September 2, 2016 by Jewish Press

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

Creighton University presents Geraldine Brooks page 5

Mainstreeters to feature Tom Becka in September page 8

Annette vAn De KAMp-WRight Editor of the Jewish Press he Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) is delighted to announce the official start of our next Annual Campaign. As of Sept. 1 (today, if you’re reading this on Thursday), we are up and running! The 2017 Annual Campaign relies both on JFO staff and on numerous lay leaders who will generously donate their time and energy to make this year a success. The Kehilla Cup is making a comeback, as is the Kids’ Campaign. Our entire community will celebrate together during the Federation Fair on Sept. 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Dave and Buster’s. Bring your whole family for food and free games. “Coming together as a community is an integral part of Campaign,” says Steve Levinger, JFO Chief Development Officer. “In 2015, we brought back Campaign Cabaret and it was a great event. This year, with a focus on “every generation,” we have reserved the entire Dave and Buster’s complex. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and evening with family and friends. And it’s a free event! This year’s Campaign Chairs, Jaime and Brian Nogg, are definitely looking forward to the Fair: “This event is an excellent time to see your Jewish community, see all the families and see the future,” Brian said. “We get to educate ourselves about what each agency is up to; it will be a very memorable event.” “Our kids are really looking forward to it,” Jaime added. See For every generation, Federation page 2

JuLiA hubenStReit, J.D. Executive Director, The Kim Foundation The Kim Foundation, along with Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare and Nebraska Medicine, is excited to announce our new public aware-

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For Every Generation, Federation SEPT EMBER 2 , 2 0 1 6 | 2 9 AV 5 7 7 6 | V O L. 9 6 | NO . 4 9 | c A nD LeLi g h ti ng | FRID AY , SEPT EMBER 2 , 7 : 3 6 P. M.

13 minutes

Sisters in Israel: Jenny Patterson’s story page 12

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ness campaign focused on suicide prevention. On average, someone dies in our country by suicide every 13 minutes. Taking this into account, and the overwhelming impact this has on our community, we are excited to announce the 13minutes campaign has launched throughout the Region 6 service area. The campaign starts the conversation about suicide prevention,

instills the belief in the community that suicide can impact anyone, from any background; so, all community members should arm themselves with information on the warning signs and learn what to do

if they or someone they love is having thoughts of suicide or displaying some of the warning signs. Most of the information is captured on the website, http://www. 13minutes.org/, which serves as a one-stop shop for what warning signs to watch for, examples of what those signs may look like in real life situations, how to have the conversation with someone you may think is showing signs of suicidal behavior, community and national resources that you can connect someone with to get help, videos, and much more. The campaign also includes public service announcements on WOWT, public events, presentations, digital marketing, and so much more as opportunities over the next few months arise. If you would like us to speak to a group See 13 minutes page 2

Erev Shabbat

Clockwise from top: Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Dick Fellman, Jacob Fellman, Zachary Fellman, Lizzie Fellman, and Melissa Fellman, in Jerusalem at the Kotel (the Western Wall.)

RichARD FeLLMAn Shabbat comes on gradually and slowly and with total commitment in Jerusalem, especially in the midst of summer when the days are long, candle lighting time is late, and Friday afternoon has been unusually warm. That’s what I experienced this summer when I visited my

youngest son who, with his wife and children, rented an apartment for two months in Jerusalem. Daniel has been the senior rabbi at Temple Concord in Syracuse, New Yorkw for seven years; and this summer he enjoyed a two-month sabbatical, rented an apartment in the German Colony section of old See erev Shabbat page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | September 2, 2016

community

For Every Generation, Federation

Continued from page 1 “Marking the Annual Campaign with a big community event makes sense,” Levinger said. “It is crucial that we raise funds to keep our community going, while at the same time reminding ourselves why we love Omaha so much. We have a lot to be proud of, and we should celebrate that together.” We’ve kept the 2016 theme, “For Every Generation, Federation” intact, because it accurately describes why we do what we do. The Jewish Federation of Omaha touches all of us, from infants at the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood development Center and students at Friedel Jewish Academy to dancers and actors at the JCC Cultural Arts Department. Maybe you have a family member at our excellent Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, or you regularly participate in Mainstreeters, or you enjoy our annual Jewish Film Festival. Perhaps you come to the J for your daily workout, are a member of the book club, receive Meals on Wheels or receive scholarships -- Federation and our Campaign touches us all in so many ways each and every day! “I am eagerly anticipating this year’s campaign as we have an engaged team of lay leaders, a refreshed leadership team, an enthusiastic development team and a theme connecting generations,” says JFO CEO Alan Potash. “I anticipate this year’s campaign focusing more on community engagement and meeting people where they are. We are all here together and we have a community of which we can truly be proud.”

13 minutes

Continued from page 1 you’re a part of, on suicide prevention or the 13minutes campaign, please email info@13min utes.org to get it scheduled! Locally, we have seen the numbers of suicides increase; and we are working with law enforcement agencies to track this data, implement prevention efforts, and change the statistics so that we are seeing fewer lives impacted by suicide. We have also started the Metro Area Suicide Prevention Coalition to create change in suicide prevention efforts throughout the Omaha Metro Area. The Coalition is in its infancy; but to date, it is focusing on youth, the faith community, adults, and medical provider education. If you would like more information on 13minutes or the

Clockwise from top: Brian Nogg, Jordan Nogg, and Riley Nogg.

Metro Area Suicide Prevention Coalition, please feel free to reach out to Julia at jheben streit@thekimfoundation.org or 402.891.6997. We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support we have received from Region 6, Nebraska Medine, Project Harmony, several area school districts, and law enforcement agencies in support of these efforts. We truly believe that by raising more awareness in the community about suicide prevention and what individuals can do to help others, we will save more lives in our community. Join us! Jewish Family Service strives to keep the community informed of up-to-date mental health information. We wanted to share with you a NEW Campaign, being launched called 13 Minutes, from The Kim Foundation, Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare and Nebraska Medicine.

Alan Potash to deliver 2016 Brooks Lecture at UNO

CuRtis Hutt n thursday, sept. 29 at 7 p.m. in the UNO Thompson Center, the 22nd Annual Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks Lecture sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will be delivered by Alan Potash – the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The title of his lecture is: Believing Alone: Religious Liberty in America. Rabbi Brooks, who served for 33 years at Temple Israel, was a leading religious figure in Omaha. He dedicated many years of his life to the pursuit of social justice and interfaith dialogue. This lecture series is dedicated to Rabbi Brooks’ zeal towards “pursuing issues of real importance” to both UNO students and members of the greater public. Alan Potash is a well-known figure in Omaha and across the region. Prior to taking on the position of CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Alan was the Executive Director of the Community Relations Council and Plains States Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Presently, he also serves on the Mayor’s Faith Advisory Council and the U.S. Attorney’s Hate Crime Task Force. Alan brings years of practical experience to the table, defending civil rights and religious liberties. At the same time, he has led the fight against antiSemites and other extremists. Alan Potash received a BA from Southern Illinois University and a MA from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He is an artist, educator and traveler at heart. He is an award-winning artist and filmmaker. He has spent time teaching, working and exploring in the United States, Europe, Taiwan and Israel. He and his wife are the parents of twins. In the Brooks Lecture, Believing Alone: Religious Liberty in America, Potash will explore the intersection of faith and politics. Using web-based polling, Potash will invite audience participation in delving further into the myriad challenges faced as we affiliate with specific belief systems and political entities and distance ourselves from others. For more information about the Brooks Lecture or Religious Studies at UNO, please contact Staci Geis at 402.554.2628 or sgeis@ unomaha.edu.

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Mainstreeters enjoyed a fun evening at Werner Park with the Omaha Storm Chasers. An actual thunderstorm, ending with a beautiful rainbow, accompanied us on the way to the game. As we arrived at the park, the sun came out and we all enjoyed a fantastic game with friends. Jack Noodell, left, Doris Alloy, Harry Alloy and Jim Wax.

Erev Shabbat

Continued from page 1 Jerusalem, enrolled in the Hartman Institute for their summer course for rabbis of all denominations, and took his wife and three children to Israel to live as Israelis do. I had the joy of visiting them for two weeks in early August. This was my sixth trip to Israel, but it was quite different from the others since I was actually living in the city, going to the grocery store with my family, going to shul on Saturday morning at the synagogue that was just up the hill and around the corner, walking everywhere until I got so tired I had to take a taxi, pushing my way through the “shuk,” the open air market, buying the normal household items, dressing like all the others except for open sandals, and acting like all the other Israelis. But the one event that made the biggest impression on me was the way the approach of Erev Shabbat seems to effortlessly transform the bustling city of Jerusalem into the quiet city of Jerusalem on Erev Shabbat. Daniel and his family live on a residential street filled with two- and three-story apartment buildings. Vehicles are parallel parked on the curb of the one-way street. During a normal business day, the traffic is constant and heavy with cars of all types, taxis and trucks speeding down the hill, all seeming to have little regard for the pedestrians walking on the narrow sidewalks on both sides of the street. About three in the afternoon on Friday the traffic begins to get lighter. By four, there are just a few taxis and cars. And by half past five, there are almost no vehicles on the street, no cars, no trucks, but now and then a tour bus. It was so quiet on the street on Erev Shabbat and all day on Shabbat where Daniel lived that his two sons, ages seven and eight, could play in the middle of the street and throw a small football back and forth without worrying about traffic. Men in black pants, white shirts and black hats were walking quickly from the Shuk to their homes carrying plastic bags which I could see were filled with two challahs. One baker in the Shuk, in honor of the forthcoming Olympics, baked challahs in large circles, like the Olympic symbol, and these seemed to be popular items. But it was the quiet, the overall stillness that touched me. Nothing was moving except men and a few women, walking to one of the dozens of Jerusalem synagogues for Kabbalat Shabbat services. The Kabbalat service originated in Tzevat, Israel, only a few hundred years ago, which makes it rather new in Jewish customs. Its short. It’s all Psalms. The melodies touch the heart of everyone participating. And in North America, few words are spoken, but they are both in Hebrew and in English, at least in the non-traditional places of worship. The first Shabbat that I was in Israel on this trip, we walked... and to me it seemed to be a long walk... to one of

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the two Reform Synagogues in Jerusalem. Both the rabbi and the cantor were out of town; but when the time came to start, a woman stood up, in front of the bemah, opened a book, and began to sing the opening Psalm. The congregation joined in the song. Nothing was said. This continued through each of the Psalms in the service. After each, there was a brief pause, just enough to turn the page of the Siddur, and then the next melody began. This went on for about a half hour. When it was over, a man who seemed to be the president of the synagogue, rose, made a few announcements, half in Hebrew and half in English, and every one said “Shabbat Shalom” to each other and they all left. Nothing else was said or done. On my second Erev Shabbat in Israel we went to the Kabballat Shabbat service held at the old train station and out in the open. Overhead, a large white canopy covered most of the seats keeping the late afternoon but still really warm sun at bay. The area seemed filled with non-religious types, though many wore kipot. Everyone was seated shoulder-to-shoulder on folding plastic chairs. Behind the seats, vendors were selling soft drinks and beer and a little bit of everything else. Shabbat had not yet arrived. In front of all this was a stage filled with sound equipment and a musical group, two guitars, a vocalist, a percussionist, a musician playing all the reed instruments and a keyboard player. They began with the Psalms in the usual order as set forth in a traditional prayer books; but each musical number took at least five to ten minutes or more to play. No words were uttered except when there was singing. The music was half that of a rock band. From time to time, one of the vocalists seemed to switch back to a traditional melody, but only a musician with a fine ear could distinguish the new from the old. Mid-way through the Kabbalat Service, everyone in the audience started to dance, forming a big circle going right to left around the large seated area. Everyone seemed to join arms in that dance. After the Psalms of the Kabbalat Service, there were a few announcements and everyone picked up in their own area, stacked their chairs, and began walking home. Shabbat morning we went to the small orthodox shul nearest us. The boys played catch in the middle of the street with complete safety. Few cars or taxis drove down the street. Everything was quiet. Everything was closed. Families were walking to Shul. Couples were taking walks. Shabbat had come. Shabbat in Jerusalem with all of its calm and quietness. Shabbat in Jerusalem.

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Harold C. Pachios, Temple Israel Scholar-in-Residence

scOtt Littky Program Director, Temple Israel On Friday evening, Sept. 9, and Saturday morning, Sept. 10, we will welcome our first scholar-in-residence for the New Year, Harold C. Pachios. Mr. Pachios has had a distinguished law career of over 30 years. He is a Founding Partner of Preti Flaherty and is listed in WoodwardWhite’s 2015 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Mr. Pachios was Associate White House Press Secretary under President Lyndon B. Johnson, serving as principal aide to White House Press Secretary Bill Moyers from harold Pachios 1965 to 1967. In 1993 he was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as a member of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. The President designated him Chairman of the Commission in 1999. President Bush nominated him in 2003 for a third term on the Commission and he was again confirmed by the Senate. The Commission and its Washington staff advise the President, Secretary of State and Congress on public diplomacy programs carried out by

the State Department and U.S. embassies around the world. Mr. Pachios is an amazing source of stories and knowledge from his work in diplomacy. During Friday evening Shabbat services on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m., Mr. Pachios has titled his talk, The Shaping of Social Justice through the Idealism of the Founding of the State of Israel. He will share his personal experiences on the topic and information from conversations he has gained over the years from his friendship with former United States Senator George J. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was appointed as United States Special Envoy for Middle East Peace (2009–2011) by President Obama. On Saturday morning, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m., we will have the opportunity to learn from Mr. Pachios again. The title for this talk is Issues in Immigration Policy today as it relates to the Jewish Experience to America from 1880 to 1924. Given the current state of immigration issues in the United States and throughout the world, his talk promises to be extremely relevant to us today. Temple Israel is very grateful to the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning for making Mr. Pachios’s visit to Omaha possible. Both of the talks that Mr. Pachios will be giving are open to the public and we would very much welcome your attendance. If you would like any more information on this program or other adult programs for the coming year, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

Adult Education at Tifereth Israel nancy cOren The Tifereth Israel Adult Education Program is ready to begin with several new course offerings. The year promises to bring diverse opportunities for those in attendance to learn, socialize and engage with one another. All classes are free of charge and come-as-you-are gatherings. Jewish Perspectives on Death and Dying- Session 1 with Nancy Coren, thursday, sept. 1, 7p.m.-8:15 p.m. in the Synagogue Lounge Looking at how we approach death and dying within our Jewish tradition is very much related to how we look at life. During this first session, we will speak about what happens immediately following a death, including Taharah (ritual cleansing) and the work done by the Chevrah Kaddisha (Holy Society). We will talk about reasons why we bury our dead, how we do burials, what are the obligations of those whose loved ones have died, how we take care of mourners, and the various stages of mourning. This session is designed to provide information for individuals before they are in a stage of facing crucial decisions. All adults are welcome to join this session. Beginnings of Judaism- session 1 with facilitator Al Weiss, Monday, sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. in the Synagogue Lounge This video course created by Great Courses features Professor Isaiah M. Gafni of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem “who leads a spirited and provocative exploration of how the Jewish faith struggled to continually redefine itself during the first 1000 years after the completion of the last books of the Hebrew Bible, tenaciously clinging to existence through circumstances that might well have torn it asunder.” The first session is titled: The Beginnings of Judaism- Biblical Roots and will include Professor Gafni’s lecture followed by discussion facilitated by Al Weiss. The course itself is designed to explore how Judaism developed from its biblical roots to the highly developed system we know today. The group will determine the location and times of future sessions based on the convenience of those in attendance at this first gathering. Women’s Study Group with Nancy Coren, tuesday, sept. 13 10:45 a.m. - noon in the Synagogue lounge and followed by lunch

out with the group (if desired). Our first session will examine The Tent, The Field and the Battlefield, as ways of looking at how the biblical woman is portrayed. We will look at a model called the subversive sequel model developed by Judy Klitsner of the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem which looks at the ways in which the texts about Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Deborah and Manoach’s wife speak to each other. Come ready to read, discuss and explore together. Nurture the Wow Parenting Group - Nancy Coren, Facilitator, sunday, sept. 18, 11 a.m. - noon in the Synagogue lounge Parenting is an important but difficult and demanding job. Parents face pressures of work and life. They have little time to focus on their inner self while they are focusing on meeting their children’s needs. Although our Nurture the Wow parenting group is based on a book written by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, we will not be reading the book. We will try to discover how ancient ideas about relationships, pain, devotion and purpose can make our job as a parent easier and more meaningful by using selected readings. Our parenting group will meet five times for one hour Sunday mornings this year while LJCS is in session. This group is for anyone associated with Tifereth Israel involved in parenting. Participation in all sessions is not a prerequisite for attendance.

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Mario scalora, a UNL Psychology professor comes to Omaha to present his ideas for stopping future attacks like Orlando – and according to the Omaha World-Herald, they “just might work!” Wednesday, sept. 7, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list, call 402.334.6443 or email bnaibrith@jew ishomaha.org.

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The Jewish Press | September 2, 2016 | 5

community Creighton University presents Geraldine Brooks at Joslyn

Ozzie NOGG JYG is for students in 7th and 8th grades. For more information about activities and membership, contact, Director of Youth & Young Adult engagement at 402.556.6536.

Strength in numbers

The Heritage at Sterling Ridge is always buzzing with activity. From conversations in the coffee shop, to laughter in the pub, there’s something for everyone to take part in. Perhaps the best thing about this community, though, is something that isn’t as obvious. It’s something we refer to as “Strength in Numbers”. The Heritage at Sterling Ridge is part of Heritage Communities, who also owns Heritage Pointe (168th & Blondo), The Heritage at Legacy (168th & Center) and Heritage Ridge (Bellevue). Our Omaha metro communities are within 20 minutes of each other, and residents at these communities reap more benefits than they realize upon moving in. Having sister communities allows more resources to be pooled together to pull off big events. It also spurs an internal competition between communities, wherein the residents become the winners. Take, for example, Men’s Night. This event rotates its location each month between the four local Heritage communities. The goal is for men at all of the communities to get together and socialize. Although some partake in games of poker, the real draw is the food. Each Dietary Director goes above and beyond to make their meal better than the other communities’, as a chance to prove that their culinary skills are the best! The Heritage at Sterling Ridge has become known for Prime Rib dinners during this monthly event, which is part of the reason they have unofficially been declared as the best community to host Men’s Night! In addition to shared activities, future residents also have an advantage when it comes to the move-in process. If The Heritage at Sterling Ridge does not have availability in the apartment or living option a person is looking for, the other Heritage communities in the Omaha metro have agreed to help. Individuals may move into any of the Heritage communities, on a temporary basis, while they wait for an apartment to open at Sterling Ridge. This offers prospects a great advantage by moving them up the waiting list, above “external” deposits, since current Heritage residents have priority. Call 402.504.3111 today for more information on The Heritage at Sterling Ridge, and to learn how this process works! PAID ADVERTISEMENT

uate school at Columbia in New York City. “When we den Wednesday, Sept. 14, Creighton University cided to get married, I realized that since Judaism was Center for Health Policy and Ethics features passed through the maternal line, if I didn’t convert I was novelist and Pulitzer Prize winning author, going to be the end of a family that had made it through Geraldine Brooks as their Women and Health the Shoah and the Russian pogroms and goodness knows Lecturer. Her presentation, Hearing the Unwhat else before that. So I decided to convert. It was more heard: Recovering Women’s about history than faith at Voices in Historical Fiction, that time.” Today, Brooks begins at 7 p.m. in Joslyn feels “very much at home Art Museum’s Witherwith Jewish observance. I spoon Concert Hall. am very happy to bow to Thanks to grants from the Torah and to the Humanities Nebraska and struggle of human beings donations from generous trying to understand quessponsors and private pations of existence. I think trons, the lecture is open that’s what the Jewish revto the public at no cost. erence for the written “It is an honor to host word represents.” Geraldine Brooks, an imIn The Secret Chord, mensely talented and acBrooks portrays Bathsheba complished artist and as a victim of rape rather journalist, for this year’s than in her more tradiGeraldine Brooks, journalist and Pulitzer Prize winning author, presents tional role of seductress. Women and Health LecHearing the Unheard: Recovering Women’s Voices in Historical Fiction “Male writers tend to porture,” said Amy Haddad, at Joslyn on Sept. 14. Credit: Randi Baird tray Bathsheba that way Ph.D., Director of the Center for Health Policy and Ethics. “Ms. Brooks, through because they are always looking at the situation through a the dual lens of fiction and journalism, has been able to exmale lens. How often have we heard just this sort of ‘blame quisitely and intimately portray the experiences of women, the victim’ mentality in cases of sexual assault? When I look past and present, in her work.” at the story, I read it completely differently. I see it from the Australian-born Geraldine Brooks worked as a reporter point of view of a woman who is in a society that is entirely for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Wall Street Journal, patriarchal; she has very little overt power. Bathsheba was where she covered crises in the Mideast, Africa and the dealt a very bad hand, but she knows how to play it. I inBalkans. She is the author of five novels: her 2006 Pulitzer tended this as a corrective to the male view that has usually Prize-winning March, and the international bestsellers been imposed on her.” Caleb’s Crossing, People of the Book, and Year of Wonders. Since 1989, Creighton’s Center for Health Policy and Her 2015 novel, The Secret Chord, a fascinating historical Ethics has sponsored the Women and Health Lecture as a fiction about the life of King David, will be available in pameans of highlighting issues in women’s health and wellperback on Oct. 4. Ms. Brooks is also the author of three being. The Women and Health Lecture has featured speakworks of non-fiction. Her first book, Nine Parts of Desire, is ers from a variety of fields over the past 25 lectures. a riveting account of her six years living among the women Attendance for Geraldine Brooks’ Sept. 14 lecture will be of the Muslim Mideast. capped at 1,000. Online registration is required. Register A convert to Judaism, Brooks spoke with Moment Maganow at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/ e/26thzine about her Jewish journey. Brooks met her husband, women-health-lecture-featuring-geraldine-brooks-tickfellow journalist and author Tony Horowitz, while at gradets-26182575789. Questions? Call 402.280.2017.

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Temple Israel opening day of Religious School

Ozzie nOGG

from Platinum Sponsors: Charlotte, Morley, n Monday, Sept. 5, Beth El Sally, Jim, Aaron and Naomi Zipursky; Gold Synagogue will host The End of sponsors: Rabbi Steven, Shira, Naama & Summer Festival -- a block Leor Abraham, Sandy and Amy Friedman, party offering delectable food, Jerry and Linda Gordman, Ideal Pure outstanding vendors, first class Water, The Jewish Press, Granulawn, Marcus musical performers plus a variety of games and activities. The inter-generational celebration runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is open to the entire Jewish community. “We’ve been planning this event for several months,” said co-chairmen Lisa Marcus and Caryn Scheer. “The Festival is sure to be a highlight of the summer.” end of Summer Festival committee works on final plans. Standing: Musical entertainers inabby Kutler, left, Lisa Marcus, Danny Cohn; Seated: Caryn Scheer, clude The String Beans, allison newfeld (Beth el executive Director), M’Lee Hasslinger, Tuffy’s Group, plus Bill Miriam Gottlieb. Not pictured: Shirley Cemaj, Hanna DeBruin, Jay Wakefield & Random. TalDurmaskin, Linda Fischer, Wayne Schwarz, Susan Witkowski. ented youngsters from the JCC Dance and Cultural Arts Department of Omaha Fine Photography, Allan and and the JCC Musical Theater Camp will Janie Murow, Marc and Caryn Scheer, also strut their stuff. Festival attendees can Norm and Joodi Veitzer, Isaac and Susan enjoy light entrees from Festival Food venWitkowski, Barry and Nora Zoob. Silver dors: Star Catering’s grilled cheese sandsponsors: Bagel Bin, Donald and Diane wiches, French toast sticks, pizza, veggies Baum, Hanna DeBruin-CBS Home Real Esand hummus and corn on the cob; Beth El’s tate, Gary and Lisa Epstein, Richard and bagels and cream cheese, chips and drinks; Joanie Jacobson, the Kotok Family, Abigail and Frosty’s Treats kosher ice cream. And and Adam Kutler, Steve and Patty Nogg, there’s no need to stand up while you chow Joel and Mary Rich, Larry and Sherry down. The event offers a comfortable Picnic Shapiro, West Maple Dental Specialists, and Patch and shaded tent for your dining Bob and Rita Yaffe. pleasure. Working with Marcus, Scheer and Cohn The Festival Fun Zone features two on Festival plans are Shirley Cemaj, Hanna bounce houses, a Velcro Wall, Bungee Run DeBruin, Jay Durmaskin, Linda Fischer, and Photo Booth, plus face painting, bubMiriam Gottlieb, M’Lee Hasslinger, Abby bles, colored hair spray and chalk drawing Kutler and Wayne Schwarz. Susan led by the Beth El teens, as well as a booth Witkowski is volunteer coordinator. If provided by the Omaha Children’s Muyou’re able to volunteer an hour of your seum. A full-sized ambulance and fire truck time to ensure the success of the Festival, will also be available for kids to climb on please email Susan at susiecat@cox.net. The and explore. Shoppers will find local arts, Festival has a suggested donation of $5 per crafts and Judaica for sale in the Zipursky person or $20 per family with four or more Family Community Shuk. “There’s somemembers. All activities are included, with thing to delight everyone, from little kids to food available for purchase. In case of rain, grandparents,” said Danny Cohn, Festival the celebration will move inside. Logistics Manager. “Please join us at Beth El on Monday, Sept. 5.” End of Summer Festival support comes

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

Top photo: Cantor Wendy Shermet and temple President Rosie zweiback greeting families as they arrive for the first day of Religious School. Bottom: Religious School teacher Dora Goldstrom helping her class find seats for the first day all-school assembly.

September JCC Gallery: Imaginative Topographies

Lynn Batten Publicity and Gallery Manager, Jewish Federation of Omaha Russ Nordman and Jody Boyer explore a sense of place from different vantage points and unique perspectives in their exhibit running Sept. 428 in the JCC Gallery. Nordman will share new work from his series Iowa Combines which explores the artist’s interpretation of vernacular architecture from each of the 99 counties in Iowa. Boyer will exhibit works from Forest for the Trees which contemplates the literal and metaphorical forest which we all share. Nordman is an Associate Professor of Media Arts at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Boyer is a middle school art teacher in OPS, and adjunct instructor of Media Arts at UNO. The public is invited to attend the FREE artist talk and reception held on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.

The Jewish Press | September 2, 2016 | 7

Mainstreeters in September MaGGie ConTi Director of Activities and Outreach Programs Here’s the fun and games line-up for Mainstreeters. Mainstreeters Luncheon meeting with Tom Becka on Monday, Sept. 19 at 12:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Silverman Auditorium. Come and get some insight, some food for thought, get Becka’s Beat! Tom Becka has a long history in Omaha’s biggest stories of the last 20 years. Now he brings his years of experience to the Fox 42 News at Nine with a feature called “Becka’s Beat”. Prior to his 20-year stint in Talk Radio, Tom also spent five years traveling the country as a stand-up comic opening for the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Lewis Black and the rock band Chicago. Cost is $10 a plate. Select lasagna or baked salmon and enjoy a side salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread and tiramisu for dessert with a beverage of your choice. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send reservations with full payment to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. A Free Afternoon at the Movies: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, Friday, Sept. 23, 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Complimentary popcorn will be served. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, the long-awaited follow-up to the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. Written by Academy Award ® nominee Nia Vardalos, who stars alongside the entire returning cast of favorites, the film reveals a Portokalos family secret that will bring the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding. Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material. If you’d like to enjoy a Star Deli lunch at the Blumkin Home before the show, the Star Deli opens for business at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is on your own. For questions call Maggie

Theatre-To-Go

Conti at 402-334-6521. Bright Ideas with Mixed Media with instructor Karen Hook, RBJH Activities Director on Monday, Sept. 26 from 2-4 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home boardroom. Have fun experimenting and combining various materials for original mixed media art. Discover a wide range of media styles and techniques for a fun afternoon! The cost is $2 per person. Bring a favorite short quote or saying to create a one-of-akind masterpiece. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send reservations with full payment to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For questions call Karen Hook at 402-3346520 extension#4. The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Carnival on Thursday, Sept. 29, on Main Street. The fun and games run from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., and the event is free and open to the entire community. Headlining the afternoon is The Amazing Arthur Fratelli, magician, comedian, juggler, mentalist, hypnotist and yo-yo master. Arthur burns the stage up with enthusiasm, wows the audience and makes them feel like they’re part of the act. Carnival attendees will be thrilled with the old-fashioned games and carnival food stands including crunchy funnel cakes, bags of fresh popcorn, apples and caramel and lemonade. For questions, call Karen Hook at 402.334.6520 extension #4. The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Carnival is a community event sponsored by the Merriam and Harold Cooperman Endowment Fund. Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 plus. “Tell your friends and join us for all our programs,” said Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “Monthly luncheons with great entertainment, classes, and firstrun movies are just a few of our diverse activities. Come be part of the action.”

If you’ve ever been given the task of lining up en- tery and a new venture was created. The business model was simple. Rather than have tertainment for a reunion, corporate event or other private party, you know how time consuming it can a permanent stage and try to compete with all the other theaters in the area, they would cater to pribe... unless you’ve called Theatre-To-Go. Started by Manya Nogg and currently run by her vate events and bring the entertainment to wherever son, Randy, Theatre-To-Go has been providing pro- the clients were having their parties. And from that fessional entertainment around the Midwest since concept Theatre-To-Go was born. Having performed in almost every local venue 1987. A division of their talent agency, Actors Etc. Limited, Theatre-To-Go was created when Manya from private homes to the Lied Jungle at the zoo, heard about a new form of entertainment that was they have learned to adapt to all types of events. becoming very popular on the coasts: Interactive This includes everything from corporate holiday parplays, specifically mysteries. ties to B’nai Mitzvah celebrations. Having a good source for actors through her comWith a full slate of interactive mysteries, a fastpany, all she needed was an original play. It just so paced game show and a full roster of magicians, happened, she had a script she had written for the musicians and other entertainers, Theatre-To-Go then popular TV series, The Equalizer. When the star may have just what you’ve been looking for to make of that show became ill, she could no longer hope your next party something special. For more inforto sell them her script. However, with a little work, mation check out their website at TTGShows.com, she adapted the story to an interactive murder mys- or give them a call at 402.391.3153. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

8 | The Jewish Press | September 2, 2016

Israel Teen Trip

Josephine slovut Visiting Israel taught me a great deal about both the world and about myself. From this trip, I learned nature can be actually breath-taking - not just in the symbolicsense, but actually capable of stealing the air from my lungs. I discovered that Israel is really not that different from the USA -- once I got past the eight hour time difference, that is. I strolled down the streets of Akko, floated in the Dead Sea, watched a musical put on entirely in Hebrew, and, best of all, spent two days just chilling with an Israeli family.

During my trip, these distinct experiences swelled together into a wave of extreme beauty that ultimately knocked me off my feet. I have a lot of conflicting feelings about Israel, but what is undeniable is the deep-seated beauty of the country. The different parts of Israel we visited were all different, but there was a common thread running through them all. From birds soaring past the cliffs at Rosh HaNikrah, to the old underground city beneath Akko, to the stars that lit up the sky over the Negev with clear, white light -- There were so many diverse forms of beauty that I witnessed on this trip that I would not have seen otherwise. This explosively stunning aspect of Israel had an enormous impact on me. Coming away from this trip, I have a thousand new thoughts in my mind. And my imagination is on fire.

BBYO Fall Kickoff a success rachel Martin BBYO/Teen Program Director More than 60 teens from Omaha Council and Kansas City Council came together Sunday, Aug. 21, in celebration of BBYOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 fall kickoff program. Thirty teens from Omaha took a bus to Kansas City to meet up with new and old friends, experience the 5th Annual Kosher BBQ Fest and watch a Royals baseball game. This program took the place of our annual back-to-school Worlds of Fun trip. The Omaha teens were excited to start a new tradition of meeting Kansas City Jewish teens at the beginning of the school year, as well as experience a Royals game. The trip invigorated the attendees for the upcoming BBYO program year, and was the perfect way to kick

things off on a positive and exciting note! BBYO is the largest Jewish youth movement in the world, with 80,000 teen members worldwide. It is open to all Jewish teens in 8th-12th grade. Stop by and check

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it out on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the JCC Youth Lounge. For more information about BBYO, contact Rachel Martin, BBYO/Teen Director at 402.334.6404 or rmartin@jccomaha.org.

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The Jewish Press | September 2, 2016 | 9

viewpoint thejewishpress

(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Scott Farkas; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz; Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob. 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@jewish omaha.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@jew ishomaha.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, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. 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 Kamp-Wright, 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.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press As- National Newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008

Campaign 2017

ANNETTE vAN DE KAMP-WRiGHT Editor of the Jewish Press here is something exciting about new beginnings, even if they refer to things we have experienced many times before. We often feel optimistic on the first day of school, when we start a new job, or move into a new house. I think the idea of a clean slate inspires us, even if that slate is not always technically that clean. I feel this way every time we start the Annual Campaign. Hearing about community events, donor cards, the Kehilla cup and Kids Campaign (which were both added just last year) reminds me that in this community, the sky is forever the limit. Fundraising is hard; anyone who has ever picked up a phone to call on someone else’s generosity can tell you that. Not only do you have to believe in what you are asking others to contribute to, you have to be prepared to sometimes take ‘no’ for an answer. That’s okay; in Omaha, we hear the word “yes’ more often than not. This community is phenomenally generous, and because of that generosity, any new campaign season arrives with hope and excitement. My personal favorite is the Community Event (see the front page!) because of the opportunities to schmooze. No, wait; I love the Kids’ Campaign Event (this year perhaps without goldfish, but I’ll get over it). Or maybe it’s the Press stories about where your dollars go that are currently being prepared. Because there are so many different ways in which your contribution is put to good use, and we are very eager to tell you about them. During our Federation Fair on Sept. 25 (please come! And bring your kids!), everyone will have the opportunity to visit directly with Jewish Federation of Omaha staff and ask us questions about how we work to make this community bet-

ter every single day. Whether you want to know more about the new paint colors at the JCC, or learn about the Institute for Holocaust Education, or are interested in the work of Jewish Family Service, or you name it. I am convinced you have questions we haven’t even thought of, and we look forward to addressing them. Although I can’t promise we can answer everything on the spot, we will certainly try! A functional Federation like ours is always in motion. That means at any given moment we are working on new initiatives. The people at the Cultural Arts Department may just have started rehearsals for the winter play, but I guarantee you they are already plotting what they’ll do over the summer. Somebody somewhere is thinking about Hanukkah, and I know certain board members who will be asked very soon to put on their Passover hats. I expect an email about the Yom HaShoah Committee before the end of this year, and I have the sneaking suspicion that if you ask the Friedel Board if they’ve discussed the 2017-18 school year, they’ll answer in the affirmative. There are a lot of moving pieces, and

knowing we all have community support in the things we do and the programs we create is extremely valuable. At the same time, you need to know how much we appreciate you. Not only are many of us at the Jewish Federation invested professionally, we are connected personally. We are part of the community; when we talk about your children, we’re talking about our children. Our community: it’s all of us, together. When you hear the word “Federation,” it means your neighbors, your family, and the people who sit behind you at shul. And, we hope many of those neighbors will come to Dave and Buster’s on Sept. 25, so we can celebrate together. Can’t wait to see you there!

tarian Aid.” In Spanish, he described movingly to the global clergy who gathered the Jewish values of tikkun olam and tzedakah -- values that reinforced the global humanitarian principles being discussed at the summit.

turn, reach out beyond our communal walls to help those in distress. In ancient times through today, arevut meant responsibility to our local Jewish communities and the wider Jewish world. But over the last century especially, we have also been proudly at the forefront of efforts relieving human suffering wherever it may be. This is why so many Jews want to ensure that when a disaster strikes or humanitarian needs grow – in Nepal, in the Philippines, in Haiti or among Syrian refugees – there is a Jewish response representing our dedication to humanity’s health, safety and welfare. It may be a small response compared to the sometimes outsized nature of the need, doing what we can as efficiently and wide-ranging with the dollars we receive, but in the end we answer the call with a resounding “Hineni” -- I am here! This is the reaction of a people all too familiar with dire need, with violent persecution and with the agonizing realization that there was no one else to turn to when the time was critical to find a helping hand. So at the same time as we sustain the Jews of Ukraine; empower Europe’s Jews to navigate financial collapse, hate and terror, and help Israelis build their future despite a dangerous neighborhood, we have also come to the aid of countless hundreds of thousands of people -- those we didn’t know, those with whom we didn’t share a faith or culture, and those who might never even know it was a Jew who helped them in their time of need. And we don’t do this just because it is the right thing to do or because our history and tradition encourage humanitarian care. We do it also because embracing this duality makes us stronger as a people and more prepared to handle a complex reality with many real threats. It’s a lesson worth learning in a world growing more precarious by the day -- when repairing the world, for Jews and for others, is not just powerful rhetoric but essential action to overcome divisiveness and build a better tomorrow. Alan H. Gill is the CEO of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

On World Humanitarian Day, Jews don’t have to choose between ‘us’ and ‘them’

ALAN H. GiLL NEW YORK | JTA Last month, a tiny but thriving Jewish community in the Balkans – the 250-person remnant of a majority Sephardic community nearly decimated by the Holocaust – reached out to its neighbors to provide relief to thousands in the wake of devastating floods. Operating without concern for faith or background, Macedonia’s Jews felt the pain of those around them and took it upon themselves to help heal their fellow citizens in a time of great need. The irony is that in a time of growing fear and fatigue around so many challenges we face, both as Jews and global citizens, a humanitarian spark remains and drives Jews to engage their communities, countries and wider world to solve deep problems that seem overwhelming and, in some cases, impossible to address. Recently, millions around the globe, especially those in the international NGO and philanthropic community, marked World Humanitarian Day. Campaigns to aid refugees, stop human trafficking, stem child poverty, provide clean water or free internet access to the needy dotted the social media and news landscape. Feel-good stories reminded us that change is possible and philanthropy, advocacy and activism can change the world for the better. In many cases, these efforts are supported or led by Jews, Jewish communities, and Jewish and Israeli organizations. Despite rising anti-Semitism, growing extremism and terror, and major shifts in the economy and global order, they are still inspired to align themselves with humanitarian causes and engage in the work of aiding the neediest or those in crisis in the Jewish people’s name. Such work was on vivid display at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul earlier this year when the Israeli and Jewish contingents represented this contribution to the wider world. But we didn’t do it as outsiders, rather as experts and part of the fabric of responders to global catastrophe. This participation was especially poignant when Benjamin Laniado, the president of Cadena -- the Mexican Jewish relief agency -- spoke at the special session titled “Faith and Humani-

A volunteer delivering hygiene relief kits to Macedonians affected by a devastating flood that hit the region in August 2016. The relief effort was organized by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Jewish Community of the Republic of Macedonia and the Holocaust Fund of the Jews from Macedonia. Credit: JDC Such commitment is an antidote to the helplessness many of us feel in the face of heartbreaking headlines and atrocity. It also upends societal trends that favor turning away from crisis, solely focusing on ourselves, to put “us” before “them.” Of course we in the Jewish world are familiar with that struggle. Balancing the needs of “us” and “them” is often present in our communal debates, even when arguing the primacy of domestic Jewish issues versus those overseas. But as the representative of an organization that was founded and continues to serve Jews in need, I argue that such divisions are false and impede progress toward healing lives and empowering people. After all, the Jewish people have a firmly ingrained sense of obligation in the concept of “arevut,” shared mutual responsibility among Jews. History and necessity, have persuaded us to take the lessons learned from that ideal and, in

10 | The Jewish Press | September 2, 2016

synagogues b’nai iSRael Synagogue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 402.322.4705 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

congRegaTion 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

RoSe blumKin JewiSh home

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

Temple iSRael

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

TifeReTh iSRael

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

b’nai iSRael Synagogue

Services and speaker series will resume Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Our presenter will be California native Oliver Pollak who will speak about how Iowa and Nebraska formed his adult Jewishness. We look forward to hearing Oliver’s story as he and Karen prepare to return to California to be closer to their kids and grandkids. As always, our services are led by lay leader Larry Blass. For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

beTh el Synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. fRiday: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SaTuRday: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m. weeKday SeRviceS: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sunday: No Torah Studay Class this week monday: End of Summer Festival, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. TueSday: Your Journey Starts Here - An Insider’s Guide to the High Holy Day, noon with Rabbi Abraham. wedneSday: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; BESTT Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m.; Your Journey Starts Here - An Insider’s Guide to the High Holy Day, 6:15 p.m. with Rabbi Abraham at Spirit World, 6680 Center St.; BESTT Hebrew High Classes, 6:45 p.m. ThuRSday: Shanghai, 1 p.m. Kibbutz Chaverim, Sunday, Sept. 11, 12:15 p.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

beTh iSRael Synagogue

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. fRiday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:36 p.m. SaTuRday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Kids Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon open to the community and sponsored by the Binnamow Family; Insights into the Weekly Portion, 6:30 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:15 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:35 p.m. Sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Rita Binnamow Unveiling weeKdayS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. monday: Shacharit, 9 a.m. ThuRSday: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.

chabad houSe

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. fRiday: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SaTuRday: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. Sunday: Minyan, 8:30 a.m. weeKdayS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TueSday: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. wedneSday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak. ThuRSday: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@ unmc.edu.

congRegaTion b’nai JeShuRun

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. fRiday: Pre-neg, 6 p.m. hosted by Sara Friedman; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:37 p.m. SaTuRday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Re’eh; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:06 p.m. monday: Temple office will be closed for Labor Day TueSday: Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m. ThuRSday: Rabbi’s Coffee with Hillel, 7 p.m. at the Coffee House; High Holiday Choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. It’s a mitzvah! The Temple is seeking volunteers willing to

provide occasional transportation to services and events for members who are in need of a ride. Please contact the Temple office for details and to sign up by phone at 402.435.8004 or email at office@southstreettemple.org. LJCS First Day: All Classes meet Sunday, Sept. 11, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel and LJCS Parent Orientation at 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel. Temple volunteers will gather at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 to help with weeding, raking, sweeping, and trimming of the Temple grounds. Federation Shabbat, friday, Sept. 16, 6-9 p.m. at Antelope Park enclosed shelter (between the playground and Auld Pavilion). Set up and Park Play Time, 6 p.m., Family-Friendly Shabbat Service, 6:45 p.m. followed by a Potluck Dinner at 7:15 p.m. Please bring a dairy or pareve dish to share. If you participated in a Jewish camp this summer, please bring photos and memories to share. All members of our community are welcome. Flatwater Shakespeare presents: The Merchant of Venice, Sept. 2-5, 8-11, 14-16, 7 p.m. at The Swan Theatre at Wyuka, 3600 O Street. Tickets are $20, Seniors $16, Students, $12. Directed by Tom Crew President’s Office Hours, Sunday mornings, 10 a.m.– noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, email David Weisser at president@southstreettemple.org.

offuTT aiR foRce baSe

fRiday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

RoSe blumKin JewiSh home

SaTuRday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Scott Weiler. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

Temple iSRael

fRiday: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Crystal and Rabbi (Sussman) Berezin. Note: Rabbi Sussman was recently married and has decided to change her name. She will now be going by Rabbi Berezin. SaTuRday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Torah and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer.

Sunday: No Religious School wedneSday: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m., School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:30 p.m.; Family School, 6:30 p.m.; My Israel: A Virtual Tour to Israel, 6:30 p.m. ThuRSday: Elul Prep, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Crystal. Scholar-in-Residence, Harold C. Pachios, friday, Sept. 9 Saturday, Sept. 10. (See full story on page 4.)

TifeReTh iSRael

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. fRiday: Services, 6:30 p.m. SaTuRday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddish luncheon. Join us for our first Shabbat Pasta Dinner and Birthday Celebration honoring all congregants born in September on friday, Sept. 9, 6:15 p.m. and conclude at 7:45 p.m. There will be no Friday evening services following dinner. All ages are welcome to join together. LJCS First Day: All Classes meet on Sunday, Sept. 11, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel and LJCS Parent Orientation at 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel. Beginnings of Judaism session 1 with facilitator Al Weiss, monday, Sept. 12, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Federation Shabbat, friday, Sept. 16, 6-9 p.m. at Antelope Park enclosed shelter (between the playground and Auld Pavilion). Set up and Park Play Time, 6 p.m., Family-Friendly Shabbat Service, 6:45 p.m. followed by a Potluck Dinner at 7:15 p.m. Please bring a dairy or pareve dish to share. If you participated in a Jewish camp this summer, please bring photos and memories to share. All members of our community are welcome. New Nurture the Wow Parenting Group begins Sunday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel. Our topic will be How Do We Love. Discussion will be facilitated by Nancy Coren.

To SubmiT b’nai miTzvah announcemenTS

Announcements should be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 two weeks in advance of the B’nai Mitzvah. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: avande kamp@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewish omaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’

operation Thunderbolt: A leadership model Shani KaTzman for Chabad House Sassy (Sasson) Reuven was a 21 year old paratrooper on duty in the Golan Heights in 1976. As the people of the United States prepared to celebrate its two hundredth birthday, the IDF prepared for a most daring, ingenious rescue mission. On June 27, 1976 an Air France flight from Tel Aviv to Paris was hiSassy (Sasson) Reuven jacked and forced Credit: kosheroc.com to Uganda shortly after take-off. Two Palestinian and two German terrorists who boarded during the brief stopover in Athens carried weapons in their hand bags. They demanded the release of 53 terrorists from Israel and other countries and if refused, threatened to kill all the hostages. After a few days of agonizing deliberation and exquisite planning, Sassy and fellow commandos were ordered to fly 2,500 miles at night in unwelcome skies to free the 106 Jewish passengers and flight crew members of the ill fated Air France flight 139. The turbulent trip was seven hours and took its toll on the more than 200 IDF personnel. Yet the mission was an astounding

success. In 90 minutes, the IDF commandos killed all seven terrorists and saved 106 hostages. A former Israeli Red Beret, Sassy was second to deplane at the Entebbe airport and second to last to board at the mission’s completion. His account of the experience is gripping and emotional and Omahans will have the chance to hear it. On Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at Criss Auditorium in the Hitchcock Humanities Center at Bellevue University, Mr. Reuven will share the story of Operation Thunderbolt. “We are excited to bring Sassy Reuven to our community”, says Rabbi Mendel Katzman. “The Baal Shem Tov teaches that everything one sees or hears, one must translate into the service of G-d. If you are aware of something, someone in need, you must take initiative to act. Operation Thunderbolt was defiant and courageous and is a vivid example of going beyond your comfort zone, minding your own business to stand up for someone in need. To take risks for another.” Sassy’s story includes the preparation of the mission and its thrilling implementation. He emphasizes what this experience has taught him about life. Dr. Stephen Linenberger, professor at Bellevue University, teaches Leadership Theory and Social Psychology of Leadership. His interest in this remarkable leadership model has led him to partner with Chabad to offer this program. There is no charge for this event. Rsvp at ochabad.com/rsvp is recommended as space is limited.

The Jewish Press | September 2, 2016 | 11

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Lily Pocras, daughter of Suzanne and Hap Pocras, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Temple Israel. Lily is an eighth-grade Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School. Her interests include dance and performing with Nebraska Dance Troupe. For her mitzvah project, Lily volunteered at Nebraska Food Bank sorting canned goods, snacks and other items before being boxed and delivered to homes and schools. She has a sister, Lucy and a brother, Knox. Grandparents are Sheryn and Arnold Joffe, and Ken Pocras and the late Joyce Pocras.

Philly artist paints over swastikas with flowers, has neighbors do the same

jta news staff A Jewish artist in suburban Philadelphia turned swastikas painted on her trash can into a neighborhood demonstration of love and caring. Esther Cohen-Eskin of Havertown discovered the Nazi symbol painted on her trash can on Aug. 19, e Associated Press reported. She and her husband have lived there for 20 years. “e swastika is such a deep-rooted sign of hatred for everyone, especially Judaism, that I felt so targeted,” she told the AP. Cohen-Eskin decided to paint over the swastikas with flowers. en she wrote a letter to her neighbors asking them to paint a swastika on their trash bin and paint over it as she had. Garbage cans throughout the neighborhood have been painted with flowers and other symbols of love and caring. People as far away as Canada, Germany and Ireland called to oﬀer their support. Some sent photos of their own decorated trash containers, according to the AP. “It gave me a whole new reassurance in humanity,” Cohen-Eskin told the AP. “I feel invigorated by all the love. It’s exciting... it makes you feel there’s so much good out there.”

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Us envoy’s son has bar mitzvah at his ancestors’ shul in Prague

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

jta news staff PRAGUE The U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Andrew Schapiro, celebrated his son’s bar mitzvah in the same Prague synagogue that his ancestors attended before the Holocaust. The service for 13-year-old Alex Schapiro took place on Aug. 20 in the Spanish Synagogue, which was built for a Reform congregation and is now part of the local Jewish museum. “It’s really cool and meaningful that I had my bar mitzvah at the same place my grandma – and my great-uncle, who was at my service – went for the holidays. I am really glad I could have it there, and I think my grandma would be too,” Alex Schapiro said. His father noted another symbolism that resonated with him. “To be back here not just as a Jewish family but also in this role of representing the United States, the country that gave my mother refuge and saved her life, surrounded by many members of both of our families, that was unforgettable,” the elder Schapiro told JTA. The diplomat’s Prague-born mother, Raya Czerner Schapiro, was 5 when the Nazis occupied Prague. Her parents sent her and her sister to the United States in October 1939. She died in 2007, but her brother attended his grand-nephew’s bar mitzvah. Tamar Newberger, Alex’s mother, and his father brought Rabbi Asher Lopatin from the United States to officiate at the ceremony. The couple also had to arrange for a Torah scroll to be used in the service, as the one on hand was too aged and damaged to be considered fit according to religious laws. “This group of United Synagogue Youth brought it over in a golf bag in June, and it will be used by Prague’s Masorti community,” said Newberger about the Torah scroll. United Synagogue Youth is the youth group of the Conservative movement, and Masorti is the Conservative movement’s overseas arm. More than 200 guests attended Alex Schapiro’s bar mitzvah ceremony, including some 150 who made the trip from the United States. The party – a non-themed one, his parents said – took place in the ambassador’s residence. “This moment didn’t make me feel like an adult; I have started feeling more adult since I moved to Prague,” Alex Schapiro said.

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12 | The Jewish Press | September 2, 2016

community

Sisters in Israel: Jenny Patterson’s story AnnETTE vAn DE kAmp-wrIghT Editor, Jewish Press A little over a year ago, Jenny Patterson moved from Northern California to Omaha, Nebraska, together with her husband Drew, Son Ryan (16) and daughter Julia (14). Jenny was born and raised in Chicago, completed her undergraduate work at Emory in Atlanta and her Master’s degree in social work at Smith’s College in Northampton, Massachusetts (about 2.5 hours west of Boston). Aer 19 years in Mountain View, California (just down the street from Google), the Nebraska Medicine Center brought her husband to Omaha, where he is now the Vice Chairman in the Department of Anesthiology. Realizing it’s not always easy to get to know a new community, she decided that one sure way to make new friends was to join the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP), and travel to Israel with nine other women. “Being immersed in a group of ten women traveling together, you get to know them really well, and really fast,” she said. It was Jenny’s first time in Israel. She had wanted to go since high school, but had no concrete plans. When Jewish Federation of Omaha Director of Special Projects (and trip leader!) Louri Sullivan brought up the JWRP trip, Jenny was interested, the timing was right, and before she knew it she found herself on a plane to Tel Aviv. “When I learned about the JWRP, I was

immediately intrigued by the concept of traveling with other moms,” she said. “A trip with all women, from diﬀerent cities, with

rather than theory alone.” Jenny loved “just being in Israel,” she said. “e feeling of being ‘normal,’ as a Jewish

Left: Jenny (middle, in purple shirt) during her visit to Bet Elazraki; right: Jenny during dinner at Deck’s in Tiberias.

“Being immersed in a group of ten women traveling together, you get to know them really well, and really fast.”

women as trip leaders, I liked the idea. e women of JWRP have very strong leadership skills as it turned out -- they really know how to make this experience meaningful. rough the learning sessions, combined with everything we saw, they were able to create very solid connections among the participants. ose sessions were practical and useful; they dealt with real life

woman, rather than the exception, was a beautiful experience.” One of the questions the JWRP poses to participants is: what will you bring back? How will the experiences you have in Israel influence your very practical, daily life once you are back home? “I’m bringing back small pieces at a time,” Jenny says, “rather than overwhelm my

kids. I’ve showed them the trip video (they said it looked like camp!) and much of what I’ve learned about myself as a Jewish woman trickles through. ose small pieces make it, I think, easier to digest.” One of the places Jenny visited with her Omaha sisters was Bet Elazraki, the Children’s Home in Netanya. Bet Elazraki was established in 1969 to serve 39 at-risk children and has since grown to take care of 250 children aged 0-18. e visit to Bet Elazraki stuck with her: “Director Yehuda Kohn is the perfect illustration of how one man can make an enormous diﬀerence in the lives of children,” she said. “It was incredibly inspiring to meet with the children, and hear him talk about his passion. Having a social work background, this really spoke to me.” e Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project Momentum Trip is an eight-day journey in Israel, connecting us to the land, to our Jewish values, and to each other. Since 2009, more than 7,300 women have participated. e JWRP trip is supported in part by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. A recruitment event for the 2017 JWRP trip, featuring speaker Lori Palatnik, will be held ursday, Sept. 22 at 11:45 a.m. at the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Kripke Library. All those interested are welcome to attend. Please contact Louri Sullivan at 402.334.6485 or email her at lsullivan@ jewishomaha.org for more information.

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