June 25, 2021

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J UN E 2 5 , 2 021 | 15 TAMMUZ 5781 | VO L. 1 01 | NO. 36 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 8:43 P.M.

Remembering Cantor Leo Fettman

New role for Jennifer Tompkins Page 3

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor antor Leo Fettman passed away on April 22 at age 96. He is survived by his wife, Annette; children Jack, Aviva, Renana, and Rachel; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Cantor Fettman was born in Hungary in 1925. In 1944, when he was 19 years old, he and his family were taken to Auschwitz, where most of his family perished. After the end of the war, he immigrated to Canada where he studied at the Maor Hagolah Rabbinical Yeshiva. It was there he was ordained as rabbi and cantor.

In 1960, he immigrated to the United States. He met his wife, Annette, in Gary, Indiana. They moved to Madison, Wisconsin where he was a cantor and educator from 1963 until 1975. He was then hired by Beth Israel synagogue, where he served as cantor and Director of Education. He also provided kashrut supervision.

“I met Cantor Fettman in 1979 or 1980 at Beth Israel Synagogue after returning home to Omaha after college,” Don Gerber said. “At that time, Cantor Fettman was a vibrant young energetic man who was concerned with bringing “Yiddishkeit” to all that he knew. It did not matter what age you were. From very small children to the elderly, he tried to reach out to all with his warm smile, quick wit, and it goes See Cantor Leo Fettman page 15

C

All-Stars Basketball Premiere Sports Camp Page 4

Cantor Leo Fettman

Death and Mourning in Judaism: The role of the community Page 16

Beth El returns to National History Day in-person programming

REGULARS

Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

11 12 14 15

Beth El President Ari Riekes congratulates award winners Barry and Stephanie Grossman.

LISA MARCUS Over 100 congregants came together June 11 for Beth El’s Annual

Meeting, the first congregation-wide gathering since the pandemic began.

The festivities took place out back at Beth El, where the kids took over the playground and the adults enjoyed being together on one of the few evenings in recent memory where the temperature dipped below 90 degrees.

“This evening, we celebrate how so many of our congregants chose to continue to be connected at a time when we all really needed one another,” said Beth El President Ari See Beth El Annual Meeting page 3

moved its headquarters from CleveGABBY BLAIR land to the Washington, D.C., area Jewish Press Staff Writer In 1974, the History Department where it now runs multiple educaat Case Western Reserve, a private tional programs, the largest of which research university is the ‘National Hisin Cleveland, Ohio, tory Day Contest’ began a history for students in contest based on grades 6-12. Nathe science fair tional finals take model. Students place each June gathered on camduring a week-long pus to devote one event held at the day to history, preUniversity of Marysenting projects on land, College Park. a wide array of topFrom its humble ics under the year’s beginnings in Ohio announced theme. with just 129 local Over the next students, National few years, the conHistory Day project test expanded into Dr. Amy Forss, History Instruc- participation has surrounding Mid- tor, History Coordinator and On- grown to well over line Lead at Metropolitan western states. The half a million stuCommunity College project was incordents hailing from porated in 1978, and coined the all states and U.S. Territories, today. name ‘National History Day.’ Over The annual theme usually inthe years, this grant funded pro- cludes a phrase ending with “in hisgram was joined by state historical tory. “The theme serves to help organizations nationwide. frame student’s research and is choWith the help of the National En- sen for broad application to world, dowment for the Humanities in the national, or state history and its relearly 1980s, National History Day evance to ancient history or to the (NHD) earned designation as a non- more recent past. The theme for profit organization. By 1992, NHD See National History Day page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021

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National History Day Continued from page 1 2021 theme was Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.

Students can enter the contest as an individual or in a group, and present in one of five categories: Documentary, Exhibit, Paper, Performance or Website. Participants then compete in a series of regional contests with top entries advancing to state/ affiliate contests. The top two entries in each category and division are invited to compete at the National Contest.

Omaha District NHD Coordinator and History Instructor at Metropolitan Community College, Dr. Amy Forss, first got involved with National History Day in 1994, when she Melissa Shrago was a graduate student. “I was asked to be a judge for NHD and it was such a wonderful experience, I’m still involved today!”

When the Durham Museum decided to end its 30-year history of holding the competition, Shari Sorenson, Nebraska NHD State Coordinator asked Dr. Forss if MCC would consider permanently hosting event at one of their city campuses.

After successfully spearheading months of MCC administration negotiations, NHD made the move to MCC’s South Omaha Campus in 2020.

“Obviously 2020-2021 was a strange and rather historical time to kick off this event on the MCC Campus and the two contests we have held thus far were very different. Our first NHD at MCC was held the week before everything shut down due to Covid; the second was held virtually,” explains Forss.

“Our goal is to grow the NHD competition at MCC. Ideally, we’d like to see as many area schools and as diverse of a student population as possible in our Omaha District participating. As of now, we have Sarpy and Douglas County students competing from Bennington, Springfield, Papillion-La Vista, Gretna, Bellevue, Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha, Ralston, Omaha Public Schools, Millard, Elkhorn, and Homeschools.

However, MCC also serves Washington and Dodge counties and many local students from this 4-county area begin their college journey at MCC, so we’d like to continue to expand.

We offer a 13.5 ECH scholarship (1 quarter of tuition) to 1 NHD competing senior each year. Holding the NHD competition at our centrally located South Omaha Campus in March also gives students and their parents the opportunity to visit an MCC campus, interact with our advisors, and take a tour of the buildings.”

When asked what she is most proud of or impressed with about this program, Forss explains. “National History Day provides a platform for 6th graders to graduating seniors to engage in five categories of competition: Papers, Websites, Exhibits, Performances, and Documentaries. There is literally a place for every student and the cost is only $15 per student to enter. The topics they can explore while adhering to an annually chosen NHD theme are unlimited. Besides the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Omaha District Competition going on to the NHD State Competition and from there possibly going to NHD Nationals in College Park, Maryland, community venues such as the Douglas County Historical Society, Sarpy County Museum, the Joslyn Art Museum, and the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies sponsor individual special awards for placers as well.”

For Melissa Shrago, a language arts teacher who has dedicated her 29 year career in education to her students at Omaha Public School’s Lewis and Clark Middle, National History Day provides an important opportunity to sharpen her students critical thinking, research and writing skills.

“I am a teacher because I love to see the lightbulb of learning go off within a kid’s brain! I love building relationships with young people and sharing my love of writing and learning.”

“I first became involved with National History day about 15 years ago,” Shrago explains. “We used to offer a class called ‘Honors Special Projects’ and a National History Day project was always part of that class. When that class was replaced

by Honors Language Arts, we decided that their research project would be National History Day. All of my students create a project, but not all of them choose to compete. I don’t really focus on the history part, I mostly teach them the research process.

They pick a topic that they are interested in and always seem to learn something. It is important for them to know history so it doesn’t repeat!”

Shrago continues. “We learn about reliable web sites, taking notes, summarizing, creating an annoSasha Denenberg tated bibliography, creating a project and then creating a reflection paper. National History Day projects help my students to learn the research process, manage their time, and create a huge project... It is a wonderful exercise that teaches so many more skills beyond the ‘history’ part!

“My kids have done amazing projects over the years and I have had many students move on to the state competition and several represent Nebraska at the National competition.

Their creativity amazes me each year! I even had a former student email me a couple years ago and tell me that this middle school project helped her prepare for her masters thesis in biology!”

One of this year’s local National History Day participants was Sasha Denenberg, an eighth grader at Lewis & Clark Middle School, and student of Mrs. Shrago.

Sasha placed first in both Regionals and State earning a spot to present at this year’s National competition. “Sasha is an amazing student with a big heart. She is super motivated and her presentation is outstanding in content and creativity. I am excited for her chance at Nationals! “ shares Shrago.

Sasha explains that for this year’s theme, “ ‘Communication in History’, I chose to research Alan Turing and the Enigma Machine because of its incredible story and what a genius Alan Turing was. The Enigma machine was a device that created a code that was nearly impossible to break. The Germans used it to communicate in WWII and Alan Turing was one of the main minds to crack it.”

Denenberg continues. “In addition to learning all about Alan Turing, other cryptographers, the Enigma machine, and how it all played into World War II, I also learned more about focus, hard work, organization, and video editing. In the creating stage, I was very cautious about saving drafts and not deleting anything. By being smart about that, I avoided the craziness of things going missing.”

Denenberg really enjoyed the room National History Day gave her to create. “This type of project let me play to my strengths and do things how I wanted to do them. For example, I had the choice to make a 10-minute documentary, which I really enjoyed producing and presenting. I am looking forward to presenting my documentary at Nationals and am humbled to have this opportunity.”

One thing Denenberg said she loved about doing this project was how invested she got in the research and story. “There is so much information that did not make it into the project. I have pages and pages of notes on my research. Having the story come together in my mind was a highlight of the entire experience.”

To find out more information about National History Day, teachers, students, and parents can visit https://www. nhd.org/ check out the Nebraska National History Day website at https://www.nebraskanhd.org/ or contact Amy Forss, Omaha District NHD Coordinator, at aforss@mcc neb.edu or 531.622.1273.

Israel Teen Trip ALAN POTASH Chief Executive Officer, JFO The biennial community teen trip to Israel is moving forward for this coming December. The proposed dates are Dec. 22-Jan. 3 (subject to change). Several precautionary measures will be taken to ensure a positive experience for all who participate in this meaningful experience. It is available to high school juniors and seniors enrolled and attending a synagogue religious school education or actively involved in BBYO. This trip is significantly subsidized by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, area synagogues and community foundations.

All participants will be required to attend a minimum of 6 pre-trip educational and social bonding meetings. Parents and participants will be required to sign a code of conduct and adhere to this conduct in the sessions and on the trip.

Two key issues that we are still monitoring that could impact this trip are COVID-19 and current events in Israel. As of now, the only COVID-19 issue we know of is that all students will have to have been fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines prior to the trip.

Please contact Jamie SkogBurke (jskogburke@jewisho maha.org) at the Jewish Federation of Omaha if you or your high schooler is interested in participating in the experience.

The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 3

News

New role for Jennifer Tompkins ALAN POTASH JFO Chief Executive Officer I am pleased to announce Jennifer Tompkins will soon transition from her current role as Director of Human Resources to a new role for the JFO: Executive Director of Community Philanthropy & Engagement. As part of the strategic plan to strengthen our philanthropic efforts, relationship building, stewardship and community engagement, Jenn will develop a new focus by bringing together these priorities under one umbrella.

With the opening of the Chief Development Officer position, Jennifer Tompkins I used the strategic priorities to bridge these two components as we move forward. Jenn will be responsible for managing the annual campaign and partnering with myself and lay leaders on the next phase of the capital campaign as we develop the second gym and pickleball courts. Steve Levinger and I will work on wrapping up the current capital campaign. As part of the strategic plan to enhance community engagement, I have also asked Jenn to supervise staff in the areas of education, Israel, and community programming. Please join me in welcoming Jenn to this new role.

Jenn Tompkins and Matt Kirshenbaum are the proud parents of two daughters, Kathleen (21) and Laura (18). Their children have been raised at the J, from the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center and JCC day camp to the JCC swim team and Dance. Growing up, Jenn’s family belonged to the J, where she and her sister, now Tracy Weiss, spent every day each summer at the pool. Jenn remembers “Uncle Chuck,” with his long white socks to his knees and his gym shorts. Uncle Chuck was synonymous with the J and I am looking forward to raising money to build an additional gym in his honor.”

Jenn earned her BS in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Human Resources from UNK and her MBA from UNO. Her first job on the JFO campus was at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Shelley Cash, Director of Nursing, told Jenn that the Home was like a small town, because “everyone knows everyone and there is a big sense of family.”

Jenn fell in love with working at the “small town” RBJH, and she’s excited for this next chapter.

“My kids said,’ mom, I would hate to ask people for money.‘ I responded, I can’t wait to ask people to contribute to the best community I have ever known.”

LOCA L | N ATION AL | WORLD

Beth El Annual Meeting Continued from page 1 Riekes. “We certainly have reminded ourselves what a special community we have here at Beth El.” Riekes then recognized the clergy, professionals and lay leaders for providing strong virtual programming during the pandemic, as well as the congregation for continuing to stay engaged while the building was closed. He also announced that the Building for the Future campaign has raised more than $4 million so far, which will allow the renovation to begin in July. Riekes encouraged anybody who has not already donated to contribute to the campaign.

Following the treasurer’s report by Miriam Gottlieb, the attendees approved the Board of Trustees slate, after which Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman installed the 2021-2022 trustees.

During the annual awards presentation. Allan Murow received the “President’s Award for An Outstanding Non-board Member” in recognition of his steadfast dedication to Beth El including, but not limited to, having chaired the synagogue’s Welcoming the Stranger initiative, helping lead the renovation project, and his tremendous fundraising efforts for Beth El’s Building for the Future Campaign. Barry and Stephanie Grossman received the “Selwyn Roffman Memorial Award for Religious Growth” for their frequent attendance and positive presence at Shabbat morning services and daily minyan. Michael Gerson received the “Larry DeBruin Service to the Synagogue Award” due to his leadership and resilience in shifting Beth El’s minyans from in-person to online and back again.

A number of special awards inspired by our virtual year were also presented:

MAZEL TOV TO BETH EL SYNAGOGUE’S 2021-2022 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President: Ari Riekes Vice-Presidents: Adam Kutler and Linda Saltzman Treasurer: Miriam Gottlieb Religious Life Chair: Ari Kohen Secretary: Susan Witkowski BESTT Chair: David Finkelstein Immediate Past President: Jay Gordman Trustees: Stan Edelstein, Jason Epstein, Sarah Frey, Darlene Golbitz, Stephanie Grossman, Mark Hoffman, Bruce Kutler, Howard K. Marcus, Ellie Novak, Caryn Scheer, Michelle Shkolnick

• B’Tayavon Award: Supporting Every Beth El Meal: Gary and Cheryl Lerner and Marilyn Zevitz • V.I.P. Virtual In Presence Award: Sherry Taxman • Champion Award: Susan Witkowski • Growth In Engagement Award: Beth Staenberg • Virtual Enthusiast Award: Michael Parsow • Farthest Zoom Participant Award: Tommy Vetvickova (Tommy attended BESTT remotely from the Czech Republic!)

After the awards presentation, a spirited Six String Shabbat was led by Hazzan Krausman and featured guitarists Adam Kutler, Howard K. Marcus, Jeff Taxman and Eadie Tsabari. Michael Parsow chimed in on rhythm.

The evening was capped off with a delicious meal prepared by Chef Mike Newell, featuring Chicken Caesar Salad and Asian Salmon Salad. During dinner Juggler Peter Brunette entertained the crowd while they ate and reconnected

Beth El President Ari Riekes congratulates award winners Allan Murow, above, and Michael Gerson, below.

with their Beth El family.

For Rabbi Abraham, the Annual Meeting was the perfect program to kick off the congregation’s return to the building.

“After more than a year apart, this was a momentous occasion to be back together celebrating another successful year at Beth El,” he said. “We came together to celebrate a unique year as well as honor a number of congregants for their continued hard work and dedication to the betterment of our congregation.”

President Riekes wrapped up the evening by expressing his appreciation.

“Thank you for being such an amazing congregation. Thank you to our amazing clergy and professional staff and lay volunteers. And thank you for allowing me to serve.”

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Building update

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All-Stars Basketball Premiere Sport Camp SAM KRICSFELD Jewish Press Intern The squeaks of sneakers and the thuds of bouncing basketballs filled the gymnasium at the Staenberg Omaha JCC during the All-Stars Basketball Premiere Sport Camp. Campers were taught basketball fundamentals such as shooting, ball handling, passing, defense and rebounding.

Every day of the All-Stars Basketball camp, which took place from 9 a.m. to noon between June 7-11, was jammed full of shooting hoops and fun training. Games and friendly competition taught campers skills and sportsmanship. The basketball camp was for kindergarteners-8th graders.

I wandered into the gym twice during the camp, and was struck by the sound of basketballs, shouts and children having fun. The older campers were exhibiting impressive moves and defense (I say this as someone who knows nothing about basketball), while the younger kids were having fun dribbling incessantly between activities.

On Friday, June 11, I went down to the gym right before the scrimmage session, to which parents were invited. I managed to pull aside two counselors from their campers for a second to ask them about what made basketball camp so worthwhile.

Counselor Myla Beckstrom said the best part about the camp was getting to know the campers. She loved the bonding experience and getting to “jump around” with them. Counselor Isaac Drake echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the fun

he had with the campers.

During my time before the scrimmage game, I was exhausted just watching the campers. Every child was giving it their all - passing, shooting, jumping. Every counselor was engaging and supportive to their campers. Drake told me that teaching the kids new skills was a big reason he loved the camp.

All-Stars Basketball will not be the only Premiere Sport Camp. From June 14-18 there will be JCC Extreme Sports, followed by Cheer and Dance Team, All-Stars Soccer, JCC Active Sports, Triple Threat Triathlon, JCC Wide World of Sports, and JCC Lions Basketball. There will be no Premiere Sport Camp the week of the 4th of July.

Other Premiere Camps include Premiere Youth Camp (which has themes like Harry Potter and Hunger Games), Premiere Dance Camp, and Premiere Musical Theater Camp. J Camp, an annual summer favorite, will continue throughout the summer.

A common thread throughout all the camps is the building of relationships. Campers become good friends with other campers, and counselors become role models to the campers.

It was clear when I spoke to Beckstrom and Drake that they feel the same way about their campers after only one week of basketball camp.

“It’s fun to be involved,” Beckstrom said. “It’s like [my] childhood.”

Progress ahead! I am so pleased to announce that two of our four main bookcases have finally arrived. As you walk straight in the main entrance, you will see the new sleek stacks in the Learning Commons to your right.

Those who attended the JFO Annual Meeting on June 7 were able to get a better sense of the space and noted how great it was to see shelves full of JENNIE GATES books again! As with all good things, BECKMAN there is still work to be done. After we JFO Director of welcome the final two custom book- Community Engagement & cases we will start to fill in little nooks Education and crannies with additional shelving.

We’ll also be working on better signage over the summer to assist community members in finding books that align with their interests.

As I have mentioned before, you can always reach out to our library specialist Shirly Banner, with specific questions or to request guidance. If you are here to browse the collection, you can check out your books at the front desk right inside the main entrance. If there are particular titles you’re interested in seeing added to the collection - just reach out and ask! We are constantly adding new titles and welcome community input to guide those purchases.

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The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 5

Goldstein Supporting Foundation awards grants LINDA POLLARD JFO Foundation Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation is pleased to announce the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation grants that were awarded during their May, 2021 semi-annual meeting.

Since the Goldstein Supporting Foundation’s inception in 2003, the board has allocated over $2 million dollars to charitable causes throughout the United States, Israel, and the Former Soviet Union.

According to Donald Goldstein, “The Board was very pleased with the number and type of received applications. We were able to fund many local, national and international projects that were in line with our Foundation Mission Statement.”

The Goldstein Supporting Foundation considers requests for funds that support local projects and programs of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies, synagogues and Jewish service organizations, where funding is unavailable through their respective annual operating budgets. Programs benefitting Russian Jewry in Omaha, the United States, Israel or the former Soviet Union are supported by the Foundation.

They also consider applications from local and national Jewish and secular charities in the areas of medicine and medical research, rescue and relief, education and current events of Jewish content, and human rights. Special emphasis is given to programming and research in the area of kidney related diseases and organ transplantation, the Goldstein Human Rights Lecture Series, and the Goldstein Center for Human Rights at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The following organizations and programs were awarded grants at the May meeting: • Anti-Defamation League/CRC – Words to Action and General Anti-Bias Training • American Jewish Historical Society – Digitization and Preservation of Archives • Beth El Synagogue – Kamp KEF VII • Beth Israel Synagogue – Playground Renovation • Beth Israel Synagogue – The Rabbi’s Office • Chabad of Nebraska – Chesed Program • Friedel Jewish Academy – Re-engaging Families • Halachic Organ Donor Society – Educational Videos on

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ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair Gary Javitch at breadbreakersomaha@gmail.com or leave a message at the B’nai B’rith JCC office 402.334.6443.

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It’s not just what they know.

It’s who they become.

Swastika discovered at Frankfurt airport synagogue

briefly while traveling and are in transit.”

SHIRA HANAU The swastika was discovered less than a JTA A swastika was found scrawled on the ark week after a fire was set outside a synagogue at a synagogue at the Frankfurt International in Ulm, about 70 miles northwest of Munich, Airport in Germany Friday, according to the in what police suspect was an attempted German publication Bild. It is unclear when the swastika was drawn, as the airport synagogue has been closed for several months due to the pandemic.

A German organization of Orthodox rabbis condemned the vandalism at the airport in a statement.

A Lufthansa Airbus plane. Credit: Wikimedia Commons “It is simply sad. This hatred of Jews must finally stop,” the Orthodox Rabbini- arson attack. The vandalism comes on the cal Conference said, according to the Associ- heels of a wave of antisemitism following the ated Press. “The ugly grimace of antisemitism conflict in Israel and Gaza last month and at does not stop even in a highly secured area, a time when some European Jews are saying at a place of encounter, silence and stopping, the fight against antisemitism in Europe is where people from all over the world meet one that cannot be won.

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For someone growing up on the American system of democracy, Wednesday, June 2 left me doubly dumbfounded. On that day Yair Lapid, the leader of the Yesh Atid (“There Is a Future”) TEDDY party, told President WEINBERGER Reuven Rivlin that he would be able to form a government. The new government, which was sworn in on June 13, has Naftali Bennett in the first rotation as Prime Minister. Bennett’s Yamina party won just 7 of the 120 seats in the Knesset, while the Likud, Benjamin Netanyahu’s party, won 30! To put this in numerical terms: the party of the new Prime Minister received 273,836 votes, while the unseated incumbent’s party received 1,066,892 votes.

To make matters even more troubling democratically, a significant number of those who voted for Yamina (which after all means “rightward”) would apparently have voted differently had they known that Bennet would agree to sit in a government that includes the two most leftist Jewish parties (Meretz and Labor) as well as an Arab, Islamist party (Ra’am).

In thinking things through, however, Bennett’s rise to the premiership is a logical (though unusual) result of Israel’s parliamentary democracy. After the March 23 election, neither the pro-Netanyahu rightwing bloc of parties nor the anti-Netanyahu group could form a parliamentary majority without Yamina. Because Yamina’s voters themselves seem to have been divided as to Netanyahu’s re-election, the party held no official position on this matter—unlike the other parties in the “government of change” (as it calls itself ), who came out expressly against Netanyahu. This allowed Bennett the freedom to negotiate with both sides, and it skyrocketed the value of Yamina’s seven Knesset seats.

It is important to note here that while some democratic gymnastics are required to understand the election of the particular person to initially head the “change” government, the election of this government itself makes perfect democratic sense: a majority of the country did not want Netanyahu to continue on as Prime Minister.

By sheer coincidence, June 2 was also the scheduled date for the election of Israel’s 11th President. And here, there were more serious democratic problems. The President is elected in a secret ballot by the 120 Members of Knesset. In America, before a Congressional vote, any citizen may register their opinion as to how their Congress per-

son should vote. Before the vote, the member of Congress asks for a final tally of their constituents’ opinions and then votes according to the majority (at least that’s how the system is supposed to work). In Israel, you vote for a party list, and so MKs are not beholden to ordinary citizens but to their party’s leadership. In the case of a secret ballot, the MKs are completely relieved of any accountability for their vote.

There were two candidates running for the seven-year term of President: Miriam Peretz (67) and Isaac Herzog (60). Peretz is from Givat Ze’ev, where we lived for 22 years. She was principal of a local elementary school there, until personal tragedy turned her into a national figure of resilience (in 2018 she was awarded the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement). I came to know, admire, and respect Miriam when we would speak on occasion at our early morning swims at the Givat Ze’ev pool.

The other candidate, Isaac Herzog, was heavily favored in the race. His father Chaim (1918-1997) was Israel’s 6th President. Even had I no personal acquaintance with Miriam, even if I was not of the opinion that the time had come for Israel to have its first woman President, my American privileging of “self-made” people would have raised my hackles against Herzog. Popular opinion supported Miriam. In one poll she received 43% of the vote to Herzog’s 27%, and in another she received 49.5% of the vote to Herzog’s 38%. None of this mattered to the MKs, as there was no real way for the public to influence the vote. Herzog won in a landslide: 87-26.

A few days later, I WhatsApped Miriam and asked her to comment on the difference between popular opinion and the Knesset vote. In a voice message to me, she said: “I’m sorry but I really don’t want to write anything about this issue or take a stand on this matter. I have a very clear opinion. I can just send you what I wrote to everyone.”

Below is what Miriam wrote to all those who contacted her after the vote. I will end with her statement because of what it implies about the Middle East’s only democracy—where we are free to work to make Israel better.

“Thank you. Everything that happens, happens for the good. I have no doubt that the outcome is what is best for me. I will continue in my way to work with love for my home, the State of Israel.”

Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., made aliyah with his wife, former Omahan Saraj Jane Ross, and their five children, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie, Ezra, and Elie, all of whom are veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@gmail.com.

The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 7

News

APN calls for conditions RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON | JTA Americans for Peace Now is calling for concrete conditions on defense assistance to Israel, a first for a group that calls itself “pro-Israel” and is a member of the Jewish community’s foreign policy umbrella group, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

“If the U.S. wants to nurture peace and support international law, we must explicitly ensure that our taxpayer dollars serve our foreign policy objectives, that they do not go towards human rights violations, and that there are specific consequences if they do,” Hadar Susskind, the group’s CEO, said Wednesday in an op-ed in Time magazine. “If new settlements are legalized or existing ones expanded — these international law violations would come with specific U.S. aid reductions.”

Until recently, assistance to Israel has been been sacrosanct in the pro-Israel community and in Congress, even among Israel’s critics.

In an interview, Susskind said part of the group’s reasoning was to protect assistance to Israel in the wake of calls from some progressive Democrats during Israel’s conflict with Hamas last month to cut assistance outright.

Susskind said the Americans for Peace Now proposal would offer a path to lawmakers who were alarmed with the calls to cut aid but are no longer happy with unconditional assistance to Israel.

“I want every sentence to begin with ‘I support aid to Israel’,” he said. “We need a middle ground between a blank check and cutting aid.”

Americans for Peace Now and another liberal Jewish Middle East policy group, J Street, said in April that they were in favor of a bill backed by progressive Democrats that would prohibit Israel from using U.S. funds to detain Palestinian minors, appropriate or destroy Palestinian property or forcibly move Palestinians, or annex Palestinian areas. The measure does not spell out specific consequences should Israel violate the restrictions.

LO CA L | NAT IO NAL | WO RLD

Incendiary balloons from Gaza prompt new Israeli airstrikes, days into new government

peril the cease-fire agreed to on May 20.

GABE FRIEDMAN The Israel Defense Forces said it is “ready for all scenarios, JTA After balloons filled with incendiary material were sent from including renewed fighting in the face of continued terrorist Gaza into the Israeli countryside, Israel’s military said it launched acts emanating from Gaza,” according to Reuters. On Wednesa fresh offensive of airstrikes on Hamas targets on Tuesday. day morning, the army tweeted that it had struck places where There were no casualties on Hamas militants meet and either side, Reuters reported. wrote, “Hamas will bear the The flareup came days into a consequences for its actions.” new Israeli government and Israel’s new government led hours after thousands of Israeli by a diverse coalition of parties nationalists paraded through is just days into its existence Jerusalem’s Old City in an anafter ousting Benjamin Nenual event that Israeli authoritanyahu, who had served as ties initially suspended this prime minister for 12 years. year in a bid to prevent vioNew Prime Minister Naftali lence. The government alBennett has said that the coalilowed a scaled-down version tion wants to avoid tackling Flames are seen after an Israeli air strike hit Hamas targets in difficult issues, such as the to take place Tuesday.

Hamas cited the original Gaza City, June 15, 2021. Credit: Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency conflict with the Palestinians, plans for the march when it fired via Getty Images in its early stages. Bennett arrockets on Jerusalem last month, sparking an extensive conflict gued in 2018 that Israel should respond aggressively to those in which more than 230 Palestinians and 12 Israelis were killed. launching incendiary balloons, who are often children, Ynet On Tuesday, a Hamas spokesperson said the new balloons, reported at the time. which ignited fires in Israel, were an act of “brave resistance” Yair Lapid, a centrist who is serving as foreign minister for two to defend Palestinian “rights and sacred sites” in Jerusalem. years before he is slated to take over the prime minister role from (Some analysts suggested to Reuters that the balloons were Bennett, condemned the Israeli demonstrators in Jerusalem. not orchestrated by Hamas, the militant group that rules Gaza “It is incomprehensible that people can hold the Israeli flag and the U.S. and Israel deem a terrorist group.) in one hand and shout ‘Death to Arabs’ at the same time,” Israel reportedly warned Egypt — which was a mediator in Lapid tweeted. “This isn’t Judaism or Israeliness, and it is defthe recent Israel-Gaza fighting that killed about 230 Gazans initely not what our flag symbolizes. These people are a disand 12 Israelis — that continued acts of aggression would im- grace to the nation of Israel.”

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2021 Annual Meeting

8 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021

June 7, the Jewish Federation of Omaha held its Annual Meeting and Awards Night. We are happy to share some excerpts from the speech JFO CEO Alan Potash delivered to the community.

We have spent the last year and half in the desert. COVID-19 has reshaped most of everything we have done. No matter where you ALAN POTASH are, you have had to adapt to Chief Executive what one calls ‘the new normal.’ Officer, JFO This was also true for us at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Yes, adapting we did and we did so much more than anyone expected of us. We did it, because we have great people that care about who and what we are and what we do for the community. Our community has diverse interests and needs. As individuals, we came together to form a community to meet those needs--and I thank you!

Jon Meyers and I stood before you last year here, virtually, to give a state of the Federation and to honor the many who helped us through the previous year. The pandemic was only a few months old and we could not see into the future. We continued doing the work we needed to on behalf of our community. In addition, we continued adapting.

Jon turned the JFO leadership over to Mike Siegel in January and he has continued to strengthen the work needed to keep us moving forward. Mike has spearheaded our strategic plan process and we look forward to continuing to update you on the progress of that initiative as we meet the future needs of the JFO. We have a lot to celebrate tonight and I want to acknowledge the success every one of our agencies has had this year. The ADL-CRC has begun work with the JFO and the overall Omaha Jewish community to educate around issues of bias and allyship. Through the COVID-19 relief fund, Jewish Family Service has provided financial assistance to 44 Federation employees and 52 Jewish community members who were impacted by the pandemic. While other newspapers around the country have folded this past year, the Jewish Press pivoted and remained flexible, and they are currently exploring the value of print vs. digital editions.

The JCC has also been resilient in its programming, and its staff are currently hosting about 155 children in summer camps per week. To date, 190 individuals have participated in IHE’s new 3rd Thursday Lunch & Learn virtual programming, with an average of 30 participants per session. Our Community Education & Engagement department recently wrapped up seven months of virtual Beit Midrash programming, with an average of 51 attendees per session. And finally, while the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home staff underwent regular COVID testing and other changes in their daily lives to help keep the Residents safe, Residents’ families actively supported the efforts being made by the Home. It was truly a team effort. I mentioned earlier how much we as an organization had to adapt. There isn’t one agency that didn’t have to find a new solution to meet the needs of the community.

I would like to thank Zoë Riekes, former JFO president who has represented our federation and other intermediate sized federations on the board for the Jewish Federations of North America. In addition, she continues to represent our interests on the United Israel Appeal board, where she demonstrates Omaha’s passion for Israel. She continues to play a significant role in addressing our city size needs on the National and International level. Thank you, Zoë.

As I look to the coming year, I will be implementing components of the strategic plan that you will find mentioned in the impact report that will be available to you at the Welcome Desk when you leave tonight. These priorities will be a guide for us for the next few years as we continue to build on the traditions that this great organization was founded on over 118 years ago. We grow stronger every year and we adapt to the challenges in front of us. It is an honor to be the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 9

10 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021

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Jewish Democratic lawmakers consider condemning Ilhan Omar

“I haven’t seen in evidence in either case,” the Afghan and RON KAMPEAS the Gaza conflicts, “that domestic courts both can and will WASHINGTON | JTA Jewish Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives met prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity,” she said.

Wednesday to discuss antisemitism. The 25 members of the “Where do we think victims are supposed to go for justice, and unofficial caucus ended up fulminating about a fellow Demo- what justice mechanisms do you support?” crat, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, for appearing to liken Hamas Jeremy Slevin, a spokesman for Omar, said her question foand the Taliban to Israel and the United States. cused on thanking the Biden administration for withdrawing It was the second meeting of the Jewish Democrats in re- sanctions on the ICC for considering prosecutions of U.S. and cent weeks. The first focused on the Israel-Hamas conflict and Israeli officials, and asking what mechanism victims of alleged the accompanying spike in antisemitic incidents in the United war crimes could access outside the ICC. States.

Wednesday’s assembly focused on an Omar tweet from Monday.

“We must have the same level of accountability and justice for all victims of crimes against humanity,” Omar posted. “We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban.”

A number of lawmakers at the meeting want to name Omar in a statement saying that her claim “discredited” the party, two sources said. Such a statement would be unprecedented since the Gaza conflict: Jewish members have called out statements on Israel by lawmakers on the party’s left, but have Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota speaks at a news conference at a memorial yet to name them. (Jewish lawmakers named Omar for Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, April 20, 2021. Credit: Stephen Maduring a separate controversy in 2019.) Others on the turen/Getty Images call were hesitant to issue a statement.

“Rep. Omar thanked Secretary of State Blinken for the adThere appeared to be unanimous frustration with Omar’s ministration’s decision to repeal the sanctions and asked about comment, but not about how to address it. Among those justice mechanisms for victims of war crimes outside the crimpressing to condemn Omar by name were Brad Schneider of inal court,” he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “As usual, Illinois, Brad Sherman of California and Debbie Wasserman the far right is ginning up hate against Rep. Omar for a techniSchultz of Florida. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, a leading pro- cal question about an ongoing investigation. It is the congressgressive, appeared to be hesitant, but did not outright oppose woman’s role as a member of Congress conducting federal a statement, the sources said. No one on the call said they be- oversight to follow the facts, ask questions of the administralieved the tweet was antisemitic, the sources added. tion and work to make sure the public understands our govCritics of Omar within the Jewish Democratic caucus were ernment shouldn’t deny any person from seeking justice.” considering sending their own letter if they were unable to Israeli and mainstream pro-Israel officials expressed outrage persuade the entire caucus to sign on, a source said. over the Omar tweet.

Others attending included Jerry Nadler of New York, Ted “Beyond shocking. Beyond reprehensible,” David Harris, the Deutch of Florida, Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Elissa Slotkin of American Jewish Committee CEO, said on Twitter. “Will Michigan and Elaine Luria of Virginia. In 2019, Schakowsky members of her own party speak up?” Schneider was involved joined Omar on a campaign against antisemitism and Islam- in AJC before entering Congress. ophobia.

Sherman, who also has a pro-Israel background, posted: “It’s Republicans have chided Democrats for not singling out not news that Ilhan Omar would make outrageous and clearly purported offenders in their ranks, noting that they have con- false statements about America and Israel. What’s newswordemned by name one of their own — Rep. Marjorie Taylor thy is that she admits Hamas is guilty of ‘unspeakable atrociGreene of Georgia — for her conspiracy-fueled statements in- ties. It’s time for all of Israel’s detractors to condemn Hamas. voking the Holocaust.

And it’s time for all those of good will to reject any moral Omar’s tweet contained a video of her questioning Secretary equivalency between the U.S. and Israel on one hand, and of State Antony Blinken in Congress that day about why the Hamas and the Taliban on the other.”

Biden administration opposes efforts by the International And this tweet from Gilad Erdan, the Israeli ambassador to Criminal Court to probe nationals of certain countries for al- Washington and the United Nations: “How can a member of leged war crimes.

Congress compare Israel & the US — two vibrant democracies Omar said she did not believe that Hamas, the Afghanistan with robust legal systems & militaries that strive to avoid civilgovernment, the Taliban and Israel met the threshold of a mil- ian casualties — with Jihadi terrorists who purposely murder itary justice system sufficient to independently pursue justice. civilians?”

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The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 11

Above: Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest winners with Linda and Harold Mann, Trustees of the Carl Frohm Foundation and below: Shannon Vesely, IHE, JFO Volunteer of the Year and guest speaker for the awards reception.

The Yachad Welcome Back Picnic was held on Sunday, June 6 at the home of Doug and Sarah Wolfson (parents of Yachad member, Avi Wolfson). It’s great to be back! Pictured clockwise from above: Alan Friedman, left, Marilyn Zevitz, Michael Parsow, Jill Salomon, Josh Parsow, Lisa Salomon; Lisa Salomon, left, Doug Wolfson, Tyrie Cook, Becky Abboud, Karen Gustafson, Paula Watson; Jill Salomon, left, Marilyn Zevitz, Chris Blair, Alan Friedman; and, bottom left, Lisa Salomon.

SP O TLIGHT

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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, left and below: Parasha class, Daf Yomi and in between BBQ and fun! If you are between age 11 and 18 and want to join, contact Beth Israel.

Above, below and bottom: The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Residents and staff were treated to Krispy Kreme donuts to celebrate National Certified Nursing Assistant Day.

12 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021

Voices

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Awkward mistakes

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor June 16, Ron Kampeas wrote a story for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency about Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert. Yes, the same Gohmert who was recently in the news because during a House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing, he asked if the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management could change the orbits of the moon and Earth in order to help address climate change.

Apparently, Gohmert paid a gospel singer by the name of Steve Amerson. Instead, the check appeared to have gone to Steven Anderson, according to the FEC filing. A mistake anyone can make.

“A staffer botched an internet search in making the filing to the Federal Election Commission, Gohmert’s chief of staff said. Connie Hair said the $5,500 that Gohmert’s campaign paid indeed went to Amerson, a California-based Christian singer, for performing at a fundraiser in December. But a staffer entered the amount on the FEC forms as going to Steven Anderson, the pastor who helms the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona. Hair said the staffer is amending the form.”

It’s hardly worth noting, except Anderson is a notorious anti-Semite. That makes this a very awkward mistake; I have little doubt that staffer will land squarely underneath the proverbial bus.

So, who is Steven Anderson? You may have heard of him. He is the pastor of something called the ‘faithful word church,’ and has been in the news on several occasions for saying outrageously hateful things about gays, Jews, victims of shootings, etcetera.

“Anderson has demonstrated a particular ani-

mosity toward Jewish people,” according to Matthew Chapman at Salon.com, “as evidenced in titles of the sermons listed on his IMDB page, which include ‘The Jews Are Our Enemies,’ ‘The Jews Killed Jesus,’ ‘Unbelieving Jews Are Under God’s Wrath,’ ‘Jews Worship a Female God Named

Credit: Shenkonic, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

‘Shekinah,’’ and ‘Jewish Synagogue = Synagogue of Satan.’ He has also, as the Anti-Defamation League noted in a 2015 report, propagated false claims that millions of Jews were not gassed and cremated in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.” Good times.

As tempted as I am to visit his website to spy and find out exactly how crazy this guy is, I decided to check the ADL archives for myself instead. Know your enemy, and all that.

I found out that Anderson’s church is part of a larger network called the New Independent Fundamental Baptist movement, which has no affiliation with the actual Baptist church. Anderson’s

church in Tempe is the flagship; what’s on the agenda is mostly hate towards gays (Anderson advocates the death penalty) and Jews (they think we worship Satan). This ‘flagship’ church operates from a strip mall. The Moshiach is actually the antiChrist and the star of David is in reality the star of someone named ‘Remphan.’ No, I don’t know who that is either.

I can hear you thinking. Same old, same old, right?

But: here is something new.

Anderson and his co-conspirators are also fiercely anti-Zionist. Followers consider Israel a fraud, Jews are not the real Jews; they are. There is a name for that: ‘supersessionism’. It’s an ideology that states Christians are here to replace Jews; G-d made a new covenant, choosing these particular Baptist Christians as the ‘real’ chosen people. It’s bizarre: they hate us, but they want to be us.

Think of it: justifying hatred of Jews by spreading the idea G-d has abandoned us. We were replaced, we do not belong, nobody wants us—and yet, we stubbornly stick around. Sound familiar? Could it be that the theory of supersessionism perfectly paves the way to deny Israel’s right to exist?

Whoever is against us, whatever religious, philosophical, social or political construct is invented to put us in our place; at the end of the day we often end up in no place at all. That’s a very depressing thought to end on, so I will leave you with a few more, just to make you feel a little better: Anderson thinks San Francisco is actually Sodom, was banned from over 30 countries and he made ‘Creep of the Week’ at PrideSource.com twice in one month.

Most Jews won’t set foot in a synagogue. Rabbis need to be creative RABBI SHIRA KOCH EPSTEIN JTA Nearly a year to the day after Temple Beth El of Charlotte, North Carolina, closed due to COVID19, Rabbi Dusty Klass gathered the congregation’s 900 households for a shared — albeit remote — Jewish experience.

Klass and her colleagues, including operations manager Nathalie Friedlander, invented something new: Challah Day. Volunteers baked over 900 challahs, and others delivered them to the doorstep of every household in the community.

New volunteers took leadership roles; people of different ages and stages initiated new relationships; those who felt only a distant connection to the community and to Jewish practice reported a sense of belonging.

Klass was one of thousands of pulpit rabbis who amid the pandemic quickly became rabbinic entrepreneurs — and in the process kindled new energy in her Jewish community.

Misfortune may have fully emptied our sanctuaries, but the pandemic was merely an acceleration of a trend. The 2021 Pew Study of American Jews demonstrated that even before the pandemic, 52% of American Jews reported attending synagogue “seldom or never.” Without a synagogue, most do not have a relationship with a good rabbi.

Yet more than half of these “non-attenders” reported “other ways of expressing their Jewishness” through, as Pew confirmed, “holidays, food choices, cultural connections or life milestones.”

Of course, there are thriving synagogues where clergy and congregants express a dynamic American Judaism. But the title “rabbi” no longer guarantees pews full of Jews. Largely trained and paid to serve synagogues, rabbis thereby don’t reach the Jewish majority.

Our clergy are an underleveraged resource in connecting Jews and Judaism — and can do so with the incentive and tools. COVID-19 has proven our rabbis are ready to radically change in order to reach our people where they are.

For the past several years, the Center for Rabbinic Innovation has been training rabbis with the

skills they need to build new communities in our their neighborhood into a “Living Torah Museum Fellowship for Rabbinic Entrepreneurs. We have Walking Tour” for Simchat Torah and beyond. They had success training our clergy to build and lead placed 54 laminated posters on members’ buildJewish communities with and for those who do not ings and gates around their neighborhoods. Each attend synagogues. It only takes relatively small in- poster had artwork representing one of the 54 vestments and support to encourage this success. weekly Torah portions, plus a QR code with links I see this in our fellow Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe, to the portion. Members, neighbors and curious who is building Ma’alot Atlanta, an emergent spir- passers-by all engaged with Torah in new ways. itual community that gathers folks to “sing, hike, eat, and celebrate holy moments.”

Wolpe has met with scores of Atlanta residents who don’t attend synagogue. She has collected and analyzed data on their spiritual and communal needs, tested new ideas, tweaked her early projects and has begun to attract financial support for her work. Over this past year, with training and very modest investment in her work, her community has been growing.

Clergy in our fellowship learn the skills of spiritual entrepreneurship and practice During the pandemic, rabbis were forced to think about the a lean startup methodology. They use world beyond their synagogues' doors. Credit: JTA collage by small launch funds to pilot projects meet- Janice Hwang; Flickr Commons ing people where they are and move forward with These rabbis said they could prioritize these inthem. Through the failures and successes of our novative projects only because their regular synarabbinic innovators, we are learning in real time the gogue services and programming were on hold. best practices for creating sustainable communiTraining and supporting our clergy to lead sucties with those who seek to express Jewishness out- cessfully beyond the walls of the synagogue has exside the synagogue. ponential return on investment. COVID-19 has This year, we extended our work to 150 rabbis, proven that they have the vision and capability to including Klass, who participated in our Rabbinic do so with the right training and support. Now is (re)Design Labs. These mid-career clergy, serving the moment to ensure that our clergy have the existing communities, transformed their own spir- training, incentives, support and resources to haritual leadership. ness this positive momentum born out of our misFor example, the rabbi of a midsize congregation fortune. launched a listening campaign, training a core of Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein is executive direcpassionate volunteers to reach out and build deep tor of the Center for Rabbinic Innovation, execconnections to others within and outside the syn- utive director of the Center for Rabbinic agogue. With online meetings, they engaged more Innovation, a project of the Office of Innovaof their community than they had through regular tion. synagogue programs and built Jewishly inspired, The views and opinions expressed in this article are collaborative projects to overcome near-universal those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the feelings of isolation. views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Another rabbi in an urban congregation turned

The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 13

Why Benjamin Netanyahu treated the Jewish media with contempt tanyahu agreed. When it was my turn, the prime minister GARY ROSENBLATT looked closely at me and said, “You look familiar.”

NEW YORK JEWISH WEEK VIA JTA I said, “I was with the first group here as well.”

Whether this week marks the last of Benjamin Netanyahu’s (What I wanted to add was, “I saw how engaging and friendly record-setting tenure as prime minister or is just a prelude to another never-count-him-out comeback, it seems a fitting you can be if you want to make the effort. What’s your problem?”)

For a split second, Netanyahu seemed a bit taken aback, but moment to try to understand why he has consistently treated he just nodded and the intros continued. diaspora Jewish media with disdain.

The mood of the session could not have been more different It’s something I’ve experienced personally on several occasions and may well reflect the prime minister’s attitude not just toward the Jewish press but toward American Jewry in general.

It seems ironic, if not baffling, that Netanyahu would be rude to the one group of journalists who are most sympathetic and accommodating. But then he is a man of many contradictions, with remarkable skills and ugly traits, towering oratory and gutter-level charges, and great success in protecting Israel from outside threats while allowing the weakening of Israeli society from within.

I have interviewed the prime minister one-on-one in his Jerusalem office, attended a number of meetings he’s held with the press, and heard him speak many times in the United States and Israel. Perhaps the most illuminating example of his contradictory Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to reporters at a Jewish behavior dates back to a visit he made to the U.S. Media Summit in Jerusalem, Dec. 6, 2016. Credit: Jewish Media Summit than the earlier one. Though he was in the presence of loyal, when he first served as prime minister, from 1996 to 1999.

During that visit 25 years ago, Netanyahu’s staff scheduled influential Zionists who treated him with great respect, the back-to-back sessions for him with two separate groups of prime minister was curt, contentious and clearly couldn’t wait journalists in a small conference room at his Manhattan hotel. to be done with us.

“Ask me your questions” The first group consisted of about a dozen major media figA few years later, when I was in Israel, I was granted a oneures, including the network news anchors of the day and Alist reporters. The second meeting was with the same number on-one interview with Netanyahu in his Jerusalem office. I was ushered in by an aide who announced my name as I sat down of editors of Jewish newspapers from across the country.

As editor and publisher of The Jewish Week, I was invited in a chair facing the prime minister. He wore a leather bomber to the second meeting. But thanks to an influential friend at jacket and was seated at his desk, reading through a docuthe local Israeli Consulate, I was allowed to attend the first ment in front of him.

“Go ahead, ask me your questions,” he said without looking up. meeting as well, though I was asked to keep a low profile.

When Netanyahu walked into the room with the media no- He was using a yellow outliner pen to mark his reading material.

I wasn’t sure how to proceed and waited for him to make tables seated around a table, he was warm, friendly and upbeat from the outset. He greeted them individually by name, eye contact. After a moment he repeated his request. I waited shaking hands, making small talk as he moved gracefully again — it felt like minutes but was probably only a few secaround the room. During the session he handled questions onds — before proceeding, reluctantly, with the interview.

I don’t remember the details of what transpired, only that I with aplomb, on point, articulate, and used colloquial expressions at times – it was easy to forget that he was the leader of was thrown by Netanyahu’s rudeness, and that the agreed-on 45-minute session ended abruptly when an aide came in to a foreign country. He was thoroughly charming.

About 15 minutes after the meeting, while Netanyahu was announce that the prime minister was needed for a pressing taking a break, my Jewish media colleagues were ushered into matter. It seemed prearranged; the prime minister got up and the room. When we were settled in, the prime minister reen- followed him out of the office without a word or gesture to me.

One more: Five years ago, at a Jewish media conference in tered and immediately sat down at the head of the table. No schmoozing this time. He was all business and began: “OK, Jerusalem I attended with dozens of colleagues from the U.S., Europe and South America, Netanyahu addressed our group ask me your questions.”

A bit taken aback by the abrupt opening, the chair of our and was ornery from the outset. His manner was challenging delegation asked if it would be all right for us to introduce our- and dismissive, interrupting the moderator, the Forward’s Jane selves briefly, stating our names and professional titles. Ne- Eisner, and suggesting alternative topics. At one point he

evaded a question about his government’s relations with American Jewry and responded, in effect, “Why not ask me about Israel’s impressive dairy output?” He then waxed eloquent on the subject and had an aide display a chart on the wall with statistics about Israel’s prolific cows.

“After the session ended, some of the women journalists in the room were furious, sure that he acted as he did because I was the moderator,” Eisner wrote. “I appreciated their support, but male colleagues tell me that Netanyahu can be similarly dismissive to them, too.”

How does one explain this behavior?

I turned to two close colleagues and veteran Bibi watchers — journalist and author Yossi Klein Halevi in Jerusalem and Mideast expert David Makovsky in Washington — and asked why they think Netanyahu treats the Jewish media so shabbily.

Is it because he doesn’t respect us as journalists? Or because he believes that Diaspora communities are less relevant to Israeli politics? Or neither, or both?

“Bibi treats his friends worse than anyone,” Klein Halevi responded, “which is why, at the end of the day, he doesn’t have any.

He takes them for granted and abuses their trust. That’s why this new government is being led, in part, by three of his former closest aides,” Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman and Gideon Saar.

“The American Jewish media was simply in his pocket,” Klein Halevi continued, “or so he assumed, and he could treat them with the special contempt he reserved for those on his side.”

Makovsky believes Netanyahu views the Diaspora Jewish media in the larger context of his attitude toward American Jewry — seen as declining dramatically in relevance.

On a practical level, he noted, Diaspora Jews don’t vote in Israeli elections and so are “less central for his [Netanyahu’s] purposes to cultivate.” Similarly, the prime minister focuses mainly on Israeli media, which he views as either for him or against him, so the Diaspora media is less important.

The prime minister has told those who meet with him privately that with the exception of the Orthodox, “American Jews will last another generation or two … due to assimilation and low fertility rate,” Makovsky said. “This has enabled him to discount the liberal attitudes and voting trends of non-Orthodox American Jews and not think of the impact of a few of his policies on the relationship.”

In addition, Netanyahu has said in private that as long as he has the support in America of Evangelical Christians, who vastly outnumber Jews, and the Orthodox Jewish community, he is in good shape.

We’ll know in the coming days the shape of Netanyahu’s immediate future. But even if the “change” coalition is sworn in, no one who knows Bibi Netanyahu believes he can be counted out.

Gary Rosenblatt was editor and publisher of The Jewish Week from 1993 to 2019. Follow him at garyrosenblatt. substack.com.

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.

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Synagogues

14 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021

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LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’NAI ISRAEL Join us in-person on Friday, July 9, 7:30 p.m. for evening services. Our service leader is Larry Blass.

Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber.

Handicap Accessible.

BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Nebraska AIDS Coalition Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El; Havdalah, 9:45 p.m. on Zoom.

SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Passport to Shabbat: Introduction to Mandarin, noon; Best of Broadway with Richard Knox, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 2: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El. SATURDAY-July 3: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El; Havdalah, 9:45 p.m. on Zoom.

WEDNESDAY: Passport to Shabbat: South African Cuisine Cooking Class, 5 p.m.; Medicare 101 with Howard Shandell, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.

FRIDAY-July 9: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El. SATURDAY-July 10: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El; Havdalah, 9:40 p.m. on Zoom.

Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, WhatsApp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in pergola, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required.

FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbos, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kids Class, 10:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 8:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:53 p.m.

SUNDAY: Fast of Tammuz begins, 4:02 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 8:10 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m.; Fast Ends, 9:44 p.m.

MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8:10 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8:10 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8:10 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Character Development, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8:10 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 2: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbos, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 3: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kids Class, 10:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 8:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:52 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; True Independence, 9:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Daf Yomi, 8:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 8:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Character Development, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Rosh Chodesh Ice Cream for Torah, 6 p.m.; Daf Yomi, 8:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 9: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbos, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:41 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 10: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kids Class, 10:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 8:10 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:49 p.m.

Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered online at Ochabad.com/classroom. For more information or to request help, please visit www. ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/Lecha yim; Light Candles, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m.; Shabbat Ends, 9:52 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit & Coffee Conversation, 9 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon with Rabbi Katzman.

FRIDAY-July 2: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad. com/Lechayim; Light Candles, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 3: Shacharit, 10 a.m.; Shabbat Ends, 9:51 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit & Coffee Conversation, 9 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon with Rabbi Katzman.

FRIDAY-July 9: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad. com/Lechayim; Light Candles, 8:40 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 10: Shacharit, 10 a.m.; Shabbat Ends, 9:48 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch.

Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now being offered in person.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service lead-

ers/music: Rabbi Alex and Elaine Monnier, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 8:44 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Balak, noon via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:53 p.m.

SUNDAY: Fast of Tammuz begins, 4:08 a.m.; Men's Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln meets Sundays at 10 a.m. rain or shine to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if its too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. No fee to join, no dues, no president, no board or minutes taken. If Interested please email Al Weiss at albertw801@ gmail.com to find out where to meet each week; SST Board of Trustees Meeting, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at 402.470.2393. or miriam57@aol. com. Miriam is also offering free lessons to anyone who wants to learn!; Fast Ends, 9:43 p.m.

MONDAY: Makers of Jewish Things, 7 p.m. via Zoom.

TUESDAY: Synagogue Staff Meeting, 10 a.m.; Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.

THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 2: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 8:43 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 3: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Pinchas, noon via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:52 p.m.

SUNDAY: Men's Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln meets Sundays at 10 a.m. rain or shine to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if its too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. No fee to join, no dues, no president, no board or minutes taken. If Interested please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gma il.com to find out where to meet each week; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at 402.470.2393. or miriam57 @aol.com. Miriam is also offering free lessons to anyone who wants to learn!

MONDAY: Synagogue Offices Closed; Makers of Jewish Things, 7 p.m. via Zoom.

TUESDAY: Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom; Ruach Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 9: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 8:41 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 10: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Malot-Masei, noon via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:49 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

FRIDAY: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander.

DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.

Join us via Zoom.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person; Havdalah and Retirement Celebration Honoring Marlen Frost, 6 p.m.

MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. Join us via Zoom.

FRIDAY-July 2: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person.

SATURDAY-July 3: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person.

MONDAY: Temple Israel Office Closed for Holiday.

WEDNESDAY: Mindful Meditation with Margot, 9 a.m. Join us via Zoom.

FRIDAY-July 9: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person.

SATURDAY-July 10: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person.

Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

Life cycles IN MEMORIAM

CANTOR LEO FETTMAN Continued from page 1 without saying, always the very funny jokes. In truth, he was always thinking of ways to help bring Jewish education into people’s lives and one way he did that was by constantly asking people to come to his home for Friday night Shabbos dinner as well as a constant willingness to help people with whatever they needed. He also helped coordinate Friday night Shabbos family UTTO dinners at the Synagogue as well. He helped so many countless people kosher their homes that we used to joke that his calling card should be: ‘Have blow torch, will travel’.

Cantor Fettman spoke widely about his experiences during the Holocaust. With his wife Annette always at his side, he went to countless schools and churches in Omaha as well as outside the Omaha area outside of Nebraska to educate and lecture about his first-hand experiences. “In spite of all he had been through,” Don Gerber said, “he never lost this unswerving commitment and dedication to help teach and educate.”

In his book Shoah, Journey from the Ashes, Cantor Fettman recalled: “Am I a bitter old Jew? No. Old, perhaps, and hopefully wiser, but not bitter. Still, there are many ways in which the Holocaust affected, and continues to affect, my life. There is the memory of gnawing hunger that returns still. Not one week goes by that I do not dream I am still in a concentration camp. Am I a bitter old Jew? No, but I recognize that as a human being, it is my responsibility to make certain that the personal accounts of the survivors live on and to counter those who are trying to revise or deny the facts of the Holocaust.”

He was liberated, he told his audience, but “not free.”

“The end of World War II was not the end of the Holocaust survivors’ nightmare,” Cantor Fettman wrote. “We who survived were forced to live with memories that could never be fully described or understood. But instead of living in bitterness and hatred over the past years, many have created a record of determination and accomplishment.”

Cantor Fettman certainly did that; not only through educating countless others about the past, but by teaching the next generation to be proudly Jewish: “I remember those who so needlessly perished and speak out on their behalf,” he wrote. “And, as a cantor and a rabbi, I try to reach into the hearts of all Jews wherever they are and rekindle within them the spark of Judaism.”

Bill Schwab knew Cantor Fettman during his days at Beth Israel Center in Madison, Wisconsin: “I remember when he gathered all the Talmud Torah students to teach us a new tune for Ayeh Mkom K’vodo in the Kedusha, explaining how the meaning was enhanced by placing the question at the beginning of the phrase rather than in the middle. He then had us practice the melody multiple times. During Shabbat, we were brought upstairs for Musaf, which wasn’t typical in those days because our fidgety presence was felt too disruptive to the expected solemnity of the service. When it was time for the Ke-

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dusha, Cantor turned to us and we joined him in busting out the new tune. I recall him beaming with approval. We have maintained that melody here ever since. The warmth of that moment is part of what makes Musaf feel meaningful to me. It is a special thing to recall a man of substance, who made a lasting contribution that has been heard, sung and enjoyed by thousands of people over the decades as they more deeply experience prayer.

His memory is a blessing.”

“Several times after he retired,” Don Gerber said, “he was asked to help the Synagogue when there was no clergy and he always graciously accepted. He was truly a giant among men and will not be forgotten. He will always be remembered for the good deeds and Mitzvahs that he did and for being the Mensch that he was.”

Cantor Fettman was buried April 23 in Omaha. Rabbi Dembitzer of Beth Israel officiated.

Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

BIRTH SOPHIA REBECCA ROHR Ariella and Joseph Rohr of Omaha, announce the June 12, 2021 birth of their daughter, Sophia Rebecca.

She has a sister, Amelia.

Grandparents are Tami and Brent Lowensohn of Encino, CA, and Wendy and Stephen Rohr of Holland, MI.

ENGAGEMENT BELMONT/SMALL Jill and Mark Belmont of Omaha are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lindsay, to Michael Small, son of Holly and Jerome Small of Youngstown, Ohio.

The bride-to-be graduated from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, and received her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law. She is a partner at the law firm of Koenig|Dunne in Omaha.

Lindsay is the granddaughter of Barbara and Marshall Kushner of Omaha, and the late Florence and Joseph Belmont.

Her fiancé graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and received his Juris Doctor from the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He is Senior Claims Counsel, Assistant Vice President at Fidelity National Title Group in Omaha.

Michael is the grandson of the late Anna and George Cohen, and the late Eleanor and Jerome Small.

The couple plans a fall wedding at Beth El Synagogue.

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16 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021

News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

Death and Mourning in Judaism: The role of the community SAM KRICSFELD AND ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT When a Jewish death happens, the role of the community is crucial. Every topic we have so far covered (costs, the Chevra Kadisha, the burial and funeral service, and the mourning period) has some aspect of communal engagement.

As community members, it is important to know what we can do to help when someone else’s loved one dies.

A non-religious explanation as to why community plays an important role in mourning comes from historical context. Bereavement: Reactions, Consequences, and Care, a 1984 study

by National Institute of Medicine, includes that preindustrial societies emphasized “kinship, joint households, and religion.”

The small communities lead to each member being “tightly integrated into a community’s economic and political sphere.”

Therefore, the death of an individual in such a close social structure affected everyone, not just the mourners. However, as mortality rates have drastically fallen and society has evolved, the role of community has lessened in secular mourning.

Judaism has longstanding traditions and rituals that are meant to comfort and help mourners. The traditions elevate the meaning, emotion and comfort of the mourning process far beyond those of secular mourning. Jewish traditions around the role of community not only allow everyone who wants to help to be able to, but also gives the mourner a caring support network. Jewish customs provide community members with the proper tools and intentions to help the mourner.

After an interment, the community traditionally provides the mourner a meal of condolence. Maurice Lamm’s The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning says “[the community] bring[s] the mourner the sustenance of life, figuratively and literally, the ‘bread’ of his existence.” The meal should include bread. Hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, should also be served. Some traditionally include wine.

Consolation can lead to comfort. It is a mitzvah to comfort

mourners by paying a condolence call. The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning says that “the fundamental purpose of the condolence call during shiva is to relieve the mourner of the intolerable burden of intense loneliness. At no other time is a human being more in need of such comradeship.” Maimonides said that comforting a mourner is gemillat chasadim - a genuine kindness.

The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning makes clear what community members should and shouldn’t do while comforting mourners. Some things are common sense - don’t, for example, remind the mourner about the inevitability of death or say that others have suffered worse. “Life goes on” and “Be thankful it wasn’t worse” are frivolous sayings that try to invalidate the subjective pain that the mourner is suffering. If you’ve ever been in mourning and heard those kinds of sayings, you will know how flippant and dismissive they sound.

“The strategy of true compassion is presence and silence, the eloquence of human closeness,” the book says. “Sad, muttered words are clumsy openers of the heart compared with the whisper of soft eyes.”

At a shiva call, community members should allow the mourner to speak first. Conversation should not be to “dis-

tract” the bereaved, but to talk about the deceased, reminisce and grieve. Visitors should not stay too long.

Upon leaving, visitors should say “May G-d comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.” This phrase itself invokes the importance of community. All the people of Israel are part of a single family, and that family has been marred by pain and loss throughout its history. Yet the Jewish people have persevered and will be with the mourner through their/our sorrow.

The community is essential for mourners far beyond the week of shiva. In a future article, we will cover the Kaddish, one of Judaism’s most recognizable and well-known prayers.

Briefly, though, the Mourner’s Kaddish is said in the presence of a minyan, meaning that at least a group of 10 men or women must be with the mourner for the prayer to be said.

Community members also have the option to make a memorial gift in honor of the deceased. Fruit and flowers are not traditional - gifts should be more religious or charitable in nature. The most common and customary gift is a donation to charity. The contributions should be in memory of the deceased and not as a “present” to the mourners.

Of course, common courtesy and other well-meaning acts could always be appreciated by mourners. Helping with chores, babysitting young children, providing food beyond shiva, and just offering to accompany the mourner are all options for community members looking to help. One should ask the mourner if they need or want help before giving it.

Clergy are well versed in consolation and the role of the community in mourning. If you have questions about how to act or what to expect, contact your clergy or synagogue.

We publish these articles the last week of every month. If you have questions or are hoping there is something specific we can cover, please feel free to reach out. The writers can be reached at skricsfeld553@gmail.com and avandekamp@ jewishomaha.org.