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SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 | 7 TIS H RE I 578 1 | VO L. 1 00 | NO. 4 8 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 6:57 P.M.
Stronger than before ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor hroughout the years. The Jewish Federation of Omaha has welcomed the community to an inspiring campaign event that brings all of us together in one space. Naturally, this year will have to be different due to the pandemic. That, however, will not stop our community from uniting towards a common goal. We introduce you to Koolulam: a social-musical initiative, aimed at strengthening the 2021 fabric of society. Event chairs Danny Denenberg and Jimmy Friedlander will lead us in a musical performance that will remind us of what makes this community: our ability to come together, even when times are challenging. We hope you will consider participating in our Community Event as we come together in song – while we are apart. We are excited to share an amazing concept that will produce a video we think will be cherished for years to come, as we sing “One Da” by Matisyahu’ with Koolulam. This is a one-of-a-kind event that with your help, will include as
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Rosh Hashanah Bingo Page 2
Bahrain peace deal with Israel changes Jewish lives Page 6
many community members as possible. This event offers all Omahans – even those that currently live in other cities the ability to participate. “I became involved initially after talking with Louri Sullivan at another JFO event,” Jimmy said. “The idea of a social, group musical experience sounded like a lot of fun - and something right up my alley. Originally, we had discussed an in-person event, I believe, before the pandemic of course. However, I think now perhaps this concept takes on even greater meaning and purpose and gives our ANNUAL CAMPAIGN JFO community an opportunity to collaborate together musically with people of all ages and have some fun. I am really excited to see the final product.” Koolulam is an Israeli initiative that centers around musical performances, created by convening large groups of individuals to form a uniquely collaborative musical creation. Koolulam brings together people from all walks of life to do one thing: stop everything for a few hours and just sing – together. At Koolulam, the audience is the artist! Every participant enters as a unique individual and leaves See Stronger than before page 3
Sacha Baron Cohen’s next Netflix role is super Jewish Page 12
Understanding extremism
REGULARS
Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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We live in harmony, comforted by the idea that our homes are safe, our jobs secure, and that everyone’s family is able to enjoy the GARY NACHMAN fruits of this Regional Director, great country’s ADL-Plains States opportunities... Region In case you were wondering, yes, that was a fantasy! Togetherness is a lovely notion—a beautiful goal—but our reality is discord: racial inequality, civil injustice, disproportionate use of force by law enforcement against black and brown communities, bad actors influencing social norms and our electoral process. All this and a pandemic killing 1,000 Americans per day. That is nearly 400,000 people los-
ing their lives in a year! And while comparisons to other catastrophic events in our history are easy to make, none of those comparisons account for the fact that this is happening now, at the peak of technological and scientific advancement and... it should not be. Covid-19 has caused staggering personal and economic turmoil giving ground to desperate actions by those in despair, and turmoil has always been a breeding ground for bad actors who hate for hate’s sake. Contemporary American society has become a petri dish for what festers when decency is stripped away and all that remains is choosing sides in a fight. We live in a world where opinions and facts have equal value. There are those who desire a race war. Those who wish to remove all foreigners from our soil. Those who wish to overthrow our government. As some fight against any form of Fascism, Nationalism or Autocracy, others endeavor to usher them in. Some seek to vilify educated, liberalthinking, progressive people—or worse, those who actively seek to subjugate, marginalize, prosecute, incarcerate, remove and even kill, those who look differently. Extremists value systems can be so misaligned that they actually believe the freedom to think for one’s self is a See Extremism page 3
Beth El is gifted new security system
Gail and Steve Friedman with their Maltese, Precious. “She refused to let us take the picture without her,” Steve said.
OZZIE NOGG The Oct. 27, 2018, massacre of eleven congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, sparked a subsequent action in Omahan Steven Friedman. “It seemed
like there was one shooting after another,” Friedman said. “Madmen attacking Jewish institutions, like the JCC in Overland Park in 2014, the Poway shooting last year, vandals See Beth El security page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | September 25, 2020
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Beth El security
Continued from page 1 defacing cemeteries. I was motivated to increase security at Beth El Synagogue against those who want to do us harm, so we can have peace and tranquility when we worship and so parents can feel comfortable sending their children to our Talmud Torah.” This wish recently took the form of a cutting-edge $165,000 security system given to Beth El by Steve Friedman and his wife, Gail. “Steve and I first spoke just after the Tree of Life shooting,” said Beth El Executive Director Allison Newfeld. “He expressed his commitment to the safety and security of those in our building and in the greater Jewish Community. The importance of securing our facility had been a topic of discussion within the Beth El staff and Board and, as you can imagine, we’re tremendously grateful to Steve and Gail for their commitment and generosity. Their gift allowed us to upgrade our entire facility and ensure that we provide the safest environment for our members while also keeping up with the changing needs of our congregation.” After the tragic shooting at the Overland Park JCC, concerns about the rise of anti-Semitism around the globe led to a meeting between Beth El’s Rabbi Steven Abraham and Steve Friedman. “It became imperative for the synagogue to upgrade its aging security system, and I knew Steve Friedman had an interest in making sure that Beth El would remain safe for many generations to come. A synagogue should always be a place that is welcoming, but — in the current climate — also needs to be kept secure. With the help of the Friedman family we’ve been able to do exactly that. I’m very grateful for their donation and their friendship.” Friedman credits Rabbi Abraham with being the prime mover in implementing the security plan. “I met with Rabbi just
a couple times,” Friedman said. “It didn’t take long to realize we were on the same page. We agreed on the process, hugged each other and it was a done deal. The Rabbi’s embrace of our gift was so important to me, I almost cried.” Elias Friedman, Friedman’s paternal grandfather, was a charter member of Beth El. Steve and his brothers, Sandy (a past-president of the synagogue) and Roger (a pediatric ophthalmologist in California) attended Talmud Torah at the 49th and Farnam Street building. “I’d ride my bike from our house on 46th and Poppleton to study for my Bar Mitzvah with Rabbi Katz and Cantor Edgar,“ he said. In a reflective mood, Friedman recalled those peaceful times. “My parents would take us to Evans Ice Cream for cherry sundaes. On the 4th of July we could spread out a blanket at Fontenelle Park and watch the fireworks. You’d get eaten up by mosquitoes, but you were safe.” According to a Feb. 4, 2020, article in the NY Times, enhancing security for Jewish institutions, and how to pay for it, has become an urgent issue for religious leaders. “Over the last several years we have witnessed a change in the mind-set in the community,” said Michael Masters, the national director of the Secure Community Network, which works with Jewish groups across the country. “The importance of security in the Jewish community is about more than just making sure Jewish spaces are safe,” Masters said. “Se-
curity allows for the free practice of religion, for Jewish life to grow and flourish. Whereas before people may have asked whether it was really necessary to have an organized, formal security program, now they’re asking much more frequently, ‘What’s the best way to do it? How can we do this most effectively?’ Certainly since Pittsburgh and Poway, we’ve seen a general shift in mindset of let’s be prepared and let’s be empowered.” “It’s unfortunate we live in a world where taking such measures is necessary,” said Ari Riekes, current Beth El President. “However, our history teaches us that we cannot take anything for granted, especially our security. This gift allows Beth El’s clergy and staff to feel more secure in their work environment and allows our volunteers and congregants a greater sense of peace of mind when it comes to participating in our religious, educational and communal activities. Beth El is greatly indebted to the Friedman family.” Steve and Gail Friedman have two sons, Benjamin and Jeremy. Steve is a Senior VP of Investments at Raymond James, where he and Jeremy work as a team. Jeremy Friedman has served on the Beth El Board of Trustees and Steve has co-chaired fundraising campaigns for the synagogue. “I’m honored to provide this new security system while I’m still alive and can see the benefits,” he said. “I’m grateful to be able to do it.”
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com or leave a message at the BB JCC office 402.334.6443.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Jill Ohlmann-activities with Resident Marvin Parilman
Thanks to our wonderful new volunteer, Matthew Minzghor, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Residents have a new Bingo game. Matthew created an amazing design of bingo cards and calling cards with words and pictures. The cards were printed and laminated at the Home. The Residents enjoy playing holiday bingo with the activities staff. It is also used by Friedel Jewish Academy and the religious school teachers at the synagogue. In addition, Matthew Minzghor Matthew is helping Residents putting their thoughts together on paper and compiling them into computerized documents. Matthew is 33 years old and has been actively serving in the Air Force for 14 years. He is studying to get his BS degree in Information Technology. He originally comes from Michigan and is married with three children and a dog. We are so thankful to have this amazing volunteer on our team!
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Stronger than before
Continued from page 1 feeling part of a larger whole, which is exactly what we, as a community, need at this moment. “Both Louri and I wanted the incredibly talented Danny Denenberg to be involved,” Jimmy said, “and we were thrilled when he agreed to co-chair the event.” Danny’s response was enthusiastic: “I said ‘yes’ because Jimmy Friedlander called me and this sounded like such a great thing to do, especially now when we can’t really do anything. What a great way to bring people together!” For every Koolulam event, a team of talented musicians develops a fresh and innovative vocal arrangement of a well-known song. Every Koolulam event is unique in its message, style, venue, number of participants, and, of course, the participants – you! The Koolulam crew is comprised of an elite team of professionals, with a passion for making every event the most joyous and meaningful experience for each and every participant. “This year’s campaign poses a different kind of challenge,” Danny said. “Normally when you organize an event, you have to find a venue, book the space, pick a menu, etc. Now, we have to bring people together in a nonphysical way and that is difficult. This year has been very weird. Time doesn’t move. You are in your house for long stretches of time. Personally, I haven’t been able to perform in front of a live audience and I really miss that adrenaline rush.” Like Danny, many of us have spent time away from each other and it is high time we come together and remember what makes us strong as Omaha Jews: our community. The event launch will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 via Zoom. We will be asking all participants to register so we have a protected Zoom call. The participants
will have the weekend to practice and submit their video by midnight, Sunday, Oct. 18. Koolulam will compile all the videos into a final product, which will be premiered on Thursday, Oct. 29. When you are approached by a song leader, please answer the call! The Zoom call on Oct. 15 will explain all the details and we will email the instructions after the call to the entire community with all of the important dates and a link to the back track, lyrics and conductor as well as instructions for video submissions. There is no cost to participate in this event, but the outcome will be priceless. Please help us promote this amazing experience, which will truly bring us together while we are apart. Your involvement will help make this event a success. “The Federation is critically important during these current, uncertain times,” Jimmy said. “Supporting and giving to the JFO will help ensure that the needs of the Omaha Jewish community are met. My wife and I give to the JFO because we want our sons to grow up knowing Judaism. Their Jewish identity will be shaped by the books from the PJ library, summers at the JCC pool, attending Challah Tots, Hebrew school, visiting relatives at the Blumkin home, going to JFO events, attending the CDC, eating at Star Deli, and hopefully, one day going on a Birthright Israel trip. We give to the JFO because it is our job, as Jews, to repair the world.” “We must try to stay together as a community,” Danny added, “and that means doing more things together, like Koolulam. We have to share more, call our friends more, do a little more each day to stay connected. Work a little harder. If we can do that, we will get through this—maybe we’ll even be a little bit stronger than before.”
Extremism Continued from page 1 luxury not afforded to those who think differently. Many appear on the far-right, but not exclusively. Since 2008, far-right actors have killed more individuals than Islamists and far-left actors combined. However, some far-left anarchists also use violence, if necessary, to oppose Fascist ideologues and, as our divisiveness continues to atrophy, slowly direct their animus toward any rightleaning ideology. While both can be antigovernment, the most noticeable difference appears to be their targets. Typically, the left focuses on buildings or inanimate objects while the right fixates on people. Most recently, we have seen bad actors insert themselves into anti-racist and antilockdown protests. Some show up to counter protest but others may be there simply to test authority. To see how bold they can be—what level of violence will be “tolerated” by sympathetic politicians and those in authority, including law enforcement. They provoke violence, taunt, and carry weapons with an intent to use. Understanding these movements and
groups is a crucial step towards staunching the flow of their propaganda and rhetoric. As many are now portrayed online and in mainstream media, it is important to identify their ideologies and know what they are capable of as we see many of them at rallies and protests, and spoken about by leaders and authorities. To better equip you with this knowledge, ADL-CRC will be presenting a series of articles on these movements and groups. We will share their ideologies, any discerning visual characteristics, where they are located in the U.S., whether or not they have representation in the Midwest, who makes up these cohorts, and dispel misdirection and misinformation. The list will not be comprehensive but will focus on those movements (Accelerationism, Antifa, etc.) and groups (American Identity [AIM], Atomwaffen Division, The Base, Black Hebrew Israelite Movement, Boogaloo Movement, Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officer Association, Loyal White Knights of the KKK, Oath Keepers, Patriot Front, Proud Boys [BOIS], QAnon, Three Percenters, and more...) with whom you might be most familiar.
COLLECTING BELLA EISENBERG STORIES Do you have a memory or a story to share about Bella Eisenberg? Her family wants to hear from you! Bella embodied a persevering, wise and loving spirit that we want to capture for future generations. Please send your memories about Bella—a thought, a paragraph, or a novel, nothing too large or small. Photos or videos would be terrific. Please send your memories to
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WE APPRECIATE YOUR HELP AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
HANUKKAH The Festival of Lights
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Chabad to honor leaders at Community Sukkot Bash LEIBEL BAUMGARTEN Chabad Nebraska When you meet Milton Kleinberg you sense that you are in the company of a man of courage and determination. You see that Milton is fearless and always stands up for what’s right even when it’s not popular. His community activism was spurred by the mishnaic conviction that “in a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.” (Avot2:5) Milton is the proud patriarch of a large, beautiful family and never tires of teaching and inspiring the younger generation. When you meet Jeremy Wright, his smiling, laid back and unassuming presence may fool you at first. Quickly you will come to see an incredible drive, relentless dedication, and unbridled perseverance. You will soon find out that he is back in school studying to be a doctor and come to appreciate his unmatched work ethic. Chabad will be paying tribute to both men on Oct. 6. Ugliness in the form of hate and racism pushed itself through the veil of everything-is-ok-in-our-society during the recent months. Once again we are being forced to confront the ideas that we must stand up for the just treatment of every human being as created in the image of G-d. Leaders like Milton make sure that the people around them are cognizant of this always. Milton and Marsha Kleinberg both have a great passion to work for the greater good of the community. Mitzvahs make them happy. And they are outstanding Chabad partners.
Chabad has been delivering a taste of tradition, challah, chicken and matzah ball soup, kugels, and the like to families for Shabbat for decades. But when Covid-19 struck and the days of isolation and quarantine began, Chabad stepped up their efforts to make many more food packages for the elderly, home bound and isolated. From the Seder to Go program in the Covid’s early days, weekly Shabbat treats, to the Shavuot in a Box. Jeremy Wright became a major driving force behind the campaign. Each Friday he’d arrive at the Chabad along with the fellow medical students he had signed up to volunteer. Between them they traveled the length and breadth of Omaha and beyond, dropping off packages of food that not only helped feed people in need, but gave them a warm sense of community and love, and hope and solidarity in these trying, lonely times. Jeremy helped brighten the days of countless Omahans when they needed it most. Sukkot is a festival of joy and unity. It is a time we sit together as one, with the temporary sukkah dwelling serving as a great equalizer. It is a festival in which we celebrate our oneness and interdependence. Thus, there is no better time to pay tribute to men who stand for the values of unity and inclusion and to learn from their examples. The community is invited to pay tribute to these two pillars and show gratitude for their generous efforts. Join the tribute and Sukkot party at Chabad on Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. All social distancing recommendations will be scrupulously adhered to.
Israel’s president apologizes to nation MARCY OSTER JTA On the eve of the second lockdown in Israel for the coronavirus, President Reuven Rivlin apologized in a nationally televised address for the government’s inability to manage the pandemic. “I know that we have not done enough as a leadership to be worthy of your attention. You trusted us and we let you down,” he said. “The announcement of the lockdown means that our ability to live together, to celebrate together, to mourn together, to pray together, to fulfill our most basic human needs together – all these are harmed. I am sharing these feelings with you, and at the same time I would like us to raise our heads and believe.” Some 5,523 new cases of the coronavirus were diagnosed Sept. 15, the largest number diagnosed in one day. Earlier, the
government announced that all Israeli schools except special education would close a day ahead of the lockdown, citing the rapid spread of the coronavirus to teachers and students. The lockdown came with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, arriving on Friday evening. Rivlin called on the country’s political leaders to “do everything to restore personal, medical and economic confidence to our fellow citizens. This is a second chance and we must take it because we will not, I fear, get a third one.” “My fellow Israelis, you cannot beat corona alone, but no one can beat it without you. I believe in this people; I believe in our ability to prevail. I would like to ask you to believe in this people’s ability to prevail. This is the time to follow the instructions, to take care of yourselves and those dear to you, to join hands to help those around you in need of assistance. Because we have no other land, we have no other country, we have no other people and we have no other way.”
September Art Bizzarre featuring J&K On the Rocks J&K On the Rocks is the partnership of husband and wife team, John and Kathy Winterburn of O’Neill, NE. Kathy is a lapidary artist and cuts and hand grinds the stones used in the jewelry. She uses diamond embedded grinding wheels to design, cut and polish one-of-a-kind stones. John is the metal artist. He works with 14K gold, pure silver and rose gold wire, using Kathy’s stones, in his wire woven wrapped pieces. He also forges copper and sterling silver in their bracelets. Their stones come from all over the world, including some of the rarest and collectible varieties. John and Kathy focus on unique, one-of-a-kind stones, em-
phasizing the color, line and texture of each stone. They also work on commission pieces using customer stones and customer requests. J&K On the Rocks will be one of the artists at the September Art Bizarre in Omaha. The event will be at the Comfort Inn and Suites Ballroom, 7007 Grover Street on Friday, Sept. 25 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the art included is wall décor, fiber art, pop art, wood products, wine barrel furniture, crystal decorations, and of course... different styles of jewelry. All are welcome and admission is FREE.
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ADL-CRC Voters’ Corner Make your time as important as your vote ELLIE BATT, CAROL BLOCH AND PAM MONSKY Meaningful involvement in our elections can go well beyond volunteering for a particular political party or candidate. No matter what side of the political divide you find yourself on, ensuring that your voice is heard means ensuring that EVERYONE’s voice gets heard. Below we lay out the paths to get involved. Whether volunteering at the polls or helping Get Out the Vote, you can play your part in promoting democracy! POLL WORKERS URGENT: Poll Workers needed in Douglas County DEADLINE: Sept. 30, 2020 (www.votedou glascounty.com/new_election_workers) Those among us most vulnerable to Covid19 are, historically, the ones who step up to staff polling sites and volunteer during election season. With heavy hearts, many of them are not able to risk their health (or their lives) for us this year. But you can help! If you are healthy and have a mask, contact your county’s Election Commission Office. No matter where you live, you can visit www.eac.gov/help-america-vote then simply choose your STATE and COUNTY.
QUICK GLANCE LOCAL COUNTY PHONE NUMBERS • Cass: 402.296.9309 • Dodge: 402.727.2767 • Douglas: 402.444.8683 • Lancaster: 402.441.7054 • Pottawattamie: 712.328.5700 • Sarpy: 402.593.2167 • Saunders: 402.443.8101 • Washington: 402.426.6822 GET OUT THE VOTE (GOTV) If you have some flexibility in your day, have some time between classes or are simply committed to the voting process, please consider volunteering to make calls, send texts, or get folks to the polls or drop boxes with any one of these worthy non-partisan, local organizations and help Get Out the Vote! You. Can. Make. A Difference. League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha | 402.344.3701 | www.lwvgo.org Heartland Workers Center | 402.933.6095 | www.heart landworkerscenter.org Civic Nebraska | 402.554.3584 | www.civicnebraska.org Black Votes Matter | www.4urban.org/4pillars/black-votes-matter
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Our future is now
STEVE LEVINGER Chief Development Officer, JFO 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 non-Jewish alike, to help us reach the finish line. This is a project that benefits all of us and ensures the sustainability of our facilities and community for generations to come.” In the not-too-distant future, a communitywide 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.”
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6 | The Jewish Press | September 25, 2020
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Bahrain peace deal with Israel changes Jewish lives
Though community members mixed socially with Bahraini building and hopes to reopen it next year as a house of worJOSEFIN DOLSTEN Muslims, they mainly married within the community and ship and museum. JTA Ebrahim Dahood Nonoo, the leader of Bahrain’s tiny Jewish lived close to each other in Manama. Members continued to And on Monday, Jared Kushner, President Trump’s Jewish community, was among the Gulf country’s approximately 50 speak a Jewish dialect of Iraqi Arabic and still do. son-in-law who serves as his senior adviser, gifted Bahrain’s Jews who thought peace with Israel would never arrive “in our In 1935, a member of the Cartier family, the Jewish clan who King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa a Torah scroll for the synagogue. lifetimes.” Most of the community members today “It just didn’t seem possible,” Nonoo told the are financially successful and continue to be Jewish Telegraphic Agency from Manama, represented in the Shura Council, which has the capital city where he lives with his wife. designated a seat each for representatives of Tuesday’s signing of the agreements the country’s Jewish and Christian populacalled the Abraham Accords is expected to tions. Nonoo’s successor was Houda Nonoo, open up routes for collaboration, trade and who later went on to serve as Bahraini amtravel between Bahrain and Israel, which bassador to the United States. She was suchad all been restricted. It will have a significeeded by Nancy Khedouri, a relative of the cant impact on Bahrain’s Jews, many of powerful Kadoorie family, a Hong Kongwhom have relatives in Israel they have not based Jewish family of Iraqi origin who went been able to visit. on to become one of the wealthiest families Bahrain’s Jews weren’t the only ones in Asia (and transliterated the surname difshocked when President Donald Trump anferently). Houda Nonoo and Khedouri are nounced that he had brokered peace agreeEbrahim Nonoo’s cousins. ments between Israel and two Arab states, “It is indeed a privilege to be part of the the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, Law-making process with my multi-faith within a month of each other. Colleagues, where we all enjoy Equality and Israel only has relations with two other Freedom of Expression and where we conArab nations in the region, and most of its Jewish representative Nancy Khedouri, second from left, and other Bahraini officials meet with for- tinue to strive to draft out Laws to be impleneighbors have long isolated the Jewish eign representatives, including U.S. Ambassador Justin Siberell, far left. Credit: Khedouri mented, that will be fair, serving in the best state and at times even gone to war with it. founded the eponymous jewelry company, passed through on interests of our Country and to all Citizens, regardless of Re“We can talk to our relatives, and we can feel more comfort- a business trip and ended up donating money to build a syn- ligious differences,” Khedouri told JTA in an email. able now about going and coming. It actually changes quite a agogue and bring in a rabbi, according to Nonoo. Over the Still, the local Jewish community is aging, as many young lot,” said Nonoo, a businessman who in 2001 became the first next 10 years, the community continued to flourish econom- people leave to study abroad and often choose to remain in Jewish person appointed to serve on the country’s Shura ically and gathered in the synagogue for services. other countries after their studies — including Nonoo’s chilCouncil, the upper chamber of its National Assembly. “[That] was a fantastic time for all of them,” Nonoo said. dren, who both live in the United Kingdom. The Jewish community in Bahrain, an island nation of some But things took a turn for the worse following the 1947 U.N. “Hopefully they’ll be back soon,” he said. 1.5 million people, dates back about 140 years to the late Partition vote, which recommended the creation of a Jewish Nonoo hopes the new agreement with Israel will turn 1800s, when a group of Iraqi Jews arrived in search of eco- state in then-Palestine alongside an Arab one. The move led around the trend and that plans to build the Abrahamic Famnomic opportunities. Many were poor and lacked education to anti-Semitic riots throughout the Arab world, including in ily House, a site that will host a church, mosque and synabut found jobs, and eventually success, in the clothing indus- Bahrain. gogue in the nearby United Arab Emirates, may draw more try. Nonoo’s grandfather came as a 12-year-old together with A group of rioters — Nonoo said they were migrants from Jews to settle in the Gulf. his uncle and found a job picking silver threads out of dis- other Arab countries — burned the synagogue to the ground “We are very, very happy to see that that’s going to be a place carded dresses and selling them. and stole the country’s only Torah scroll. Most of the commu- that many Jews can stay in the UAE and build up families “They were kind of misfits coming out of Iraq,” Nonoo said nity left after the attack or in the decade-and-a-half following, there, so we’re hoping that with that we will get Jews coming of the first arrivals. “In other words, they weren’t getting any- settling in Israel. to Bahrain,” he said. where in Iraq, so they decided to try their luck in Bahrain.” The few who remained or their descendants make up the For his part, Nonoo doesn’t see himself settling anywhere A smaller number of Jews also settled in Bahrain from Iran 50 or so Jews living in the country. There is an active Jewish else. at around the same time. At its height in the 1920s and ’30s, cemetery, but the synagogue — rebuilt by Nonoo’s father in “Our religion is Jewish, but really our culture is very Arabic, the community had about 800 members, according to Nonoo, the 1980s — never officially reopened and most of the com- and we feel very at home,” he said. “I honestly could not see though others have said the number was as high as 1,500. munity continues to pray at home. Nonoo is renovating the myself living anywhere else.”
Happy Passover There’s something for everyone KHULWDJH FRPPXQLWLHV FRP 402-504-3111 | WK 3DFL¿F LQ 2PDKD
The Jewish Press | September 25, 2020 | 7
Above: Bilu kicked off the year with a parent-teen golf outing. We aren’t sure who enjoyed it more, the parents or the teens! Jason Epstein, Marc Scheer, Matt Shapiro and a photo-bomb by Tyler Epstein.
Above: Helen Abrahamson paints a round ceramic Challah just in time for Rosh Hashanah.
Above: Sylvia Terry, daughter of CDC Teacher Jordi Terry, waves and greets children in the morning, just like mom. Maybe she’ll be a future CDC staff member!
Above: At Beth El, even the youngest kids got in on the action! We had our first Torah Tots class virtually where we sang, read, ate a snack and did a project. Each child was hand-delivered a supply bag full of Rosh Hashanah gear. Tova and Dax Ortmeyer check out their Rosh Hashanah supplies.
Above, below and bottom: Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home are baking with the activities staff and gearing up for the New Year with fresh-baked apple donuts with a new donut machine.
Above: Beth El religious school is in session! While the weather allows it, we are taking advantage of our outdoor space and having socially distant in-person learning for Kindergarten through Second Grades on Sunday morning and for our Hebrew High students. First day of best grade 1: Elisa Weiner and Ollie Lucoff lead the first graders in morning stretches.
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.
Left: We said goodbye to Ron Lugasy, who after being our Shlicha for two years moved back to Israel. We miss you, Ron!! Above: Alan Potash, Ron and Jon Meyers.
8 | The Jewish Press | September 25, 2020
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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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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.
Let’s get excited about the Annual Campaign ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor We are all tired of saying it, and even more tired of hearing it: everything is different this year. With COVID-19 as our uninvited and overstaying house guest, it’s become increasingly harder to get excited about things. The main reason is, I think, because we tend to get most excited about what we can experience together. And since this year, there are few things we do together (Shabbat dinners, vacations, birthdays, holidays), our capacity for excitement is wanting. Everything feels ‘meh.’ A community member reminded me the other day of all the trappings that come with our annual Jewish Federation of Omaha Campaign event. Find the venue, send out invites, select the food; although here at the Press we do none of that and only get involved when it’s time to write about it, we do sense the busy energy that starts building long before the invitations are sent out. The Annual Campaign event is ALWAYS a big deal. However, since we can’t mark the occasion while being physically together, are we going to be less engaged this year? Are we going to be less enthusiastic, or worse, are we going to push this
whole Campaign-thing to the back of our minds? As a community, it’s the worst thing we could do. The same is true for our High Holidays. What are your plans? Where will you go, when there are so few places to go? The thing is, we are here. As a community, we
can weather this, even if we sometimes think we can’t. It’s easy to talk about how great Jewish Omaha is when all is well and we have constant reminders in the form of services, social events, faceto-face learning opportunities, dance recitals and book club meetings. It’s a lot harder when we can’t hug our family and friends, when the majority of our social contact happens via Zoom. But this is what we were made for: the connections we make, the strength we build during the good times are more than enough to carry us through the difficult times. Keeping this community strong, especially
now, by going the extra mile, is what will make us come through this. We do this the same way we do everything else: together. I am not a rabbi, and I might get in a tiny bit of trouble for typing this, but some days it feels a little bit like G-d is asking us: “Now what are you going to do? Are you going to sit there and complain, or are you going to double down and do more?” The answer is, we can do more. As a community, we can give more. As individuals, we may have rough days, we may sometimes feel alone, isolated, despondent. But together, as a comunity, we are strong. We are mighty. We can do this, we can make it through this collectively; together, we are much more than the sum of our parts. So I ask you all to do more and give more. Not as an individual, but as a community. Let’s get excited together. Let’s dig in our heels together. Let’s do more together. When you receive your pledge card for the 2021 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign, answer the call. When we take ownership of our community, when we remember that our personal differences matter less than the community we have built and continue to build, we will come out of this stronger than ever.
I’m an Orthodox rabbi who takes COVID-19 very seriously. Here’s why my congregation is praying in person during the High Holidays. RABBI YOSIE LEVINE NEW YORK | JTA On March 11, we decided to close The Jewish Center, the large Orthodox congregation in Manhattan where I serve as senior rabbi. To some, it seemed like a drastic step for a century-old institution that’s been open every day of the year for as long as anyone can remember. It was early in the pandemic; the government hadn’t mandated the closure. Other houses of worship and nonprofits were still operating. But with a spike in cases in the broader community, we thought then — and continue to think now — that the cautious path is the better one. Ours was one of the first synagogues in Manhattan to close. As news of the impending pandemic began to unfold, I spent hours on the phone with colleagues both locally and nationally trying to persuade them to make the same decision. As the call to “shelter in place” grew louder, we urged our members to spend Passover at home, even in cases where doing so meant celebrating the holiday alone. We encouraged them to wear masks before mask-wearing was obligatory. And when neighboring synagogues began to reopen in accordance with allowances made by the state, we remained closed, steadfast in our belief that an emotional attachment to the idea of shul constituted insufficient grounds to reverse course. Data and deliberation drove our decisions. Over the past few months, questions of how and when to reopen businesses and schools have thrown into relief the factionalism that currently plagues our country. It seems our discourse of late has become dominated by binaries. But it’s not only our punditry that paints with black-and-white brushstrokes; it’s our citizenry. Historically, national emergencies have had a habit of bridging gaps, pushing differences to the periphery or uniting competing voices. It’s particularly lamentable that this pandemic has not only failed to create more national solidarity; it has highlighted and exacerbated our divisions. And now there are those who would have us believe that
COVID-19 is an all-or-nothing proposition, as if there were a choice between accepting or denying the lethality of the threat. But the idea of competing or coexisting truths doesn’t force us to choose sides. It invites us to grapple with complexity. This is, in fact, one of the great themes of Rosh Hashanah. We are not only capable of holding competing ideas; our tradition insists that we’re obliged to do so. One cannot utter
Foreground: An Orthodox Jew holds the Torah while wearing a mask as he takes part in a morning public prayer service. Credit: Guy Prives/Getty Images Background: Ascent to Mount Sinai by David Roberts, London, 1849. Credit: Icas94/De Agostini via Getty Images
the words Avinu Malkeinu without confronting this reality: We approach God as the just ruler of the universe even as we call out for the compassion of an empathetic parent. We embrace the solemnity of the day even as we celebrate it. We blow a shofar that betokens both triumph and trepidation. It’s possible to believe in both science and religion. It’s possible to have faith in the words of epidemiologists even as we profess faith in God. We see no contradiction between the two. Our first imperative is to preserve life. If science allows us to adhere to this paramount halakhic value, then we will, adhering to the best scientific advice, create an environment that still honors the value of communal gathering and communal prayer. The Jewish Center will be open on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. But we’re taking the
pandemic as seriously as our prayers: Our services will be abridged. Everyone in attendance will be wearing a mask and socially distanced. Instead of a sanctuary and auditorium packed with people, we’ll be fanned out across no fewer than eight minyans in five locations — including our rooftop and an outdoor space arranged in collaboration with the city and police department. We won’t be singing. And my sermons will be relegated to Zoom calls in advance of the holidays. Wouldn’t it have been easier to just dial it in? Why have we gone to all this trouble to open our center during a pandemic? The answer begins with the data. While we remain vigilant, the experts with whom we’ve consulted have advised us that the metrics in our area are encouraging, and that risk is low for healthy people who follow rigorous public health protocols. We haven’t told anyone that they are supposed to come to shul. In fact, for those who won’t be with us, we’ve made all kinds of accommodations to make sure their holidays are no less meaningful. But online holiday services are a nonstarter for Orthodox Jews. For those who are comfortable attending services, we want to make it possible. Part of our mission is to lift up people and inspire them. Our goal is to give people the opportunity to connect with the Almighty and with the Jewish people. No one will go home after services this year and rave about the congregational singing. No one will be debating the rabbi’s dvar Torah over lunch. This year, the inspiration will emanate from another source. It will come from the knowledge that our faith and our faith community are so essential to our lives that we’ve moved heaven and earth to make room for them. Rabbi Yosie Levine holds a doctorate in Early Modern Jewish History from Yeshiva University and is the seventh rabbi of The Jewish Center on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
The Jewish Press | September 25, 2020 | 9
I’m a mixed-race Jew who presents as white. Jessica Krug’s story reawakened my impostor syndrome. RABBI ERIC WOODWARD JTA “So what are you, really?” For many of us who are mixed-race, the recent story of Jessica Krug’s assumption of a Boricua and Black identity causes us fear. The harm toward those she gaslit is real; also real, though, is the suspicion she has raised against many of us whose backgrounds are complicated. In addition to speaking over those whose identities she coopted, she also made it more difficult for those of us who travel through the world as white-passing to claim our own heritage without fear of suspicion. I have gone through my life as a mixed-race person often wondering if I was Jewish enough or Mexican enough. I remember one formative moment in which my Jewishness was questioned. It was mid-December and I was 8 years old, in the car with my Jewish friend. We spoke of the holidays, and I shared that we would have a Christmas tree alongside our menorah. “Eric, your father’s not Jewish, but your mother is, right?” he asked. “So technically you’re Jewish.” That “technically” stayed with me for a long time. Was I, by dint of my mixed heritage, somehow not really Jewish? Over time, my passion for answering this question with affirmative Jewish practices would lead me to become a rabbi. But I have always been conscious that, when my name is written without “rabbi” in front of it, it doesn’t code as Jewish. As I am “technically” Jewish, I am also “technically” Mexican. The quirks of my light skin color and surname present me often as “simply white.” But that’s not the real story. My father grew up in a Mexican-American home in Los Angeles. I never met his father, a white Oklahoman who is the source of the name “Woodward.” It was my father’s mother, my abuela, who immigrated to the United States from Oaxaca, Mexico, in the 1920s, who formed my father’s cultural identity. We made tamales on Christmas with her, and we heard stories of the mythical La Llorona. Through her, we developed a consciousness of our Chicano culture. As an adult and rabbi, it’s been increasingly important for me to live this aspect of my identity.
When I read the story of Jessica Krug’s cosplay of a Black to make sense of it. Making sense of our world entails picking and Boricua identity, I felt once again the old fears of my own up the cultural tools we can find and use, growing the political legitimacy. As a mixed-race person, could I ever be Jewish will to represent our interests and the interests of other openough? Mexican enough? Or am I doomed to a fear of being pressed peoples, and teaching our communities to broaden called an impostor? their understanding of identity. Those of us who are mixed-race often feel like impostors, but our connection to identity is authentic and important. If we are “not really” Jewish or Mexican, then it raises the question: are we nothing? Too often, that is the implied answer. We are often invisible in surveys and ignored in discourse. This effaces the truth of our existence, which is complicated and beautiful and sometimes painful. So many mixed-race Jews, so many Jews of color, live in varying worlds at once. I grind my own nixtamal and fold my own kreplach, and it’s deeply meaningful for me to live this way. We also exist as the descendants of peoRabbi Eric Woodward says making his own nixtamal, left, and kreplach is one way ple who have more in common than it he expresses his Mexican and Jewish identity. Credit: Getty Images might seem. For both my Zapotec- and Nahuatl-speaking ancestors and for my Jewish cousins in meThe actions of a Jessica Krug can call into question our dieval Spain, the year 1492 represents a catastrophe under Eu- sense of self and other. For those of us for whom those quesropean hegemony. In Spain prior to the expulsion of 1492, the tions are culturally complicated, it’s also an opportunity. The concept of limpieza de sangre, purity of blood, was applied to opportunity is to elaborate how our backgrounds and ancespersecute people who had “Jewish blood” despite being Chris- tors are present for us; how our communities support or fail tian. That same catastrophic year brought the Spanish to the to support us; how we can trade on privilege that we someAmericas, where concepts of race-purity would be applied to times have to lift up others. the indigenous population in their mixing with the Spanish. Teshuvah, we are told, is the practice of returning to one’s People have attempted to erase my ancestors, and even today, true self. My Jewish and Mexican identity is who I am truly. suggest that they are not here or have been superseded. My prayer this Rosh Hashanah is that we can all uncover our But we are very much here. Existing is itself resistance, and true selves as well, without fear, suspicion or facing questions so is telling our stories, celebrating our holidays, cooking our about what we are, really. foods, and teaching our children. Rabbi Eric Woodward lives in Philadelphia. Doing this does not make us mixed-race people impostors: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of It places us on the far side opposite Krug, as people who are the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its thrown into a complicated and beautiful existence and trying parent company, 70 Faces Media.
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Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | September 25, 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 SUNDAY: Yom Kippur Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Yom Kippur Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. MONDAY: Yom Kippur Closing Service, 5:30 p.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: Shabbat Shuvah — Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Shuvah Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Havdalah, 7:50 p.m. SUNDAY: No BESTT Classes; Kol Nidre, 6:30 p.m. MONDAY: Yom Kippur Family Service, 9:30 a.m.; Yom Kippur Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Yom Kippur Study Sessions, 2 p.m. WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 5-7) Online, 4:30 p.m.; BESTT (Grades 3-4) Outside at Beth El, 4:30 p.m.; Virtual 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: Chug Chamishe (Grades 5-7) Outside at Beth El, 4:30 p.m.; Shul Music with Hazzan Krausman, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-Oct. 2: Soup for Sukkot, Pick up at 10 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY-Oct. 3: Sukkot I Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 7:40 p.m. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, Whatsapp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in Sukkah, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Selichot, 6:40 am.; Shacharit, 7 am.; Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Deepening Prayer, 8 a.m.; Mincha/Candlelighting, 6:57 p.m. SATURDAY: Open Beit Midrash, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Havdalah, 7:55 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Fast Begins and Candlelighting, 6:54 p.m.; Kol Nidre/Ma’ariv, 7 p.m. MONDAY: Shacharit (Hamelech), 7 am.; Sermon, 10 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:15 a.m.; Musaf, 10:30 a.m.; Neilah Class, 5:30 p.m.; Mincha, 6 p.m.; Neilah, 6:30 p.m.; Fast Ends/Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 7:52 p.m. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 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 p.m. WEDNESDAY: 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 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: Sukkot and Smichat Torah, 9:30 a.m. (Zoom); Mincha/Ma’ariv/Daf Yomi, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-Oct. 2: Shacharit, 7 am.; Mincha/Candlelighting, 6:45 p.m. SATURDAY-Oct. 3: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Candlelighting, 7:44 p.m. 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 p.m. SATURDAY: Outdoor Shacharit, 10:30 a.m. To RSVP please email mitzvah@ochabad.com; Shabbat Ends, 7:54 p.m. SUNDAY: Outdoor Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Outdoor Kol Nidre Services, 6:30 p.m.; Fast begins and Candlelighting, 6:54 p.m.; To RSVP for services please email mitzvah@ochabad.com. MONDAY: Outdoor Shacharit, 10 a.m.; Outdoor Yizkor Memorial Service, 11 a.m.; Outdoor Neilah Closing Services, 6 p.m.; Fast ends, 7:51 p.m. followed by Havdalah; To RSVP for services please email mitzvah@ochabad.com. 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-Oct. 2: Outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. followed by Kiddush; Candlelighting, 6:45 p.m.; To RSVP please email mitzvah@ochabad.com. SATURDAY-Oct. 3: Outdoor Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; To RSVP for please email mitzvah@ ochabad.com; Light Candles after, 7:42 p.m. For help with your Sukkah or a Lulav & Etrog set, please call 402.330.1800 or email mitzvah@ochabad.com.
B’NAI JESHURUN 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: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. service leaders/music: TBD; Candlelighting, 7:02 p.m. SATURDAY: 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. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; Candlelighting, 6:58 p.m.; Kol Nidre Services, service/leaders/music: TBD, 8 p.m.
MONDAY: Yom Kippur Morning Service, service/ leaders/music: TBD; 10:30 a.m.; Yom Kippur Afternoon Service, service/leaders/music: TBD, 1 p.m.; Yizkor Service, service/leaders/music: TBD, 3 p.m.; N’liah Service, service/leaders/music: TBD, 4 p.m. TUESDAY: Tea & Coffee Time with Temple Friends, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. WEDNESDAY: LJCS Hebrew School (Grades 3-7), 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY-Oct. 2: Erev Sukkot Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 6:48 p.m. SATURDAY-Oct. 3: Shabbat Morning Service led by Rabbi Felch via Zoom, 10 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Kohelet (Ecclesiates) led by TBD; Candlelighting for Yom Tov, 7:45 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: Shabbat Shuvah & Taslich Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. SUNDAY: Kol Nidre Service: A Reflection on Integrity and Justice, 7:30 p.m. MONDAY: Temple Tots Yom Kippur, 9 am.; Yom Kippur Morning Service: Powerlessness and Power in the Age of COVID, 10:15 am.; Virtual: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m.; Yom Kippur Torah Study: “Lo Bashamayim Hi”: God is Closer than We Know, 1:30 p.m.; Yom Kippur Yizkor Service, 3:45 p.m.; Yom Kippur Concluding Studay and Service: “As the Gates Begin to Close”: Affirming the Good, Promising to Be Better, 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Virtual: Mindful Meditation with Margot, 9 a.m.; Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:308 p.m. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
TIFERETH ISRAEL
FRIDAY: 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: Zoom Service with Rabbi Alex Felch, 10 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 7:57 p.m. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; Zoom Kol Nidre Services, 6:45 p.m. WEDNESDAY: LJCS Hebrew School, 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. MONDAY: Office Closed; Zoom Service, 9:30 a.m.; Zoom Neilah Service, 5:45 p.m. FRIDAY-Oct. 2: Office Closed; Zoom Evening Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 6:47 p.m. SATURDAY-Oct. 3: Zoom Service, 10 a.m.; Candlelighting, 7:45 p.m. Please visit tiferethisraellincoln.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
Democratic super PAC mailers show Jewish GOP House candidate clutching dollar bills MARCY OSTER JTA A Democratic Super PAC aligned with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has sent out three mailers to voters in a New Jersey congressional district that depict the Republican candidate, who is Jewish, clutching money. One mailer shows the candidate, David Richter, holding a fistful of fanned-out $100 bills, with more raining down behind him, while the reverse shows his suit jacket lined with bills. Another, showing him holding $100 bills in the shape of a rose, says he “puts personal profits over New Jersey families and it is truly obscene.” A third shows him with $100 bills flying out of his backpack, and carries another image of him using a $100 bill as a parachute. Richter, the former CEO of a construction management company, is running to unseat the incum-
bent Democrat, Rep. Andy Kim, in New Jersey’s 3rd District, in the center of the state. The ads were sent by the House Majority PAC, a super PAC closely associated with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. An official with the PAC confirmed its authenticity to the New Jersey Globe, a political news site, and said the reference was to Richter’s business history. Richter said that the ads were anti-Semitic and called on Pelosi to apologize. “Every single mailer that she’s sent attacking me has piles of cash either raining down on my head, shooting out of my backpack, lining my jacket pocket — every single mailer,” Richter told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “It’s outrageous. It really is. I felt that these were very anti-Semitic.”
Brad Komar, the super PAC’s independent expenditure director, said in a statement that the images referred to Richter’s record at his construction management company, not to his religion. “The mail pieces have nothing to do with David Richter’s religion, and everything to do with the fact he ran a company into the ground,” Komar’s statement said. “Perhaps David Richter would like to tell us what imagery he thinks is more appropriate to describe his corruption, mismanagement and fraud.” A string of mailers this year and in 2018 were similarly criticized for depicting mostly Democratic Jewish candidates clutching money or, in some cases, with artificially elongated noses.
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Life cycles BIRTHS NASH DOUGLAS BUTCHER Becca and Joe Butcher of Omaha, announce the Sept. 11, 2020 birth of their son, Nash Douglas. Grandparents are Sandy and Bruce Gordon of Omaha, and Margaret and Grant Butcher of Springdale, Arkansas. Great-grandparents are the late Betty and Maurice Weiss of Omaha, the late Annette and Malcolm Gordon of Santa Monica California, Joe and the late Donna Butcher of Cimarron, Kansas, and the late James and Betty Miller, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
FREYA ELIZABETH GORDON Brooke and Ben Gordon of Omaha, announce the Sept. 8, 2020 birth of their daughter, Freya Elizabeth. She has a sister, Laney (6), and a brother, Conley (4). Grandparents are Sandy and Bruce Gordon of Omaha, Erik Chaussee of Omaha, Katharine Taylor of Omaha. Great-grandparents are the late Betty and Maurice Weiss of Omaha, and the late Annette and Malcolm Gordon of Santa Monica, California.
Nebraska football and karate, among others. In spite of having Parkinson’s disease for twenty years, he continued to take Karate classes, eventually teaching it and earning his fifth degree black belt. His courage and determination to stay strong were an inspiration to his fellow Parkinson’s students at the Council Bluffs Senior Center. He was a breath of fresh air whose positive outlook, joy, humor, and unconditional love endeared him to all who knew him. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Memorials may be made in Howard’s memory to the Council Bluffs Senior Center/YMCA Healthy Living Center or the Parkinson’s Research Foundation.
The Bidens tell Jewish supporters the new Jewish year will be happier with Trump out JTA Jill and Joe Biden greeted Jewish supporters for the Jewish New Year and cast the holy day’s message as an imperative to drive President Donald Trump from office. It was the second New Year’s greetings-turned-pitch for votes of the season. Trump made his own appeal Wednesday during a White House call to Jewish supporters. “These are the Days of Awe that give us a chance to restart, to speak up,” the Democratic presidential nominee said Thursday in a webcast organized by Jewish Americans for Biden, an arm of his campaign. “What kind of country do we wish to be? Both of our faiths, yours and mine, instruct us not to ignore what’s around us.” Biden, a Roman Catholic, noted the persistence of the coronavirus pandemic, the social unrest over racism and the economy. “A common thread between them is a president who makes things worse, who appeals to the dark side of us,” Notice is hereby given that Hekate Communications, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has been organized under the laws of the state of Nebraska, with its initial designated office at 9518 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The initial agent for this service of process of the company is Dana Kaufman, 9518 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE 68114. The company is member-managed. The nature of the company is consulting services.
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IN MEMORIAM HOWARD ROBERT MARTIN Howard Robert Martin, age 78, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 29, 2020, surrounded by his entire family. A private service was held on Sept. 1, 2020, and a celebration of life service 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 passionate about many things, including fishing,
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Biden said. Biden launched his campaign for the presidency, he said, because he was appalled at what he said were Trump’s equivocations in condemning deadly racist and anti-Semitic violence. Biden’s wife, Jill, an educator, quoted the 19th-century rabbi, Yisrael Salanter, who founded the Jewish ethical movement, Musar. “As Rabbi Yisrael Salanter taught, ‘as long as the candle is still burning, it is still possible to accomplish and to mend,'” she said. “I hope these days of awe renew your spirit for these days ahead.” Joe Biden, who has pushed back at progressives within his party who want to step up criticism of Israel, said, “we can pursue peace in the world including by remaining a steadfast ally of Israel.” He concluded, “Shana Tova everyone, we can do this, it’s got to be a better year than last year.”
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12 | The Jewish Press | September 25, 2020
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Sacha Baron Cohen’s next Netflix role is super Jewish and super relevant LIOR ZALTZMAN JTA This story originally appeared on Kveller. The timing couldn’t be more prescient for Aaron Sorkin’s newest film, The Trial of the Chicago 7. The movie by the Jewish West Wing creator, which is coming to Netflix on Oct. 16, is about the Jewish anti-war activist Abbie Hoffman, who was tried along with six others for conspiracy and inciting to riot for their role in the 1968 protests at the Democratic National Convention. Hoffman is played by none other than the Jewish actor Sacha Baron Cohen. It’s his second super-Jewish dramatic role for the streaming service after playing the Israeli spy Eli Cohen in the 2018 miniseries The Spy. The first teaser trailer for the movie premiered this week, and so much of it feels so timely and familiar — even if it depicts events from more than 50 years ago. Especially familiar are the clips of scenes from anti-war protests, which led to a violent showdown between the hippie protesters and law enforcement, including police and the National Guard. “The whole world is watching,” we hear a crowd chant. A sign with Black Power fists that reads “An attack on one of us is an attack on us all” looks like it could have come from any of the Black Lives Matter protests in recent months. Seeing the fear and the determination of the protesters as they face armed guards also feels incredibly current. In fact, it makes you realize how little has changed over the past halfcentury — besides the hairstyles and the outfits, of course, plus the fact that nobody’s wearing a mask. With an unruly, curly mane and an East Coast drawl, Cohen is perfect as Hoffman. The actor is known for his immersive, overstated satire and grand theatrics after all, and Hoffman
activism. (“This is the first time that I have ever stood up and given a speech as my least popular character, Sacha Baron Cohen,” he told the ADL crowd last year.) He’s brandished scathing critiques (sometimes even laden with Nazi analogies) of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter for their role in aiding the spread of misinformation, fomenting hate and conflicts in this country and abroad. In his ADL speech, he called YouTube, Google, Facebook and Twitter “the greatest propaganda machine in history.” So it makes sense that he was cast by Sorkin to play Hoffman, one of the most well-known (and controversial) anti-war activists in U.S. history. That’s true even if Cohen (jokingly) insists on Sasha Baron Cohen, right, as Abbie Hoffman in The Trial of the Chicago 7. Twitter that it was a mistake: As an infamous Credit: Niko Tavernise/Netflix anti-war activist, Hoffman frequently got in trouwas known for his theatrical style and comical methods for ble with the law and spent seven years in hiding to avoid the his anti-war activism. authorities. He was also deeply Jewish. In many fascinating Cohen’s latest project, Showtime’s Who Is America, was an online interviews, you can hear Hoffman talk about how he attempt to mock and shine a light on the injustices and sang “hum hum” instead of “Jesus” in Christmas carols while hypocrisy by U.S. politicians. As the Jewish father of three told attending the prestigious Worcester Academy boarding the Anti-Defamation League last year, his life and work have school in Massachusetts. (“They had just started letting Jews always been informed by activism. in,” he said.) “As an undergraduate, I traveled around America and wrote But perhaps the best Jewish video clip of Hoffman shows my thesis about the civil rights movement, with the help of him making gefilte fish and telling a story about how he made the archives of the ADL,” he told the crowd at the ADL’s 2019 the Jewish delicacy for the legendary author and pediatrician Never Is Now Summit on Anti-Semitism and Hate. “And as a Dr. Benjamin Spock. comedian, I’ve tried to use my characters to get people to let Will gefilte fish be featured in a scene in The Trial of the down their guard and reveal what they actually believe, in- Chicago 7? cluding their own prejudice.” We don’t know yet — but we can hope. Lately, Cohen is going back to using his own voice for his