A N AG E N C Y O F T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A
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SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
AUG UST 2 0, 2 02 1 | 1 2 E LUL 578 1 | VO L. 1 01 | NO. 43 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 7:57 P.M.
Introducing the Campaign Cabinet B’nai Israel’s purpose and mission Page 2
cannot thrive as an organization, or as a community: most ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT often those who go that extra mile do so for multiple causes. Jewish Press Editor Our Annual Campaign is divided into various levels. Each he Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign cannot be undertaken without a of these categories has their own chairs. For instance: ‘Peerto-Peer giving’ is chaired by Matthew tremendous effort by Taub. Justin Spooner and Lissy Kane our lay leaders. In adhave agreed to lead the Ben Gurion dition to our Chairs, Society, for donors 45 and younger. Iris and Marty Ricks and Jessica and The Major Donor Campaign is Shane Cohn, we have an impressive chaired by David Gilinsky and John number of people who were willing Glazer. Jamie and Troy Meyerson are to step up to the plate this year and heading up the Builders Campaign, join our Campaign Cabinet. while Jeff Zachariah and Don Gerber What is a ‘Campaign Cabinet?’ are in charge of the category of Its members are the volunteers ‘Sabra.’ The ‘Together Campaign’ is who will solicit prospective donors chaired by Lisa and Chuck Lucoff. for the campaign. They provide lead“We made the decision to move ership, increased awareness and pasback to Omaha to be a part of this sion. A Cabinet is separate from the community and raise our children board of directors and concentrates here,” Lisa and Chuck said. “It ensolely on raising money for the camriches our lives to make an impact paign. They are people who are willand we hope we are setting an examing to go the extra mile, make phone ple for our children to teach them calls, support our staff, attend meetThis year’s speaker Rachel Shukert the importance of service to our Jewings in person or via Zoom, show up, roll up their sleeves and do the hard work of both planning ish Community.” the Annual Campaign and executing it. Without them, we See the Campaign Cabinet page 2
T Shalom Baby welcomes Omaha’s “newest” members Page 5
New additions to the Kripke Library’s collection Page 12
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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ADL-CRC’s 70th anniversary JILL BELMONT Since 1950, the Anti-Defamation League has been an essential presence in Omaha. For over seven decades, the organization has steadfastly battled anti-Semitism and bigotry and has served as an educational resource to enlighten hearts and minds. Last year marked the ADL’s 70th anniversary, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the celebration had to be put on hold. Luckily, the wait is over. On Sunday, Sept.19, the community is invited to “ADL-CRC: Strong at 70,” a casual cocktail party marking the organization’s storied history and vital future. The 4 to 6 p.m. event
Robin and Bennett Greenspan’s gift
will take place in the front plaza of the Jewish Community Center, and will feature appetizers, drinks, live
music, and special presentations. The afternoon’s keynote speaker will be Oren Segal, director of ADL’s Center on Extremism, who will share his remarks via livestream. Under Segal’s leadership, the center has become the foremost authority on terrorism and hate, both foreign and domestic. The party will also be highlighted by a presentation of the newly established “Spirit of Justice Award,” which will be given to longtime ADL-CRC board members Carol Bloch and David Gilinsky. For years, Bloch and Gilinsky have been dedicated volunteers, as well as See ADL-CRC’s anniversary page 3
Robin and Bennett Greenspan
LINDA POLLARD JFO Foundation Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer “You know, you can take the boy out of Omaha but you really can’t take Omaha out of the boy,” Bennett Greenspan said. The son of Bud and Rosalie Greenspan, Bennett was born and raised in Omaha, and now lives with his family in Houston. Al-
though Bennett hasn’t lived in Omaha for over 40 years, he still has a strong connection to his hometown. It is such a strong connection that Bennett, like many former Omahans, wanted to help in the renovation of the JCC. Bennett and his wife, Robin, recently created the Robin and Bennett Greenspan Hall See Greenspan’s gift page 3