June 22, 2018 by Jewish Press

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

Margo Parsow receives Gail Littman Leadership Award

LindA PoLLArd Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation argo Parsow, LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator for the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, was awarded the Gail Littman Leadership Award at the June 2018 LIFE & LEGACY™/Create a Jewish Legacy Leadership Gathering in Springfield, Massachusetts, hosted by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Gail Littman is considered one of the pioneers of the Jewish community legacy movement. Harold Grinspoon, along with a coalition of philanthropists, asked Gail to lead a legacy program for four major cities and several Hillel campus affiliates. Together they started the LIFE & LEGACY initiative at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Harold Grinspoon and Jewish Federations of North America established the Gail Littman Leadership award in Gail’s memory two years ago. Arlene Schiff, National Director of LIFE & LEGACY, told the gathering some of the criteria that were used in the selection of the award. The award was created to honor a LIFE & LEGACY coordinator who shares Gail Littman’s passion for legacy giving, has worked to spread the legacy See Margo Parsow page A6

A year with Yoni Page A4

Beth Israel Teen Trip to New York Page b1

RBJH is looking for a few good dogs Page b3

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MAggie Conti Director of Activities and Volunteer Services, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Mainstreeters never run out of ideas to improve your health or add fun to your days. Check out these July events and put them on your calendar. Jewish Social Services and Interim HealthCare Health Maintenance Clinic: 1st and 2nd Mondays of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Clinic Room. For a $10 fee, clients can have their toenails trimmed,

in July

get their weight checked, and have their vital signs monitored. An additional $5 covers the cost of an MD referral or medication set fill. Kathy O’Connell, R.N. -- an Interim HealthCare professional -- is on duty at the clinic, ready to give you the attention you deserve. Interim HealthCare has been in the Omaha area since 1975 and provides services to help individuals maintain their overall well-being. Visits to the Health Maintenance Clinic require an appointment. There are no walk-ins. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Interim at 402.392.1818. If you have additional questions, call Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Volunteer Services, at 402.334.6521. A Free Afternoon at the Movies: The Greatest Showman. Friday, July 6, 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Complimentary popcorn will be served. No reservations See Mainstreeters page A2

Margo Parsow and Arlene Schiff

This week at camp

brittAny hAMor Intern, Jewish Press At the end of ther first week, some of the youngest campers were exposed to the JCC version of the Mahane Yehuda Market. “The experience is great fun for the kids. They love to trade items and it’s a good experience relating back to Israel for them,” Jacob Geltzer, BBYO/Teen Director said. The Mahane Yehuda Market takes place in Jerusalem. It has over 250 vendors selling and trading a variety of items including; fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meat, spices,

and clothing. Some of the stations at the JCC included Challah, Homemade Ice Cream, Greeting Cards, and Apple Pie in a Cup. “It’s a great way for the campers to experience a culture different from their own,” Allison Burger, Director of Youth Programs, said. “They get to experience it in a way that they never will be able to again.” On Monday, kindergartners through 2nd graders started to test their green thumbs. The premier youth camp taught the camp members how to take care of a garden. See JCC Summer Camp page A3

a2 | The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018

Continued from page a1 necessary. Invite a friend. Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Featuring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams. Rated: PG (for thematic elements including a brawl). Running time: one

alyssa Griggs

heather Baxter

hour and 46 minutes. If you’d like to enjoy a Star Deli lunch at the Blumkin Home before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli opens for business at 11:30 a.m. The Ralston Community Theater presents ANNIE on Sunday, July 8 at 2 p.m. Matinee (meet in the lobby at 1:30 p.m. to get your tickets). $10 per person - a 50% savings for Mainstreeters. Sponsored by the Ruth Riekes Richards Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Leapin’ lizards! The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. Annie is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan, the funniest villain this side of a Disney cartoon. Must have reservations by Friday, June 22. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. Send reservation with full payment to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For questions call Maggie at 402.334.6521. Jewish Social Services presents The Music of French and Baroque Composers for Flute and Oboe with Alyssa Griggs and Heather Baxter on Monday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Storytelling and imagery depicted through well known classical favorites. Noted for her “high level of fearless skill,” flutist Alyssa Griggs is a dynamic orchestral, chamber, and solo artist. Ms. Griggs has given her solo debut at Carnegie Hall as a First Prize Winner in the Alexander & Buono International Flute Competition. Ms. Griggs holds a Master’s Degree with honors from New England Conservatory where she studied Clothing by Dorothee Schumacher

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alicia Birky

Orchestra and Orchestra Kentucky of Bowling Green, among others, while pursuing a doctorate in oboe performance at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) of the University of Cincinnati. There is no admission charge – invite a friend. Sponsored by the Ruth Riekes Richards Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Tai Chi Does the Body Good on Monday, July 16 at 1 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Boardroom. No Charge! Invite a friend! Presented by Alicia Birky. Alicia Birky, a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has been a physical therapist for 20 years. Early in her career, her focus was split between outpatient orthopedics and acute care. During this time she developed a passion for women’s health and wellness. She helped develop a series of exercise classes for cancer survivors. She worked exclusively in women’s health for 10 years, treating men, women, and children with bladder and bowel issues as well as pelvic pain. For the past five years, she has worked at the VNA doing home health physical therapy and teaching fitness and Tai Chi classes. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 or email mconti@ rbjh.com by Wednesday, July 11. Mainstreeters offer activities and programs that give area residents -- age 60-plus -- the chance to participate in new experiences, meet new people and enjoy life to the fullest. Current research shows that friendships we establish with peers can actually have more beneficial health effects than our relationships with family. Peer relationships have a powerful emotional component that connects people in a meaningful way. And that’s what Mainstreeters is all about. Old friends, and even new acquaintances, connecting and getting together to share good times. Come join us.

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers

4911 Dodge Street

with Paula Robison and a Bachelor’s Degree with distinction from the Eastman School of Music. Ms. Griggs currently performs with the Omaha, Des Moines and Chatanooga Orchestras. Committed to music outreach through education, Ms. Griggs has served as a Music Mentor with the Omaha Symphony and performs extensive outreach concerts at nursing homes, libraries and schools across the country. Heather Baxter joined the Omaha Symphony in 2015 as assistant principal/second oboe and English horn. Prior to her move to Omaha, she performed with several orchestras throughout Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, including the Richmond Symphony, Evansville and Lexington Philharmonics, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony

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.

JCC Summer Camp

The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018 | A3

Jay Gordman elected Beth El President Ozzie NOgg

Continued from page A1 Specifically, they learned how to plant, grow, and pick various plants and vegetables. Some of the plants included Sage, Spearmint, Basil and Chocolate Mint. The vegetables planted by the campers will ultimately be used as pizza toppings. By the end of the week, the campers had planted their own “Pizza Garden.” On Friday, each camp member had their very own plant to take care of and bring home. Also on Monday, camp members were able to enjoy an Omaha Storm Chasers game, while also learning about America’s history. Kindergarteners through 8th graders got their kicks in with the college all-stars soccer camp this week. Each day the campers were taught by current and former collegiate soccer players the basics of soccer. They learned correct footwork and agility. Each day the campers had minimatches, drills and various soccer games. The award ceremony took place on June 15 at 11:30 a.m. on the JCC soccer fields.

Also, this week the premiere dance and theater camp for kindergarteners through 3rd graders began. The camp members performed “Dance Camp I: The Red Shoes” Friday, June 15. Parents and family were, of course, invited to attend the performance. There is much more in store this summer, so stay tuned!

Your gift to the Foundation will secure the future of Omaha’s Jewish community. Call the Foundation today!

Contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 hepstein@jewishomaha.org www.jfofoundation.org

community

eth El Synagogue elected new officers and Board members during the congregation’s Annual Meeting and Shabbat on the Green Dinner on Friday, June 8. This kick-off-to-summer event featured The Six Strings Shabbat Ensemble, a special welcome to new members, plus the blessing of Beth El kids heading off to Jewish summer camps. Officers installed for two-year terms are Jay Gordman, President; Jim Zipursky, Past President; Bob Belgrade, Adam Kutler and Ari Riekes, Vice Presidents; Bob Yaffe, Treasurer; Susan Witkowski, Secretary; Linda Saltzman, BESTT Chair; and Ari Kohen, Religious Life Chair. Board members elected for their first two-year terms are Michael Christensen, Jim Fried, Ari Kohen, Scott Littky, Lou Lukas and Ellie Novak. Bob Belgrade, Allan Murow and Susan Witkowski will serve in their second consecutive two-year terms. Continuing on the Board are Gary D. Epstein, Hollie Fineman, Adam Kutler, Cheryl Lerner, Amy Nachman, Melissa Shapiro and Bob Yaffe, as well as Bruce Kutler, Cemetery Chair, and Barry Zoob, Presidential Appointee. “We welcome our new officers and Board members,” said Jim Zipursky, “and also want to thank the congregants who have completed their terms — Danny Cohn, David Finkelstein, Miriam Gottlieb, Lisa Marcus, Caryn Scheer, Joel Rich and David Weill. We also appreciate the work done by Joel Rich, this year’s Nominating Committee Chair, and committee members Jay Gordman, Miriam Gottlieb, Les Kay, Abby Kutler, Jody Malashock, Ari Riekes, Steven Wees and Susan Witkowski. “I look forward to working with our fantastic professional staff, Board and volunteers to continue engaging our congregants in unique and meaningful experiences that builds a stronger Beth El community,” Gordman said. “I’m open to new ideas, so feel free to call me any time.” In his final remarks as Beth El President, Jim Zipursky said, “It has been my honor to serve our congregation these past two years as President. We saw many changes, but have never neglected our traditional roots. Our incoming officers and Board of Trustees will do an excellent job leading Beth El through further change, growth and development.” Beth El’s Annual Meeting also honored these teen-age congregants for their volunteer contributions to the synagogue. Joshua Kurtzman and Julia Raffel, The A.B. and Freeda gendler Award. Given to incoming college freshman in recognition of their devotion to synagogue and Judaism, each student receives $250.

Spencer gordman, Jack Molad Ruach Award. Named in honor of Beth El’s Education and Youth Director from 1965-1973, this award honors one USY’er who has shown tremendous energy and excitement towards USY and Judaism. ethan Finkelstein, Joe ginsberg Mensch Award. Created in 1992, the Joe Ginsberg award is given to an upperclassman who shows the same type “MENSCHism’s” as Joe Ginsberg did when he was Youth Director. Ethan’s name will be engraved on a plaque that will hang permanently in the Beth El’s Youth Lounge. Melanie Schwarz, The Seth Rich ‘Woodie’ emerging Leader Award. This honor is given for outstanding leadership in USY. Melanie’s name will be placed on a special plaque in the Youth Lounge. Recipients of the following awards given to adult synagogue members are determined by the Beth El staff and Executive Committee: Bob Wolfson, President’s Award. Given to a non-Board member for dedication, service and exceptional volunteerism to the congregation. Bob has taken the lead on the Inclusion Committee to make our Synagogue accessible to everyone. Bob Belgrade, earl Siegel Award. This award was created to honor a Board member for his or her service to the congregation. Bob is recognized for his work on the Beth El Building Committee. Michael Christensen, Selwyn Roffman Memorial Award. Recognizes a congregant who has shown outstanding growth in personal religious observance. Michael recently became a Jew by choice and is a regular attendee at Sunday morning minyan, where he learned to put on t’fillin together with his son, Doniven. Andy isaacson, emerging Leader Award. This award goes to a member who shows potential and promise as a leader and potential future Board Member. Andy is a member of Six String Shabbat and shares his love of music with our youth, volunteering to teach music during Hebrew School on Sunday mornings. Caryn Rifkin, Larry DeBruin Award for Service to the Synagogue. Caryn is honored for her years of devoted service to Beth El, most notably in the Judaica Shop. The award is named for long-time Beth El Executive Director, Larry DeBruin. Beth El members interested in volunteering at the synagogue or participating on the Board should contact Allison Newfeld, Beth El Executive Director, at anewfeld@bethelomaha.org.

The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018 | A5

A4 | The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018

community

A year with Yoni Doron A

NAte ShApiro Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha s the Director of Development, I often act as a representative of the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO), in public spaces. I, and my colleagues, prioritize the positions of the JFO over our own personal opinions as an effort to represent a community with diverse views and backgrounds. However, I wanted a departure from that policy because our community and I will be losing a friend (geographically), and frankly, I’m sad about it. Yoni Doron has decided to resume his studies and is returning to Israel. Yoni came to us a community Shaliach, an emissary from the State of Israel. His job was to work with me and collaborate with others in our community to enhance Israeli and Jewish related programming in our area. Please believe me when I tell you that he did his job exceedingly well, and beyond JFO’s expectations. My first draft of this piece was 1400 words of me listing the various programs he either led or assisted with and explaining why we decided to do a particular program and how much behind the scenes work went into it. I wrote about the wide variety of events he put on ranging from running a DIY pickling workshop, to arranging The Humans of Tel Aviv exhibition and artist lecture. I wrote about how he really worked hard to break the mold of traditional Israel related program with his “Four Cups of Freedom” program, which was a Passover-themed guided conversation about immigration issues facing the United States and Israel (with wine!). I wrote about how he engaged young Jews through his underground Israeli movie series and his holiday programs with Young Jewish Omaha (YJO). Together, Yoni and I wanted to bring to Omaha an often ignored aspect of Israel. We wanted to highlight the diversity of the peoples, cultures and traditions of Israel. I wrote about how Yoni arranged a celebration of the Ethiopian Jewish community to teach our youngest community members. Although admirable and appreciated, Yoni’s work ethic is only a small part of what makes him such a special person. The JFO developed a small tool to measure Yoni’s community impact. This was a challenge because how does one quantify the quality of education? We decided to track the size of Yoni’s audience per session/program, the length of each session/program, and the general topic of each program (ex. Israeli Culture, Jewish Holidays, Hebrew, etc.). Over the course of Yoni’s 10 months in Omaha, he led 127 programs with a total audience of 3,237. If every participant was charged one dollar for each hour of Yoni’s instruction, Yoni would have raised $666,710. Yoni’s ambition and passion for his home are traits that I, personally and professionally, really admired. Clearly he loves his home of Israel, but he also quickly assimilated to living in Omaha. As a guy who loves eating and sharing good food, Yoni enjoyed the bar and restaurant scene and could often be seen out and about. Yoni loved going to movies with friends both inside and outside of our Jewish and Jewish adjacent community. I think the thing that I and probably most of the community will miss about Yoni the most is his sincere warmth and humor. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and was always happy to meet people. He had to adjust to some cultural differences between Omaha and Israel, but he did so in stride. For example, for his very first event, he organized a pickling workshop. Like many people’s first time at anything, he learned a lot. He learned that in Omaha, we try to run closer to on time than in Israel. If an event is supposed to start at 7 p.m., it’ll start at 7:10 p.m. This event got started about 30 minutes late and Yoni opened it by joking that he was teaching Omaha about Israelis by intentionally starting late. It was the perfect ice breaker. Yoni was available to help anyone who asked for it. Several community members asked him to translate Hebrew documents. A couple of community members asked for his help in navigating the legendary Israeli bureaucracy while trying to make Aliyah. Yoni has a desire to serve the community he’s currently in, the community he’s from, and the wider Jewish community. Yoni and I would have many conversations about how he thinks it’s unfortunate that Israel has not fully embraced the spectrum of Jewish practice as fully as the US has. There are tiny reform and conservative communities in Israel, but the general idea in Israel is that a person is religious, traditional, or secular. Yoni has mentioned that he is excited to go back to Israel and get involved with the reform community there. Yoni came here to teach, but he also came here to learn, and I think the issue of religious pluralism is one that can sometimes divide Israeli Jews and the diaspora. Yoni is a bridge-builder in this respect, which made him a great fit for this community. Omaha’s unique, in the fact that we have so many people who regularly attend events at different synagogues and it’s normal. I’m not the only one that appreciates Yoni. Regular readers of the Jewish Press will remember a guest editorial by Molly Goldberg, who wrote about how Yoni had helped expand her view of Israel’s geopolitical situation. She was very critical of Israel’s policies regarding the Arab populations and Yoni was able to demonstrate that Israelis are people, too, and that the situation is more complicated than the colonial vs indigenous narrative. It’s this kind of person-to-person connection that makes the shaliach program important to Israel and for those of us who are connected to Israel in the US. Yoni was perfect for this. Yoni even dealt with “protesters.” Luckily, we live in Nebraska where even our activists are very nice and polite. There were some from Nebraskans for Peace that came to a talk that Yoni was doing with the Creighton University Jews to more or less confront Yoni. Thanks to Yoni’s attitude and training he received, he was able to defuse the situation and not allow them to disrupt the program. Beyond representing well, Yoni made good impressions with his colleagues. Director of Community Engagement and Education Jennie Gates Beckman said: “Yoni has brought an energy and passion for all things Israel to Omaha at a time when we have needed it so deeply. Yoni has the ability to respectfully take part in conversation on not only Israel, but a number of other hot topics, in a way that validates the views of the person he’s engaging, even when that viewpoint may be opposite his own. It has been a joy to see him excite our community members through his creative programming, whether they be our children at the CDC, our elders at RBJH, or the community at large through programs such as the Film Festival panel at Film Streams. Kudos to him on a great year here in Omaha!” Currently, Yoni is preparing to go home, which means he’s packing his things, saying goodbyes and, most importantly, helping us prepare for his replacement. Yoni helped us select the next Shlicha (female emissary), and we are both excited for Ron Lugassy to join the community in August. Thanks to Yoni’s very hard work, she has a great foundation to build upon. At his final Eye on Israel, Yoni made a request to our community. Family is important in Israel. We set him up with an adopted family, the Kohens, who were amazing and truly brought him into their wonderful family. However, Yoni had hoped to be invited to more homes for Shabbat. He asked people to invite Ron. Yoni felt like he probably didn’t get invited as often because people didn’t think he’d want to come over, and that he was busy, and etc. But, he wouldn’t be a good Israeli if he didn’t bluntly say what was on his mind. And that’s another thing we’ll miss about our dear friend Yoni. Alan Potash said “Yoni’s creativity and passion exceeded all of our expectations. We thank him for his dedication and want him to know he is always welcome in Omaha.” I believe Alan speaks for all of us. Yoni, thank you for everything. We will miss you. Come back soon.

a6 | The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018

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New exhibit added to JCC hallway

Renee RatneR CoRCoRan Executive Director, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society he Nebraska Jewish Historical Society recently installed a new exhibit on the main corridor of the Jewish Community Center. Mother Chapter: AZA # 1 commemorates the 1924 founding of the first AZA chapter in Omaha. The display funded by the Herbert Goldsten Trust depicts the history and founders of AZA. Robert Osborne, Omaha Council Aleph Godol says: “The wall and the history exemplify the important Omaha connection to this now global youth organization. To this date we still operate with the same wholesome values of the founders, giving 8th to 12th grade boys the great opportunities that our parents and grandparents were given and enjoyed as members of AZA.” The Historical Society felt the importance to share and remind the community and JCC visitors of the history of AZA and tell the story of how Mother Chapter was founded.

Margo Parsow

Continued from page a1 message, coaches and mentors partner organizations, facilitates legacy commitments and integrates legacy giving into the community culture. Arlene continued, “Having had the pleasure of working with Margo Parsow over the past four years, I have witnessed first-hand her enthusiasm for this work and her commitment to ensuring the future of the Omaha Jewish community.” “Just like Gail Littman, Margo places great value Margo Parsow and arlene Schiff on building partnerships, Arlene continued, “Margo has an innate talthinking strategically, understanding a ent to work with anyone. She is always polite, donor’s passion and giving them the opporcourteous, attentive to detail, and sincerely intunity to fulfill that passion in a way that will terested in people. She has the ability to put be both personally satisfying and have a posher special touch on meetings and events, itive impact on the community.” Arlene conmaking them special, elegant and memorable. tinued, “From my visits to Omaha and my She effortlessly makes people feel at ease, welinteractions with her over the phone, it is come and important. Margo goes out of her very clear to me that Margo lives and way to help and is easily reachable to partner breathes LIFE & LEGACY. Her passion for organizations and volunteers. She has indeed securing the future of her Jewish community proven her qualifications over the years as is evident in everything she does and in truly worthy to receive the Gail Littman Leadevery interaction she has with a member of ership Award. The Omaha Jewish community the Omaha Jewish community. She values the work of the volunteers and professionals has greatly benefited from Margo’s leadership from each of the partner organizations and of the LIFE & LEGACY initiative, and will goes out of her way to express her apprecia- continue to benefit for years to come. We are tion and gratitude for their efforts. She also proud of Margo’s accomplishments and diliputs extensive time and effort into honoring gence to ensure a robust future for the Omaha her community’s legacy donors at the very Jewish community.” Margo Parsow has been the LIFE & well attended legacy celebrations when she LEGACY Coordinator at the Jewish Federaruns into them at events or on the street and tion of Omaha Foundation since May 2014, in the local Jewish newspaper.” and has led this initiative, working closely Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the both with the partner organizations and volJewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, unteers for the last four years. Margo stated, wrote the following words that Arlene read “Arlene Schiff called the Omaha Jewish comto the crowd, “As the coordinator of the LIFE munity ‘small but mighty.’ According to & LEGACY program for the past four years, Margo, “That is evident, because of our genMargo has done a stellar job. She has coordinated the efforts of nine separate Omaha Jew- erous, passionate donors and our devoted ish organizations, helping to secure more community volunteers and lay leaders we than 630 legacy commitments with an esti- have been able to successfully raise almost mated value of $18 million, numbers which $18 million dollars through the far exceeded our goals. For a city with fewer LIFE&LEGACY program. We reached for the than 9,000 Jews, this is quite an accomplish- stars in creating a culture of legacy giving and ment. Margo keeps our volunteers and pro- all of the community volunteers, lay leaders, fessionals energized, enthused and on-track. professionals and generous donors are the She has a gentle yet forceful way of politely reason the stars will continue to shine for nudging and cajoling our partners to keep generations to come.” In typical Margo fashtheir focus. The Jewish Federation of Omaha ion, she thanks her parents and Foundation Foundation has grown, evolved and suc- staff. To Marty Ricks she extends her thanks, ceeded in recent years and Margo has played “for having faith in me and for presenting this a significant role in this growth, evolution meaningful LIFE & LEGACY job opportunity that has filled my spirit with joy.” and success.”

The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018 | A7

community

LIFE&LEGACY Celebration Reaching for the Stars Together Generation to Generation

Wednesday, June 13, many community members gathered to celebrate the successful completion of year four of the LIFE&LEGACY initiative and to honor donors, lay leaders and volunteers. The keynote speaker was Rabbi Daniel Cohen a popular motivator, mentor, inspirational speaker and author of the book, What Will they say about You when you are Gone? Creating a LIFE of LEGACY. Pictured top, from left: Linda Pollard, Laurie Peatrowsky, Howard Epstein, Margo Parsow and Janet Henthorn; Rabbi Steven and Shira Abraham, Janie and Allan Murow; second row: David Gillinsky and Katherine Finnegan with Jamie Friedland; Liz Feldstern with daughter Gila; third row: Nate Schwalb, Rabbi Mendel Katzman and Rich Juro; fourth row: Sandy and Amy Friedman; Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Marty Ricks; Susie Shyken, Mary Sue Grossman and Paul Shyken; Bea Karp; fifth row: Ted Friedland, Arlene and Sally Fredericks; Dennis and Pam DePorte with Jon and Denise Meyers; Marilyn Tipp; sixth row: Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Sara Kohen; Patty and Steve Nogg with Mary-Beth Muskin; Don Goldstein with Iris and Marty Ricks; and bottom row: Steve Riekes and Howie Gendelman; Laurie Peatrowsky, Janet Henthorn, Alan Potash and Linda Pollard.

A8 | The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018

community

Mega Teen Trip: Simon Murphy

The Omaha Teen Trip to Israel is a collaborative project led by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel, and Beth Israel Synagogue. The purpose of the mission is to bring Jewish Omaha Teens to Israel to experience the Jewish Homeland, connect with Israelis, and connect with each other. As a way of saying “thank you” to the community, the teens are writing about their experiences and sharing them with the community via The Jewish Press throughout the year. In addition to being led and financially supported by each Omaha Synagogue and the Jewish Federation of Omaha, The 2017-2018 Teen Trip was supported in part by The Herbert Goldsten Trust, the Phillip & Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation, the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, the Carl L. Frohm Educational Custodial Fund, the Milton S. & Corrine N. Livingston Foundation Fund, the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, and the JFO Foundation Special Donor Advised Funds. Thank you to all who supported this effort.

siMon Murphy ll my childhood, I’ve learned about Israel, the holy land, in books, religious school, and even somewhat in primary school. However, I had never thought much about visiting Israel for myself. When I learned I could go on a trip to Israel during my Senior year of high school I wasn’t too excited. It wasn’t until about a year before the trip when I started to think more about the trip and the places we’d be visiting. I became both nervous and excited at the same time. After a long plane trip with an equally long layover, I had gotten to know half of our group fairly well. The other half flew in a day later and when we picked them up the morning after my group came in, our trip really began. We first traveled north to the Galilee. Here, we learned mostly about the land and its history, along with Israel’s relations with sur-

rounding countries. We took a jeep tour through a forest to visit ruins of an ancient civilization and met with members of the Israeli Defense force. However, I think what really touched everybody in a special way was our trip to Tzfat. In Tzfat, we learned about spiritual Judaism, a part of our religion which is not touched on very often. We also got a tour through one of the oldest cities in Israel and learned a lot about our cultural and religious history. From the Galilee, we moved a bit southwest to the coast, where we stayed with our host families for the better part of a week. This is where we learned the most about today’s culture and people. During the days, we had a full schedule of tours and activities around Akko and the coast, but our afternoons were free to spend time with our host families. We even had all day Saturday to celebrate Shabbat with our families. This time seemed to fly

by and before I knew it, Shabbat was over and we were leaving on Sunday morning. We then took our trip south to Jerusalem where we had our most memorable moments, in my opinion. We did a lot in Jerusalem, but the best moments were the

ones which will stay with me for years to come. This includes walking blindfolded to the western wall, momentarily misplacing a peer in the City of David, and shopping on Ben Yehuda street. During this part of the trip, we didn’t learn so much about our cultural history so much as our religious history. It was in Jerusalem where Israel really touched me and helped me to connect to my ancestry and religion as a whole. From there, our trip started to slow down. We went further south to the Negev desert,

where we had a short camel ride and stayed the night in a giant tent. In the morning, we hiked up the Masada to watch the sunrise at about 6:00 in the morning. We then took a cable car back down and went to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea was really amazing on a basic level. It didn’t really connect to Israel’s culture or history, but the ability to float in any position really made swimming in the dead sea really memorable. We then went to Tel Aviv for our last day in Israel, when we learned about the technological advances coming out of Israel and the process of declaring the state of Israel. After a last dinner, we went to the Tel Aviv airport to board our flight home. We all thought our trip would end with a flight from Newark to Omaha, but due to weather, all flights were cancelled and we were stuck on a bus for another 20 hours. Despite this last leg of the trip, the whole trip was a powerfully positive experience for everybody. I am definitely glad I went and suggest anybody with the opportunity take it. I would like to thank the Jewish Federation of Omaha for granting Omaha’s teens the chance to visit the holy land and our homeland.

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Susan Bernard 402.334.6559 sbernard@jewishomaha.org

The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018 | B1

section2 COMMUNITY

Beth Israel Teen Trip to New York

Mary Sue GroSSMan was watching the teens build friendships with other Beth Israel Synagogue teens from New York. She shared, when the group he weekend of June 7, a group of Beth went ice skating on Sunday, right away a bunch of Israel teens traveled to New York City local Jewish teens came over (upon Yaakov’s refor an amazing weekend of learning, quest) and skated with the Omaha group. “Alexploring and Shabbat. The goal of the trip, though they grew up as part of different which was offered through JYE BI – the communities and with different lifestyles, they Jewish Youth Experience at Beth Israel - was to give the teens the chance to see and experience Jewish life in a larger community. Participants included Zoe Berman, Becca Denenberg, Eleanor Dunning, Rachel Kricsfeld, Ilana McNamara, Leora McNamara, Gavin Smith and Hunter Tam. Faige and Yaakov Jeidel led the trip. Faige is Beth Israel’s Youth Director and Yaakov is Outreach Coordinator. “The New York trip was a perfect conclusion of the months of dedication to Torah learning shown by the teens. Prior to the Lunch time at the Sunflower Cafe trip, each teen attended classes where we learned Messilat Yesharim, a book on were really able to relate with each other and conJewish ethics, and Orchot Tzadikkim, which fo- nect on so many levels. We are thrilled with how cuses on improving character traits” reported the trip turned out and know that this is just the Faige. “We then had a very exciting weekend trip start of the tremendous learning and growth that during which the teens explored New York and all the teens will continue to do.” [Editor’s note: The it has to offer, plus immersing themselves into a vi- teens also exchanged numbers with their new brant Jewish community that values Torah learning friends from the ice skating rink and created a and its observance.” Faige added a highlight for her WhatsApp group. Their new New York friends

plan to visit Omaha sometime soon (pending their parents’ approval). “The New York trip helped me gain a better understanding of how Judaism differs around the country” shared Eleanor Dunning. “I had this rush of excitement the whole time. I felt so lucky to be in New York seeing so many fellow Jews. I couldn’t help but smile on Shabbos after seeing so many people in the streets and noticing how few cars were on the streets. It was a really beautiful thing to see the community out walking together. Even on Friday night, there were bunches of people all out together sharing Shabbos.” She continued, saying the Jews in Brooklyn and in Far Rockaway are welcoming, like the Omaha community. “There are more kosher restaurants, culturally appropriate clothing stores, and streets filled with Jews on Shabbos all walking to shul. Every few blocks you’ll find a Jewish day school, yeshiva, or girl’s high school. It’s the little things that really make New York an ideal destination for Jewish people.” Eleanor concluded, sharing “After experiencing this, I can’t imagine what Israel will look like. I am so appreciative of this eye-opening experience which I’ll never forget. I loved it. I am especially looking forward to future trips.” Experiences during the five-day trip included visiting the Living Torah Museum and touring the Flatbush Hatzalah garage, a Jewish volunteerbased, free ambulance service, that provides a response time of under two minutes. At Masbia, a soup kitchen for the homeless and poor, the teens helped with food preparation. The group also met with twin well-known rabbis, enjoyed ice skating, See Beth Israel Teen Trip page B2

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B2 | The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018

community

Beth Israel Teen Trip

Learning about the Hatzoloh Volunteer Ambulance Corps Continued from page B1 the beach, shopping and visiting Boro Park, Queens, Brooklyn, Coney Island’s Luna Park. Pomegranate, a fully kosher equivalent to Baker’s or HyVee, was also a mind-blowing experience for the teens. Saturday evening featured “The Ride” which is an interactive tour of Manhattan. And certainly not to be forgotten was the food which included kosher sushi, pizza, and a fully kosher Dunkin’ Donuts with veggie burger/bacon options! Add Rita’s Italian Ices plus barbecues hosted by family and friends of the Jeidels and everyone’s palates were happy throughout the weekend. “This trip helped me realize that Judaism has a lot more than just a handful of lessons and some holidays. Judaism is jam-packed with traditions and I loved being able to see that the people who were more observant were so accepting of us” shared Hunter Tam. “One of the things I thought was truly amazing was Rachel’s [Kricsfeld] speech on Friday night. It was great to have someone from Omaha be a part of the Shabbat learning.” Seeing the differences between Shabbos in Far Rockaway and Omaha was also commented on by Becca Denenberg. “There I saw Jew after Jew walking on Saturday afternoon and it was a completely different environment. It made me realize that how I learn about being Jewish is very different from the Jewish teens there. As different as our home environments are, however, we still had so much in common and so much to talk about.” Becca shared that she became good friends with the teenagers her age and plans on staying in touch with them for the future. “Going on this trip helped me gain perspective on the way different Jews live and made me feel better connected to being Jewish.”

Temple Israel’s Annual Golf Outing

The group had a fabulous meeting with Rabbi Moshe Weinberger The teens, their families and Beth Israel say a huge “Todah Rabah” to several individuals who sponsored the trip financially. Thanks to these generous donations, each teen paid just $100 for the experience. Looking ahead to next year, Faige and Yaakov hope to add a winter ski trip and another summer trip – location to be determined – as teen activities for 2018-2019. The kick-off event for JYE BI, which includes education and programming opportunities for infants through high school, will be Sunday, Aug. 26. Watch for more information in the weeks ahead. For additional information, please call 402.556.6288.

Sokolof Award winners

Josh Polack, Kathleen Kirshenbaum, Brooke Wilczewski, Natasha Kraft, Aviva Atri Schuller and Sophie Cemaj (not pictured) were honored at a reception on June 12th as recipients of the 13th annual Sokolof merit awards. Each student received a $10,000 scholarship and Ms. Kraft was presented with $10,000 as Jewish Teacher of the Year.

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CASSANdRA HICKS WEISENBuRGER Director of Communications ummer is upon us and that means Temple Israel will be hosting its Annual Golf Outing at Shadow Ridge Country Club on Monday, Aug. 13. The afternoon includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, lunch, access to the driving range, and a steak dinner. The afternoon kicks off with lunch at noon and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cocktails will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 6 p.m. You can sign up as either a single or a foursome. Participant cost is $135 and if you sign up as a single, we will assign you to a foursome. The cost for a foursome is $540. Interested in joining the festivities but don’t want to golf? Come enjoy a steak dinner for only $35. Hole sponsorships are available and include signage at the course and your name on all printed material the day of the event. Cost for members is $350 or $850 with a foursome. For non-members the cost is $500 or $1000 with a foursome. All the money raised goes towards the operations of Temple Israel. Whether you shoot birdies or need to take a few mulligans, the golf outing is for everyone! If you would like more information or if you would like to donate a raffle prize, please contact Temple Israel, templeisrael@templeisrael omaha.com or 402.556.6536.

Changing your address? Please give us the following information: Your name, old address and new address and when you want the address change to go into effect. Call 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org

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Friedel poolside JFO Employee Appreciation

The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018 | B3

Sara KOhen On Sunday, June 10, Friedel Jewish Academy students and their families gathered at the new outdoor Aquatic Complex at the JCC to socialize, check out the new pool facilities, and enjoy some snacks. Marissa Abramson’s son, Dayton, will be starting kindergarten at Friedel in the fall. Abramson says she enjoyed meeting other Friedel families before the start of kindergarten, noting that the Friedel community “truly feel[s] like a family.” Friedel prides itself on having a tight-knit community of families and regularly hosts events to help kids and parents strengthen bonds outside of the school setting. According to Beth Cohen, Friedel’s head of school, “We know how important it is for children to feel part of a school community, helping them to flourish both academically and socially. e family engagement events oﬀered by the school are designed to foster this sense of belonging.”

Sunday June 11, several long-time JFO employees were celebrated at Cunningham’s Pub and Grill. Bill Sullivan (pictured with his family and Phil malcom) celebrated 30 years in the maintenance Department. Jennifer Tompkins-Kirshenbaum and amber mcintosh organized the evening.

Looking for a few good dogs Jill Ohlmann Activities Coordinator RBJH The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will host the annual Dog Show on Thursday, July 12 at 2 p.m. in the Silverman Auditorium. If you have a well-mannered pet that interacts well with people and other dogs, please join us for the festivities. Space is limited to one dog per owner. If you would like to bring your furry friend, please RSVP to Jill Ohlmann in the Activities Department by Friday, July 6 at johlmann@rbjh.com or 402.334.6520 Ext. 1. We look forward to seeing you on July 12.

Omaha Chamber music Society 2018 Summer Concert Series

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. PianO DUOS WiTh ChriSTi anD JenniFer: June 24, 3 p.m. Join us for a two-grand-piano extravaganza as you time-travel with our dazzling pianists from the 18th to the 20th century and hear what 176 keys can do, including: Mozart’s only two-piano work composed for himself and a student; Schumann’s deeply romantic Andante & Variations; Saint-Saëns’s witty, inside-joke-filled Carnival of the Animals; and Milhaud’s virtuosic Scaramouche, one of the composer’s most popular pieces. Tickets are available online at https://www.omahachamber music.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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B4 | The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018

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(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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Wretched refuse

ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP Editor, Jewish Press hen was the last time you read the full text of Emma Lazarus’ The New Colossus? Do you remember the first time you learned about it? Does it feel like an appropriate way to welcome those who seek a new homeland, evidence of hope, for those who need it? A message that this is, indeed, the goldene medina? It seems we could use a reminder, so here goes: Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she with silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, i lift my lamp beside the golden door!” I remember the time long before I spoke English, long before I ever thought of permanently leaving my country, when all I knew of America could be summarized in a paragraph or two. But even then, I knew about the Statue of Liberty—although I knew it by a different name. I knew what it looked like, I knew what it stood for; is there any image that is more iconic? This week, I feel we may as well forget it’s there. It has morphed from a beacon of hope to a symbol of hypocrisy. “Trump administration to place unaccompanied migrant children in tents at remote Texas site,” read one headline. “Sessions cites Bible in defense of breaking up migrant families,” stated another. And: “How We Got Here: The Disturbing Path that Leads to Child Prison Camps.”

The policy to remove children from migrant parents and place them in subpar detention facilities is not new; neither is Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ rationale that the Bible dictates the government’s actions (and that appar-

ently makes everything alright). But earlier this year, the administration announced the concept of “zero tolerance” for those crossing the border illegally, thereby increasing the number of migrants incarcerated. More adults in prison means more kids left in limbo. More than 2,000 since April of this year, according to official numbers provided by the Department of Homeland Security. You can talk to me all day about how borders should be safe, how we “can’t just let everyone in,” how drug traf-

fickers and terrorists will take advantage if we don’t protect those borders. Having open borders may seem both overly optimistic and naïve, but at the end of the day, there is no excuse for putting children in camps. None. It’s wrong, plain and simple. Don’t tell me we have to follow the law. When laws are bad, they must be changed. As for Session’s rationale that we should follow man-made law because the Bible dictates it: I don’t think so. That zero tolerance? It should apply to the way this government treats innocent children. “We find the new Department of Justice/Department of Homeland Security ‘zero-tolerance policy,’ deliberately separating migrant families seeking asylum at the border, to be cruel, inhumane and contradictory to our highest ideals and values as Americans,” The Anti Defamation League said in a statement. And in a letter to the DOJ and DHS, 26 Jewish groups, from Uri L’Tzedek to NCJW, from B’nai B’rith International to HIAS, echoed the sentiment: “As Jews, we understand the plight of being an immigrant fleeing violence and oppression. We believe that the United States is a nation of immigrants and how we treat the stranger reflects on the moral values and ideals of this nation. [...] Separating families is cruel punishment for children and families simply seeking a better life and exacerbates existing challenges in our immigration system. [...] Our Jewish faith demands of us concern for the stranger in our midst. Our own people’s history as “strangers” reminds us of the many struggles faced by immigrants today and compels our commitment to an immigration system in this country that is compassionate and just.” ‘Wretched refuse,’ Lazarus called newcomers in that famous poem and once upon a time, that meant us. It’s a phrase we can take quite literal today; whether we identify others as migrants, illegal aliens, asylum seekers, refugees or simply foreigners, right now it all leads to dehumanization. That puts us on a very dangerous path. Remember the phrase, ‘never again?’ Never, it turns out, is now.

We need a Supreme Court decision defending religious liberty NAThAN LEWiN WASHINGTON | JTA The Supreme Court’s much-anticipated decision in the case of the Colorado baker who was penalized because he refused, on religious grounds, to create a cake for a same-gender wedding ceremony must have disappointed both sides. The baker won, but the majority’s reasoning leaves him unsure whether he may reject a similar request tomorrow. The court’s ruling also was a setback for the LGBTQ groups that insist that a retail establishment’s statutory duty to service the celebrations of newly recognized sexual-privacy ceremonies prevails over religious conscience. These advocates may still win, however, if and when the court revisits the issue, and it can do so as soon as the next term of court. The baker’s case presented immensely important constitutional issues for religious observance by America’s Jewish community. It tested whether the legal advances the Supreme Court has granted recently for sexual liberty will trump private religious obligations. Supporters of the Colorado decision censuring the baker view religious observance as secondary to the right to engage in conduct that society used to condemn but now, with Supreme Court approval, have become an integral component of liberty in the United States. I noted in the amicus curiae brief I filed in the case for a number of Orthodox Jewish organizations that Jewish law prohibits active participation in violations of halachah under the biblical principle of not placing a stumbling block before the blind (“lifnei iver lo titeyn michshol”). The Colorado baker was really invoking this rule against aiding and abetting violations when he refused to take an active role in a gay marriage. Since the gay couple could obtain a similar wedding cake from other bakers (and actually received one free), the legal action against the baker was an assault on religious observance. The case was argued orally on Dec. 5, 2017, in a

session that the Supreme Court extended to accommodate vigorous questioning from the bench. Justice Anthony Kennedy unexpectedly asked the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s lawyer to comment on a gratuitous slap at religion made by one of his clients. A Colorado commissioner had said publicly that “freedom of religion used to justify discrimination is a despicable piece of rhetoric.” Kennedy pressed the lawyer twice on whether

A view of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 2017. Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images he “disavowed or disapproved” the commissioner’s statement. According to the Supreme Court’s official transcript, the lawyer finally stammered like a reluctant groom: “I ... I ... I do, yes, Your Honor.” The commissioner’s remark turned out to be a poison pill for the commission’s conclusion that the baker violated Colorado’s law on public accommodations. Six of the justices agreed with Kennedy’s opinion that the commissioner’s statement (not disavowed, Kennedy noted in his opinion, in its written brief), made when the commission was considering the baker’s case, demonstrated unconstitutional “hostility to religion.” Moreover, the commission had not condemned three bakers who had turned away a customer who ordered a cake with an anti-gay marriage text. This “disparity in treatment,” said the Supreme Court majority, was “a signal of official disapproval of ... religious beliefs” and amounted to unconstitutional “hostility to a religion or religious viewpoint.” If the Colorado baker now refuses to create a

cake for another same-gender couple, the Colorado commission may behave in a way that avoids offending religious belief in public. It can then stand by its earlier ruling, fine the baker and order him to teach his employees to be law abiding. Colorado’s civil rights commissioners will not again make the foolish mistake of publicly insulting religious observance. And since the Supreme Court insists, it presumably will condemn equally all bakers who refuse to create a cake with a message that personally offends them. The high court pointedly ignored the constitutional argument that had captivated the baker’s lawyers and the Department of Justice, which switched sides and abandoned the Obama administration’s support of the same-gender couple. Rather than claiming that the baker’s religious freedom was infringed by requiring him to participate in a ceremony that violated his religious convictions, the baker's lawyers maintained in briefs and in their oral presentations that creating a wedding cake was artistic speech that overrides the public accommodations law. That led to unanswerable questions from the justices about hairdressers and chefs. Aren’t their creative efforts entitled to the same speech protection as a baker's? There is, to be sure, a lawyerly explanation for the advocates’ emphasis on speech rather than religion. In a highly controversial 1990 decision (Oregon v. Smith), a Supreme Court majority led by the late Justice Antonin Scalia cut the heart out of the Free Exercise of Religion Clause in the First Amendment. In that case, a court majority effectively overruled past precedent and ruled that the constitutional protection for the “free exercise” of religion did not require exemption from a “valid and neutral law of general applicability” -- in other words, a law, even one that might impose a burden on religious practice, is constitutional as long as there is a rational or legitimate reason for it. Justice Kennedy – who had joined the Scalia See Defending religious liberty page B5

The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018 | B5

To fight anti-Semitism, first you have to define it ANDrew BAker JTA In recent years we have witnessed anti-Israel demonstrations that have turned overtly anti-Semitic and even violent, but police ignored initially as only political activity. We have seen prosecutors and judges rule that an arson attack on a synagogue is not anti-Semitic because the perpetrator was motivated by anti-Israel sentiments. And we have been confronted by traditional anti-Semitic invective where only the word “Zionist” has been substituted for “Jew,” as though that somehow makes it permissible. What guidance can we offer police and other law enforcement officials in responding to anti-Semitic hate crimes and to raise public awareness of anti-Semitic discourse in its everchanging forms? Thirteen years have passed since a comprehensive and updated definition of anti-Semitism was drafted and adopted by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia, or EUMC. Now, with proposed congressional legislation and various state and local initiatives, there are calls for employing a definition here. The need for such a definition in Europe became evident after the EUMC conducted its first analysis of anti-Semitism in the European Union in 2004 showing that few of its monitors had any definition of anti-Semitism to guide them in preparing the report. I am proud that I was able to play a role, working with the EUMC director and Jewish organizations at the time, in the development of what has come to be known as the Working Definition of Anti-Semitism. It offers a succinct core definition along with clear and practical examples, including Jewish stereotypes, conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial and, notably, ways in which anti-Zionism can mask anti-Semitism. Since then we have seen a steady and significant increase in anti-Semitism, including verbal, physical and even lethal attacks. It remains a constant presence on the internet and social media. While not a solution, the Working Definition has become a useful and important educational tool. It helps government and civil society organizations in their work of monitoring anti-Semitism, and law enforcement respond to and define anti-Semitic hate crimes. The Working Definition has been adopted by the 31 nations that constitute the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, it was endorsed by the European Parliament and was formally adopted by seven European governments. A version of this definition has long been used by the U.S. State Department when monitoring anti-Semitism internationally. Can something that has such obvious merit in Europe be used in the United States? America has also seen a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents. Civil discourse is becoming more inflammatory and polarized. Raw and hateful anti-Semitic invective abounds on social media and physically in the public square. We all feel

the need to confront this and naturally seek new methods to do so. The Working Definition has received special scrutiny because of its description of anti-Semitism as it relates to the State of Israel. Claims that Israel is a racist state and comparing contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis can be examples of the ways in which anti-Semitism manifests itself. It also cites the problem of holding Jews responsible for the actions of the State of Israel. At the same time, it states that criticism of Israel cannot be considered anti-Semitic.

“take into consideration” the definition when evaluating under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act if Jewish students are facing a pattern of harassment or a hostile environment. Even though the bill only offers the definition as an additional tool, opponents believe it will be misused. Yet we cannot let these extreme possibilities serve as reason to reject an important educational tool in these difficult times. Instead they remind us that we must employ it with care and consideration. Rabbi Andrew Baker is the American Jewish Committee’s director of International Jewish Affairs. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Defending religious liberty

A Turkish demonstrator holding a banner with a Nazi swastika and Star of David at Beyazit Square in Istanbul, Jan. 2, 2009. Credit: Mustafa Ozer/AFP/Getty Images This was both the most controversial section of the Working Definition and the most necessary. Critics on the left claim that the mere mention of this definition is intended to muzzle criticism of Israel on campus. In the face of proposed legislation in South Carolina, several of the critics, including the Arab American Institute and Jewish Voice for Peace, have gone so far as to claim that endorsing the definition “will legitimize censorship of and punishment for political speech supportive of Palestinian human rights.” They have further maintained that it would lead to government “surveillance” of Muslim and Arab students. Such action would be reprehensible and illegal, and surely no one can realistically believe it would happen. At the same time, Jewish students say that anti-Israel protests have sometimes turned into harassment and intimidation. Yes, college and university administrators are challenged to maintain a hospitable environment for critical and even controversial thinking while ensuring that the discourse is civil and respectful of a diverse student body. They must be mindful when racism or anti-Semitism or homophobia or other forms of intolerance threaten to upend this balance. But the Working Definition is not intended to be a speech code, and it certainly must not restrict or inhibit our constitutionally protected freedom of expression. Proposed congressional legislation known as the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act calls on the Department of Education to

Continued from page B4 opinion in 1990 – circumvented this rule when he condemned the Colorado commission’s “hostility” to religion and accordingly vacated its decision. But the time has come – as some friend-of-the-court briefs suggested in the Colorado baker’s case – for the court to invite briefs testing the limits of laws "prohibiting the free exercise” of religion. A case raising the same constitutional issues as the Colorado baker incident has been pending on the Supreme Court’s calendar since July 14, 2017. It concerns a Washington florist who, while sympathizing with a gay customer who regularly patronized her florist shop, refused on religious grounds to create a flower arrangement for his same-sex wedding. She was found to have violated the state’s public accommodations law. After the ruling in the baker’s case, lawyers for the florist claimed in a written brief that she, too, was subjected to religious hostility. They asked that her case be reopened in the lower courts to hear such evidence. Her opponents denied the allegations of hostility and want the Supreme Court to refuse to hear her case. The Supreme Court should, however, grant review and invite the parties and friends of the court to submit briefs on whether the 1990 Oregon v. Smith decision should be overruled and religious freedom restored as a preferred constitutional right. Nathan Lewin is a Washington lawyer with Lewin & Lewin LLP who has argued 28 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the Colorado baker’s case on behalf of the National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs, or COLPA, and several Orthodox national Jewish organizations. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

b6 | The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018

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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: Nebraksa AIDS Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; 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. Swim and Shabbat in the Park, friday, june 29 at Lake Zorinsky, 3808 S. 156th St. At 4:30 p.m. meet at Zorinksy Aquatic Center for swiming and at 6:30 p.m. meet at shelter #1 for dinner. Bring a dairy dinner and Beth El will bring dessert. Everyone is welcome to join us swim, picnic or both! Contact Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@yahoo.com or 773.750.1632 with questions. Walk with Pride at Heartland Pride Parade, saturday, june 30, 11:30 a.m. in Council Bluffs. The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m. with the parade starting at 10 am. Parade shirts are available. Shabbat services will be held before the parade begins in Council Bluffs. Let us know you will be walking with us! For more information or to register to walk, contact Matt Blodgett at mlblodgett@gmail.com.

beTH israel synaGoGue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 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 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Midrash, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Beth Israel Summer BBQ, 5 p.m. monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. Tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. THursday: Shacharit, 7 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: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m with the Star City Kochavim; Oneg, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study on Parashat Chukat, 10:30 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 10:14 p.m. sunday: Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For ques-

tions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. THursday: Memorial Service, 11 a.m. for Ira P. Schreiber conducted Rabbi Debbi Stiel; 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. Jewish Book Club, july 15, 1:30 p.m. at Gere Library, 2400 S. 56th St. and will discuss The Girl from Human Street by Roger Cohen.

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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 Service, 6 p.m. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Haftarah reader: Miles Remer; Temple Tots Havdalah at the Park, 4:30-6 p.m. Zorinsky Park, 3808 South 154th Street. sunday: Tri-Faith Committee Meeting, noon. Walk with Temple Israel and Beth El Synagogue at the 2018 Heartland Pride Parade in Council Bluffs, saturday, june 30. We will start the morning 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).The parade lineup 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! 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: Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m followed by a Kiddush luncheon; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:44 p.m. sunday: Tifereth Israel's Annual Congregational Meeting, 3 p.m.; 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. 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.

To submiT announcemenTs

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewish omaha.org; 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.

jewisH press noTice

There will be no Jewish Press on july 6, 2018. Ques-

tions? Call 402.334.6448.

maktub, an Israeli comedy about low-level gangsters, makes it to Netflix

curT scHleier long hours, leaving no time for romance. JTA Chuma sees it as a sign and insists they were A deadly terrorist attack might seem like an spared to become the man’s guardian angels. unlikely starting point for a lighthearted comedy. They visit his boss and use a little muscle to conBut Maktub, a charming and intelligent film that vince him that the employee deserves a nice raise. just debuted on Netflix, is set in Israel, a country Chuma also eventually convinces Steve to rewhere that happens more than most would like turn to the Kotel and ultimately help a poor Russto believe. ian emigre pay for her son’s bar mitzvah and a The movie was a box office success in Israel but long suffering 40-year-old get pregnant. Acquirlikely would have been relegated to art house the- ing the last two notes requires a little silliness — aters in the United States. A Netflix streaming re- they dress in drag to approach the female section lease gives the film a much broader audience. — but even this comes off as funny rather than It stars Guy Amir and Hanan Savyon — Israeli crass or disrespectful. television stars who co-wrote the screenplay — as Chuma and Steve, two small-time gangsters who work for an organized crime overlord, Kaslassy (played by Itzik Cohen). They are tasked with collecting protection money from various Jerusalem restaurants. Their lives change when a terrorist bomb goes off at one of their stops while both are in the bathroom. Everyone else in the building is killed, including the one-eyed Chechen thug who served the pair as lookout. Chuma and Steve recover a metal Hanan savyon, left, and Guy amir star in Maktub. Credit: Idan Milman briefcase that contains all the shekels collected earlier in the day, which they were supAmir and Savyon’s success in Israel — the pair posed to turn in. They tell Kaslassy that the have written over 280 episodes for seven different Chechen survived the bombing and made off series that have been viewed over 80 million with the cash. Steve wants to leave quickly, before times — could spill over into the U.S. Producer their boss discovers the truth. He hopes to immi- Uri Singer has tapped them to create a drama in grate to the U.S. and open a fish kebab restaurant. English about the Middle East conflict through But a reluctant Chuma demands they first go the eyes of an American father searching for his to the Western Wall to give thanks. There they missing daughter. accidentally pull out a note left by a man who The word maktub means fate or destiny in asks for God’s help in rekindling the passion in Arabic, so maybe the duo is destined for a hit in his marriage — he earns little and must work the states, too.

The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018 | b7

lifecycles in memoRiam

milDReD G. FeiDman

Mildred G. Feidman pased away on June 11 after a long & courageous battle with dementia. Services were held June 15 at the Chapel at Beth El Cemetery, 84th & L Streets. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Feidman. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Sally A. Feidman and Leon (Lee) Jesser, and son, Theodore Feidman; grandchildren: Whitney Feidman and Alec Feidman; nephews, nieces, cousins, her very caring neighbors, and the staff and caregivers of ComfortCare Homes & Endless Journey Hospice Care who provided extraordinary care in difficult times. Mildred was a lifelong resident of Omaha, devoted Cornhusker fan, lover of music, nature and furry creatures. Memorials may be made to Beth El Synagogue Music Fund, 14506 California Street, Omaha, NE 68154 or Endless Journey Hospice Care, Inc. 10909 Mill Valley Road, Ste 205, Omaha, NE 68154.

iRa PhiliP sChReibeR

Ira Philip Schreiber pased away on Jan. 9. Services will be held on Thursday, June 28, 11 a.m. at South Street Temple in Lincoln. Memorials may be made to South Street Temple, 2061 South 20th Street, Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 or to the organization of your choice.

Why Argentina’s Lionel Messi missed World Cup penalty kick

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina | JTA Israel’s defense minister suggested a reason that Argentina superstar Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick in his team’s World Cup opener: e Argentines had canceled their friendly match against Israel a week earlier. “In the Argentina against Iceland game we saw just how much Messi needed the warm-up game against Israel,” Avigdor Liberman tweeted June 16 about the game earlier that day in Moscow between the powerful Argentines and upstart Icelanders. Messi’s failure to convert le the game tied at 1, which is how it finished. Goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson knocked away the shot. e June 12 match in Jerusalem between the national teams of Israel and Argentina was canceled several days before it was scheduled following two months of pressure from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel. e FIFA international soccer federation has opened disciplinary proceeding against the president of the Palestinians’ soccer governing body, for alleged incitement. Meanwhile, the Israeli Embassy in Argentina spread a message of support for its host country’s World Cup squad, despite they canceled friendly. e messages included strong support for Messi, who had been the victim of death threats over his planned participation in the match in Jerusalem. e Israeli support for Argentina’s national team gained attention from the major Argentine media and was followed by another tweet just before June 16 match wishing the team “success.”

Parsha Chukat In this week’s Torah portion, Moshe is told that he will not take the people into the land of Israel. The Jewish people, when we are home, need a different type of leadership. We don’t need the leader that acts and prays on our behalf. We become stronger and more Rabbi aRi able to create the relationship with G- DembitzeR d ourselves. In Judaism, the rabbi does- Beth Israel Synagogue n’t do the “mitzvoth” for us. We all have the responsibility to create our own relationships with G-d and not rely on our leaders. Shabbat Shalom.

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OU joins communal letter

JTA news sTAff e Orthodox Union joined an open letter signed by 26 other Jewish organizations opposing separation of migrants’ families at the border. e decision to sign the letter came two days aer the O.U., an umbrella Orthodox group, hosted Attorney General Jeﬀ Sessions at its annual conference in Washington D.C.,where he spoke to a friendly crowd about protecting religious liberty for houses of worship, and other matters. In May, Sessions’ department instituted a policy to separate migrant families aer they cross the U.S. border illegally. On ursday, June 14, one day aer hosting Sessions, the Orthodox Union released a statement criticizing the Trump separation policy. Under the policy implemented in recent months, every illegal migrant who crosses the United States border is prosecuted and detained. Because children cannot be prosecuted with adults, they are reclassified as unaccompanied minors and taken away, either to mass children’s shelters or foster homes. Critics of the policy say forcibly separating parents and children is traumatizing and draconian. Sessions says it’s a necessary measure to enforce border security. e letter signed by 26 national Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Council for Public Aﬀairs and HIAS, urges the administration “to immediately rescind the ‘zero tolerance’ policy and uphold the values of family unity and justice on which our nation was built.” Among the signers of the letter are the leading organizations of the Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements. e addition of the O.U. means that top representative bodies of all four major American Jewish denominations have come out against the policy. It is rare that the O.U., which generally takes conservative political positions, agrees with the other three movements on a matter of domestic government policy. Religious groups across the spectrum, Jewish and not, have opposed the policy, and the O.U. is among the most recent conservative religious organizations to oppose it. It has been criticized in recent days by the Southern Baptist Convention, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Rev. Franklin Graham, the late Billy Graham’s son.

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B8 | The Jewish Press | June 22, 2018

usnews

How a multiracial Orthodox rabbi is using his background to create a unique community in Brooklyn

JOsefIn DOlsten NEW YORK | JTA rowing up in the Orthodox community of Monsey, New York, as the son of an African-American mother who converted to Judaism and a white Ashkenazi father who became religious later in life, Isaiah Rothstein knows what it’s like not to fit in. e New York hamlet is known for its large Hasidic Jewish population and over 95 percent of its residents are white. Rothstein, who is light skinned and says he tends to “pass for white,” remembers the unwanted attention he got in school because of his family background. “When I would walk in with my mom I would get all these stares, but when I walked in with my dad I didn’t,” he recalled. ough his family was aﬃliated with the Chabad Hasidic movement, he oen felt like an outsider as a person of color. “I oen joke that it’s a very diverse place if you’re Ashkenazi and Orthodox,” Rothstein, 29, said of his hometown in an interview with JTA last month. But the challenges he faced as a child in insular Monsey also motivated Rothstein to help create a diﬀerent Jewish community for others. Rothstein, who today identifies as Modern Orthodox and was ordained as a rabbi by Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan eological Seminary, founded Union Street Sanctuary in Brooklyn last August. He previously was a cofounder of the Beis Community, a progressive Orthodox community in Washington Heights. ough the Beis Community is a synagogue, the Union Street Sanctuary is a social organization only, hosting events such as Shabbat dinners, barbecues and open mic nights. Most attendees are millennials and about 60 percent are Orthodox.

One of Rothstein’s goals is to create an inclusive place for people regardless of their ethnic or racial background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other things that could make them feel like outsiders in other Jewish communities. “Everything about how I was raised led me to my work on some level,” he said over smoothies at a juice bar in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. e shared motto of the Union Street Sanctuary and the Beis Community — “All are welcome, always” — exemplifies that commitment. “When we say it out loud at events, there’s like ‘Yeah, but am I welcome if I’m female?’ Always. ‘Am I welcome if I don’t know if I believe in God?’ Always. ‘Am I welcome if I am a person of color? Am I welcome if my gender identity, my Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein wants peosexual identity [is a certain ple of all backgrounds to feel welway]?’ Our motto is all are come in his Brooklyn community. Credit: Josefin Dolsten welcome, always,” he said. e programming and its attendees reflect that attitude, Rothstein said. Attendees at a recent barbecue event included Jews across the spectrum, from haredi Orthodox to unaﬃliated, as well as Jews of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds and ages, he said. e Union Street Sanctuary hosts meet-ups for Jews of color. “Being welcoming isn’t just what we try to do in our programs, it’s what we are as an organization,” Rothstein said.

In addition to his work at the Union Street Sanctuary, Rothstein also serves as rabbi-in-residence for Be’chol Lashon, an organization that promotes Jewish diversity, and Hazon, a Jewish environmental group. He was invited to attend the ROI Summit, a gathering of young Jewish innovators in Jerusalem in June. He also plays the guitar and sings in Zayah, a musical collective he founded that plays Jewish-inspired rock and reggae. Rothstein also strives to be inclusive of any rituals performed at events. He will perform kiddush or Havdalah, for example, but then invite anyone else, including women, to make their own blessings aerward. ere are diﬀerent interpretations about women performing such rituals, with most Orthodox Jews believing that a woman cannot fulfill the Jewish legal obligations reserved for men. ough there may be ritual elements like these at the Union Street Sanctuary, it does not host services and is not intended to replace the function of a synagogue, Rothstein said. “We see ourselves as filling that gap between social programming devoid of spirituality and religion,” he said. “We want to include our ancestral texts of Judaism, we want to include that spirituality, but we do it in a way that doesn’t do the same things that maybe a synagogue would do.” Rothstein estimated that approximately 200 people have attended events since its founding in August. He hopes that with Union Street Sanctuary, he can help more Jews find a home. Rothstein felt like an outsider based on his racial background, but said that many others feel similarly for other reasons. “I think it is something that is rampant in the Jewish world today of people not being able to have a solid sense that they are truly a part of the community,” he said. “It can be based on not just fitting into the classic mold.”

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