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Staenberg names JCC Chabad offering free Mezuza service Page 2
FOOD SPECIAL
Shwarma chicken kebabs: Perfectly spiced, quick to make and oh-so-juicy Page 5 Michael Staenberg with one of the new art installations on the campus
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor he Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that the Jewish Community Center will be named the “Staenberg Omaha JCC.” Michael Staenberg, more than anything, is a builder. Never satisfied to simply sit behind a desk, he needs to move around, walk while he talks, roll up
his sleeves and get his hands dirty. There are times one can almost feel the energy buzzing around him. It’s what has allowed him to be successful, but also what others can tap into: this ‘let’s do it, but do it together-‘ attitude. As happy as he is to give both dollars and expertise, he is happiest when others join him in his endeavors. “I want to inspire, and I want others to realize they can See Staenberg names JCC page 3
Icelandic Jewish cookies: A dessert with a fascinating story to tell Page 6
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Exploring Judaism Classes The Kaplan Book Group reads Between Gods: A Memoir
Jewish Education of Omaha as a MARK KIRCHHOFF Community Teacher. He taught at Community Engagement and EdFriedel Jewish Academy in addition ucation, JFO The fall classes of Exploring Ju- to afternoon religious school prodaism begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8 grams. Scott served 17 years as a Diand continue on subrector of Education sequent Tuesdays first at Beth El Synathrough Nov. 24. gogue in Omaha, folClasses are from 7 lowed by Beth Israel 8:30 p.m. and will be Synagogue in Ann presented virtually Arbor, MI and Agudas using Zoom. These Achim Congregation classes are designed in Alexandria, VA. for those in the During the summer process of converof 2014, Scott resion, those interested turned to live in in refreshing their Omaha where he knowledge of Juserved for three years daism, or those with as the Program Direca general interest in tor at Temple Israel. Judaism with a desire Scott is currently the Scott Littky to learn more. For Executive Director for those unable to attend this session, a the Institute for Holocaust Education. winter session will be held from Dec. Scott has arranged the classes into 7, 2020 through March 15, 2021. three categories: (1) Judaism as a ReExploring Judaism is taught by ligion, (2) Judaism as History, (3) JuScott Littky, an experienced Jewish daism as a Way of Life. In addition to education professional. He began his the core course reading materials, career in Jewish education in 1985 as Scott adds a variety of supplemental a religious school teacher. From 1988 material each week. All of the reading until 1997 he served the Bureau of See Exploring Judaism page 3
SHIRLY BANNER In keeping with social distancing, the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will be using Zoom to meet until further notice. To join the zoom meeting, Contact sbanner@jewishomaha.org for the link and meeting ID. On Aug. 20 the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will be discussing Alison Pick’s book Between Gods: A Memoir. The group examines the trials and tribulations that Alison dealt with both mentally and spiritually in her quest to understand her past, her faith, and the history behind her family’s hidden secrets. Are some family’s secret better left uncovered; does one’s family past history really have an impact on future generations? As a young girl growing up in Canada, in a nurturing and closeknit family, Alison is brought up in
a devout Christian environment. As a teenager, her world begins to unravel when she learns that her beloved paternal grandparents who fled the Czech Republic during World War II were Jewish. Alison’s father learned of this carefully See Kaplan Book Group page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | August 14, 2020
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Chabad offering free Mezuza service GABBY BLAIR Staff writer, Jewish Press Nebraska Chabad has always been dedicated to motivating fellow Jews to do ‘one more mitzvah’. Indeed, the opportunities for mitzvot abound during this time of uncertainty. The Katzman and Blotner families -in the Chabad spirit of innovation and thinking way- outside- the- box, have developed new and creative ways to touch, educate, comfort, and generate feelings of community even during isolation. Rabbi Blotner shares, “the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought social, emotional, and financial havoc causing a host of challenges alongside illness and death. As we were forced into lockdown at home, we were left to consider who we are at the core, and how to fill the great gap once filled with ‘busy-ness.’” He continues; “From the early onset OF COVID-19, Seder-to-Go was a huge hit, followed by a wide array of remote interactive classes and lectures, Shavuot-in-a-box, and challah and food deliveries. counseling, social- distanced visitation, and interest free loans have been extended to the community as well. Emphasis is placed on strengthening community members to experience “ ‘home’ as the center of their Jewish experience— which is always the way it
was meant to be.” “The 10 point Mitzvah campaign initiated by the Rebbe in 1967 before Israel’s Six Day War, promoted the idea that each Mitzvah one does establishes a connection between G-d and the Jew who performs it and generates positive energy in the world,” Rabbi Blotner explains. “The campaign went on to include candle lighting for Shabbat and Holidays, Torah Study, Mezuzot, Jewish Education, daily tzedaka, kashrut, loving your fellow, family purity, and Jewish books for our homes. All these Mitzvot are personal and related to the home and family.” In light of the pandemic, Chabad is offering these back-to-home and basic Mitzvot in a number of ways. The refreshed Mezuza Campaign offers free Mezuza check ups and Mezuza education for anyone in the community.
“On my weekly Challah deliveries, I have seen a lot of really cool Mezuzot,” Rabbi Blotner shares. “I like hearing about their histories... stories of where they came from. Many people were eager to learn more about the mitzvah of Mezuza.” “A Mezuza is special,” explains Rabbi Blotner. “The Rebbe once explained: ‘Just as a soldier must wear a heavy helmet to protect himself from enemy bullets, likewise, the Mezuza protects the Jew. The helmet may be heavy and costly, and it may even disturb one’s concentration. If he does not wear the helmet and is hit by enemy fire, it is the enemy who killed him, not the lack of the helmet. Yet wearing the helmet might have saved him.’ What better time than now, during a time of negativity and pandemic, to take any steps possible for protection?” He continues. “Most Jewish homes display a Mezuza regardless of observance levels. It fulfills the specific commandment to ‘write the words of G-d on the gates and doorposts of your house’ (Deuteronomy 6:9). People are often surprised to hear that the Torah requires us to have a Mezuza on each doorway in the home excluding bathrooms and closets. Once a Mezuza is affixed on your doorpost, what else needs to be done? See Free Mezuza service page 5
Continued from page 1 guarded family secret in his twenties during a chance meeting with an old family friend. He did not share it with Alison and her sister. As Alison learns more about the Pick family’s Jewish history she is haunted by shame because of their deceit during and after the Holocaust. Many of her relatives died in concentrations camps while others were able to survive or escape to Canada. Those who survived the horrors of the Holocaust abandoned their Jewish heritage and assumed Christian ways. The result of this well-kept secret deeply affected Alison’s development into adulthood and resulted in a debilitating struggle with depression in her early thirties. It was during her research for her Holocaust inspired novel Far to Go that Alison uncovers more about her lost and forgotten Jewish heritage. She decides to reclaim her once proud past history and identity as a Jew. Her return to Judaism is not without its own battles. Since her mother was not Jewish, Alison was not Jewish by birth according to Conservative Judaism. Alison undergoes the conversion process in order to establish herself as a Jew. The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion group meets normally on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library but we will be “meeting” online using Zoom until further notice. New members are always welcome. The group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@ jewishomaha.org. To view books discussed by the group over the past several years, go to www.jewishomaha.org, click on the “Community & Education” pull down tab and navigate to “Kripke Jewish Federation Library,” then to “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.”
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Staenberg names JCC Continued from page 1 do this,” he said. “I give, because it makes me feel good about the level of engagement it creates. Everything we have done at the JCC is about so much more than just the money, it’s about getting involved, about creating opportunities and about the next generation.” Next month, the entire Jewish and non-Jewish community will be invited to “Be a Part of It”. Following the inspiring generosity of Michael and about 100 other lead donors, all of us will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of future generations by making a meaningful gift to the building project. More details on this Campaign will be shared in the coming weeks. “Michael is so much more than a philanthropic donor,” JCC Executive Director Mark Martin said. “He is a listener, teacher, and partner in sharing his vision. From our very first meeting six years ago, Michael told me the JCC needed ‘mojo’ and he would help us get there, but it would take more than just building materials. A welcoming environment, innovative programming, and an engaged staff are just some of the additional components he has taught us to become an even more successful organization. I am fortunate to have such an insightful leader as Michael providing guidance as we move forward.” In a recent interview with Rabbi Yitz Greenman from the organization Olami, Michael emphasized his father Marty’s lasting influence: “He was the inspiration for who I am today. Tzedakah was so important at our house. I remember how he said, ‘Michael, we are not a 10 percent family, we are a 20 percent family.’ We are all the product of those who mentored us. It’s important to allow others into our lives and guide us and, in turn, pass that on to the younger generation.” He has memories of some of those mentors, which he carries with him to this day: “When I was 16 years old, our family didn’t have a lot of money,” he said. “I worked after school, bagging groceries and other things so I could pay for my school lunch. The principal, Dr. Phelps, of blessed memory, pulled me aside one day and told me, ‘Michael, you are number 401 out of 400. We only keep the top 400. What are you doing?’ I told him I went to the pharmacy after school and worked
for $0.50 per hour. He said: ‘Congratulations. You just got a raise to $1.00 an hour. You will be in my office every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6. We are going to learn together.’ Thanks to Dr. Phelps, I graduated in the top 10 percent of my class. Without Dr. Phelps and other mentors like him, I would not be here today.” JFO President Jon Meyers emphasized that once Michael decided to get involved, he stayed involved: “From the moment he decided to step up, he has been tremendously generous with both his dollars and his time,” he said. “The more he is exposed, the more time he spends on our campus, the more involved he becomes. Now, he has added an additional multi-million dollar gift, which is why the JCC will carry his family name (not to be confused with the campus as a whole, which is the Staenberg-Kooper-Fellman Campus). Giving for him is its own reward, more so because he is so invested in the actual renovation.” Putting the Staenberg name on the JCC allows Omaha to honor Michael’s entire family, especially his father, who died when he was only 13. “He gave me that name and I forever hope to make him proud,” he said, “Much of what we are building is in recognition of growing up here in Omaha. Whoever could have predicted we would have been able to have this impact in a place that gave my siblings and me so much? It is incredibly exciting to see it all come together.” “Michael’s philanthropy is an extension of his passion for building,” JFO CEO Alan Potash said. “And it’s infectious.” From endless new artwork to lighter, more inviting spaces and bright colors on the walls, the very feel of the entire building carries Michael’s stamp. While he’s been instrumental at several other locations, including Kansas City and St. Louis, it is the Omaha JCC he is most proud of and the most connected to. “In today’s world, the JCC continues to be as important a gathering place and a place to build community as it was when I was a child. If I could just pick one, this would be it. It’s not just the JCC itself,” he said. “It’s the entire package of Places, Programs, People, and Purses. Remember to combine all four of those elements and we can truly be transformative.”
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Omaha synagogue, to those who are being guided in a conversion process by the clergy of one of the synagogues, and to JFO employees. Pre-registration is required. You may do so by calling 402.334.6463 or emailing mkirchhoff@jewishom aha.org. Payment is due at the first class. Arrangements can be made for making installment payments. Checks are to be made payable to “The Jewish Federation of Omaha.” Payments prior to the first class may be sent to The Jewish Community Center, ATTN: Mark Kirchhoff, 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The deadline for registration is Sept. 1.
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Exploring Judaism Continued from page 1 material is accessed via electronic links, so no purchase of written material is required. “I’m always on the alert to include current, topical articles that fit with the Exploring Judaism classes,” Scott commented. The fee for Exploring Judaism is $180 per person. The Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) presents the class as a gift, free of charge, to current contributors to the Annual Campaign of the JFO whose contribution meets or exceeds the cost of the class, to those who are active congregants of an
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Beth El Annual Meeting ROBBY ERLICH Engagement Coordinator, Beth El The Annual Meeting at Beth El Synagogue will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. The evening will honor those who have won awards, recognize those who have served on the Executive Board and the Board of Trustees, acknowledge new board members, and to take a moment to celebrate the 2019-2020 programming year. Congratulations to this years’ award winners! President’s Award - Six String Shabbat Participants: Robert Adler, Andy Isaacson, Adam Kutler, Howard K. Marcus, Jake Spivack, Jeff Taxman, Eadie Tsabari and Alejandro Wolf Earl Siegel Award - Linda Saltzman Emerging Young Leader Award Andrea Erlich Selwyn Roffman Award - Steven Wees Larry DeBruin Award for Service to the Synagogue - Marty Shukert BILU USY Joe Ginsberg Mensch Award - Michael Raffel Beth El wishes to welcome our incoming Board of Trustee Members: Jason Epstein, Darlene Golbitz, Howard K. Marcus and Michelle Shkolnick. Darlene Golbitz, new board member, is looking forward to her term: “I was honored to be asked. I’ve been a member of Beth El since 1979. My history has been involved at Beth El. I have learned a lot about the history of the community from Beth El and from working at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. I identify with Beth El and I hope to support and contribute.” Special thanks to Jim Zipursky and his nominating committee of Bob Belgrade, Margie Gutnik, Abby Kutler, Linda Saltzman, David Weill and Susan Witkowski, for their new board member selection work. For incoming Board of Trustees President Ari Riekes, he is excited to grow Beth El along with the staff and lay leadership. “I am looking
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forward to working with such a tremendous staff and clergy who work so hard to meet the needs of our dedicated and active congregation. I am also honored to work with so many lay volunteers who are committed to Beth El’s success and to maintain a thriving Conservative Jewish synagogue.” “We look forward to continuing to be an inclusive synagogue that inspires our congregants to express their spirituality through prayer, ritual, education, and social action. We will strive to find new ways to engage members of all ages and we will also forge a path for future leaders to develop.” Beth El gives thanks to our outgoing Board of Trustee Members for giving above and beyond: Bob Belgrade, Michael Christensen, Jim Fried, Andy Isaacson, Scott Littky, Allan Murow, Jim Zipursky and Barry Zoob. For Michael Christensen, he found his time on the Board of Trustees to be meaningful. “I was happy to lend my experience, thoughts, and ideas to the board and was enthusiastic about perhaps being able to serve the community at large through the board position. Perhaps the most fulfilling part of serving on the board, for me was, being able to be a part of something that was vital to the health and spiritual wellbeing of the congregation and the community.” For outgoing Board of Trustee President Jay Gordman, he has been pleased with the way Beth El has moved forward given obstacles. “I have been honored to work with a great team of volunteers and professionals for the past two years. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we have made great strides towards our vision for the future of our synagogue while maintaining the traditions that have sustained us for almost 100 years.” For up to date information on upcoming services and programming and on ways to become involved, please visit www.bethelomaha.org or e-mail Robby Erlich, Engagement Coordinator at rerlich@beth el-omaha.org.
Ten+ Questions to ask before hiring a bathroom remodeling company In addition to improving the comfort and aesthetic of your bathroom, a remodel is also a major investment in your home. If you want a fabulous remodel that increases the value of your home, done in a timely manner, it’s important to carefully vet the company you choose for the job. If you hire the wrong company, your project can go from magical transformation to major headache pretty quickly. Here’s a handy list of essential questions to ask before hiring a bathroom remodeling company. Question #1: How long have you been in business? Question #2: May I see some examples of your past remodeling work? Question #3: Do you have references? Question #4: How much will it cost? Question #5: What types of warranties do you offer?
Question #6: Are you licensed? Question #7: Are you insured? Question #8: Are you bonded? Question #9: What does the remodeling process look like? Question #10: Do you use subcontractors or in-house employees? If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, your contractor should have answers to all these questions. Beware of vague answers that are not substantiated by evidence. At Re-Bath Omaha we spend the time to address each of these questions and will help you every step along the way to make sure that you are informed and comfortable with every part of the process. Schedule a free design consultation to ask any questions you may have and to get a glimpse into how we can make your ideal bathroom a reality!
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Free Mezuza service
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Shwarma chicken kebabs: Perfectly spiced, quick to make and oh-so-juicy Continued from page 2 “Placement and content are the most important part of fulfilling this mitzvah - and to gain the protection- offered by a Mezuza. A big, ornate case maybe beautiful, but just like people, it is what’s inside that matters,” explains Rabbi Blotner. Each Mezuza, no matter how small and plain or how big and decorative, has a special interior compartment for a small scroll of parchment called a Klaf. This scroll which contains verses from Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:4-9 and 11:1321, including the Shema, must be hand written by a Sofer Stam (ritual scribe) with a feather and carefully produced ink. Blotner continues. “Over time the Klaf can deteriorate, the ink could smudge or it could become otherwise compromised, especially in extreme weather. While the way a mezuza is affixed to the doorpost is significant, the most important part of the Mezuza is a kosher klaf.” Rabbi Blotner would like to encourage all of Jewish Omaha to reach out to him for a free Mezuza check up. “Cases can always be reused- if a klaf is damaged I can help direct anyone interested to various sources where a new kosher klaf can be purchased and I will even come back to help hang it.” He continues. “We have secured some funding to sponsor the costs of some new Mezuzas.” If you have a new Mezuza that needs to be affixed or an older one checked, are in need of a Mezuza or would like to sponsor a Mezuza for a community member in need, please reach out to Rabbi Blotner at: Mitzvah@ochabad.com or call: 402.330.1800.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Due to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home temporarily being closed to the public, B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers will not meet until further notice. 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.
CHAYA RAPPOPORT This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher. If you think chicken kebabs sound boring, I don’t blame you. Usually they are. And dry. But not this recipe. This recipe pays homage to one of the earliest forms of cooking: roasting meat on a spit over a fire. Roasting smaller cuts, like kebabs, became popular in areas like the Middle East, where firewood was scarce, as they proved more practical to cook over small fires. According to food historian Gil Marks, the word is derived from the ancient Persian “kabab,” which most likely stemmed from Aramaic. Today, their popularity holds fierce. Shish taouk, kebabs of marinated, spiced chicken, are enjoyed in Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Jordan. In Iran, kebab koobideh, kebabs of ground meat
mixed with parsley and chopped onions, are served alongside rice and yogurt. In Israel, kebabs of spiced ground meat are ubiquitous at holiday barbecues. Shwarma, while not exactly a kebab, is probably the most internationally beloved example of spit-roasted meat. Its flavorings — cumin, turmeric and coriander — inspired these kebabs. Bright with lime and onion, and made with juicy chicken thighs instead of breasts, they take mere minutes to cook on a hot grill (you could do this on a grill pan, too). Plus they’re so versatile: delicious with rice, perfect with warm laffa bread and hummus, and refreshingly offset by tzatziki, tahini or even bright arils of pomegranate. I never do, but if you have leftovers, unskewer them and toss with greens, olives, hummus, tomatoes, red onion and good olive oil for a perfect lunch.
SHWARMA CHICKEN KEBABS Ingredients: For the kebabs: 4 or 5 4-ounce skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/4 cup olive oil 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. ground black pepper 1 tsp. ground turmeric 1 tsp. sea salt 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika 3/4 tsp. garlic powder 3/4 tsp. ground coriander To serve: parsley lime wedges thinly sliced red onion hummus laffa bread Directions: Combine the spices in a bowl. Add the cubed chicken and olive oil; mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, and up to 12 hours. The longer it marinates, the tastier it’ll be! Take 12-15 wooden or metal skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them for half an hour so they don’t burn and catch fire on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers — I like to thread them longways so there’s more surface area to grill.
Credit: Chaya Rappoport Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grease it by dipping a few paper towels in vegetable oil then, using tongs, rub them carefully over the grates until glossy. Place the kebabs on the grill and cook until golden brown, around 5-6 minutes per side. Use tongs to turn them. They should be charred in places. Transfer to a platter and scatter with parsley and sliced red onion. Squeeze with fresh lime. Serve with warm laffa bread and hummus.
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GYÐINGAKÖKUR This recipe for gyðingakökur comes from The Culinary Sage of New Iceland, Recipes From the Shores of Lake Winnipeg.
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Icelandic Jewish cookies: A dessert with a fascinating story to tell RACHEL RINGLER This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher. You’ve heard of the wandering Jew, but have you heard of the wandering Jewish cookie? As Jews move from country to country, they pick up recipes, spices and dishes along the way. Sometimes, even after a Jewish community is no more, their food remains, an echo of a world that once was. Such is the case of the “Jewish cookie” from Iceland. Recently I learned of a cookbook, The Culinary Saga of New Iceland, Recipes From the Shores of Lake Winnipeg, compiled by Kristin Olafson Jenkyns, a writer with forbearers from Iceland. Her book documents the history and culinary traditions of immigrants from Iceland who settled in North America at the end of the 19th century. Many of them moved to Manitoba, Canada, on Lake Winnipeg, where they formed a community that came to be known as “New Iceland.” In the section of the book titled “Cakes and Cookies,” following classic Icelandic foods like skyr, smoked fish, and brown bread, are recipes for cookies traditionally eaten on Christmas. Their name in Icelandic is gyðingakökur, which translates to “Jewish cookie.” How did “Jewish” cookies end up in a cookbook filled with the food of Icelandic immigrants to the New World? You can be sure that there weren’t many, if any, Jews among those settlers 150 years ago. Yet there are three recipes for Jewish cookies nestled between other traditional sweets like Vinarterta and ginger cookies. Olafson Jenkyns is not sure how they came to be part of the culinary canon of the New Icelanders. Her guess is that the Jewish cookies came to Iceland by way of Denmark. For hundreds of years, Iceland was closely tied to Denmark; traders and merchants, some of them Jewish, moved back and forth
between the two countries. Perhaps the cookies came via that trade route. And how did those “Jewish” cookies land in Denmark in the first place? According to Gil Marks, author of Encyclopedia of Jewish Food, Jewish butter cookies originated in Holland. Many of the Jews who were expelled from Spain and Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries found a safe haven in Holland. There they merged, “...their Moorish-influenced Iberian fare with the local Scandinavian cuisine. Instead of olive oil, they used the butter found in great quantity in Dutch cookery to create small rich morsels, still called Joodse boterkoeke (Jewish butter cookie) in Holland.” Until today, Dutch Jews serve those cookies on Hanukkah and Shavuot and at other dairy meals. From Holland, the cookies spread to Denmark where they became a traditional pre-Christmas treat. As is the case with all immigrants, when the Icelanders left their homeland in 1875 for the New World and created the community of New Iceland in Canada, they brought their culinary traditions with them. Gyðingakökur were part of that tradition. “The cookies must have been popular for them to have made it from Denmark to Iceland to New Iceland,” said Olafson Jenkyns. In scouring through old cookbooks from the New Iceland community, Olafson Jenkyns found these three recipes for Jewish cookies – slightly different one from the next but all most definitely known as “Jewish.” One recipe was from a cookbook, circa 1915, from Reykjavik, Iceland. The other two came from community cookbooks from New Iceland from the middle of the 20th century. In Gil Marks’ book, the Jodekager, or Jewish cookie recipe, was attributed to Denmark. His recipe is very similar to the Icelandic ones — all have lots of butter, all are rolled out into a thin dough, and then cut into rounds. And all are topped with a wash and a sweetener that combines sugar and nuts.
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Ingredients: For the dough: 2 1/2 cups flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground cardamom 3/4 cup butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes 1 egg For the topping: 1 cup cold, strong coffee 1 cup blanched slivered almonds, coarsely chopped 1 cup crushed sugar lumps (coarse bits, not fine) Directions: Stir flour, salt, and cardamom together. Work the butter into the flour mixture by rubbing it between your fingers, as if you were making a pie crust. Beat egg with a fork and add to dough. Combine well. Wrap in wax paper. Chill thoroughly (at least 1 hour) until firm. Roll out dough on wax paper until 1/8 inch thick. Cut in 1 1/2 inch rounds with a cutter. Brush tops with coffee; mix the almonds and sugar and sprinkle generously on top. Press down gently with your hand to help the almond-sugar mixture stick. Place on greased baking sheets and bake at 350 F. for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Are the cookies Icelandic? Canadian? Dutch? Or Danish? No matter where you find them, the name is the same, hearkening back to a Jewish presence and the Jewish bakers who created them.
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Shirley’s Kitchen: Meat dishes MEATBALLS (SWEET AND SOUR) From: Shirley Goldstein Great for parties This was popular with the “newly marrieds,” probably because it was so easy!
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Ingredients: Meatballs: 2 lb. ground beef 2/3 cup matzah meal or breadcrumbs 2 eggs slightly beaten 1/2 cup minced onions 1/4 tsp. pepper and salt Sauce: 1/2 jar grape jelly 1 bottle chili sauce Juice of 1 lemon Directions: Shape into meatballs – whatever size you prefer depending on use for appetizer or main course. Don’t have to brown meatballs before adding to sauce, but can if you prefer. Pour sauce over meatballs. Heat slowly and thoroughly in oven until thoroughly cooked through and sauce absorbed into meatballs. You can use mini hot dogs with this sauce as well. Just heat on top of stove until sauce absorbs into hot dogs. Serves 8-10.
ANNIVERSARY CHICKEN From: Martha Gershun Originating from: The Internet (of course!) www.chicken recipe.com. Usually served this when? Special birthdays and grown-up dinner parties I don’t cook very often, but everyone in my office was raving about this recipe. They emailed me a link to www.chicken recipe.com, and I printed the recipe and took it home. Since then, Don (my husband, the REAL cook in the family) has made it several times for special birthday dinners or grownup dinner parties. It is always a big hit! Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1/2 cup teriyaki basting sauce 1/2 cup Ranch-style salad dressing 3 green onions, chopped 1/2 (3 oz) can (soy) bacon bits 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 350° In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts, and saute 4 to 5 minutes each side, until lightly browned. Place browned chicken breasts in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Brush with teriyaki sauce, then spoon on salad dressing.
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GRANDMA’S BRISKET From: Shirley Goldstein Usually served Friday night Shabbat dinners or whenever Ingredients: 5-6 lb brisket 1 package Lipton Onion Soup Mix 2-3 onions Potatoes Carrots Mushrooms Directions: Wipe off brisket with damp paper towel and place in flat roasting pan. Sprinkle top with Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Slice up 2-3 onions and place on bottom of pan, around brisket and on top. Cover with foil and bake at 325° for 2 hours. Uncover, make sure not “dried out” – if is, add little water and vegetable broth. 1 1/2 hour before serving cut up potatoes (quartered), lots of carrots and mushrooms and put around brisket. Continue cooking until ready to serve. Serves 8.
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8 | The Jewish Press | August 14, 2020
Above and below: Socially distanced guests came together poolside to wish the Foundation’s Janet Henthorn and Margo Parsow a happy retirement.
Top, above, below and bottom: Wacky Wednesdays continue at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home with Disney Day! Employees enjoyed a Pasta Bar Buffet from STAR Cantering that lifted spirits. A hearty thank you goes out to Broadmoor Development for sponsoring the staff luncheon.
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 and below: Beth Israel summer camp week two began with a bang! The kids are happy to be able to spend time together in a socially distanced way.
Voices The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920) Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Michael Ivey Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, David Finkelstein, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Margie Gutnik, Natasha Kraft, Chuck Lucoff, Eric Shapiro, Andy Shefsky, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha. org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.
A bad day in Berlin ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor It was a confusing sight, at best: the August 1 rally in Berlin featured both people protesting against COVID-19 restrictions by comparing them to Nazirules, and actual neo-Nazis. Mask mandates, vaccines and perceived government overreach are bad because it reminds people of Nazis. And Nazis are bad. They protested next to a variety of neo-Nazi organizations because, well...I am not sure. “One [demonstrator] carried a sign with a yellow star similar to those that Nazis forced Jews in Germany and other occupied countries to wear, but which read ‘not vaccinated’.” ( JTA) Another demonstrator wore a t-shirt that said something nasty about Zionists on the front, which I won’t repeat here. On the back, it reminded people to “read the protocols.” Signs claiming something called ‘high finance’ caused the coronavirus pandemic. Apparently, that’s a code word for Jews. So, in summary, the virus is bad. It was caused by the Jews. Jews are bad. Masks and vaccinations are also bad. Finally, Nazis are bad or good, depending on which demonstrator you ask. Some protestors brought signs that read “No Place for Nazis.” Are they talking about actual Nazis, or about those who want them to wear masks and ultimately get vaccinated? I have to admit, I am utterly lost as to what it is these people want. As is always the case, to be a true, card-carrying anti-Semite, one has to allow for a high level of hypocrisy and conflicting thoughts. That is not to say all anti-Semites are crazy, but it helps. It is possible to protest against government health regulations by grabbing the worst image you can think of, namely, a swastika or yellow star, while at the same time not processing how anti-Semitic it is to compare mask mandates to Nazi regulations. Because no, wearing a mask is not the same as being hunted like an animal. Not even close. But before we think this is a Berlin-specific prob-
lem, we can look closer to home. “As the coronavirus continues to surge globally, “ the ADL wrote, “virus-related conspiracy theories are proliferating online. These antisemitic, xenophobic, hateful messages spread misplaced blame and misinformation, making it more difficult to ac-
bit hole, but really—it’s fascinating (did you know Chabad allegedly owns FEMA??). So here is our responsibility. When it comes to fighting misinformation, we all know what to do. It is not only a matter of debunking the crazy stuff; it is just as much, if not more, about the subtleties of discourse, especially when so much of that discourse transpires online. Months and months of not speaking to friends and family faceto-face, not being able to correctly interpret facial expressions and relying more on the written word than we have in a long time, is making us less sharp. We miss each other, so maybe we are less likely to call out aunt so-and-so for posting a meme about the dangers Demonstrators at a Berlin rally Aug. 1, 2020, hold signs with slogans like of voting by mail, about “No place for Nazis” as a protest against coronavirus restrictions. Credit: how it’s hard to breathe Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images with a mask, about how cess accurate information while elevating fear and she’s not so sure she’ll want the vaccine ‘because anxiety. While some of these messages are new, who knows whether it will be safe.’ many are simply old tropes repackaged for a modIt may seem like a big jump from protesting ern pandemic.” Nazis in Berlin to correcting your friends and relaIn January, former congressional candidate Paul tives when they say something that is slightly “off,” Nehlen from Wisconsin wrote: “Hey, Chinese but it really isn’t. When we spread misinformation, Friend. Remember when your country was on the we create a tiny building block. Eventually those fast track with your new infrastructure and world tiny blocks, together, will form an impenetrable domination? Wonder if you also remember smugly wall. Addressing misinformation in our own priremarking that the West, America in particular was vate circles, especially when they have shrunk so controlled by the Jews here and in Israel? Well, ac- much, is something we can control, while looking cording to our calculations, it sure looks like Israel at what happens on the national and international has unleashed a bio weapon meant to teach you stage so often leaves us feeling powerless. that they control your destiny as well. You gonna That does not mean telling people what to think; let those jealous, vindictive Jews get away with it?” it means reminding others they must think for I already wrote an entire op-ed about conspiracy themselves. theories a few weeks ago, so I’ll try to skip that rab-
Intergenerational warfare When I found out that I belong to Generation Z instead of being a Millennial, I was shocked. At first, I thought, all the older generations’ criticisms about millennials don’t apply to me anymore! But then I noticed that people are already insulting my up-and-coming SAM KRICSFELD Intern, Jewish Press generation. I understand the lighthearted ribbing – sure, it’s easy to make fun of us for who we watch on YouTube, our dedication to Snapchat streaks, etc. In fact, we often make fun of ourselves. But when we start getting insults hurled at us because most of us think that Black people are treated less fairly or that same-sex marriage is good for society, we start to get resentful. Sure, we hurl insults right back. “OK, Boomer” famously made news for being called a “slur” at one point. But generational warfare isn’t really doing much other than getting children, parents and grandparents really ticked off at each other. Each generation is also composed of millions of different viewpoints. Lumping me in with people who like Billie Eilish and make TikToks doesn’t make sense. I’m sure that’s the same with Boomers who prefer the Beach Boys to Black Sabbath. Each one has its conservatives and liberals, its religious and secular. But, if we look through the eyes of demographers, we’re all averaged and flattened out to the point where we are just blobs of stereotypes
and scapegoats. It’s the easiest way. A huge and obvious factor in the need for generational categorization is that each generation grew up in a significantly different time. Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement shaped the Boomer’s points of view during their development, while Gen X saw the fall of the Soviet Union and Reaganomics. Millennials saw 9/11 and the War on Terror. For Gen Z, there is no doubt that unless World War III breaks out or California falls into the sea, the
“The Who, who sang “My Generation,” are hilariously old to play that song now.” Credit: Raph_PH, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
uniqueness of President Trump’s presidency and the huge impact of the pandemic will be some of the defining factors in our development. It is very easy to blame where we are now on previous generations – it’s undeniable that we wouldn’t be in this situation, at least politically, without previous generations’ votes. Most of Gen Z
hasn’t even been able to vote for president. Additionally, national debt, pollution and wars are not our fault. However, I am certain that in a few decades, Gen Z will be blamed for a smattering of problems that we cause. You know, l’dor v’dor. Annoyingly, each generation has felt the same toward its predecessors as Gen Z does. Boomers, Gen X and Millennials all ticked their parents and grandparents off with their politics and culture. Remember the Who’s “My Generation?” Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel?” The Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right?” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit?” The only solution is an improbable one: mutual respect. We’ve eluded this for eons. Disrespect was so common that Rambam even said that rebellious children were subject to stoning – a punishment also used for bestiality and idol worship (stoning was obviously a deterrent and was probably hardly ever used, but still). Parents have irritated children forever, too. Because of each generation’s different perspective, we should try and learn from each other. Each one is deeply flawed and stubborn, but we each have power and influence. We will disagree on many points – we even do that within our own generations. But instead of everyone calling Gen Z lazy and entitled and us calling everyone rude and racist, we need to see what other generations have to offer. These divides are based on learned attitudes. If we find out why we act the way we do, we’ll understand each other better.
TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.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 www.omahajewishpress.com/site/forms/. Deadlines are normally nine days prior to publication, on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.
Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | August 14, 2020
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
CHABAD HOUSE
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
TIFERETH ISRAEL
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL Join us via Zoom on Friday, Aug. 14, 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 and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat To-Go Pick Up, 10 a.m.-noon sponsored by Henry and Dorothy Riekes Endowment Fund and in celebration of Margo & Steve Riekes’ 55th Anniversary and Steve’s 80th Birthday; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Havdallah, 9:12 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; USY Film Club, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Annual Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: USY Check-In, 5:15 p.m. THURSDAY: Shul Music with Hazzan Krausman, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug. 21: ; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug. 22: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Jonah Katz Bar Mitzvah, 7 p.m.; Havdallah, 9:02 p.m. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, Whatsapp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in Sukkah, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. (Zoom); Candlelighting, 8:06 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Havdalah, 9:07 p.m. (Zoom) SUNDAY: Rambam: Rabbi Moshe, 9:45 a.m. (Zoom) MONDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp). TUESDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp). WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m.
with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp). THURSDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Middot with Rabbi Ari, 9:30 a.m. (Zoom); Parsha Inspiration with Rabbi Ari, 4:30 p.m. (Facebook Live). FRIDAY-Aug. 21: Shacharit, 6:45 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Kabbalat Shabbat (Zoom), 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:55 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug. 22: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Havdalah, 8:56 p.m. (Zoom). Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
CHABAD HOUSE Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Due to Coronavirus, all services and classes have moved online. For schedules and more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.org or call the office at 402.330.1800 FRIDAY: Candlelighting, 8:05 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Ends, 9:06 p.m. MONDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introduction to Reading Hebrew, 10:30 a.m. THURSDAY: Intermediate Hebrew Reading and Prayer, 11 a.m.; Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman. FRIDAY-Aug.21: Candlelighting, 7:55 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug. 22: Shabbat Ends, 8:55 p.m.
B’NAI JESHURUN The Temple office is on reduced hours until further notice and all services and activities are being offered via livestream or teleconferencing. Please call 402.435.8004 or email office@southstreettemple. org for further information or to make an appointment for a visit, if necessary. You may also email board president Nicholette Seigfreid at president@south streettemple.org. South Street Temple’s events can be found at https://south streettemple.org/calendar/. FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. service leaders/music: Leslie Delserone & Peter Mullin and additional music with Nathaniel and Steve Kaup; Candlelighting, 8:06 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Re-eh led by Robert Friedman; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:35 p.m. SUNDAY: Feeding the Kids at F Street Rec Center, 1 p.m. If you would like to donate funds to this program and help continue this mitzvah, please contact Leslie Delserone at treasurer@southstreettemple.org or call Peter Mullin at 402.435.8004. For more information, contact Aimee Hyten at aimee.hyten@gmail.com; Jewish Book Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom and will discuss The Color of Water by James McBride..
TUESDAY: Tea & Coffee Time with Temple Friends, 1:30 p.m. via zoom. Let Deborah Swearingen (402.476.7528) know if you plan to attend; Our first Community Conversation with Together, One Lincoln initiative, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug. 21: Erev Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:56 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug. 22: Shabbat Morning Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Shoftim led by Robert Rickover; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:25 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE All services canceled until further notice.
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. *Note later time* FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service welcoming Ben Cohen, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Bat Mitzvah of Juliette Boehm Smith, daughter of Andrew Boehm and Regan Smith and the step-daughter of Naomi Fox, 10:30 a.m. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. *Note new date and time* TUESDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug. 21: Tot Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
TIFERETH ISRAEL
FRIDAY: Zoom Evening Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:06 p.m. SATURDAY: Zoom Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:05 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug. 21: Zoom Evening Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. Candlelighting, 7:55 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug. 22: Zoom Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 8:55 p.m. Please visit tiferethisraellincoln.org for additional information and Zoom service links. The LJCSl is looking for a Lead Teacher for our Preschool/Kindergarten classroom. The LJCS is seeking a candidate who is dependable, energetic, creative and nurturing. Early Childhood education experience is preferred. If you or someone you know is interested in interviewing for this position, please contact Andrea Halpern at ahalpern1386@gmail.com.
Ex-Obama health official gives a Rosh Hashanah pep talk on dealing with coronavirus SHIRA HANAU JTA As the High Holidays approach, Jews across the country are preparing for a Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur like none they’ve ever experienced. Andy Slavitt, a former Obama administration official who ran Medicare and Medicaid from 2015 to 2017, wants to encourage his fellow Jews to look on the bright side. “This is a year for maximum creativity,” Slavitt said in a conversation with Leah Jones, host of the Finding Favorites podcast and the president of her Chicago synagogue. Slavitt, an outspoken critic of the Trump administration’s handling of the pandemic who hosts his own podcast on the pandemic — “In the Bubble With Andy Slavitt” — emphasized that the main job for synagogues this year is to protect their elderly members who are most at risk of dying from the coronavirus. “When I say use creativity, don’t lose the spirit of what makes the holiday special,” he said. Most synagogues across the country have been closed since stay-at-home orders were imposed
across the country in March. While many Orthodox synagogues are planning to hold inperson services this year, most Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist synagogues this year will conduct High Holiday services over Zoom or other livestreaming platforms. Jones asked Slavitt to give Jewish listeners a pep talk as they contemplate a High Holiday season without in-person synagogue gatherings. “It’s undeniable that we’ve made the right choice, but it’s hard to deny people the chance Andy Slavitt, former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and to pray together,” Jones said. Slavitt encouraged synagogues Medicaid Services, calls this a year “for maximum creativity.” Credit: to reinvent rituals and consider Tom Williams/Getty Images “Find those special touch points,” he said. “Rein-person gatherings held outdoors. He mentioned the Kaddish, the memorial prayer, as having a par- place every negative with a positive so if you can’t ticular resonance this year and as a way to com- do an X, don’t just say let’s feel deprived, say let’s do Y instead of X.” memorate those who have died in the pandemic.
Life cycles BIRTH HARPER ISABEL EDELSTEIN Brittany Willis and Sam Edelstein of Minneapolis, MN, announce the July 13, 2020 birth of their daughter, Harper Isabel. Harpers is named in honor of Sam’s maternal grandfather Harold Abrahamson (always known as Papa). The letter ‘H’ also has significant meaning to us in honor of Sam’s paternal grandfather Haskel Edelstein (Grandpa Hackie) as well as Brittany’s grandmother, Helen Willis, and Uncle Harvey Silberman. Similarly, Isabel is combination of both of our families. Brittany’s maternal great- grandmother Isabel Zalicovitz and Grandpa Hackies middle name, Haskell Isadore. Which, coincidentally creates the same initials for for both Harper and Grandpa Hackie, HIE. Grandparents are Karen and Elliott Willis of Boynton Beach, FL, and Stan and Ellene Edelstein of Omaha. Great-grandparents are Murray and Charlotte Greenberg of Boynton Beach, FL, the late Helen and William Willis of Philadelphia, PA, Helen Abrahamson of Omaha, the late Harold Abrahamson of Omaha, and the late Haskell and Edith Edelstein of Denver, CO.
The Jewish Press | August 14, 2020 | 11
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GUN SHOW - August 13-14-15, Tyson Events Center, Sioux City, IA. Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Huge Show, over 300 tables! Admission $8. More info: 563-6084401, www.marvkrauspromotions.net.
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JONAH SAMUEL KATZ Jonah Samuel Katz, son of Esther Lavinia Katz and Philip Benjamin Katz, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Beth El via zoom. Jonah is a seventh-grade student at Millard North Middle School. Jonah is an avid video game player and enjoys biking and hanging out wtih friends. Jonah’s mitzvah project is on hold due to COVID-19. He has two sisters, Talia Adair Katz, 9 years and Elianna Robin Katz, 6 years. Grandparents are Gail and Holman Massey of Philadelphia, PA, Jeremy and Debbie Katz of Milwaukee, WI, and the late Robin Katz of Longmont, CO.
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RODNEY SHKOLNICK Rodney Shkolnick passed away on July 29 at age 88. A private familly service was held on July 31 at Beth El Cemetery in Omaha. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Lois; and brothers, Stanley, Donald, and David. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey and Robyn Shkolnick and Stuart and Judy Shkolnick; grandchildren: Jacob and Holly Shkolnick, Leah, Lauren, Jordan, and Jillian; greatgranddaughter, Vivian Shkolnick; brother-in-law, Gary Greenblatt; sisters-in-law, Phoebe Shkolnick and Sandy Shkolnick; numerous nieces and nephews; and significant other, Judith Napier. Rodney was a beloved husband, father, educator, and friend. He was a respected member of the legal community, having taught at the Creighton University School of Law for more than 50 years. He was beloved by his students and was voted professor of the year on several occasions. Rodney also enjoyed golfing, traveling, and following University of Iowa football. Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, The American Cancer Society, the Rodney and Lois Shkolnick Endowed Scholarship Fund, or the organization of the donor's choice.
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12 | The Jewish Press | August 14, 2020
Shucks Fish House Bailey’s Breakfast Absolutely Fresh & Lunch Seafood Market & Oyster Bar At Shucks Fish House, we could not be happier with the support we received from the Omaha community over the last few months from the early days of carryout only service, to being able to go back to some semblance of normal with the full reopening of our dining rooms. It is very nice to see many of the familiar faces back, as well as many new faces who have discovered our restaurants. Since day one, keeping our customers and staff safe has been a big priority, and we continue to focus on this for the long term. The good news is, fresh oysters are back, a new menu is on the way, and thanks to the support of the community, we are back to our regular staffing levels. Shucks also offers online ordering for carryout through ChowNow at all 3 locations, as well as UberEats delivery and curbside pickup. Check out our daily specials at shuckfishhouse.com, and be sure to put us on your list of places to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner in the near future.
Transitioning from being a primarily dine-in business to carryout only was quite a challenge for us when the restrictions began back in March. Like many other local restaurants in Omaha, part of our allure was the comfortable and familiar setting for many regulars to enjoy breakfast, coffee, and conversations with friends and family. One of the first steps we took to adapt was offering online ordering through ChowNow to allow our customers to place orders fast and easy and have them brought out right to their cars. In addition, we simplified our menu to items that were more conducive to carryout, including some of our signature drinks. Since we have been allowed to go back to full dining room capacity, we continue to take extra precautions to make sure both our customers and staff remain safe and healthy. Be sure to check out baileysbreakfast.com to see our weekly specials, our full menu, and to start your online order fast and easy. We are open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day of the week. PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
The last few months have obviously been challenging for everyone, and we hope that everyone is safe and adapting to the changes in everyday life well. Our fish market has certainly risen to the occasion as our business has doubled for us over the last few months as many people were opting to cook at home versus getting carryout or dining in. To help adapt to this added business, we increased our staffing levels, expanded our inventory levels, and most recently launched online ordering for the products we sell. We are always happy to provide curbside pickup as well as our usual full service shopping experience inside our store. In addition, we have expanded our Take & Bake line of frozen entrées and appetizer to include multiple varieties of 16 inch pizzas with other new items appearing weekly. Our weekly newsletter debuts every Friday to announce what the latest featured Fresh Fish we have received is along with many other tasty and fun specials. To sign up for this, or to check out everything we have to offer, visit absolutely freshmarket.com where you can start your online order as well – fast and easy!