September 8, 2017 by Jewish Press

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2018 JFO Community Event

mArY Sue GroSSmAn Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel’s new youth programming will kick off this Sunday, Sept. 10 with a fun-filled event from 3-5p.m. JYE BI – the Jewish Youth Experience at Beth Israel - is an innovative, dynamic new avenue to provide programming for youth of all ages.

and important and we are fortunate that she will be speaking to our community.” Dr. Deborah E. Lipstadt is the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust studies at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Lipstadt is the author of The Eichmann Trial and History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier, which tells the story of her libel trial in London against David Irving, who sued her for calling him a Holocaust denier. The judge found David Irving to be guilty, a falsifier of history, a racist, an anti-Semite and a See JFo Community event page 2

It’s not just a chair

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

Joe and Jill Goldstein with Andee and Anthony Scioli

Annette vAn de kAmp Editor, Jewish Press he Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign invites the community to its major event, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Event Chairs Jill and Joe Goldstein and Andee and Anthony Scioli hope you’ll join us at the Regency Marriott for dinner and a lecture by Dr. Deborah Lipstadt. “Dr. Lipstadt is a well-respected historian and wonderful educator,” Andee Scioli says. “Dr. Lipstadt’s battle against Holocaust denial has been tireless. Her work is powerful

Bearing witness to history page 16

12 14 15

JYe Bi kick-off event

Recalibrate your spiritual GPS at Beth El page 4

Over the moon at the JCC page 11

SponSored BY the BenJAmin And AnnA e. wieSmAn FAmilY endowment Fund

Annette vAn de kAmp-wriGht Editor, Jewish Press When several creative geniuses come together, sometimes magic happens. When the people involved are lifelong friends and family members, that magic is a sure thing. Cue Jim Krantz: together with his wife Susan he lives and works in Los Angeles, which is not as far from Omaha as one might think. At least, not to hear him tell it. His relatives still live in Omaha, and according to a Mike Kelly column, he calls himself “an Omaha Boy.” (OWH, April 2014) Those relatives include his sister Susie Krantz-Smoler who, together with husband Stewart, runs Allens Home, which started in 1925 and was bought by David Krantz in 1945. He moved it along with his son Howard in 1974 from South Omaha to its

current location. Jim is famous for a number of things, most of all his photography, including advertising and editorial photography for Firestone, VMagazine, RedBull, Supreme and Wells Fargo, to name a few. His Western landscapes, cowboys and all, are a great rep-

resentation of the American icon. Krantz is a 1974 Westside High School graduate; he and Susan have a son Danny and a daughter, Kate. Susan and Jim left Omaha in 1999 and lived in Chicago until 2014. After 15 years in Chicago, they made their way to Los Angeles where they currently reside. His Denver University degree is in graphic design. “Much of my education comes from constantly taking workshops,” he says. “My formal education came through the university, but the many artists I’ve worked with and learned from over the years had a tremendous impact.” Case in point: he’s worked with Ansel Adams; an exhibit that features both is scheduled at New York’s Danziger Gallery in November of this year. Then, there was Chernobyl. In 2011, the world marked the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster. While much of the public thinks it ancient history, Jim Krantz pushed the narrative in a different direction when he published Homage: Remembering Chernobyl. Combined with essays, his photographs remind us that what happened in Chernobyl is See it’s not just a chair page 3

A key focus of this fun event is the sharing of the message about the opportunities that will be available for youth at Beth Israel. New youth directors Faige and Yaakov Jeidel have hit the ground running in finalizing the classes, activities, and events for youth of all ages. Working with Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich, and a group of parent volunteers, the program will present a variety of opportunities to families. “Looking at youth programming through a different lens is exciting,” shares Tippi Denenberg, one of the parent volunteers. “In today’s world, there is such a wide variety of avenues in which our children can learn. The JYE BI model is offering new and exciting ways to engage our kids.” Sunday’s kick-off event will include games – including an awesome, not-to-be missed grand finale game – a bounce house, photo booth, and a human scavenger hunt. Refreshments will also be served. Many thanks to the Shirley and David Goodman Donor-Advised Fund for providing funding for the program. Faige and Yaakov are thrilled at the chance to meet all the families who will be involved in JYE BI. “We already knew Omaha was a great community,” reports Faige, “but since our arrival, we are seeing more and more of the positives. Having the chance to work with the wonderful kids and parents in this new venture is a fabulous opportunity.” She added “We can’t wait to get started!” Anyone who has not yet registered is asked to call the synagogue office 402.556.6288 by Friday at noon.

2 | The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017

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anneTTe van de kamp-wrIghT Editor, Jewish Press or more than 150 years, Jewish business owners have played a vital role in the city of Omaha. ey have been visionaries, philanthropists and key contributors to the success of both our Jewish community and the wider Omaha community. Jewish Business Leaders (JBL), a new initiative from the Jewish Federation of Omaha, provides the opportunity for enterpeneurs, founders and change-makers in our community to come together and create lasting relationships. e JBL’s Board of Directors consists of Alex Epstein, Ryan Blumkin, Tamara Draeger, Adam Kirshenbaum, Jerry Slusky and Alan Tipp. “Growing up in Omaha, it’s hard not to notice how unique the presence of Jewish businesses is and how vital to this city,” Alex Epstein says. “From furniture to mom-and-pop grocery stores to the meat industry, there have been and continue to be so many Jewish business leaders. ey can be found in real estate, the financial world, in law oﬃces: we have something here that is unbelievably valuable. We want to continue to build and nurture that and create an opportunity where we can learn from each other.” Four events are planned for the 2017-2018 season, starting with a JBL of Omaha Hall of Fame breakfast, Oct. 11. Between 7:30 and 9 a.m., Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart will be honored at Happy Hollow Country Club.

ree subsequent Bagels & Business breakfast meetings are scheduled for 2018. Jan. 17, Todd Simon, Senior Vice President of Omaha Steaks, will be the featured speaker at Champions Run. April 18, the featured speaker is Harley D. Schrager, retired President, Chief Operating Oﬃcer and co-owner of the Pacesetter Corporation. Location is Happy Hollow Country Club, which is also where the final breakfast meeting will be held, July 25. Rachel Jacobson will be the featured speaker in July. She is the Executive Director at Film Streams. Times for all Bagels & Business meetings is 7:30- 8:30 a.m. “e mission in one word,” Alex Epstein says, “connect.” “Many of us know each other already, but if we come together in one room a few times a year, who knows what great things will come from that? We can exchange ideas and experiences, we can continue to tell the stories of Jewish business in Omaha, learn from our elders and get the younger generation involved. is is going to be really special.” e events are free with membership, the cost of which is $100 per year. Your involvement with the JBL will give you a host of opportunities to network and create valuable relationships with other business leaders. Be part of JBL and help us build and continue this legacy. For more information, please contact Steve Levinger at 402.334.6433 or slevinger@jewishomaha.org or Alex Epstein at 402.505.7720 or aepstein@omnepartners.com; join online at http://www.jewishomaha.org/about/community-programs-and-events/jewish-business-leaders/

Jeffrey Taxman to be cantorial soloist at B’nai Israel nancy wolf The B’nai Israel community is pleased to welcome Jeffrey Taxman once again to guide the services for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Jeffrey has been the spiritual leader at the Council Bluffs synagogue for 17 years, ever since Sissy Silber and Jerome “Doc” Bleicher recruited him in 2000. With the help of family and members of the congregation, Jeffrey brings much joy and great heart to these very special holiday services. Jeffrey has a life-long love of music and participation in the Jewish community. Jeffrey’s career as a Cantorial Soloist began in 1973 filling in over December holidays with Rabbi Sidney Brooks at Temple Israel in Omaha. He taught music at Temple Israel in San Antonio, Texas, during college and again in New York City during graduate school. After

JFO Community event

continued from page 1 liar. Lipstadt’s legal battle with Irving lasted approximately five years. In July 2001, the court of appeals resoundingly rejected Irving’s attempt to appeal the judgment against him. A film based on the book Denial was released on Sept. 30, 2016. Community members will have a chance to watch the movie ahead of the major Campaign event. Sunday Oct. 15, the Jewish Community Center’s theater will open its doors; the free showing of Denial will begin at 7 p.m. Marla and Bob Cohen are Event Chairs for the movie showing. “The movie and the underlying story contain powerful messages that anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial have not

returning to Omaha in 1980, Cantor Firestone asked him to sing tenor in the High Holiday Quartet at Temple Israel. Jeffrey also sang High Holidays for three years for the Jewish Chaplain at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. Jeffrey taught music in the Temple Israel Sunday school for 20 years and filled in when the cantors were away for vacation, illness, maternity leave and conferences. He enjoys singing with Rabbi Ari Dembitzer and friends on Shabbos at Beth Israel as well as at the Blumkin Home for Hanukkah. Jeffrey and Sherry Taxman have four children and five grandchildren. Jeffrey is President of Physicians Financial Services. We hope you will join us for some or all of our High Holiday services. You’re always welcome at B’nai Israel!

gone away,” Bob Cohen says. “It seems particularly timely in light of what we all witnessed recently in Charlottesville. This is quite an interesting story of a highly regarded Holocaust historian being attacked by an English Holocaust denier who is discussed in one of the historian’s academic works. People should expect an entertaining and well-acted movie performance about an important topic. Marla and I are supporters of the great work of the Institute of Holocaust Education and are glad to lend our names to the promotion of this event, which we think is a great opportunity for the Omaha community.” “Omaha’s Jewish community is a special one,” Anthony Scioli says. “Not only does the Oct. 18 community event afford us the opportunity to connect, but it also gives us the rare chance to meet a champion of the truth and a determined advocate.” Margo and Steve Riekes, Zoë and Carl Riekes and two other anonymous donors generously provided underwriting for the event. The Patron Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and the cash bar will open at 6 p.m. Dinner and lecture will immediately follow. Parking is available at the north side of the hotel, which is located at 10220 Regency Circle. RSVPs are due by Oct. 2. For more information about either the movie or the community Event, please contact Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@jewishomaha.org or call 402.334.6458.

Exploring Judaism course

Mark kirchhoff Community Engagement and Education The 2017-2018 Exploring Judaism class begins on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 and will continue on subsequent Monday evenings through March 26, 2018, from 7–8:30 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The class is designed for those in the process of conversion, those interested in refreshing their knowledge of Judaism, and those with a general interest in Judaism. Exploring Judaism is being taught by Scott Littky, a seasoned Jewish professional. He began his career in Jewish education in 1985 as a religious school teacher. From 1988 until Scott Littky 1996 he served the Bureau of Jewish Education of Omaha as a Community Teacher. He taught at Friedel Jewish Academy in addition to afternoon religious school programs. Scott served 17 years as a Director of Education beginning at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha, followed by Beth Israel Synagogue in Ann Arbor, MI and Agudas Achim Congregation in Alexandria, VA. During the summer of 2014, Scott returned to live in Omaha where he served as the Program Director at Temple Israel through August of this year. Scott has arranged the class into four categories: (1) Judaism as a Religion, (2) Judaism as History, (3) Judaism as a Way of Life, and (4) Judaism as it is Practiced. In addition to the standard materials for the class, Scott adds a variety of supplemental material and suggestions for additional reading each year. “I’m always on the alert to include current, topical articles that fit with the Exploring Judaism classes,” Scott commented. Tuition for “Exploring Judaism” 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 and active congregants of an Omaha synagogue. Materials for the class are provided. Pre-registration is required. You may do so by calling 402.334.6463 or emailing mkirchhoff@jewish omaha.org. Payment is due at the first class. Arrangements can be made for making installment payments. Checks are to be made payable to “The Jewish Federation of Omaha.” Payments prior to the first class may be sent to The Jewish Community Center, ATTN: Mark Kirchhoff, 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. The deadline for registration is Oct. 9.

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The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017 | 3

community continued from page 1 not over, but continues to devastate the population. “Our days are not typical,” wife and ‘power behind the scenes’ Susan Krantz says. “They’re more a blizzard of ideas, connecting with artists. LA is an interesting hub of creatives. We meet

Jim krantz Credit: Susan Krantz

people and artists doing things seemingly unrelated to what we do. We are stepping out of seeing photography as a two-dimensional art form. Not seeing it in the traditional form opens possibilities, mingling aesthetics from home furnishings to fashion to functional devices. Our days are creatively charged, intense. It’s a lot of fun!” “My entire family has been in the furniture business since the 1940s,” Jim says. “Using furniture as a way to mount photographs makes total sense. We’re redefining photography itself when we think of it as more than a two-dimensional art form.” What the Novaks do at Modernica, Jim says, is so much more than building furniture. “Sure, they make chairs, you can sit in them and they are fully functional. Yet, they are more than that; they are works of art. Jay and Frank Novak are artists, you can see it in the esthetics of the very factory where they create

It’s not just a chair their work.” What Jim is aiming for is the integration of art into daily life. He inhabits the place where esthetics and functionality meet. Finding new canvases for his photography also forces him to teach us about what photography as an art form means today, and how it is changing.

“We’re bombarded with pictures every day,” he says. “Everyone is doing it, we all have cameras on our phones. It’s almost comparable to hieroglyphs—we’re etching things in the wall, we communicate through snapshots. If you own an iPhone, you’re suddenly a photographer. We’re seeing a change in the understanding of what that means. When we ask ourselves where the line is between just a snapshot and a great photo, it cannot just be a matter of good lighting or great composition. The real question is always: what is the story? Is there a story? We have nothing without that story.” Back to those well-known Western landscapes and the real reason for this article. Another Omaha boy, Jay Novak, together with his brother Frank, owns Modernica, a midcentury design furniture factory, also in Los Angeles (a third brother, Paul, is an MD and lives in Des Moines). Their focus is on mid-century modern furniture, lighting, outdoor furniture and

many other design items, but most of all: the fiberglass chair. In addition, Modernica provides mid-century props to Hollywood sets. If you’ve given into your Netflix addiction lately, you’ve probably seen their products. Jim Krantz and the Novaks are old friends; they even lived together behind the elder Novak’s Antique store.

Credit: Jim Krantz

You can guess what happened next. “That fiberglass chair,” Jay says, “is one of the most important 20th century designs. It’s incredibly iconic. Initially introduced in the 1950s, my brother and I were able to buy the machinery after working with the company that owned it. Then we took it a step further and began developing the technique to bring imagery into the fiberglass. We sprinkled things into it, with varying levels of success until we were able to embed images. We’re basically using the chair as a canvas.” That iconic chair, embedded with Jim’s equally iconic photography of the American West, made for a unique new product. Eight different chairs were hand-produced in runs of 50 each, individually numbered. “The Way of the West collection alleviates the need to choose between perceptions of a purely utilitarian or art based aesthetic,” Susan See it’s not just a chair page 4

It’s not just a chair

4 | The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017

community High Holidays: Time to recalibrate your spiritual GPS at Beth El

Ozzie NOgg

eth El Synagogue’s theme for the 5778 High Holy Days is Recalibrating Your Spiritual GPS. “We tend to see Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a time of repentance and teshuvah,” said Ariella Rohr, Beth El Engagement Coordinator. “But the reality is that most of us navigated our lives just fine last year, so we’re not suggesting that anyone needs to throw out the map, turn around and start over. What we’re suggesting is a spiritual recalibration. After all,” Rohr continued, “even if my car is running smoothly I bring it in for a yearly tune-up, so that if the mechanic finds a glitch I can make the appropriate corrections before the problem becomes a bigger issue and affects the larger system. We check in with our doctors once a year for the same reasons. So Beth El decided to extend this service reminder for a spiritual tuneup. A reminder to refocus, recalibrate and make sure we’re headed in the right direction as individuals, as a congregation and as a community.” Our ancestors looked to constellations in the night sky to figure out where they were and where they were going. And though the north star is still a reliable guide, a Global Positioning System — a GPS — is better suited to the modern world. The same could be said for the evolution in High Holiday services. “Every year our goal is to bridge tradition with our modern lives,” said Beth El’s Rabbi Steven Abraham. “We recite the liturgy that has kept our people together for millenia, while learning how those ancient psalms and prayers can be relevant in 2017. How does Unetaneh Tokef speak to us today? Perhaps we won’t perish by fire or by water, by hunger and thirst, but by cancer and opioids. The themes of the liturgy still have the power to resonate emotionally with us. The goal of our service will be to highlight a bit of history, to draw meaning from these ancient pieces and make them applicable to us and our families in our ever-changing world. Our goal is for Beth El to be a space where everyone feels at home.”

This goal extends to the synagogue building, too. As one of 50 conservative congregations in the country taking part in the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Ruderman Inclusion Action Community, Beth El recognizes that the ever-changing world includes advocacy and support for special needs students and those with disabilities. “We believe that people of all abilities and ages should be able to experience the High Holidays,” said Amy Dworin, Beth El Youth Engagement Director and a member of the synagogue’s Inclusion Committee. “One of the aims of the Committee is to help remove impediments so that Jewish experiences can be accessible to all who want them. We recognize that traditional services may not be a good fit for everybody, so we’re offering a Sensory Room during the High Holidays to allow people with different abilities to experience Rosh Hashanah in a more hands-on way. Included in our Sensory Room interactive stations are shofar listening; an exploration of the symbols of Rosh Hashanah including apples, honey and pomegranates; learning about the lunar calendar and a demonstration of teshuvah. We consulted with the MunroeMeyer Institute at UNMC and learned that children and adults with disabilities aren’t able to easily attend worship services, so we’re glad that we have the opportunity to give a Rosh Hashanah experience to members of our Beth El family who may have been overlooked.” While Beth El adult congregants recalibrate their spiritual GPS, the synagogue’s High Holiday youth programming will also be in high gear. “The programming theme for our youngest members is Wonder Woman,” Amy Dworin continued. “We’ll help the kids look inside themselves to see what makes each of us extraordinary, and think of ways to unleash the heroes within. The kids will go to interactive learning stations and explore different aspects of the High Holidays through a superhero’s perspective. We’ll think about exceptionality — what makes us special and how we can be more inclusive of people with different needs. The See Beth el High Holidays page 6

Continued from page 3 says. “They’re two classic subjects - the American mid-century design and Jim’s Western iconographic photography. Merging the two elevates the functionality of the chairs by making each one a unique expression of the classic design, giving the object a personality derived from the photographic content.” The collection will be shown in Omaha starting Sept. 14 at, where else, Allens Home. “Jim is a master photographer,” Susie says about her brother. “What he and his wife Susan, together with Modernica, have created is the perfect fit for our showroom. We carry original art, unique designs, and when Jim and Susan began collaborating with Jay and Frank, it suddenly became obvious that this is the perfect way to share their talents with Omaha. We all have a passion for design in common. It’s so much more than a chair; it’s art that happens to be functional. The family connection makes this extra special. I am so proud of my brother.” Jim works closely together with his wife Susan. “Jim Krantz Projects began as an exploration into collaboration with artists across a spectrum of disciplines with Jim’s photographic body of work as the foundation,” Susan says. “It was exciting to see how this particular body of work (The Way of the West images) transformed when appropriated into the form of a non-traditional medium. Modernica were expert in the process of how to incorporate the image into the chair. The success of this first collaboration opened our eyes to the possibilities of other joint ventures. Soon, a collaboration followed with the global, urban cool brand, Supreme, that again merged Krantz’s Way of the West works. “I hope people will appreciate and embrace the chairs as art. More than being merely decorative, each image has a story that relates to the West. We’ve poured our heart and soul into this collection is and, I think, the quality, charisma and cool whimsy will be evident.” “Working together also makes us realize the value of our shared Omaha culture,” Jay says. “Omaha is rich in culture and has great appreciation for art, and our connection to Omaha remains strong. You can take the boy out of Omaha, but you can’t take Omaha out of the boy. There is a contrast with larger, slightly hostile environments that makes us realize where we came from and what we are loyal to.” To get a first look at the iconic collaboration and what it produced, come to Allens Home, 7808 L Street, Sept. 14 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. “It will be a casual affair,” Susie says. “Jim, Susan, Stewart and I just want to share our passion and excitement and yes, there will be appetizers and beer and wine for our guests. We are looking forward to a full house!”

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The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017 | 5

Backyard concert series

Saving the best for last: CJ Mills

Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press Whether you have made every concert this year or not, be sure to attend the JFO Backyard Concert series final act: CJ Mills! This not-to-be-missed performance takes place Sunday, Sept. 17 from 5-7 p.m. in the JCC Pavilion. Mills, an Omaha native and nominee for Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award’s Best Singer-Songwriter and Artist of the Year, has a unique style that mixes soul, reggae, indie, hip hop and pop. In a 2016 interview with Omaha Magazine, Mills explains that she started singing in her church as a child. Her love of reading inspired her at a young age to begin writing her own short stories, which evolved into poetry and songs. As a high schooler, Mills, a self-proclaimed introvert, shied away from the spotlight instead focusing on running track for Marian High School and then for Kansas State University before a back injury sidelined her ambitions during her junior year. During her recovery period, Mills taught herself to play the ukulele and guitar by ear, inspired by the “simple chords and powerful lyrics” of artists like Lauryn Hill, India.Arie and Tracy Chapman, reigniting the passion she had for music. Upon graduating from KSU, Mills returned to Omaha and has developed into a very talented musician with her own style. Her first live show was in 2013, her debut EP Quiet was released in 2015, and today she stays busy playing shows large and small in Omaha and Lincoln with her band. When she isn’t

performing, Mills works as a Health Inspector and enjoys running. Mills’ performance is one that will leave you talking and shouldn’t be missed! Make it dinner and show! Plan on enjoying the music with some authentic woodfired Neapolitan pizza provided by Dante Pizzeria. Choose from margherita, cheese, veggie and gluten free options (Cash only!) Follow that up with a refreshing Hawaiian shaved ice or ice cream novelty from the Kona Ice truck or a tasty treat from the cool cats at BBYO, who will be fundraising for their organization. As always, donations for JFS are appreciated during our concert series; look for the blue drop-off bins as you enter the pavilion. Consider donating much needed personal care items such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lotion, and toothbrushes. Unexpired canned meat items such as tuna, salmon and chicken are also appreciated. In case of inclement weather, the show will go on... in the JCC Theatre! For more information, please check out our website at www.jewishomaha.org or contact JCC Cultural Arts Director Esther Katz at 402.334.6406 or ekatz@jcc omaha.org The JFO Backyard Concert Series is made possible by our sponsors, whom we wish to thank: Omaha Steaks, All Makes Office Equipment Co., Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Foundation. Special thanks also to the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund and the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

legendary performers Herb alpert and lani Hall coming to the Holland Performing arts Center

Experience more than 50 years of ground-breaking music when trumpeter, composer and record label executive Herb Alpert takes the stage at the Holland Performing Arts Center’s Kiewit Concert Hall Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Alpert will be joined by his partner in music and life, Lani Hall. Tickets for the one night only performance start at $29 and are available at the Ticket Omaha Box Office inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas Street, online at TicketOmaha.com or by calling 402.345.0606. In pop gems Tijuana Taxi and A Taste of Honey as well as later hits like Rise, multi- Grammy®-winning trumpeter Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, who was lead singer for the classic Sergio Mendes Brazil 66 hits, exhibit a chemistry on stage that makes for a perfect performance. A 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Alpert’s albums have sold over 72 million copies, and 29 of his records have reached the Billboard 200. He has also dedicated his life to philanthropy,

funding programs that include arts education, jazz and support to professional artists. Herb Alpert recently announced the release of two new albums. The first in July is Music Vol.1, a showcase for Herb’s creativity and first-time collaboration with Jochem van der Saag whose credits include Andrea Bocelli and Destiny’s Child. The second upcoming album is the September release of The Christmas Wish, recorded with symphony and choir. In January Alpert was nominated for his tenth Grammy for the album Human Nature. An album with new material inspired by electronic and dance music with five original compositions and Herb’s signature re–imagining of classics. Last year thirteen of Herb’s albums returned to the Billboard Top 50 Catalog Jazz albums chart. 11 of his titles are currently in the Top 100 Jazz albums on Amazon. Billboard also listed Herb at #7 on their Greatest Of All Time Billboard 200 Artists list this year.

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6 | The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017

Yachad on display

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Sarit Hovav, M.D. Board-Certified Psychiatrist Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

KarEn Gustafson JFS Executive Director A photo montage of Yachad (a group of Jewish adults with Developmental Disabilities) is on display at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home from aug. 30sept. 28. We have had so many wonderful events and activities both in the Jewish and Omaha community that it was time to highlight many of them and share with the entire community. It is also a great time of year to reflect on how we treat others. Do we include everyone in activities? Are we making sure that every community member has the opportunity, even with assisted devices, extra care, etc. to participate in community activities? Can we do better? I’ve thought about this a lot over my years with Jewish Family Service. Working with a population of adults who have Developmental Disabilities was not my expertise and in many ways still isn’t. But, I have learned from some inspirational people over the years what “true inclusion” means. It does not mean that Yachad should have a separate Hanukkah Party (even though Temple did a fantastic job hosting us last year). It does not mean having a special Shabbat service to honor Yachad (even though Beth El has offered this very kind gesture). So, what does inclusion mean? If you are the head of an agency, synagogue or business, inclusion means asking yourself... are we doing everything that we can to eliminate barriers that would prevent someone from participating as fully as they are capable? Can we find a place in our business

to accommodate and hire someone with a disability? Are we sure that we have all community adults on our mailing lists, even those with disabilities? Most Yachad members have their own JCC memberships and e-mail addresses. And most want nothing more than to be productive adults who can contribute to their own lives and independence. Our display during the month of September is to show the many faces of joy when everyone is engaged in meaningful events. The display is colorful and joyous. Yachad has shared Tu B’Shevat with the residents of RBJH, Hanukkah at Temple and Beth Israel and Passover with members at Beth El. We have participated in making and wearing masks for Purim, put together care packages for the IDF soldiers and enjoyed several pool parties and other events with our friends from Ollie Webb. Many Yachad members also worked to create notecards to sell, because they wanted to directly contribute to all of the activities that are generously paid for through Grants and community contributions. These notecards are on display and can be purchased at JFS for $18 (6 cards and envelopes/pack). Upon reflection, we can all do better to think of others. People often shy away from the unknown but let me tell you... being around this group of individuals allows you to feel pure joy in the smallest details of life. There is more to learn from them than the other way around. If interested in purchasing notecards created by Yachad members, please call JFS at 402.330.2024 or stop in.

Continued from page 4 youngsters will also have the opportunity to join their families in the main service, which allows for memory making and community building.” The High Holiday schedule at Beth El includes services on both days of Rosh Hashanah, Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22. The second day of Rosh Hashanah includes a lunch following services. Reservations can be made on the synagogue website: www.bethel-omaha.org or by calling the office at 402.492.8550. Reservations are needed by Tuesday, Sept. 12. On Yom Kippur, Saturday, Sept. 30, Beth El will offer three study sessions during the afternoon break. “Middle of the day Yom Kippur is sometimes hard,” Rabbi Abraham said. “We’re used to going home for lunch, but obviously that’s not really on-theme with Yom Kippur. As a kid growing up, I always stayed at the synagogue with my grandfather to learn with the rabbis and other congregants. Over the past few years, here at Beth El, we’ve tried to vary the learning that takes place between the end of Yom Kippur services and the beginning of mincha, the afternoon service. This year’s presenters and topics are pretty impressive.” The lineup includes: • 2:30 p.m. Dr Sidnie Crawford: “What do the Dead Sea Scrolls Teach Us about the Bible?” Dr. Crawford is a professor of Classics and Religious Studies and teaches in the areas of Hebrew Bible, Second Temple Ju-

daism and Hebrew language at UNL. She is an internationally recognized scholar in the areas of Dead Sea Scrolls and Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible. • 3:30 p.m. Dr. Mark Celinscak. “Rescue and Liberation of the Jews during the Holocaust.” Professor Celinscak is the Louis & Frances Blumkin Professor of Holocaust & Genocide Studies and the Director of the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust & Genocide Education Fund. Is it problematic to equate rescue operations with the act of liberation itself? During his presentation, Dr. Celinscak will demonstrate the difference between rescue and liberation, revealing the distinct challenges faced by actors operating in such capacities. • 4:30 p.m. Rabbi Steven Abraham and Reverend Marshall Johnson, Associate Pastor, St. Luke United Methodist Church. “Living in A Just Society.” Friends and colleagues, these two members of Omaha Together One Community (OTOC) and Omaha’s Interministerial Alliance, are back this Yom Kippur by popular demand. “We offer these learning sessions for those who wish to make Yom Kippur a fully immersive day of contemplation,” Rabbi Abraham said. “Spend the whole day at Beth El, really get in the groove of the day, and come out the other side ready to start the New Year off right.” For more information on Beth El Synagogue’s full schedule of High Holiday services, visit www.bethel-omaha.org.

Beth El High Holidays

Lincoln Federation Shabbat

SArAh KeLen coln’s Antelope Park and combine the service with a community potluck. Over sixty members of the Lincoln JewThe casual park setting with easy playish community gathered together to play, ground access for kids gives Federation eat, socialize, and welcome Shabbat toShabbat a “summer camp” feel, which is gether on Friday, Aug. 25. The Federation appropriate, since board coordinated the event, one of the major and board memallocations of the bers were pleased Jewish Federation by the strong atof Lincoln is totendance from ward scholarships for youth inforold friends and mal Jewish educanew faces, includtion including ing participation summer camps, from all generayouth group actions within the tivities and Israel community. For many years, trips. During the members of Linservice, young coln’s two Jewish Pictured rear: Marin Weisser, left, Moses bloom, Kal- people who had el Garivay: front: Lily paslawski and isaac Weisser attended a Jewish congregations share a playtime juice break in Antelope park before camp or other have joined toLincoln’s Federation Shabbat service, Aug. 25. gether for an anyouth activity nual Friday night Federation Shabbat with Federation support were encouraged service that promotes the work of the Jew- to share favorite memories or photos so ish Federation of Lincoln and builds conFederation donors can see the impact nections between the two congregations’ their gifts have on forming these young members. A few years ago, the Federation people’s strong Jewish identities. These Board decided to move the event, which young people will, in turn, strengthen the had previously alternated between the two Jewish community of Lincoln for years to synagogues, to an enclosed shelter at Lincome.

Avid golfer scores eagle reported by the decider 77 year old golfer David Goldstein scored an unlikely eagle at the first hole (a par four) of the west course of the world famous Stone Creek golf course Aug. 24. On the hole Mr. Goldstein used his driver on the tee to smash an amazing and powerful drive 175 yards to place his ball in the middle of

the fairway. After much deliberation, he selected his wedge and lofted his ball 75 yards into the air like a butterfly and it found the hole! Much celebration followed. David went on to score 76 for the round, having still not succeeded in shooting his age. All his friends pray that he will discontinue talking about it.

The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017 | 7

community

Vocalizing a High Holiday state of mind

Wendy GoLdberG s the High Holiday season approaches ,many Temple Israel congregants seek opportunities to reflect on our lives, socially and politically. Members of Temple Israel choir, Kol Rina, are mindful that the “Season of Awe” provides a unique opportunity to frame contemporary issues into a Jewish perspective. “Kol Rina rehearsals help get me into the right state of mind for the high holidays,” shared Scott Goodman,”I love to sing. Being a part of Kol Rina helps me feel more connected to Temple Israel.” Robert Freeman joined Kol Rina this year, “I’ve heard Kol Rina several times through my years at Temple Israel. It’s a pleasure to finally be able to sing with them. It’s a wonderful expression of how music impacts our culture and religion. I’m pleased to be giving back to others this holy season.” “I have been a member of Kol Rina for 21 years,” added Jill Idelman. “Kol Rina provides me a better understanding and connection to the liturgy of the High Holiday prayers and it personally helps me reflect on my own responsibilities and needs at this time.” Jon Meyers feels he is doing a mitzvah when he helps lead prayer and spirituality for our congregation. “The prep is long and many days when I’d rather be spending summer and fall Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings with family. We zone in on the awesomeness of the season when we spend the month of Elul rehearsing and reacquainting ourselves with the liturgy of the High Holy Days. This year has added excitement and anticipation as our congregation gets

to know and welcome Rabbi Stoller and his family.” “The music of Kol Rina is central to the High Holiday experience we are creating this year,” notes Rabbi Stoller. “Cantor Shermet has chosen a beautiful selection of music that will lift us, inspire us, and help us direct our prayers toward the heavens. I am so excited to hear our outstanding choir bring the words and melodies of the High Holidays to life.” Yom Kippur afternoon service will feature an aural interpretation of the themes for a 90-minute performance by the Omaha Chamber Music Society. There are decades of Jewish music experience in Kol Rina. The choir is a special tradition that has gained strength over the years at Temple Israel. “Kol Rina is one of (if not THE) most enduring organizations at Temple Israel,” shared Cantor Shermet as she referenced the group’s preparations for the upcoming season of awe. “The singers are very committed and dedicated and love singing Jewish choral music.” Each year we have at least one new member, and teens over the Bar/Bat Mitzvah age are welcome to sing. A very special thank you to the members of Temple Israel’s Kol Rina choir: Harper Gordman, Jill Idelman, Hannah Goodman, Pam Deporte, Rachel Stoneking, Susan Arnold, Maxine Noodell, Lauren Cooper, Dani Howell, Patsy Wallace, Tami Field, Wendy Eaton, Beth Asbjornson, Barry Grossman, Jon Meyers, Robert Friedman, Mario Lopez, Jay Spiegelman, Scott Goodman, Paul Koenig, Jeff Schweid, Tom Friedman, Joe Hack and Paul Rath. And thank you to Cantor Wendy Shermet, Julie Sandene (accompanist) and Jerry Brabec (conductor) for their role in Kol Rina’s success.

thearts Visit us at jewishomaha.org

coming in october

publishing date | 10.21.16 space reservation | 10.10.16 camera ready deadline | 10.12.16 Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

8 | The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017

The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017 | 9

Rabbi Hillel said

“If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” These words remind us that though self-interest is our right, we also have a duty to care for others. Today. For over a century, Jewish Family Service of Omaha has focused on providing crucial aid to individuals, couples and families facing challenges in their lives. Between July, 2016 and June, 2017, our efforts have been sustained by the following contributors who chose to balance their own needs with the needs of others. Grants

Endowments

Contributions & Tribute Cards

Project Dreidel

Friends Campaign

Members of our community deserve to live with dignity. These grants provide financial assistance, counseling services, YACHAD activities and other critical programs that strengthen Jewish family life.

Pennie Z. Davis Family Life Education Fund

Donations in honor and in remembrance of family and friends help meet the emotional and financial needs that accompany unexpected medical problems or the loss of employment.

Judy Roffman

Linda and Alan Muskin

Alan Rosen

Patty and Steve Nogg

Patron Kaye and Ron Giller

Supporter Patty and Michael Sherman

Circle of Friends Dolores and Don Klein

Jeanne and Rabbi Maximo Schechet

Susie and Mike Norton and Sons

Judi and David Goldstein

Andrea and Michael Siegel

Dr. Michael Levine

Schwartz Family Foundation

Fefe Passer and Al Bloch

Rosalie Greenspan

Barry Snyder

Patricia Mogil

Doris Alloy

Sherry and Larry Shapiro

Jeanne and Rabbi Maximo Shechet

Cookie and Jerry Hoberman

Norman Veitzer

Vicki Perlmeter

Patty and Mike Sherman

Helene and Jack Shrago

Kathy and Jim Simpson

Amee and Ted Zetzman and Family

Alice and Harold Kosowsky

Sponsor Anonymous (6)

William Pisetsky

Herbert Goldsten Trust

Marti Rosen-Atherton and John Atherton

Sharon and Jeff Kirshenbaum

Rosalie & Milton Saylan Endowment Fund for JFS

Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation

Ruth & Bernard Raskin Endowment Fund

Carol and Steven Bloch

Frances Stein

Friends Campaign

Joanie Lehr

Anne and Alan Cohen

Sheila Rosen

Marge Bresel

Stewart Tully

Joan and Justin Cooper

Toni Rosen

Linda and Mark Cogen

Joye Schmuger Wees and Steven Wees

Friend for Life Friedland Family Foundation

Diane and Larry Malashock

Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth

Ruth & Otmar Liebenstein JFS Finanacial Assistance Endowment Fund

Jody and Neal Malashock

Debbie Denenberg

Lynne and Errol Saltzman

Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT); Qualilty of Life Grant

Steven Block President’s Fund

Rose Cohen

Lois and Norman Wine

Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation

Fefe Passer

Vera and Alex Dobin

Raisa Shats

Yachad Endowment Fund

Ruth Engman

Steven Zalkin

Frederick J Simon Memorial Endowment

Sheila Priluck and Family

Paulette Flatowicz

Claudia Sherman

In Kind Donations

Helen and Tuffy Epstein

Nora and Barry Zoob

Judy Roffman

Debbie and Scott Friedman

Esther Silver

The Talmud says, “A good friend is a tower of strength. To find one is to find a treasure.” Friends of JFS help families in crisis receive guidance to put their lives back in order.

Jill and Mike Erman

Mort Zuber

Benefactor Joanie and Richard Jacobson

Caryn and Marc Sheer

Mary Sue and Alex Grossman

Susan Silverman

Jerry Kaiman

Ed Schneider

Janice Harris

Dorothy Spizman

Kaslow Charitable Trust

Natan Schwalb

Sheryn and Arnold Joffe

Rocky Stern

Julie and Mark Martin

Suzanne and Dr. Norman Sheldon

Bea Karp

Marilyn and Steve Tipp

Sue Meyers

Sissy Silber

Esther and Robert Katleman

Sharee and Murray Newman

Joye Shmuger Wees and Steven Wees

Other Amounts Anonymous

Sandy and Dr. Jeffrey Passer

Heather and KC Winz

Sharon Comisar Langdon, Randy Langdon and Mikayla Langdon

Harris Family Endowment

Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation Sokolof Foundation Special Donor- Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

Endowments Tikkun Olam -- repairing the world -is a moral obligation. Through these endowments, JFS continues to help people build lives of hope and joy.

Perlmeter Family Jewish Family Service Assistance Fund Richard “Pete” Lee Memorial Endowment Fund

Doris Alloy Zach Arnold Bagel Bin

Toby Fellman *

Project Tzedakah

Jerry Freeman

Tuffy Epstein

Leanne and Frank Goldberg

Judy Farber

Susan and Lenny Goldberg

David Goldberg

David and Shirley Goodman Donor Advised Fund

Karen Gustafson Shari Hess

Beth El Synagogue

Robert L and Barbara J Goodman Donor Advised Fund

Beth Israel Synagogue

Don and Nancy Greenberg

Nikki Kirshenbaum

Alan Cogen

Allan Handleman

Gary Kudym

Family Fare

Bonnie Horwich

Bruce Meyers

Sheryn and Arnold Joffe

Jenny and Scott Meyerson and Family

Kate and Thomas Kirshenbaum

Ann Moshman

Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum

Alan Nogg

Reesa and Steve Kleinman

Susie Norton

Jonathan and Linda Isaacman

Cynthia Kohll Persky

Justin Norton

Jake & Mary Wine Fund

Dr. Fred Kader

Gail and Jerry Kohll

Ellen Platt

Jerome J. and Frances O. Milder Endowment Fund

Debra Kronick

Ethan Meirovitz

Caryn Scheer

Alan Lagnas

Ducky Milder

Dorothy Spizman

Jewish Family Service Campaign Legacy Fund

Jenny Meyerson and Family

Linda and Alan Muskin

Sonia Tipp

Kim Noddle

Jeanie Neff

Project Dreidel

Jewish Family Service Discretionary Fund

Maxine Noodell

Nancy Noddle

Shira and Rabbi Steve Abraham

Jewish Family Service Endowment Fund

Natalie Osborne

Sandy and Alan Nogg

Sandy and Sherman Brodkey

Mercedes, Gabor and Gabor Petro

Laurie and Jason Epstein and Family

Jacob Phillips

Michael and Susan Norton Donor Advised Fund

Deb Platt

Eden and Allen Ostravich

Sharon and Jeff Kirshenbaum

Felicia Schrier and Julie Ginsberg

Carol and Alan Parsow

Sharon and Howard Kooper

Dr. Paul Shyken

Fefe Passer and Al Bloch

Denise and Jon Meyers

Susie Somberg

Sheila Priluck

Tina and Joe Meyers

Diane Stamp

Amy Reynolds and Ben Shapiro

Sue Meyers

Kathy Weiner

Caryn and Gary Rifkin

Jenny and Scott Meyerson and Sons

Nathan and Rose Lillian Fine JFS Tzedakah Endowment Fund

Dr. James Wax

Helen Rifkin

Parsow and Simons Families Special Needs Community Fund

Young Jewish Giving

Edith & Paul Goldstein Endowment Fund Glazer Family Endowment Fund Harry & Fannie Stock Rothkop/Theodore Rothkop Fund

Ari and Ethan Finkelstein

Howard and Judy Vann Family Education Fund

Barbara and Bob Goodman

Ike Friedman JFS Financial Assistance Fund

Kutler Dental Custodial Fund Leo & Frances Rodick Memorial Endowment Fund Lippett Family Endowment Fund Louis Friedman Fund for New Americans Mark & Sophie Sturm Immigrant Education Fund Nancy Noddle JFS Financial Assistance Fund

Paul Alperson Endowment Fund

Friedel Jewish Academy Zev Gordman

Gloria and Howard Kaslow

Anne and Bruce Shackman

Terri and Richard Zacharia

Angel Sandy and Paul Epstein

Kathy and Steve Zalkin

Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Fund

Rosie Zwieback and Dr. Mace Hack

Karen and Jeff Gustafson Debbi and Larry Josephson

Supporter Carol and David Alloy

Sally and Gary Kaplan

Phyllis Aron

Tina and Joe Meyers

Joanie and Terry Bernstein

Patty and Steve Nogg

Marge and Jim Bresel

Marty Tichauer and Bruce Meyers

Beth and M. Ronald Brodkey

Gail and Irv Veitzer

Beth Cohen and Harry Berman

Susan and Isaac Witkowski

Toby Fellman *

Barry and Nora Zoob Charitable Fund

Paulette Flatowicz

Champion Andi and Don Goldstein

Frank Kaiman

Marsha and Milton Kleinberg

Kate Kirshenbaum

Ann and Gordon Moshman

Barbara and Marshall Kushner

Mary Wampler and Philip Bierman

Abigail and Adam Kutler

Anna and Benjamin Weisman and Family

Jenny and Scott Meyerson

Patron Anonymous

Linda Neuswanger Novak

Lisa and Gary Epstein

Faye S. Ruback

Sharon and Howard Epstein

Marcy Ruback

Judith Feigin

Lourdes Secola

Richard Fellman

Jeanne Schechet

Charlotte and Morley Zipursky

Lina Levit

Dee Goodman Leah and Joseph Kosinovsky *Of Blessed Memory

Rocky Lewis Nancy McCormick and Peter Brodkey

Joan Kaiman

Lynne and Steven Popp

Pam and Henry Monsky Eileen and Miles Remer Helen Rifkin Nancy Rips Alla and Mark Rubezhin Sherry and Larry Shapiro Margaret and Lazar Turetsky Annette van de Kamp-Wright and Jeremy Wright Circle of Friends Anonymous (4) Rose Cohen Ida Berman-Cohoon Janey Dann Rose Davis Pam and Dennis DePorte Helen and Tuffy Epstein Sharon Fohrman Bonnie Horwich Bob Kaplan

The Family of Irvin Ziegman

Elena Rosenblatt Donor Advised Fund Matan Shapiro Donor Advised Fund

Paul & Joy Grossman Family Endowment

Kate Kirshenbaum

Lyudmyla Larina and Mark Ocheretyanskiy

Mary and Joel Rich

Jewish Family Service is able to do its work because members of this remarkable community genuinely care about one another. Thank you for your generous support.

Samantha Sullivan Donor Advised Fund All contributions are as of June 30, 2017. We apologize if your name was omitted from this list. Please call JFS at 402-330-2024

10 | The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017

Celebrating milestones at TI

NaNcy coreN Spiritual Leader, Tifereth Israel Tifereth Israel had a very special celebration on Shabbat morning, Aug. 26. Five members of the 1967 Bar Mitzvah class returned to Lincoln to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their coming of age. Hailing from Nebraska (Mark Sweet), Minnesota (Michael Keller), Texas (Av Goodman), Florida (Bryan Misle), and Michigan (Jim Berk), the friends shared parts in the service, addressed the congregation, and sponsored a kiddush

lunch. The energy in the room was uplifting as they praised the sense of community at Tifereth Israel and quality Jewish education they received that have inspired them to this day. When the congregation rose to their feet singing Siman Tov and Mazel Tov at the end of the service, it was obvious that this celebration brought joy to more than just the five men who are now 63 years old. This gathering was the first of its kind at TI. Now the hope is that the Bar Mitzvah class of 1968 will follow the lead of their “elders.”

Lisa speLLMaN UNMC Public Relations Bruce Gordon, M.D., a professor in pediatrics, hematology and oncology, has been named the new assistant vice chancellor for regulatory affairs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Gordon, who has been the chair of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) since 1996, and executive chair since 2011, will oversee key components of the human research protection program at UNMC, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Currently Dr. Gordon is a professor of pediatrics at UNMC and an associate member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. He also serves as an associate clinical professor in the department of pediatrics at Creighton University. Dr. Gordon is chief of the division of pediatric hematology/oncology and stem cell transplantation at UNMC and Children’s

Hospital and Medical Center and will continue to serve in that capacity until a replacement is selected. He plans to continue to work as a pediatric oncologist specializing in bone marrow transplantation. The IRB is an independent committee charged by federal regulations with protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects of biomedical and behavioral and social science research. It carries out this responsibility by reviewing human subject research protocols to make sure that risks to participants are minimized and are acceptable in relation to possible benefits, that subject selection is fair and equitable, that informed consent is accurate and complete, and that the research is conducted in an ethical manner. The IRB reviews nearly 500 research studies every year and is comprised of health care personnel, other members of the scientific community, as well as non-scientists and members of the community not affiliated with the institution.

Bruce Gordon, M.D., to lead UNMC Office of Regulatory Affairs

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publishing date | 09.29.17

space reservation | 09.14.17

camera ready deadline | 09.18.17 Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and a short article. Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard

402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

Mamma Mia! is coming to the omaha community playhouse

Tickets for the smash-hit musical Mamma Mia! are now on sale through the Omaha Community Playhouse box office. The production will run sept. 15 – oct. 15 in OCP’s Hawks Mainstage Theatre. This smash-hit musical featuring the songs of ABBA is one of the top 10 longest-running Broadway musicals. Mamma Mia! is a delightful tale of love, laughter and friendship. Donna is slowly warming up to the notion of her daughter Sophie’s impending wedding when her life is upended by the unexpected arrival of three former beaus, all possible candidates to walk Sophie down the aisle. With all your favorite ABBA hits such as Dancing Queen, Take a Chance On Me, Honey, Honey and more, find out why Mamma Mia! has become an audience favorite! Omaha Community Playhouse will hold an opening night celebration on Friday, sept. 15 for all

Mamma Mia! opening night ticketholders beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Owen Lobby. The event will be themed like a wedding reception featuring wedding cake, music and a pre-show bouquet toss. Tickets are available at the OCP Box Office, by calling 402.553.0800 or online at omahaplayhouse.com or www.ticketomaha.com. Adult single tickets start at $32 for Wednesday performances and start at $42 for Thursday – Sunday performances. Student single tickets start at $20 for Wednesday performances and start at $25 for Thursday – Sunday performances. Ticket prices are subject to change based on performance date, seat location and ticket demand. Call the OCP box office for current prices. For groups of 12 or more, tickets are $24 for Wednesday performances and $30 for Thursday – Sunday performances.

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jewish press Notices

The Jewish Press will be closed on thursday and Friday, sept. 21 and 22 for Rosh Hashanah, thursday oct. 5 for Sukkot. The deadline for the Sept. 29 issue is Monday, sept. 18, noon; for the Oct. 13 issue it is tuesday, oct. 3, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Yoni’s Corner

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

community

Over the moon at the JCC Gabby blaiR Staff Writer, Jewish Press clipse fever swept the nation leading up to the celestial phenomenon on Aug. 21. While Omaha was just outside the path of solar eclipse totality, that didn’t cast any shadows on the excitement at the JCC campus. Lisa Cooper, CDC Assistant Director, said that many families took the day off for road trips while others joined their children at the CDC to watch the eclipse together. Cooper said: “Under the guidance of NASA and other organizations, we did not take the children outside to view the eclipse as they were recommending a 1:3 staff-to-child ratio and we could not ensure everyone’s safety. As an alternative, we had live streams on multiple TV available for our Pre-K classes and non-nappers so they could watch this exciting event indoors. Our staff celebrated with eclipse themed snacks- Sun Chips, Eclipse Gum, Star Crunch cookies, and Milky Way bars!” Friedel Jewish Academy students were outside in their solar masks participating in a variety of activities with their teachers and parents. Beth Cohen, Head of School at FJA saw the the eclipse as a unique learning opportunity for her students. “The timing of the eclipse at the start of the school year posed a big challenge to get ready for, but the payoff as an educational experience was huge. Not only did the whole school watch the eclipse, our students journaled as they watched it to chart the progress of the shadow, they recorded the change in temperature, used the pin-hole box cameras that they made, and experimented with other items with holes to see if they worked as a pin-hole camera. Anyone else try with a metal colander? It was a fascinating life experience for our students and we loved seeing the spark of budding scientists as they researched and observed the eclipse.” Cohen also shared her favorite photo from the day; Kindergartener Aaron Karayev watching the eclipse in amazement outside of Friedel.

Residents and staff at The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home were also in a festive mood, enjoying live music and sporting solar glasses at an eclipse viewing party planned by Activities Director, Maggie Conti and Office Manager, Michelle Alberts. “We initially had one of our popular Mainstreeter’s events planned for today”, explained Conti. As the hype about the eclipse grew and the date drew closer, Conti and Alberts realized that Mainstreeter’s was scheduled during the eclipse and the ever creative and adaptable staff at the RBJH helped turned it into an eclipse party. “We already had the band scheduled and were able to receive a shipment of protective eye wear, so it turned out really well,” explained Conti, who was busy handing out glasses and interacting warmly with residents while overseeing the event. Conti was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, as many community members dropped in to spend time chatting with residents while enjoying the eclipse. JCC Staff were encouraged by CEO Alan Potash, to join in the festivities in the south parking lot. Colin Heskin, Operations Intern at the RBJH, said: “This was kind of a spur-of-the-moment idea, and everyone was really excited when it was announced. Maggie and Michelle worked really hard at the last minute to pull this off, and it is wonderful to see all of our residents having a great time!”

Saying thank you: Parshat Ki Tavo

In this week’s Torah portion we discuss the first fruit or bikurrim. The concept about bringing the first fruit is to show gratitude for all the rest of one’s work. In the beginning, if I focus on being grateful, then I will recognize the blessing in all that follows. When I wake up in the morning focusing and being grateful for all Rabbi aRi the positive in my life, my day is DembitzeR different. Let’s all remember to start Beth Israel Synagogue the day saying Mode Ani, being grateful, which will bring blessing to the rest of the day. Thank you and Shabbat Shalom.

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My first official work week in the Jewish community of Omaha has just come to its end. It swept through me like a gushing river of experiences and excitement. So many things happened that I cannot believe it’s been only one week! Because of my Israeli mind-set, my week started on Sunday, and I began with the awesome Backyard yOni DOROn Concert Series. It was heartwarming Community Shaliach just to see the community come together like that, sitting, resting, enjoying fine music, the kids running around our ankles, food and drink being passed around freely – a real family feeling. That community air continued during the eclipse – it was all everybody talked about! I was lucky enough to share that moment with the wonderful children of the Friedel Jewish Academy. Experiencing nature, and learning about scientific phenomena, in my eyes, is best done with elementary-age children: they are so inquisitive, and sharp. It reminded me how curious and naturally willing children are. This approach is such a big part of our Jewish heritage - to keep asking challenging questions and not taking anything for granted. And let me tell you – I’ve taken for granted the comfort of navigating my way in the world: this week I’ve reached a very important personal accomplishment of being able to finally drive to work without the help of my GPS! Everyone kept telling me how Omaha is a small town, easy to get around... but leaving Israel – my comfort zone where I always knew where my north star was, threw me out of balance! Also, Israeli cities are built completely different – one big mess, no logic of numbers, everything built tight and in walking distance. Luckily, by the end of the week I’ve started to understand where Center Street takes me, where it is compared to Pacific Street and so on. Next mission: finding out where is the best Falafel restaurant in town. Yesterday evening, closing up my week, was an event like no other – the community study forum learning about the portrait of the Jewish community of Omaha. I was honored to be a part of that event, opening it with introducing myself to the community. I feel like that was not by chance, because I wish to not only be part of this beautiful community, but also help shape it towards the future. Lastly, I would like to thank you all for accepting me with such warmth and grace. Thank you to all who came to greet me on Thursday, and all who came up to introduce themselves this week. I hope to see you all many times more and encourage you to come up and talk to me; tell me how you think I can be more involved and engaged with you.

The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017 | 11

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12 | The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017

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(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 Gabby Blair Staff Writer Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; Jill Idelman; Mike Kaufman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz 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@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.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.

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Week # 36

ANNETTE vAN DE KAMP Editor, Jewish Press his week marks number 36 in our 2017 Jewish Press publications. A double chai, and it couldn’t come at a better time. These past weeks (months) have been anything but pleasant, with Nazis marching and growing knowledge of how much anti-Semitism still simmers. We are due for some positive thoughts. For many centuries, hate has tried to abolish Judaism. Romans, Crusaders, Martin Luther, Pogroms and Nazis all brought destruction. Why so much hate? Ultimately, It’s a question we can’t answer. For just as many centuries, we’ve survived in spite of all the violence, and that might be equally puzzling. Wouldn’t it be easier to just give up and disappear? Well, no, not really. With the heightened awareness of those who hate us, it is tempting to forget how much good we have in our lives. Judaism is our strength and our life; it gives us joy even in the face of adversity. We take pride in our Judaism, because it gives us, first of all, a place to belong. It brings happiness, and that is a priceless commodity. It gives us community, reminds us we are never alone, whether we drive on Saturday or lay Tefillin every day; whether we keep kosher or not, whether we attend synagogue every chance we have or only during the High Holidays. We can argue amongst ourselves about what it means to be Jewish. We can disagree about a vast number of things, from inter-marriage to honoring the Shabbat, from how we pray, where we pray and which Mitzvot we keep. But: in the argument itself, we betray the fact that we all care. Deeply. Even if we don’t always freely admit it. In a few weeks, we’ll come together for our High Holiday services. The synagogues will be packed, our food will be sweetened with honey and we’ll submerge ourselves in that strange combination of celebration and

mourning. We’ll pray together and we’ll fast together (and indulge afterwards), we’ll apologize and forgive each other, we’ll build Sukkahs and hope it doesn’t rain, while the majority of Americans goes about daily life. In fact, many of them won’t even realize these are our holiest days.

by the anti-Semites out there, the vandalism, the marches, the verbal attacks online from those who feel super brave as long as they sit behind a keyboard. Don’t get me started. Hating and blaming others is easy. It is also reactionary and defensive, two things Judaism should never

Credit: Center for Jewish History, NYC via Wikimedia Commons

I always feel remarkably privileged when looking at the calendar and seeing the holidays stretching our before me. Calling the school to let my kids out of their classes is not a hassle but a gift. Watching them navigate the majority culture with pride in who they are feels right. Dressing up and going to shul while the neighbors leave for work feels just as right. And Judaism should make us feel that way: special, privileged and joyful, rather than threatened by those who wish us harm. So, can we use the upcoming holidays to recharge and adjust our focus from what is bad and troublesome to what is good? I hope so, because I am tired and fed up

be. Focusing on the good means we act in spite of what others might think, not as a defient response, but simply because it is who we are. One of the most attractive aspects of the High Holidays for me is the knowkedge that the world over, people I don’t know and will likely never meet, are sharing the same experiences. That throughout history, people have said these same prayers, lit these candles, built these sukkahs. And if I have anything to say about it, generations after us will continue to do so. How’s that for a positive thought?

Billy Joel wore a yellow Jewish star. Thanks, but the trend should stop there. ANDREW SiLoW-CARRoLL NEW YORK | JTA Few artifacts of the Holocaust move me like the yellow star. Homely and seemingly innocuous, they sit in museum cases either by themselves or still attached to a jacket or blouse, the stitching rough and the lettering surprisingly crude. They are almost comically, cartoonishly blunt, a child’s idea of how to single out and shame an enemy. And in their bluntness and homeliness they make vivid the obscenity that was Nazism, the way a single bloodstained feather on the sidewalk conjures a vision of the violence that produced it. So it was more than a little shocking to see Billy Joel wear a yellow star on his jacket during a concert a week after the violent white supremacist rallies in Charlottesville. After all, Joel is not the first artist who comes to mind when you think of bold or provocative political gestures. It’s been his luck and his curse to be wildly popular while rarely courting controversy or inspiring deep critical analysis or respect. The critic Chuck Klosterman wrote famously that Joel “has no extrinsic coolness. If cool were a color, it would be black -and Joel would be kind of a burnt orange.” His wearing the star should have been the wrong thing to do in so many ways. Jewish groups are always worried about appropriations of the Holocaust and carefully designate the boundaries of acceptable Holocaust analogies (that is, none). The same week that Joel wore his yellow star during the encore at one of his regular Madison Square Garden gigs, the fashion house Miu Miu discontinued a clothing line that featured a yellow star that was only reminiscent of what the Jews were forced to wear (the World

Jewish Congress had complained). Earlier this month, the Donald Trump mouthpiece Jeffrey Lord lost his commentary job on CNN essentially for calling one of Trump’s liberal critics a Nazi (and presumably casting Trump’s defenders in the role of the Nazis’ victims).

Billy Joel wearing a yellow Star of David during the encore of a show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Aug. 21, 2017. Credit: Myrna M. Suarez/Getty Images But if any Jewish group had a complaint about Joel’s gesture, I haven’t heard it. The singer’s gesture came across as sincere and pointed, not tasteless. Although he didn’t say why he wore the star, his ex-wife, model Christie Brinkley, took to social media to write that the star symbolized the “painful, no excruciating, memories of loved ones who wore that star to their death.” “Thank you, Billy for reminding people what was ... so it may never ever be again,” she added. Although Joel has never made much of his Jewish background, he has talked of his father, a German-born Jew who, according to Joel’s biog-

rapher, had vivid memories of the Hitler Youth and SS training near his childhood home in Bavaria, and who lost relatives in the Shoah. Joel’s gesture might have been especially meaningful because his Jewishness, as he once put it, stopped at his bris. The star seemed to be saying to the neo-Nazis who gathered in Charlottesville -- and the political figures, ahem, who seemed unable to fully condemn them -- that even he, a secular celebrity and multimillionaire, would still have been a victim of their perverse ideology. The Nazis made the Jews wear the yellow star so they couldn’t hide. The stars on Joel’s lapel and back seemed to say “I’m not hiding. I can’t hide. Come and get me.” Contrast that with another celebrity’s decision to wear the star this week. When Nev Schulman, star of MTV’s sort-of reality show Catfish, wore a yellow Star of David at MTV’s video awards show on Sunday, the gesture, while well meaning, seemed forced. I don’t think anybody wants the yellow star to become this year’s AIDS ribbon or Livestrong bracelet. The wearing of the yellow star seems the kind of gesture that can be made once, or sparingly, lest you diminish its shock value or begin to insult the experiences and memory of the people you are purporting to identify with and honor. But at least Schulman, like Joel, is Jewish. I can’t think of a non-Jewish celebrity who could get away with wearing the star. They’d be accused, rightly, of appropriation, the way the artist Dana Schutz was excoriated by black folk after her painting of the mutilated face of Emmett Till — a 14-year-old who was lynched by white men in Mississippi in 1955 — was shown at the WhitSee Billy Joel page 13

From rome to Charlottesville, a statue is never just a statue

steven Fine In a pre-civil rights era, a statue of a Confederate general NEW YORK | JTA was seen by many as a tribute to military bravery and reFrench historian Pierre Nora spent his life describing and gional loyalty. Today the tide has shifted, and a consensus reexplaining “places of memory,” sites commemorating signif- gards them as reminders of a racist past and an ignoble cause. icant moments in the history of a community that continue Tearing down a place of memory is a serious matter. The to resonate and transform from generation to generation. act of iconoclasm, of tearing down or transforming a place For the French Republic, the Arc de Triomphe is one of memory, is never neutral. The list of such events is long such “place of memory.” Begun by Napoleon and comand includes the Maccabees’ destruction of idols in the secpleted in 1836, the Arc is a place of French pride and mem- ond century BCE; the midrashic account of Abraham ory, where war dead from the Revolution to the present are breaking the idols; late antique Christians and Muslims recalled and military triumph exalted. smashing Roman religious images (and burning synaPart of the power of this central place of memory resides gogues); Orthodox Christian iconophobes destroying sain the architecture itself. The Arc de Triomphe is a larger cred icons during the eighth century; Protestants ravaging version of another triumphal arch, the Arch of Titus. This Church art during the Reformation; Nazis torching synaarch, located on the Sacred gogues during Kristallnacht; Way in the ancient center of the Taliban destroying giant Imperial Rome, commemosculptures of the Buddha; or rates the victory of the Eastern Europeans tearing Roman general Titus in the down sculptures of Lenin Jewish War of 66-74 C.E. and Stalin after the fall of Built circa 82 C.E., its communism. deeply carved reliefs show the Such transformations of general, soon emperor, our visual cultures mark parading through Rome in a major transitions and often triumphal procession. The culture wars. They are atspoils of the Jerusalem Temtempts to change our memple, including its menorah, ory by obliterating or are borne aloft by Roman solshifting what we see and exthe Arch of titus at the imperial Forums in rome. diers. Napoleon and those pect on our social landCredit: DeAgostini/Getty Images scapes, to change how we who came after him borrowed the design of this Roman triumphal arch, transferrelate to our places of memory. ring the glory of Rome to the French nation. The ceremonial — the liminal — moment of removing a Subsequent events have complicated the meaning of the place of memory is always laden and significant. It is a arch, which was intended to commemorate French military shorthand, a summary statement and dramatic enactment prowess. French victory in World War II, for example, was of the ways that those present understand the place and enhardly unequivocal. Hitler did, after all, celebrate his own vic- code its memory. tory there, and France did not exactly emerge victorious by The march of the neo-Nazis, the texts they recited, the its own power. One of the more enduring photographs of the torches and flags they carried, and the violence they instiliberation shows American troops marching under the arch. gated are essential to understanding who these people are The Arch of Titus, too, is a complex monument whose and what values they see in the statue of Robert E. Lee in meaning shifted over time. Titus had not defeated a foreign Charlottesville. power but put down a pesky rebellion by a small province. Reading this event, one can tease out their entire worldFor Christians, the Arch became a place to celebrate Chris- view — and it is horrifying. tian triumph over Judaism and the imperial power of the In the meantime, each community and locale will act Catholic Church. For Jews, the arch was a symbol for their and respond as we play out this distressing drama and reown defeat and exile, even as some took solace by claiming hearse the repercussions of this tragedy in our lives. Some that its magnificence was proof that Israel had once been a Confederate statues will come down -- as in Baltimore and “powerful nation” and formidable foe. at the University of Texas, Austin. Some will be contextualIn modern times, the Arch of Titus became a symbol ized or moved. Others, alas, will be left undisturbed and both of newfound Jewish rootedness in Europe and a place continue looking down on us contemptuously. These once of pilgrimage where Jews, religious and not, could promostly forgotten monuments are again potent and complex claim, “Titus you are gone, but we’re still here. Am Yisrael places of memory. Chai.” Or as Freud put it, “The Jew survives it!” Where Faced with similar provocations, Talmudic rabbis would once Mussolini had celebrated the Arch as part of the heravert their eyes from Roman imperial sculpture, placed in itage of fascism, Jews after the war assembled there to dethe cities of ancient Israel as tools of control. Some would mand a Jewish state. Others imagined exploding the Arch spit in their imperial faces. When they could, others would and thus taking final retribution against Titus for his detear down the statues of the hated emperors and their colostruction of Jerusalem. Instead, the State of Israel took the nial regime. In modern times, Jews avoided walking beArch back unto itself, basing the design for its state symbol neath the Arch of the Evil Titus. on the menorah carved into its surface. Charlottesville is now a place of bloodshed. Perhaps it I tell these stories of Paris, Rome and Jerusalem as paralwill begin to heal once the statue of Lee comes down. Nevlels to debate that has been intensified following the horrible ertheless, the statue will continue to cast a shadow for events in Charlottesville. The sculptural tributes to the Civil decades, perhaps centuries, to come. War, North and South, are still living places of memory. Steven Fine is the Churgin professor of Jewish history Whether in the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Brooklyn, and director of the Center for Israel Studies at Yeshiva also modeled on the Arch of Titus, or in the thousands of University. He is director of the Arch of Titus Project. statues across America, the Civil War is very much with us. Each place and time since then has thought about and letter to the editor reimagined the war -- “The War of the Rebellion,” to many Dear Editor, Northerners, “The War of Northern Aggression” to some in We appreciate your thoughts on the recent upturn on bigotry etc. It the South -- in complex and differing ways. The meanings is pleasing to know how our leaders feel on what is right in America. of these places of memory are not stable. They shift and And we in Omaha can be proud that we are the home of the Tri Faith Initransform as essential elements of our social fabric and civil tiative..possibly the only religious campus, not only in the USA, but in religion from generation to generation. Conflicting visions the world. often inhere in the same sculpture, much as Jews and ClassiJerry and Joanne Freeman omaha cists often “see” very different messages in the Arch of Titus.

The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017 | 13

Houston update

In the wake of the Houston devastation I wanted to communicate with you some of the important efforts that the Jewish Omaha community are organizing. I am working with the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Omaha to direct a significant allocation from the Jewish Federation of Omaha through JFNA, our national organization, to Houston and I expect that to be done soon. Temple Israel, Beth-El and Beth Is- AlAn PotAsh rael are collaborating to help those affected. Chief Executive Officer, A lot of information is coming out of Hous- JFO ton regarding their needs. I have spoken with several area organizations and have learned that two-thirds of the Jewish population in Houston were affected, the shelters are at maximum capacity and they are seeking ways to help shelter those in need. I also learned that logistically it is a challenge for truckloads of supplies to be brought into the area because of road flooding and other traffic concerns. The emergency centers are asking that monetary donations be made as they are more effective right now versus gifts of clothing, water, and other personal items. Below are just a few organization and a link to make a contribution if you would like to do so on your own. Jewish Federations of North America (https://jfna. houston relief), Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey), United Way of Greater Houston (https://www.unitedwayhouston org/ flood/flood-donation), Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, Houston Food Bank and the Food Bank of Corpus Christi are asking for donations. To assist with animals affected by the disaster, visit the Houston Humane Society or the San Antonio Humane Society. We will continue to monitor the situation and help in any way that we can. Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts on how to help. Thank you for your support.

Billy Joel

Continued from page 12 ney Biennial in March. Critics of Schutz’s painting said the circumstances and symbolism of the black teenager’s death are still too raw to be translated by a white woman into art. That’s not to say (or at least I wouldn’t say) that only members of a particular ethnic group or religion can depict their own suffering. (What is widely considered the most powerful anti-lynching song, Strange Fruit, was written by a Jew, Abel Meeropol, although it was Billie Holiday who sang it most famously.) But certain gestures of interethnic solidarity -“Anne Frank, c’est moi” -- are landmines. Writers from William Styron to Yann Martel have been accused of cheapening the Holocaust through allegory or by universalizing the Jews’ suffering. Jewish artists like Art Spiegelman or Agnieszka Holland are given the latitude to depict the Holocaust in ways that might seem misguided or offensive if done similarly by a non-Jew. Authenticity can be earned, although it’s a lot easier to be born with it. History’s most famous appropriation of the yellow star, meanwhile, turns out to be a myth. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum states flatly that “there is no truth” to the story that Denmark’s King Christian X wore a yellow star in solidarity with the Jews. Instead, the museum tells us, the king was heard to say to his finance minister, “Perhaps we should all wear it.” If this were 1941, the answer would be yes -- everyone should wear it. In 2017, everyone should at least imagine what it would be like to be persecuted because of their race, religion or nationality, and what it might feel like to be literally marked for death. I think that’s the kind of empathy Joel tried to inspire. Very cool.

14 | The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017

synagogues 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

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

Please join us for our upcoming events: No Shabbat Services, Sept. 8. Erev Rosh Hashanah, wednesday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. Curtis Hutt, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, UNO Schwalb Center. Rosh Hashanah, thursday, Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m. Anna Mosenkis, New American — for 26 Years! Kol Nidre, friday, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m. Leonard Greenspoon, Creighton University. Yom Kippur, Saturday, Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m. Karen Gustafson, Jewish Family Service. Our High Holiday services are led by Jeff Taxman. Shabbat Speakers Series resumes on friday, oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m. led by Larry Blass. Annual Membership Meeting, Sunday, oct. 14, 11 a.m. For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, 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: Pre-neg, 5:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat and Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. SatURday: Morning Service, 8:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 7:45 p.m. weeKday SeRviCeS: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUnday: Annual Blood Drive, 8 a.m.; Back to BESTT Annual Breakfast, 9 a.m.; BESTT Classes (new time), 9:30 a.m.noon; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; BESTT Torah Tots (new time), 10:30 a.m.-noon; USY/Kadima Kick-off, noon-2 p.m. tUeSday: Chesed Committee visits Remington Heights, 2 p.m. wedneSday: BESTT Hebrew School (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Meet the Teachers Night-Grades 3-7, 5:30 p.m.; BESTT Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6:30 p.m. thURSday: Shanghai, 1 p.m. NE AIDS Coalition Lunch, friday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m. Joan Marcus serves lunch once a month at the Nebraska AIDS Project, and she needs baked goods for dessert. Contact Joan if you can help be donating baked goods. Guest Speaker Riva Silverman of HIAS, friday, Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m. Shabbat’s Cool (Grades K-7), Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

beth iSRael SynagogUe

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. fRiday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:28 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SatURday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights in the Weekly Torah Reading, 6:25 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:10 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:26 p.m. SUnday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m.; JYE Kickoff Event, 3 p.m. Monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Eye on Israel with Rabbi Shlomo, noon at JCC Kripke Library; Talmudic Tales with Rabbi Shlomo, 1 p.m. at JCC Kripke Library. tUeSday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. wedneSday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m. thURSday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ethics with Rabbi Ari, 7:45 a.m.; Woman’s Class with Rabbi Ari, 9:30 a.m.; Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shlomo, noon.

Chabad hoUSe

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. fRiday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing; Sassy Reuven: A Shabbat of Inspiration, time tba. SatURday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a festive kiddush luncheon; Sassy Reuven: A Shabbat of Inspiration, time tba. SUnday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 a.m.; Sassy Reuven: A Shabbat of Inspiration, time tba. weeKdayS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats,

study and shmoozing. Monday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wedneSday: Mystical Thinking with the Rabbi, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. thURSday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. All programs are open to the entire community.

CongRegation b’nai JeShURUn

fRiday: Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:28 p.m.; Oneg Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Keren Coulter. SatURday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Ki Tavo; Havdalah (72 Minutes), 8:56 p.m. SUnday: Garden clean-up work party, 8:30 a.m.; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple. tUeSday: Star City Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m. wedneSday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI. thURSday: High Holidays Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. If you want to be involved and aren't on the current choir member list, contact Elaine Monnier (402.327.9212 or emonnier@allop hone.com), Holly Heffelbower (hheffel@inebraska.com), or ‘like’ South Street Temple High Holy Days Choir on Facebook. South Street Temple is partnering with "We Can Do This" to provide weekend meals to the children of the F Street Community Center. Join us as we provide lunch on the third Sunday of every month. Food/monetary donations, meal preparation and assistance with setting up, serving, and clean-up are needed! We will serve our next meal on Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, email Sarah Beringer at sarah.m.beringer@gmail.com.

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 Stan Edelstein. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

teMple iSRael

fRiday: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SatURday: Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. bar Mitz-

Ask the Rabbi

dear Rabbi, people joke about how Jews and guilt go together. is there any benefit to feeling guilt over past behavior or tainted relationships? guilty guy Dear Guilty, Guilt is to the psyche and the soul what pain is Rabbi Mendel to the physical body. KatzMan Pain is a red flag. A Chabad of Nebraska symptom of a physical issue that can’t be ignored. We do not seek to remove the pain per se. We search first for the pain’s source. When the source is found and the problem fixed, the pain has served its purpose and should go. But if we hadn’t felt the pain, we would not become aware of the underlying ailment masquerading as pain. Subsequently, we may even feel gratitude for the benefit of the pain that led us to the problem’s resolution and the opportunity to strengthen the body. Sometimes we mistakenly choose to focus on pain control or reduction but fail to examine what’s behind it. This is misuse of pain that yields catastrophic outcomes. Same with guilt and the soul. When we’ve wronged G-d, ourselves, or another human being, our inner psyche- the soul, feels guilt. The sensitive Jewish soul, the “yiddishe ne-

vah of ethan Rubin, son of Erica Parks and Barry Rubin. SUnday: Madrichim Meeting, 9:30 a.m.; Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Bagels and Blessings with PreK students and parents, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Berezin; OTYG Board Meeting, noon; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 1 p.m.; Zoo Scavenger Hunt with JYG, 2 p.m. Join JYG at the zoo for a fun scavenger hunt and get to know our incoming 7th and 8th graders in youth group! RSVP required. tUeSday: Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6 p.m.; Executive Committee meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. wedneSday: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; T’Filah for School, 4:30 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Preparing Our Hearts for the High Holidays, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Azriel. thURSday: Preparing Our Hearts for High Holidays, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Berezin; OTYG Lounge Night, 5 p.m.

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 Services, 10 a.m. Please join us for a light Kiddush lunch after services; Got Shabbat! A New Junior Congregation Program at TI. Got Shabbat will meet every Shabbat morning for children in grades 2-7 from 1111:45 a.m. This group will be led by Elizabeth Cody, a member of Tifereth Israel, teacher at the LJCS, and has served as a summer camp counselor at Camp Voyageur in Ely, Minnesota for several years. The children will be engaged through song, games, stories, and prayer. This is not a drop-off program. A child must have an adult present in the building. The group will have a small kiddush following their service and then join the adult service to lead Adon Olam just prior to noon. Come and be part of this group. SUnday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple; Tifereth Israel Board Meeting, 1 p.m. wedneSday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI. Tifereth Israel will be participating in the Lincoln Food Bank's drive, LINCOLN CAN. Starting Sept. 4-Erev Yom Kippur, we will be collecting canned food items to help support those in our community who face food insecurity. Please make sure cans are dent-free and not bulged. You may also donate money by writing a check written the LINCOLN FOOD BANK and sending it to the synagogue office. We will deliver it with the canned items on Oct. 1.

Unveiling

A stone setting for the grave of Sarah “Babe” Nogg will be on Monday, Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Cemetery.

shama”, or the “pintele yid” is tormented when it strays from its inner compass. The discomfort of the misdeed, the knowledge of the ‘right thing’ gives the soul no relief. We feel angst, plagued by the fact that our behavior was inconsistent with what we know to be our true selves. The good news is that the mishaps are expected. We anticipate mistakes and failure along the bumpy, often confusing life journey. By our very nature human beings are imperfect. (Surprise!) And all imperfect human beings will slip, sometimes even fall out of sync with their inner core. None of us is capable of perfection. So guilt serves as a red flag. It informs us that we are off kilter. It asks us to pay attention. Clean our slate. It then invites us to step up our game. Guilt forces us to address our imperfections and then serves as a catalyst for greater growth and achievement. So here is how Jews should deal with guilt: 1. We feel it and acknowledge our wrongdoing. 2. We clean up our act. 3. We reach deeper and grow from the experience 4. The guilt moves on Do you have a question for Rabbi Katzman? Please send your inquiries to shani@ochabad. com with “Ask the Rabbi” in the subject line.

The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017 | 15

lifecycles

Tickets on sale for NJHS “An Evening with The Heirloomist”

In MeMOrIAM

BOnnIe J. LOnDOn

Bonnie J. London passed away Aug. 30 at age 85. Services were held on Sept. 3 at the Temple Israel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by husband, Nathan London. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Douglas Monasebian; son, Steven Violett; grandchildren: Nicole, Marc, Christopher, Brittnay, Liza and David; five great-grandchildren; sister, Berneda Ott; and many loving relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to the New Jewish Home, New York, NY.

Tickets are now available for An Evening with The Heirloomist. The Oct. 21 fundraiser will showcase a modern photography exhibit by native Omahan Shana Novak highlighting Jewish Omaha heirlooms. The images will be up for silent auction that evening with proceeds going to benefit the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. The event has been generously underwritten by the Staenberg Family Foundation. The Oct. 21 event will be from 7:30–9:30 p.m. at the event space at the Hot Shops, 1301 Nicholas St. A dessert and cocktail reception will accompany the silent auction and Novak’s talk. Proceeds from the evening will help endow the future of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Shana will kick-off the evening with a short talk on the importance of family heirlooms and how best to incorporate the heirlooms you love into everyday life through photography. Tickets levels are $18 for entry or $54 which includes entry and a one year membership to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. A limited number of patron tickets are available at $1,800 which includes entry, a one year membership to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and a session with The Heirloomist capturing a family heirloom of your choice on film. All ticket levels are 100 percent tax deductible. Tickets can be purchased by calling the NJHS office at 402.334.6441 or visit https://heirloomist.eventbrite.com.

British couple plead guilty to anti-Semitic attack

JTA A British couple pleaded guilty to assault in an anti-Semitic attack outside a London synagogue during a wedding. Ineta Winiarski, 33, and her partner, Kasimiersz Winiarski, 62, from Hackney, a borough of London, oﬀered their pleas Monday in ames Magistrates’ Court to racially aggravated assault and assault, respectively, e Times of London reported. ey are free on bail until they are sentenced Tuesday. On July 3, outside the Clapton Common Synagogue Kehal Yetev Lev in East London, the couple pushed and struck guests, and whipped them with a dog leash, the prosecution told the court, according to e Times. Ineta Winiarski shouted anti-Semitic epithets while striking the guests.

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Dr. Curtis Hutt for Erev Rosh Hashanah

Dr. curtIs Hutt and nAncy wOLf and its present-day forms. In 2013, he completed a six-year study on contemporary religious pilgrimage to sites in Israel. Please join us Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. for the Erev Rosh Dr. Hutt is quite proud of his recent work at UNO, espeHashanah service at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council cially at the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies. Bluffs. In his presentation, “Seeing Past the Schticks: The Center, with Dr. Moshe Gershovich, of blessed memJerusalem 5778”, Dr. Curtis Hutt will talk about Jerusalem ory, originally at its head, not only provides the highest level today from an historical perspective. He will try to shine a light on and get past some of the most popular sales pitches of academic programming for students and community members but established an international reputation in Isconcerning the city today. Our spiritual leader will be Jefrael and Jewish Studies. Dr. frey Taxman. Apples and Hutt, who has additional honey and more will be graduate degrees in Philososhared following services as phy and History, has recently we usher in the New Year! completed a book titled JewDr. Curtis Hutt is a newly ish Religious and Philosophitenured Associate Professor of cal Ethics with his UNO Religious Studies at UNO. He colleague Dr. Halla Kim and teaches classes in Judaic studDr. Berel Dov Lerner from ies as well as religious ethics. Western Galilee College in His Ph.D. is in Religion and Akko, Israel. It will be pubCritical Thought from Brown Dr. Hutt in between Dr. Moshe Gershovich, of blessed memory, lished this fall by Routledge University. Dr. Hutt has and his sister Zivit in January 2017 at the Bible Lands Museum in its Jewish Studies Series worked in Jerusalem since and contains chapters from 1984. He has published on the in Jerusalem. several of the most well-known figures in the study of Jewancient city during the second temple period, late antiquity, the medieval period, and today. Dr. Hutt has also written ex- ish ethics. Dr. Hutt is also one of the leaders of the Goldtensively on the historical origins of Christian anti-Semitism stein Human Rights initiative at UNO. More on this soon!

Anna Mosenkis for Rosh Hashanah

nAncy wOLf Please join your friends at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs on Rosh Hashanah morning, Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m., when we will hear Anna Mosenkis relate the joys of “Celebrating as a Jew! Freely!” Anna has been a “New American” for 26 years now. Anna and her husband Igor, of blessed memory, their two children Florina (age 11) and Robert (age 4), along with her mother Yevgenia Tsarevskaya, emigrated from Kiev, Ukraine in 1991. Through the efforts of Shirley and Buddy Anna and Igor Mosenkis Goldstein, both of blessed memory, the three-generation Mosenkis family were able to come to the United States during one of the first

waves of Russian Jewish immigrants. Shirley grew up in Council Bluffs and was a long-time supporter and member of B’nai Israel. Anna and Igor have been proud members of the Omaha Jewish Community and enthusiastic new Americans. Through the years they have participated in many events and have been leaders in creating opportunities for the Russian Jewish community to celebrate. In her talk, Anna will share what it means to be able to be free to celebrate as a Jew, something most of us take for granted. Anna’s educational and work backgrounds are in Esthetics and Music. She is the owner of AYM Skin and Body Care Center, and performs as “Music Inspirations by Anna.” Her music can be heard at Beth El on Friday evenings, in ballet classes at the JCC and many community settings. Igor was employed at Union Pacific as a mechanical engineer until his retirement. Florina and her husband Oren live in Chicago with their three children, while Raphael Robert lives in Brooklyn with his wife Regina and their son. We hope you will join us for Rosh Hashanah morning services on Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m., with our Cantorial Soloist, Jeffrey Taxman.

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Kehilla Cupdate: Eric Shapiro

16 | The Jewish Press | September 8, 2017

community

Bearing witness to history

Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press peaking by phone with Dr. Sima Goel was an experience I will not soon forget. I called her out of the blue on Tuesday morning and she answered with the warmth I would expect when catching up with an old friend. Earnest and melodic of voice, Dr. Goel expressed her eagerness about her upcoming trip to Omaha. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is excited to have her tell her story at the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Philanthropy Major Donor and Jewel Luncheon Event on Thursday Sept. 12 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Happy Hollow Country Club (1701 S. 105th Street, Omaha), chaired by Judy and Betsy Baker.. Today a successful chiropractor in Montreal, Dr. Goel expressed deep love for the homeland she fled as a young teen so many years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved Iran, especially my hometown of Shiraz. I have travelled extensively in my life, and while Israel is about as close to Iran in similarities that I have found, there is nowhere that quite compares to the beauty, nature, architecture, of where I grew up.â&#x20AC;? Indeed, Dr. Goelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Persian Jewish roots can be traced back countless generations in the region of Shiraz, Iran. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew up in a loving home, part of a huge Jewish family. I attended a private girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; school and had friends of many faiths there: Jewish, Christian, Bahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i, and Muslim.â&#x20AC;? Goel continues; â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were under the rule of the Shah, yet that was nothing like what was to come. Sure, there was occasional anti-Semitism, yet the good outweighed the bad. Overall, Persian Jews had done pretty well through this time professionally, economically and socially. We were widely accepted and friends with our neighbors.â&#x20AC;?

Seemingly overnight calm and prosperity was replaced with trauma and anxiety. The Revolution began and chaos gave birth to fear and betrayal. With the Ayatollah Khomeini came strict new laws limiting the freedoms of non-Muslims. Suddenly, the hijab was required for all females and cultural influences that deviated from the strict laws of Sharia were banned. Muslim classmates

Dr. Sima Goel

began threatening and taunting the others, particularly the Bahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i children, whose homes and neighborhoods were being burned. Shocked by their cruelness, Goel challenged and admonished her former childhood friends resulting in a pariah status and eventual removal from school, forever changing the course of her own life. As the situation around her country and city deteriorated, pressure continued to grow on the Goel family. Friends and family were being rounded up and executed. Sima, who had become known as an outspoken Jewish girl with panache for vocally criticizing and challenging the injustices around her, found her life in danger. She and her sister were smuggled out

of the country on a harrowing and dangerous journey through the deserts of Iran and Pakistan that she likened to the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That I am here today is a reminder of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s miracles. I promised myself that I would bear witness and record my story if I survived.â&#x20AC;? In 2014, after five years of writing, she published Fleeing The Hijab: A Jewish Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Escape from Iran. Goel hopes her audience will leave with a renewed appreciation of the roles faith, family and community plays in our lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As women and as Jews, we are so much stronger than we know, and I hope to inspire each and every person who hears my story to build and strengthen their family and community in some way.â&#x20AC;? Goelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tale is also a cautionary one: â&#x20AC;&#x153;People, especially young people, must understand a movement before lending their voice to it. Sometimes freedom means different things to different people, and this was a painful lesson for me.â&#x20AC;? This highly-acclaimed book is captivating from start to finish and Sima Goel is a mesmerizing storyteller. The detail and raw honesty with which she has painstakingly recounted her own exodus makes the reader feels as though they are on this journey with her. Prepare yourself for this moving, life changing opportunity to bear witness to Sima Goelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story of faith, perseverance and hope. Please be sure to register by Sept. 8 for this very special event. Registration fee is $25 plus a $365 minimum pledge to the 2018 Annual Campaign. This level of giving qualifies donors for the newly-launched Pearl Society. Questions? Please contact Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6485.

Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press Eric Shapiro hails from Wayne, NE, home of the Chicken Show and a Jewish community of two (his parents). After leaving Nebraska for college and career, he returned to Omaha two years ago and runs a practice helping families in Omaha become financially independent. He is grateful for the robust JewEric Shapiro ish presence here and the wonderful people who have helped him acclimate back into the good life. Nate Shapiro, JFO Director of Development, and younger brother to Eric, expressed his delight in having Eric volunteer to head up a Kehilla Cup team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My brother is a relative newcomer to Omaha and the Omaha Jewish Community. In his short time here, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been active at Temple Israel, Young Jewish Omaha and is sitting on the Jewish Press Board. He is a very engaging and outgoing person, and The Jewish Federation of Omaha is very lucky to have Ericâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support!â&#x20AC;? Ericâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shap-Heroesâ&#x20AC;? is a minyan of some of the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest young(ish) people. Shapiro explains the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winning strategy is refined and complex: â&#x20AC;&#x153;get more points than the other teams by the end of the competition.â&#x20AC;? Please look forward to wellmannered calls from his team in the near future!

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