November 15, 2019

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG

Dr. Michelle Simon honored

by Nebraska Hospital Association page 9

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet

w

AlAn potASh CEO, Jewish Federation of Omaha Jon mEyErS President, Jewish Federation of Omaha e learned last week about the vandalism that took place at an Omaha Jewish institution. Yes; a cemetery is an institution. When one of our institutions is the target of vandalism, we personally view this as an attack on the Jewish community. We have a collective responsibility to respond to this as a community. We have the responsibility to come to the aid and share in the repair and also in responsible messaging.

Spotlight Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

11 12 14 15

mArk kirchhoFF Community Engagement and Education, Jewish Federation of Omaha Jewish Book Month is an important annual event in both the American Jewish community and the publishing world.

It is sponsored by the Jewish Book Council and is held annually in the month leading up to Hanukkah. This year marks the 46th anniversary of the Jewish Fed-

Credit: Omaha Crimestoppers Our training directs us to pause and not react without all of the facts. Even as we write this, we are in DC at the JFNA FedLab conference, along with Zoë Riekes, discussing community security and other critical issues impacting the Jewish world.

Many people have come up to us and asked about the cemetery issue and have offered support and solutions. We mention this because one of the conversations is about when to communicate to the community. The discussion was across the board but the bottom line was, is it an emergency? Do you have the facts?

What is already out there and is it factually accurate? If not, corrections are warranted.

See Baruch dayan ha’Emet page 2

Nebraska Furniture Mart’s new collection

inside

Jewish Book Month Author Luncheon

NO V EMBER 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 | 1 7 CH ESH V AN 5 7 8 0 | V O L . 1 0 0 | NO . 6 | c A nd lEli g h ti ng | FRID AY , NO V EMBER 1 5 , 4 : 4 7 P. M.

Lincoln Jewish Book Month celebration page 4

Hanukkah Truck Party page 8

SponSorEd By thE BEnJAmin And AnnA E. wiESmAn FAmily EndowmEnt Fund

AnnEttE vAn dE kAmp-wright Editor, Jewish Press Nebraska Furniture Mart was founded by Rose Blumkin in 1937 in the basement of her husband’s pawn shop in Omaha. In 1983, investor Warren Buffett purchased a majority interest in NFM and made it part of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies.

As tempting as it is to think of Nebraska Furniture Mart as a historic venue, a business that’s (almost) as old as the community itself, it’s good to remember that the Mart today is very much part of 21st century Omaha. Today, NFM is one of the na-

Bobby Berk and Andy Shefsky tion’s largest home furnishings retailers, selling furniture, flooring, appliances and electronics. NFM currently has locations in Omaha, Des Moines, Kansas City and Dallas/Fort Worth which totals over 4.6 million square feet of retail and distribution space.

Friday, Nov. 1, a new collection by furniture designer Bobby Berk was unveiled at the Omaha store, with the designer himself in attendance. It was followed by similar events in Kansas City and Dallas.

See nebraska Furniture mart page 2

Elyssa Friedland

eration of Omaha’s participation in the Annual Jewish Book Month. The Community Engagement and Education arm of the JFO is proud to host author Elyssa Friedland for its traditional author luncheon in the newly-renovated Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Community Engagement Venue on thursday, dec. 12 at noon. Advanced reservations by dec.

4 are required. Luncheon cost is $12 payable in cash or check at the door. To make your reservation, contact Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchhoff@jewishoma ha.org or phone 402.334.6463.

Elyssa Friedland is the author of three novels: The Floating Feldmans, The Intermission, and Love and Miss Communication. She attended Yale University, where she served as managing editor of the Yale Daily News, and is a graduate of Columbia Law School. She worked as an associate at a major firm before turning to writing full-time. Recently, Elyssa has written for The Washington Post, McSweeney’s, POPSUGAR, RealSimple.com and Bustle. Prior to law school, Elyssa wrote for several publications, including Modern Bride, New York magazine, Columbia Journalism Review, CBS MarketWatch.com, Yale Alumni Magazine and Your Prom. Elyssa grew up in New Jersey and currently lives in New York City with her husband and three young children.

Elyssa will feature The Floating Feldmans in her address at this year’s author luncheon in Omaha. As her most recent work, The Floating Feldmans was a People Magazine “People Pick” and was praised by Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Good Housekeeping, National Geographic, Woman’s Day, Woman’s World, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist and more. Friedland’s website summarizes the book in the following way: See Jewish Book month page 5

2 | The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC.

Anne & Alan Cohen

Marty & Kathy Cohen Tish Selk

Marty Cohen | 402-690-1591

10090 Fieldcrest Drive | $459,950 Exquisite west-facing Regency townhome with today’s neutral décor. New wood floors throughout. Huge stone-floored foyer with raised ceilings. Spacious eat-in kitchen with new appliances and pantry. Separate Formal Living and Dining Rooms. Family room with raised ceiling, fireplace, and views of the private patio. MBR with access to two separate bathrooms and walk-in closet and many built-ins. Main floor laundry. Fully finished lower level with 3rd bedroom, full bath, media room, and rec room. Enjoy the easy life in perfectly located Regency!

We offer more than sound financial advice.

We offer a partner to share your vision.

402.496.9100

w w w. f z a c p a . c o m First National Plaza, Suite 700 11404 West Dodge Road Omaha NE 68154-2576

Associated Counseling P ro f e s s i o n a l s G l e n F i n e m a n , L I C S W, L I M H P C l i n i c a l S o c i a l Wo r ke r

Family & Children Issues Marriage Counseling Depression | Anxiety | Grief & Loss

2255 So. 132nd Street | Suite 200 | Omaha 402-334-1122 | fax: 402-334-8171 www.acpcounseling.com

Changing your address?

Please give us the following information: Your name, old address and new address and when you want the address change to go into effect.

Call 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org

thejewishpress

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet

Continued from page 1 To that point, 50 head stones, not 75 as mentioned in other stories, were toppled or damaged. The leadership and clergy of Temple Israel have been in touch with law enforcement and the incident is still under investigation. They have a handle on this and they have the lead until they ask for assistance. As with many crimes of this nature, investigations rarely are solved which makes it impossible to determine what motivated the person or persons to commit this crime. We believe that to characterize this as an anti-Semitic hate crime is irresponsible until we know that, in fact, it is. We will update the community as we learn more. We commit our support as a community to Temple Israel as they deal with this incident.

Responses from the Synagogues

We in the Temple Israel community, like so many others in Omaha and across the country, are saddened, angered, and disgusted by the vandalism of our congregational cemetery. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, it was discovered that approximately 50 headstones had been toppled or dislodged from their foundation, and that some of them had been irreparably broken.

We are deeply touched by the innumerable people who have reached out in recent days to express their sorrow for our communal pain and their solidarity with us. Our friends and partners in the Omaha Jewish community, the Tri-Faith Initiative, and the broader community have shown tremendous leadership and compassion for our congregation. Your friendship, your kind words, and your presence alongside us have brought comfort and spiritual strength.

We are grateful to know we are not alone.

Judaism teaches that each human life is a whole world in and of itself. This is why the headstones in our cemetery are more than just pieces of engraved stone, more than just markers indicating a grave. Each one is a tangible symbol of a human life; in its inscription, each one tells a story of a person who made his or her unique imprint on the world; each one is there as a lasting reminder of someone’s parent or grandparent or child or spouse or aunt or uncle or friend.

The pain felt by our members whose family members are buried there – indeed, the pain felt by all the members of our Temple Israel and Omaha Jewish communities – runs deep. This vandalism is a desecration of memory, of holy ground, of family, of community, of history, and of spirit.

An investigation into the vandalism is ongoing. There is no indication at this point that this was an act of antisemitism or religious bigotry and, absent such evidence, we believe it would be irresponsible to claim or imply otherwise. At the same time, our lack of knowledge regarding the vandals’ motives does not in any way lessen the grief that we feel or our outrage at the fact that someone

would desecrate a holy place and attack a religious community in such a vile manner.

Immediately upon discovering the vandalism, Temple Israel began the process of restoring our cemetery. We are making an

Last week our relatively quiet Jewish community was shattered. The graves of so many of our ancestors, who gave us much to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future, were brazenly violated. Although we don’t know what evil lurks in the hearts of those responsible, it our duty and responsibility to cry for those who cant cry. In our deep jewish tradition, the cemetery is a holy place where the divine presence rests. Each of the headstones toppled tells a story of soul who left an eternal impact in this world.

Over the last few days, i heard some of the stories of the souls resting in that holy earth. I heard about war veterans. I heard about one man who was killed, seemingly, because he was a jew, years ago. A “matzeva”, or a Credit: Omaha Crimestoppers head stone represents the accounting of every headstone that was impact made on this earth. Today they lay damaged and will be notifying the families broken and so should we. When people act of those whose graves were vandalized. We ruthlessly and we are silent, we silently enwant to assure our community that we are dorse further actions. As Rabbi of this speengaging in this work carefully and meticucial jewish community, I must cry out to our lously, and we ask for patience as we do whole community, that our ancestors who so. There is much work to do and it will lie there, gave us the ability to be who we take time. It is our hope that the restoraare. During this difficult time for Jewish tion will be completed sometime in the Omaha, let us unite to honor their souls and spring of 2020, at which time we will hold renounce senseless and hateful actions and a communal ceremony of re-dedication and thoughts. renewal of this sacred place, where our With an outraged and broken heart, loved ones endure in spirit and in our memoRabbi aRi DembitzeR ries. In the meantime, our cemetery remains Rabbi, Beth Israel fully operational.

We are ever grateful for the outpouring of Beth El Clergy, staff and congregation love and support for our community. As we stand with our community as we deal with say in Hebrew: chazak chazak v’nitchazek – the aftermath of the damage inflicted on strength, strength, and together we Temple Israel Cemetery. The Gemara teaches strengthen one another. May we go forward us that our cemeteries are scared places. together in strength and peace, and may the Jews see burial grounds as others see memories of the righteous always be for a palaces. They tell the story of our people, we blessing. can learn our history through them. For someRabbi bRian StolleR one to defile that sacred space is the same Senior Rabbi, Temple Israel as attacking our entire community. It is an DenniS DePoRte act of anti-Semitism that hurts to our core.

Executive Director Rabbi Steven abRaham Rabbi, Beth El anDie GoRDman President

Nebraska Furniture Mart Continued from page 1 Bobby Berk is an artist, interior designer and a cast member of Queer Eye, the Netflix hit show that makes over people’s lives, looks and living spaces.

Originally from Mount Vernon, Missouri, he’s always been familiar with Nebraska Furniture Mart: “I’m from the Midwest! This is the biggest and the best furniture store,” he said, “and so of course this is where I’m proud to show off my collection!”

Furniture must be accessible pricewise, he said. “My new furniture collection with A.R.T. was really inspired by a desire to give people attainable lux-

ury,” he said. “I wanted to create a line that feels super-expensive and superluxe, but isn’t just for the one percent; it is for everyone. It also should be something I would want in my own house.

Changing your home–or someone else’s—can change your life and spark so much joy. I really believe your home is like a phone charger for your mental health. A place where you should be comfortable, where you can be yourself and recharge. Besides, I always aim to make the world a little bit more beautiful, and that starts at home.”

“We’re very excited about the launch of Bobby’s products,” NFM Community

and PR Manager Andy Shefsky said.

“We’re one of only seven retailers in 2019 to introduce the line. It’s exciting to build a relationship with someone like Bobby Berk; his show, Queer Eye, just finished filming its fifth season and has been nominated for multiple Emmys. Bobby is a beloved cast member and now his furniture is accessible to all our customers!”

Imagine watching the next Queer Eye season while sitting on Bobby’s sofa, which you bought at our very own Nebraska Furniture Mart. What would Rose Blumkin think of that?

The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019 | 3

4 | The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019

community Omaha Jewish Alumni Association Dallas Reunion

mArGO pArsOW JFO Foundation On Sunday, Nov. 3, over 90 Jewish former Omahans gathered in Dallas at the home of Sherry and Kenny Goldberg along with co-hosts Bob and Debbie Rifkin. Guests came from near and far, including Houston, Georgetown and Austin to join in the fun. The event was sponsored by the Omaha Jewish Alumni Association. It gave everyone the opportunity to connect and reconnect with their fellow Omahans, as they shared lovely food and stories about why they will always love Omaha. The memories were flowing along with the fellowship of seeing friends who have since moved to Texas.

OJAA founders Lisa and Gary Epstein, along with Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Omaha Jewish Federation Foundation, Howard’s wife Sharon Epstein and Steve Levinger, Chief Development Officer of the Omaha Jewish Federation, made the trip from Omaha.

Last year the Omaha Jewish Alumni Association sponsored an event in Scottsdale, Arizona. In the future we aim to fulfill requests for reunion events in Chicago, Boston and in Florida and Denver. Look for details as plans are formalized.

We wish to extend our thanks to Gary and Lisa, our wonderful hosts and our 752 followers/members of the OJAA. As we continue to grow and thrive, we look forward to more successful gatherings and wonderful connections with former Omahans in 2020. #STILLHOMAHA. Pictured from top: phyllis kirshenbaum rifkin, left, Bob rifkin, Ann reinglas Brand, Frankie Weiner mash, Carol nash Bloom; middle: Joe mintz, left, Av Goodman, randy ratner, and sherry Josin Goldberg; and bottom: phil itkin, left, mark Bernstien, and Jeff Hochster. note that these three gents are not only former Omahans, but they were all fraternity brothers at sigma Alpha mu at the University of nebraska.

Lincoln Jewish Book Month celebration

AndreA HAlpern Lincoln Jewish Community School Curriculum Director Congregation Tifereth Israel invites the community to the Jewish Book Month celebration, Saturday evening Nov. 23, 6 p.m., at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln.

Author-in-Residence Nancy Churnin, awardwinning author of eight picture book biographies, will join us for a special

Havdalah service and book talk.

Nancy will share her 2019 release, Martin & Anne the Kindred Spirits of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Anne Frank.

The event is sponsored by the Lincoln Jewish Community School. The Havdalah service will be led by our school students. A lovely Oneg will follow our short Havdalah service.

Family Hanukkah Extravaganza

GABBy BlAir Staff Writer, Jewish Press The Jewish Federation of Omaha will host the 2019 Hanukkah Extravaganza on sunday, dec. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Omaha Children’s Museum (500 S. 20th St). While recommended for families and grandparents with children 12 and younger, older siblings are always welcome!

Upon arriving to the event, families will first create a three-part save/spend/donate ‘Moon Jar’ provided by this year’s event sponsor, Lutz Financial, followed by a delicious kosher dinner by Star Catering at 6 p.m. on the second floor.

Afterwards, families are free to enjoy the exhibits at the Omaha Children’s Museum, which will close to the public at 6 p.m.

This community-wide celebration also includes components planned by Omaha’s PJ Library. Jennie Gates Beckman, JFO Director of Community Engagement & Education, shares, “We have two very special PJ Library book selections that have to do with Tzedakah and Hanukkah which will be featured throughout the museum so families can browse while they play. A special invitation is extended to those families who have welcomed their little ones in the past year to join us for a baby meet-up in the Museum’s “wiggle room.” Finally, we will set up a little “book nook” where folks can explore more titles related to the themes of Hanukkah and giving back. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone there!”

The cost for this family friendly event is $5 per person, with a $20 maximum per household; children under age 2 are free. Price includes admission to museum, Moon Jar and a kosher meal.

Please RSVP and submit payment online by monday, dec. 2 at www.tinyurl.com/hanukkah19.

Contact Jennie Gates Beckman, JFO Director of Community Engagement and Education, at 402.334.6445 or via email at: jbeck man@jewishomaha.org with questions or for more information.

Organizations

B’nAi B’ritH BreAdBreAkers

B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers meets weekly on Wednesdays at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@Gmail. com, Breadbreakers chairman. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewish omaha.org.

The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019 | 5

UNMC to continue educational sessions at the JCC

J

LyNN BatteN Publicity, Jewish Federation of Omaha ennifer Cera, an assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing and a nurse practitioner for the Olson Center for Women’s Health, will continue her series of educational sessions on pelvic floor health at the JCC this November. With a one-year, $26,000 grant from the Olson Center for Women’s Health, Dr. Cera is excited to bring her educational series to the community. e November series of talks will focus on preventing urinary tract infections. Each talk will review key points of preventing UTIs. ose in attendance will learn the risk factors and how they differ at various stages of life, how to recognize common and uncommon symptoms of a UTI, identify prevention strategies, and understand treatment therapies for both simple and recurrent UTIs. In August 2019, Dr. Cera began a revolving educational series on health promotion and prevention of pelvic floor disorders. Dr. Cera has 25 years of experience and is passionate about teaching women how to take control of their bladder health with simple lifestyle/behavior changes and one-on-one consultation.

Women also can be referred for continence

In[HEIR]itance Project

EXODUS: Resettlement has been created through a unique practice of open artistic process designed to spark a community conversation about refugee narratives, past and present, in Omaha. In[HEIR]itance Project artists have spent the year working with local artists in and out of the refugee community to devise an original play examining the intersections of refugee experiences, Omaha’s history, airport travel and the Book of Exodus. There will be humor, grief, elation, music, dance, and you will be invited to check your baggage at the door.

The event is Nov. 15-23. Tickets can be purchased at https://inheiritance.org/blog/tick ets-exodus-resettlement/. Please note: All box office proceeds go to establish a new grant for refugee artists in Omaha in partnership with Lutheran Family Services.

Jewish Book Month

Continued from page 1 “Sink or swim. Or at least that’s what Annette Feldman tells herself when she books a cruise for her entire family. It’s been over a decade since the Feldman clan has spent more than 24 hours under the same roof, but Annette is determined to celebrate her 70th birthday the right way. Just this once, they are going to behave like an actual family.

Too bad her kids didn’t get the memo.

Between the troublesome family secrets, old sibling rivalries, and her two teenage grandkids, Annette’s birthday vacation is looking more and more like the perfect storm. Adrift together on the open seas, the Feldmans will each face the truths

screening and evaluation if needed.

Dr. Cera stresses that individuals don’t have to live with bladder leakage or ongoing issues related to pelvic floor health.

“Women just need a little education,” she said.

She noted that self-help and behavior modifications can oen reduce or eliminate symptoms entirely. “ere are so many non-surgical treatments out there that women just don’t know about,” she said. “As a medical community, we don’t do enough education and prevention. It’s our job as providers to give the best care possible to our patients, and that includes simply educating them to make decisions that are right for them.” e next series of talks at the Jewish Community Center, will be held in the Jewish Federation class room. e talks will be Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 26 at noon.

All talks are free and open to the community. ose interested may attend the time that works best with their schedule. ey do not need to attend all of the sessions. ere is no requirement to sign up ahead of time. For more information on these talks and future talks, contact Dr. Cera at 402.559.2717.

EXODUS:Resettlement

2019 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Magic wh

ere the

HAPPENS

A wide variety of

Knit Tops • Vests • Jackets Cardigans • and more!

Ladies Crystal Fashions

NOV 14-15-16

from Kathy Smith at

10a - 6:30p

5115 South 122nd Street, Omaha, NE (1 block North of Q st./Residential)

For more information, or in case of extreme weather conditions call: Kathy Smith: (landline) 402.895.0993 | (cell) 402.850.0993

All That Sparkles

by KB Creations

Daily Door Prize Drawing | Invite your Family and Friends

a new play inspired by the history of refugees in Omaha

November 15-23, 2019

Your financial plans should be as unique as you!

BUY TICKETS AT WWW.INHEIRITANCE.ORG

COME IN TO THE OFFICE... they’ve been ignoring– and learn that the people they once thought most likely to sink them are actually the ones who help them stay afloat.”

Copies of The Floating Feldmans will be available for purchase at the luncheon’s book signing managed by Omaha’s The Bookworm. Elyssa will meet with the Dorothy Kripke Book Discussion Group in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library following the luncheon and book signing.

We thank the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Donor Advised Fund for support of the author luncheon.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

Let’s talk about what’s important to YOU and construct a Plan tailored to your priorities and your goals.

Lorraine Seidel DiMartino, CLU, IAR

DIMARTINO & ASSOCIATES INC Financial & Retirement Planning Serving the Omaha community for 22 years 706 N. 129th Street | Ste. 105 | Omaha, NE 68154

402.505.9494 Registered representative of and securities offered through Capital Synergy Partners, Member FINRA/SIPC, 4400 MacArthur Blvd #850, Newport Beach, CA 92660 888/277-1974. DiMartino & Associates and Capital Synergy Partners are unaffiliated entities.

6 | The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019

snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning.

Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged!

Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

Compassion is a lesson that can’t be unlearned.

Omaha Jewish Film Festival concludes with Leona and The Samuel Project

T

Mark kirchhoff Community Engagement and Education, JFO he final two films of the 18th Annual Omaha Jewish Film Festival will be Leona, screened at the Village Pointe Cinema on Monday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m., and The Samuel Project shown at the Majestic Cinema on 144th Street and West Maple Road, on Monday, Nov. 25, also at 7 p.m. Trailers, additional festival information and ticket purchases are available at www.jewish omaha org (click on the festival slider in the middle of the page.)

Tickets will also be available at the theaters.

Leona is an intimate, insightful and moving film that tells the story of a young Jewish woman from Mexico City who finds herself torn between her family and her forbidden love. Ripe with all the drama and interpersonal conflicts of a Jane Austen novel, watching her negotiate the labyrinth of familial pressure, religious precedent and her own burgeoning sentiment is both painful and beautiful – there are no easy choices to be made, and the viewer travels back and forth with her as she struggles with her heart to take the best path.

Further commentary on the film was included in an article by Amanda Ryan in the Nov. 8 edition of the Jewish Press (available online at issuu.com/ jewishpress7).

The Samuel Project, a Holocaust-themed film, was chosen by the Institute for Holocaust (IHE) staff and their film review committee. According to Scott Littky, Executive Director of the IHE, “We know that this is an important topic for Jews and non-Jews alike.

We keep this in mind as we make our choice.

We look very carefully to assure that there is both value and educational purpose in the message expressed in the film. The Samuel Project, meets these requirements. We are confident that it is an excellent choice.” In the film, Eli (Ryan Ochoa) gets to know his grandfather Samuel (Hal Linden) for the first time when he makes him the subject of an animated art project for school.

With dreams of becoming a professional artist, the high school senior discovers that his grandpa, a Jewish dry cleaner, was heroically saved from Nazi capture in Germany by a young woman when he was a boy.

Of local interest, The Samuel Project is produced by Steve Weinberger of Weinberger Productions. Steve’s motherin-law is Jeanette Vensky who lives in Denison, Iowa. This connection was discovered when Kael Sagheer, IHE Education Director, was giving a presentation in Denison.

Remember to save your ticket stubs from each film you attend. Those who attend all four movies may purchase their final ticket at a $3 discount.

We extend our thanks to the generous sponsors of this year’s film festival. They are The Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith, and the following Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation funds: Klutznick/Creighton Custodial Fund, Kenneth Ray Tretiak Memorial Fund, Ruth Frisch & Oscar S. Belzer Endowment Fund, Avy L. & Roberta L. Miller Film Fund, Samuel & Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund and Special Donor-Advised Fund.

LongView investment Management

8LI çVWX ]IEVW SJ E GLMPHÙW PMJI EVI crucial to discover empathy and develop emotional intelligence.

Our Balanced Learning® approach sparks these lightbulb moments, helping children to become caring adults.

The Leader in Early Education and Care® Infants – Pre-Kindergarten and After School Call for a tour today!

Primrose School of La Vista 8202 S. 97th Plaza La Vista, NE 68128 402.517.1153 PrimroseLaVista.com Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools®, Balanced Learning®, and The Leader in Early Education and Care® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2019 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

on outdated software or legacy systems and proLongView Investment Management was started cedures. These companies are forced to make deearlier this year by Jason Williams, with the love cisions that are not always in the clients’ best and support of his wife, Diana (Manvitz) Williams interest. Knowing that he wanted to put clients and kids, Addy and Jack. LongView was created to first, Jason left the old world and founded provide everyone access to quality financial advice and superior investment management services. The LongView.

LongView is structured as an independent regiscompany has a focus on helping young professiontered investment adviser (RIA) based in Omaha, als and families plan and invest for their future.

NE. Being independent allows Jason the flexibility Jason’s past experience focused on working with high net worth families, foundations, endow- to make the right decision for each client. One example is fees. If you are just getting started, ments and schools as a portfolio manager with a lower fees help you invest more. If you have over large national private bank. With over a decade of $1 million with a large bank or financial instituexperience, working with many different types of clients, and being involved with over $2.5 billion in tion, chances are good that LongView can save total assets, he gained a great deal of expertise in you thousands of dollars each year.

LongView was built to put clients first. The wealth management.

Jason recognized several shifting trends in the company strives to help people in all walks of life industry, many of which would greatly benefit and provide them with great value. LongView clients. Unfortunately, many large firms cannot would be honored to help you and your family. adapt at a quick enough pace, often having to rely Give Jason a call at 402.681.7764.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Promoting Empowerment in our World (PEW) Pam mOnsky Community Development Liaison, ADL-CRC The 33rd Annual Promoting Empowerment in our World (PEW), a program of the Plains States Region Anti-Defamation League-Community Relations Council (ADL-CRC), took place on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Temple Israel. 160 students from 17 area schools along with 45 facilitators and chaperones participated in a full day of activities designed to empower students to take a stand against bias and bigotry by recognizing and challenging their own biases and in their peer group. The program was generously sponsored by The Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation and the Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Foundation.

Students from different backgrounds worked in small groups led

by ADL-CRC trained facilitators and volunteers to discuss bias and discrimination and how they can combat issues in their school communities. ADL-CRC Education Director Ayanna Boykins explained, “The goal of PEW is that each student who participates will return to their schools as advocates for a world in which differences can be appreciated and respected, and become an active member of the No Place For Hate® Committee at their school.”

The ADL No Place for Hate® initiative is a school climate improvement framework that provides Pre-K-12 schools with an organizing framework for combating bias, bullying and hatred, leading to long-term solutions.

Added Ayanna, “We work very hard at the ADL to ensure a meaningful and impactful experience

The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019 | 7

community

for these incredible students. I would like to personally thank all the volunteer facilitators, educators and our generous funders for their continued support of this one-of-a-kind event.”

At the end of the day, one student said, “My favorite part of the day was getting to talk to people

JCC Girls Scouts collecting donations for JFS

that I usually wouldn’t, hearing new perspectives and having leaders who were very open-minded and kind.”

Another student remarked, “I liked how the small group was all people from different schools. I met so many new people from all over town. I felt like I could be more open and honest.”

For more information about PEW and No Place for Hate®, please contact Ayanna Boykins, ADLCRC Education Director, 402.334.6573 or aboykins@adl.org.

October 2019 Pumpkin Picking outing

senior living

Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press The JCC Girl Scout Troop #42729 will host a donation drive benefitting Jewish Family Service at the JCC Main Entrance on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 1-4 p.m. Please consider bringing donations of toiletries and non-perishable foods and help our community troop help those in need.

Linda Cogan, JFS Assistance Coordinator,

shares that the JCC Girl Scout Troop has raised donations for JFS many times over the past five years. “Their donation drives help fill our pantry for those in need and give others the opportunity to do a mitzvah through Tzedakah, anonymously. They are a great and compassionate group of girls, and we appreciate their support.”

All donations collected on Nov. 17 will be delivered to JFS upon the conclusion of the drive.

Enterprise Bank Makes Buying Your Home Easier.

We are a full service community bank that offers competitive mortgage rates.

Mortgage Loan Officers

Janet Bowie 402-898-1464

Steve Winterhof 402-829-7261

24 HOUR APPROVAL CALL TODAY! publishing date | 12.27.19 space reservation | 12.17.19

Contact our advertising executive to promote your business in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

Enterprise Bank

12800 West Center Road Omaha, NE 68144 402/330-0200

210 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68114 402/392-0400 www.enterprise.bank

8 | The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019

community It’s time to consider charitable giving

Brenda BanKS Executive Director, Cross Training Center It’s hard to believe that the New Year and the tax season are right around the corner. Now is the time to consider how to save on your income tax through charitable giving. IRS rules allow those who itemize to deduct financial donations as well as the market value of any gift-in-kind donation to a qualified organization.

Financial donations not only include dollars but also financial assets such as securities, stocks, bonds, annuities and promissory notes. Other contributions to consider include time shares, real estate holdings and intellectual properties such as patents. The donor receives the deduction in the year that the item is donated, even if the organization does not expend the property until later. The market value of the asset at the time of donation is used to determine the deductible amount.

A gift-in-kind is any tangible property such as useable clothing, household furnishings, electronics, appliances, machinery, vehicles or boats. High-valued items such as jewelry, antiques and collectables are also included in this category.

The IRS allows the donor to assign the value when it’s less than $500. However, items valued between $500 and $5000 require the charitable organization to provide the donor with an acknowledgement that indicates the fair market value. Gifts valued over $5000 require a third party appraisal or other documentation in order to deduct the full market value.

Cross Training Center is a charitable organization that provides vocational training and work experience to those who are unemployed and under-educated. We serve those who have experienced challenging backgrounds leaving them in poverty situations. We accept financial and gift-in-kind donations to help us fulfill our mission. Click on www.crosstc.com to learn more about Cross Training Center and how your donations can help people learn job skills and become financially independent.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Jewish Press readers, If you do business with any of our advertisers, please tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press. It really helps us!

Hanukkah Truck Party

Sunday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m., Boys and Girls! Moms and Dads! Grandparents too! Bring your trucks to The Bookworm. We’re having a Hanukkah Truck Party celebrating the new book by The Bookworm’s favorite book star, Nancy Rips, called Noah and the Eight Trucks of Hanukkah.

This colorful new picture book pairs a small boy who loves trucks with the holiday of Hanukkah in a charming way. Preschoolers are sure to identify with Noah who prefers trucks to candles. Noah’s contagious joy in the season, and passion for all things that vroom and haul will delight truck- crazy kids everywhere as they recognize their favorites in this innovative twist on the tradition and spirit of Hanukkah.

Children will get to “show and tell” about their truck, and Nancy Rips will read the

Shirley’s Kitchen: German Pancake From: Barbara Wittenberg Originating from Ann David (Barbara’s mother) Usually served at breakfast or brunch

German PancaKe

A favorite of our family for many years. According to Gail Raznick: “Shirley made this in individual dishes and served it with thawed frozen sliced strawberries (with juice).”

cooking time: 25 minutes Temperature: 350-450 degrees Ingredients: 4 large eggs 1 cup milk 1 cup flour 2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 Tbsp. butter Use a soufflé pan and hand mixer Directions: Set oven to 400 degrees. Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray. Put butter in pan and melt. In mixing bowl, crack eggs, add milk, then beat together. Add flour and salt. Mix together—can use hand mixer and batter can be somewhat lumpy (don’t overmix). Now pour batter into pan with melted butter. Bake at 450. After 10-15 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Pancake will rise in about 20 minutes. Top will brown in about 4 more minutes. Sift powdered sugar on top of pancake. Lemon and maple syrup can be served on the side. Enjoy!

Serves 2-4.

¦ ó®ã« ÊÙ ͕ ãã Ùù ÊÙ DÊãÊÙ͘ t Öã Äù㫮Ħ ó®ã« ÊÙ ͕ ãã Ùù ÊÙ DÊãÊÙ͘ ĐĞůů ƉŚŽŶĞ Ͳ ƚŽ ĂƐ >ĂƌŐĞ ĂƐ Ă ĐĂƌ Ɛ ^ŵĂůů ĂƐ Ă ĐĞůů ƉŚŽŶĞ Ͳ ƚŽ ĂƐ >ĂƌŐĞ ĂƐ Ă ĐĂƌ ĂŶĚ ĞǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ͘ ĞƌƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ͘ tŽƌŬŝŶŐ Žƌ ŶŽƚ Ͳ tĞ ƚĂŬĞ ŝƚ Ăůů͊ Žƌƌ ŶŽƚ Ͳ tĞ ƚĂŬĞ ŝƚ Ăůů͊

Cross

Training Center

www.crossrecycling.com Phone 402-590-2100 ƌŽƉ Kī ĚĚƌĞƐƐ͗ ϱϬϯϬ EŽƌƚŚ ϳϮŶĚ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ Omaha, NE 68134

story and answer questions about Hanukkah. Plus, she’ll personally sign your book.

Moms and Dads! Grandmas and Grandpas! Noah and the Eight Trucks of Hanukkah is the perfect gift for holiday giving in 2019!

Solutions to Poverty through Work

ůů ŝƚĞŵƐ ĂƌĞ ƵƐĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ǀŽĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ǁŽƌŬ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ at Cross Training Center.

^ĞĞ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĨŽƌ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ZĞĐLJĐůŝŶŐ &ĞĞƐ͕ ƌŽƉ Žī ,ŽƵƌƐ ĂŶĚ WŝĐŬ ƵƉ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ͘

Call Bruce...at the firm you have trusted for decades!

When did you last review your investment accounts?

Do you want clear, professional insight?

Contact Bruce, CFA Chartered Financial Analyst

bruce@nelsonmurphyinvest.com

402-506-6944

Bruce Aken, Partner

11620 Arbor Street | Suite 201 | Omaha, NE 68144 www.nelsonmurphyinvest.com

The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019 | 9

Dr. Michelle Simon honored by Nebraska Hospital Association “is award showcases the exemplary work and care hospital employees provide every day throughout the year,” Biran Noonan, NHA Senior Director of Communications and Edication, said. “Every Nebraska hospital employee plays a critical role in providing high-quality, cost-effective treatment and ensuring the safety of themselves, their co-workers and patients. ese honorees are star performers through their dedication to patients and teamwork.”

But Michelle’s caring doesn’t begin and end in the hospital.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends and is particularly fond of the theater. So when Grandmother Judy

Cooper needed a partner to attend performances, Michelle joined her in getting season tickets.

“She always goes out of her way to help other people,” Judy said. “I am so glad she received this award. She has been my companion for years; she’s just always there for me in a very real and meaningful way.”

Her other grandmother Tootie Simon agrees; in fact, she has a message for her granddaughter: “I am so proud of you for all you have accomplished. I wish you much happiness, good health and success in life. I will love you always—Grandma.”

y tor en d nv Ha st I er ge e Ev Lar ’v We

anneTTe van De kamp-wrighT Editor, Jewish Press his October, the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) recognized 76 Nebraska member hospital employees with the prestigious e Caring Kind Award.

Michelle Simon was one of the healthcare professionals honored, because she is, according to one of her coworkers at Methodist Hospital, “Completely dedicated to assisting patients meet their optimal health. She brings a level of optimism to any situation, and her words of encourgaement work magic in helping patients try movements they would not have attempted. Michelle is kind and compassionate and she is one of the most optimistic theraDr. michelle simon pists to work with. She truly embodies the Meaning of Care!”

Michelle is the daughter of Marsha and Steve Simon and obtained her undergraduate degree at Dana College. She majored in Biology and minored in Spanish. Aer Dana, she went on to earn her PhD in Physical Education at UNMC. She currently works as a physical therapist in the inpatient physical therapy department at Methodist Hospital.

“Our role,” she explains, “is to help patients recover and regain their independence with functional mobility. I primarily work on the Oncology floor. ere is a very human side to the work I do, as we provide emotional support while treatment is ongoing. It’s very important to give the patient reassurance.”

Being “most caring and compassionate” to Michelle means going above and beyond, like as a long-term patient craved Chinese food. “So I went out and got it for them,” Michelle said.

It also means being a good team member. “You have to approach caring for patients as a team, where we all work together and do our part.”

The many unknowns at the time of death

bob nelson Managing Partner, Nelson Murphy Insurance & Investments, LLC Putting your financial house in order does not need to be difficult... in fact, we have made it almost easy.

When someone dies, there are many unanswered questions... like what are the deceased’s final requests; or where are the passwords to the computer; or who gets the pet(s)? We discovered long ago that there are many things most people meant to write down but haven’t gotten around to... yet.

We created a unique document that covers all the major issues and some you probably wouldn’t remember. We call it “A Letter to my Family.” You can store it on your computer or print it and give it to whomever you choose. If you think that organizing all this is difficult, think of your heirs doing it without your input.

Email our office at info@nelsonmurphyinvest.com and we will send you a copy of this valuable tool. Why? Because we want to earn your business and become your “trusted advisors.”

Our goal is to “Simplify Financial Planning.” Check us out at www.nelsonmurphyinvest.com. This is another way we help our clients achieve financial success and peace of mind.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

To submiT announcemenTs

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jew ishomaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha. org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.

Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.

Grand Opening Sale!

You must see it to believe it! Stop in now.

2933 S. 108th Street | Omaha, NE 68144 | 402-343-9406 | christiannobel.com

10 | The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019

Y

Jewish Federation of omaha Foundation: Year-end Tax Planning ear-end has always been an advantageous time to review certain strategies to reduce overall income tax liability. And now that it has been almost two years since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“2017 tax act”) was enacted, it’s important to review some traditional tax planning strategies as well as to determine Howard EpstEin whether some new techniques could Executive Director, help cut your federal and state tax bills. JFO Foundation determine Your tax Bracket One of the first steps to take is to estimate your 2019 tax bracket. e top bracket this year is 37 percent for married couples filing jointly with adjusted gross incomes greater than $612,350. e other rates for joint filers are 35 percent for incomes over 408,200; 32 percent for incomes over $321,450; 24 percent for incomes over $168,400; 22 percent for incomes over $78,950; 12 percent for incomes over $19,400; and 10 percent for incomes of $19,400 or less. If you expect to be in the same or lower tax bracket in 2020, it may be beneficial to defer taxable income until next year or reduce this year’s taxable income. However, one of the key changes made by the 2017 tax act, the large increase in the standard deduction discussed below, must be factored into any year-end calculations.

Action Item: Shi some of your tax burden to a future year.

Tried and true strategies for lowering your tax bill include de-

ferring receipt of a bonus payment to 2020, accelerating remaining deductions into this year by prepaying a deductible expense, maximizing contributions to qualified retirement plans, or making larger charitable gis. Put those saved tax dollars in your pocket rather than the government’s. itemize or standard deduction?

One of the most significant changes in the 2017 tax act was the dramatic increase in the standard deduction. For 2019, married couples filing jointly can claim a standard deduction of $24,400 ($25,300 for those over age 65). It is estimated that because of this increase, coupled with the $10,000 limitation to the deduction for state and local taxes and the elimination of other deductible items, less than 10 percent of all taxpayers will be itemizing their deductions for the 2019 tax year.

If you claimed itemized deductions in the past, you may now want to consider “bunching” those deductions into one year in order to exceed the standard deduction amount and claim the standard deduction in other years. Perhaps the easiest itemized deduction to bunch is that for charitable contributions. One way to accomplish this is to combine tax-deductible contributions that would otherwise be given in two or more years into one.

Action Item: Make charitable contributions in the “bunching” year to a new or existing donor advised fund (“DAF”) offered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Claim the charitable deduction in the year you make the contributions and spread distributions to charities over several years.

Another 2017 tax act change that increased the annual cap on cash contributions to charity from 50 percent of adjusted gross

income to 60 percent can make “bunching” even more attractive. investment assets 2019 continues to be another good year for the stock market and other investment assets. In fact, all the major stock market indicies reached record highs during the first week of November. As year-end approaches, it is an opportune time to review your investment portfolio and consider timing the recognition of capital gains and losses for assets held longterm - more than one year - and short-term. e top income tax rate on long-term capital gains remains at 20 percent. (a 3.8 percent tax on net investment income could also apply).

Your capital asset review should consider a gi of appreciated securities to an account at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. You can avoid paying any capital gains tax on the value of securities transferred to the Foundation, and you may be able to receive a charitable contribution deduction for the full fair market value of the securities at the time of the gi.

Action Item: Consider giing appreciated stock held for more than one year. Such gis are fully deductible up to 30 percent of adjusted gross income and any excess can generally be carried forward and be deductible for up to an additional five years.

Action Item: Donate appreciated stock, to establish or add to an existing donor-advised fund at the Foundation, or to add to or establish an endowment at the Foundation. ese are excellent ways to maximize tax savings from such gis.

Action Item: Sell depreciated stock, recognize the tax loss and then give the proceeds to the Foundation for the charitable causes you select.

Action Item: For gis received before Dec. 31, 2019, the Foundation is offering matching grants for charitable gis to new or existing endowments. Matching funds are limited, so act now. are you over 70 1/2?

If you are at least 70 1/2 years old and are considering donating to charity, it may be more beneficial to make the donation from an individual retirement account. Over the past ten years, many individuals have utilized the IRA charitable rollover to transfer up to $100,000 each year directly from their IRAs to public charities such as the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Qualified charitable distributions can count against the “required minimum distribution” amount but note that transfers to a DAF, supporting organization, or a private foundation do not qualify). An IRA Charitable Rollover is not deductible, but because it is not included in gross income, the net effect may be the same as it would have been had you made a charitable contribution. As a bonus, you do not have to itemize to get the tax benefit of your gi, so you can still claim the higher standard deduction under the 2017 tax act.

Action Item: Federal tax regulations prohibit donor-advised funds from receiving IRA charitable rollovers, however, you can use your IRA Charitable Rollover to pay your Annual Federation Campaign pledge, establish a Lion of Judah or Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment or use it to establish an endowment fund to support a charitable cause of your passion. Note that your IRA rollover distribution cannot be made to the Foundation. It can, however, be made directly to the Federation. e Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation staff is ready and willing to work with you and your other professional advisors to maximize the benefits of these and other tax planning strategies for you and Omaha’s Jewish community.

For more information, contact Howard Epstein at 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org. is is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax or financial advice. When considering gi planning strategies, you should always consult with your own legal and tax advisors.

The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019 | 11

Above and below: Attending the Klutznick Symposium on Jews and Gender were Ben Justman, Steve Riekes and Jeannette Gabriel; Leonard Greenspoon, Gail Labovitz and Mara Cohen Ioannides.

Above: Red Ribbon Week at Friedel Jewish Academy means learning to stay drug-free and dressing up every day.

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.

Below and right: Beth El recently had its annual family day Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. Pictured below are Adam and Abby Kutler with sons Henry and Sam, accompanied by Debi Kutler at left.

Above and below: Beth Israel Sisterhood Luncheon chairs Bette Kozlen and Helene Shrago; Andrea Schnayder modeled in the Von Maur show.

Right: On Sunday, Oct. 27 the JCC offered a well attended Goat Yoga class.

Above: Students from UNO visit the Rose BLumkin Jewish Home to do art projects with Residents each Thursday.

12 | The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019

viewpoint thejewishpress

(Founded in 1920) abby Kutler President annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer

Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Jill Idelman, Andy Isaacson, Natasha Kraft, Andrew Miller, Eric Shapiro, 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@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.org.

Letters to the editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org.

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view.

Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

american Jewish Press association award Winner

Nebraska Press as- National Newspaper sociation association award winner 2008

W

No answers

aNNeTTe vaN de KamP-WriGHT Editor, Jewish Press hen the news broke last week that over three dozen gravestones had been vandalized at Temple Israel Cemetery, it was sad in a too-familiar way. Then, it turned out the actual number was closer to 70. What do we do with such news?

Since the investigation is ongoing, we’re not addressing the details here. That is Temple Israel’s clergy, lay leadership and staff’s role and that of JFO CEO Alan Potash and JFO President Jon Meyers. We are also not publishing a list of which stones were damaged—even if we did have those facts, which we don’t, it is a private matter between Temple Israel and the families affected.

I cannot tell you how many stories I have read over the past ten years that reported graveyard vandalism. Sometimes there is graffiti, sometimes there isn’t, sometimes it is the result of juvenile behavior and sometimes it is an organized effort by neo-Nazis. The perpetrators are rarely caught; they commit their crimes in the dead of night and by the time the damage is discovered, they are long gone.

It happens worldwide, at least once per week and no country is immune.

What does it take to go into a cemetery and knock down over 75 gravestones? And how should we as a community respond? Do the people who did this even know they’ve caused emotional turmoil beyond the physical damage?

Dr. Renee Garfinkel writes: “Cemeteries are attractive to juvenile vandals, as they are easy targets with minimal security. Adolescents—usually male, but also female—find the darkness and quiet comfortable locations for underage drinking and other illegal activities. The vandalism that follows is part of the antisocial package—with the added psychological edge of

fear of death, defiance of death, "triumph" over death.”

(Psychologytoday.com) She continues: “But the U.S. and Europe have recently seen a rise in another kind of cemetery attack. Not vandalism, but hate crimes. Not opportunistic, but selective.

Not psychologically motivated, but politically meaningful.

Hundreds of gravestones in Jewish cemeteries around the country have been destroyed and overturned in an expression of antiSemitism that has significant historical roots.

Jews consider the land in which they bury their dead to be sacred ground, and cemetery destruction is a deeply felt defilement.”

Without knowing who is responsible, if this indeed was a case of juvenile delinquency or whether something more nefarious, is it even possible to formulate a response? I honestly don’t know. There is a big difference between the two and motivation does matter. At the same time, it hurts regardless, but I think in this case the ‘not-knowing’ makes it worse.

We can imagine all kinds of gruesome scenarios-- we’ve become very good at that, especially since cemetery desecration is nothing new. We’ve been here before.

“The opposite of desecration is consecration: the act of making something sacred,” wrote Daniel Torday after the vandalism in Philadelphia’s Mount Carmel Jewish cemetery. “It is a thing we do ourselves. We choose to give ho-

liness and sanctity to our dead. In making their resting places sacred we lend them meaning. I have been wondering what it means when people vandalize a cemetery, whether it is in Philadelphia, or in Eastern Europe.”

(NPr.org) He can wonder that for the rest of his life—as can we.

It’s entirely probably we’ll never know who did this and

Credit: Omaha Crimestoppers

why. I tell my children to do what we always do. Give more to charity, do an extra Mitzvah, put this paper down and tell someone you love them. Fight darkness with light always. Don’t let anger and fear consume us- we have to be better than that. Act, don’t react: it’s easier said than done, for sure, but do we really have a choice?

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.

What the fall of the Berlin Wall meant for Eastern European Jews

Liam Hoare VIENNA | JTA “Neither ox nor donkey can block the path to socialism,” the East German leader Erich Honecker boldly declared on Aug. 14, 1989. Less than three months later, on Nov. 9, the Berlin Wall would fall.

Newsweek’s then-Berlin bureau chief Michael Meyer called 1989 the year that changed the world.

In “We the People,” British historian Timothy Garton Ash described the opening of the Berlin Wall as “a moment of emancipation and liberation.” Ron Zuriel, a Jewish photography enthusiast, went to the wall frequently in the days following Nov. 9 to capture the moment. He told Mark Kurlansky for his 1995 book A Chosen Few that East Germans “came into a different world.”

Thirty years later, Garton Ash acknowledges that across Central and Eastern Europe, “the reality” of post-Berlin Wall Europe “did not live up to the dream.” Such is the nature of revolution on the one hand, though it is certainly true that the fruits of 1989 were not evenly shared.

But if one community can be said to have been entirely transformed by the Velvet Revolutions of that year and the sometimes-bumpy transition from communism to democracy, it would be Eastern European Jewry.

After 1945, Holocaust survivors in Western Europe, augmented by immigrants from Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union and North Africa, were able to rebuild Jewish life following the destructive fascist experience. But Judaism under communism became what Kurlansky describes in “A Chosen Few” as a “death cult.” Though community bonds remained, religion and Zionism were anathema to communism. Jewish identity became a secret and Judaism itself withered.

Things began to change in the late 1980s when non-Jews in Poland, for example, took a renewed interest in Judaism, leading to the birth of the Krakow Jewish Culture Festival. Yet it was only post-1989, after the communist monopoly on power had been eradicated, that Jewish life itself could be revived.

There were teething problems, particularly in Ger-

many, as Kurlansky captured. Separated for 40 years, the two Germanys had developed two Judaisms.

“The biggest event of the year at the [East Berlin] synagogue was the annual memorial to Kristallnacht,” Kurlansky writes, adding that though there was an official East German Jewish Community that put on lectures and cultural events, for most Jews in the GDR, their new religion was socialism.

After reunification, East Germans felt that they had been colonized by the West, their institutions dissolved and way of life dismissed.

tion of Jewish leadership like Alek Oskar, president of Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria, has arisen to take the reins of community institutions.

And the freedom to travel and the birth of cheap air travel has strengthened Eastern European Jewry’s connection to Israel, as did programs like the Jewish Agency’s MiNYamin Fellowship.

The fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolutions of 1989 made all this possible. It was a victory for Jewish life. Communism could not provide the conditions necessary to live as a minority, be one Jewish, Roma or LGBT. Only liberal democracy offers the basis for stable Jewish life in Europe. This means not only the freedom of speech and thought, assembly and association, but also the right to private and family life and, as important, the rule of law and equal treatment thereunder.

Of course, whether in Hungary — an authoritarian state The Berlin Wall opens in November 1989. with a democratic facade where Credit: Patrick PIEL/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images neo-Nazis recently demonIntracommunal conflict and questions surround- strated in front of a Jewish-run community center — ing financial sustainability have not gone away. Still, or Poland, those conditions are now being deliberto survey the past 30 years is to witness Judaism, ately undermined and the gifts of 1989 squandered. once buried, being brought back into existence.

“We know you can turn an aquarium into fish Anyone who has reported from the region since the soup,” so went the joke picked up by Garton Ash fall of the Berlin Wall has heard their own stories in 1989, “but can you turn fish soup back into an of young people whose parents unearthed their aquarium?”

Jewishness, bequeathing to their children a secret The challenge after the fall of the Berlin Wall that they knew need not be hidden any longer. was, in other words, tremendous. Its anniversary Since 1989, Judaism in Eastern Europe has mul- is a reminder not just of the work that has been tiplied. The work of the JDC and Hillel Interna- done in the name of liberty, democracy and retional, Moishe House and the Lauder Foundation building Jewish life in Central and Eastern Europe has given birth to new Jewish schools, community but that which is still to come. and cultural centers in Warsaw and Krakow, BuLiam Hoare is Europe Editor for Moment. He dapest and Timisoara, and with it, new avenues lives in Vienna where he reports on politics, culture, and approaches to Judaism. Synagogues like and Jewish life in Austria and the wider region.

Fraenkelufer in Berlin have been rejuvenated, new The views and opinions expressed in this article are communities including Warsaw’s Reform Beit those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the Warszawa established, while the post-’89 genera- views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019 | 13

Violent white supremacy is on the rise. Here’s how we stop it.

OreN SeGAl NEW YORK | JTA The year since the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh has been a time of reflection, grief and increased anxiety within the American Jewish community.

It has also been an incredibly demanding time at the Anti-Defamation League, and the Center on Extremism in particular, where our team of researchers investigates and responds to extremism, anti-Semitism and all forms of hate in real time — sometimes thwarting violence before it happens.

While the shooting in Pittsburgh — the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in American history — was shocking, it did not surprise those of us who spend most of our waking hours tracking hate, because we know hate, online and off, can move extremists to violence.

In the years prior to the shooting in Pittsburgh, the team of researchers I led witnessed and documented a resurgence of white supremacy. This was evident in the record number of propaganda distributions nationwide and in countless online spaces, where violence is glorified and hate is half-masked in “ironic” memes. Even as we saw the evidence building, we hoped the worst was behind us.

Americans are no strangers to white supremacist carnage — the vicious attacks in Oak Creek and Charleston speak to its long history in this country. But the shooting in Pittsburgh spoke to a different type of violence: one that was celebrated in plain sight on online platforms and forums, but was, paradoxically, more difficult to detect and root out.

In the year since then, a pattern has emerged, garnering increased attention to certain hateful online repositories: white men, radicalized by racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia, act violently on their beliefs, which they amplify via a final post to their toxic online communities, often including urgent calls to action and blueprints for deadly violence.

There is some solace in knowing that we are not helpless in the face of such overt, pervasive hatred and violence. For every Pittsburgh or Poway, several murderous plots have been foiled by law enforcement.

Our ultimate goal, of course, is to stop violence before it happens. This isn’t always possible, but sometimes it is: Three times in the last year,

our analysis and actionable intelligence has led directly to arrests and criminal charges.

In March 2019, ADL’s Center on Extremism identified a white supremacist espousing anti-Semitism and racial violence on the social media platform Minds.com. His screen name was “King Shekels.” We shared the information with federal and local law enforcement, highlighting his radical ideology, calls for violence, weapon possession, criminal activity

These were just two of at least 12 white supremacists who have been arrested for their alleged roles in terrorist plots, attacks or threats against American Jews since the Pittsburgh attack. But for every domestic extremist we identify, keeping up with all the threats can be a challenge. That’s why it is critical for federal, state and local governments to provide additional resources to help law enforcement investigate potentially violent extremists.

I wish I could say things are getting better. But as relentless as this last year has been, the next 12 months could prove to be even more trying. Bigotry and outright calls for violence continue to proliferate across a range of online platforms.

We all hope things get better. We all wish the violence would stop. But that does not relieve us of our responsibility to do the work, to remain vigilant and to go where the hate is.

ADL’s goal is to make the invisible visible – we shine a light on extremism and hate in order to mitigate its impact. We educate the public and alert law enforcement to potential threats. We supply our expertise and quantify the problem, and maintain a H.E.A.T. Map that identifies hate-motivated incidents by geographic location. And we advocate for legisMembers of the National Socialist Movement, one of the largest neo-Nazi lation that aims to reduce hate crimes and hate violence. groups in the US, hold a swastika burning after a rally on April 21, 2018 in I’m often asked how I and members of my team do this Draketown, Georgia.

Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images work day after day. Honestly, there’s a psychological toll, but and evidence of his location. He has since been charged by federal pros- that’s eased somewhat by the commitment of my colleagues, who are ecutors with posting online hate messages and threats, including inter- dedicated to mitigating the threat of extremist violence, and whose work state transmission of threats to injure the person of another, based in has powerful real-world impact. part on a digital image that appears to show himself pointing an AR-15 Everything we do is informed and inspired by the memory of all those rifle at a congregation of Jewish men. who have lost their lives to hatred and bigotry, including the memory of On Aug. 8, the FBI arrested Conor Climo, a Las Vegas-based security the 11 who lost their lives one year ago in Pittsburgh. guard, on weapons charges for possession of an unregistered firearm.

Oren Segal is Director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Center He was allegedly plotting to attack LGBTQ and Jewish community tar- on Extremism. gets, including a synagogue and a regional ADL office. Months earlier, in The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author June 2019, my colleagues provided law enforcement officials with warn- and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, ings about Climo’s threats against synagogues and online links to white 70 Faces Media. supremacists and threats against synagogues.

hanukkah publishing date | 12.13.19 space reservation | 11.25.19

Contact our advertising executive to promote your business in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

14 | The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019

synagogues B’nai israel synaGoGue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705

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 synaGoGue

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on friday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Richard Fellman. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg wil follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information on our historic synagogue, contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Howard Kutler, Carole Lainof, Wayne Lainof, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf, or email nancywolf16620@gmail.com.

Handicap Accessible.

Beth el synaGoGue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friDay: Pre-Neg, 5:30 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; saturDay: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Ethics of Media with David Kotok and Kenneth Freed, noon. weekDay serVices: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunDay: BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Miriam Initiative Fitness Sampler, 10 a.m. at the JCC; Kevah Family Program (Grades 3-5), 10:30 a.m.; Yiddish Class, 11 a.m. with Hazzan Krausman; In[HEIR]itance Project Performance, 7 p.m. tuesDay: Mahjong, 1 p.m.; Chesed Committee visits Remington Heights, 2:30 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. weDnesDay: BESTT Classes (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6:30 p.m.; Beit Midrash Giving Jewishly, 7:30 p.m. thursDay: Brachot and Breakfast, 7 a.m.

USY Kinnus (Grades 9-12), friday-sunday, nov. 22-24.

NE AIDS Coaltion Lunch, friday, nov. 22, 11:30 a.m.– 1 p.m. Joan Marcus serves lunch once a month at the Nebraska AIDS Project, and she needs baked goods for dessert.

Contact Joan if you can help by donating baked goods.

Thanksgiving Service and Dinner, sunday, nov. 24, 6 p.m. at St. Luke Methodist Church.

BESTT Thanksgiving Break, wednesday, nov. 27-sunday, Dec. 1. There will be no BESTT or Hebrew High classes or Jr. Congregation during Thanksgiving Break

Beth israel synaGoGue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer friDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Candle Lighting, 4:47 p.m. saturDay: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 3:45 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:49 p.m. sunDay: Shacharit, 9 am.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH. monDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Jewish Philosophy, noon with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH. tuesDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH. weDnesDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH. thursDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Character Development, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Talmud, noon at UNMC; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH.

chaBaD house

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. friDay: Shacharit, 8 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saturDay: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. weekDays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. sunDay: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday Secrets, 9:15 p.m. following Minyan. monDay: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. weDnesDay: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introduction to Reading Hebrew, 10:30 a.m. thursDay: Intermediate Hebrew Reading and Prayer, 11 a.m.; Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman.

All programs are open to the entire community. For more information call 402.330.1800 or visit www.ochabad.com.

conGreGation B’nai Jeshurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. friDay: Erev Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m. with music by Leslie Delserone & Peter Mullin. We welcome our guests Pastor Dorothy Smith and her Humboldt/Table Rock United Methodist confirmation class; Oneg, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 4:50 p.m. saturDay: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Vayera; Potluck Dinner and Game Night, 6 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:19 p.m. sunDay: The Global Day of Jewish Learning, 9:30 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Jewish Book Club Meeting, 2 p.m. at Gere Library, 2400 S. 56th St (South 56th & Normal Blvd) and will discuss Spies of No Country by Matti Friedman; Feeding the Kids at F Street Rec Center, 2:30 p.m. tuesDay: Ladies’ Lunch, noon at Copal Progressive Mexican Cuisine, 4747 Pioneers Blvd. Let Deborah Swearingen (402.476.7528) know if you plan to attend if you need a ride; Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:30 p.m. weDnesDay: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI. LJCS Shabbat Family Service and Meal, friday, nov. 22 at 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Join with the teachers and children of the LJCS as we usher in the Sabbath and celebrate the consecration of this year's LJCS students. Services will be followed by a meal prepared by the LJCS Gesher students.

Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, sunday, nov. 24, 3 p.m. at First Christian Church, 430 S. 16th Street in Lincoln. Following the service, a reception will be provided by the members of First Christian Church, allowing people of all faiths the opportunity to get to know one another. You are invited to bring a dessert to share if you would like. You may also bring a donation of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Lincoln.

offutt air force Base

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

rose Blumkin Jewish home

saturDay: Services, 9:15 a.m.

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

temple israel

friDay: Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service with Margaret Wheatley, 6 p.m. saturDay: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Job feierstein, son of Heather Feierstein and Seth Feierstein; OTYG Social Action Day, 1:30 p.m. sunDay: Youth Learning Programs PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Grade 5 B’nai Mitzvah Date Ceremony, 10:30 a.m.; Kids’ Choir Rehearsal, noon. tuesDay: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. weDnesDay: More Than a Joke - A Tri-Faith Symposium You’re Not the Boss of Me (Or Are You?): Law, Conscience and Community in Religious Decision-Making, Lunch and Learn, noon at Temple Israel; Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Community Dinner, 6 p.m. Menu: vegetarian lasagna, en-

hanced salad bar, dessert. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536; Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m.; Omaha Beit Midrash Giving Jewishly: Dignity, Compassion & Priorities in Tzedakah, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Beth El. Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, sunday, nov. 24, 5 p.m. at Countryside Community Church. All are welcome to join the many participating Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faith communities to celebrate our diversity and our unity in a collaborative service of worship, song, and prayer. This year, Countryside Community Church will be hosting the 24th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service. The service begins at 5 p.m. All 7th-12th graders are invited beforehand, at 3:30 p.m., to a pizza party before the service. As always, there will be a free will offering that will be donated to Together Inc. Rosh Chodesh: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know about (and See at) the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m. Hosted by Wendy Hamilton and Susie Norton. The evening begins with a reception including light appetizers and an introduction to the FPBCC by Temple Israel’s own Dr. Ken Cowan, Director, FPBCC. Followed by small-group tours of this groundbreaking patient care and research facility, including the amazing Healing Arts Program and Chihuly Sanctuary. RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536,

by Friday, Nov. 22. Cost is $18 per person. Please make checks payable to Temple Israel. Questions? Please contact Susie, susie.norton@cox.net or 402.212.2614.

Temple Israel Blood Drive, sunday, Dec. 15, 8:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Make your appointment now to donate your life saving gift! Register by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Questions? Contact Executive Director Dennis DePorte, 402.556.6536.

tifereth israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friDay: No Services; Candlelighting, 4:51 p.m. saturDay: Shabbat Service, 10 a.m. followed by light a kiddush lunch; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m. followed by a snack; Havdalah (72 minutes), 5:51 p.m. sunDay: The Global Day of Jewish Learning, 9:30 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel. This year's theme is Speaking Volumes (The Power of Words); LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. tuesDay: Ladies’ Lunch, noon at Copal Progressive Mexican Cuisine, 4747 Pioneers Blvd. Let Deborah Swearingen (402.476.7528) know if you plan to attend if you need a ride. weDnesDay: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI. LJCS Shabbat Family Service and Meal, friday, nov. 22 at 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Join with the teachers and children of the LJCS as we usher in the Sabbath and celebrate the consecration of this year's LJCS students. Services will be followed by a meal prepared by the LJCS Gesher students.

The Eighth Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, sunday, nov. 24, 3 p.m., at First Christian Church, 430 S. 16th St., Lincoln. Following the service, a reception will be provided by the members of First Christian Church, allowing people of all faiths the opportunity to get to know one another. You are invited to bring a dessert to share if you would like. You may also bring a donation of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Lincoln.

Dozens of rockets fired from Gaza marcy oster JERUSALEM | JTA Dozens of rockets were fired on southern and central Israel aer the Israeli army killed a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader in Gaza. e rockets began targeting Israeli civilians at about 5 a.m. Tuesday, an hour aer what the Israel Defense Forces called a “surgical strike” on Baha Abu Al Ata. In a statement, the IDF said that Abu al-Ata was a “ticking time bomb” with plans to carry out rocket attacks and other terrorist activities against Israel “in the coming days,” and also was directly responsible for several cases of rocket fire from Gaza on southern Israel over the past six months. e terrorist leader’s wife also was reported to have been killed in the attack on the room in

which Abu al-Ata was sleeping.

“We had an opportunity and we took advantage of it,” IDF Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Hedi Silberman said in the statement. He said the IDF was not adopting a renewed policy of “targeted killings.”

Code Red rocket alerts sounded in Israeli communities in southern Israel and in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Holon, Bat Yam and Modiin.

As of 1 p.m., about 150 rockets had been fired on Israel. e Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted at least 60 of the rockets. Several homes sustained direct hits or damage from the rockets, as did a factory and a highway. No one was reported injured in the attacks. see rockets fired fron Gaza page 15

The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019 | 15

lifecycles in memoRiam

Renee plotkin handleman

Renee Plotkin Handleman passed away on Nov. 4 at age 87.

She was preceded in death by husband Morris Handleman, siblings Natalie Giventer, Marilyn Ginsberg and Norman Plotkin.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Allan and Maureen Handleman, daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Stuart Shkolnick, and Gail and Peter Lobin; grandchildren: Jacob and Holly Shkolnick, Jordan Shkolnick, Jillian Shklonick, Abby and Dustin Rima, Tommy and Grace Handleman, Izzy Lobin and Luci Lobin; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Employee Appreciation Fund, or the organization of your choice.

Rockets fired from Gaza

continued from page 14 Schools from communities on the border with Gaza in the south all the way to Tel Aviv were ordered closed on Tuesday, leaving more than 1 million school children at home. Businesses also were ordered closed on Tuesday morning, though the ban on workers coming to their jobs in Tel Aviv was lied as long as there the business had a bomb shelter nearby. e Israel Defense Forces waited several hours before carrying out retaliatory attacks on Gaza, though it did strike at least one rocket launcher in northern Gaza on Tuesday morning. One Palestinian man was reported killed in that strike. e retaliatory attacks were aimed at Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza, the IDF said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address to the nation that the strike on Abu al-Ata was approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet 10 days ago, noting that he was planning more and imminent rocket attacks on Israel. e IDF was told to strike when it found an opportunity, he said.

Netanyahu informed Blue and White party head Benny Gantz, a former IDF chief of staff who is working to form a coalition government, of the plans to assassinate Abu al-Ata ahead of the strike.

Gantz offered his support for the assassination. “e fight against terror is ongoing and requires moments in which difficult decisions must be made. e political echelon and the IDF made the right decision last night for all Israeli citizens and the residents of the South,” he said in a statement.

michael edwaRd moGil

Michael Edward Mogil passed away on Oct. 30 at age 80. Services were held Nov. 3 at Temple Israel.

He was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Ethel Mogil.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Suzi; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Leslie Mogil of Bellaire, TX; daughter, Traci of New York, NY; grandchildren: Eli, Blythe and Owen Mogil; sister, Patricia Mogil of Omaha; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Barb Seglin of Lincoln; many nieces, nephews and great-nephews.

Memorials may be made to Temple Israel, Henry Doorly Zoo or the organization of your choice.

“Blue and White will support all appropriate decisions made for the security of the State and will put the security of all of its residents above politics. Every terrorist who threatens our security should know that he will end up dead.” e head of the Joint List of Arab parties, Ayman Odeh, in a tweet accused Netanyahu of ordering the strike to improve his political prospects, calling it a “scorched earth” action “in a desperate attempt to remain in office.”

Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin offered his support to the Israeli military, saying in a statement that “I know that they and the Israeli government that approved the operation, have Israel’s security, and only that, in their minds.”

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi said the Israeli military was planning for an escalation in violence from Gaza in the wake of killing of Abu al-Ata. e Islamic Jihad military wing, the Al-Quds Brigade, said in a statement that its response to the assassination “will have no limits and will be equal to the size of the crime that the criminal enemy perpetrated.” e Hamas terror organization which controls Gaza said it would not let the attack on Abu al-Ata pass without a “punishment.” e European Union in a statement condemned the rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. “e firing of rockets on civilian populations is totally unacceptable and must immediately stop. A rapid and complete de-escalation is now necessary to safeguard the lives and security of Palestinian and Israeli civilians,” the statement said.

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers.

Pulverent e MONUMENT CO.

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th

402-341-2452

Tritz Plumbing Inc. 402-894-0300 www.tritz.com repair • remodel

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

nebRaska statewide classifieds

attention adVeRtiseRs! For $225/25 word classified you can advertise in over 155 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact your local newspaper or call 1-800-369-2850.

diaGnosed with Lung Cancer? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation, No risk! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help you!!

Call 24/7, 888-564-6030.

affoRdable pRess Release service. Send your message to 157 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

send faiRYtale Brownies - Over 25% off for the holidays! Christmas Brownie Bliss - 36 pc. bite-size. Belgian Chocolate. Six Flavors. Only $39.95 + Free Shipping. Order now, ship later! Call 1-855-551-2941 and ask for item CR436L or visit www.brownies.com/m97175. coUntY seat Newspaper for sale: Excellent opportunity in a thriving Central Nebraska community. Loyal subscribers and advertisers. Recent upgrades - computers and website. Serious inquiries. Call 402-476-2851. fRontieR commUnications Internet Bundles. Serious Speed! Serious Value! Broadband Max - $19.99/month or Broadband Ultra $67.97/month. Both include Free Wi Fi Router. Call for details! 1-888-3671545. dish netwoRk $59.99 for 190 Channels. Add High Speed Internet for Only $19.95/month. Call today for $100 Gift Card! Best Value & Technology. Free Installation. Call 1-877-688-4784 (Some restrictions apply).

Get nfl Sunday Ticket Free w/DirecTV Choice All-Included Package. $59.99/month for 12 months. 185 Channels Plus Thousands of Shows/Movies On Demand. Free Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Call 1-855-9773794. spectRUm tRiple Play. TV, Internet & Voice for $99.97 /month.

Fastest Internet. 100 MB per second speed. Free Primetime on Demand.

Unlimited Voice. No contracts. Call 1-855-389-3104 or visit http://tripleplaytoday.com/nebraska

fda-ReGisteRed Hearing Aids. 100% risk-free! 45-day home trial.

Comfort fit. Crisp clear sound. If you decide to keep it, pay only $299 per aid. Free Shipping. Call Hearing Help Express, 1-855-763-2604.

medical-GRade Hearing Aids for less than $200! FDA-Registered.

Crisp, clear sound, state-of-the-art features & no audiologist needed. Try it risk free for 45 days! Call 1-855-753-6493. pUt on your TV ears and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95, now with this special offer are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-855-404-3553.

poRtable oXYGen Concentrator? May be covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-385-3580.

eliminate GUtteR cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a Free LeafFilter estimate today.

15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. Plus Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-671-2859. inVentoRs: fRee information package. Have your product idea developed affordably by the Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers. Call 1-877-581-2504 for a Free Idea Starter Guide. Submit your idea for a free consultation.

help wanted: The Village of Holbrook is seeking applicants for the fulltime position of Public Works Superintendent. Municipal/supervisory experience is preferred, but not required. E-mail resume to holbrookvil@atcjet.net. EOE haVe 10k in Debt? National Debt Relief is rated A-Plus with the BBB. You could be debt free in 24-48 months. Call 1-866-834-5927 now for a free debt evaluation.

become a Published Author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing - trusted by authors since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for your free Author’s Guide, 1-877-8582822 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/Nebraska. donate YoUR car, truck or boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, tax deductible, free towing. All paperwork taken care of. Call 1877-730-8167.

16 | The Jewish Press | November 15, 2019

Save the date FOR THE

roaring twenties soirée IN CELEBRATION OF THE

JEWISH PRESS CENTENNIAL SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020 4–7 PM INVITATION TO FOLLOW