *Please RSVP if you plan game will be followed by popularity is spreading in on participating in final game dinner at Jams. ose who countries such as Austria, 7:30 p.m. | Post Game Dinner at would like to attend are Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Jams *Please RSVP with a $10 pay- also asked to RSVP, with a the United States. $10 payment to Esther. ment if you plan on attending dinner We are pleased to welis event is sponsored by come three players and one coach from our the Partnership with Israel Sports2Gether, Partnership region in Israel to our commu- Jewish Federation of Omaha and the Jewish nity on Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2. Community Center of Omaha. While here, this group will explain the MaLearn more about Mamanet at http://mama manet movement and teach Cachibol to net.org.il/viewArticle_en.asp?id=192#topb.

the following fields: Climatologist, Ecologist, Entomologist, Hydrologist, Marine Biologist, Meteorologist, Microbiologist, Molecular Biologist, Oceanographer, Paleontologist, Seismologist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoologist, Large Animal Veterinarian, Conservation Biology and Fisheries Science. “Let us approach tikkun olam literally and actually start working toward repairing the world. No matter what our individual politics are, we all live on this one Earth together. Our home is sick. If you walked into your house and there was mold, you would do something about it. And that’s how we need to view our planet.” In addition to the gift from the Livingston Foundation Fund, Cantor Shermet has utilized monies from both her Temple Israel Discretionary Fund and personal family savings. Darlynn and Tom Fellman and Louri Sullivan and their families have also graciously donated. Since the fund’s announcement, additional Temple Israel members have also begun to generously donate. Students will apply for the scholarship and depending upon the number of applicants per calendar year, Cantor Shermet anticipates awarding a onetime grant per student each year until the funds are depleted.

Paintings by dar VandeVoort

Darlys VandeVoort is an artist from Iowa who works with clientele at Quality Living Inc., assistalso works from her Omaha studio at the Hot ing them in creating art. Various special school Shops Art Center, studio, #215. She is a member projects throughout the metro are another outlet of the Artists Co-op Gallery in downtown Omaha. for her love of art. “There are no mistakes; it’s Dar creates custom paintings for clients nationally just another layer of paint.” Dar has always been while teaching private lessons, group workshops, an artist and has a love of the outdoors and aniand corporate team building locally. She also mals, and it shows in her work. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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Dar VandeVoort

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CaSSaNdra WeiSeNburger Director of Communications, Temple Israel In 2018, Cantor Wendy Shermet was awarded a monetary gift from the Livingston Foundation Fund in recognition of her service to the teens in her care as part of the 11th and 12th Grade Israel Trip and for being a leading light in the Omaha Jewish community for 18 years. “I spent a lot of time thinking about how I want to use this lovely award and, having worked with so many teenagers over these years, I realized that not all of our kids are meant to go to college right away, or even at all. Kids really grow up during a gap year and I think it’s important for them to consider their choices and get some work experience before going to college,” said Cantor Shermet. Together with her husband Len and son Sam, they created the Shermet-Burrell Environmental Gap Year Fund at Temple Israel. The purpose of this fund is to allocate scholarship money for a gap year either between high school and college or a gap year during college for students who wish to explore their interest in the Environmental Science fields before committing to a major. The student will choose an organization with which to volunteer and will not be geographically restricted. Such organizations include but are not necessarily limited to

Katrina Swanson 402.679.3595 www.katrinamethotswanson.com

Watercolors by Katrina Swanson

Katrina Swanson became interested in art at a very young age, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her art. She was formally exposed to design and color concepts and the watercolor medium when she enrolled in a Community College in 1987 to pursue a degree in commercial art. Katrina won several local art shows with her photo realistic watercolors from 1991-1996. In 1997 she was selected as a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society. In 2003 Katrina put aside her watercolors and started painting with oils. She was particularly fascinated with the detailed work of Richard Estes and the moodiness of Edward Hopper. Exploring with her camera, she searches for the play of light, deep shadows, and repeating shapes. Back in her studio, the photographs help her transfer the colors, shadows and feelings to her canvas. She uses that inspiration to paint urban scenes of Omaha’s Old Market and surrounding areas that have the mood and impression she wants to portray. Katrina is a member of the International Guild of Realism, the National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society, and the Missouri Valley Impressionists Society. She is currently mentoring high school students at the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program. Katrina has several paintings in collections across the state at Wayne State College, UNO’s Mammel Hall and the UNO Engagement Center. Katrina shows at several galleries in Omaha: The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th Street, Connect Gallery, 3901 Leavenworth Street, and Ginger’s Hang-Up Custom Framing & Art Gallery, 8455 Frederick Street. The Grove - A Gallery, 713 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, NE, The Burkholder, 719 P Street, Lincoln, NE, and Robert Paul Galleries, 394 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019 | 5

Biblical dogs

DaviD Bittner anaanis are not mentioned by name in ancient Hebrew literature, but since rock paintings in ancient Israelite tombs show dogs that cannot be mistaken for any other breed, it is certain that any dogs mentioned in the bible- Tobit’s dog, for instance- were Canaanis. According to legend, Jezebel had a Canaani attached to her throne with a golden collar and chain. Israelite shepherds used the Canaanis as their guard and cattle dogs. Canaanite dogs were plentiful in Israel until the dispersion of the Jews by the Romans. As their masters were evicted from their lands, some Canaanis avoided extinction by adapting to a wild lifestyle. Others retained domesticity by attaching themselves to the Bedouins, guarding their flocks as they had done for the Israelites. is was the situation discovered by Drs. Rudolf and Rudolfina Menzel, Austrian-Jewish animal behaviorists, who had trained the dogs of the Vienna police force in 1934. When the Hagganah learned of the Menzel’s arrival, it asked them to train a cadre of dogs for the Jewish underground. At first, the couple worked with European dogs, but noticed they were less suitable for work in the Israeli climate than the sturdy dogs guarding the Bedouin encampments. e Menzel’s acquired some puppies from the Bedouins and began to train and raise them. e dogs proved highly intelligent. Bred by the Menzels for the next 35 years, Canaanis served in

the War of Independence, the Sinai Campaign and the Six-Day and Yom Kippur wars. In addition to guarding kibbutzim, factories

Canaani dogs are medium size with short to medium length coats that range in color from cream to brown/red to black. Credit: Wikimedia Commons and military installations, they served as reliable messengers and rescue dogs for the Mogen David Adom. ey also proved as sharp mine detectors because of their keen sense of smell. In 1949, Dr. Rudolfina established the Institute for the Orientation and Mobility of the Blind in Haifa, where she

trained the blind to use Canaanis as Seeing Eye dogs. When the Manzels retired in the 1970s, the remainder of their breeding stock was transferred to some kennels near Jerusalem where a project to learn more about Canaanis soon got underway. Animal behaviorists from Israel’s universities learned that Canaani’s instinct to guard came from a strong sense of territoriality. e breed is not easily distracted or tempted by food or treats and they do not stop barking at objects le by intruders- an invaluable trait in foiling saboteurs. e scientists also discovered that the Canaani was the camel of the canine world, able to go for days with little or no water; they suffered none of the ill effects that dehydration produced in European breeds. Perhaps one of the most interesting things they discovered was that the female Canaani would remain with one mate all her life- behavior almost unknown among other breeds of dogs. First recognized in 1953 by the Israel Kennel Club and declared as the nation’s official breed, the Canaani is now recognized by all of the world's kennel clubs and is bred in many countries around the world including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Finland, Germany, Israel and France. eir overall general health, high level of intelligence and ease of training, coupled with their defensive, yet not aggressive nature, make them great protectors of their human families or animal herds alike.

June 15-25 | All day | Pete Tillack doing a live painting at the gallery

June 23 | 5 p.m. | Wine Tasting at the Gallery with Blackstone District's Corkscrew Wine and Cheese, tickets available on Eventbrite.com or stop in or call the gallery to purchase July 5 | 6-9 p.m. | First Friday Event with local artist Jenna Johnson; wine and hors d’oeuvres provided

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1001 Farnam St. | Omaha Nebraska 68102

6 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019

hot dogs

Rosh Hashanah

publishing date | 09.20.19 space reservation | 08.07.19

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Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

Scheduling plays a big role in every major political campaign, and it certainly did in my Congressional run of 1980. Every day, my time was set forth, from first thing in the morning to late at night; and I followed richard fellMan what was planned exactly. But, there was one rule I set for my ‘scheduler’ and myself I did not wish to violate. Until Labor Day, I kept open either the daily dinner hour so I could be with my family, or the bedtime of our kids so I could say goodnight. Aer Labor Day, for eight weeks until the election, I was committed to the campaign, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spouses, especially when they are adept at politics and are eﬀective campaigners, are oen included in the scheduling process; and Bev was excellent at meeting people and speaking on my behalf. In the campaign she had her own schedule, although she spent the majority of her time at home with our four children. But aer Labor Day, she began to be away from home more oen. We had excellent help; a young woman who carefully watched our children and Bev’s mother, Dina Bloom, who always stepped in to help. To prepare for her absence at meal times, Bev purchased a huge box with a gross of hot dogs with enough buns to match. It became the basic evening meal for about six weeks. Although Bev was gone oen during those final weeks, her birthday was Oct. 18; and that night we scheduled an evening meal for

all of us. e children each came with a present and a self-written card. At the time, the oldest was 14 and the youngest was a few months shy of 8. Johnny and Daniel went together for their present. It was clear they’d wrapped the gi themselves. Bev carefully opened the card, read what it said and then wrapped her arms around both boys. e card said: “Mom, we’re sick of hot dogs. Love, Johnny and Daniel.” e gi was a paperback copy of Betty Crocker’s Good and Easy Cookbook, which at the time was in its 16th printing. Today, almost 40 years later, it is still

Credit: Andrew Dunn via Wikimedia Commons

prominently shelved in our kitchen amidst books with much loier titles. ere are volumes of Gourmet, there is Joan Nathan’s Jewish Cooking in America and numerous French, Russian, Ukrainian and even Chinese books. ere are seemingly countless volumes on every aspect of kosher cooking. But of all those sophisticated authors and cookbooks, none compares with Betty Crocker’s Good and Easy Cookbook, given by two young boys to their mother when they were sick and tired of having hot dogs for dinner every night.

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers

Sportswriter Mitch sherman will take a look at Scott Frost as he enters his second year as head coach of the ‘Huskers’ on Wednesday, June 26, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Omaha chamber Music society summer concert series Christina Narwicz, Hitchcock Iteration The Omaha Marriot Capitol District

OMAHA CHAMBER MUSIC 2019 SUMMER SOCIETY / CO N C E R T S E R I E S June 16, 23, 30 and July 7 / 3:00pm Omaha Conservatory of Music 7023 Cass Street omahachambermusic.org

you to track its theme through colorful variations. The Omaha Chamber Music Society has anPianO dUOs: christi and Jennifer nounced its 2019 Summer Concert Series, with retUrn: July 7, 3 p.m. four performances taking place over four weekWhat could be grander than two grand pianos ends at the Omaha Conservatory of Music. Each played by stellar pianists?! That’s what awaits concert features musicians familiar to the Omaha community, including artists from the Omaha Sym- you when Christi and Jennifer return to amaze us with their artistry. Come along on a musical tour phony, Omaha Conservatory faculty members and of the European continent, extending from Spain friends to the Omaha Classical Music community. to Russia and including Chabrier’s sultry, zesty The concerts all take place on sunday afterEspaña; Shostakovich’s propulsive Suite, Op. 6; noons at 3 p.m., with pre-concert talks happenand Chopin’s dazzling Rondo, his only work for ing at 2:40 p.m. in the Recital Hall across from two pianos. the Conservatory Concert Hall. PianO triOs: BeethOVen’s ARCHDUKE: Tickets are available online at https://www. June 30, 3 p.m. omahachambermusic.org/ticketsbeta/ as well Beethoven’s beloved Trio, dedicated to his arisas the door at each concert. The Omaha Chamber tocratic patron, Archduke Rudolph, is at once Music Society is a 501c(3) nonprofit, performs noble of spirit, warm and brilliant. You’ll also be and produces over 16 concerts each season with treated to a bit of Café Music by American compartners such as KANEKO, Gallery 1516, and the poser Paul Schoenfield, who called the piece JCC, as well as engages in community service and “high-class dinner music!” Opening the festivities education programs with Josie Harper Hospice is Rebecca Clarke’s impassioned Trio that invites House and Omaha Public Schools. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019 | 7

community

JCC Dance Training Company explores flamenco dance Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press wide array of dance class styles are available at every level at the JCC and Cultural Arts Director, Esther Katz, is always looking for new ideas to keep her programming fresh and ‘on pointe’. A few months ago, she ran into friends Eve and Betiana Simon while at the Opera. “We were catching up and Betiana mentioned that she had taken up Flamenco Dance and how much she loved it. She was telling me about how similar it was to ballet and it really piqued my interest. A few weeks later, Betiana brought her Flamenco instructor, Patricia Velazquez-Dunn, in to meet with me. We decided to oﬀer a Master Class for my JCC Dance Training Company Dancers to see how it went and go from there. Wednesday, June 5th we had that class. It was amazing and the girls loved it! We quickly picked up on the movement because of its similarities to ballet and enjoyed the challenge of the fast footwork; we definitely worked muscles we were not used to working! Aerwards we decided that we would have to make this partnership grow.” Patricia Velazquez-Dunn began dancing at the age of six in Santa Barbara, CA. e styles of dance she studied at a young age included ballet, jazz, Mexican Folk, Spanish Classical

and Flamenco. ere was a deep love that developed when she was introduced to Flamenco so Patricia pursued her formal training in Flamenco dance with the Linda Vega Studio in Santa Barbara, Calif., at the age of nine years, Patricia Velazquez-Dunn moved from California to the Omaha area

OPS and Millard districts as well as work with college-bound children though the TRIO program at Creighton University. Flamenco Omaha performs all over the Omaha area and is the only dance group that studies and performs Flamenco as well as Spanish Classical and Spanish Folk dances from the

aer years of formal training with some of the best Flamenco instructors from California, Arizona and Madrid. She has also been a featured dancer for many years at España in Benson and Rockbrook Village. Over the last several years, Patricia has graciously shared her training and experience with all of her students ranging in age from three to adults. She has also had the honor to work with aer-school programs and cultural education events throughout schools in both

diﬀerent regions of Spain. is last year Flamenco students were invited to entertain the residents at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and e residents got to participate in some dancing which was fun. Patricia shares “Teaching an intro to Flamenco Dance with the JCC Company was such a great experience. e dancers were able to connect to Flamenco a little through their ballet training. Body posture and arm movements are very similar to ballet; how-

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ever, hand movements and rotation of the wrists were foreign but a fun challenge they were willing to learn. e tempo of music I chose to teach was the “Solea.” I felt because these ladies had previous dance training, this would be something that would challenge their musicality and emotion.” Considered by academics to be one of the basic roots of Flamenco, it is from the Soleá that almost all modern 12-beat palos are descended, making it the beating heart of all ‘palos’ or songs. A slow and extremely expressive form, the name is thought to be derived from the word Soledad, meaning loneliness, and its lyrics express all the themes of suffering inherent in human existence. e historical contribution of the Gypsies, Moors and Sephardic Jews, in Flamenco, expresses their cries of pain for enduring years of discrimination in which they were treated as outcasts and taken for granted. We see this connection from the cante, or the lyrics, and the emotional performance a flamenco dancer gives. If you visit any Gypsy village in Spain, you would see the same. For more information about Flamenco’s Jewish roots, visit https://knightfoundation.org/articles/ flamencos-jewish-roots. e JCC Dance Training Company dancers thoroughly enjoyed this experience and Esther and Patricia are excited to see where this initial meeting takes them!

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8 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019

community Trade School Scholarships available for 2019-20 academic year

An anonymous donor in our community has created two trade school scholarship opportunities, up to $5,000 each, to go towards the 2019-20 academic year. Not every student who advances into higher education signs up for a four-year curriculum. Some high school graduates seek job training that lasts a year or two, and then places them in the workforce. Such opportunities include,

but are not restricted to, Information Technology, Construction, Industrial and Transportation and Horticulture. It is not too late to apply for the upcoming school year! Qualified students who have unmet needs regarding tuition for either a two-year trade school program or a trade certificate program can contact the Jewish Press at avandekamp@ jewishomaha.org for more information.

2019 Brownville Village Theatre Season The Brownville Village Theatre is the oldest repertory theatre in residence in Nebraska. Since 1967, BVT has delivered quality entertainment in historic Brownville. The theatre space is a century-old converted church and provides a truly unique theatre experience. In repertory fashion, BVT never does the same show back-to-back, meaning the audience can see five different shows in a weekend. Our 2019 season of shows include: Zombie Prom by John Dempsey, Hugh Murphy, and Dana P. Rowe, a campy ensemble musical set in the atomic 1950s; Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors is a hilarious farce with a touch of opera and a ton of scandalous fun; The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett based on Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl, and newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, a story as vital today as when it was first written, this com-

ing of age narrative sheds light on one of the darkest moments in history; Leaving Iowa is a heartfelt comedy about family vacations written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton. Last to open is Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon, this murder mystery gives a parodic nod to Agatha Christie classics. Performances are held weekends through mid August. General Admission is $14, student admission is $8, bring a group to get a discounted rate! After the show, stay for a lemonade reception, a long time BVT tradition, where you can meet the whole company of artists. Come spend a weekend in Brownville, just 70 miles south of Omaha, and bring the whole family. With its history, nature, culture, and arts, there is something for everyone. Reservations can be made by calling 402.825.4121 or by going to our website at www.brownvillevillagetheatre.com.

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Rabbi Abramovich: From Israel to Omaha – From Omaha to Israel

MARk kiRchhoff him to do so, and he thought it fitting as well. Community Engagement and Education, JFO “As my time in Omaha is close to its end, I abbi Shlomo Abramovich has would like to conclude with a final Friday been the Scholar in Residence at Learning Series class. In this class we will talk Beth Israel about the connection beSynagogue tween Israel and Omaha, since August and the importance of this of 2016. His broad range connection for both. We of teachings have enlightwill discuss what we can ened and challenged learn from each other, and many, and his participants how to build even better have a profound appreciacommunication. From a tion for what he has propersonnel perspective, I vided. While not an will share what I learned exhaustive list, here are a in my time here in number of topics he has Omaha, and what I take covered in his Friday with me back to Israel.” Learning Series: Focusing Most likely, the room on Jerusalem, Women in will be filled with people Israeli Society, e for this final class. e Haredim in Israel, Jewish people will be filled with a Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich Identity and Conversion, spirit of joy and sadness, What Should Israel Be, e Hebrew Bible, Is- for Omaha will be saying goodbye to a cherrael’s First Leaders and many more. His fo- ished educator and friend. is session will cused approach, his willingness and ability meet on June 28 from 11:15 a.m.-noon in to field a broad range of questions, and his the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. encouragement for participants to investie Friday Learning Series is a joint progate a topic further have earned him a de- gram of Beth Israel Synagogue and the voted following for all he does. On a personal Community Engagement and Education note, it has been my privilege to collaborate arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. with him in promoting his sessions. e series is open to the community free of Rabbi Shlomo’s time in Omaha is coming charge thanks to the support of the Ann to an end, and it seems fitting that we ask Goldstein Programming Endowment Fund. him to present one last session – a session of If you have questions, contact Mark Kirchhis own thoughts about his time with hoﬀ at mkirchhoﬀ@jewishomaha.org or Omaha Jewish Community. So we asked 402.334.6463 for questions.

See full digital issues at https://issuu.com/jewishpress7

Compassion is a lesson that can’t be unlearned.

Music by Dana P. Rowe Book by John Dempsey Based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh Murphy Ken Ludwig’s

by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett Based upon Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl Newly Adapted by Wendy Kesselman

by Tim Clue and Spike Manton

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The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019 | 9

The Women’s Philanthropy Division held an appreciation event on Thursday, June 6 at the One Pacific Place Clubhouse. Event chairs for the event were Michele Aizenberg Ansari, Tippi Denenberg, Lisa Lucoff and Jenny Meyerson. Featured guest, Ilona Bleaman’s presentation was entitled Nothing’s Wrong, But Something’s not Right. Ilona spoke about women’s wellness and hormone optimization. She is passionate about how to simplify components of personal health. This well attended and informative event provided a wonderful evening of education and entertainment thanks to the generosity of the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and Preventative Medical Clinic of Omaha who sponsored the event.

10 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019

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How Jewish day schools are now minting future engineers

LoRi SiLbeRmAN bRAuNeR Los Angeles, Baltimore and Boca Raton, Florida. e May 19 When California experienced one of its worst-ever wildfire fair was held at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey, the site seasons last fall, New Jersey high school student Orlee Sadi- of the former Bell Labs, where innovations such as the binary noff watched from afar with grave dismay and concern. computer, transistor and touch-tone telephone were invented. e fires were still fresh on the Jewish sophomore’s mind e crowds in the auditorium were a sign of the growing sewhen she and fellow students Sarah Cohen and Devin Scharf riousness with which Jewish day schools are investing in the put their heads together to come up with a novel concept for STEM fields: science, technology, math and engineering. More a school science project. than 170 Jewish schools from e trio decided to engiacross the denominational specneer a forest fire detection trum and in 16 states participate system that equips trees with in STEM-oriented programs sensors to signal firehouses in supported by the Center for Inicase of a blaze. e project, tiatives in Jewish Education. which involved much trial For many students, the fair and error and took the sturepresents the culmination of dents nearly four months to months of preparation. develop, was one of some 478 “I’m just amazed at how much projects on display at a recent this program has grown,” said annual fair for students from Anastasia Kelly, a fair judge Jewish high schools to Students from New York’s Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns & and a local teacher. “e level demonstrate their prowess in Rockaway showcase a device they engineered to alert parents of design and ingenuity is reand cool a baby in case of an infant inadvertently left in a parked markable.” engineering and design. Credit: The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education Using a set budget, students More than 1,450 students car. participated from 44 schools in states including New York, create and engineer their inventions using electronic compoNew Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Texas. nents, coding and an Arduino platform — a package of harde Modern Orthodox Frisch School in Paramus, New Jersey, ware and soware that allows students to build projects using which Sadinoff attends, has its own engineering department components such as LEDs, motors, robots and drones. e and was among the largest represented at the fair. projects must benefit society or their community in some way. “You go and experiment and you learn,” said Sadinoff, who A group of four high school juniors from Bnos Yisroel, an is in Frisch’s engineering track for freshmen and sophomores. Orthodox all-girls school in Baltimore, engineered an ID tag “By the time we got to this project, I was able to write my own that young children without cellphones can scan upon boardcode and figure out a lot of things on my own. I feel great to ing the school bus that sends an automatic text alert to parhave accomplished something, knowing all the effort and ents. e idea is to let parents know their kids made it to the work I put in. All that hard work really paid off.” bus stop and onto the bus safely. e RFID-based device, e New Jersey fair — the eighth annual Innovation Day which the girls call Stay Pro“Text”ed, can also be put on a perrun by the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education, or CIJE sonalized keychain that attaches to backpacks or bracelets to — was remarkable not just for the breadth of science and en- ensure young kids don’t lose the tags. gineering projects, but for the diversity of Jewish participants: “In our community, the parents have phones and the kids Students came from single-sex Orthodox yeshivas, pluralistic don’t,” 11th-grader Menucha Shmidman said. “We wanted to community day schools, Modern Orthodox schools, Reform help parents not be so worried in the morning that their kids schools and Solomon Schechter schools, which are affiliated got on the bus.” with the Conservative movement. Judge and engineering teacher Raz Idan, director of fabri“Each and every one of you has the strength within your- cation at the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester’s self, the ability and the passion to reach for the stars and to Upper School, said one of his main goals in sending students change — and not only change, but to improve the world,” to the fair is raising their confidence levels. Aside from engiJudy Lebovits, CIJE’s vice president and director, told the au- neering, the students also learn important skills such as presdience. Quoting the late Israeli president Shimon Peres, she entation and public speaking. said, “Dream big, work hard, be a good person — in other Regardless of how successful the students’ projects turn out, words, be a mensch and surround yourself with good people, even scientific setbacks offer learning value, Idan said. then you will succeed.” “Failure is part of the process,” he said. ree students from Golda Och Academy, a Conservative e ultimate goal of the project is to help Jewish schools Jewish high school in West Orange, New Jersey, designed a transform the way they teach secular subjects — and maybe Sabbath-friendly news ticker that automatically displays text Jewish ones, too. headlines loaded from various news websites on an LED ma“It’s about teaching by inquiry and helping students learn trix screen. Sophomore Amitai Nelkin said that breaking the importance of thinking and allowing kids to be creative news events on Shabbat, like the recent synagogue shootings and really address their own inner talents,” Lebovits said. “e in Pittsburgh and Poway, California, underscore the need for pride these students gain is immense. ey are able to dream the product, which they call Smooth News. and believe in themselves.” ree ninth-graders from the Queens Bukharian boys high is article was sponsored by and produced in partnership school Yeshiva Tiferet Tzion created a chip for students to with the Avi Chai Foundation, which is committed to the perscan at school that automatically records their attendance. petuation of the Jewish people, Judaism and the centrality of e innovation by Michael Gavrielov, Zalman Akilov and the State of Israel to the Jewish people. In North America, the Natanel Aminov saves teachers classroom time. foundation works to advance the Jewish day school and e Innovation Day is one of several for Jewish day schools overnight summer camp fields. is article was produced by across the country. Others will take place this year in Chicago, JTA’s native content team.

Assistant Teacher Friedel Jewish Academy, a private K-6th grade elementary school in Omaha, is growing! With a 10% increase in enrollment expected this fall, the search is on for an enthusiastic and dynamic Assistant Teacher to join our 1st and 2nd Grade General Studies classroom. 28 hours per week for 2019-20. Possible full-time employment in 2020-21. Send resume and copy of NE teaching certiﬁcate (required) to Beth Cohen, Head of School, bcohen@fjaomaha.com.

The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019 | 11

Above: Beth El’s happy campers were excited to kick off Kamp Kef 2019 on Monday, June 3. In spite of the rainy weather, these kids showed up sunny and bright, ready for fun and games!

Starring in the JCC theater’s recent production of Hello Dolly! Above: Beth Dworkin, left, Finley O’Malley, Marin O’Malley, Stephanie Olson, and Maggie McGill and below: Erin Bennett, left, Jack Cohen, Rob Thornhill, and Kirsty Eden.

Left: In preparation for the big renovation of the JCC Auditorium, camp kids are leaving messages on the walls.

SP O TLIGHT

Above: Beth Israel girls enjoyed spending time together at the final JYEBI event of the year. Pictured are: Evelyn Smith, left, Leora McNamara, Eleanor Dunning, Darby Smith, Zoe Berman, Shalom Beneda and Lily Tam.

Above: Representatives of Tri-Faith and its member congregations were joined by Mayor Stothert during the groundbreaking for the new TriFaith Center in early May.

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: Members and friends of the B’nai Israel community volunteered at the Salvation Army Disaster Resource Center in Bellevue, which provides material assistance to people in Nebraska and Iowa suffering from the devastating flooding earlier this season. Some people are just now able to return to their homes after many weeks. We have a special community! Pictured from right are: Lloyd & Debbie Roitstein, Deana & Mike Liddy, Scott & Debbie Friedman, Phil & Nancy Wolf, Rick & Sue Katelman, Ben Kravitz, Jori Kravitz, Sissy Silber, and Sissy’s neighbor, Mary. Right: Phil Malcolm and ADL-CRC Board Chair Danny Cohn at the Alliance Meet & Greet.

Above: Long time B’nai Brith supporter Arthur Jacobs, left and Gary Javitch, President Emeritus of B'nai Brith Omaha, are ready to hear guest speaker Gil Cohen, of Omaha Magazine present at the weekly B'nai Brith Breadbreakers Speakers series. Breadbreakers meets at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home every Wednesday at noon for lunch and learning.

Below: RBJH Executive Director Chris Ulven and Foundation Executive Director Howard Epstein had a little fun riding around the Blumkin home!

12 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019

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.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press As- National Newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008

Helping those in need GABBy BLAiR Staff Writer, Jewish Press ould you stop to help an elderly woman who was struggling to separate grocery carts at the store or grab your cart and leave her to fend for herself? What if you came across a child who was lost, scared and alone? Would you mind your own business and decide they are not your problem? Both these events happened to me last week and of course, I had to stop and help. What kind of person would I be to ignore those in need of assistance? I choose to believe people are in my path for a reason, a chance for me to do the right thing. I have also encouraged my children to help those in need. When my youngest came home concerned that many of his elementary classmates often arrived without snacks, we began quietly sending in regular snack donations for the classroom. If my older boys find a teammate forgot or accidently spilled their water during practice, they are quick to share their own. These small acts are what we, as parents, hope for… kids who are kind and compassionate. Kids who do the right thing and hopefully, grow into adults who do the right thing. While I cannot imagine anyone taking issue with the rendering of assistance in the above situations, I have seen an increasing number of stories focusing on the prosecution of those who have provided water to migrants. Political opinions on the larger situation of illegal vs. legal immigration to our country aside, I have to say that if I came across anyone dying of thirst, I would have to help them. How could I not? What kind of person would I be? These news stories brought to mind the story of Rebecca and the camels. Abraham sent Eliezer off with the task of finding a proper wife for his son, Isaac. In order to find a woman of suitable merit, Eliezer devised a plan to test the chesed - loving kindness- of women he came

across by observing their willingness to give his road kindness. That intense desire to reach out to others and to weary group water to drink. He decided that a woman jump at the prospect of being of service matched the prowho went above and beyond in her chesed, by also offerfile of Abraham’s family.” ing water to his camels, would be “the one.” It has become all too easy to form opinions and spew According to Jewishwoman.org, “Chesed was an essen- vitriol from the comfort of our homes, far from the realitial attribute engrained into the family of Abraham. What ties of the border communities. In the harshness of the made Abraham’s chesed unique was not that he welworld around us and the divisive politics that seem to comed and catered to his guests in the most generous and drive sides further away from each other, I would urge all impeccable manner, but rather that he actively searched not to lose their humanity or their chesed. It is important for the opportunity to do such deeds. He was not happy to serve merely those who came to him; he would go out to the crossroads, anxious to be of service. Abraham was an initiator, treasuring the chance to help another and this quality was what he looked for in a future wife for Isaac.” When Eliezer came upon Rebecca and asked her for a drink, she not only immediately provided water to him and his men, but to all their many camels. It is important to note that Rebecca was a daughter A painting of Rebecca at the well by Alexandre Cabanel. Credit: Wikimedia commons of nobility. She could have made the offer and then had her servants take care of the to remember that Hashem provided water for the Isdetails. Instead, Rebecca made sure each person and aniraelites as they wandered in the desert just as Rebecca mal were adequately cared for by drawing up the water provided water for Eliezer’s company- without discriminafrom the well and filling the troughs herself. “Rebecca tion and without proof of citizenship. Left or right on this saw an opportunity to do something kind and swiftly broader border issue, simply providing water to the thirsty went to work. She did not question or consider whether should never be a crime. she was really needed; instead, she energetically continEditorials express the view of the writer and are not necued filling multiple troughs with water, until the job of sat- essarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press isfying a whole herd of thirsty camels was completed... Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board She had one motivation: to give to someone else with of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

What the biblical Boaz can teach men in power in the age of #MeToo

RABBi DoNNA KiRSHBAum AND RABBi RiCHARD HiRSH JTA “I have ordered the men not to molest you.” (Ruth 2:9) With these words, Boaz, the wealthy landowner, tells Ruth, the destitute Moabite, a stranger in Bethlehem, that she is not only free to glean in his fields and to gather what the reapers may drop, but that she will be safe while doing so. Although Ruth does not work for Boaz, her situation is not unlike that of women today who depend for their livelihoods on men with power. As such, the Book of Ruth – which is read on Shavuot, the Jewish festival that begins Saturday night – offers some valuable insights about correcting for these imbalances of power when livelihoods are at stake. Ruth’s story offers a narrative example of a Torah law about gleaning. The Torah teaches that “when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not pick your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger.” (Leviticus 19:9-10) While this imperative allows the vulnerable and needy to reap a modicum of sustenance, the Torah gives no indication of whether such an act should be done graciously or grudgingly – or even if it matters. We can well imagine that the owner of a field might allow gleaning and gathering, but still harass – or allow his workers to harass – the poor who appear on its edges during harvest. Rules and laws alone do not necessarily change attitudes among those forced to comply. Perhaps that is why “when [Ruth] got up again to glean, Boaz gave orders to his workers, ‘You are not only to let her glean among the sheaves, without interference, but you must also pull some [stalks] out of the heaps and leave them for her to glean, and not harass her.’” (Ruth 2:15) In reminding his (male) fieldworkers not to ha-

rass Ruth, Boaz hints at the tenacity with which entrenched behaviors persist. He also models the attitudinal shift that strengthens the action he takes. He offers respect, generosity and kindness to Ruth – well beyond the equivalent of minimal compliance with a non-harassment policy.

come from his field – despite the fact that no sexual encounter seems to have occurred. Traditional midrash, or rabbinic commentary, considers Boaz a hero because of his sexual restraint. In contemporary terms he would be considered an ally. He is exemplary in understanding Ruth’s vulnerability; he not only avoids exploiting it, he takes an active role in supporting her. Indeed, Naomi has told Ruth that Boaz “will tell you what to do.” But what Boaz actually says is, “I will do on your behalf whatever you ask.” Put in contemporary terms, Boaz represents the capacity to ask and to listen rather than to tell and to talk. As long as gender-dominated power differentials govern today’s workplace, having men as allies who “Ruth in Boaz’s Field” by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1828. do not take advantage of their power Credit: Wikimedia Commons is still an essential element in susThe Book of Ruth can also open a discussion taining a safe environment for all workers. The about a particularly egregious form of contempo- Book of Ruth could not have anticipated employee rary workplace harassment: the sexual exploitation harassment as we know it, examples of which conof women by men upon whom their employment tinue to unfold. But in this biblical story we see often depends. both the need for action (policy) and the imporIn one of the more puzzling passages in the text, tance of identifying those prepared to lead attituNaomi instructs her recently widowed and erst- dinal change (allies). while daughter-in-law to go at night to the field of We are reminded that no matter how entrenched Boaz: ”When he lies down,” she tells Ruth, “note certain patterns may be, there are those willing to the place where he lies down, and go over and un- step outside of them and lead by example toward cover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what greater safety for all. you are to do.” (Ruth 3:4) Ruth does so and, when Rabbi Donna Kirshbaum is a resident of the Boaz awakes, he says: “Daughter, have no fear. I Negev, will be returning to the US this summer to will do on your behalf whatever you ask … She serve as rabbi of a congregation in northern New arose before one person could distinguish another, England. for [Boaz] thought, ‘Let it not be known that the Rabbi Richard Hirsh is a past co-chair and curwoman came to the threshing floor’.” (Ruth rent member of the Clergy Task Force of Jewish 3:11,14) Women International. In sending Ruth to Boaz, Naomi implicitly sugThe views and opinions expressed in this article gests that he can be trusted not to take advantage are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect of her. This is ostensibly proven when Boaz sends the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces her home before sunrise lest she be seen as having Media.

The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019 | 13

How a long-lost Caribbean text started a US Kabbalah revival LAurA ArnoLd LeiBmAn PORTLAND, ORE. | JTA From the day after Passover through Shavuot, Jews count down the days to commemorate the barley sacrifice, or Omer, given at the Temple in honor of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai. Although you could fulfill the mitzvah of “counting the Omer” merely by reciting the blessing and stating the day’s count, many Jews use the Omer period to renew their souls. People enslaved to anxiety or material possessions use the ritual to seek transformation into individuals living a purposeful and meaningful life. Historians have long believed that American Jews first started using the 49-day count as a form of self-help sometime between 1880 and 1920, when masters of the Jewish mystical tradition, or Kabbalah, arrived in New York from Eastern Europe. But a recently rediscovered text the size of a smartphone shows that in truth, Americans began their Kabbalistic counting over 100 years earlier. In 1821, Matthias Lopez, a prompter for a Philadelphia theater company, donated a small Hebrew manuscript from Barbados, “Sefer Shel Sefirot HaOmer” (1775), to the Library Company of Philadelphia. Before “Sefer Shel Sefirot HaOmer” (“The Book of the Counting of the Omer”) was written, early American prayer books contained the basic count. In contrast, the Barbados Omer book leads readers through a series of daily mystical meditations focusing on Psalm 67, “I shall raise my eyes to the mountains;” “Ana Bekoach,” an incantation attributed to a rabbinic sage of the first and second centuries CE; and the names of God. These meditations were believed to have healing and protective powers. The book fills an important gap in our previous understanding of how Kabbalah was used in early America. Yet historians have largely ignored “Sefer Shel Sefirot HaOmer” for the nearly 200 years that it’s been housed in the archives of the Library Company of Philadelphia. The title page and cover are likely to blame, as they bear the name of Matthias’s father, Moses Lopez, an obscure Barbadian immigrant who was assumed to be the author. I, too, would have ignored the miniature volume if I hadn’t been ob-

sessively researching Moses for a book I am writing about multiracial years after writing the book. Moses Lopez lived on, and migrated north Jews during the Age of Emancipation. At the heart of my narrative are when the economy floundered in the Caribbean, bringing the small book siblings Sarah Rodrigues Brandon and Isaac Lopez Brandon, who were with him when he moved to the United States in the 1790s. born enslaved to Moses’ mother. Sarah and Isaac obtained their freedom The book’s journey is telling. Prior to 1820, the Caribbean had the with the help of their wealthy Sephardic father, converted to Judaism, largest and wealthiest Jewish communities in the Americas. In fact, left Barbados and married well. Caribbean Jews played a key role in But the Brandons could not leave their shaping American Jewish history by enslaved pasts completely behind, as sending spiritual leaders, congregants Moses and Matthias Lopez immigrated and funds north to U.S. congregations. to New York and Philadelphia shortly beThe Brandons helped fund Philadelphia’s fore the siblings did. The Lopezes served second synagogue building, and their as a reminder of Sarah and Isaac’s early cousin’s husband became its hazan. life in bondage. While the Barbados Omer book did not Consequently, when I go to any lead to a widespread change in ritual archive, I always look for evidence from practice in early America, it has strong both families. In essence, I have been parallels with later Omer revivals and stalking Moses and Matthias Lopez, with the influx of Eastern Sephardic eager to see what light they shed about Kabbalism during the 20th century. As former Barbadian Jewish slaves and the 1820s bloomed, Caribbean commuslave owners. nities ceded their central role to Jewish Because of my historical sleuthing, I communities in northern cities. knew how Moses Lopez wrote his numTracing the travels of early Caribbean bers. The numerals in the Omer book didimmigrants to the United States reveals n’t match his handwriting. I also knew The discovery of a new text from Barbados turns our un- where these West Indian Jews went, that Moses couldn’t even write his name derstanding of when Kabbalah came to America on its what they took with them and how they Credit: JTA montage in Hebrew, let alone pen a Hebrew man- head. changed American Jewish life. uscript of this quality. But mere months before the book was written, Laura Arnold Leibman is the award-wining author of messianthe extremely learned Sephardic rabbi Raphael Haijm Isaac Karigal, who ism, Secrecy and mysticism: A new interpretation of early Amerhad authored the first rabbinical sermon printed in the U.S., came to Bar- ican Jewish Life (Vallentine Mitchell, 2012) and other works. She bados, where he became a close friend of the Lopez family. The hand- currently works at Reed College and has been a visiting scholar writing matches Karigal’s surviving letters. The meditations also at Oxford University, Utrecht University, the University of Panama, correspond to those Karigal learned and used in Hebron, where he was and Bard Graduate Center. raised. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author The Barbados Omer book is the earliest known American example of and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, contemplative Kabbalah aimed at laypeople. Karigal died in Barbados two 70 Faces Media.

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14 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019

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

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series after a brief haitus we will next meet on friday, sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Dr. Marvin Bittner on the Importance of Vaccinations. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on our historic synagogue, contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Howard Kutler, Carole Lainof, Wayne Lainof, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf, or email nancywolf16620@gmail.com. Handicap Accessible.

beth eL synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friday: College World Series Shabbat, 5 p.m. — offsite. Bus leaves from Beth El at 4:30 p.m. and returns at 7 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha following Kiddush. 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: Mahjong, 1 p.m. Nebraska AIDS Coalition Lunch, friday, june 28, 11:30 a.m. — offsite. Joan Marcus serves lunch once a month at the Nebraska AIDS Project, and she needs baked goods for dessert. Contact Joan if you can help by donating baked goods. Shabbat and Shakespeare on the Green, friday, june 28, 6 p.m. — offsite. Pride Parade, saturday, june 29, 9 a.m. — offsite.

beth israeL synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:43 p.m. saturday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 7:40 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:25 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:53 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 am.; Lily Tam’s Challah Class, 1 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Jewish History — Your History, noon with Rabbi Shlomo; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Torah Tuesday, 1 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Connecting with Our Faith, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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. sunday: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday Secrets, 9:15 p.m. following Minyan. monday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wednesday: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Power Lunch, noon with Shani. thursday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman. All programs are open to the entire community. For more information call 402.330.1800 or visit www.ochabad.com.

congregation b’nai jeshurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. friday: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. featuring music by the Star City Kochavom; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Bryan Gordon; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study on Parashat Beha’alotcha, 10:45 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 10:13 p.m. sunday: Garden Clean-up Day, 9-10:30 a.m. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us! Let Ellin Siegel know

if you have any questions at ellin.siegel@ gmail.com; Adult Hebrew Prayer Class, 11:30 a.m.; Star City Kochavim, 2 p.m. at Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, NE; Cello Student Recital, 3 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting, sunday, june 30 at 1:30 p.m. As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, july 22–aug. 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Light Kosher dairy snack and lunch included. Tuition for each week is $75 per camper. 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 Alan Shulewitz. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

tempLe israeL

friday: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. saturday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Heartland Pride with Jewish Omaha!, saturday, june 29, 9 a.m. Save the date and plan to march with Temple Israel and others from our Jewish community at the Heartland Pride Parade. We will have a quick Shabbat morning service at 8 a.m. sharp with breakfast, followed by marching in the

pride parade. Watch the eTidings for more information as we finalize plans. We support our LBGT+ members, friends, and family! To sign-up for the walk, please contact Temple Israel, 402-556-6536. Cantor Joanna Alexander’s First Service at Temple Israel, friday, july 5, 6 p.m. Join us to welcome our new Cantor! Be a part of Temple Israel history as we welcome Cantor Alexander and her family at her first official Shabbat service as our new Cantor. We are excited to begin this new journey! A delicious oneg will follow. Holy Smokes at Temple Israel, tuesday, july 23, 7 p.m. Cigars. Beer. Whiskey. Rabbi Stoller will lead this men-only evening at Temple Israel featuring philosophical discussions of men’s issues and perspectives from Jewish texts. This event is free, though reservations are required. RSVP to 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: No Shabbat Service; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Service, 10 a.m. followed by light kiddush lunch; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:43 p.m. As you start to make summer plans, consider sending your child to LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, july 22–aug. 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Light Kosher dairy snack and lunch included. Tuition for each week is $75 per camper. 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.

jewish press notice

There will be no Jewish Press on july 5, 2019. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

romania hosts inaugural summit for anti-semitism envoys

cnaan Liphshiz added. BUCHAREST | JTA Von Schnurbein noted the code of conduct Government coordinators in the fight against signed in 2016 by Facebook, Twitter, YouTube anti-Semitism from over a dozen countries gath- and Microso and the European Commission reered June 17 in this Romanian capital for the first quiring the firms to delete the majority of reprofessional conference of its kind. ported illegal hate speech within 24 hours. e meeting took place amid significant in- Compliance has risen to 72 percent in February creases in the number of reported anti-Semitic from 28 percent in 2017, she added. incidents in the United States, Germany, the She said another success was the 2016 adoption United Kingdom, France and Austria, among other countries. Organized by the World Jewish Congress and the government of Romania, the summit included Elan Carr from the United States and Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission’s first coordinator on combating antiSemitism. Envoys from Bulgaria, Poland, Russia and Azerbaijan, among other countries, met leaders of Jewish communities from across elan carr, the us envoy against anti-semitism, and his eu counterthe world at the International part Katharinas von schnurbein at a summit meeting in bucharest, credit: cnaan Liphshiz Meeting Of Special Envoys and romania on june 17, 2019. Coordinators Combating Anti-Semitism. Talks by the European Parliament of the IHRA definicentered on exchanging working practices and tion, whose significance is in its inclusion of eﬀorts to have additional government adopt the some forms of vitriol against Israel. definition of anti-Semitism of the International Ultimately, though, von Schnurbein said the Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, or IHRA. EU’s eﬀort to fight anti-Semitism will be measDespite the anti-Semitic increases in many ured in the numbers of European Jews who see a countries, important achievements have been drop in anti-Semitism. made over the past three years, von Schnurbein “Ultimately, we must aim for our next survey said. to show Jews are more secure and see their future “We had journeyed from acknowledgment of in Europe,” she said, where they are free to “exthe problem to various actions to fight it,” she press their identity, including support for Israel.”

to submit announcements

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewish omaha.or or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewish omaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on thursdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.

The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019 | 15

lifecycles birth

asher evans epstein

Carrie and Cory Epstein of New York, NY, announce the June 2 birth of their son, Asher Evans Epstein. Asher has two sisters, Chloe, age 4, and Dylan, age 2. Grandparents are Sandy and Paul Epstein of Omaha, and Linda and Murray Evans of New Jersey. Great-grandfather is Harold (Bae) Epstein of Omaha.

in MeMOriaM

LOrraine “LOrrie” stein

Lorraine “Lorrie” Stein passed away peacefully on May 27 at age 85 on what would have been her 63rd wedding anniversary. Services were held on May 29 at Beth El Cemetery Chapel. She was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Keith Peltz, and her husband of 57 years, Art Stein. She is survived by her four sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Diane Stein, Bob and Susan Stein, Mark and Susi Stein and David and Julie Stein; grandchildren: Rachel, Aaron, Neil, Christine and Jacob, Joseph, Matt, Emilie, Zach, Hannah, and Josh; sister, Rita Thomas and her family; other relatives and friends including the parents of her daughter-in-laws: Peggy Chasen, Sonja Nelson, and Jim Wax. Lorrie was a huge Husker football fan, a huge Elvis fan, and a proud graduate of Omaha Central High School. Above all, she loved to be surrounded by her family and friends. Memorials may be made to Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California Street, Omaha, NE 68154 or the organization of your choice.

angeLa M. hOffMann

Angela M. Hoffmann passed away on June 12 at age 61. She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Natalie Giventer. She is survived by her husband, James Hoffmann; brothers, Michael Giventer and Ronald Giventer; aunt Renee Handleman; and numerous cousins. Memorials may be made to Nebraska Humane Society, 8929 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68134.

Netanyahu appoints two interim government ministers

Marcy Oster JERUSALEM | JTA June 17-Benjamin Netanyahu appointed two interim ministers for Israel’s transitional government. Rabbi Rafi Peretz, of the Union of Right-Wing Parties, was named Education Minister, replacing Naali Bennett. Bezalel Smotrich, of the National Union party, became Transportation Minister replacing Yisrael Katz, who was promoted to foreign minister last week, a portfolio that Netanyahu has held since 2015. Smotrich, a Religious Zionist hard-liner, also was named as a new member of the Security Cabinet; Peretz was made an observer to the body. Smotrich had called to be named interim justice minister aer the firing of Ayelet Shaked, a position that went to Netanyahu loyalist Amir Ohana. He likely will demand the position in the 22nd Knesset if Netanyahu and his Likud party win enough seats to form the new government aer the September elections.

Presenting: Princess Shaw

rOn LugOsy, Community Shlicha, JFO and gabby bLair, Staff Writer, Jewish Press Have you ever heard the tale about the incredible Princess Shaw and the enigmatic composer Kutiman? If not, you are in for a real treat! Come join us on Sunday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the JCC eatre to learn more about this true story of fairytale proportions. is event is completely free and open to the public; refreshments provided. By day, Samantha Montgomery cares for the elderly in one of New Orleans’s toughest neighborhoods. By night, she writes and sings her own songs as Princess Shaw on her confessional YouTube channel. Raw and vulnerable, her voice is a diamond in the rough. Across the globe, Ophir Kutiel creates video mash ups of amateur YouTube performers. Known as Kutiman, he is a composer, a musician, and a pioneering video artist embraced by the world of fine art. Kutiman “transforms sampling into a multimedia art”, whether at his home on a kibbutz in Israel or at a live performance at the Guggenheim in New York. Two strangers, almost 7,000 miles apart, begin to build a song. e film unfolds as Kutiman pairs Princess Shaw’s emotional performances in a beautiful expression of generosity and compassion, revealing the bonafide star underneath and her fight to never give up on her dreams. Film showing followed by a Q & A session with Princess Shaw herself. Do not miss this real and amazing story on following dreams and making them come true! Special thanks to our sponsors, the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation and the Albert and Eleanor Feldman Family Israel Foundation, for making this event possible.

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16 | The Jewish Press | June 21, 2019

community

Mainstreeters presents flag-waving fun in July

MAggiE CoNti Director of Activities and Volunteer Services, RBJH his month, celebrate your independence from boredom. Sign on to these July Mainstreeters programs before the parade passes by. Join Us at the Movies as a second goaround – oh yes the projector is fixed so don’t miss out: Stan & Ollie, Friday, July 5, at 1 p.m. in the JCC eater. Free film and unlimited bags of warm, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. Laurel & Hardy, one of the world’s great comedy teams, set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. Diminished by age and with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood comedy now behind them, they face an uncertain future. As the charm and beauty of their performances shines through, they re-connect with their adoring fans. e tour becomes a hit, but Stan & Ollie can’t quite shake the specter of Laurel and Hardy’s past; the longburied ghosts, coupled with Oliver’s failing health, start to threaten their precious partnership. A portrait of the most tender and poignant of creative marriages, they are aware that they may be approaching their swan song, trying to rediscover just how much they mean to each other. is film is Rated: PG (for some language, and for smoking) and the running time is one hour and 38 minutes. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. e Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m.

planning issues that can aﬀect everyone today. Now is the time to find out more about your options in regards to end-of- life planning and more. Catherine is a wonderful conversational speaker who is

Stay Informed. Legal Documents and More - Protecting Yourself and Your Family presented by Catherine N. Swiniarski- Attorney at Law: Monday, July 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the

Catherine N. SwiniarskiAttorney at Law

RBJH Boardroom. Why do I need a financial power of attorney? How oen should I update my estate planning documents? ese are common questions when it comes to the important and sometimes confusing world of estate planning. Catherine N. Swiniarski, attorney at law with Elder Law of Omaha, will answer these questions and address other important estate

Jennifer Stoneking, RN, and her bassett hound Edger

passionate about her focus and her clients, and the information she has to share is important and so helpful for people with questions about estate planning and end-of-life documents. Call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 or email mconti@rbjh.com to RSVP by July 3. Refreshments will be served.

food

publishing date | 08.16.19 space reservation | 08.07.19

Contact our advertising executive to promote your business in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

ere is no charge for this class. Invite a friend! RBJH Dog Show & Yappy Hour: ursday, July 25 at 2 p.m. at the RBJH Silverman Auditorium. We are looking for... a few good dogs! Bring your well-mannered canine for a dog-gone good time! Only one dog per owner, please. RSVP to Jill Ohlmann, activities coordinator by Friday, July 19 at johlmann@rbjh.com or 402.334.6520, Ext. 1. Please include fun information about your pet. To enter the show you MUST register your pet with Jill. Dog-inspired drinks and refreshments will be served to our dog friends and human friends! Rat Pack Jazz in a free Community Concert: Wednesday, July 31 at 1:45 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Live Music at its Finest! Music from the golden age of song with Johnny Adams and Ron Cooley with Dan Cerveny accompanying on the piano. Featuring Swing hits from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole. A free ice cream sundae Social with all the trimmings follows the show. Bring a friend. Everyone is welcome. Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60-plus to take part in these July activities and in many other social and educational programs throughout the year. For more details, contact Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Phone her at 402.334.6521 or email mconti@rbjh.com.