Dance friends last forever

Continued from page 1 a process of dynamic experimenting that is ongoing. For this reason, I started researching and learning, listening and educating myself. Then, I initiated and discovered. I grew and developed from every meeting and interaction, activity and event.

I had the privilege of working with a community and population so diverse in its ages, beliefs, customs, and lifestyles. I enjoyed the close work with organizations such as Hillel, Friedel, JCC Summer camp, RBJH, the synagogues in town, the Israeli scout movement, other non-profit organizations, local schools & local businesses and much more. I continued with managing a long-standing tradition of programs developed and managed by previous shlichim, as well as initiate new programs and activities to the community. I had the joy of celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel with the community, being a guest lecturer at various communities across the US, and so much more.

I lived and merged with the community and the city in a way that still amazes me. Thanks to a good friend who mention it to me, I understood the magnitude of the impact. Naturally, along with all the good, there were also challenges from which I learned to grow as well.

The community in Omaha is made up of elements that give it its unique character and, of course, the nice, welcoming and warm people.

I had fun – moreover, it was entertaining to lead activities and events (by the way, thank you for that too, they were always sold out) and especially getting to know each and every one of you was a joy.

Continued from page 1

When I was given the opportunity to travel to Israel for a dance intensive this summer, the thing I looked forward to the most was experiencing it with six of my best friends. Throughout our two weeks at Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company Summer Intensive, we learned, experienced, and grew together in ways I didn’t know were possible. We spent hours taking class from some of the best teachers in the world, refining our technique and improving our movement quality. And after long days of dancing, when our bodies were sore and our minds were foggy, we sat down together and recounted the best parts of our days. I spent two weeks traveling the most beautiful country in the world, but my favorite memories from Israel consist of sitting with my friends in our dorm, sharing a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and trying hard not to wake up our neighbors by laughing too loud.

I didn’t think I could love these six girls any more, but the time we spent together proved me wrong. We are beyond grateful to the Albert and Eleanor Feldman Family Israel Foundation, the Staenberg Family Foundation and the Kiewit Companies Foundation, The Foundation Grants Committee, and the Special Donor-Advised Fund for their generosity and kindness. Thanks to you, I left Omaha with six friends and returned with six sisters.

And again, thank you for the opportunity to influence and connect.

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 for our email for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com