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Sharon Kirshenbaum honored
Purim Practice for Littles... in October? Page 4
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor he Jewish Federation of Omaha is proud to announce Sharon Kirshenbaum is the recipient of the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. For a number of years, the Jewish Federations of North America have honored lay leaders with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. This year’s recipients will be celebrated at the virtual Lion of Judah Conference in January 2022. In addition, Sharon was celebrated at the 2022 Annual Campaign’s Major Donor event on Sept. 30. Sharon joins an illustrious list of Omaha Jewish community members who have been given this award, including Maxine Kirshenbaum, Zoë Riekes, Anne Shackman, Dorothy Riekes (obm), Nancy Noddle, Jan Schneiderman, Patty Nogg and Stacey Rockman. Communities across the country are encouraged to name one woman who exemplifies the spirit of the Lion of Judah by her proven commitment, and Sharon certainly fits that category. “I can’t think of a more deserving recipient for this award than Sharon,” said Jan Goldstein. In her various roles at the JFO, Jan has worked alongside Sharon for many years, and knows better than most the amount of effort Sharon has put towards our community. See Sharon Kirshenbaum page 3
T Race relations workshop Page 5
Sharon Kirshenbaum
Beth El’s Little Free Pantry: Volunteers needed Page 7
Beit Midrash Series begins
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
8 9 10 11
Portraits of Survival exhibit & programming
Back row: Rabbi Dembitzer, left, Hazzan Krausman, Rabbi Stoller; Front row: Rabbi Berezin, Jennie Gates Beckman.
MARK KIRCHHOFF JFO Program & Communications Assistant The 2020-2021 series of Beit Midrash took place with robust “Zoom” partic-
ipation for each session. It concluded with considerable praise from the community for its content, clergy-led discussions, community participation, and the back-end organization to make it all come together. Not unnoticed was the beginning of the rumblings that in this, as in so many other instances a virtual existence, people were getting “Zoomed out.” There was cautious optimism that the 2021-2022 series would once again reap the benefits of in-person participation as the country conquered the culprit of the disruption – COVID-19. See Beit Midrash page 3
ARIEL O’DONNELL IHE Administrative Assistant The Institute for Holocaust Education is pleased to announce programming in conjunction with the 2021 Portraits of Survival exhibit. The IHE seeks to continue supporting educationally enriching and historically relevant programming for the broader community. From Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, through Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021,
the Portraits of Survival exhibit, which David Radler created for the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht, will be exhibited in the JCC Gallery. The original idea for the exhibit arose from the desire to honor those who survived the horrific life-changing experiences of the Holocaust and who found their way to Omaha after the war and rebuilt their lives See Portraits of Survival page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021
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Portraits of Survival
Continued from page 1 in our community. Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, at 2 p.m., IHE will be premiering When We Go Away in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater at the Jewish Community Center. Written by playwright J.R. Dawson, at the commission of IHE, When We Go Away interweaves the testimonies of Holocaust survivors Dr. Fred Kader, Rachel Rosenberg, Helena Tichauer and Katherine Williams to shape a monument of remembrance to this shared history. Tickets are available for $10. This performance is recommended for age 11 and above. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/when-wego-away-tickets-17744370 7907 or on the day of the performance. On Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at 6 p.m., IHE invites the community to join us in conversation with David Radler and Justin Limoges, the creators of the Portraits of Survival exhibit. The evening will include a tour of the exhibit, followed by a discussion. The exhibit provides a window into the lived experiences of Holocaust survivors, allowing viewers to be present with survivors in an intimate way. It is an opportunity for community members to bear witness to the memories of those who survived the atrocities of the Holocaust. This event will take place in the Gallery at the Jewish Community Center. The following week, on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at 1:30 p.m., Founder and Executive Director of Aqua-Africa, Buey Tut, will be speaking to the community. Tut was born in Maiwut County of Sudan, and spent the first ten years of his life during the conflict between what would become Northern and Southern Sudan. Tut will be sharing from his life, about the organization he founded and how these experiences have
shaped him. This program will take place in the Wiesman Family Reception Room at the Jewish Community Center. To close our programming, on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at 7 p.m., the Omaha Jewish Film Festival will present the film Syndrome K in the JCC’s Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater. Syndrome K is a documentary that recounts the narra-
tives of three Roman Catholic doctors who saved Jews by convincing Nazis that they were infected with a contagious and deadly disease called Syndrome K. Information on purchasing tickets for this event will be available in the next week on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website. For more information regarding IHE programming, please reach out to IHE Executive Director Scott Littky at slittky@ ihene.org.
Miriam Initiative ‘Opening Night’
ROBBY ERLICH Beth El Engagement Coordinator Beth El Synagogue’s Miriam Initiative cordially invites you to ‘Opening Night’ on Thursday Oct. 28 starting at 7 p.m. at Corkscrew Blackstone. ‘Opening Night’ kicks off the Miriam Initiative’s season of programming with its new General Chair, Abigail Kutler. The ‘Opening Night’ evening will include different wines, paired with perfectly selected chocolate samples. In addition to the chocolate/wine pairings, the evening will also include homemade chocolate desserts from chef Mike Newell at Beth El. Opening Night is chaired by Caryn Scheer. After a year of being apart, the Miriam Initiative is excited to be back together to engage and to celebrate. From social justice to social gatherings, from the kitchen to the classroom, the Miriam Initiative is the heart of Beth El Synagogue. This year, the Miriam Initiative is hosting a series of ‘Pop-up’ events held throughout the Omaha metro area to re-engage women on a face-to-face level. Chair Caryn Scheer is excited for the evening! “‘Opening Night’ at Corkscrew in the Blackstone District, will be the perfect venue and location to kick off our new programming season, with both an indoor bar and an outdoor patio with fire pits. There will be plenty of room to enjoy three fabulous treats: wine, chocolate and good friends.” To sign up for Opening Night, at no charge, please visit www.bethel-omaha.org by Oct. 25. Any questions can be directed to Robby Erlich, Engagement Coordinator, at rerlich@bethel-omaha.org.
The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021 | 3
Sharon Kirshenbaum Continued from page 1 “As a transplant from New York and fully immersed in East Coast culture, she nonetheless embraced and graced our Omaha Jewish community from day one. What’s more, she did so with authentic sincerity. Her personal and professional life has consistently been dedicated to community building, one person and one friendship at a time. She helps out when she sees a need, no matter where she finds that need. Simply put, Sharon cares about people.” Jenn Tompkins, JFO Executive Director of Community Philanthropy and Engagement, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Sharon was chosen for this award. Sharon is extraordinary and among a distinguished group of women worldwide who have made a significant impact in their communities and motivated other women to take an active role in philanthropy and community involvement.” Sharon is originally from New York and moved to Omaha in 1992. She is married to Jeff; together, they have two daughters, Alyssa and Lauren. Sharon worked at the Jewish Federation of Omaha from 1994 to 2015 and was Campaign Director for several years. “I hope I have instilled the importance of Tikkun Olam in my daughters,” Sharon said. “We must work to leave this world in a better place than where we found it; I hope they understand the importance of giving back to the Jewish community and the responsibility to help ensure we have a vibrant and active community for the future.” Since Sharon left her professional role, she has continued to be actively involved. The Annual Campaign benefited from
her lay leadership and her invaluable relationships in the community. Partially because of those relationships, she has made a tremendous impact in our community. She never hesitates to reach out and encourages others, has a great sense of humor and the ability to make people feel like they belong. Bruce Friedlander co-chaired the Annual Campaign with Sharon: “Sharon is one of the most generous supporters of our community,” he said. “She spent years building a safety net for all of us and is a virtual encyclopedia of donor knowledge. Asking for financial contributions requires strong relationships; it has to always be about the people. In Sharon, we have someone who truly gets that. I have worked with her on several campaigns and she is awesome at what she does, she is knowledgeable, passionate and professional. More than the financial picture, she knows the people.” “I tell newcomers that the best thing they can do to get acclimated to Jewish Omaha is to get involved,” Sharon said. “Reach out to the Jewish Federation and to the synagogues. It’s the best way to learn about the community and meet people with similar interests.” Jan Goldstein continued: “Having had the benefit of working together with Sharon for so many years, I’ve seen over and over how genuine and deeply-rooted her understanding for and love of the Jewish people are. After she stepped away from her professional role, she continued to offer leadership with the same standards for philanthropy and volunteer involvement. Personally, I could not be more excited! The Omaha community is presenting this fantastic national recognition to a very deserving recipient.”
Beit Midrash Continued from page 1 As spring moved to summer and summer moved to fall, it was clear that even with vaccines and adherence to CDC guidelines by many, it was too soon to declare victory and most certainly too soon to hold events with large numbers of people in close proximity. Yet it would be disingenuous to ignore that much progress had been made, and in-person events with limited numbers of people were safely occurring throughout the land. And the Omaha Jewish community had one additional distinct advantage; the Weisman Family Reception Room in the Jewish Community Center on the Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus to hold events. While not designed with COVID in mind, it did offer significant open space with versatility in its configuration. Its state-ofthe-art audio and video capabilities has already proven successful for a number of events. The decision to hold “hybrid” sessions – Zoom technology with in-person participation available within health guidelines – was made with confidence that this would be the best method for moving forward. When the time came, the community registered for their Zoom links in robust numbers with some also planning to attend in-person as circumstances allowed. The 20212022 Beit Midrash series began on Oct. 6, 2021, with enthusiastic in-person and virtual participation – exactly what was anticipated. The opening session titled, Jewish Americans in 2020 – Unpacking the Pew Study Data was the first of two panel discussions in which the clergy parsed out some of the study’s results and applied the findings to the Omaha community as a whole and their respective congregations in particular. The Pew Research Center describes itself as “a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the attitudes and trends shaping the world. We conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis, and other
data-driven social science research.” Rabbi Deana Berezin, Temple Israel; Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, Beth Israel; Hazzan Michael Krausman, Beth El, and Rabbi Brian Stoller, Temple Israel each offered their reactions and educated analyses as moderator Jennie Gates Beckman helped probe some of the study’s major findings. The study revealed that in today’s world, Jews may be described as culturally engaged, increasingly diverse, politically polarized, worried about antisemitism, and a low level of religious identification. Any one of these findings is worthy of considerable discussion and reason alone for even more participation by the community in what these findings mean. The panel observed, for example, that the diversity and polarization in the Jewish community is reflective of the same throughout the country. The important thing for Jews is the way in which diversity is embraced and polarization is tempered by understanding and embracing differences. The evening’s discussion was robust, insightful, and in the case of the low level of religious identification, disconcerting. As this article goes to press, the second session on the Pew study will have concluded. There is more to come every Wednesday at 7 p.m., with a few publicized exceptions. With two previous years of Beit Midrash sessions behind them, the clergy of the community have chosen a variety of topics for this year that will stimulate, inform and most assuredly bring forth differences of opinions. That is what learning of this type is all about. It is community learning, and the more the community participates, the more we can all learn. For those who have yet to register for the series, please visit www.jewishomaha.org, and select the Beit Midrash sliding banner on the upper part of the page, or contact Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6463. Prove the Pew study correct by being culturally engaged.
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4 | The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021
Purim Practice for Littles... in October?
JENNIE GATES BECKMAN JFO Director of Community Engagement & Education PJ Library will be partnering with Temple Israel to host a community-wide program geared towards families with children ages 0-4 (open to siblings of all ages) from 4-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. Many Jewish institutions avoid any association with this day (which for those unfamiliar with American mainstream practices, is Halloween), but we’re trying a different approach this year. What does Halloween have to do with Judaism? In truth, absolutely nothing. The traditions of Halloween have been celebrated in a wide variety of other cultures (Celtic, Roman, Catholic) with shifts in exact customs and practices over time as the holiday was adopted by new populations, religions and countries. So why even touch it? Well... a couple reasons: Reason #1: “we are American Jews, and as such, we embrace many layers of identity,” shares PJ Library parent (and brain of the event) Ariella Rohr. “One of the coolest parts of being a Jew in
modern day America is having the freedom to choose how we celebrate all aspects of our own identity!” Many Jewish families proudly wear costumes, watch spooky movies, decorate their homes and go trick-or-treating each October, and do not see this in conflict with their family’s Jewish identity. Others argue that although seemingly secular in observance, Halloween explicitly goes against Jewish practice given its religious origins and the fact that there are people alive today who still observe this day as part of their own In 2019, Ariella’s baby play group met weekly on Thursdays, including Oct. 31. Pictured are faith tradition. Further, we have our own holiday of Purim Riley Stanley, left, Robbie Berezin, Amelia Rohr, Walter Beckman. (roughly 137 days from Oct. 31) with costumes and joyous celebration which in many ways teach us more appropriate Jewish values: giving gifts of food Mid-Plains Advisors to friends, contributing Tzedakah and sharing a festive meal. 17117 Oak Drive, Suite A Reason #2 – we miss people! In this particular time, many Omaha, NE 68130 families with very young children have been hesitant to attend www.ffig.com indoor programming; this fun outdoor activity will allow for a safe and fun gathering. PJ Library in Omaha is inclusive, welcoming, low-barrier, collaborative, educational, joyful. We OTHER SERVICES meet people where they are. Here are our goals for the “Purim Help protect your family and nest Practice” program Oct. 31: egg of wealth from the “what ifs” 1. Provide a COVID-friendly outdoor opportunity for chilin life. Call today to get a quote on dren to parade around in their costumes. life insurance and other wealth 2. Encourage families to mingle, meeting others with chilprotection insurance. dren of the same age. 3. Share the specific mitzvot of Purim and invite families to Life Insurance celebrate with us all again in the spring. Long Term Care Insurance A riff on the trunk-or-treating model, tables will be spread Social Security Timing out in the southeast parking lot (conveniently next to the playAnnuities ground) with bowls of small gifts (including hechshered AND (kosher) sweets as well as non-food treats). A few small activOther Retirement Insurance ity stations will offer opportunities to learn about Purim and Planning Concepts! other ways for families to connect with Jewish Omaha. FREE CONSULTATIONS! Says Ariella: “Halloween is a festive holiday I love celebrating with my family, and here in Omaha, far from our children’s grandparents, the Jewish community is our family. With this weird world of COVID altering the landscape of raising tiny humans, I’m excited to catch up with all the families I may not have seen as much over the past 18 months!” SUSAN SACCA KRISTIN MACHA Go here for details and to let us know you’re interested: 402-677-3236 402-630-3076 https://tinyurl.com/PurimPractice.
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The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021 | 5
Ruby Platt Allyship Initiative October update
The Ruby Platt Allyship Initiative (RPAI) is gaining momentum! We have interviewed some excellent candidates for the new Community Relations Coordinator role. This one-of-a-kind-in-thenation position will GARY NACHMAN oversee anti-bias train- Regional Director, ing in the Jewish com- ADL-Plains States munity from youth Region through adults and for students, parents and chaperones participating in Israel trips. Working with Jewish educators, they will ensure an ongoing education in combating antisemitism, understanding equity and promoting inclusion. In coordination with the JFO, programming for the community will be frequent and meaningful. I would like to acknowledge the JFO for their participation, partnership and foresight in enabling the CRC position to become reality. We recognize there are many pieces to the anti-bias puzzle and to that end are thrilled to report that, in tandem with RPAI, ADLCRC has curated and donated a collection of books addressing bias, presenting diverse perspectives and encouraging allyship to the Friedel Academy, included students in ADL’s No Place for Hate® kickoff event on October 6, and held a training for Jewish youth attending the Israel trip on Oct. 17. As we continue to explore ways to expand allyship in the Jewish community, we are excited to announce a four-day workshop, Dec. 9-12, with many opportunities to participate. RPAI is bringing in Adam Fletcher
Sasse, author and expert in North Omaha’s rich and storied past and an extremely knowledgeable resource regarding the historic intersection between Omaha’s Black and Jewish communities. Adam will be working with youth, teachers, and the community at large, discussing a wide range of issues, as well as meeting with members of the Jewish community whose families owned businesses in North Omaha to contextualize the significance and impact on their role in our city’s history. Look for more info soon on this incredible opportunity to learn about our city, our community and ourselves! In January, we will offer a community-wide anti-bias training for all interested in beginning or furthering their journey of self-reflection. The workshop requires a commitment of two four hour segments, as well as pre-work. This “101” workshop is guaranteed to open your eyes and hearts to exploring the hard questions we often choose not to think about but must recognize to understand our own bias. If you are unable to attend this training, don’t worry! We will offer this opportunity to the community three times per year. At this time, all workshops are likely to be virtual so you can attend from home or anywhere on the planet! In March, we will have another community event and are firming up the details as we speak! The RPAI committee meets every other week, so, if you are interested in helping steer the direction of this initiative within the community, please contact Halley Taylor at htaylor@adl.org. Also, if you would like to contribute to the Ruby Platt Allyship Initiative to help further education and programming opportunities, please see Howard Epstein at the Foundation.
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Community gathering
COOKIE HOBERMAN Sunday, Oct. 10, 50 community members gathered for a race relations workshop hosted by Allan Noddle and Cookie and Jerry Hoberman. Laura Roccaforte, a professional diversity trainer and president of the Learning Exchange, recruited ten professional facilitators who volunteered their time for this event. During the first hour, each of the ten facilitators led a small group discussion with a maximum of five community leaders. Each discussion highlighted three specific areas of awareness: • The invisible bias we as white people inherit.
• Silence is complicit. • The language we use as a contributor stereotyping bias. The last half hour covered suggestions formed in each small group as related to future action plans. Mike Siegel and Mike Sophir, who was born in Omaha and returned this year, graciously led the final half-hour discussion. If you have any interest in participating in future action plans and would like to join this grass roots effort, please contact Cookie Hoberman at cookiehober@gmail.com.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair Gary Javitch at breadbreakersomaha@gmail.com or leave a message at the B’nai B’rith JCC office 402.334.6443.
6 | The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021
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Our implicit bias
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My Sukkot in Omaha
SIVAN COHEN Omaha Community Shlicha Sukkot is a holy day that presents one of the values of Judaism - the reminder that not everything is ours in this life. When you prepare dough for challah, a portion is set aside and not used. When you grow a tree, you give the first fruits every time you pick from it. We live in a house for a whole year and for a week we live in a sukkah. Personally, I believe in this way of life. Sometimes we can get so engrossed in what we have. Judaism directs us to stop for a moment, to appreciate and to understand that not everything is really ours. And speaking of the meaning of the holy day, the last two months (and probably the rest of the year) felt like Sukkot. I moved from a familiar place to Omaha - to a different culture, to a diverse community and to very cold weather. This Sukkot I had the honor to be one of the Ushpazin
(guests) at the Taubs and Zacharias from Beth Israel, the Cohn’ from Temple Israel, and the Katzmans from Chabad. I felt welcome and warm, proud and happy to see that even those who are far from Israel, express the Jewish tradition in deeds – by building a sukkah and in that way keeping us united as a community.
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KAEL SAGHEER IHE Education Coordinator “Why don’t they get it? Why can’t they see that? I just do not understand what they are thinking!” If those thoughts have ever floated through your mind or passed your lips, you aren’t alone. I hear these things a lot. I used to say and think them, too. To be honest, sometimes I still do. Now, however, I know the answer. It is because of implicit bias. Sometimes it’s called unconscious bias. This is the very thing that allows us to think quickly, efficiently and, in most cases, successfully. It allows us to make mental shortcuts when we process information and jump to faster conclusions. We all use our bias every day and almost every time that we have to respond to a question, a choice, or even just a greeting. Mostly, this works out just fine because we often surround ourselves with people who hold similar biases. Sometimes I substitute the words assumption or habit for bias. This helps me make more sense of it. Let’s use gender assumptions as an example. Ruth Bader Ginsburg said it well: “I think unconscious bias is one of the hardest things to get at. My favorite example is the symphony orchestra. When I was growing up, there were no women in orchestras. Auditioners thought they could tell the difference between a woman playing and a man. Some intelligent person devised a simple solution: Drop a curtain between the auditioners and the people trying out. And, lo and behold, women began to get jobs in symphony orchestras.” Another example is greeting people with “Hi, how are you?” Almost all of us who were born and raised in the United States would reply with some form of “fine”, “good”, or “hanging in there”. This is something we say habitually and the assumption is that it is merely a greeting, not an actual inquiry into how one is actually doing. These are just two examples of how our brains take short cuts to make sense of the world and help us react quickly. Bias is what we think when we don’t know that we are thinking. Being aware of implicit bias is hard because we are often unaware that we are even using it. It feels so automatic, like breathing. We can’t see what we haven’t learned to see. We can’t hear what we aren’t trained to hear. And we certainly don’t understand what we have never tried to understand. I experienced this when I was living in Japan. Every time I learned a new word or phrase in Japanese class, I suddenly started hearing it everywhere. It was as if it had been invented that very day just for me. When in reality, people had been saying it the whole time. I just didn’t know it. Also, when I was trying to teach English to native Japanese speakers, I realized that words beginning with s-i were very difficult for them to say. This is because the language did not have a singular “s” sound and their brains had never had to learn how to pronounce the s-i blend. When I lived in Pakistan, I was on the receiving end of this dilemma. Urdu has See Our implicit bias page 7
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The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021 | 7
Beth El’s Little Free Pantry: Volunteers needed LINDA SALTZMAN A new structure at the Southwest corner of Beth El Synagogue’s property will help Omahans in need for years to come. The Little Free Pantry provides immediate assistance to people who need a little assistance. Unlike a food bank, a Little Free Pantry gives anonymous, easy-access, 24/7 short-term help. A Little Free Pantry is similar to the Little Free Libraries that attract readers in neighborhoods all over the country. But instead of books, Little Free Pantries contain food and necessities. The mini pantry movement’s website describes the program as a “grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need.” It is neighbor helping neighbor. The pantries operate under the slogan, “Give what you can, take what you need.” The slogan has become a reality since the pantry was installed in August 2021. Items are removed from the pantry almost daily, and anonymous donors have provided food and basic supplies. Some of the items that have had the most need thus far are diapers and toilet paper. Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El Synagogue says the Little Free Pantry fits perfectly into the values Jews strive to keep
within their own lives. “Judaism is about caring for the widow, the orphan and the stranger. Judaism is about looking after those less fortunate. The reason synagogues MUST have windows is because we are commanded to see the world outside of our walls. The Little Free Pantry is just another example of us trying to live out our values in the world we inhabit.” The mini pantry movement began in 2016 in Fayetteville, AR. Five years later, there are more than 1600 mini pantries in the United States. According to the Little Free Pantry website, there are 17 mini pantries in Omaha, including the one at Beth El Synagogue. Everyone in the Omaha Jewish community is encouraged to participate by volunteering to oversee the pantry for one week. It’s an easy, rewarding experience for people of all ages. Some of the responsibilities include refilling the pantry with everyday supplies and nonperishable food, cleaning the pantry and removing any unsafe or perishable items. For more information and to volunteer, visit the following page: https://www.bethel-omaha.org/form/little-freepantry.html.
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Assistant Teacher Friedel Jewish Academy, a private k-6th grade elementary school in Omaha, is seeking an assistant teacher for our multi-age 1st and 2nd grade classroom. Work with a dynamic lead teacher in a school that offers a fun, supportive environment. Teaching certificate preferred but not required. 35-40 hours/week during the school year; $17-19/hour based on experience. Contact Beth Cohen, Head of School, bcohen@fjaomaha.com.
Our implicit bias Continued from page 6 hard and soft consonants. When I first moved to Islamabad, I couldn’t even hear the difference, let alone pronounce them correctly. Eventually I was able to train myself to hear the different sounds, but I was never able to master it in speech. We just don’t see, hear, or understand things with which we don’t grow up or surround ourselves. Our brain only learns what it has to, when it has to. There is also an assumption that we have learned almost everything we need to know by the time we become an adult. If we are taught to read, think, and reason, then we’re good. There is a saying that came out of the Enlightenment that essentially says, “Reasonable men will agree.” It was thought that intelligent men who were presented with the same set of facts would all see and understand them the same way. (It probably goes without saying that women were rarely considered reasonable in the 17th and 18th century, which is its own example of bias.) The Enlightenment was a European intellectual movement. It was revolutionary. And it was also limited because it did not consider any other world view. We are now virtually connected to the rest of the world, living in areas of growing diversity, and being faced with a pandemic, polar-
ized politics, and social unrest. We are now being asked to consider things from other points of view and from other world views. This requires us to slow down, not take short cuts, and use a muscle that we haven’t often had to flex. It is hard. It is frustrating. And it often feels unreasonable. I will never forget the sheer exhaustion I used to feel when I lived overseas. Everything took more concentration, more effort, and more time because of the language and cultural differences. However, I had made the choice to live in a foreign country, so I was determined to domy best. It was worth it! I can imagine that, for many, the changes that are happening may feel very foreign and perhaps not welcome nor a choice. This is when our biases can actually work against us and one reason why change is so upsetting. It sometimes feels like things are falling apart, when in reality our world is just growing. This growing can come with growing pains, to be sure, but I am going to propose that it will be worth it. For those of us that are willing to try to see, hear, and understand things that we haven’t been exposed to previously, I will leave you with some new questions until next time: “What is it that I don’t get? What is it that I don’t see? I wonder why I am thinking that!”
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8 | The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021
Above: Lena Cohen and RBJH mascot dog Stewie are enjoying a relaxing bike ride. Below: COVID-19 Champions! The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Residents and staff received the third booster shot on Friday, October 8.
Above: Students at Friedel Jewish Academy celebrated Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan last week, as Israel enters the rainy season.
Above and below: Beth Israel congregants gathered together for Rosh Chodesh supper and learning... and a GREAT time!!
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 and below: Friedel is excited to join schools around the country in participating in the ADL’s No Place for Hate and Books Matter programs. Our 5th & 6th graders, the leaders of Friedel’s No Place for Hate student committee, joined a virtual kickoff event featuring poet Amanda Gorman. The goal of No Place for Hate is to build learning communities that foster inclusivity, respect and equity. Thank you also to ADL (Plains States) for donating these wonderful books!
Above: The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home staff and Residents celebrated Chris Ulven’s big 50th birthday. Mazal tov, Chris!
The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021 | 9
Voices
The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920)
Margie Gutnik President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Board Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen; David Finkelstein; Bracha Goldsweig; Mary Sue Grossman; Les Kay; Natasha Kraft; Chuck Lucoff; Joseph Pinson; Andy Shefsky and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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Cultural posturing
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor “Bestselling author Sally Rooney refused to publish her latest novel with an Israeli publishing house because she supports a boycott of Israel (but later added that a non-Israeli press could still publish the book in Hebrew),” Ben Sales recently wrote for JTA. “Rooney expressed her support for the movement to boycott, divest from and sanction Israel, known as BDS, in July, when she was one of thousands of artists to sign a letter urging an end to international aid to Israel as well as “trade, economic and cultural relations.” Although I find the entirety of the BDS movement to be tiresome and nauseating, it’s the cultural boycott that concerns me the most. Reporters even asked Rooney whether she applied her same standards to other countries and she gave an evasive response (that means no). It’s become a bizarre habit: when I like any artist, regardless their discipline, I have to check: where do they stand on Israel? Have they said something nasty in the past, or have they gotten in trouble for saying anything positive about Israel? These days, artists, especially those in the music industry, get backlash if they so much as hint they’d like to perform in Israel. Sometimes when that happens, they apologize. They cave to the pressure and quickly state they don’t really like Israel all that much. It’s not popular to be nice to Israel, or about Israel. In our household, we buy Israeli products when we can (we have a slightly insane pile of Israeli stuff,
from ceramics to hamsas to jewelry to honey to olive oil and you-name-it) but it all feels a little hopeless at times. Every time some ‘famous’ person
Sally Rooney Credit: Erik Voake/Getty Images for Hulu
anywhere decides to sign some stupid letter or straight up denounces Israel in a random tweet, I feel both deflated and massively irritated. Deflated, because it keeps happening and nothing ever changes. Irritated because I suspect they don’t really know what they are talking about. Of course, politically speaking, there is much work to be done in Israel. Refusing to publish your book isn’t exactly going to help that along, no matter what you tell yourself. It’s just posturing, nothing more. There is so much hope in cultural exchange. We change each other’s perceptions, we challenge each
other’s beliefs through the arts. Through music, through movies, by dancing and sharing food and visiting cultural sites, we learn about each other. Traveling to a strange place makes it less strange; immersing ourselves in how others see the world and how they express it helps us understand those others. When we read a novel, stare at a painting, listen to song lyrics in a language not our own, we train our minds to become just a little bit more open. Cut off that cultural avenue and you cut off hope. I will never understand how someone can call themselves an artist, yet refuse to see how any type of cultural boycott hurts others. How you can be a musician, know first-hand the power of a live performance during which you reach your audience directly and in real time, but decide to not use that avenue. To make culture your livelihood, your calling, yet decide that an entire nation doesn’t deserve to experience your art, and for what? What do these artists hope to accomplish? So Rooney’s book isn’t published by an Israeli house. So what? People will most likely still be able to get their hands on a Hebrew translation (or they can simply read it in English, because Israelis aren’t stupid, thank you very much). So your little publicity stunt changes nothing, except that it exposes you as rigid and unwilling to communicate- exactly what an artist should avoid. The most important job for an artist —any artist— is to create. Deciding who gets to enjoy your art is not in the job description.
“My Body, My Choice” is not a Jewish Value This article is a response to Rabbi Rachael Pass’s JTA article, published in The Jewish Press on Sept. 17, 2021, titled “My abortion was a blessing. I Will Fight for Others to be Able to Make Their Own Sacred Choice.” Rabbi Pass states that halacha, Jewish law, permits MATTHEW COHEN abortion as a “sacred choice” Guest Editorial to be made by one who “simply [does] not want to be pregnant,” concluding that “the primary consideration in the Jewish question of abortion is the needs of the person giving birth.” In fact, the organizations representing Orthodox Jews have long-standing positions diametrically opposed to this view. When New York state loosened restrictions on abortion in 2019, it was praised by the Reform and Conservative movements and condemned by Orthodox organizations. What accounts for this dichotomy? The Torah’s position that abortion is prohibited except in very rare circumstances such as danger to the mother’s life. Pro-choice Jews often cite a verse in Exodus indicating that one must pay monetary damages for the unintentional death of a fetus, while the death of the mother is a capital offense. Thus, some argue, the fetus is not considered a person and subject to individual choice. However, the next verse clearly says we are to take an “eye for an eye”—a punishment that no Jewish court has ever imposed. Why not? Halacha is both voluminous and complex, and based on a deep understanding of the Written Torah, Oral Torah, commentaries, various codes of codified law, and responsa literature. In the case of abortion, the aforementioned verse in Exodus is one of but many sources. The Oral Law teaches us the following: imminent danger to the mother’s physical life always takes precedence over fetal life; we do everything possible to protect an endangered fetus, to include violation of Torah prohibitions on Shabbat (something only done to save human life); once a fetus passes the 40th day of development, it is considered a formed child; abortion is included in the prohibition of murder
contained in the Seven Noahide Laws applicable itual life for their children and grandchildren—by not just to Jews, but all humanity. Nachmanides clinging to the Torah that has sustained us in every emphasized that the great efforts Jews take to save age and place. a fetus are indicative of the value which Judaism Rabbi Pass concludes, “There is nothing more saplaces on lives—including those not yet born. Mai- cred than the right to live one’s life as one chooses.” monides’ Mishna Torah, a highly important and in- While it is completely understandable that most of fluential code of Jewish law, includes the us, influenced by our highly individualistic western prohibition of abortion when discussing the society, are sympathetic to this perspective, it is not Noahide Laws’ proscription of murder. a Jewish view—especially regarding the destruction Hence, contemporary authorities have treated of a potential life that the Torah teaches us is of inabortion as a lower-grade form of murder. The re- estimable value. Halacha speaks the language of striction of abortion to the most dire of circum- obligations and responsibilities, not rights. There stances is emphasized in the writings of 20th is no doubt that the abortion issue places many century America’s foremost halachic authority (Rabbi Moshe Feinstein), most influential Talmudist (Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik), and noted expert on scientific and medical halacha (Rabbi Moshe Tendler). The general principle is that abortion is prohibited unless necessary to save the mother from death, and potentially a few other exceptional circumstances. For example, there is a difference of opinion among halachic decisors on Pro-choice protesters march outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin whether one may abort a Tay- on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021 as Texas passed a law which effectively Sachs fetus. Yet abortion of a fetus bans nearly all abortions. Credit: Sergio Flores For The Washington Post that is guaranteed to suffer and via Getty Images die at a very early age is completely different than parents in an anguishing spot between genuine the now-popular idea of “my body, my choice.” hardship and ethical imperatives. One of the foreIn Judaism we speak often of our duty to make a most Modern Orthodox rabbis, Aharon LichtenKiddush HaShem—sanctification of the Divine stein—who saw great value in studying and Name. What does this look like? One example: At understanding non-Jewish belief systems—undera time in which the number of Down syndrome ba- stood this tension while nonetheless affirming the bies is dropping precipitously due to selective abor- Torah, emphasizing that the prohibition of abortions—The Atlantic reports that Down syndrome tion was not only about honoring G-d, but also the children have fewer resources and predicts the very Jewish mandate concerning “preservation of gradual elimination of this population group—the human dignity and concern for human welfare.” Orthodox Jewish world has become a leader in pro- Though the Torah’s position is one of compassion viding assistance and resources for people with for all parties, Rabbi Lichtenstein concludes that, Down syndrome and other special needs. Open up ultimately, “Halacha love[s] not the parents less, any Orthodox family magazine and you will see but the child more.” pictures of children with intellectual and physical Matthew Cohen lives in Omaha with his wife disabilities. Refusing to bow to current trends, the and children. You can find the original article Jewish people have chosen both physical and spir- by Rabbi Rachael Pass at www.jta.com.
Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
CHABAD HOUSE
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
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Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154 rbjh.com
TEMPLE ISRAEL
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAI ISRAEL Join us via Zoom on Friday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. for evening services. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 7:05 p.m. Zoom only. SUNDAY: BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; USY/Kadima, 1 p.m. at Top Golf. MONDAY: Women’s Book Group, 7 p.m. Zoom only. TUESDAY: Mussar, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham. WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6 p.m.; Singing in the Reign, 6 p.m. with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon via Zoom only; Community Beit Midrash, 7 p.m. via In-person at the JCC or on Zoom. THURSDAY: Movie Day: Spiritual Audacity, 2 p.m. Zoom only; Miriam’s Wine & Chocolate Party, 7 p.m. at Corkscrew. FRIDAY-Oct. 29: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream. SATURDAY-Oct. 30: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 6:55 p.m. Zoom only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.
BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, WhatsApp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in pergola, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbos/Candlelighting, 6:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m. with Shiran Dreyer; Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Havdalah, 7:14 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deep-
ing Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Character Development, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, 5:30 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. FRIDAY-Oct. 29: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbos/Candlelighting, 6:06 p.m. SATURDAY-Oct. 30: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m. with Shiran Dreyer; Daf Yomi, 5:20 p.m. with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 6 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 6:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Havdalah, 7:05 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person/Zoom hybrid (Ochabad.com/classroom). For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/Lecha yim; Candlelighting, 6:14 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 7:12 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Parsha and Coffee, 9:45 a.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha Class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Virtual Pirkei Avot Women’s Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 18 — No advance experience necessary), noon with Rabbi Katzman. FRIDAY-Oct. 29: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 6 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad. com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 6:04 p.m. SATURDAY-Oct. 30: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 7:03 p.m.
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now being offered in person. FRIDAY: Bat Mitzvah of Lily Paslawski; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex,
Lily Paslawski and Star City Kochavim, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 6:17 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Vayera, noon; Havdalah, 7:15 p.m. SUNDAY: LJCS Classes, 9:30 a.m.; Men's Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln meets Sundays at 10 a.m. rain or shine to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if its too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. No fee to join, no dues, no president, no board or minutes taken. If Interested please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com to find out where to meet each week; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. at Peterson Park. Everyone is welcome; just wear comfortable clothes and tennis or gym shoes. If you need a paddle, contact Miriam Wallick by email at Miriam57@aol.com or by text at 402.470.2393 before Sunday. WEDNESDAY: LJCS Classes, 4 p.m. FRIDAY-Oct. 29: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex and Elaine Monnier, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Candlelighting, 6:08 p.m. SATURDAY-Oct. 30: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Chayei Sara, noon; Havdalah, 7:05 p.m. SST Board of Trustees Meeting, Sunday, Oct. 31, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
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FRIDAY: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home‘s service is currently closed to visitors.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY: Camp Shabbat Service with OSRUI, 6 p.m. via Zoom or In-Person. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom or InPerson; Havdalah Bonfire and Smores for Grades 68, 7 p.m. SUNDAY: Youth Learning Programs — Grades PreK-6, 9:30 a.m.; Camp Fair, noon-1:30 p.m. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. via Zoom. WEDNESDAY: Youth Learning Programs: Grades 36, 4-6 p.m.; Community Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:30-8 p.m.; Community Beit Midrash, 7 p.m. via Inperson at the JCC or on Zoom. THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Class, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel via Zoom or In-Person. FRIDAY-Oct. 29: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. via Zoom or In-Person. SATURDAY-Oct. 30: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. via Zoom or In-Person. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
Israel hints Oman is next to join Abraham Accords RON KAMPEAS JTA A top Israeli foreign ministry official suggested that Oman will likely be the next country to join the Abraham Accords, leading to full normalization between the countries. Eliav Benjamin, the head of Israel’s foreign ministry’s bureau of the Middle East and Peace Process Division, met via Zoom with reporters on Oct. 12 to discuss the status of the accords reached last year between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. Asked which country might be next, Benjamin singled out Oman as a country that Israel has sustained low-level relations with since 1991, when a round of peace talks were held in Madrid. “With Oman, we have ongoing cooperation and plans,” Benjamin said, noting that it was one of a handful of Arab countries to allow Israel to establish an interests office after the 1993 Israel-Pales-
tinian Oslo agreement. Those offices shut down after the launch of the Second Intifada in 2000, during which Palestinians killed nearly 1,000 through suicide bombings and other attacks. Despite that setback, Israel remains involved in MEDRC, a freshwater research facility established in Oman in 1996, Benjamin said. “So we already have the relations with Oman,” he said. He suggested that Oman High waves break on the sea side promenade in the Omani capital Musmight opt for full normaliza- cat, Oct. 2, 2021. Credit: Mohammed Mahjoub/AFP via Getty Images tion sooner rather than later. the accords, and the Biden administration. Sustaining and expanding the Abraham Accords “I really hope that when we meet, if not before, is a rare area of shared foreign policy between the this time next year we will be able to talk about our Trump administration, which last year brokered countries that have joined,” Benjamin said.
Life cycles
The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021 | 11
Pulverente MONUMENT CO. Over 60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452 Family Owned and Operated
IN MEMORIAM
LEON (LEE) MARTIN Leon (Lee) Martin passed away on Sept. 22, 2021, in Omaha. Services were held on Oct. 10, 2021, at Temple Israel Cemetery and officated by Rabbi Brian Stoller of Temple Israel. He was preceded in death by his parents Miriam and Sol Martin; brother Howard Martin. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Sandi Martin and Inky Martin; several nieces and nephews; many friends, including special friend and neighbor Gail Christensen. Lee served in the United States Army, and was stationed in Germany, where he made many life-long friends. For many years, he worked as Hotel Bell Captain at the Omaha Marriott Hotel, and was given a special award for providing outstanding service to hotel guests. In his leisure time, he enjoyed acting, and participated in several local theater productions. Memorials may be made to Temple Israel.
GERALD H. MEYER Gerald H. Meyer passed away on Oct. 8, 2021, at age 91 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Graveside services and burial were held on Oct. 10, 2021, at Golden Hill Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rhea and Abe Meyer. He is survived by his sister, Arlene Hart of Leawood, KS; nephew, Dr. Richard Hart; and niece and nephew-in-law, Robyn and Tony Katsorelos; great-nephew, Austin Katsorelos, and great-niece and great-nephew-in-law, Alexandra and Michael McAndrew. He wishes to thank the staff at Remington Heights for helping make his last years enjoyable. Gerald was born on Aug. 5, 1930, and he grew up in Omaha and later moved with his family to Manilla, Iowa, where he graduated high school. He attended Omaha University (now University of Nebraska at Omaha) and was awarded a B.A. degree in Business Administration. His business career began in Omaha at Union Pacific Railroad before serving two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas. He returned to Union Pacific following his military service and remained there until his retirement in 1995. His career primarily involved accounting and, in the early 1960s, computer programming. He achieved, over this 40 year career,
several merit awards of which he was quite proud, in addition to the Good Conduct Medal from the Army. Gerald’s interests especially included politics, sports, travel, and investing. He was involved with several civic and religious organizations including the Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity, Union Pacific Investment Club, B’nai Brith, and Temple Israel. A captivating desire to understand and calculate numbers and statistics helped tie together his work and other interests. Memorials may be made to Temple Israel or the organization of your choice.
BIRTH MAKENNA MAE GUNNELS Taylor and Mercer Gunnels of Bennington, NE, announce the Sept. 27, 2021, birth of their daughter, Makenna Mae. Grandparents are Vicki and Steve Allely, Mary Jo and Jeff Gunnels and Kelly and Mark Sanford all of Omaha. Great-grandparents are Dolores Klein and the late Don Klein of Omaha, the late Ilene Klein and the late Betty and Theodore Sanford.
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Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 2. Publication No. 275-620. 3. Filing Date: 10-11-21. 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly, since 1920. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 50. 6. Annual Subscription Rate: $40.00 US, $72.00 foreign. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198, 402-334-6448; Contact Person: Annette van de Kamp-Wright. 402.334.6450. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Creative Director: Publisher--Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Editor--Annette van de Kamp-Wright, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Creative Director--Richard Busse, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 10. Owner: Jewish Federation of Omaha, Inc., 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None. 12. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates. The purpose, function and non-profit status of this organization and the exempt for federal income tax purpose: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 10-08-20. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 2800. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: 2800 (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscription (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) 602 (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 2010. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution--100 (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--12. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--2724 d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free)-0. (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form--3541-0. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--0 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--16. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--16. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--2740. h. Copies Not Distributed--60. i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--2800 j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--99.4%. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date--2,800. a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 2,800 b. Paid and/or requested Circulation:2,800 (1) Paid/Requested OutsideCounty Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) - 600. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies)-2015. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution--102. (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--18 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--2,735. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free-0. (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--0 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--13. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--13. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--2,748. h. Copies Not Distributed--52 i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--2800. j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--99.5% 16. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 22, 2021 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner. Annette van de Kamp, Editor, 10-22-2020. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties).
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12 | The Jewish Press | October 22, 2021
The 33rd Annual Symposium on Jewish Civilization
JEWS AND URBAN LIFE October 24 – 25, 2021 Co-hosted by The Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, Creighton University; The Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society, Creighton University; The Harris Center for Judaic Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; The Natan and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel & Jewish Studies, University of Nebraska at Omaha; and The Jewish Federation of Omaha.
All Symposium activities will be hosted on the Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus, 333 South 132nd Street, as well as on Zoom. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/JewsUrbanLife Sunday, October 24
Monday, October 25
9 – 9:15 a.m. | Introductions 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. Mara W. Cohen Ioannides Missouri State University “Jews Create Towns: An Examination of the Impact of Joseph Sondheimer on the Creation of Muskogee, Oklahoma”
1:50 – 2:30 p.m. Sean Martin Western Reserve Historical Society “Die Yiddishe Velt: Yiddish and Cultural Assimilation in Cleveland’s Jewish World”
2:30 – 2:50 p.m. | Break
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. | Introductions 8:45 – 9:25 a.m. Joan Latchaw and David J. Peterson University of Nebraska at Omaha “Comicus the Cosmopolite: Diasporic Cosmopolitanism and the City in Mel Brook’s History of the World, Part 1”
11 – 11:40 a.m. Theodore Albrecht Kent State University “Vienna’s Jewish Community, 1819-1826: Glimpses from Beethoven’s Conversation Books at the Dawn of a New Era” Oc
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Lunch
2:50 – 3:30 p.m. 10 – 10:40 a.m. Victoria Khiterer Millersville University “Kiev as a Center of Soviet Jewish Culture in the 1920s-1930s”
Menachem Keren-Kratz Tel Aviv, Israel “Jewish Cultural Centers in Small Urban Communities: The Case of Cluj-Napoca, Romania”
10:45 – 11:25 a.m.
3:35 – 4:15 p.m.
Alan Levenson University of Oklahoma “The Cosmopolitan Jewish City: A Typology”
Martin H. Shukert Omaha, NE “City in the Garden, Garden in the City: Clarence Stein, Moshe Safdie, and the Design of Urban Reform”
Noon – 1 p.m. | Lunch 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Keynote 1:05 – 1:45 p.m. Barry L. Stiefel College of Charleston “Preserving Jewish: The Contributions of Jews in the Historic Preservation Field”
9:30 – 10:10 a.m.
12:20 – 1 p.m.
Motti Zalkin Ben-Gurion University “‘My heart in the shtetl while my head in the department store’ – The Impact of Urbanization on the character of the ‘New Urban Jew’ in the Baltic Area”
Steven Fine Yeshiva University “Samaritan/Jewish Competition in the Cities of Roman Palestine”
10:15 – 10:55 a.m. Anthony Meyer Grand Valley State University “Urbanizing Jews: Agriculture, Slave Codes, and the Byzantine Empire”
1:05 – 1:45 p.m. Gary Gilbert Claremont McKenna College “Jewish Engagement in the Urban Life of the Roman World”
Ori Z. Soltes Georgetown University “A Tale of Two Cities: Jewish Creativity in Venice and Prague”
Events are free and open to the public. For additional information about any Symposium activity, please contact Prof. Leonard Greenspoon at ljgrn@creighton.edu or call 402.280.2304.
Generous support for the Symposium is also provided by: The Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation | The Riekes Family | Creighton University Lecture, Films, and Concerts The Creighton College of Arts and Sciences | The Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith The Drs. Bernard H. and Bruce S. Bloom Memorial Endowment | Gary and Karen Javitch