thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
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2018 Annual Campaign AU G U ST 1 8 , 2 0 1 7 | 2 6 AV 5 7 7 7 | V O L. 9 7 | NO . 4 3 | C A nD LeLi G h ti nG | FRID AY , AU G U ST 1 8 , 8 : 0 0 P. M.
Celebrating the power Men’s Campaign hosts Sgt. Benjamin Anthony of women’s giving
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When 98% is not enough page 2
Finland’s Jews: The rest of the story page 5
The Forward’s Jewish college guide: What does it take to be the ‘best?’ page 12
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SponSoreD By the BenjAMin AnD AnnA e. WieSMAn FAMiLy enDoWMent FunD
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Annette vAn De kAMp Editor, Jewish Press he Women’s Major Donor and Jewel Event, Chaired by Judy and Betsy Baker, is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Happy Hollow Country Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will celebrate the power of women’s giving and will feature speaker Dr. Sima Goel, author of Fleeing the Hijab, a true account of her story as a Jewish Iranian teenager who crossed the most dangerous desert in the world rather than accept the restrictions of life in Dr. Sima Goel Iran of the early 1980s. Dr. Goel’s quest for freedom is a thrilling, timely inspiration for people longing to create a life of meaning. She is now a successful chiropractor in Canada, as well as a speaker on optimum health, fulfilling her dream of freedom and determination to help others. Women’s Major Donor Chair Sharon Kirshenbaum wants to focus on the power inherent in women’s philanthropy: “In a large percentage of households,” she says, “the See the power of women’s giving page 3
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Annette vAn De kAMp Editor, Jewish Press he Men’s Major Donor Campaign event, chaired by David Gilinsky and David Kohll, is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Beacon Hills in Aksarben Village. We will welcome speaker Sgt. Benjamin Anthony, who is the founder of the organization Our Soldiers Speak. This not-for-profit NGO provides briefings and analysis on the realities and challenges faced by the Israeli Defense Forces. Sgt. Anthony’s Sgt. Benjamin Anthony topic will be: From the Front Line of Combat to the Campus Battles of North America. “This visit by Sgt. Benjamin Anthony will have a double purpose,” event co-Chair David Kohll says. “We can show our support for the State of Israel while at the same time draw attention to the Annual Campaign and support our local community.” Kohll says it’s an honor to be involved with the JFO Annual Campaign and make a difference in the lives of See Men’s Campaign page 2
Introducing the Pearl Society
Annette vAn De kAMp Editor, Jewish Press There are many reasons to give to the Annual Jewish Federation of Omaha Campaign. Feeling part of something, helping build and sustain our community, leaving something worthwhile for the next generation and setting a good example for our children are all excellent ways to motivate our participation. “I give to the campaign because I want the Jewish community in Omaha to stay strong and thrive for generations to come,” Melissa Shapiro says.
says. “It allows us to be part of the work Federation does. Pearl Society is a great way to recognize women making a generous gift of $365 or more to the Annual Campaign. The Pearl Society comes with an option to purchase a silver Hamsa necklace with a pearl inset for $39, as well as pearl charms of different colors indicating the several levels of giving up to $1,000.” Melissa hopes other women consider becoming a member. Melissa Shapiro and Lisa Lucoff “It will show their Lisa Lucoff has similar thoughts: commitment to the Federation and “It’s important to give back to the all of its agencies. I don’t think community in which we have choeveryone realizes how many people sen to live and raise our children.” benefit from the Annual Campaign. New for the 2018 Annual CamFrom scholarships or grants for paign is the ‘Pearl Society,’ which camps and education and the proMelissa and Lisa are co-chairing. gramming provided at the JCC, to “It’s one of the ways we welcome the state of-the-art fitness facilities women from our community,” Lisa to the theater programs: the gifts
the Federation provides are endless. My three kids alone have taken dance classes, participated on sports teams, been in theater productions, danced at outdoor concerts, swam in the pools, played with their friends at camps... all because of generous donors to the Federation. I want them to know their parents are a part of that and it’s important for us to give back.” Growing up in this community as a child, Lisa says, “I remember my parents constantly talking about Super Sunday though I wasn’t clear what it was. Back in 2005, when I became a semi-adult, I had the opportunity of going on a JFO Mission to Israel and was asked on that trip to make a gift. The trip was one of my top memorable experiences and being with the Omaha Community made it even better. I didn’t hesitate to make a gift. Even though I didn’t live in Omaha at the time, I felt strongly this is where my dollars should be. When my husband and I decided to move back to Omaha, See pearl Society page 2