JCRC and JFO DEIA Committee Join United We Walk

Corey Oldenhuis

Tri-Faith Initiative Communications Manager

Following a successful inaugural year with more than 2,200 participants (shattering an aspirational goal of 1,000), Tri-Faith Initiative is thrilled to host the second annual United We Walk fundraiser — a 1-mile loop around the Tri-Faith Commons cious experiment that is the Tri-Faith Commons, as they encounter Tri-Faith Initiative’s growing impact throughout Omaha, they will feel empowered to start building those kinds of uncommon yet necessary relationships in their own work and personal lives.”

In addition to the 1-mile loop, attendees can expect open near 132nd and Pacific streets— on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Donations made at time of registration and on the day of the event will directly benefit TriFaith’s mission to cultivate inclusive environments that advance interfaith relationships and understanding.

“This is a walk to signal Omaha’s commitment to inclusion,” said Tri-Faith Initiative Vice President of Operations and Development Erik Servellon. “We were so grateful to have as many walkers as we did for last year’s effort, and I’m so excited that we’re expecting at least that many for this year’s event!”

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) is a Harmony Sponsor and the DEIA Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is a sponsor of this year’s Walk. “We are inviting the Jewish community to join us at Tri-Faith Commons for this unique and meaningful event,” said Sharon Brodkey, JCRC Executive Director. “United We Walk so naturally aligns with JCRC’s mission of working together in common cause with other organizations. Building community doesn’t happen in a vacuum and the Jewish community is not an island. United We Walk gives us an opportunity to meet, learn, and celebrate the richness and strength in our diverse city” she added.

As a major late summer event in Omaha, United We Walk brings people, businesses, and nonprofit partners together on the city’s globally unique Tri-Faith Commons to build trust and understanding in an enriching way.

As a commemoration of the tragic events of 9/11, the gathering of so many different groups and viewpoints aims to send a clear message: Hatred and violence have no place in the community; Americans are always stronger together. Attendees are encouraged to form a team and bring banners, signs, t-shirts, etc. that help them proudly express the joy of their affiliations, identities, and communities.

“It’s about affirming that differences of background and belief should never keep us from realizing true community,” said Tri-Faith Initiative Executive Director Wendy Goldberg. “We believe that as the public continues to engage with the auda- houses at Temple Israel, Countryside Community Church, American Muslim Institute, and the Tri-Faith Center. Several food trucks with halal and kosher options available; a rich array of artistic performances including River City Mixed Chorus, Omaha Street Percussion, The Omaha Symphony, the Karen Dance Group, and Flamenco Omaha Dance; an immersive youth art project on the bridge and a robust community fair boasting a wide spectrum of local organizations united by a commitment to a more inclusive Omaha.

This year, walkers have the option to register for free or pay $25 with their registration to receive a United We Walk t-shirt on the day of the event. Registration information can be found at trifaith.org/uww-2023

In honor of their multifaceted work advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in Nebraska, these five local leaders were selected as the 2023 Grand Marshals to initiate the walk: Preeta Bansal, Global Chair, United Religions Initiative and Chair, Civic Nebraska; Father Steven Boes, President, Boys Town; A.T. Miller, Ph.D., Chief Diversity Officer, University of Nebraska Omaha; Rev. Ernesto Medina, Tri-Faith Co-Founder; and Dell Nared, Senior Director of DEI & CODE, Greater Omaha Chamber. A special panel discussion with the Grand Marshals will be held at the Tri-Faith Center the week prior to the work; details to come.

United We Walk 2023 Unity Sponsors include Sherwood Foundation and the Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund; Harmony Sponsors include Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Google Data Centers, and Omaha Steaks; Peace Sponsors include Omaha Community Foundation, Omaha Public Power District, Midwest DCM, Security National Bank, Heritage Communities, the Holland Foundation, CQuence Health Group, and Boys Town.

Chabad hosts Sklar Brothers

Chabad of Nebraska will host a night of comedy, laughter, and goodwill with The Sklar Brothers, Randy and Jason Sklar on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118.

Randy and Jason Sklar are two hip, intellectual, Jewish identical twin brothers from the suburbs of St. Louis, who are now living in the Los Angeles area. Their dynamic comedy incorporates their twin relationship and ability to finish each other’s sentences while also competitively talking over each other. They alternate their comedy stories about popular culture while still maintaining their midwestern, Big Ten, Jewish roots.

Randy and Jason Sklar were involved with BBYO with Jewish kids from Omaha, Kansas City, and St. Louis. The Sklar Brothers attended University of Michigan. They were members of the Jewish Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi. They have two Comedy Central Half Hour Present specials, and hosted

Battlebots on Comedy Central. They appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm Grey’s Anatomy Entourage, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Better Call Saul Chelsea Lately, Jim Rome, Cheap Seats, Dumb People Town, and host a podcast called Sklarbro Country

The Sklar Brothers have numerous comedy albums, including Hipster Ghost (2018) Sklars and Stripes: The Tour Tapes (2018), Hendersons and Daughters (2011), Sklar Maps (2007), and Poppin’ the Hood (2004), which can all be downloaded on iTunes.

Tickets are $36 and can be purchased in tables of four for $144.

Tickets are sold only prior to the show directly from Chabad of Nebraska, 1866 South 120th Street, Omaha, NE 68144, 402.330.1800 or on its website at //chabad.com/ comedy

Any questions regarding this event, please contact Asher Stoller at 402.201.3583 or flasheresq@aol.com

To learn more about The Sklar Brothers, please check out their website at https://www.supersklars.com