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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
7 8 10 11
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
2 | The Jewish Press | August 20, 2021
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B’nai Israel’s purpose and mission
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The Campaign Cabinet
community Thursday, Sept. 30. We will be welcoming Continued from page 1 Cindy Goldberg and Nancy Schlessinger are chairs of the Rachel Shukert as our main attraction and you don’t want to Lions of Judah. The Pomegranates have Jan Goldstein and miss catching up with her! Unlike other years, this will not be a sit-down event, but a chance Stacy Atlas; Ellie Novak, Debto mingle and schmooze. bie Friedman and Ally FreeThere will be kosher food and man are heading up the Pearl you will have the chance to Society. As was the case in the enjoy our spacious new lobby. past, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Hanukkah ExtravaRECONNECTING Please save the date and plan ganza will include an opportuOUR COMMUNITY on joining all these fabulous DAYS OF nity for the smallest IMPACT 2022 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN volunteers in celebrating our community. community members to get inPlease also save the date for volved. Both the event and the the Women’s Philanthropy Kids Campaign are chaired by Event, which is scheduled for Matthew and Kalli Taub. Thursday, Sept. 2 from 6:30 Of course, an Annual Campaign isn’t truly complete without a large community event. to 9 p.m. Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more details We’ve enjoyed many such events (remember Josh Malina? about Super Monday (previously Super Sunday) as well as the Dave and Buster’s? The Campaign Cabaret?) and as a com- Sept. 30 Community Event. There are many exciting oppormunity we will not soon take them for granted. Last year, it tunities to reconnect! For more information about the JFO Annual Campaign was impossible; this year, people are hard at work to create an opportunity for all of us to come together. Under the leader- and/or to get involved, please contact Jennifer Tompkins, Exship of Jaime and Brian Nogg and Kari and Brandon Tauber, ecutive Director, Community Philanthropy & Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Omaha will open its doors to the jtompkins@jewishomaha.org.
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Chabad: Call for volunteers
GABBY BLAIR Staff writer, Jewish Press Can you believe it!? The High Holidays are just around the corner! Over the past several years, the outreach and loving kindness work of Chabad in our community has increased exponentially. Opportunities abound for community members to engage in these important, satisfying mitzvah experiences. Especially in the wake of the coming New Year - there is MUCH to be done. Come be part of the family; Together we can make it all happen! The Kitchen: Clean, organize, restock cookware and utensils as well as food and provisions. This big job is perfect for a few folks who love to organize. Plan on about a week depending on the number of volunteers and time available. Baking: Learn how to make Shani’s famous honey cakes and challah. Help make these tasty - and much anticipatedbaked goods for the community! All volunteers are welcome
to take a challah and cake home for the holidays! Event Planning: Help us help the community! We need volunteers to help plan services, celebrations and events for the High Holidays -and beyond- and to promote happenings through making calls and sending emails! Administrative Help: Not into baking, cleaning, or planning big events, but still want to help? No problem! We need help updating mailing and email lists, and preparing mailingsincluding Chabad’s complimentary annual Jewish Art calendar. The past 18 months of this Pandemic have been challenging for so many and we’re happy to welcome the community back to the Chabad House. Having volunteers to assist with the many activities, events and projects would be amazing! We have volunteer opportunities of all types and sizes; please consider helping us to do one more mitzvah! Want to sign up for one of the aforementioned volunteer opportunities? Great! Simply drop a message to Chabad’s new administrative assistant, Alissa Neu, at alissa@ochabad. com or call 402.330.1800, today!
MARY-BETH MUSKIN The little synagogue off Broadway in Council Bluffs is expanding its purpose and mission. B’nai Israel has maintained a Jewish presence in Southwest Iowa and seeks to preserve the heritage and traditions of our Jewish history in the Council Bluffs/Omaha metropolitan area. The synagogue boasts of being one of the oldest active synagogues in the region and is listed on the National Register of Historic places. B’nai Israel continues to hold monthly Shabbat services and is adding exciting exhibits that portray the essence of Jewish communal life. New installations span through the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries with interactive components and are continuously taking shape forming a Living History Synagogue and Museum. Currently called B’nai Israel, the synagogue has had two names since moving to the Mynster Street site. The original name was Chevra B’nai Yisroel and the synagogue from its inception was the center of the Jewish community as a house of worship that provided so much more. Many of our ancestors celebrated their life cycle events and holidays, held volunteer activities and supported the causes of the day at the synagogue The B’nai Israel Board teamed up with Renee Corcoron, outgoing director of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and Sandi Yoder, director of the Iowa Jewish Historical Society to assist us with envisioning the direction of the synagogue. The result has been exciting and continues to evolve. “We look back with a deep sense of gratitude for what our fathers did before us. Now we must look forward to what we shall do for ourselves and our children in the name of Judaism.” Rabbi David Korb -B’nai Israel, 1953. The congregation is striving to preserve the region’s oldest active synagogue for future generations by making it relevant today. We welcome the community to come and share in our combined history. For more information or to schedule a visit, please “like” B’nai Israel Council Bluffs on Facebook, message us through Messenger, call us at, 712.322.4705 or join us at our monthly service.
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Greenspan’s gift Continued from page 1 of History Featured Exhibit Endowment Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Bennett and Robin also contributed to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s renovation project, donating funds used in the design and construction of the Milton and Marsha Kleinberg Hall of History. The Endowment fund was established to pay for all or a portion of the costs to procure, erect, display, maintain, publicize, deconstruct and store at least one featured exhibit each year in the Kleinberg Hall of History at the JCC. The featured exhibits will focus on the history and future of the Jewish people, matters of historical interest to the Omaha Jewish community, Jewish communities throughout the world and in Israel. Exhibits will be curated by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, the Institute for Holocaust Education, the Anti-Defamation League, and metro area synagogues, along with other local, regional and national Jewish organizations. Renee Corcoran, retired Executive Director of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society said, “We are very grateful for the support of Bennett and Robin Greenspan. Their generosity gives us the opportunity to share the rich history of our Jewish community with exhibits in the Hall of History. Bennett and Robin know the importance of telling the stories of our past to make a better future for generations to come.” In explaining why Robin and he chose to fund exhibits in the Kleinberg Hall of History, Bennett said his college minor was history and his love of Jewish history goes back to his childhood days. As a young boy, Bennett was continually interested in family history, and he learned as much as possible about his family from his relatives during family gatherings. Bennett completed his first family tree just before his Bar Mitzvah in 1965. While at Westside High School, Bennett was involved with the debate team. Outside of school, he was an active member of Omaha’s Chaim Weizmann AZA Chapter, serving as Aleph Moreh and S’gan and Gadol of the chapter. In 1969, while he was in AZA, Bennett came up with the idea to make colorful Civil Awareness seals. These seals were marketed locally and in a national Jewish publication and raised funds for his chapter and for human rights awareness. After graduation from Westside in 1970, Bennett attended the University of Texas where he majored in political science and minored in history. Bennett returned to Omaha after graduating from college and worked in a family business. After a few years in Omaha, Bennett was ready to move south to Houston. Bennett said, “After about five years in Omaha, I felt the need to live in a city with a much larger Jewish population, so I moved south.” Offering further explanation, Bennett added, “Did I mention the snow?” In Houston, Bennett’s first business venture was in the photographic supply industry. Industrial Photographic Supply (IPS) supplied industrial-sized film and equipment to advertising agencies, art studios, newspapers and printing companies. Bennett sold this business after 16 years to Bell Industries in 1996. Bennett then co-founded GoCollege.com. Long after it was sold, GoCollege.com continues as a leading online website designed to help guide students and parents through the process of admissions, finding financial aid, and enjoying college life responsibly. It was one of the first online search engines for locating scholarships and grants. During 1999 Bennett was again researching his family history through genealogy. In researching his mother’s genealogy, he ran into another paper trail roadblock. Bennett remembered reading about the use of DNA to prove the lineage of the Cohanim. He read that Dr. Michael Hammer at the University of Arizona was managing the research. Their ultimate conversations led Bennett to found a new company, Family Tree DNA, which became the first American company to offer DNA testing directly to the consumer, initially testing at Dr. Hammers’ lab. Eventually this led Bennett and his partner to agree that having
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their own testing laboratory in Houston would be a wise idea. In 2018 the company was contacted by the FBI to work with law enforcement on particularly heinous crimes—rape cases and unsolved murder cases. FBI agents then reverse engineered the genetic family tree and were able to identify a serial killer who had been avoiding capture for over 40 years – the Golden State Killer. Since then law enforcement have been able to solve a few hundred particularly heinous crimes. Around ten years after his father, Bud, passed away, Bennett and Robin moved his mother, Rosalie Greenspan, from Omaha to Houston so that they could be closer. With his mother in Houston, Bennett has not had occasion to visit Omaha. However, when he does and stops by the JCC, it might be difficult for Bennett to recognize the JCC that he remembers from years ago to the new modern, beautiful facility that exists today, but it is certain that he will be happy with the updated facility. Definitely, a visit to the Hall of History will be in store. It would be an understatement to say that Bennett Greenspan is a very successful entrepreneur. Bennett’s love of genealogy and history guided his ventures. He has done what he loves, what he is interested in and what he has an innate talent for, and has become successful along the way. Bennett’s love of history ended up guiding his career path, not only helping him with his family history, but helping many others track their family histories as well. Bennett said, “Omaha is my birthplace. It has and will always have a special place in my heart and memory.” It can be said with certainty, that the Omaha Jewish community will always have a special place in its collective heart for Bennett as well. Bennett and Robin have two grown children, a son who also lives in Houston, and a daughter living in Austin. Both son and daughter are engaged. If you are interested in funding a specific area of the campus with an endowment or supporting a special cause, contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 402.334.6466, or hepstein@jewish omaha.org.
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ADL-CRC’s anniversary
Clinical Social Worker
Continued from page 1 fierce advocates for justice and equality, cornerstones of the Anti-Defamation League’s mission. “I’m thrilled that our community will be able to come together to celebrate this milestone anniversary and pay tribute to Carol and David,” said Gary Nachman, executive director of the ADL-CRC, Plains States Region. “The ADLCRC is an integral resource in the metro area, and we’re proud to be the go-to for individuals, law enforcement, schools and businesses experiencing any type of bigotry or hate.” Saying he hopes for a good turnout on Sept. 19, Nachman stressed the importance of public support during this volatile time for Jews and other minorities. “With hate crimes and extremism on the rise, we’re needed now more than ever, and community support is essential for us to continue our work,” he said. Tickets for the event are $70 apiece, and may be purchased by sending a check to the ADL-CRC, 333 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154, or by visiting omaha.adl.org. For more information, or to become an event sponsor, contact Pam Monsky at 402.334.6572, or pmonsky@adl.org. The 70th anniversary event has been made possible thanks to the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, the Staenberg Family Foundation Anything Grant, the Norman and Frances Batt Family Foundation, Rich and Fran Juro, Carol and Steve Bloch, Bergman’s Incentives and Aaron Weiner.
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Rosh Hashanah at Beth Israel Synagogue
beginning at 6 p.m. that evening. MARY SUE GROSSMAN Plan to welcome the new year of 5782 at Beth Israel during On Erev Rosh Hashanah, Monday, Sept. 6, candle lighting Rosh Hashanah services beginning Monday evening, Sept. and Mincha are at 7:31 p.m. The first day of Rosh Hashanah, 6 and continuing through Wednesday, Sept. 8. As of the Tuesday, Sept. 7, Shacharit begins at 9 a.m. Shiran Dreyer submission of this article, will lead davening for children plans are to have inside servat 10:45 a.m. The shofar will ices. Masks will be required for sound at 11 a.m. Tashlich will all attendees five years of age be observed at 1:30 p.m., with and older. Any updates will be participants walking together shared via email, on the Beth from the synagogue. Rabbi Israel Facebook page, and on Yoni will lead a teen activity the synagogue website. and learning at 6:40 p.m. The “5781 has perhaps been the shofar will sound at 7:15 p.m. most challenging year everywith Mincha beginning at 7:30 one has experienced,” shares p.m. Candle lighting is no Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. “Last year earlier than 8:28 p.m. I said that having faith means On the second day, Wednesfinding the silver lining in every day, Sept. 8, Shacharit begins dark cloud. I am sure that most at 9 a.m. Davening for chilpeople can identify more than dren will be held at 10:45 a.m. one silver lining in their lives in with the shofar at 11 a.m. Anthe past 18 months. As we preother teen activity and learnpare ourselves for the new year, ing session will take place at it is important to remember 6:50 p.m. The shofar will those positives. This will prosound at 7:15 p.m. followed vide a meaningful start to by Mincha at 7:30 p.m. and 5782.” Havdalah at 8:28 p.m. In days leading to chagim, As a reminder, masks are rethere are a host of “prep” quired for all attendees five classes offered from Beth Isyears of age or older. Those rael. “We have provided and who have had surgery within continue to provide a number the past three months, have a of pre-Rosh Hashanah learning compromised immune sysopportunities,” reported Rabbi tem, or have been potentially Yoni. “Earlier this month, we exposed to the Covid-19 virus, hosted a Rosh Chodesh Elul Top: Day one of Hebrew Camp was a hit at Beth Israel; bottom: are asked to follow the current dinner and learning session. What’s better than donuts plus davening? Beth Israel’s Sun- recommendations of health ofOur youth enjoyed Hebrew day morning Davening and Donuts for youth in 1st-12th con- ficials and refrain from attendCamp the week of Aug. 9. Sun- tinues through Sept. 5. ing services. Kiddush will day morning “Donuts and Davening” sessions for students in feature prepackaged items and be served in the sukkah. Please 1st-12th grades continue through Sept. 5.” He added that he contact the synagogue office at 402.556.6288 or bethisrael@ is leading a Thursday Elul Kolel Open Beit Midrash an hour orthodoxomaha .org with any questions. To be added to the before Mincha through September 2nd. Rabbi Ari’s Thursday synagogue email list to receive the most current information, morning class on Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 which begins at 9:30 please send your request to executiveasst@orthodoxom a.m. will focus on Rosh Hashanah prep. “We will also have a aha.org. special musical Selichot service beginning at 1 a.m. on SunThe Board of Commissioners, the clergy, and the staff wish day, Aug. 29. A Tot Rosh Hashanah event will be held at the entire Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year. 10:30 a.m. on the 29th with a Rosh Hashanah Youth Program Shana Tova from Beth Israel!
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Share your stories! PAM MONSKY ADL-CRC Assistant Director Plains States Region On Sept. 19, The Anti-Defamation League’s Plains States Region (ADL-CRC) celebrates 70 years in Omaha and its longstanding partnership with the CRC (Community Relations Committee) of the Jewish Federation of Omaha! As we prepare to celebrate, we ask those of you who have had experiences with ADL-CRC to reflect and, in a couple of sentences or paragraphs, share your memories with us. ADL-CRC has been an integral part of Omaha’s Jewish fabric for seven decades, responding to antisemitism and incidents of hate, educating nearly 750,000 students (in the Omaha Metro
alone!) about bias, bullying and discrimination, speaking out for (or against) important legislation and creating important alliances with other civil rights and social justice organizations. Our proud history could not have been accomplished without your support. Thousands have volunteered over the years; many have contributed resources and time. Your participation and friendship have helped educate future generations and ensured that ADL-CRC remain an evervigilant deterrent against those who would express hate. Please take a moment and share your thoughts with us! Your reflections can be emailed to: Pam Monsky at pmon sky@adl.org
The Jewish Press | August 20, 2021 | 5
Shalom Baby welcomes Omaha’s “newest” members JENNIE GATES BECKMAN JFO Director of Community Engagement & Education The birth of a baby is one of the most celebrated life cycle events in Judaism. For years the Jewish Federation of Omaha has done the best we can to identify and welcome our community’s newest additions with a
ership as PJ Library Omaha, one of the best gifts included is the automatic enrollment of each child in this incredible program (if you didn’t see the cover article about PJ Library – go back and read the July 23rd issue!). The families I am able to connect with through Shalom Baby are more likely to get involved in the programming we run for PJ Library
Left: Jennie delivers a smaller bag of goodies for each additional child; here she shares a PJ Library insulated lunch bag with Ariella and Joseph Rohr and their daughters Amelia, 2, and Sophia, 2 months; right: a Shalom Baby bib is included with each gift bag!
Shalom Baby gift bag. Sharing gifts and resources is one of the best ways to celebrate! The contents of this bag have varied, but at the moment it is loaded with family-focused goodies both celebratory and utilitarian. There is a JFO-branded heart-shaped ice pack, colorful and sturdy board books with various Jewish themes, Jewish parenting resource guides and more. Everything in this bag is made possible by contributions from the following Omaha Jewish institutions: Friedel Jewish Academy, the JCC’s Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center, Jewish Family Service, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Temple Israel and Chabad of Nebraska. Since Shalom Baby is under the same lead-
and have the opportunity to connect with other families with ties to the Jewish community. I typically reach out with an email full of relevant resources, then arrange for myself, a colleague or volunteer to personally deliver each bag. During the pandemic sometimes that just means a quick chat through a screen door, although under better circumstances I am happy to buy a cup of coffee or tea and sit for a spell. Pre-COVID we even had a new parent interested enough in connecting with her peers that she agreed to organize a weekly baby group for parents of the “under 2” crowd, something we’d love to help facilitate See Shalom Baby page 6
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Exploring Judaism classes
Exploring Judaism is taught by Scott Littky, MARK KIRCHHOFF an experienced Jewish education profesJFO Community Philanthropy & sional. He began his career in Jewish educaEngagement The fall session of Exploring Judaism begins tion in 1985 as a religious school teacher. on Thursday, Sept. 2 and continues on sub- From 1988 until 1997 he served the Bureau of sequent Thursdays through Jewish Education of Omaha as Dec. 2. Classes are from 7a Community Teacher. He 8:30 p.m. Exploring Judaism is taught at Friedel Jewish Acaddesigned for those in the emy in addition to afternoon process of conversion, those religious school programs. interested in refreshing their Scott served 17 years as a Diknowledge of Judaism or those rector of Education beginning with a general interest in Juat Beth El Synagogue in daism with a desire to learn Omaha, followed by Beth Israel more. A second series will be Synagogue in Ann Arbor, MI held in the winter beginning and Agudas Achim CongregaMonday, Dec. 13. Classes will tion in Alexandria, VA. During again be conducted virtually the summer of 2014, Scott revia Zoom. Last year’s particiturned to live in Omaha where Scott Littky pants found virtual sessions he served for three years as the pleasingly accommodating, both for health Program Director at Temple Israel. Scott is concerns and the logistics of participating in currently the Executive Director for the Instian early-evening class. One of the participants tute for Holocaust Education. lived in Lincoln, Nebraska. This year’s session He has taught Exploring Judaism through has already attracted a registrant from North the Jewish Federation of Omaha since 2015. Platte, Nebraska. Pending a determination Registration is currently open on the Jewish that there will be no COVID-related concerns, Federation of Omaha’s website (jewishomthe session discussing the mikvah will be an aha.org), and selecting the sliding banner for on-site tour at the Jewish Community Center Exploring Judaism at the top of the page. and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. If this is From there, follow the links as presented. A not possible, or for those unable to attend class syllabus button is also available on that that session, the informational video with page. Alternately, you may register by calling Oprah Winfrey that was used last year will be Mark Kirchhoff at 402.334.6463 or emailing used for this class. See Exploring Judaism page 6
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LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D
A Jewish Experience MARK KIRCHHOFF JFO Community Philanthropy & Engagement It is a scene that unfolds every summer. There is an emotion with it that is hard to identify. It’s not joy exactly – but it isn’t sadness either. “Confident anticipation” seems to fit. The scene repeats itself from family to family; it takes place in hundreds of communities throughout the United States. For as long as anyone can remember, the past generation has placed its hand on the shoulders of the next, underscoring the importance of this milestone in life. The parents, standing in a parking lot in the golden morning sun, watch the final suitcase being stowed in the belly of the bus. The kids, their energy spilling over in anticipation of the adventure, have boarded. They can scarcely control themselves as they wait for their chariot to transport them to the place they have heard so much about. And just like that, mom and dad are waving as the bus is slowly pulling away. They know that their son or daughter will return changed - closer to being a young man or a young woman - their Jewish camp experience enriching their lives. While away from home, they will have experienced their own Judaism with their peers in a way they never have before. A foundation for the future, Jewish Summer Camp is more than swimming and hiking. Jamie SkogBurke, Director of Community Outreach and Israel Engagement for the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) is a life-long promoter of Jewish summer camps. “This, most likely, is the first time that these kids have been away from their parents for an extended period of time. It is the first time they are making decisions for themselves. The first time they must take care of themselves. It is also the first time they experience first-hand their own ‘Jewishness,’ and do so living in a Jewish majority surrounded by other Jewish children and camp counselors. For many, this is the first time to feel what it’s like to live in Jewish time and space. No longer is Friday the end of the school week, instead, it is the day we all long for which brings in Shabbat. The importance of these moments on long-term Jewish identity-building is profound.” Lisa Lucoff expressed her gratitude to the JFO for its financial support of her daughter Mikayla’s participation at camp Sabra this summer. “Our job as parents is to provide our children with the tools they need to survive on their own so when they become adults they are self-sufficient. Camp is one of those tools to help along the way and we appreciate the financial assistance from the JFO – it is certainly a welcomed helping hand.” Lisa further shared that “Our hope is that the friends Mikayla meets at camp will always be in her life - whether it
be in youth groups, trips to Israel, college, or wherever her future takes her. This is a time when she begins developing her own way of living as a Jew, and incorporating Jewish practices - such as observing Shabbat - as part of her own life.” Lisa summarized her thoughts by stating, “One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is to send him or her to camp, and the Federation makes it that much easier for families.” The proof of the possibilities is in the participants. Asher Finkelstein recently arrived home from camp Ramah beaming with how much he enjoyed the time with his friends, having lots of fun, and after some additional thought, “making me feel closer to being Jewish – it’s different than being at home.” Parents David and Becca shared the importance of the camp to them. “It allows him [Asher] to see that there is a bigger world of Judaism than what he gets exposed to at home and that no matter where he goes in the world, there are other Jews, just like him.” In celebration of this year’s camping experiences, the JFO is hosting a “Camp Reunion” at 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 22 prior to the Backyard Concert Series. Anyone who has a connection to camp is welcome to join! If you attended this summer, were a counselor years ago or are thinking about going next summer, we would love to see you. We encourage you to wear your favorite camp gear. There will be a special t-shirt for anyone who went to camp this summer and a free meal before the concert. We hope to see you there. For further information about the reunion, contact Jamie SkogBurke at jskogburke@jewishomaha.org. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is proud to support the development of strong Jewish identities in the next generation. If you are interested in learning more about financial support available for Jewish Overnight Camp, contact Diane Walker, Foundation Fund and Scholarship Administrator at dwalker @jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6551.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair Gary Javitch at breadbreakersomaha@ gmail.com or leave a message at the B’nia B’rith JCC office 402.334.6443.
Aly and Zach Roberts hold their newborn Elam, flanked by grandparents Tom and Sue Friedman. Said Aly, “It was so sweet when Jaime SkogBurke brought us our Shalom Baby bag. It was full of thoughtful items such as Jewish baby books, a plush Torah, and so many more goodies – it was such a kind gesture!”
Continued from page 5 for other “cohorts” of parents in the future! People always ask how it is we find out about new births; that is NOT an easy task! Word-of-mouth is the most dependable method, but we obviously keep an eye on announcements from synagogues and the Jewish Press. If you know of a child that was born recently and HAS NOT received a Shalom Baby bag, or someone you know is expecting – please reach out to me or submit a request via https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShalomBabyOMA. Families need not be members of any local Jewish organizations – all folks in the greater Omaha area are eligible.
Exploring Judaism Continued from page 5 him at mkirchhoff @jewishom aha.org. The fee for the series is $180 per person. The Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) presents the class as a gift, free of charge, to current contributors to the Annual Campaign of the JFO, to those who are active congregants of an Omaha synagogue, to those who are being guided in a conversion process by the clergy of one of the synagogues and to JFO employees. Payment procedures will be presented upon registration. We encourage you to begin or refresh your knowledge of Judaism by participating in this class. Register now and recruit a friend to participate with you. The conversations you are likely to have between classes can be a meaningful addition to your learning and generate additional questions for the next class.
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The Jewish Press | August 20, 2021 | 7
Above, right and below: The Backyard Concert Series is back! Food, friends, music and beautiful weather. What more could we want?
SP O TLIGHT
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.
Top, above, below and bottom: What a beautiful day in the RBJH courtyard! A game of bingo was just the ticket for some fun in the sun.
Above, left and below: The Beth Israel Rosh Chodesh Elul “supper and learning” brought congregants of all ages together. Some of the younger congregants volunteered as servers.
8 | The Jewish Press | August 20, 2021
Voices The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920) Margie Gutnik President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Board Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen; David Finkelstein; Bracha Goldsweig ; Mary Sue Grossman; Les Kay; Natasha Kraft; Chuck Lucoff; Joseph Pinson; Andy Shefsky and Amy Tipp. 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 Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.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 KampWright, 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.
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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.
Ideological remodeling if it isn’t enough to be an antisemite, they can’t even ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT leave us alone after we die? What do they want Jewish Press Editor A week or so ago, the grave of a daughter of the from us? “When the atrocities of the Holocaust became Breslover movement’s founder, Rabbi Nachman, public knowledge,” Lev Stesin wrote for the was vandalized and desecrated with pig heads. Jerusalem Post a few years ago, “many had assumed Just imagine it for a second. It wasn’t the first time either for a Jewish grave to be treated in such a manner—not even this particular grave. Vandalism involving pigs-in-cemeteries is a fairly regular occurrence in Ukraine. “In unrelated incidents, a grave at a Jewish cemetery in Greece was opened and damaged and in Moldova, a southern neighbor of Ukraine, the names of Holocaust victims listed on a monument were Credit: History & Art Images via Getty Images crossed out.” But back to those pig heads. It’s a lot of work to this millennia-old dislike of the Jews had become, actually get your hands on pig heads, which you if not extinct, but absolutely unacceptable in public then need to schlep to the cemetery and deposit. discourse. Many assumed antisemitism as they They are probably heavy and disgusting to touch. knew it had become the persona non grata of the And how on earth do you get the smell out of your civilized world. Those naive individuals were techtruck? Or maybe it’s not hard at all—I’ve never tried nically correct. The antisemitism familiar to them to purchase (or steal) a pig’s head, so I wouldn’t re- would never become acceptable again. What they ally know. (Ok, I looked it up- here in the States you did not anticipate is antisemitism innovating itself, can buy a pig’s head online for $80 plus shipping). becoming part and parcel of the New Left’s ideology I’m joking too much, because there is something and assuming the old hatred with a modern facade. particularly painful about the lack of respect for the This ideological ‘remodeling’ allowed for some Jews dead and bad jokes make me feel slightly better. As to be liked or even loved: the ones who are dead.”
Stesin isn’t entirely wrong; it’s much easier to profess empathy with and sympathy or even love for someone who’s no longer here. Dealing with the living is much harder. Which is why it is important to remember that desecrating a grave, showing disrespect for our dead, it is not meant for them. The hate is aimed at us, the living. Meanwhile, another interesting thing happened in Ukraine: construction workers created a fake shtetl in the woods: “This new shtetl, comprising 18 buildings on more than an acre of land near the lakeside town of Rovzhi, near Kyiv, was built this summer over 50 days as the set for a historical feature film titled Shttl. (The ‘e’ is missing to underline emptiness.)” (JTA) In order to lower costs, “the producers bought old houses across Ukraine and scavenged them for parts to erect the set. Doing so was cheaper than processing and aging fresh materials. Some buildings were built of polystyrene, upon which artists drew fake facades. That was the solution as well for the headstones of the fake shtetl’s cemetery.” Once filming is over, the production firm will turn this fake shtetl into a museum, a memorial, to commemorate the shtetls that were destroyed, their inhabitants with them. Here, too, there is nostalgia for what is no longer alive. And I understand this comes from good intentions, but for too long, Judaism in Europe has been relegated to museums. I just have this one revolutionary idea: how about treating us right while we’re here, instead of waiting until after we’ve gone?
Remembering Ilan Naibryf, Jewish Surfside victim JOSH SATOK This article originally appeared on Alma. I’m writing this from Miami, 10 minutes from the beach. There are many reasons to be here — the beach, the sun, the culture. And there are many reasons not to be here. As my grandma keeps calling to tell me, COVID rates are skyrocketing in Florida, and maybe it’s not the best place to be right now. But none of these considerations really mattered to me. I came for a reason nobody should have to come for: to be at the shiva of a former student of mine, Ilan Naibryf, who was one of the victims of the Surfside building collapse in late June. I came to see his sister Tali, another former student of mine, to be able to give her a hug, and to show up to synagogue as his sisters and parents said the Kaddish, the mourner’s prayer, for Ilan. I came to remember Ilan, to provide some tiny modicum of comfort to his family, and ultimately, to remember what’s really important. From 2014-2015, I spent a year working at a Jewish boarding school in Greensboro, North Carolina, the American Hebrew Academy. The school no longer exists, but for a year, I lived on the campus, doing a little bit of everything as a “fellow”: planning student activities; organizing Jewish life; coaching the cross country team; working with admissions; serving as a house parent living in the 10th and 11th grade boys dorm; even taking over the classes of the rabbi who was the head of Judaic Studies when he left midway through the year. I’ve worked with lots of Jewish teenagers in my life, through years as a camp counselor, section head, program director and assistant director. But there’s something special about the bonds you create in spending an entire year living on campus with students, where not only did I teach and coach them, but ate with them in the dining hall, went to Shabbat services together, and spent hours and hours on Sundays driving them back and forth to Target in big white school vans. Ilan was, simply put, a good kid. Even as a freshman, he was a star soccer player and a laser-fast runner. His smile lit up the room, and he was kind, curious and had boundless energy. After the year we both spent at AHA, Ilan finished high school in Hawaii and then went to the University of Chicago, where he was the student president of Chabad and
would have been entering his senior year this fall. Ilan was in the Surfside building with his girlfriend Deborah, in her family’s apartment, to go to the funeral of someone they knew from their time at Camp Judaea in North Carolina. He was the kind of kid that anyone who works with teens is lucky to get to meet, to teach, to spend time with. And so is his sister Tali, who was the madricha (senior who lived in a house with younger students) for the house of 11th grade girls right next to my 10th/11th grade boys house. My heart breaks that he’s gone at only 21, way too early. From the moment I heard he was missing, I felt a compulsion that if the worst came to pass, if I could make it work, it felt like I needed to go down to Surfside. If there’s one important lesson I’ve learned in my 30 years of life, it’s that when you can, if you can, always try and show up for people, especially in their moments of pain. I’ll never forget a few years ago, when my beloved grandfather passed away, and I went home to Toronto for his funeral and shiva. One afternoon, my boss at the time showed up at the door of my parents’ house where the shiva was. She had flown in from New York without telling me, arriving on our doorstep with all the ingredients to make her famous guacamole. From her, more than anyone, I learned that being there for someone — whether they expect you, whether they know you well, no matter how far the distance — matters. It was clearly a lesson Ilan himself had already learned, being there in the Surfside building in order to pay his respects to a fellow member of his community. Especially after our last year and a half, when so many have been separated from the people we care for, unable to be physically present with them in their joys or in their sorrows, I couldn’t stop thinking that just being there, even for a brief moment, mattered. And I hope it did. After finally leaving Canada for the first time since COVID started, I made it down in time to be at the synagogue for the final services before the family got up from shiva — my first time back in a shul since COVID. I saw Tali for the first
time in seven years. I got to give Ilan’s parents and his other sister, Mica, a hug, and say something about how special Ilan was, how much of an impression he left on me. And I got to walk to Surfside, to see the empty space where the building stood
and the memorial to the victims now is. It was a lot. It was intense. And it was important. Let me be clear: I’m not the protagonist in this story. Ilan is. This is about Ilan and the 97 other victims who were in the Champlain Towers. It’s about his sisters, Mica and Tali, his parents, Carlos and Ronit, and all the other families who had to endure the horrible limbo of not knowing if they’d see their children or their parents or their husbands or their wives or their brothers or their sisters alive again. Who held onto hope when not much remained, and who, at least now, have some closure and the ability to properly mourn their loved ones. What can we take away from this unthinkable tragedy? I hope we can be a little more grateful for what we have, that we can hold onto our loved ones a little tighter, that we can give our grandmothers another call, send our friends another text to see how they’re doing. So many have lost so much this past year, and it’s important to put it in context. The fact that I missed out a year of going on dates or traveling to new places or going to movies is tiny compared to losing a person, especially one so young, forever. So let’s be there for each other, through the good, and especially through the bad. And let’s remember Ilan, a shining star taken from us way too soon. 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.
The Jewish Press | August 20, 2021 | 9
Take our taste test on the Ben & Jerry’s settlements boycott? ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL New York Jewish Week via JTA The uproar over the decision by Ben & Jerry’s to stop selling its ice cream in “occupied Palestinian territories” is a sort of Jewish personality test. How you reacted is a good indication of what you think about the Israel boycott movement, Israel’s control of the West Bank and the future of the conflict. Think of it in terms of, I don’t know, ice cream orders: CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA For you, it’s a black and white issue. This is a boycott plain and simple, and any economic pressure put on Israelis is tantamount to antisemitism in that it applies a double standard to the world’s only Jewish state. What others call the “occupation” isn’t really the point, because it’s up to Israel to determine its own fate, and Jews have a right to live where they choose in lands they control. You agree with Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations and the United States, Gilad Erdan. He views the company’s decision as “the de-facto adoption of antisemitic practices and advancement of the de-legitimization of the Jewish state and the dehumanization of the Jewish people.” CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA SWIRL You fully support the settlements and reject the whole idea that there is a distinction between Jewish communities on either side of the Green Line. You think Ben & Jerry’s deserves a taste of its own medicine. You probably agree with The Yesha Council, which represents the Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley: “We urge you to avoid doing business with companies boycotting hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens and offer our support for those companies who have refused to boycott a significant portion of Israelis.” CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA, SOFT-SERVE You respect the right of people and individuals to criticize Israeli policy but believe even a targeted boycott of the Jewish settlements aids and abets the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS), which seeks to delegitimize Israel and erase a sovereign Jewish state from the Middle East.
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You’d share a cone with the Anti-Defamation League, which tweeted, “We are disappointed by this decision from @benandjerrys. You can disagree with policies without feeding into dangerous campaigns that seek to undermine Israel.” BANANA SPLIT You actually oppose the occupation but think even a targeted boycott focusing on the settlements is self-defeating, because it emboldens the Palestinians and hardens the Israeli right. “The Palestinians will say, ‘We do not have to make any fundamental concessions; we will let the world pressure Israel,’ and the right-wing in Israel will only be strengthened with its endless claim of ‘See, the whole world is against us, the whole world is antisemitic,’” writes Marc Schulman in Newsweek. CHERRY GARCIA, CHUNKY MONKEY, whatever you got You do not take a unified stance on BDS, Zionism or a just
solution to the conflict, but believe the occupation denies Palestinians freedom and dignity by depriving them of civil, political and economic rights. In other words, you are the Jewish group IfNotNow, which tweeted: “This is an important victory for the movement for Palestinian freedom. After years of pressure from Palestinian organizers, Ben & Jerry’s is modeling one way to hold the Israeli government accountable for the occupation.” GOOD HUMOR You are a satirical newspaper and find the whole situation absurd. You explain that Israel is protesting by pulling its ambassador out of the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Vermont. “At press time, Häagen-Dazs agreed to act as a third-party mediator to help resolve the conflict,” The Onion reported. Read more at www.omahajewishpress.com.
We must help our students learn As students in K-12 schools are trying to make sense of the enormous issues of the day—from a global pandemic to ongoing issues of racial inequities and police brutality, they need factual historical information. This is precisely why educators across the country are deeply concerned about efforts in many states, including Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, to GARY NACHMAN regulate the teaching of so-called “di- Regional Director, visive concepts” or “Critical Race The- ADL-Plains States Region ory” (CRT). Our history is full of tragic events that encapsulate systemic violence and injustice—from slavery and Jim Crow to the Holocaust and other genocides — and we must help students learn from them. The excuse given by those who are pushing these bills, is that such historically accurate lessons might cause white students “discomfort.” It is a reality in education that some events taught may cause discomfort and yet, at the same time, educators know that a comprehensive, well-rounded
education requires an accurate understanding of those subjects taught with reasonable sensitivity, multiple-perspectives, accuracy and age-appropriateness. Bans on divisive concepts and CRT would not only include a redaction of information from our history books, but many of these efforts would wholly eliminate or substantially constrict standardized anti-bias and anti-hate educational programs which have been in American schools for decades. We should be teaching young people to challenge not only their own biases, but biases they see in others and in our society. These are themes that should carry through their education from their formative years through more advanced schooling. We can and should teach students how to handle hate, and our nation’s undeniable history, without politicizing the process. If you support your schools, your teachers and your precious children, trust in your educator’s skills to teach and discern facts in a nurturing environment that brings historical facts and the feelings surrounding that learning, into an objective understanding. This is what ADL believes and will continue to stand behind, and there is no amount of misguided discourse or critique that can change that.
HANUKKAH
Publishing date | 11.19.21 Space reservation | 10.26.21 Contact our advertising executive to promote your business in this very special edition. SUSAN BERNARD | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org
Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | August 20, 2021
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
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
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154 rbjh.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
B’NAI ISRAEL Join us in-person on Friday, Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. for evening services. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Bar Mitzvah of Joe Scioli; Havdalah, 8:50 p.m. on Zoom only. SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Merit Scholarship Meeting, 10 a.m.; Virtual Art Tour, 7 p.m. MONDAY: Women’s Book Group, 7 p.m. Zoom only. FRIDAY-Aug 27: Nebraska AIDS Coalition Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Rosh Hashanah Lunch to Go Registration Due, 5 p.m.; High Holy Days Babysitting Registration Due, 5 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream. SATURDAY-Aug 28: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Bar Mitzvah of Sid Zacharia; Selichot Under the Stars, 8:30 p.m. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.
BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, WhatsApp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in pergola, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbos, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:58 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m. with Shiran Dreyer; Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:59 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m. MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m. TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m. THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Character Development, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Kolel and Elul, 6:50 p.m.; Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug 27: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbos, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:48 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug 28: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m. with Shiran Dreyer; Daf Yomi, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:47 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered online at Ochabad.com/classroom. 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, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/Lecha yim; Light Candles, 7:57 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 8:57 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Parsha and Coffee, 9:45 a.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study [Sanhedrin 18 — no advanced experience necessary], noon with Rabbi Katzman. FRIDAY-Aug 27: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad. com/Lechayim; Light Candles, 7:46 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug 28: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 8:45 p.m.
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now being offered in person. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 7:59 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Ki Tetzei, noon via Zoom; Havdalah, 8:59 p.m. SUNDAY: Temple Garden Work Party, 8 a.m.; Men's Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln meets Sundays at 10 a.m. rain or shine to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if its too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. No fee to join, no dues, no president, no board or minutes taken. If Interested please email Al Weiss at albertw801@ gmail.com to find out where to meet each week; Tifereth Israel Board Meeting, 1 p.m.; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. at Peterson Park. Everyone is welcome; just wear comfortable clothes and tennis or gym shoes. If you need a paddle contact Miriam Wallick by email at Miriam57@aol.com or by text at 402.470.2393 before Sunday. TUESDAY: Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug 27: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex and Elaine Monnier, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 7:48 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug 28: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Ki Tavo, noon via Zoom; Selichot, 8 p.m. at TI; Havdalah, 8:47 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
FRIDAY: 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.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home ‘s service is currently closed to visitors.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Join via Zoom or In-Person. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person; Shabbat Morning Services and Bar Mitzvah of Solomon Schneider, 10 a.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person; Havdalah Elul, 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person. SUNDAY: Rosh Hashanah Bibliodrama Rehearsal, 5 p.m. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. Join via Zoom. FRIDAY-Aug 27: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Join via Zoom or In-Person. SATURDAY-Aug 28: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us via Zoom or In-Person; S’lichot Study Session, 7 p.m. Join via Zoom or In-Person; S’lichot Serivice, 8 p.m. Join via Zoom or In-Person. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
Israel to name Michael Herzog, the president’s brother and a longtime adviser to peace negotiators, as US ambassador RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON | JTA Michael Herzog, a brigadier general who has a longtime relationship with an influential Washington think tank, will be the next ambassador to the United States, according to Israeli media reports. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid have settled on Herzog, the brother of President Isaac Herzog, for the role, The Jerusalem Post first reported Thursday. Other Israeli media confirmed the pick. Herzog, the son of the late Chaim Herzog, who also served as president, was the head of strategic planning for the Israel Defense Forces and an adviser to multiple peace negotiating teams since the 1990s. Since 2004 he has been a fellow with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, which has close
relations with Republican and Democratic administrations as well as with successive Israeli governments. He is currently an international fellow living in Israel. One of Herzog’s most influential works, a 2006 analysis discounting the likelihood of moderating Hamas, was written for the institute. Herzog would succeed Gilad Erdan, who will retain his other posting as ambassador to the Michael Herzog, seen in 2019, is the son of the late Chaim Herzog, who also United Nations. served as Israeli president. Credit: YouTube
The Jewish Press | August 20, 2021 | 11
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Crises unfold in Haiti and Afghanistan PHILISSA CRAMER JTA Two major humanitarian crises are eliciting the involvement of Jewish aid organizations, although it is unclear whether much can be done from afar to support Afghans now that the Taliban has retaken their country. An earthquake struck Haiti early Saturday, killing nearly 1,300 with the death toll likely to rise. Meanwhile, a tropical storm is bearing down on the beleaguered country, which is experiencing political instability and still recovering from a devastating 2016 hurricane and a 2010 earthquake in the capital of Port-au-Prince that left more than 220,000 people dead. Among the many foreign groups directing aid to Haiti is the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which first engaged with the country in the 1930s, when Haiti was one of just a handful of countries to accept Jewish refugees from the Nazis. The JDC worked to support those refugees. Now, the group is working with a longtime local partner to send medical supplies to a hospital in the region of Haiti most affected by the earthquake. “We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of life in Haiti and
send our prayers to a people and nation in mourning yet again,” JDC CEO Ariel Zwang said in a statement. “As we have done so many times in the past, we’ll be there to offer care, healing, and opportunities to empower Haitians to build back better and safer.” The American Jewish World Service, which has long been involved in helping Haitians advocate for human rights, is also raising funds to support relief aid for Haiti. But when it comes to Afghanistan, where the Taliban has retaken the country just weeks after the U.S. removed troops that had been there for nearly two decades, humanitarian groups have fewer avenues to help. The U.S. and its allies had said they would evacuate people who aided their mission and are likely to face retaliation by the Taliban, but those efforts were proceeding slowly. Now, the speed of the Afghan government’s fall makes their future uncertain. HIAS, originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, wrote on Facebook Sunday night that it would work to help Afghans who make it to the U.S. through a special program designed to protect people who aided the U.S. mission there. But there is little more to do at this time, it said
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I totally agree with Nancy Rips’ letter to the Press last week about the present state of “The Jewish Federation Library”. There is no longer a library. There are a few shelves of books. Our library was a jewel and praised as the best between the coasts. One can no longer wander the shelves and find that one precious book that you didn’t even know that you wanted and immerse yourself in Jewish History and culture. The Jewish Community Center has lost its Jewishness. We can not sit in the little shul and admire the beauty of what once was. No longer can we walk down the halls and see the beautiful displays of our Jewish past. No more wedding pictures, no more
history of our youth and no more plaques recognizing those that have served our community. Now we see sterile walls adored with picture after picture of modern art and even then, none by local artists. I admit that there is some Jewish art but it doesn’t appear to be local and one wall is basically Stars of David with stripes. I guess the money talked and we were gifted with a very modern and quite beautiful building; however, to me, it no longer feels even remotely Jewish. I miss the “J”. I have a feeling that many others in the Jewish community feel as I do. SUSIE SILVERMAN
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12 | The Jewish Press | August 20, 2021
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New additions to the Kripke Library’s collection
SHIRLY BANNER JFO Library Specialist, Kripke Jewish Federation Library Young Adult: 37 Days at Sea: Aboard the M.S. St. Louis, 1939 by Barbara Krasner In May 1939, nearly 1,000 German-Jewish passengers boarded the M.S. St. Louis luxury liner bound for Cuba. They hoped to escape the dangers of Nazi Germany and find safety in Cuba. In this novel in verse, 12-yearold Ruthie Arons is one of the refugees, traveling with her parents. Ruthie misses her grandmother, who had to stay behind in Breslau, and worries when her father keeps asking for his stomach pills. But when the ship is not allowed to dock in Havana as planned―and when she and her friend Wolfie discover a Nazi on board―Ruthie must take action. In the face of hopelessness, she and her fellow passengers refuse to give up on the chance for a new life. Adult: The Cellist by Daniel Silva Viktor Orlov had a longstanding appointment with death. Once Russia’s richest man, he now resides in splendid exile in London, where he has waged a tireless crusade against the authoritarian kleptocrats who have seized control of the Kremlin. His mansion in Chelsea’s exclusive Cheyne Walk is one of the most heavily protected private dwellings in London. Yet somehow, on a rainy summer evening, in the midst of a global pandemic, Russia’s vengeful president finally manages to cross Orlov’s name off his kill list. Before him was the receiver from his landline telephone, a half-drunk glass of red wine, and a stack of documents. The documents are contaminated with a deadly nerve agent. The Metropolitan Police determine that they were de-
livered to Orlov’s home by one of his employees, a prominent investigative reporter from the anti-Kremlin Moskovskaya Gazeta. And when the reporter slips from London hours after the killing, MI6 concludes she is a Moscow Center assassin who has cunningly penetrated Orlov’s formidable defenses. B u t Gabriel Allon, who owes his
very life to Viktor Orlov, believes his friends in British intelligence are dangerously mistaken. His desperate search for the truth will take him from London to Amsterdam and eventually to Geneva, where a private intelligence service controlled by a childhood friend of the Russian president is using KGB-style “active measures” to undermine the West from within. Known as the Haydn Group, the unit is
plotting an unspeakable act of violence that will plunge an already divided America into chaos and leave Russia unchallenged. Only Gabriel Allon, with the help of a brilliant young woman employed by the world’s dirtiest bank, can stop it. Elegant and sophisticated, provocative and daring, The Cellist explores one of the preeminent threats facing the West today—the corrupting influence of dirty money wielded by a revanchist and reckless Russia. It is at once a novel of hope and a stark warning about the fragile state of democracy. And it proves once again why Daniel Silva is regarded as his generation’s finest writer of suspense and international intrigue. Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Freidland In its heyday, The Golden Hotel was the crown jewel of the hotter-than-hot Catskills vacation scene. For more than 60 years, the Goldman and Weingold families – best friends and business partners – have presided over this glamorous resort which served as a second home for wellheeled guests and celebrities. But the Catskills are not what they used to be – and neither is the relationship between the Goldmans and the Weingolds. As the facilities and management begin to fall apart, a tempting offer to sell forces the two families together again to make a heartwrenching decision. Can they save their beloved Golden or is it too late? Long-buried secrets emerge, new dramas and financial scandal erupt, and everyone from the traditional grandparents to the millennial grandchildren wants a say in the hotel’s future. Business and pleasure clash in this fast-paced, hilarious, nostalgia-filled story, where the hotel owners rediscover the magic of a bygone era of nonstop fun even as they grapple with what may be their last resort.