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SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 | 2 9 E LUL 578 0 | VO L. 1 00 | NO. 47 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7:09 P.M.
“I believe in this community” ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor he 2021 Annual Campaign will look a bit different this year, but one thing will remain the same: we will celebrate and support Jewish Omaha together. Our campaign chairs and staff are planning a variety of new and innovative experiences to connect our community. Find your way to be a part of it and help us imagine and build towards a brighter Jewish tomorrow. While we all an2021 ticipate a challenging and very different Annual Campaign, it hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of lay leaders. In fact, it’s quite the contrary, which is a good thing, because in addition to Campaign Chairs Jamie and Ted Friedland, lay leaders are in high demand to assist staff in making sure all runs smoothly. A few weeks ago, we heard from the lay leaders in Women’s philanthropy. This week, let’s find out what some of the other volunteers are up to. “There are so many reasons to get involved,” Major Donor Chair Speedy Zweiback said. “I have been a supporter for a long time. I am a product of this community and I believe
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Virtual baking with Margie Gutnik Page 2
Yom Kippur on the Green at Beth Israel Page 6
My little girls Page 12
What to watch: Shukert talks Baby-Sitter’s Club
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Omaha’s own Rachel Shukert, GABBY BLAIR daughter of Aveva and Marty Shukert, Jewish Press Staff Writer Looking for a new show to binge? serves as Show Runner for the new Try out Netflix’s new hit, The Baby- production and made some time to Sitter’s Club. If the chat about it with name sounds familThe Jewish Press. In iar, it should! Based addition to The on the beloved Baby-Sitter’s Club, book series by Ann Shukert has auM. Martin, many of thored five books, is today’s mamas writer and prolikely grew up with ducer of Netflix’s hit the series which show GLOW and started in 1986 and has written for Suran through 2000. pergirl to name a Set in the fictional few of her many actown of Stoneycomplishments. A fan of the book brook, Connecticut, series herself, Shukit follows a group of Rachel Shukert ert is having a lot of girls who form their own business providing childcare to fun on this newest set and enjoys residents- something many of us working with executive producer Lucia Aniello and author Ann M. Marcould use right now! tin, who she describes as lovely and supportive of the screen adaptation. “I got my first Baby-Sitter’s Club book as a birthday present when I was around 10. I don’t remember being particularly excited about it and honestly, it sat on my shelf for a while before I was bored enough to read it one day. Then I couldn’t put it down. I devoured the series after that See Rachel Shukert page 2
in this community. This pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives and for many that includes urgent financial need. It is more important than ever to come together, especially when so many of us are housebound.” In the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we will join Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County CEO David Weisberg for a special conversation with comedian and actor, Michael Ian Black (MTV’s The State, Wet Hot American Summer), to discuss his newest book, A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Letter to My Son, to be released on Sept. 15. Find the registration link on the homepage at www.jew ishomaha.org. Sarah and Adam Yale signed on as Chairs of the Builders Campaign, because “Ted and Jamie asked and because we love the Jewish community,” they said. “We appreciate them and want to support their civic and Jewish efforts, because they do so much for the community. And JFO staff makes it easy for volunteers to help support the community!” Sarah and Adam grew up in Omaha and have three sons. Sarah is the Vice Chair of Film Streams Board of Directors, See 2021 Annual Campaign page 3
Endowment honoring Denise Bennett
Mrs. Bennett enjoying Friedel’s annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration.
SARA KOHEN Director of Advancement, Friedel Jewish Academy Denise Bennett teaches fifth and sixth grade General Studies at Friedel Jewish Academy, where she
has been teaching since 1988. Mrs. Bennett is amazing! Her favorite part of teaching is getting to know each student better as an individual. One of the most enjoyable parts See Denise Bennett page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | September 18, 2020
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Denise Bennett
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Rachel Shukert
Continued from page 1 - along with my friends at Friedel. It is one of those quintessential series that kids growing up in the 80s and 90s know and love. It was something my friends and I wanted to emulate; we wanted to be like the characters in the books. Smart, mature, independent, innovative, caring- those girls had each other’s backs. They overcame issues and problem solved and ran their own successful business. Who wouldn’t want to be like them?” Shukert said. Obviously, times have changed quite a bit since the 1980s and Shukert and Aniello have had a lot of fun adapting it to a 2020’s audience without losing the nostalgic charm of the series. “The new show is funny and relatable. Our cast is definitely more diversified than the original characters and plots touch on a wider range of serious progressive issues relevant to what our nation’s youth deal with today including gender, feminism, health
issues and race; our actresses are simply amazing and authentic. I would totally hire any one of them to watch my own son!” Making The Baby-Sitter’s Club relevant to today’s teens and families was crucial to Shukert. “Period pieces are great, don’t get me wrong, but we wanted something today’s youth could relate to without losing the nostalgia of their parents. This generation has grown up in a much different world than I did- they are fully digital, connected... and have way more vocabulary, awareness and ability than I did at age 13.” When asked what she thinks her tween self would think about her current self being a writer and show runner for one of her favorite book series from tweendom, Shukert laughs. “Well, knowing myself as I do, I’d say my 12-year-old self would be pretty pissed that I didn’t have at least two Oscars by now. She’d be relieved I adapted it - because landline phones are sooo old school and kids today are more activistminded. I think she’d be satisfied and find my work acceptable.”
Susan Katzman receives St. Louis Women of Achievement Award SARAH THOMPSON ST. LOUIS, MO Women of Achievement is pleased to announce the 2020 Women of Achievement – a selection of 10 extraordinary volunteers from the St. Louis metropolitan region. Among them is Susan Katzman, who received the award for Women’s Empowerment. The St. Louis Women of Achievement Award, which was founded in 1955, is the Susan Katzman oldest, ongoing program in the area whose sole mission is to honor and recognize the volunteer service and volunteer leadership of women. The 10 honorees were originally scheduled to be recognized at the 2020 Women of Achievement Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton
on May 12, and later on Sept. 15, but the luncheon was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the honorees have been recognized in an hour-long awards celebration on Sept. 14. A recording of the program will be available online on Women of Achievement’s website (woastl.org). The awards celebration included additional segments highlighting the history of Women of Achievement, its role in the St. Louis area and acknowledgement of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. A heartwarming portion of the program included individual segments dedicated to each honoree. Women of Achievement honorees are selected from nominations from the St. Louis metropolitan area, including Metro East Illinois, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the betterment of the St. Louis region through voluntary contributions, volunteer leadership and a significant breadth of a volunteer career. Women of Achievement considers nominees with significant volunteer impact in areas such as, but not limited to, education, arts, health and human services, youth and family, philanthropy, social justice and advocacy.
Continued from page 1 of the school day for her is reading aloud to her class. Mrs. Bennett explains that “We discuss the story and characters and make predictions about what comes next. We learn new words and figure out what they mean through the context of the story. Helping kids learn to read for pleasure is a joy!” Mrs. Bennett also brought the Modern Woodmen of America Speech contest to Friedel. The school’s fifth and On “Dress as your Hero” Day, Mrs. Bensixth graders partic- nett dressed as a suffragette, bringing ipate every year. history alive for Friedel students. Friedel has had five state winners and the 2015 national winner, Danny Denenberg, was a Friedel student. Mrs. Bennett has made a profound impact on the lives of so many students. Recently, a generous, anonymous family of Friedel alumni established an endowment in honor of Mrs. Bennett at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Interest from the endowment fund will be distributed to Friedel Jewish Academy each year for initiatives and innovations chosen by the family, Mrs. Bennett and Friedel’s Head of School, Beth Cohen. This endowment is a thoughtful way to honor a beloved teacher and will allow the school to pursue exciting new initiatives. If you would like to establish an endowment fund for Friedel Jewish Academy—either for a particular purpose, like this fund, or as part of Friedel’s Life & Legacy initiative— please contact Howard Epstein at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, hepstein@jewishomaha.org, or 402.334.6466. Funds can also be established at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation for other causes that are important to you.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. Kara Eastman, Democrat, on why she should become the next Member of Congress representing the Omaha/Sarpy County area (2nd Congressional District.) on Wednesday, Sept. 23. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com or leave a message at the BB JCC office 402.334.6443.
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2021 Annual Campaign Continued from page 1 the Chair of the Healing Arts Committee at the Buffett Cancer Center, on the Munroe Meyer Institute Community Advisory Council and on the Westside Advisory Committee for the Boys & Girls Club of Omaha. Adam is the principal at Red Cedar Capital, LLC, an investment advisory firm. He is a member of the Westside Community Schools Board of Education and vice chair of the Methodist Health System Board. “Good leadership involves setting a sound strategy,” they said. “It is vital to communicate clearly and execute with urgency and care. It helps to do it with passion because that draws those around you to the cause. That’s important for leadership in any environment, but particularly in challenging times.” Sarah and Adam hope the community will continue to support the campaign: “It is important for us to stick together in trying times and to make sure that those of us who need to access any of the great services that the Federation provides are able to continue receiving them,” they said. “The Federation is part of a community that we love. It supports us, and we are happy to support it. It also is meaningful to us that this ties us to the generations which came before us and which we would like to see future generations enjoy.” For Brian Nogg it is not a question of ‘if ’ he volunteers; the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign is his favorite way to engage. “I’ve been doing this for a while,” he said. “This is probably my fifth year, and it is definitely my favorite way to help out. I love the opportunity to connect with people in the community and hear their stories. For lay leaders, a very important benefit of the Annual Campaign is the opportunity to listen. Now more than ever, it is not only about the dollars,
it is about the engagement. I really welcome the chance to find out how people are doing.” Together with Shane Cohn, Brian is chairing the Sabra Campaign. “I try to stay involved year round and find it important to do so,” Shane said. “I have four young children and love to lead by example and to show them that we can make a difference and keep our community moving forward. For me, I actually don’t think it will be any different. I love reaching out to people to talk to them, you get a chance to find out what is working and what is not, so we can make it better for everyone!” “I think it is a good time to have so much exciting stuff happen in our building,” Brian added. “We are having a very different conversation than many other JCCs and Jewish Federations in the country. In spite of everything, we are extremely fortunate as a community.” Eric Shapiro and Hillary Rubesin agreed to chair the Together Campaign: “This is a year when so many are in need,” Eric said, “and this is an opportunity to help others.” “I just moved to Omaha a few months ago,” Hillary added, “and I was looking for a community. Community is very important to me. Even if, because of the pandemic, that community looks and feels different right now, it is still there, and we have to be more creative than ever to support one another during this time.” “We will be navigating the challenges of the virus,” Eric said, “while forging new paths for the community to come together. Staying engaged can be difficult, but I try to remind myself that during a crisis is when community is most important and even if I don’t feel in “need” at any given time, someone else will hopefully benefit from my engagement.”
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LIFE & LEGACY update JAY KATELMAN Life and Legacy Coordinator, JFO Foundation The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation is happy to announce that we have added B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs as our 10th partner organization in the Omaha metro area LIFE & LEGACY program. We’re so excited to have one of the very first Jewish congregations in Council Bluffs as a partner. Today the synagogue is welcoming to all who wish to attend. They have congregants from Council Bluffs and all over the Omaha metro area. B’nai Israel Synagogue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LIFE & LEGACY is a national partnership between the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. LIFE & LEGACY promotes after-lifetime as well as lifetime giving to benefit the metro Omaha Jewish Community. The goal is to integrate legacy giving into the Jewish philanthropic culture to ensure a sustained metro Omaha Jewish community for many generations to come. The Omaha metro LIFE & LEGACY program is now in its 7th year and has had 660 legacy commitments from 324 different individuals. That is over $20.9 million raised for our Jewish community and its future. Those who have already made a LIFE & LEGACY commitment can now also add
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B’nai Israel Synagogue to their LIFE & LECAGY commitments. In fact, in just a few short weeks we’ve already had three new commitments for B’nai Israel. The Omaha metro LIFE & LEGACY now proudly has 10 partner organizations. Those being Beth El, Beth Israel, and B’nai Israel Synagogues, and Temple Israel. The Jewish Federation of Omaha along with its agencies: The Center for Jewish Life, the Staenberg Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Press, and Jewish Social Services (Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Outreach and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home). LIFE & LEGACY also includes the Anti-Defamation League, Institute for Holocaust Education, Friedel Jewish Academy, Chabad Lubavitch of Nebraska and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation is thrilled to have B`nai Israel as a LIFE & LEGACY partner and to be able to help support their future. If you would like to make a legacy commitment, or create an endowment to ensure the continued success of B’nai Israel, please feel free to reach out to Jay Katelman, LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator, at 402.334.6461 or at jkatelman@ jewishomaha.org. B’nai Israel Synagogue is the sole Jewish organization in Council Bluffs, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation looks forward to working with their congregation.
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Oak Hill/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery September 6, 2020 Dear Friends and Family of Oak Hill/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery in Council Bluffs, I’m writing you as a caring and concerned Jewish woman, born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa and the current President of the Oak Hill/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery Association. You are receiving this letter because of your family’s connection to Council Bluffs and/or the cemetery. Beginning in the 1850’s, Jews started settling in Council Bluffs. I have fond memories of growing up in this small, but vibrant and active Jewish community. I remember going to cemetery services with my mother, Betty Cohen Lee Studna on Memorial Day to honor her brother, Irving Cohen, whose plane was shot down during WWII. We would also attend a Memorial Service at the cemetery during the High Holidays. That’s when I realized how important it is not only to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away but also to maintain the sacred grounds where they were buried. Established in 1857, the Council Bluffs cemetery was originally divided into two sections: one for Reform and the other for Orthodox Jewish families. In 1986, after substantial repair and maintenance work, the Orthodox section only had $7000 left for perpetual care. Soon after, the Livingston Foundation approved a $50,000 grant if it could be matched by community donations. By 1988, the goal was reached. In 2003, the Reform and Orthodox cemetery boards merged and combined their Perpetual Care Funds as well. The Jewish population had greatly diminished — families moved to Omaha and beyond and their children didn’t return to Council Bluffs. Because very few families live there today, there are only a few burials a year and occasionally a plot is sold. The Perpetual Care Fund is now professionally managed by the Union Bank Trust Department and the principal is only to be used in an emergency. Gravestones deteriorate and sink. Trees, grass and shrubs need to be replaced due to aging, storms and drought. Sidewalks and streets need constant repair. Given maintenance and inflation, we often come very close to having to dip into the principal. We’re approaching Yom Kippur, one of the Jewish holidays when Yizkor is recited. One of its primary purposes is to honor the deceased by giving tzedakah (charity) in their memory, teaching us that good deeds of the survivors elevate the souls of the departed. It also offers us an opportunity for personal atonement by performing a deed of lovingkindness. It is in that spirit that our board is asking you to consider making a charitable contribution to the Perpetual Care Endowment Fund to guarantee the future of the Oak Hill/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery. If at any time we’re unable to raise the necessary funds to take care of the cemetery, it would become a public cemetery under Iowa law, supervised by the City of Council Bluffs. This would result in little or no maintenance of the grounds and Jewish burial rituals would no longer be observed. Your donation will serve to lovingly honor family members and friends buried in the cemetery today and in the years to come. Thank you for your consideration. Shanah tovah um’tukah! May you have a good and sweet new year! With warmest regards, Patty Lee Nogg Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. noggster2@aol.com Oak Hill/Bikhor Cholim Board President - Patty Lee Nogg VP - Bob Kully VP - Joel Finkel Secretary - Gail Kenkel Treasurer - Doug Krasne Board Members - Mark Eveloff, Elyse Gallner, Michael Gallner, John Goldner, Larry Goldstrom, John Katelman, Joshua Katelman, Rick Katelman, Marty Ricks, Ted Seldin, Sissy Silber. Cut on dotted line and return with contribution Donor Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address: ______________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________ Cell Phone: ____________________ Home Phone: ____________________ Email: __________________________________ Please accept this tax-deductible contribution to honor my heritage and in loving memory of those who are buried at Oak Hill and Bikhor Cholim Cemeteries. It will help ensure that the Perpetual Care Fund will continue to maintain these sacred grounds for generations to come. Make checks out to: Oak Hill/Bikhor Cholim Cemetery and send to Oak Hill/ Bikhor Cholim Cemetery, c/o Doug Krasne - Treasurer, 14751 260th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 THANK YOU!
The Jewish Press | September 18, 2020 | 5
ADL-CRC Voter’s Corner ELLIE BATT, CAROL BLOCH AND PAM MONSKY Each week until the election on Nov. 3, 2020, the ADL-CRC Plains States Region will provide information and tips to help you cast your ballot securely and with confidence. YOUR VOTE MATTERS! It matters to you, your family, your community and your nation. Make sure your vote counts this November. If you ever think that just one vote in a sea of millions cannot make much of a difference, some of the closest, most consequential elections in U.S. history have turned on a mere few hundred votes. Nebraska has five votes in the Electoral College. Rather than “winner take all,” the state allocates two electoral votes to the state’s popular vote winner and then one to the popular vote winner in each of the three Congressional districts. Nebraska’s approach, unlike any other state except for Maine, can lead to a split electoral vote. In local elections, low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful. So vote! ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES • Our elected officials make decisions each day about our everyday lives. • If you do not vote for the candidate who agrees with you on most issues, you are leaving it up to someone else to make those decisions for you.
• It’s your money! You should have a say in how your tax dollars are spent on health care, education, social services etc. VOTE YOUR VOICE • Vote for your candidate for national, state and local offices • Vote for your state ballot initiatives • Vote for issues that you’re passionate about Your family, your children, your parents, and your grandparents are depending on you. We’re all depending on one another! So vote! HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR ALL THINGS VOTING www.vote411.org (League of Women Voters) www.civicnebraska.vote (Civic Nebraska) www.votedouglascounty.com (Douglas County Election Commission) www.sarpy.com (Sarpy County) www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov (Nebraska Secretary of State) www.RockTheVote.org (non-profit focused on empowering young people) If you have any questions, please contact Pam Monsky, ADL-CRC Assistant Director, pmonsky@adl.org or 402.334.6572 or Gary Nachman, ADL-CRC Regional Director, gnachman@adl.org. WATCH THIS SPACE
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Virtual baking with Margie Gutnik ROBBY ERLICH Engagement Coordinator, Beth El Beth El is excited to continue our virtual cooking/baking classes led by members. The next virtual class will be held on Thursday Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. just in time for the Break the Fast meal for the following week. Margie Gutnik will be leading a Cinnamon Roll Challah class to accompany your Break the Fast meal. “I have several challah recipes I’ve used over the years and always preferred a sweeter challah, but the thing I love about this one, other than the obvious cinnamon/brown sugar goodness in the middle, is the fact that you dump all the ingredients in the bowl and mix; there is no separating or proofing the yeast first. You could use any favorite challah recipe because it is the filling that makes it different and so amazing. It is good any way you eat it but best to serve it warm.” According to Margie, the original recipe was from Jamiegeller.com, but Margie adapted it by adding the cinnamon/brown sugar filling. “The original recipe called for
mixing everything on the kitchen counter without using a bowl and kneading by hand. Too messy - not for me!” Margie’s Cinnamon Roll Challah is also quite the crowd pleaser:
“I often get requests to make and bring it when invited to holiday dinners. Maybe that’s the trick to getting invitations?” Margie also makes her signature item for holiday gatherings and family occasions. Just last year, she made a giant braided version for her granddaughters’ B’not Mitzvah in Kansas City. To sign up for this class, please visit the Beth El website at www.bethel-omaha.org. Any questions can be directed to Robby Erlich, Engagement Coordinator at rerlich@ bethel-omaha.org.
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Israel’s emergency medical service has been on the front lines in the fight against coronavirus while also contending with terrorist attacks, car accidents, and other threats to Israeli lives.
General Election
But Magen David Adom is not government-funded. Its 25,000 EMTs and paramedics, most of them volunteers, rely on support from people like you for the supplies and equipment they need to perform their lifesaving work. No gift will help Israel more in these difficult times. Keep the people of Israel strong this coming year. Donate to Magen David Adom. Shanah Tovah. Give today at afmda.org/rosh or call 866.632.2763.
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Yom Kippur on the Green at Beth Israel MARY SUE GROSSMAN This weekend, Beth Israel Synagogue will be offering a unique, first-of-its-kind experience on “Rosh Hashanah on the Green.” Services are being held outside in the Beth Israel’s beautiful green space under open-walled tents with assigned seating which include six feet of separation between family units. Machzorim are being provided at each seat in addition to tallitot and kippot for those who have requested those items in advance. Hand sanitizer will be readily available and restroom use will be limited to one person at a time with cleaning completed between each user. Machzorim have been made available for those choosing not to attend services in person. Sunday’s services will include the shofar blowing at approximately 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.. An additional shofar blowing will be held in the open green space on Sunday at 5:45 p.m. The Beth Israel staff and congregants are excited to participate in this new and distinctive experience to begin the new year of 5781. IMPORTANT NOTE! Registration for Rosh Hashanah services was required in advance. Any walk-ins will not be provided seating but will be welcome to stand outside the tent area. Looking ahead, the “On the Green” experience will continue for Yom Kippur, following the same procedures as on Rosh Hashanah. Kol Nidre will begin on Sunday evening, Sept.
27 at 7 p.m. Services will continue on Monday morning, Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. Yom Kippur concludes Monday evening with Havdalah at 7:51 p.m. As with Rosh Hashanah, registration for Yom Kippur services is required and is easily accessed on the Beth Israel website at orthodoxomaha.org or by calling the synagogue office at 402.556.6288. Any preferences regarding seating or requests to borrow kippot or tallitot should be included in the “notes” section. A confirmation will be sent following registration. This Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, will be a unique and hopefully exceptional experience for all. “We will be able to connect to ourselves, each other and nature,” Rabbi Ari stated in an earlier article. “During Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we celebrate the renewal of the world. There is no better way than being in nature to experience that process.” Please note that due to the uncertain times, plans are subject to change. For updates, check the Beth Israel Facebook page and the synagogue emails. If you do not currently receive the emails, please send your request to bethisrael@ortho doxomaha.org or call the office. The Beth Israel family wishes everyone a warm “Shana Tovah” and “G’mar chatima tovah” – may you be sealed in the Book of Life in the year ahead.
BBYO offers $3,000 travel vouchers to Jewish teens to journey to Israel in summer 2021 JACOB GELTZER BBYO/Teen Program Director For teens considering a summer program in Israel, 2021 is the year to embark and BBYO is here to make it happen. BBYO is thrilled to announce a limited number of $3,000 travel vouchers open to Jewish teens in North America regardless of need. With a 60+ year track record of delivering one-of-a-kind program options and experiences in Israel, BBYO is excited to provide even more teens with the opportunity to experience Israel next summer with the availability of $3,000 RootOne
travel vouchers. There has never been a better time to make the dream of exploring Israel a reality for Jewish teens. Beyond increasing the affordability of summer travel to Israel, BBYO has enhanced and expanded its offerings for 2021, with programs, flexibility, and dates to fit any interest and schedule. Whether teens want to hike through desert canyons, swim in the Mediterranean, explore Israeli society and culture, or build their own electives-based experience, BBYO offers something for everyone with a rich and varied See BBYO travel vouchers page 7
Comforting from a distance
ROBBY ERLICH Engagement Coordinator, Beth El Arielle Friedtanzer joins Beth El on Wednesday Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. on Zoom presenting the topic, Reaching Through the Screen: Comforting Mourners from a Distance. Arielle brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to not only Beth El, but to the greater Omaha community. Human instinct is to be there for each other. The element of face-toface community has all but disappeared from mourning due to quarantining because of Covid-19. This class is intended to offer our community concrete techniques and guidance Arielle Friedtanzer for how to appropriately and authentically comfort mourners, and how those tools can be adjusted to meet the needs of our current virtual setting. Arielle Friedtanzer received an individualized master’s degree at NYU in May 2018, concentrating in Judaic Studies, Bioethics and Social Work, and has completed 800 clinical hours with the goal of becoming an interfaith chaplain. Arielle focused on engaging communities face-to-face in conversations about advanced care planning, death and grief. Once the Covid-19 pandemic started, Arielle shifted these inperson workshops into virtual events, including her weekly Facebook Live series, Millennials and Mortality Mondays. She believes that some of the stigma and fear around aging and death can be alleviated through early and frequent conversations. She strives to help individuals compose the endings to their own stories by starting the conversations now. Arielle has understood the importance of being present for community in times of mourning. She explains, “At a young age I learned many of the traditional do’s and don’ts that Judaism prescribes in the aftermath of a death, and I found comfort in this guidance.” Arielle explains further, “Many people are uncomfortable with death, and although they know they’re supposed to show up for those in mourning, and they genuinely want to, they don’t always know how to manage their discomfort. They usually say or do the wrong thing, or they do nothing at all. Both of these can be tremendously painful or isolating to the already devastated mourners.” Arielle hopes this class allows attendees to become more comfortable with death and mourning, and to enable them to offer enhanced comfort to those who are grieving at a distance. To sign up for this class, please visit www.bethelomaha.org. For all questions contact Robby Erlich, Engagement Coordinator at rerlich@bethel-omaha.org
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The Jewish Press | September 18, 2020 | 7
Intergenerational Clarity this Rosh Hashanah This Rosh Hashanah, we hardly need the famous Unesanneh Tokef prayer to remind us of the very different ways that the coming New Year may play out. And yet, amidst our uncertainty, I sense a lot of clarity about what TEDDY ultimately matters. The WEINBERGER periods of isolation over these last months have caused many people to ask themselves: If my world narrows, whom do I want to be close by? In answering this question, people are finding that they are too distant from their loved ones—and they are taking steps to change things. In the case of our own family’s experience, the coronavirus has instigated significant changes in the living arrangements of our parents. At the start of the pandemic, my mother (80) was in the Gurwin Jewish assisted living community in Commack, Long Island. Back then, no one realized how bad things were going to get. Before we knew it, several residents of Gurwin came down with the virus and a lockdown was instituted. Thankfully, on June 19 my mother was “sprung” and went to stay with my sister Jessica, 45 minutes to the southwest in North Woodmere. At the beginning we thought it was going to be just for the summer months, with my mother going back to Gurwin at the start of the school year (my sister is a teacher). But with the growing realization that this coming year may bring with it new lockdowns and new periods of isolation, my sister and her husband Ben decided that Mom would live with them and that we would hire an aide to be with her during the day (my mother has dementia and cannot be left alone). I asked my mother if she missed her friends at Gurwin; she told me: “I would always be happier with Jessica; she’s a wonderful daughter.” Al and Willie Ross, my father and motherin law (89 and 83, respectively) were living in their home in Scottsdale, Arizona when the pandemic hit. Thankfully, they are both in good health, and through the months of sheltering in place they were fairly self-sufficient
(with their daughter Charlotte from her home near Boston helping them order groceries online). But they went stir crazy. Willie is an avid bridge player, Al likes to go to the gym, and they both love to go out to restaurants, plays, movies, concerts, etc. For my in-laws, the coronavirus accelerated and clarified their next step. Willie told me: “We always knew in our hearts that we needed and wanted to be closer to our family, and the coronavirus has pushed our decision forward on this issue. We are very resilient and open for change. We are happy here, but life is not the same and I do not know when it will get back to being the same. In any case, we cannot hope for our total independence forever.” At the end of August, my in-laws sold their home and moved to NewBridge on the Charles, a Jewish, independent living complex—about 7 miles from where Charlotte and her family live. Going in a different intergenerational direction, I also sense new attitudes in people my age toward living closer to their children and young grandchildren. In response to my recent column mentioning that Sarah and I had uprooted ourselves from our home of 22 years in order to live down the block from our infant grandchild, several people wrote to me to say that they were contemplating something similar, and our friend Diane wrote to say that her daughter, son-in-law, and infant granddaughter were moving into a house a few doors down from her in Dallas. If you’re looking for a religious take-away between this column and Rosh Hashanah, well here you go: The High Holidays are a time to work on our relationship with God, which is predicated on love (see the Sh’ma prayer). How are we to work on our love? By being with people whose very presence causes our love to overflow--and the closer we live to them, the more we are able to love and be loved. I know of no better way to get closer to God. Shana Tova. Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., made aliyah with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Jane Ross, and their five children, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie, Ezra, and Elie, all of whom are veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@ gmail.com.
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BBYO travel vouchers Continued from page 6 summer 2021 program lineup. And to allay any concerns families might have about planning ahead for next summer in an uncertain environment, registration for BBYO summer programs is totally risk-free, with deposits fully refundable through March 2, 2021. “Now more than ever, teens need programs that allow them to unwind, explore, get outdoors, have fun, and recharge,” said Robyn Judelsohn, Senior Vice President of Immersive Experiences at BBYO. “Israel as a backdrop not only offers all of this, but also allows teens to connect with their heritage and their peers—things so needed amid the current upheaval in their lives. With the variety of programs we offer, the availability of $3,000 vouchers, and risk-free refundable, we expect our Israel travel programs to fill up very quickly for next summer.”
The RootOne Initiative is seeded through the generosity of The Marcus Foundation, and is powered by The Jewish Education Project. RootOne travel vouchers may also be applied to opportunities that connect a BBYO program in Israel with other BBYO travel and leadership experiences in Europe and North America, for an even fuller summer of exploration. Furthermore, vouchers may be combined with need-based scholarships and community funds to help defray the cost of travel even further for families. A complete overview of BBYO’s 2021 Israel travel programs and voucher information can be found at bbyopassport.org/ israel-2021/. For any questions about BBYO, please contact Omaha BBYO Director, Jacob Geltzer, at jgeltzer@jccomaha.org.
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8 | The Jewish Press | September 18, 2020
Above: Given that parents and guests are not permitted inside the CDC right now, staff and kids have come up with some new ways to connect with families! Room 10, the Kochaveem Class, created an open air art gallery outside for parents and guests to view while waiting for their children in the afternoon.
Above: Ron Budwig celebrated his birthday, which he shared with Chrissy Canigilia Nelson, activities coordinator at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
Left and above: Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home enjoyed an early morning Luau to beat the heat.
SP O TLIGHT
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.
Above: Human kindness continues to overflow at RBJH! Mia Rotella, whose grandmother was a Resident of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, recently wanted to lift spirits by writing ten inspirational letters to Residents. She is currently a freshman at Creighton University and wanted to do something meaningful to give back to the Home, where her grandmother lived for many years. Jerry Freeman receives a kind note from Mia, and now they are pen pal buddies via email, and a new friendship has begun. Below: Patty Nogg wins this round of “best mask.”
Above and below: Second Chance Bouquets delivered summer bouquets to Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Second Chance Bouquets enriches the emotional health of individuals in local nursing homes and healthcare facilities by delivering repurposed flowers accompanied by personal compassion.
Voices
The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920)
Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Michael Ivey Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, David Finkelstein, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Margie Gutnik, Natasha Kraft, Chuck Lucoff, Eric Shapiro, Andy Shefsky, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha. org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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The Jewish Press | September 18, 2020 | 9
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.
Passover is coming ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Sorry about that headline- we wanted your attention. First of all, Happy New Year! Of course, we are all focused on how to make these holidays meaningful, as we should be, but I have to admit: when that big Rosh Hashanah edition rolls off the printer, our minds are already partially on the Hanukkah issue and the Passover one— even though it’s months and months away. It comes with the territory, I suppose- like retail stores ordering their Christmas decorations in July. We can’t wait until the last minute. In 2021, Temple Israel will celebrate its 150th anniversary. What that will look like, nobody can predict. However, in the hope that at least our paper will continue on as it has in the past, we are discussing dedicating the Passover edition to Nebraska and Council Bluffs synagogue life. That way, we can tell stories about Temple Israel’s celebration, while being inclusive of the entire synagogue landscape. Just imagine how much has been built, dedicated, moved and rebuilt over the past century and a half. We are casting a wide net with such a topic, but we always aim to include as many elements of our community as possible, and we feel optimistic and excited about this topic. Besides, we all miss our current synagogues- life is bizarre without being able to waltz into our home-away-from-
home whenever we want to. What shul did you go to when you were a child? Where was your Bat Mitzvah? What about religious school? Who was your rabbi? The sheer vol-
ume of synagogue-related memories in our community must be overwhelming, and we would love to include as much of it in our Passover issue as possible. So, when the last honey cake has been
eaten, once the Sukkah has been taken down, when the holidays are over, please think about what the synagogue means to you. Do you have any special memories that come to mind, have you volunteered, are you an architect? Were you responsible for bringing goats to Beth Israel at one time? Do you go to shul to play Mah Jong, even if it is not technically “your’ shul? Do you have a warm story to tell about a specific clergy member, do you have fond memories of a wedding your family had at any of our synagogues? Any and all ideas are welcome— just don’t wait too long to send them to us. We are especially interested in memories that have never been shared, so if you have such a story, please give us a call at 402.334.6450 or send an email to avande kamp@jewishomaha.org. We look forward to hearing from you, and we promise not to try to interview anyone until Sukkot is over. After all, we have some celebrating to do first. Again, we wish you a happy and healthy season. May 5781 bring you nothing but good health and boundless joy.
Many Orthodox Jews support President Trump. I’m one of them BINYAMIN ROSE JERUSALEM | JTA Only 6% of voters who cast ballots for Barack Obama in 2008 voted for Donald Trump in 2016. I’m one of them. I’m a registered Democrat who often votes Republican. I was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family in North Jersey. This year poses a fresh dilemma. President Trump has proven himself as a consistent supporter of Israel. We feel an affinity to the president’s cadre of Orthodox Jewish advisers, including Jared Kushner. Jared’s father, Charlie, was my high school classmate at the Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The Kushners wore their commitment to Jewish causes and Israel on their sleeves. I also became professionally acquainted with Joe Biden in the 1980s, interviewing him at length when he was Delaware’s junior senator and I served as news director at WDOV-Radio in Dover, Delaware. I always found Biden well-versed in both domestic and foreign policy, with nuanced views on the issues. We’ve lost contact over the years, but no one can convince me Biden’s morphed into a reckless socialist. I’m only one man, one vote. But in my current role as editor at large for Mishpacha Magazine, I’ve kept my finger on the pulse of that community since 2004. Our readership is overwhelmingly pro-Trump. That doesn’t mean they like everything he says, or how he says it. As Sen. Lindsey Graham once put it, the president is a street fighter. But Orthodox Jews see Trump as their man on the street, standing up for causes they believe in, including Israel and religious freedoms by appointing conservative judges to federal courts. A Nishma poll taken in January 2020 showed some 56% of the ultra-Orthodox and 29% of the Modern Orthodox voted for Trump in 2016, and his approval rating had risen to 68% among the ultra-Orthodox and 36% amongst the modern Orthodox earlier this year. Recent events have only solidified Trump’s standing, despite the coronavirus pandemic, which most Orthodox Jews view as primarily a health issue and not one that politicians can solve. Biden can critique Trump from the basement of his Wilmington, Delaware, home all he wants, but he can’t prove retroactively that he would have done better. Aside from catching COVID-19, the two outbreaks Orthodox Jews fear most are a breakdown of law and order, and rising anti-Semitism. To an extent, the two dovetail. American Orthodox Jewish voters are concentrated in and around major cities, where Jewish institutions
have spent millions of dollars since 9/11 on security upgrades. We have watched in dread as this summer’s legitimate demonstrations against police brutality against Black Americans quickly gave way to rioting and looting, with big-city mayors looking the other way. Jewish businesses were targeted at a time when Orthodox Jews, with their unique dress, are already on edge, having been singled out for beatings and assaults in increasing numbers in recent years. Neither Trump nor Biden can wave a magic wand and provide redress for hundreds of years of grievances. That’s a formidable task for the next administration, and probably many presidents to come,
President Donald Trump speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual leadership meeting at The Venetian Las Vegas, April 6, 2019. Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
no matter who wins this year. But in the meantime, we must feel safe at home, on the street, in our synagogues and yeshivas and at our places of business. Law and order must be restored. Police should be retrained and reeducated, not defunded. Biden does not support defunding, but Orthodox Jews view the Republicans in general, and Trump in particular, as ready, willing and able to deploy federal resources to restore order. There are other societal issues that explain why Orthodox Jews have cast their votes in larger numbers for conservative Republicans, such as the family values championed by Ronald Reagan and the Bushes. We believe that marriage is a holy bond between a man and a woman. We also support government funding of secular studies curriculums within parochial schools, as many Western countries do. On those issues, we often have more in common with Evangelical Christians than our fellow Jews, who vote overwhelmingly Democratic. I haven’t even mentioned Israel yet, or Iran. These were bigger campaign issues in 2016 than in
2020, but suffice it to say, President Trump has amassed a strong record of solid support for Israel. He has restored sanctions on Iran, moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and recognized Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. Trump’s “deal of the century” for Middle East peace has flaws and faces stiff challenges, despite optimism over the flowering of diplomatic relations between Israel and other Arab nations. But in the minds of many Orthodox Jews, for whom the biblical borders of Israel are sacrosanct, 30% of the West Bank under Trump beats the 4% that Israel was left with under the Oslo agreements that President Obama supported and that a Biden administration would likely revive. While I noted earlier that some 80% of the ultraOrthodox voted for Trump in 2016, what about the 20% who didn’t? One answer is that many are disturbed by Trump’s divisive rhetoric, and the consequent deterioration of public discourse, opening the door for a major uptick in anti-Semitism. Yes, political dialogue has descended to gutter level. Trump bears his share of the blame for that. Judaism has laws for kosher speech, just as it has for kosher food. Jewish law forbids the use of derogatory nicknames. We’d like to see the president eliminate the name-calling from his political lexicon. Trump’s diatribes have emboldened far-right extremists and white nationalists. At the same time, Democratic progressives have ramped up their anti-Israel rhetoric, supporting the BDS movement under the banner of free speech. Both parties are guilty of fomenting anti-Semitism. But for an Orthodox Jew, what’s the bigger present threat? A farright extremist in a distant rural town, or a looter in a Jewish neighborhood? In the final analysis, among America’s Orthodox Jews, a primary fear propelling support for Trump is the rise of the progressive left. Many Orthodox Jews are pessimistic about the future of their cities and the country as a whole should the progressive agenda be enacted, with its very real potential to transform America into a much more hostile place for religion. They see Trump as a defender of the values they hold dear, and for them, a vote for Trump in November is a vote to keep the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle viable in the United States. This op-ed was edited for length. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | September 18, 2020
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 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
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 FRIDAY: Rosh Hashanah Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Rosh Hashanah Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Rosh Hashanah To-Go, 10 a.m.; Erev Rosh Hashanah Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Family Service, 9:30 a.m.; RH Day 1 Morning Service, 10 a.m.; RH Study Session, 4:30 p.m. with Marty Shukert; RH Teen Study Session, 5:15 p.m.; RH Day 1 Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: RH Intergenerational Service, 9:30 a.m.; RH Day 2 Morning Service, 10 a.m.; No BESTT; Shofar Service in the Beth El Parking Lot, 4 p.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7) Online, 4:30 p.m.; USY Check-In, 5:15 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12) Outside at Beth El, 7 p.m.; Comforting Mourners from a Distance with Arielle Friedtanzer, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Cinnamon Roll Challah with Margie Gutnik, 2 p.m.; Shul Music with Hazzan Krausman, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-Sept. 25: Shabbt Shuvah Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY-Sept. 26: Shabbat Shuvah Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 7:50 p.m. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links. Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.
BETH ISRAEL Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, Whatsapp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in Sukkah, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Candlelighting, 7:09 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv/Daf Yomi, 7:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit (Hamelech), 9 a.m.; Torah Reading, 9:45 a.m.; Kids Programming, 10:45-11:15 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:15 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:07 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit (Hamelech), 9 a.m.; Torah Reading, 9:45 a.m.; Shofar, 10:30 a.m.; Kids Programming, 11-11:45 a.m.; Second Shofar (End of Musaf), 11:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:15 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:05 p.m. MONDAY: Fast Begins, 5:49 a.m.; Selichot, 6:40 am.; Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Mincha/Ma’ariv/Daf
Yomi, 7:10 p.m.; Fast Ends, 8:04 p.m. TUESDAY: elichot, 6:40 am.; Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Mincha/Ma’ariv/Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. WEDNESDAY:elichot, 6:40 am.; Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Mincha/Ma’ariv/Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); High Holiday Prep Class: Yom Kippur with Rabbi Ari, 9:30 a.m. (Zoom); Parsha Inspiration with Rabbi Ari, 4:30 p.m. (Facebook Live); Mincha/Ma’ariv/Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m. FRIDAY-Sept. 25: Selichot, 6:40 am.; Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Mincha/Ma’ariv/ Daf Yomi, 7:10 p.m.; Candlelighting, 6:57 p.m. SATURDAY-Sept. 26: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Havdalah, 7:55 p.m. (Zoom). Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
CHABAD HOUSE Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Due to Coronavirus, all services and classes have moved online. For schedules and more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.org or call the office at 402.330.1800 FRIDAY: Outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. To RSVP please email mitzvah@ochabad.com; Candlelighting, 7:09 p.m. SATURDAY: Outdoor Mini Service, 11 a.m.; Kids Holiday Experience, 11 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:25 p.m.; To RSVP for services please email mitzvah@ ocha bad.com; Light Candles after, 8:09 p.m. SUNDAY: Shofar Mini Service, 11 a.m.; Tashlich at Hell’s Creek, 5 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:15 p.m. followed by Havdalah; To RSVP for services please email mitzvah@ochabad.com. MONDAY: Fast Begins, 5:44 a.m.; Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Fast Ends, 7:50 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introduction to Reading Hebrew, 10:30 a.m. THURSDAY: Intermediate Hebrew Reading and Prayer, 11 a.m.; Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman. FRIDAY-Sept. 25: Candlelighting, 6:57 p.m.; Outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. To RSVP please email mitzvah@ochabad.com. SATURDAY-Sept. 26: Outdoor Shacharit, 10:30 a.m. To RSVP for please email mitzvah@ ochabad.com; Shabbat Ends, 7:54 p.m.
Hashanah Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. service leaders/music: Nathaniel Kaup, Steve Kaup, Elaine Monnier, Nicholette Seigfreid. SATURDAY: Rosh Hashanah Morning Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 10:30 a.m.; No Torah Study; Candlelighting for Yom Tov, 8:11 p.m. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; Feeding the Kids at F Street Rec Center, 1 p.m.; Tashlich at Antelope Park (near the enclosed shelter, 4 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 8:09 p.m. TUESDAY: Tea & Coffee Time with Temple Friends, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. WEDNESDAY: LJCS Hebrew School, 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY-Sept. 25 Erev Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:02 p.m. SATURDAY-Sept. 26: Shabbat Morning Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Ha’Azinu led by Robert Friedman; Havdalah (72 minutes), 7:59 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE All services canceled until further notice.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. FRIDAY: Erev Rosh Hashanah Service, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Temple Tots Rosh Hashanah, 9-9:30 a.m.; Rosh Hashanah Morning Service, 10:15 a.m.; No Torah Study; Candlelighting for Yom Tov, 8:11 p.m. SUNDAY: High Holiday Memorial Service, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel Cemetery. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. FRIDAY-Sept. 25: Shabbat Shuvah and Tashlich Service, 6-7 p.m. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
TIFERETH ISRAEL
The Temple office is on reduced hours until further notice and all services and activities are being offered via livestream or teleconferencing. Please call 402.435.8004 or email office@southstreettemple. org for further information or to make an appointment for a visit, if necessary. You may also email board president Nicholette Seigfreid at president@south streettemple.org. South Street Temple’s events can be found at https://south streettemple.org/calendar/. FRIDAY: Candlelighting, 7:14 p.m.; Erev Rosh
FRIDAY: Office Closed; Candlelighting, 7:10 p.m.; Zoom Evening Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Zoom Service, 10 a.m.; Candlelighting, 8:09 p.m. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; Zoom Services, 9:30 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 8:07 p.m. WEDNESDAY: LJCS Hebrew School, 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY-Sept. 25: South Street Temple invites Tifereth Israel to join their livestream Evening Service, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Alex Felch; Candlelighting, 6:58 p.m. SATURDAY-Sept.26: Zoom Service with Rabbi Alex Felch, 10 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 7:57 p.m. Please visit tiferethisraellincoln.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
sustainability of our facilities and community for generations to come.” In the not too distant future, a community-wide fundraising campaign led by Donald Goldstein, David Gilinksy, John Glazer, Joanie Jacobson, and Mike Siegel will begin with the goal of raising an additional $4 million on top of the $29 million already secured. The JCC website will provide an overview of the project with a donation page for online gifts. Postcards, brochures, on-site tours and other plans
are in place to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate in the dreams and vision of our future. We are making some big changes that will enhance our JCC for the 21st century and allow us to continue impacting our community members’ lives now and in the years to come. “This is truly a community-wide effort,” Steve said. “Every gift to this project matters and is essential to complete the transformation, so we invite you all to join us.”
B’NAI JESHURUN
Our future is now We are at an exciting and transformative moment; a crossroads of the Omaha JCC’s past, present and future that is rich with opportunity. Our Future is Now, and we invite you to Be a Part of It! “You have to see it to really appreciate it…photos don’t do it justice.” These are words commonly heard in the hallways of the transforming Staenberg Omaha JCC as construction continues in several areas. According to the Federation’s Chief Development Officer Steve Levinger, “Our community is so fortunate that around 100 donors have made contributions to the building project so far. This has allowed us to do construction work while we are out raising necessary capital. Most projects of this type require that a large percentage of the funds are secured before the shovel actually hits the ground. “We have now raised about 88% of the necessary dollars and are at a point where we are excited to invite the entire JCC community, Jewish and nonJewish alike, to help us reach the finish line. This is a project that benefits all of us and ensures the
The Jewish Press | September 18, 2020 | 11
Life cycles IN MEMORIAM THELMA (TOBY) RAE FORBES Thelma (Toby) Rae Forbes, formerly of Omaha, passed away on Sept. 4, 2020 at age 81 after a long illness in Milwaukee, WI. A private service was held on Sept. 8, 2020. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Marshall Forbes and daughters and sons-in-law, Jody and Dennis Knox, Barbara Forbes-Lyons and Jon Lyons, Shari and Joel Berman and son, Joel Forbes; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Schwartz, and numerous nieces and nephews. Toby spent her working career in Jewish community work starting at the JCC in Omaha at the Jewish Federation of Omaha as the secretary to the executive director, and then as the office manager for the Omaha Federation. Upon moving to Milwaukee she continued her work with the Jewish community at the JCC. She finished her career at the Milwaukee Friends of Hebrew University. Memorials may be made in her name to Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, 6880 N. Green Bay Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209. HOWARD ROBERT MARTIN Howard Robert Martin passed away peacefully on Aug. 29, 2020 at age 78 surrounded by his family. A private service was held on Sept. 1, 2020 and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. He is survived by his wife, Inky Westfall and children, Jody and Kirby Nyquist, Brian and Leilani Martin, Angela and Paul Horner, Kevin and Yuki Martin, Neil Westfall, and Jennifer and Patrick Grathwohl; grandchildren: Cole, Caleb, Camille, Josiah, Melea, Gigi, Isaac, Kelsey and Tyler Christiansen, Gabriel, and Liliana; great-grandchildren: Beau and Baylor; brother, Leon Martin, and ex-wife, Sandi Martin; and many friends. Howard was the epitome of a kind, caring, and loving husband, father, and friend. He will be missed by his family and friends. Memorials may be made on Howard’s behalf to the Council Bluffs Senior Center/YMCA Healthy Living Center or the Parkinson’s Reserch Foundation.
BETTIE JEAN (GROSSMAN) MUSKIN Bettie Jean (Grossman) Muskin passed away peacefully on Sep. 6, 2020 at age 97 at the Rose Blumkin Home. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Stuart; parents, Morris and Lena Grossman; and sister, Libbie Olen. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Linda, and Bruce and Mary-Beth and son, Michael; grandchildren: Tracy and Randy, Scott and Andrea, Anne and Matt, Emily and Jesse, and Zach and Jenni; and seven great-grandchildren. Bettie was born in Manhattan, Kansas and grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She attended Bloomer Elementary School and graduated High School at Abraham Lincoln. Her early years were filled with large family gatherings with singing, dancing and performing. This early love of music led her first to the high school stage. She performed in many plays and her beloved musicals. She continued performing and singing throughout her life spending many years in the Beth El Synagogue Choir, performing in local traveling theater and lending her voice to radio talking book. Her love of music was passed down and has been an inspiration to her children and grandchildren. Bettie and her husband Stuart raised three children in Omaha and always found time for each other. They were regulars at Nebraska football games and Creighton Basketball games well into their 80’s. They loved to dance, travel and socialize with their many friends. They treasured their family creating special relationships and memories with their five grandchildren. She was treated lovingly by the staff at the Rose Blumkin Home. Our family sincerely thanks the staff for their care and love through the years and especially the past several months. Memorials may be made to B’nai Israel Synagogue (618 Mynster, Council Bluffs 51503), or The Rose Blumkin Home (323 South 132 St. Omaha, NE. 68154).
Kosher deli chef will compete on Chopped SHIRA HANAU JTA Jewish deli food has been experiencing a resurgence over the past several years. Now it’ll have its reality television moment. Kosher-keeping chef Shalom Yehudiel of The Humble Toast in Teaneck, New Jersey, will be a contestant on Chopped, a competition cooking show on the Food Network. The restaurant’s menu features traditional Jewish deli foods like potato knishes and a pastrami sandwich on rye alongside more modern additions like a truffle burger or a cheeseburger (with vegan cheese, of course). “When they approached me, I called my rabbi to consult,” Yehudiel told NorthJersey.com. “I run a kosher restaurant, so I just don’t want to say yes if I can’t cook kosher.”
Chopped contestants prepare a three-course meal but must use a selection of specific ingredients in each course. The mystery ingredients can pose problems for kosherkeeping contestants who will not eat certain ingredients or combine meat and milk. Yehudiel will be the latest contestant on the show to have a mashgiach, a kosher supervisor, certifying that his ingredients are kosher. Rachel Goldzal of Staten Island, New York, won the competition in 2018 at just 12 years old. Producers worked with Rachel to ensure all the ingredients would be kosher and provided her with all new kitchen utensils, according to the Orthodox news site Vos Iz Neias.
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12 | The Jewish Press | September 18, 2020
News
Chabad offers shofar services
LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D
My little girls
RICHARD FELLMAN A few weeks ago the Omaha World Herald ran an excellent article written by one of their best reporters, Cindy Gonzalez, on the renovations undertaken by the Jewish Federation of Omaha at its complex in West Omaha on South 132nd Street. When Jewish visitors from outside Omaha are shown the JCC they routinely ask, “How big is Omaha’s Jewish community anyway? This looks better than big cities have.” The answer to the population question is that “Some say 6,000 and some say 8,000.” Still that leaves Omaha’s Jewish community among the smallest in the country. Omaha has many unique qualities, and our JCC is one of them. And as I read that newspaper article I thought about the improvements now being celebrated. My mind went back many years to the old JCC at 20th and Dodge, which was built more than 100 years ago. In the ‘50s, when I went to Central High School as 95 percent of the Jewish youth
of Omaha then did, after school was out nearly every Jewish student crossed the street and gathered for social activities and sports in that building managed by Paul Veret who was for many years the chief executive of the Jewish Federation. That old building was then only 30 or 40 years old. In the early ‘70s Federation leaders began to think that a new building farther west was needed. I was then a young lawyer and on the Federation Board. Nick Newman was Federation president and Mort Greenberg was chief executive. They organized planning and fund raising committees and the result was the purchase of the land on 132nd street and the construction of the building that is now nearly 50 years old but newly remodeled. In April, 1973 the Federation held a ground breaking ceremony at the building site. It was a Sunday and the day was chilly. Construction had begun. The site was muddy. I had resigned from the Federation Board since I had
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become a Nebraska State Senator, but I remember going to that groundbreaking ceremony and taking our two oldest children, Susie, then almost seven, and Debbie, just five, with me. Bev remained home with Johnny who was three and Daniel who was still a baby. I recall explaining to our little girls that this was an important event for the Omaha Jewish community, and that some day they would use what was then being built. The building went up. My children attended the Day School, they played on teams in the gym, they swam in the pool, and the six of us attended all types of functions in the building. Today, almost another 50 years has gone by, and the building is “new” and “up-to-date.” Alan Potash is now the chief executive of the Federation, Steve Levinger supervises fundraising, and outstanding leaders and generous donors have stepped up. Once again, our Jewish community proved how unusual it is to support and improve a structure so much bigger and better than one would expect for a city of Omaha’s size. And now instead of resting my hands on the shoulders of two little girls who were each wearing warm winter coats with winter hats covering all but their eyes, I today have the joy of loving two daughters and their two brothers who grew up in Omaha at its JCC and thinking to myself how lucky I am at 85 years old to be a lifelong member of the Omaha Jewish community.
Rosh Hashana, Yom Teruah — the Day of Shofar Blowing is anticipated by Jews everywhere with both joy and trepidation. Joy, for the opportunity of a new beginning with new and fresh opportunities. Trepidation for the awe and introspection that this "Day of Judgment" evokes. This year, we have even more on our minds. We are unsure about the trajectory of COVID-19 and its impact on work, school, home and the economy. We are thinking about the political and social unrest. And what of the observance and celebration of the holidays? Many are asking the difficult questions and wondering how it will be this year. To accommodate social distancing and people's schedules, Chabad is offering a mini Shofar Service on Rosh Hashana, Sunday, Sept. 20 every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You are invited to sneak outdoors and stop by Chabad for 15 minutes to observe the most important ritual of the day. The Chassidic masters explain the Shofar blowing as a return to the simple language of the soul on the day of humanity's collective birthday. This program is open to the entire community. No Hebrew reading necessary.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday, Sept. 28 for Yom Kippur. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Monday, Sept. 21, 4 p.m. for the Oct. 2 Issue. Questions? Call 402.334.6448
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Publishing date | 10.109.20
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