Pillars of Beth Israel Synagogue
MARY SUE GROSSMAN
As Beth Israel Synagogue celebrates its 75th anniversary, the names of Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, z’l, and Cantor Leo Fettman, z’l, will be front and center. The impact of this powerful leadership duo will be remembered when Beth Israel’s Beit Midrash is dedicated in their honor during the celebration dinner on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024
Milestones – A Celebration of Beth Israel will be held at the synagogue with the social hour beginning at 5 p.m., followed by Mincha at 5:30 p.m., and dinner at 6 p.m. Honorary chairs for the event include Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum, Paul and Susie Shyken, Donald Gerber, and David and Janet Kohll. In addition to the Beit Midrash dedication, there will be numerous stories shared of the 75-year history plus the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Nancy Mattly.
also remember his focus and mission to make Jewish education available to all ages. Rabbi and Cantor were both so instrumental to my strong Jewish identity and involvement today.”
“Rabbi Nadoff and Cantor Fettman had such an impact on my life,” shares Donald Gerber. “Rabbi Nadoff was ‘my’ rabbi while growing up. To this day, I clearly remember the words of wisdom he gave me while sitting by him the day of my Bar Mitzvah.” Donald continued sharing, “Cantor Fettman was hired while I was in college and helped me on my journey to become Beth Israel’s Bar Mitzvah teacher. I
J Camp: That’s a wrap!
MELANIE SCHWARZ
Jewish Press Intern
It was another summer to remember at J Camp, with amazing weekly themes, activities, and everything in
between. There were seven themes for seven weeks: The Prehistoric Future, Sea Safari, Wild Water West, Triple Threat Talent Show, Superhero Color Wars, Space Pirates, Holidays Around the World, and Barnyard Carnival. Camp ran from late May until early August, ending Aug. 2, for kindergarten through 7th graders and welcomed members and non-members of the JCC. In addition, there were programs for 8-10 graders as “leaders in training.” Leaders in Training (LIT), for 8-9 graders, and Counselors in Training See J Camp page 2
Rabbi Isaac Nadoff was born in Jerusalem to a Yemenite father and an Iraqi mother. After briefly living in England and then Canada, the family lived in New York before moving to Chicago in 1933. In 1948, Rabbi Nadoff was ordained by the Hebrew Theological College and married his wife, Jeanette, the same year. His first pulpit was in Springfield, Illinois, before leading Beth Jacob Synagogue in Des Moines for 11 years. The Nadoff family moved to Omaha in 1965 to become rabbi at Beth Israel. In a Jewish Press article, he shared they made the move due to the Jewish day school and “the challenge of revitalizing the congregation.” He supported involvement in the greater Jewish community while stressing that personal commitment to living a Jewish life was key to the future. He had a deep commitment to Beth Israel and its members.
Shirley Schwartz, who now lives in Phoenix, shared memories that she and her children, Phyllis and Jeffrey, have of Rabbi Nadoff. “When my husband, Irwin, had a heart attack in 1983, Rabbi Nadoff was at his side with prayers and Irwin See Pillars of Beth Israel Synagogue page 3
Bagel Boys at Campaign Event
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT
Jewish Press Editor Sunday, Sept. 22, the community is invited to our 2025 Annual Campaign Community Kickoff Event. At 5 p.m., we’ll gather at the Pickleball courts in the Alan J. Levine Athletic Facility. Our event is titled Get in the Game, because we are welcoming ESPN’s Linda Cohn and Fox’s Ken Rosenthal. We will start at 5 p.m. with a meet and greet with both guests, accompanied by yard games, including Corn
and
Come ready to
At 6 p.m., a kosher buffet dinner will be provided by Star Catering, followed by the program and Spirit of Federation awards at 6:30 p.m. and afterwards, we will have dessert from the El Churro Spot food truck and the Kona Ice Truck, as well as Star Catering.
And while we are excited about the food, the company, and the speeches, we have a special element See Campaign Event page 2
Hole, Bocce Ball, Can Jam, 4 Square, Dice game
inflatable basketball.
play!
Cantor Leo Fettman and Rabbi Isaac Nadoff
J Camp
Continued from page 1 (CIT) programs, for 10-11 graders, provided a chance for older kids to learn amazing skills, work with kids, and have some of their own fun. For example, they got to have training on their own and have a chance to go on field trips.
I had the pleasure of talking to one of our counselors, Cailin, and one of our campers, Caleb. Cailin loves working with kids, and wanted to come back this year because she loves helping the kids have an amazing summer. Her favorite theme week is color war week.
Caleb’s favorite camp snack was popcorn, and his favorite theme week was Talent Show, because it was so funny. His favorite activity is swimming and field trips.
Talent shows were what they sounded like: campers got to showcase their talents! This summer, it was the Triple Threat Talent Show. Campers showcased three talents, making them all triple threats.
Every Thursdays campers went on field trips, and the activities matched with the theme that camp had going on for the week.
Caleb wore a “red” wristband outside, and a “green” wristband inside. These wristband colors told the lifeguards, and the kids, where they were and weren’t allowed to swim. In order to find out your wristband color, kids 11 and under have to taken a swim test. You had to swim a 25, the length of the pool. Your wristband color depended on how far you could swim. If you couldn’t make it at least halfway, you got a red. If you could get halfway or more (not all the way), you got a yellow. If you could get all the way, you got a green. Greens could go anywhere, yellows couldn’t go in the deep end. Red could only go in the kiddy area.
This year’s J Camp had everything to make it a summer to remember, from swimming, to field trips, to games: everything a summer needed to be amazing.
Camp ended Aug. 2, after a super fun, jam-packed seven weeks. That’s a wrap on another summer to remember. We can’t wait to see what summer 2025 has in store!
The Jewish Press Internship is made possible through the generosity of the Chesed Fund (formerly the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation.)
Campaign Event
Continued from page 1
to this year’s Community Kickoff: we have a performance by the Bagel Boys! How fabulous is that?
In 2001, five friends who grew up together in Omaha but were living in different parts of the country, came together in the neighborhood nicknamed Bagel. These friends met again at the funeral of their friend, Jay Parsow. Jay was a loving husband, father, son and brother, a great friend and a gifted physician. After the funeral, they decided to come together in the near future. They met that next winter at Copper Mountain and began a tradition of skiing together, honoring Jay’s memory. Over the years, music became part of the ski trip. This tradition has lasted over two decades. Each year the group continued to grow, at one point numbering over 30--including Jay’s sons Aaron and Charles.
“Jay was truly loved,” Michael Muskin wrote for the Jewish Press in 2015. Moved by how special this connection was, Michael wrote a song for the gatherings called Bagel Boys over 50, and soon after, the group took on the name The Bagel Boys, which has remained ever since. They’ve shared their musical talents with the community in Jay’s honor on several occasions, including at B’nai Israel in Council Bluffs. And now, we’ll have a chance to check out the acoustics at the Alan J. Levine Athletic Facility. The Bagel Boys band will be performing at the JFO Annual Campaign event, Get in the Game on Sept. 22. Come hear the Bagel Boys play and be in store for a real treat from our hometown Jewish musicians.
Reservations are due by Sept. 12. General admission is $50 per person; for young adults age 22-45, admission is $36 and for full time students it is $18. If you did not receive your invitation in the mail, you can find it at www.jew ishomaha.org. We ask you to park on the backside of the campus for this event. Attire is casual, and sneakers are encouraged! Federation is here for good. We have been for over 100 years and will be for generations to come. We invite you all to mark your calendars and join us on Sept. 22. We can’t wait to see you!
Honoring Irving B. and Geri Epstein:
A legacy of service, family, and community
AMY BERNSTEIN SHIVVERS
JFO Foundation Executive Director
Irving B. Epstein of Omaha passed away on December 25, 2022. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Geri, and his son, Dr. Barry E. Epstein, for whom Irv and Geri established the Barry E. Epstein Memorial Healthcare Fund, a Scholarship Fund for medical students, with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Irv is survived by his daughters, Leslie Epstein and Cynthia Epstein; his son-in-law, David Wiesman; and his cherished grandsons, Harison and Mathew.
A Fellow of the Nebraska Bar Association, Irv had a remarkable legal career spanning over 75 years. He graduated early from Creighton University Law School at the age of 21 and served with distinction in the JAG Corps during the Korean War. Irv began his legal career as an Omaha City Attorney and served on the Omaha Airport Authority, negotiating air space and slips for airlines at Eppley airfield, before transitioning to private practice, where he made significant contributions to the legal community. He had a passion for traveling, art, and, most importantly, his grandchildren. Among his many accolades, including the Lamplighter Award from Chabad, Irv was honored in 2022 with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his volunteer legal services at Beth Israel Synagogue.
ers, as well as, serving as the President of Central High School PTA in the 1970s.
To honor Irv’s legacy, Cynthia established and contributed to two endowments, the Irving and Geri Epstein Chabad Life & Legacy Endowment and the Irving and Geri Epstein Beth Israel Endowment, upon his passing, in memory of Irv and Geri. These endowments fulfill Irv and Geri’s Life & Legacy commitment, providing annual income to Chabad and Beth Israel Synagogue. Cynthia and Leslie have ensured that their parents’ vision and commitment are carried out through their estate plan.
Cynthia reflects on her father’s legacy with these words:
“My father dedicated his life to serving others through his legal work and community involvement. His commitment to family, justice, and faith was unwavering, and these endowments will ensure that his values continue to benefit the community he loved.”
At The Foundation, we support individuals and families who wish to leave a legacy that honors and celebrates the lives of their loved ones. An endowment fund is a charitable gift creating a lasting legacy. The initial balance is invested for long-term growth, and the interest income generated each year is directed to the non-profit agencies or organizations chosen by the donor or their family.
In 1994, Irv and his daughter, Cynthia Epstein, founded Epstein and Epstein Attorneys at Law. Their firm specializes in corporate, real estate, and estate planning services, with a combined experience of over 50 years, offering tailored legal solutions to meet their clients’ needs.
Geri was an artist. After teaching art for a number of years, Geri opened and ran Geri’s Art & Sculpture, a well-known art gallery in Omaha, for over 20 years. She also provided charitable work with Beth Israel Synagogue, Chabad Lubavitch of Nebraska, Inc., and she served as girl scout and cub scout lead-
For those interested in learning more about how to honor a loved one with a gift that has a lasting impact on our community, please contact me at 402.334.6466 or ashivvers@jew ishomaha.org
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leslie and Cynthia Epstein and family for establishing the Irving B. and Geri Epstein Life & Legacy Endowment Funds. These funds celebrate the lives and love that Irv and Geri shared with our community, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire and support future generations.
Pillars of Beth Israel Synagogue
Continued from page 1 survived. At the time of his second heart attack in 1985, Irwin was told he needed a heart transplant. Again, Rabbi Nadoff was present at Irwin’s side with prayers in addition to presenting him with a hand carved wooden chai.” A treasured possession, the chai accompanied Irwin to Minneapolis and through the numerous tests needed for the surgery. “The chai was with Irwin during the surgery,” continued Shirley. “After his recuperation was complete, we returned to Omaha and Rabbi Nadoff had a special Friday service in honor of Irwin’s recovery. Our family has always thought that Rabbi Nadoff and that treasured chai was instrumental in giving Irwin 20 years of life. Our family was truly blessed by Rabbi Nadoff,” she concluded.
Nancy Mattly will be honored with Beth Israel’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sept. 15 dinner. For over 30 years, Nancy worked as the caterer for Beth Israel. The amount of delicious food she prepared for the congregation during her career is immeasurable. Shabbat kiddushes and dinners, Bar and Bat Mitzvah lunches, Sisterhood Donor lunches, Hanukkah dinners featuring her always delectable brisket, her famous Sukkot turkey dinners, Passover seders and food for numerous special occasions, Nancy and her crew did it all.
“Working with Nancy was always a pleasure,” said Beth Cohen, who served as Beth Israel’s Executive Director for 12 years. “Beginning in 1995 with her first job at Beth Israel catering a bar mitzvah, Nancy was as much a part of Beth Israel as anyone. She learned the laws of kashrut and understood how important food is to our communal celebrations. Nobody can make a kugel better than Nancy! But, above all, she’s a caring and compassionate person who worked hard for the community she came to love as much as we love her. It is most fitting to honor Nancy with this award.”
Born in Hungary in 1925, Cantor Leo Fettman was 19 years old when he and his family were taken to Auschwitz in 1944. While the majority of his family perished in the gas chamber, he and his brother were sent to a work camp. While in the camp, he was to be hanged, however the rope broke, and his life was spared. In numerous interviews and talks over the years, Cantor would share he knew then that Gd had intervened, and he must dedicate his life to serving Gd. After the war, he immigrated to Canada and studied at Maor Hagolah Rabbinical Yeshiva where he was ordained as a rabbi and cantor. He moved to the United States in 1960 and met Annette in Indiana. They moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1963 where he served as cantor and educator for 12 years. In 1975, he was hired at Beth Israel and served as cantor and educator and he also provided kosher supervision. He helped kasher the kitchens of numerous people and used to quip his business card should read, “Have blow torch, will travel.” Alex Grossman remembers the close relationship between the Fettmans and his parents, Ignac and Miriam Grossman. “As
survivors, the four bonded shortly after the Fettmans arrived in Omaha. Dad was from Czechoslovakia and he also knew Hungarian. Listening to the conversations he and Cantor had in Hungarian was like hearing an unearthly language,” Alex smiles. “Mom was a seamstress and Dad was a machinist and they worked with Cantor and Annette on numerous projects. Mom and Cantor, who was also a tailor, worked together on various repairs and creations. When Annette began her metal art creations, Dad worked with her during the finishing process, work he truly enjoyed.” Alex continued sharing that Cantor and Miriam also gave countless talks about their Holocaust experiences to high school students, religious organizations, rarely declining an invitation to educate. It was a mission for each of them to make sure the truth about the Shoah was taught.” Alex concluded saying the chapel dedication was a perfect way to honor Cantor and Rabbi Nadoff.
Individual dinner tickets are $136 with Patron tickets pricing of $175. Honor Scroll Donor levels, beginning with the $1,200 Pearl Level, which includes two seats, up to the $10,000 Sapphire level with 16 seats, are also available. Personal message, business, organization, and individual ads are also available. Reservations can be made online at orthodoxomaha.org and the deadline is Aug. 26
The Milestones Committee members ask that people share their pictures and memories to further enhance the evening. Call the synagogue office at 402.556.6288 to connect with any committee member. Members include Howard Kutler, Bruce, Helene Shrago, Bette Kozlen, Ron Giller, Nancy Wolf, Sarah Abrahamson, Karen Cohen, Rabbi Mordechai Geiger, and Mary Sue Grossman. Additionally, to receive Beth Israel’s weekly email and stay up to date on all synagogue happenings, please call the office or email a request to bethisrael@ortho doxomaha.org
Geri and Irving B. Epstein
KELLAH HOME CARE
The Passion of Caregiving
402-706-6894
www.kellahhomecare.com
Meet Mark Kirchhoff
MELANIE SCHWARZ Jewish Press Intern
Mark Kirchhoff is the Program Assistant in the Community Engagement and Education department at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. On a dayto-day basis, he assists with outside programming. Mark works in the JFO administrative office within the J. “I began working here in November of 2011,” Mark said, “Mary Sue Grossman called me, and asked if I wanted to apply for a job, and I applied. The rest is history.”
“As far as my position with the JFO is concerned, I have always been a “Program Assistant,” he said.
each of the eight kids living in the home, observing how the couple and assistant interacted and taught the kids – providing further guidance for changes when necessary, reviewed written progress reports the couples wrote for each child. I was on call 24/7 for general guidance and also to intervene in crisis intervention. The Community Director also oversaw the way in which the couples were managing their household budgets and general operations of the home.”
He then worked six years as a director of residential settlement of a refugee organization.
“I found that I used to always see the globe focused on the U.S.,” he said, “but now I know to turn the globe, and that there is a whole other world out there. I felt like I would do so little, and I also felt that they gave me far more credit than what was due.”
One of Mark’s passions is his photography.
“When I first began working here my desk was in the library. Many people assumed that I was a librarian of some kind. While I did work with our library assistant and she worked with me, it was as colleagues helping one another even though the focus of each of our jobs was significantly different. That said, my job was and is to assist with the educational and community programs that we put together. That means writing newspaper articles, providing text for the bi-weekly E-News, assisting with other marketing materials, assisting with the content for our web pages.”
Mark is married, and has two adult children.
“Being married is wonderful,” he said, “and being a father is wonderful. I am very proud of my children. I like my dog, too.”
Before working at the J, Mark worked 29 years at Boystown. He had four different professions: direct care of children, being a community director of 10 homes within the Youth Care Department, which required hiring of couples, and treatment. He also was a business manager, and worked in direct mail fundraising.
“There were 41 residential homes for children,” he said. “These homes were organized into four communities. Each community had a Community Director and administrative staff and the direct care providers. The homes were staffed with a married couple who lived in the home and an assistant who was scheduled according to the needs of the couple. As Community Director, I was responsible for hiring all of the staff members in my community. From there, I monitored their training through our staff training program and also presented various sections of the week-long training. When the couple was in their home, I served as their program mentor and supervisor. This entailed reviewing treatment plans for
“I love being able to interact with people, and challenge myself to coax people’s personalities into the photos,” he said. “I found my love of photography before, but in 2004 I began to do photography professionally. It’s a very addictive thing. I really like that at every event, I can do something different with my photos. The best picture that I have ever taken was the senior dancer’s picture, because I got to work with a watercolor artist, who made a watercolor of it. I enjoy being able to do a photoshoot with the dancers every year, it’s easy, and I enjoy it.”
Mark has taken headshots for many of the people who work here.
He has a few reasons as to why he feels at home with Judaism:
“I have started to get a sense of respect from working here, about Judaism, both the social, and intellectual aspects,” he said. “I feel that it fits with my beliefs. My understanding and connection to the beliefs have grown over time. Being able to be in the area and participate in learning experiences has made a big difference in my understanding.”
Mark has been a bit surprised (but mostly impressed) with everything he has learned about Judaism so far. “There are multiple opinions about multiple topics in the Jewish community, but everyone is always encouraged to continue learning from one another.”
He doesn’t have a favorite Rabbi, “but I am impressed by every one of them, and their qualities,” he said. “They always have what you’re looking for, and can relate at any given time.”
Mark was able to go to Israel as part of an artist-in-residency program in the Western Galilee. He interviewed and photographed four people.
“It was to help document the diversity of people living in the region,” he said. “It was eye-opening for me. I came to appreciate the people even more. I thought Israeli hospitality was amazing, and of course I thought that they had the best hummus.”
Meet the JCRC Board Members: Hailey
PAM MONSKY
JCRC Assistant Director
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) recently asked our board members to share a bit about themselves with the community. This is the first article in a series featuring our fabulous volunteer lay leaders!
Hailey Krueger joined the JCRC board this year. Here are her responses to our riveting questions: Are you Omaha born and raised? If not where are you from and how long have you been here?
I was born in Dallas but split my time between Denver and Lincoln growing up.
I moved to Omaha in 2021 for my current role. What is your day job?
I am a full-time Social Media Specialist at Project Harmony and do freelance videography and consulting on the side.
Do you attend a synagogue?
I am not yet a member at a synagogue, but sometimes attend Beth Israel.
What drew you to the JCRC board and work?
I am passionate about fighting antisemitism, especially since Oct. 7, witnessing its toll on the Jewish community and myself.
Learning about JCRC during Jewish Day of Action taught me how I could get involved in a way that’s meaningful to me. What do you believe are the top three most important issues and threats to the Jewish community?
1. Rising Antisemitism/Antizionism
2. Attracting more Jews to Omaha
3. Building Jewish resiliency
What kind of solutions do you think would help?
1. Educate others about Israel and its importance to the Jewish people.
Connect our history to present day for younger generations who were raised with a hateful outlook towards Israel.
Maintain a deep connection to Israel for all Jews.
2. Offer incentives to Jews looking for a new place to call home.
Market Omaha’s safety, community, opportunities, and all we have to offer.
As someone from a larger city like Denver, Omaha’s tightknit community and safety were huge reliefs to me.
3. Educate and practice Hope Science as a response to trauma.
We are already a resilient people, so imagine how much stronger Jewish Omaha could be with intentional systems rooted in hope.
What committee do you chair/sit on?
Antisemitism Committee
Do you volunteer or sit on any non-Jewish community nonprofit boards?
No, so far, I am only on Jewish boards.
When you’re not working or volunteering, what do you do for fun?
I love to hike, art journal, spend time with loved ones, and go to the movies whenever I can.
Dogs or cats?
DOGS!
Beatles or Stones?
Beatles
Anything else you’d like to share?
You can also catch me on the Jewish Press Board and cochairing this year’s NextGen events.
Hailey Krueger
Mark Kirchhoff
Save the date: JCRC Community Conversation
PAM MONSKY
JCRC Assistant Director
From the bottom of my heart, Todah Rabah
NATE SHAPIRO
Executive Director of Temple Israel of Omaha
The Jewish Community Relations Council is proud to announce that journalist and award-winning author Rebecca Clarren is coming to Omaha for two programs on Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, 2024. The Community Conversation portion of the program on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Staenberg Jewish Community Center will focus on a conversation surrounding her latest book, The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota and an American Inheritance
Rebecca Clarren Credit: Shelby Brakken
A blend of history, journalism and memoir, The Cost of Free Land investigates how 20th-century federal policies that gave her ancestors - Jews fleeing oppression in Russia - free land on the South Dakota prairie and a pathway to the middle class, came at great cost to their Lakota neighbors. The book not only retells this entangled history but grapples with what can be done to reconcile the past.
The following day, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. in the Wiesman Reception Room at the JCC, Rebecca will hold a Torah study and workshop focusing on the Jewish community in Omaha and the relationship with Native tribes.
Rebecca Clarren’s book, The Cost of Free Land is available from the Kripke-Veret Library and local book stores.
Both programs are open to the entire community as well as members of Native tribes.
Visit us at omahajewishpress.com
I am overcome with gratitude for our Omaha Jewish Community. This past week has been challenging, but it has also highlighted the incredible support and resilience within our community.
On Wednesday, Temple Israel lost power during the storm, which could have significantly disrupted our services and events. However, thanks to the dedication and quick thinking of our staff and community, we were able to pivot swiftly and rely on our community partners to ensure that our services and Torah study could continue seamlessly. Additionally, we were able to proceed with our Youth Learning Program Faculty Orientation without any interruption.
I want to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Bob Goldberg and the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) staff for their incredible generosity and support. They welcomed us with open arms, providing space on the Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus for our Kabbalat Shabbat Service, Torah Study, and Shabbat morning service. Their willingness to accommodate us at such short notice speaks volumes about their commitment to community solidarity and support. Not only did they provide us with space, but they also went above and be-
yond by having a receptionist stay late to assist us and ensuring a tech expert was on-site to meet our needs. This level of care and attention was instrumental in making our services run smoothly.
Todah Rabah B’Emet!
In addition to the JFO, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Beth El Synagogue. They had power and they graciously allowed us to use their facilities for our Youth Learning Program Faculty Orientation. Their hospitality
and support enabled us to continue our orientation as planned, ensuring that our teachers were well-prepared and equipped for the upcoming year. Thank you for your kindness and willingness to share your space with us.
The past few days have been a testament to the strength and compassion of our community. Despite the challenges posed by the storm and the subsequent power outage, I have witnessed countless
See Todah Rabah page 6
Julee Levine, Director of Education and Ilana Linthicum (Education Administrative Assistant) at Beth El Synagogue for Temple Israel’s Youth Learning Programs Faculty Orientation Day
UNO lecture on the First known Jewish persecution in Jerusalem
DR. JEANNETTE GABRIEL
Schwalb Center for Israel & Jewish Studies
Director at University of Nebraska Omaha
Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic, Adjunct Professor in Judaic Studies at Southern Connecticut University, will be presenting the opening lecture at an international conference hosted at UNO on Sept. 4. This exciting lecture, When Alexander the Great Did NOT Visit Jerusalem: the Revolt of the Jerusalem Street in 169-67 BCE will examine a series of events between the ancient Greek and Jewish people that are connected to the celebration of Hanukkah. There will be an opening reception at UNO at 6 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 7 p.m. followed by an opportunity to meet with Rabbi Scolnic and other international and national scholars attending the conference.
The reception and lecture are cosponsored by the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies and we invite all members of the community to attend. Please RSVP for the reception by contacting the Schwalb Center at unoschwalbcenter@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2788. Events will be held at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC) on the UNO campus and free parking is easily accessible in the CEC parking lot.
Rabbi Scolnic’s lecture will examine Alexander the Great’s relationship with the Jewish
people and the breakdown of this relationship that led to a genocidal massacre of the Jews of Judea in the streets of Jerusalem. After examining the gaps within the current historical narrative related to these events, Rabbi Scolnic will connect the Jerusalem massacre to the Maccabean victory that followed which is
today celebrated with the holiday of Hanukkah. In a period of rising antisemitism connected to Israel, this lecture provides significant context for the struggles that have taken place in the land of Jerusalem and the connections between the ancient Jews of Judea and the modern Jewish people of Israel.
Rabbi Scolnic studied at Columbia University and received his Ph.D. from Jewish Theological Seminary. In addition to teaching courses on Jewish Life and Civilization at Southern Connecticut University, Rabbi Scolnic has published eleven books and written many essays on the Bible with a focus on the Book of Daniel and the Maccabean period in Judea. The editor of the journal, Conservative Judaism, from 1993-2000, he had previously taught at Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and Jewish Theological Seminary. Rabbi Scolnic has also been the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom in Hamden, CT since 1983.
This lecture is part of the Repurcussions of Violence under Alexander and the Successors: 9th Annual Alexander the Great Symposium being hosted at UNO. The conference brings together a group of scholars of the ancient world and has been locally organized by Dr. Jeanne Reames, the Chair of Ancient See UNO lecture page 7
Todah Rabah
Continued from page 5 acts of kindness and selflessness. Neighbors have been helping neighbors, offering whatever support they can. I have been both a recipient and a provider of help, and it is heartening to see so many people coming together to assist one another in times of need. This spirit of collaboration and generosity has been a source of energy and inspiration for me, and I am sure it has been for many others as well.
The willingness to help, the generosity, and the positive spirit have been truly remarkable. It is through these actions that we strengthen the bonds within our community and demonstrate the values that we hold dear. I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring and resilient community. As we move forward, let’s continue to support one another and embody the spirit of kindness and cooperation that has been so evident over the past week. Keep up the good work, and let’s continue to look out for each other.
ORGANIZATIONS
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS
The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch our email for specific information concerning its thoughtprovoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com
Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic
After the storm
JFO Director of Facilities
Since the night of July 31, our maintenance and housekeeping departments have been hard at work to make the campus safe for our members and staff. I am extremely proud of the ownership they have displayed for the campus and our community. They left their own damage at home to be here and make the property safe and functional.
On Wednesday night, the storm came through, and the property sustained damage to trees, traffic signs, doors, and pools. We lost power at the pickle ball courts, the ELC, and the fitness center.
At 6:45 p.m., the maintenance team arrived and started assessing property damage.
911 was notified, due to a tree on fire from a downed power line. Immediate needs were addressed. Trees were removed from the roads so that 911 could respond to the RBJH as needed. Fire was put out on the tree; we were able to open in the morning.
On Thursday, there was full parking lot cleanup for small debris. All lots were made accessible to cars, including the pool parking area. Tree cleanup included addressing all hanging limbs. All life safety systems went back online, and RBJH courtyard was cleared of debris and limbs. By 4 p.m., all power was restored. All HVAC went back online and pool systems started back up. Another tree fire was put out by the fire department. By Friday, all services were back on for the campus. Pool opened regular time and members are welcomed back as normal. Tree cleanup continues in our park area, Livingston and south ring road. No disruption to our business.
Behind the scenes, the men and women of the housekeeping and maintenance department are handling al these items and working with our vendors. All the kids from camp have cool and safe areas to enjoy camp. Housekeeping spent 6-8 hours of extracting water from the carpet in our entry and cleaned up areas for members, so they can enjoy our amenities. Security secured the campus during the blackout and after, making sure all doors were locked and safe.
This team of professionals made it happen, and never complained or left, until the job was done. They are truly the backbone of our campus, and put so much love in taking care of our community. I am privileged to work with such a wonderful team and cannot thank them enough.
UNO lecture
Continued from page 6
Mediterranean Studies, who recently served as a historical consultant for the Netflix series, Alexander: The Making of a God. Dr. Reames will be presenting at the conference on a panel with scholars from the City of New York Graduate Center, Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, and the University of Manitoba Canada examining the representation of Alexander the Great in later sources.
The Schwalb Center is pleased to be part of this engaging academic conference and to provide an opportunity for the community to meet with visiting scholars and attend Rabbi Scolnic’s lecture.
For more information on the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies, contact us at unoschwalbcenter@ unomaha.edu or 402.554.2788.
ROSH HASHANAH GREETINGS ST CHANCE LAST CHANCE
This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Rosh Hashanah issue. Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren. Just fill out the form below and send or bring it to the Jewish Press office. But hurry; these ads will only be accepted through August 20, 2024.
Above right: Solomon Denenberg at camp OSRUI with Jerome Bleicher.
Top, above, right and below: Since the night of the storm our maintenance and housekeeping departments have been hard at work making the campus safe for our members and staff. We are extremely proud of the ownership they have displayed for the campus and our community.
Above: Carol and David Alloy standing by their name on our JFO Donor Wall.
Top, above, below and bottom: Omaha kids at Sabra!
Right: Sasha Denenberg with former Friedel teacher Moriya Uzi (wife of Rabbi Tal, who also taught at Friedel and was a rabbi at Beth Israel).
Voices
The Jewish Press
(Founded in 1920)
David Finkelstein
President
Annette van de Kamp-Wright
Editor
Richard Busse
Creative Director
Lori Kooper-Schwarz
Assistant Editor
Melanie Schwarz
Intern
Sam Kricsfeld
Digital support
Mary Bachteler
Accounting
Jewish Press Board
David Finkelstein, President; Margie Gutnik, Ex-Officio; Helen Epstein, Andrea Erlich, Ally Freeman, Dana Gonzales, Mary Sue Grossman, Hailey Krueger, Chuck Lucoff, Larry Ring, Melissa Schrago, Suzy Sheldon and Stewart Winograd.
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 JFO are: Institute for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Social Services, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Press Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www.jewishomaha.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 Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.
Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.
Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org
What is normal
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor
“For months,” Deborah Danan recently wrote, “Israelis across the country have faced similar decisions, as daily life goes on amidst a multi-front conflict that has regularly spilled over into population centers and left once-popular recreation spots deserted. Israelis have gotten used to a constant cognitive dissonance — surrounded by reminders of the war and all those who have been killed or taken hostage — while they go to work, send their children to school and, often, go out to eat or enjoy themselves despite the risks. Sometimes the contrast is striking. Hours after a drone shot from Yemen exploded blocks away from the Tel Aviv beach last month, killing a local worker, the shore was crowded with locals enjoying a weekend in the sun.”
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.
There are moments when I want all the antisemites to crawl back in their holes and stop shouting. I’m tired of the uneducated and hateful virtue signaling. Other times, I’m almost a little relieved
“The beach volleyball courts are full. Life goes on,” Jonathan Jaffe, a New York-based rabbi in the country for the third time since the outbreak of the war, wrote on Facebook after the Tel Aviv attack.
Life goes on. Babies are conceived, children grow up and people go to work, cook dinner, fall in love and get married. What we imagine war looks and feels like is not always the reality; many of the images and stories coming out of Israel are deceptively normal. The truth is anything but.
To be honest, life is not so normal over here, either. We’re all having conversations we never imagined having, we have fears and worries we thought belonged to the past. Then again, what does ‘normal’ really mean? What is it we see when we wish for things to go back to how they were before?
that people are showing their true faces. This way, I don’t have to wonder what they really think. Maybe ‘normal’ is overrated, and what we should aim for instead is clarity. Clarity about the people in our lives, but also about our own choices. Yes, we celebrate while we’re sad, yes we laugh at funerals. Yes, we are under attack, there are people who want us dead, but we will still eat cake for your birthday. The best response to antisemitism is to double down on our Jewishness; the best response to hate is more joy. Those Tel Aviveans hitting the beach right after the drone attack would, I think, agree.
Danan’s article continued:
“You can see this as either an uplifting story of resilience displayed by a community that refuses to bow to terror, or a less optimistic tale of a region that has become all too accustomed to mornings like this.”
He’s not wrong. But as is so often the case, when there is a choice, we don’t necessarily have to view it in black and white. We can choose both options. We can be resilient, and we can simultaneously be used to hardship. Is that anything new, really?
Here’s the thing.
Being resilient, doubling down, continuing to live our Jewish lives takes work. It’s probably true that, since October 7, we have to be a little bit more aware, deliberate, but also grateful that we have Judaism to begin with. We have to celebrate, remember, enjoy, fast and feast with intent. Never again can being Jewish be an afterthought. We have to care, and care deeply. So what if we never feel ‘normal.’ So what? Who needs normal? Instead, we’ll be loud, emotional, sad, hungry, and frantic. We’ll be tired and overworked and we’ll be kind. We’ll also be happy, and argumentative, and annoying. We’ll be in-your-face Jews, proud of who we are and where we come from. Proud, especially, of where we’re going. But never normal.
Don’t think of mourning as the opposite of joy
RABBI SHIRA KOCH EPSTEIN JTA
This article initially appeared in My Jewish Learning’s Shabbat newsletter Recharge on Aug. 3, 2024.
The Hebrew month of Av starts on Monday, and here I am, surrounded by delivery boxes, packing up our eldest for his first year of college. It feels monumental and mundane all at once. This big step is laced with excitement and anxiety, especially knowing how tough it can be to be Jewish on campus these days. This moment in the Jewish calendar feels like a perfect metaphor for everything we are experiencing.
Eighteen years ago, we faced a classic parental dilemma: the name game. We wanted a name beginning with A to honor my husband’s mother Andi who died when he was a teenager. It had to carry the weight of our hopes and dreams for this new little person and help us turn grief into joy. Two names stood out: Avi (“my father”) and Ami (“my people”).
We sat at our kitchen table, the weight of the world and the promise of new life hanging in the air. “Avi makes me think of the embrace of a parent we always want him to feel,” Jason said. I nodded, thinking of the strength and comfort we seek when we cry out to God as avinu, our parent, during the High Holidays.
“But what about Ami?” I asked. We loved the idea of our child being cradled not just by us, but by our entire people. We were grappling with two sources of Jewish comfort and strength — the divine and the communal — as we took our first steps in helping him navigate the joys and sorrows of life.
That decision feels especially poignant this year. The month of Av begins with deep mourning, particularly during the first nine days when we put joyous occasions on hold. The grief peaks on Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month, a day that gathers all our collective sorrows into one heavy moment. We remember the destruction of both ancient
Temples, the expulsion from Spain, and many other heartaches. The weight of our history presses down on us, demanding that we face our pain head-on.
Then, six days later, we dive into Tu B’Av, a matchmaking festival that the Talmud teaches is one of our most joyous days. In between, we mark Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Consolation. In the Haftarah we read that day, God calls us ami, “my people,” wrapping us in words of comfort and hope. This is why the month is also called Menachem Av (“comforting parent”).
Contemplating the name Avi brings me to a hospice bedside moment. As Betty and I prayed together for her comfort and renewed spirit, her smile lines deepened. “Rabbi, I am ready,” she said. Her fear evaporating, she said she felt like a small child held by a loving God. The grief of life ending wasn’t absent, but joy was in the room too.
nection with God and each other, we discover a communal joy that carries us through even the toughest times.
Navigating the end of childhood isn’t easy, especially for parents. But the lessons of Av are there for our kids and for us. We live in a world scarred by memories and ongoing experiences of destruction, yet it still bursts with moments of deep joy. That joy is richer because we share it as a people, together
“Joy is a deep release of the soul, and it includes death and pain,” writes Rabbi Alan Lew. He teaches that true joy comes from fully inhabiting our experiences, no matter how tough. The month of Av doesn’t deny grief or force celebration. It accompanies us through both.
Reflecting on our tragedies also enhances our gratitude for present blessings. Dr. Erica Brown suggests that “we don’t diminish our happiness when we spend a day or a few weeks meditating on the tragedies of history from which we emerged. We become more grateful, holding on tightly to our blessed lives because we can.” This thread weaves through Av.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks offers another layer of understanding. Joy, he says, is not merely the absence of sorrow, but the presence of a deeper connection that transcends our immediate circumstances. And in Jewish tradition, our joy is inherently collective. “The festivals as described in Deuteronomy are days of joy, precisely because they are occasions of collective celebration,” he writes. In our shared con-
seeking God. Opening ourselves to awe and wonder, we touch Divine compassion. We find strength in our shared history and the gritty, beautiful reality of our current lives.
As Av begins, we mourn the destruction happening in real time along with the sorrows of our past. But if we allow ourselves to sit with the pain, we can also feel the loving presence of Menachem Av. By coming together, we gain the strength of community. We join a dance, a song, an act of learning or helping, and tap into the enduring joy and hope of the Jewish people.
And as for our son Amichai, he has already met the Hillel rabbi and is ready to go.
Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein is executive director of Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation. 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.
Credit: Getty Images
Like many Israelis, Amit Mizrahi returned to his routine shortly after a terror attack in Tel Aviv. Credit: Deborah Danan
Synagogues
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766
712.322.4705 www.cblhs.org
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
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:
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
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206
402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:
TIFERETH ISRAEL
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. with our guest speaker. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!
For information about our historic synagogue, please visit our website at www.cblhs.org or contact any of our other board members: Renee Corcoran, Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Ann Moshman, MaryBeth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.
IN-PERSON AND ZOOM MINYAN SCHEDULE:
Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: Welcome Back Six String Shabbat with Pre-Neg 5:30 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Post-Oct. 7 Discussion Panel during Kiddush Lunch sponsored by The Dorothy Riekes Beth El Endowment Fund, Steve & Margo Riekes and Carl & Zoe Riekes; Havdalah 8:55 p.m. Zoom only.
SUNDAY: Morning Minyan, 9 a.m. Zoom Only; Back to BESTT, 1 p.m.; USY Goes to the Storm Chasers Game, 4 p.m.
MONDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting 7 p.m.
FRIDAY-Aug. 23: Nebraska AIDS Project Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Tot Shabbat with Pre-Neg, 5:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream.
SATURDAY-Aug. 24: Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Havdalah 8:45 p.m. Zoom only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.
BETH ISRAEL
FRIDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:03 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class 10:45 a.m.; Tehillim, 7 p.m. at the Zivs; Soulful Torah, 7:05
p.m. with Rabbi Geiger; Mincha, 7:50 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity 8:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:04
p.m.
SUNDAY: Shacharit 9 a.m.; Kinyan 9:40 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8 p.m.
MONDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m
TUESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Kinyan, 7:25 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m.
THURSDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Character Development, 9:30 a.m.; Kinyan, 7:25 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m.; Parsha Class, 8:20 p.m.
FRIDAY-Aug. 23: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candle-
lighting, 7:52 p.m.
SATURDAY-Aug. 24: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class 10:45 a.m.; Tehillim, 6:45 p.m. at the Zivs; Soulful Torah, 6:55 p.m. with Rabbi Geiger; Mincha, 7:40 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity 8:10 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:52 p.m.
Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person and via Zoom (ochabad.com/academy). 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, 5:45 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: Ochabad.com/ Lechayim; Candlelighting, 8:03 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:03 p.m.
SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps: Shacharit, 99:30 a.m., Video Presentation, 9:30 a.m. and Breakfast, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Pod, 9-11 a.m. at Chabad, text ‘Sunday Pod’ to 402.215.5240 to register.
MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m.; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Translating Words of Prayer, 7 p.m. with David Cohen.
TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Translating Words of Prayer, 11 a.m. with David Cohen; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 7 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen.
WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.
THURSDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Introduction to Alaphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 10 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 34), noon; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) Class, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY-Aug. 23: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 5:45 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: Ochaba d.com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 7:52 p.m.
SATURDAY-Aug. 24: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 8:52 p.m.
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL
Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options.
FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:04 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service with Rabbi Alex, 9:30-11 a.m. at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Va’etchanan; Potluck Dinner and Family
Game Night, 6 p.m. at SST. All ages are welcome. Please bring a dish to share; Havdalah, 9:05 p.m.
SUNDAY: LJCS Welcome Breakfast, 9:30 a.m. at TI; LJCS Parent Meeting, 10-11 a.m.; Men’s Bike/Coffee Group, 10:30 a.m. at The Mill on the Innovation Campus. For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com; Jewish Book Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m. on Zoom and will discuss Lilith by Nikki Mamery. For more information, please contact Deborah Swearingen at: devra60@gmail. com; Pickleball, 3-5 p.m. Anyone interested in playing or learning how to play can text Miriam at 402.470.2393. If there are enough interested people; we will play in the Social Hall at TI.
WEDNESDAY: LJCS Hebrew School (Grades 3-7), 4:30-6 p.m. at SST.
THURSDAY: High Holidays Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. If you are interested in singing with the choir please contact our Music Director, Steven Kaup by email at MusicDirector@southstreettemple.org
FRIDAY-Aug. 23: Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at SST; Federation Shabbat Dairy Potluck Dinner at the Auld Pavillion in Antelope Park. Please bring a side, salad or dessert to share that serve six to eight people. JF-L Board will provide entrees; Shabbat Candlelighting, 7:54 p.m.
SATURDAY-Aug. 24: Shabbat Morning Service with Rabbi Alex, 9:30-11 a.m. at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Eikev; Havdalah, 8:54 p.m.
FRIDAYS: 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.
In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin, and Cantor Joanna Alexander
FRIDAY: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. In-Person; Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m. In-Person; Classic Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.
SATURDAY: Torah Study 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Tish is Going to the Ball Park, 5 p.m. RSVP Required.
SUNDAY: YLP Opening Day: Grades PreK-7, 9 a.m. In-Person; Coffee and Conversation with Board Members, 10 a.m. In-Person; Kol Rina Rehearsal, noon InPerson.
TUESDAY: Adult Prayer Hebrew: Level Bet (Part 1), 6 p.m. In-Person.
WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.; Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m. In-Person; Hebrew High: Grades 8-12 6 p.m. In-Person.
FRIDAY-Aug. 23: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. InPerson; Bring Your Own Picnic, 5 p.m. In-Person; Shabbat Under the Stars, 6 p.m. at Gene Leahy Mall.
SATURDAY-Aug. 24: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom.
Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
Israel wins three medals — including a gold — in one historic day
JACOB GURVIS
JTA
Tom Reuveny won Israel’s first gold medal of the Paris Olympics Saturday in the men’s iQFoil windsurfing final, while Sharon Kantor nabbed silver in the women’s event and artistic gymnast Artem Dolgopyat won silver in the floor exercise.
The three medals bring Israel’s total count in Paris to six, surpassing Israel’s previous record of four at a single Olympics, which it achieved at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Saturday was also the first time Israel won three medals in a single day.
floor exercise in Tokyo. He is now the first Israeli athlete to medal at consecutive Olympics.
Reuveny’s gold — Israel’s fourth ever — comes 20 years after his coach, Gal Fridman, won Israel’s first-ever gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games in the men’s sailboard competition. Israel last won a sailing medal in 2008. Reuveny and Kantor each won their first-ever medals, while Dolgopyat had won gold in the men’s
Israel has now won 19 Olympic medals, five of which have come in sailing events. Judo is Israel’s most decorated sport, with nine.
Israel earlier won three medals in judo in Paris, two silvers and one bronze.
Reuveny mentioned that the country’s unprecedented success has come in wartime.
“My brother has been a combat soldier since the war began,” Reuveny, 24, told Reuters after his win.
“It was so hard to go training while everyone else was crying over lost people, dead people,” Reuveny added. “It’s been so hard and I still had to put my head down and keep training and it’s all for this moment.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Reuveny to congratulate him on his gold medal win, according to the Times of Israel, telling the windsurfer, “You made an entire nation happy, a nation that is at war and that is praying for the return of its hostages… you brought us a great light... you caused our national anthem to be played at this Olympics in Paris.”
Dolgopyat, who was born in what is now Dnipro, Ukraine, and moved to Israel when he was 12, said after his win that the feat brought him some muchneeded relief. He had come to Paris as a medal favorite but underperformed in the qualifying round.
“I had difficult months in training and in the qualifying round I didn’t do so well and didn’t know if I’d pass,” Dolgopyat said, according to the Times of Israel. “I fell into a sort of depression. The team helped me and picked me up... I came today feeling very good... Now I’m the happiest I could be.” Kantor, the first Israeli woman to win a sailing medal, celebrated her country’s overall success after her silver medal.
“Look how many medals we’ve won!” Kantor said. “First in judo and now here. It’s incredible.”
B’NAI ISRAEL
BETH EL
CHABAD HOUSE
Tom Reuveny celebrates after winning the gold medal in the men's windsurfing iQFoil final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Aug. 3, 2024, in Marseille, France. Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images
Life cycles
RICKS SCHNEIDERMAN
JANICE
Janice Ricks Schneiderman passed away on Aug. 4, 2024, in Omaha. A private burial was followed by a memorial service on Aug. 7 at Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Les Schneiderman, and her parents, Sally Stein Ricks and Morris Ricks.
She is survived by her adoring family: children, Robin (Ken) Baer, Debbie (Steve) Trenton, and Scott (Heidi) Schneiderman; grandchildren: Lauren Baer (Mike Doniloski), Adam Baer (Dani Sloane), Andrew Trenton, Emily Trenton, Brooke Schneiderman
(Noah Morris), Tyler Schneiderman, and Spencer Schneiderman; great-grandchildren: Leo Baer and Ryder Doniloski; brother, Marty (Iris) Ricks; and sister-in-law, Shirley Schneiderman Morris.
Jan will be most remembered as a community volunteer leader and a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially the relationships she had with each of her grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive, Omaha, NE 68144 or the National Council of Jewish Women, 2055 "L" St NW Washington, DC 20036.
Events of Oct. 7 give Legend of Destruction
new resonance
JACKIE HAJDENBERG
JTA
As the resident film impresario at Manhattan’s JCC, Isaac Zablocki specializes in screening movies that challenge, provoke and enlighten audiences.
When he first heard of the Israeli feature Legend of Destruction, before it had even hit theaters in 2021, he knew he needed to screen it.
even just western states which are falling apart from within. Many states, maybe even America.”
The movie employs an innovative medium, telling the story by switching between and panning across 1,500 still paintings composed on Photoshop. Drawing from biblical as well as contemporaneous sources such as the writings of RomanJewish historian Flavius Josephus, it portrays the rival Jewish groups whose infighting eased the Roman army’s way into
While many of the films Zablocki screens revolve around current events — including a steady diet of offerings on Israel’s myriad challenges — Legend was different: It retold one of the most well-worn ancient Jewish narratives, about the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 C.E.
To Zablocki, it could not have felt more urgent. That feeling has only intensified this year.
“It was relevant before Oct. 7. It’s even more relevant now,” said Zablocki, director of the JCC’s Israel Film Center.
“It’s really shocking how history repeats itself,” he added. “I mean everything we’re showing these days, it immediately gets — you put on the glasses of Oct. 7. Has Oct. 7 made the Jewish community more unified? Has it created, actually, more division? And I see both.”
The film — about the intra-Jewish rifts that preceded the temple’s destruction — was acclaimed in Israel precisely because it reflected the deepening social and political divides in 21st-century Jerusalem. It won four awards at Israel’s version of the Oscars and, in the middle of a rowdy session in Israel’s parliament, then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett exhorted lawmakers to go see the movie to understand that polarization “is not the way.”
The movie came to the U.S. in English last year with a fresh celebrity voiceover cast, and drew praise. But while social rifts are still festering, the movie has not found mass appeal stateside. It has “struggled,” according to The Art Newspaper, which reported that the movie has barely been screened. “What has scared off audiences outside Israel and the international film industry is the war in Gaza.”
And that is exactly why Jewish institutions are lining up to screen the movie in the days surrounding Tisha B’Av, the fast day that commemorates both temples’ destruction. While the world of arts and culture has seen a growing aversion to Israeli works since Oct. 7, Jewish creatives feel it could not be more relevant in the midst of a war that has exacerbated fissures both in Israeli society and among American Jews. Add onto that a climate of rising antisemitism and a bitter presidential campaign nearing its final stretch.
“It’s... a metaphor for the state of democracies in general, and divisions, and the deep meaning of divisions, and the great danger that we are experiencing, I think, in the western world in general, or the democratic world,” said director Gidi Dar, known for helming 2004’s popular film Ushpizin. “It’s not
Jerusalem ahead of the burning of the temple.
And it came with an impeccable pedigree — in addition to Dar, its lead artists had previously worked on Oscar nominee Waltz With Bashir, and the voiceover cast was full of Israeli Alisters. When it came to the U.S. last year, it was voiced in English by a star cast including Oscar Isaac, Elliot Gould and Evangeline Lilly, and drew comparisons to Gladiator and Ben-Hur
The stars also touted its resonance with contemporary conflicts.
“It’s tragic, it’s really brutal and sad, but it’s true,” Lilly said in a promotional video. “It’s a very important cautionary tale today.” Isaac called it “terrifyingly relevant.”
But Dar framed the focus on Jewish audiences as a choice, not a last resort. “After Oct. 7, things changed a lot, and I made a decision to start in a grassroots work in the Jewish world,” Dar told JTA.
“I feel the first thing is to go with my own people in the Jewish world, and later on, to grow, because I do think that this film is relevant also, you know, in [a] more general perspective which is not only Jewish,” Dar said. “I think that the film is also addressing issues which are today super relevant in the status quo of democracy.”
Later, he said, he’d like to explore screening the film in more contentious locations, such as college campuses that saw anti-Israel protests this year.
“What happens then?” he asked. “And [it] depends: to who do we screen it? I might even screen to the guys who are antiIsraeli. But to be honest, I can’t predict it. I hope something will happen. I hope they don’t ignore it.”
In the meantime, Zablocki hopes that those who view the film at the JCC, both Jewish and not, are able to internalize its warning.
“The Temple was destroyed for ‘sinat chinam,’ for needless hate,” Zablocki said, citing an interpretation of the events of the period found in the Talmud. “And that hate that exists in the internal division, different groups in a world when we’re living now, in a world that is so polarized and there’s so much division to the Jewish community, within the American community, within the Israeli community, we know what that means, and it can only end in disaster. And that message, to bring that out through a dramatic tale is just something that is so necessary right now.”
NEBRASKA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENT
ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $225/25 word classified you can advertise in over 150 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press or call 1-800-369-2850.
HELLO NEBRASKA! Introducing www.nepublicnotices.com, a new public notice website presented as a public service by all Nebraska newspapers. Free access, fully searchable – because democracy depends upon open government and your right to know.
AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 155 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.
FOR SALE - SERVICES
GOT TERMITES. We’ve killed them for over 42 years! Free over the phone quote. BEAR SERVICE. Call Kiley at 800-241-7179 EMAIL: bearmeyer1@gmail.com.
FOR SALE - INSURANCE
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insuranceNOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-490-4149 www.dental50plus.com/81 #6258.
FOR SALE - SENIORS
PORTABLE OXYGEN Concentrator? May be covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-385-3580.
FOR SALE - UTILITIES
PREPARE FOR power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-402-899-2584 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
HOME SERVICES
DOES YOUR basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-844-958-3431.
ELIMINATE GUTTER cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-671-2859.
THE BATHROOM of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-855-451-2244.
WANTED
GET YOUR deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-877-730-8167 today!
A scene from Legend of Destruction, left, was inspired by a 19th century painting by the Dutch artist, Sir Lawrence AlmaTadema, titled The Roses of Heliogabalus, right Credit: David Polonsky & Michael Faust/Legend of Destruction. Wikimedia. Design by Jackie Hajdenberg
