November 16, 2018

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

JFS awarded grant for Suicide Prevention and Education

O

Percussion conversations unite generations Page 7

Omaha Jewish Film Festival: Heading Home

JWRP MOMentum trip Pages 8 & 9

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

NO V EMBER 1 6 , 2 0 1 8 | 8 K ISLEV 5 7 7 9 | V O L. 9 9 | NO . 6 | c a ND leli G h ti NG | FRID AY , NO V EMBER 1 6 , 4 : 4 6 P. M.

kareN GuStaFSON JFS Executive Director n Oct. 19, Jewish Family Service was notified of a grant award from the Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation (A private Foundation within the Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services Private Foundations).

The Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation’s mission is to predominantly support qualified Jewish organizations and charities throughout the United States. It was brought to my attention by my friend and grant writer Lisa Fox, owner of Fox Creek Fundraising. Lisa provided the knowledge of the grant and editing services, while I wrote the majority of the grant.

It proved to be a winning combination of talents!

Unlikely Heroes, The Place of Holocaust Rescuers in Research and Training Page 4

12 14 15

WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG

SPONSOreD by the beNJaMiN aND aNNa e. WieSMaN FaMily eNDOWMeNt FuND

Mark kirchhOFF Community Engagement and Education Has-beens and wanna-bes. Some trying to make a comeback in Major League Baseball, some trying to get a start. All of them Jews. All of them eager to play on the Israeli baseball team that was ranked among the best in 2017 and became eligible to compete in the prestigious international tournament – the World Baseball Classic. Heading Home: The Tale of

Team Israel is an uplifting, moving, intimate sports documentary that tells the inspiring story of a team of nice Jewish baseball players who take on the world. There is no doubt that this film will be a popular conclusion to the 17th Annual Omaha Jewish Film Festival when it is screened on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. How could “Mensch on a Bench” not prove to be humorous, and at the same time inspirational?

More than a baseball story, this film also is a moving narrative of American Jews visiting Israel for the first time and experiencing their Judaism in ways they never had before. One reviewer of the film offered that “Another description for the squad could be ‘Team Birthright,’ as in the free trip to Israel for Jews under age 26.”

See Omaha Jewish Film Festival page 4

There are numerous reasons for the decision to write the Grant for Suicide Prevention and Education; the most important of which is our very own community members who have lost a loved one to suicide. Knowing some of the families and understanding their passion to “do something,” I wanted to reassure them that people listen and care about their loss; and, that there are prevention strategies that can help. Another reason includes the high rate of suicides nationally, and Omaha is no exception.

According to 2017 data, reported by only two law enforcement agencies in Omaha, 100 suicides occurred representing the following age groups: six suicides were under the age of 18, 16 were 19-25 years See JFS awarded grant page 2

JCC Dance Training Company

rachel MartiN “It’s a lot more than just dance,” said Esther Katz, JCC Performing Arts Director, when describing the JCC Dance Training Company. It’s easy to sense Katz’s pride and joy regarding ‘her baby’ as she lights up when explaining what it means to be part of this distinct group.

“Training Company allows you to grow as a dancer and an artist,” Katz said. “You’re also putting yourself out there doing choreography, growing as a person, a team, volunteering, and being part of a community.” Katz’s passion for the JCC Dance Training Company stems

partly from her own positive experience growing up in a Company as an adolescent, and partly from her desire to create the same experience for young dancers today.

“Dance teaches you about time management and dedication with school and studio time,” Katz said.

“Putting yourself out there doing choreography is a huge thing on its own. We do lots of teambuilding, icebreakers, and separate the girls into mock families.”

These families work together to lead icebreaker activities for the entire group of dancers. The girls do See Jcc Dance page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018

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JFS awarded grant

Continued from page 1 old, 26 were 26-36 years old, 21 were 37-47, 17 were 48-58, 9 were 59 and up; and five were unknown.

Our grant was written to provide programming to ALL age groups. As is natural, we are all quick to respond to a death of a child, as we should be; however, as you can see by the statistics, ignoring the other “at risk” populations (which is EVERYONE) is just not an option.

With the grant award notification coming to us just recently, we are now in the process of developing our plan to deliver services specific to each age group. We hope to deliver at least two programs per age group over the next two years. We hope that whether you have been directly impacted by suicide or not, that you will attend one of our programs to learn how you can help a friend, family member or yourself. No one will be asked to disclose why they are in attendance. Our goal with this grant is to reach 2445 individuals, representing 30% of the entire Jewish community (according to the 2017 Community Study: A portrait of Jewish Omaha). We ask for your support to help us meet this lofty goal. If we can prevent even one more suicide from occurring in our community... we have collectively achieved success!

On a related note, JFS recently produced a 13-minute video called, What I Wish You Knew. The video represents seven young people (five from the Jewish community) sharing their

experiences and advice to others about their view of Mental Health. As of the writing of this story, we have shared this video with 17 local schools who are interested in using the video for programming with their students, and one organization who approached JFS about the video and is considering using it to recruit quality Foster Parents (this was an unexpected use but one of which we are very proud). Stay

tuned to the Jewish Press for a feature article on the video, how it came about and the donors involved. It was definitely a community effort.

I would like to leave you with two quotes that I found which represent JFS’ feelings about the subject of suicide, but also of the people that collectively call themselves “the Jewish community”: “Whoever preserves a single soul, it is as though she had preserved a whole world.” --The Talmud “A community is too heavy for any one person to carry alone.”--Deuteronomy

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The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018 | 3

Continued from page 1 the icebreakers to break up the dance rehearsals and incorporate teambuilding into the program. Families also do special things for each other such as birthday celebrations and going to dinner.

Katz explained this is the only company like this for high schoolers in the Omaha area. There are many competition teams and repertoire companies, but the JCC’s Company is about “the artistry and becoming good people as well as the dancing.”

The JCC Dance Training Company is for girls ages 12-18 in level 4 ballet or higher. In order to audition, participants must have at least five years’ experience in dance, but most have been dancing since they were little. Participants must also be currently taking at least three technique classes per week, though most dancers take many more than that. The audition includes an evaluation of each girl’s ability to demonstrate proper technique in ballet, modern, and jazz, but even more so, a passion for dance.

“Members of the Company have the opportunity to experience working with choreographers from around the city, choreographing their own pieces, and increasing their artistic sense of dance, in addition to technique,” Katz said. This year there will be four pieces choreographed by students in the Company. Katz elaborated that the Company also brings in three choreographers per year. Each outside choreographer auditions the Company to determine who they would like to use for their piece. “This is a great opportunity for our dancers to work with dancers in our community that they normally would not have the opportunity to work with.”

The Company came to fruition in 2010 right after the Omaha Jewish community hosted the JCC Maccabi Games.

Katz had wanted to create the Company for a long time and started it in honor of the late Mary Waugh Taylor, Katz’s former assistant, who passed away that summer.

Katz shared a George Balanchine quote that reflects her aspirations for the girls in the Company: “I don’t want people who want to dance; I want people to have to dance.” Katz added, “I look forward to seeing you dance from your hearts.”

Balanchine was a choreographer and co-founded the New York City Ballet.

In addition to having a dance background, once selected to be a member of the JCC Dance Training Company, each participant must sign a contract regarding her ability to exemplify specific qualities as a member. These qualities pertain to character and commitment to the Company including the following: attend at least three dance classes weekly, attend two rehearsals weekly, report all absences ahead of time, volunteer at dance parties and musical theater performances, be a role model to other dance students in the school, represent the Company in a professional manner, and be courteous to others. There are 17 dancers in the 2018-19 Training Com-

pany: 14 Company members and three apprentices. Apprentices perform in fewer pieces, are used as understudies, and are often newer members.

As a member of the Company, participants are expected to perform in several pieces throughout the year at schools, libraries, churches, and different benefits. Some of the reservations are standing, such as at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and the Training Company’s annual concert in March.

Though the Company does not charge a fee for its performances, many organizations insist on providing a stipend as a see JCC Dance Training Company page 6

Clo Loc sin atio gS n oo n!

JCC Dance

community

Not your Grandma’s hearing aid (But it could be)

Boys TowN Ear, NosE & ThroaT INsTITuTE Hearing aid technology has improved dramatically in recent years. What used to be an obnoxious and finicky device meant only for retirees has morphed to a non-intrusive, intelligent instrument that can be easily personalized when proper instruction is provided. automatically minimize background noise Older hearing aid technology amplified all environmental sounds the same. Now, directional microphones enable hearing aids to lessen the impact of background sounds and improve speech understanding.

Directional microphones enhance speech coming from the front of the user, while sounds that come from the sides or back are cut down. More advanced versions of this technology even allow for microphones that can automatically adjust to the location of the speech if the source is off to the side.

Connecting hearing aids to smart devices To accommodate the increased use of smart phones, iPads and smart televisions, hearing aid companies have invented assistive hearing devices that easily connect with other technology. Audio information can now be streamed from a phone or television directly to your hearing aid, either wirelessly or with additional equipment.

Greater battery life and rechargeable batteries Some hearing aid companies now offer rechargeable batteries.

Similar to other mobile devices, the hearing aids charge overnight in a docking station. Some types of rechargeable batteries can last 24 hours before needing another charge. ask an audiologist With countless options available, individuals interested in purchasing assistive hearing devices will benefit from working with an audiologist before making a purchase.

An audiologist can help determine what technology will enhance a user’s hearing aid experience and provide information about which manufacturers offer the desired features. He or she can also help determine what technology will be able to connect with certain hearing aids and teach the user how to use the features with ease.

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community

Omaha Jewish Film Festival

Continued from page 1 In the film, we get to follow the players with Jewish ties and a healthy sense of humor on an unexpectedly successful trip through Israel, Seoul and Tokyo.

Since this is our closing film and we’d like to make it a bit special, we invite you to a reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the gallery just outside the JCC Theater. Thanks to the generosity of the Klutznick/ Creighton Custodial Fund, the reception is included in your $5 ticket purchase for the film. Spend a few moments visiting with friends and enjoying some Team Israel-themed snacks before the movie begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $5 either in advance or at the box office. To purchase advance tickets and to view trailers, visit www.jewishomaha.org and click on the Film Festival top slider image.

The films for this year’s festival were selected by committee members (alphabetical order), Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich, Jared Berezin, JohnCarl Denkovich, David Golbitz, Margie Gutnik, Gloria Kaslow, Ophir Palmon, Matthew Reinarz, Ariella Rohr, Joe Rohr, Joel Schlessinger, and Eitan Tsabari. Jennie Gates Beckman, Director of Community Engagement and Education, Scott Littky, Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education, and Amanda Ryan, Administrative Assistant for the Institute for Holocaust Education were staff participants with the committee. Those interested in serving on the committee next year should contact Jennie Gates Beckman at 402.334.6445 or jbeckman@jewishomaha.org.

We extend our thanks to the generous sponsors of this year’s film festival: The Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith, and the following Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation funds: Klutznick/Creighton Custodial Fund, Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, Kenneth Ray Tretiak Memorial Fund, Ruth Frisch, Oscar S. Belzer Endowment Fund and the Avy L. & Roberta L. Miller Film Fund. Who Will Write Our History was funded in part by the Murray H. & Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation.

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!

Unlikely Heroes, The Place of Holocaust Rescuers in Research and Teaching

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annette van de kamp-wright Editor, Jewish Press he book Unlikely Heroes, The Place of Holocaust Rescuers in Research and Teaching, edited by Ari Kohen and Gerald J. Steinacher, is now available for preorder at https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/universityof-nebraska-press The collection includes a chapter titled Teaching the Lesson of Moral Courage through Writing by former Institute of Holocaust Education Executive Director Liz Feldstern and current IHE Administrative Assistant Amanda Ryan.

Classes and books on the Holocaust often center on the experiences of victims, perpetrators, and bystanders, but rescuers also occupy a prominent space in Holocaust courses and literature even though incidents of rescue were relatively few and rescuers constituted less than 1 percent of the population in Nazi-occupied Europe. As inspiring figures and role models, rescuers challenge us to consider how we would act if we found ourselves in similarly perilous situations of grave moral import. Their stories speak to us and move us.

Yet this was not always the case. Seventy years ago these brave men and women, today regarded as the Righteous

Among the Nations, went largely unrecognized; indeed, sometimes they were even singled out for abuse from their co-nationals for their selfless actions. Unlikely Heroes traces the evolution of the humanitarian hero, looking at the ways in which historians, politicians, and filmmakers have treated individual rescuers like Raoul Wallenberg and Oskar Schindler, as well as the rescue efforts of humanitarian organizations. Contributors in this edited collection also explore classroom possibilities for dealing with the role of rescuers, at both the university and the secondary level.

Ari Kohen is an associate professor of political science and Schlesinger Professor of Social Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is the author of In Defense of Human Rights: A Non-Religious Grounding in a Pluralistic World and Untangling Heroism: Classical Philosophy and the Concept of the Hero.

Gerald J. Steinacher is an associate professor of history and Hymen Rosenberg Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is the author of Humanitarians at War: The Red Cross in the Shadow of the Holocaust and Nazis on the Run: How Hitler’s Henchmen Fled Justice.

See Unlikely heroes page 6

great harvest Bread Co.: Your “go to” bakery for everything Thanksgiving!

Great Harvest Bread Co.-Omaha NE will again continue its 23 year Chip bread, or even made-from-scratch pumpkin or apple pies. tradition of offering a large variety of bread, dinner rolls, and speNew this year at the Rockbrook Village Great Harvest Bread Co. cialty bakery items for Thanksgiving 2018.

(10916 Elm Street) is our Bakery Café. There you can enjoy the most Our delicious handcrafted Thanksgiving dinner rolls are a customer delicious sandwiches made to your specifications, homemade soups, favorite. The varieties offered this year are Old Fashioned White salads, and a variety of fountain drinks. Brand new this year are the Rolls, Honey Whole Wheat Rolls, and Potato Rolls. mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches. Ordering is easy and the Want some time-tested holiday favorite breads? Be sure to try the choices are endless. Enjoy the “dine in” comfort of our new dining Great Harvest Stuffing Bread, which is delicious to eat, but also area while seeing and “smelling” fresh baked bread. pairs great with leftover turkey for sandwiches after the holiday. The Marian Cihacek, co-owner of Great Harvest Bread Co. in Omaha, NeCranberry Orange Bread contains an abundance of cranberries with a braska invites everyone to stop in to any of their three locations to see distinct orange flavor from crushed oranges and topped with orange all their Thanksgiving offerings. She wants to remind everyone that the zest. Houska, a traditional Czechoslovakian holiday bread, is made Thanksgiving menu items are in high demand, and that customers from a rich egg dough with golden raisins and whole almonds. should be sure to place their orders as early as possible to ensure easy pickup and guaranteed products for their Thanksgiving celebrations.

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The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018 | 5

Reminder: Beth Israel Blood Drive

Beth Israel will host a Red Cross Blood Drive in its Social Hall Sunday Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Scheduling your time slot ahead of time is essential to help with planning; if you don’t have the ability to register online, you can contact Faige Jeidel at 347.522.2668 or call the Beth Israel office at 402.556.6288.

In addition, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer will be giving a short class at 10 a.m. and at noon focusing on this great Mitzvah. Don’t have that much time to spare? The donation process itself from the time you arrive until you leave takes about an hour. That’s one hour to save a life.

Wells Fargo Wealth Management: Asher Stoller I am Asher Stoller. I live in Omaha, Nebraska and am a member of Temple Israel. My wife is Sara.

We have four children: Ava, Ruby, Lola and Sam. All of my children went to the Child Development Center through the Jewish Community Center.

I received my undergraduate degree in History of Art and a master’s degree in Kinesiology-Sports Management & Communications from the University of Michigan. I received my J.D. and M.B.A. from Creighton University.

I am a Financial Advisor of The Weissman Eppler Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based wealth management team for high net worth individuals and families.

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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.

Continued from page 3 thank you. The Company decides together how these funds will be used. Past stipends have gone toward costuming, choreographers and special lighting aspects for performances.

The Company has collaborated with many groups previously including Yachad, South High School and Omaha Area Youth Orchestra. The Company has also performed at Dance Chance Omaha, a monthly performance opportunity at the Bancroft Street. Art Gallery, and is invited to perform at the South High School Showcase. Though this event usually conflicts with the JCC’s own recital weekend, this year the Company is able to perform in both.

This year, the annual concert is a collaboration of the JCC Dance Training Company with visual painter David Patterson and dance photographer Julian Adair. The dance

Unlikely Heroes

Continued from page 4 “This volume provides an excellent resource for scholars and teachers on a number of important questions about rescuers,” Dominic Williams, Montague Burton Fellow in Jewish Studies at the University of Leeds, said.

“Not only what kind of people they were and

performances will likely use color to connect everything between the art and dance, according to Katz. The JCC Gallery will feature both Patterson’s and Adair’s work during the month of the concert and a reception will be held for their artwork after the concert on March 3, 2019, at 4 p.m.

Members of the JCC Dance Training Company are often recruited from the JCC dance program, but the Company is open to anyone in the community. Katz’s goal for the future of the Company is to grow the program in community outreach and performance opportunities.

For more information about the JCC Dance Training Company and JCC Performing Arts Department, contact Esther Katz, Performing Arts Director 402.334.6406 ekatz@jccomaha.org.

what motivated them but also what the category of rescuer includes and how rescuers have been remembered. It offers new insights into well-known cases of rescue and encourages consideration of lesser-known examples.

It also provides an excellent set of resources for teachers to reflect on their own practices.”

A new mystery from Manya Nogg

Omaha business owner, makeup artist, licensed Hawaiian and Chinese with a dash of Scottish. detective, world traveler and author, Manya Nogg, Her goal is to become the youngest captain on the has just released her third book. Her first was en- force, despite her aristocratic family pressuring titled Age is Just a Number and Mine is Unlisted – her to work in their banking empire. The last thing a Memoir of 60 Years in Show Business. Her secshe wants to do is babysit a new six-foot two, ond, and her first full-length mystery was A blue-eyed, blond partner. Woodrow Hawkins is Shadow in Venice, which as the name implies, is worn out from his job on the Boston police force set in Venice, Italy, one of Manya’s favorite cities. and undercover work in Asia. He thinks transferHer latest endeavor, The Aloha Murders, is also ring to the force in Honolulu will be an easy way set in a location she knows quite well – Hawaii. to finish out the rest of his career. He’s dead She and her husband, Alvin, spent many years eswrong. They must solve several unusual murders, caping the Omaha winters by relocating to Honbut the friction between them may prove to be olulu for several months during the season. their downfall.

The new book, along with her others, is availAlthough she rarely travels back there these days, her knowledge of the islands seemed to be the able at The Bookworm in Omaha as well as on perfect setting for her new book.

Amazon. She will also be doing a book signing at The Bookworm on Saturday, Nov. 17.

Homicide detective Kaloke “Cholly” Chan is PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Percussion conversations unites generations

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Maggie COnti team building, bring people together through the common bond of music, and Director of Activities and Volunteer Services, RBJH s part of an intergenerational ac- foster the true value and meaning of being tivity, residents of the Rose part of the group. During the week, particiBlumkin Jewish Home and stu- pants used a variety of techniques including dents from the Friedel Jewish call and response and multi-part rhythm.

Academy took part in a Percus- Each participant made a rain stick and a sion Workshop with international perform- drum that they used during the sessions. ing artist Michael Fitzsimmons the week of Nov. 5-9. e five-day artists-in-residency program concluded with a concert on Friday, Nov. 9 at 1:15 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center auditorium. We have run this program once before, and it was such an overwhelmingly positive Shiloh, left, resident Roger Darrington and Jill Ohlmann experience for everyone involved, we wanted to do it again. is e residency took place on Monday, Nov. 5 workshop was developed because of an when Fitzsimmons presented Drums of the RBJH Resident Danny Goodman who was a World at an all-campus assembly. Everyone drummer. Every music program he would enjoyed hearing him play rare instruments keep the beat and drum along to any song. from various cultures and explaining the hisDanny passed away earlier this summer but tory behind each one. He is a master at his spirit was certainly with us during the bringing out the best in all of us, creating a week. community through rhythm while spotlightFitzsimmons is an award-winning com- ing the uniqueness of the individual. Hopeposer and international recording artist with fully, this workshop will be a gateway for Dancing Man Music. Skilled in diverse per- more programs in the future that will allow cussion instruments including drums, the Jewish youth and elderly in our commuAfrican thumb pianos, and Plains Indian nity to interact. and Brazilian flutes, Michael masterfully inis program was supported by the Staencorporates novelty with his percussion in- berg Family Foundation Do Anything struments from cultures around the globe. Grant, with matching funds secured through His workshops encourage improvisation and an anonymous family member of the RBJH.

The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018 | 7

community Dr. Joel Hoffman at temple israel

CaSSanDRa HiCkS WeiSenbuRgeR Director of Communications, Temple Israel During our Scholar-in-Residence weekend with Dr. Joel Hoffman, our Madrichim had the opportunity to learn with him as he taught about where our food comes from and why it’s so important. Dr. Hoffman’s visit was made possible by the Hermene Zweiback Center for lifelong Jewish learning.

I never left Omaha

SiMOn nOel It’s been two years since I’m gone, but I never left Omaha, The people I see, are still at the JCC, so I never left Omaha, George is still a Creighton fan, and as we had time to reflect, his loyalty commanded respect, The places where we ate, are still first rate, so I never left Omaha, With Norman, we were humbled to visit Joodi,

and like me, she never left Omaha, Newman and I still bet, and when he loses he still frets, so I never left Omaha, Rocky and Roger showed us what’s new, And we were fortunate to take in the view, The people were kind, and that sort is hard to find, so in my mind, I never left Omaha!

So, when are we going back?

senior living bible quiz sunday, december 2, 2018 33RD Annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith

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quiz questions are based on:

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publishing date | 12.21.18 | space reservation | 12.12.18

Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

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FIRST PLACE $ 20 to contestants answering 3 questions correctly

TO REGISTER, email your contact info to bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org by November 28, 2018

Sponsored by Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith Questions? Call Steven Riekes at (402) 333-8498 or the B’nai B’rith office at (402) 334-6443 or email bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org

8 | The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018

The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018 | 9

community JWRP MOMENTUM TRIP

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uring the month of October, 15 women from the Omaha Jewish community joined the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project MOMentum trip to Israel. City leaders were Louri Sullivan and Holly Weill. Together with delegations from numerous other cities, they traveled around the country and participated in meaningful study sessions. Participation in this trip was partially made possible through the generosity of the Herbert Goldsten Trust and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. To see more photos from the trip, visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/ ShalomahaPress/. Stay tuned for more stories about this trip!

10 | The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018

adL honors Maziar Bahari with daniel Pearl award

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aziar Bahari, was honored at ADL’s National Commission Meeting in Houston, TX, with the prestigious ADL Daniel Pearl Award. Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist was honored for his work to educate about the Holocaust and its relevance today, to foster action for democratic values and human rights and promote intergroup understanding.

The ADL Daniel Pearl Award was established by long-time ADL leaders, George and Ruth Moss and their son Richard Moss, following the horrific murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002 at the hands of terrorists in Pakistan in honor of his memory and his commitment through his work to build cultural bridges and promote understanding.

In presenting the award to Bahari, Richard Moss, a childhood friend of Daniel Pearl’s said: “In keeping with Danny’s journalistic mission, we resolved to honor those individuals and organizations who find the courage to cross parochial and cultural divides in order to explain and demystify Jews to Muslims and vice versa. We particularly wished to honor journalists knowing that, like Danny, they often risk their lives in pursuit of this calling.”

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said, “Throughout Maziar’s storied career he has demonstrated the same drive for pursuing the truth, defending freedom and helping people understand each other as did Daniel Pearl.”

In accepting the award, Bahari said: “Over the last three decades I have tried to give a better understanding of the Holocaust and Jewish history to Muslims in Iran and around the world. I’ve been trying to understand Jewish history and culture, and have attempted to present different Jewish narratives in articles and films. I believe this is the only way we can build a safer future for our children and grandchildren. I hope in the future this award can be given to many more Muslims, and ‘technically’ Muslims like me.”

Born in Iran, Maziar Bahari was on assignment for Newsweek in Tehran in 2009 and was arrested without charge. His bestselling book about his 118-day imprisonment and torture, Then They Came for Me, was adapted

by John Stewart into the film Rosewater.

In 2014 Maziar founded IranWire.com, whose mission is to “empower Iranian citizen journalists by creating a forum in which young Iranians can discuss national and local news, providing training modules and putting Iranian citizen journalists inside the

country in touch with professional Iranian journalists.”

He has made two films on the Holocaust: one about the Jewish refugees aboard the St. Louis ship and the second about Iranian

Maziar Bahari

diplomat Abdol Hossein Sardari, who saved Jews in occupied France. Most recently he partnered with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum for the film 82 Names, which tells the story of Mansour Omari, a survivor of torture by the Assad regime in Syria, and his journey to understand the Holocaust.

Previous recipients of the ADL Daniel Pearl Award, include: The Aladdin Project, a Parisbased organization promoting intercultural understanding between the Muslim world and Jews, Henrique Cymerman, veteran Middle East correspondent; Pilar Rahola Spanish journalist and former Parliament Member; Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, founder of Jewish World Watch; Robert Satloff, executive director of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Jeffrey Goldberg, national correspondent for The Atlantic; and Thomas L. Friedman, columnist for The New York Times.

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. Note: There will not be a speaker on Nov. 21. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Ja vitch@Gmail.com, Breadbreakers chairman.

For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

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The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018 | 11

community Norman Ornstein visits Omaha

Carl Riekes, left, Norman Ornstein, Steve Riekes

aNNette vaN de kamp-wRight Editor, Jewish Press Sunday November 4, political scientist and author Norman Ornstein shared his thoughts with the Omaha Jewish Community. He delivered his lecture “American Jewry in the time of Trump” in a full Jewish Community Center eater, followed by a dessert reception in the JCC Gallery. “ere are a lot of take-aways from Norm Ornstein's speech,” Carl Riekes said, “but for me one that stood out is that democracies as we know it are very fragile. As citizens we must always be vigilant and informed as to what the truths and the facts really are. When we have leadership attacking the institutions that protect our democratic values, we as cit-

Norman Ornstein discusses more politics after the lecture izens must repudiate those attacks.

“Based on comments made to me by attendees aer the presentation the comments were overwhelmingly positive and I believe he sold out all of his books at the book signing!”

Norm Ornstein’s visit and lecture were made possible through the generosity of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, the Henry and Dorothy Riekes Donor Advised Fund, and co-sponsored by the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith, the National Council of Jewish Women of Nebraska and the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at University of Nebraska Omaha.

Reminder: Hanukkah competition YaakOv Jeidel While our Sukkah competition was successful, our Hanukkah will be even bigger and better! I’m happy to announce that anonymous donors have contacted me about underwriting the cost of a more significant prize, and that the competition will be expanded to include both Facebook and Instagram and once again be open to the entire Jewish community of Omaha. Anyone with an account can partake, even if they’re already in someone else’s post.

Here’s how it will work: Participants must, A- post a picture between the first night and fifth night of Hanukkah (Sunday evening, Dec. 2–Friday, Dec. 7 any time before sundown) with them by the lit Menorah. B- Include in the post why

Hanukkah is meaningful to them (and not just the Jewish version of Christmas). And, C- use the hashtag #OmahaIs Lit18 when posting. Participants will have until the 8th day to acquire likes on their post. The one who receives the most likes on an individual post on their personal page wins. The winner will be announced on the 8th day at 11 a.m. CST on Beth Israel’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

May we all merit to light the Menorah this year with extra meaning and pass onto our children and grandchildren the passion to continue to do Mitzvas no matter what the circumstances. I hope both you and your family members (together or separate) will join in this year’s Hanukkah competition. Maybe they’ll even win a nice prize!

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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.

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American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press As- National Newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008

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“Nothing against Jews” ANNETTE vAN dE KAmP-WRiGhT Editor, Jewish Press he Midterm elections are behind us and with it comes an end to those incessant campaign ads. There used to be a time that ads were annoying, repetitive, maybe a little rude at worst. This time, various politicians and their campaign teams crossed an uncomfortable line.

There is this sense that ads are produced by employees, staffers, giving the candidate deniability in case the message backfires. I am not so sure we can use that excuse any longer. If you run for office, why wouldn’t you check your own ads? And if a problematic ad is produced by an outside party, why wouldn’t you tell them to stop, the very moment it hits the airwaves?

In North Carolina, someone depicted Senator Charles E. Schumer with a stack of bills in his hand. In a race outside Seattle, her opponents illustrated Kim Schrier, a Democratic candidate for Congress, with a wad of $20 bills in her hands. Tyler Diep, who ran for the open seat in Orange County’s 72nd assembly district, spread campaign flyers that portrayed his challenger Josh Lowenthal clutching dollar bills. Then there was the radio ad for Jim Condit Jr., Congressional candidate in Ohio and running on a Green Party ticket, claiming “TV networks are controlled by “billionaire Communist Jews” and that “anti-American” Jews control the computer election vendors and thus the elections. […] Condit reportedly had previously denounced “Zionist” control of world politics and alleged that Jews played a role in the 9/11 attacks.” (JTA.com, 11/5/18) We make up just 2.2% of Americans. It never ceases to amaze me that stereotypes about such a small segment of the population so easily grow into conspiracy theories.

What do they think we do all day? How can we be both billionaires and Communists? Why won’t that 9/11 conspiracy theory go away? And do the people who write this drivel actually believe it, or are they just trying to speak to others who do? And to what end? All questions I’m not

finding answers to anytime soon, I’m sure.

(Side note: I quickly checked on that percentage by visiting a government demographic site online, only to land in a massive pile of anti-Semitic comments from random people. Who trolls government demographic pages just to leave that much hate? Why doesn’t anyone monitor and remove those comments?)

Fact is, in the aftermath of Pittsburgh, we have no choice but to pay more attention when we see evidence of anti-Semitism. We have a duty to call it out when we encounter it, whether it is in a campaign flyer made by someone we’ve never met or in our schools, our workplaces, or even our own families. At the same time, we have to strike a balance and not let fear become our main driving force.

“We shouldn’t grant more power to the hate-mongers than they deserve,” JTA editor Andrew Silow Caroll wrote the day before the election. “The coast-to-coast gestures of solidarity and acts of kindness that followed the Pittsburgh massacre are far more typical of America than the acts of a deranged subculture. The Pittsburgh massacre is not a sign that Jews have lost their bargain with America, but that hatred by a disgruntled and alienated minority has been encouraged and allowed to fester—by cynical politicians, by feckless social media companies, by apologists who are willing to condone bigotry so long as it is directed at groups they don’t like.”

Maybe he’s right, but all the same I’d prefer to not have 11 people die before we can experience those acts of kind-

ness. And as for what is “more typical of America,” I am not so sure I’m quite as optimistic. I think anti-Semitism has festered for a long, long time in this country. Yes, those neoNazis with their uniforms and swastika-inspired flags are a

small subculture. But ultimately, it won’t be those small groups that cause the tide to turn: it is the large majority of people who may not be actively anti-Semitic, who may have “nothing against Jews,” but who at the same time don’t pay attention to anti-Semitism, don’t recognize it, and don’t call it out. The bystanders who say: ‘Is it really that bad?’

The ones I’m worried about are the people who let it happen because it doesn’t affect them personally and therefore, it is just not that big a deal. Until someone somewhere pulls the trigger.

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.

Pittsburgh is where I lived. Synagogue is where I’m home.

LEE ChOTTiNER LOUISVILLE, KY. | JTA On Oct. 27, the front line in the struggle to save and perpetuate Judaism ran through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

I know a little something about that front line.

Born in Pittsburgh, raised in her suburbs, an adult living on the North Side and East End of the city, I am – with apologies to my new hometown in this city – a Pittsburgher until I die.

As the editor of e Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh for 13 years, ground zero for my coverage was Squirrel Hill, the Pittsburgh neighborhood where Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha synagogue, the scene of Saturday’s deadly shootings by an anti-Semitic gunman, is located.

Squirrel Hill is an upscale, multi-ethnic neighborhood. Bistros, cafes and trendy stores line Murray and Forbes avenues. Schenley Park, with its wide, shady lanes tying the universities to prewar homes, attracts cyclists and runners and picnickers.

It is simply a beautiful place to live and be.

But everywhere are reminders that Squirrel Hill was, and is, the heart of Pittsburgh Jewish life.

Bearded men in kippot and fedoras walk briskly to their next appointments. Women push strollers heavy with kids. Fliers for this Jewish event or that are taped to street lamps and shop windows.

And there are the synagogues.

Like everywhere, synagogue life is in jeopardy as Jews increasingly reject organized religion. Still, it is impossible to walk a couple blocks in Squirrel Hill without seeing a shul. ey’re in old houses, stately temples with stained glass windows or buildings, like Tree of Life, constructed along modern architectural lines.

One congregation, according to urban legend, started life in a mansion whose previous owner’s wish was that a Jew never own it. at was the benign anti-Semitism we were used to until Saturday’s brand le us all scarred.

I know Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha very well. My

great-uncle Herman Hailperin, a giant in the Conservative movement of his day, was the rabbi there years ago, when it was just Tree of Life. I reported on a succession of rabbis. I covered its merger with

Credit: Josh Lowenthal/Twitter

expense of the synagogues. He said Jews are a people with a “God-centered culture,” and he took his fellow Israelis to task for rejecting the synagogue in droves.

If you go to a synagogue, if you support a synagogue – if you are on the front line – part of you is crying not only for the loss of life but for the assault on the idea of synagogue itself — literally, as a sanctuary. You may not have given voice to it, but I bet you feel it.

Synagogues are not profit makers.

Far from high-tech startups, brewpubs or espresso bars, they’re a tough sell to millennials and Gen Z’ers.

But they are where Judaism happens every day. And they are threatened, mostly by the choices of Jews.

Clergy surround Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky as he speaks at an inter- For those who have decided to exfaith vigil at Congregation Ansche Chesed in New York City for vic- press their Judaism in a way that tims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, Oct. 27, 2018.

Credit: does not include synagogue affiliaMichael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images tion, OK, that’s your choice. Now is Or L’Simcha, a new congregation that had no the time, though, to ask yourselves how you will building. My wife, then just a student rabbi, was express your Jewishness – now, aer the worst, and asked more than once to read Torah on Shabbat at perhaps the first, murder of American Jews in their Tree of Life. own house of worship.

And today it is on the Jewish front line. So is I don’t mean to demean Jews who have chosen every synagogue in Pittsburgh, Louisville, North to walk away from their faith or simply not to affilAmerica, the whole world. iate. I don’t know their experiences; I can’t walk in e 11 people who died Saturday lost their lives their shoes. because they chose to express their Judaism in the But as a Jew who is on the front line, like thouhouse of worship. Had they rejected synagogue life, sands of others, struggling to preserve a critical as so many others have, they would probably be component of Jewish existence, I can say this: We alive today. need you. More than ever, we need you.

But they wouldn’t really be living. Part of what Lee Chottiner, editor of the Jewish Louisville made them Jews, what gave their lives meaning, Community, served as editor of e Jewish was what went on within those walls.

Chronicle of Pittsburgh from 2001 to 2014.

During his recent visit to Louisville, Jewish e views and opinions expressed in this article scholar Avraham Infeld, in his talks about the are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect preservation of Jewish culture, made the case for the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces strong Jewish community centers, but not at the Media.

As a black Jew, I am angry but defiant after Pittsburgh

marcella WhiTe campbell spilled over.

JTA An attack on a synagogue is an attack against the entire JewOn Saturday, I received a text: ish people. There, we share our compassion and strength as “why do they hate us so much?” members of the community rise and say the Mourner’s KadIt was from my daughter, a first-year student at college who dish. There, we share our joy as newborn babies are welis thousands of miles away from home but, at that moment, comed by the congregation; we shine with pride as young was reaching out for comfort, wishing she was curled up on women and men are called before the Torah as b’nai mitzvah. the couch beside me. Which “they” did she mean? So many Looking around us, we see that we are many, and yet we reacts of hate had been directed at people like us that week — mind ourselves, with the Shema, that we are one. We welcome bombs turning up in mailboxes across the country, black peo- one another, shaking hands and hugging and wishing hearty ple killed while shopping in a supermarket — that I actually “Shabbat Shaloms” at the end of services. needed clarification.

The doors of Pittsburgh’s Tree This time, this act of hate of Life synagogue, as many was an attack on Jewish people have said, stood open, welpraying. This time, they had coming the we that is the Jewcome for us in a synagogue. ish people. That is what was Usually I try to reply calmly attacked on Saturday: the to my children’s questions — openness that is our strength. saving my venting and inner Maintaining that openness is turmoil for my husband. That an act of defiance, too.

Shabbat afternoon, however, For that’s exactly what we’re my fury boiled over. Instead of going to do; that is what we alsending my daughter words of ways do. We will do this tocomfort, I typed the angry gether. We will gather words that had been building together, as we have done marcella White campbell, on the right, at her son’s bar mitzvah. through history. They keep inside me all day.

Credit: Marcella White Campbell trying, but they never stop us.

I texted back that throughout history, the act of Jews gathering together has been a rev- In the end, we always win. olutionary act. We keep doing it and they literally cannot stop Marcella White Campbell is the director of marketing and us — and they have literally tried everything. communications for Be’chol Lashon, which gives voice to the Even before I was Jewish, I understood this viscerally. To racial, ethnic and cultural diversity of Jewish identity and be black and Jewish is to stand with two peoples whose very experience. This piece originally appeared on the Be’chol existence is an act of defiance spanning hundreds, even thou- Lashon Jewish& blog and was shared by My Jewish Learnsands of years. ing, a partner site of JTA. To be black and Jewish is to identify with two peoples for The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of whom a racist, violent attack on one of us is felt by all of us. the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its These attacks, these invasions — in our sacred spaces, in our parent company, 70 Faces Media. very homes — black people, Jewish people, black and Jewish people, we feel them personally, viscerally. Even learning the To submiT announcemenTs details of these events causes us trauma. We collectively live Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewish our pain. omaha.org or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. ReadBut that is why we survive. The “we” is why we survive. ers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engageAs I wrote these words to my daughter, I imagined my conments, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at gregation humming “hine ma tov u’manayim, shevet achim the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewish omaha.org. gam yachad” — how good and pleasant it is for brothers and Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. sisters to come together — and that’s when my tears of rage

This has happened before The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018 | 13

WASHINGTON | JTA e outpouring of grief over last month’s massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue has sparked a degree of counterintuitive hope. Just maybe, the eternal optimists among us believe, this will prove to be the watershed event that sends all the craven anti-Semites crawling back into their caves for good. I doubt it. e shooter, Robert Bowers, is now a household name around the world. Maybe that’s what he wanted. But Bowers is not the first lowlife to murder an observant Jew in Squirrel Hill. at dubious distinction belongs to Steven Tielsch.

On a ursday night in April 1986, when Bowers was still a teenager, Tielsch murdered my childhood friend and neighbor Neal Rosenblum. Nuttie, as everyone knew him, was three years my senior. Growing up together in Toronto, we used to play hockey on the street outside his house. His mother was my kindergarten teacher.

Nuttie married a girl from Pittsburgh and had just arrived in town to spend Passover with her family. Walking home that evening from a different synagogue in the neighborhood – and cutting the recognizable figure of an Orthodox Jew – he was hailed by two men, Tielsch and Kevin Ohm, in a black Corvette looking for directions. When Nuttie approached the vehicle to render assistance, Tielsch took out a .40-caliber pistol and shot him in cold blood. Neal was 25.

It would be a mistake to think that Bowers and his ilk are motivated by any kind of rational impulse. Robert Wistrich, the late historian, referred to anti-Semitism as “the longest hatred.” Misfits have always taken refuge in its shadows. To them, it’s always the fault of the Jews: liberal and conservative, communist and capitalist, assimilated and apart – all simultaneously. e scourge of Jew-baiting exists independently of politics. But their interface becomes toxic when leaders demonstrate tolerance – or worse, sympathy – for anti-Semitic tropes and violence. Trump’s dismal response to the August 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, where protesters chanted “Jews will not replace us,” is a case in point; celebrating “very fine people on both sides” empowers fanaticism. Politicians who would continue to embrace Louis Farrakhan aer his recent comparison of Jews to termites are no less culpable.

Too many historical precedents have taught us that antiSemitism will likely persist as a feature of our society. Sadly, I don’t expect the tragedy in Pittsburgh to change that. But that doesn’t mean good people can’t put up a fight. If they don’t, the integrity and future of the Republic are as good as doomed. And the memories of Nuttie and the 11 souls taken at Tree of Life will be defiled.

Shalom Lipner [@ShalomLipner] is nonresident senior fellow of the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution.

14 | The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018

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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 dec.

14, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Jeremy Wright. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg to 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, Carole Lainof, Wayne Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf, or email nancywolf16620@gmail.com.

Beth el synaGoGue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. frIday: Shabbat Tables on the Town, various times and locations; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of doniven Christensen; Junior Congregation (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Mincha following Shabbat Morning Services. weekday serVICes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: Gift Shop Sale, 9:30 a.m.; BESTT Classes (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Morning Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Becoming a Soulful Parent, 10 a.m.; Yiddish Class, 11 a.m. with Hazzan Krausman; BESTT Committee Meeting, 11 a.m.; USY/Kadima Program, noon; Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church. tuesday: Talmudic Arguments Class, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Mahjong, 1 p.m. wednesday: USY Kinnus Hype Up, 7 p.m.; Talmudic Arguments Class, 7:15 p.m. with Rabbi Steve Abraham. thursday: Thanksgiving — Office closed.

USY Kinnus, thursday-sunday, nov. 22-25.

Office Closed, friday, nov. 23.

NE AIDS Coaltion Lunch, friday, nov. 23, 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.

Operation Grateful Goodies Baking Days, Monday, dec.

10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and wednesday, dec. 12, 3-8 p.m. To sign-up or for more information please visit www.bethelomaha.org.

USY Netflix and Chill Program, wednesday, nov. 28, 5:15-6:15 p.m. Dinner will be served. RSVP to Amy. Interfaith Tacky Holiday Sweater Party, thursday, nov.

29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Urban Abbey, 1026 Jackson St. Become a Soulful Parent, sundays, Jan. 27, feb. 24 and March 31 at 10 a.m. Join us for an exploration of parenting challenges against the backdrop of Jewish ideas and texts.

Beth Israel synaGoGue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 4:47 p.m.; 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, 5:48 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Beth Israel Blood Drive, 10 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Jewish History — Your History, noon with Rabbi Shlomo; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. thursday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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, 7 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.

Monday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wednesday: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman.

thursday: 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: Candlelighting, 4:49 p.m.; Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. with music by the Star City Kochavim; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Barb Straus. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Vayeitzei; Game Night and Potluck Dinner, 6 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:18 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Adult Hebrew Class 2, 11:30 a.m.; Jewish Book Club, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Gere Library and will discuss My People by Laura French; Feeding the kdis at F Street Center, 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Aimee Hyten at aimee.hyten@gmail.com or Lupe Malcom at lupemalco m65@gmail.com.; Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 3 p.m. at TI. All faiths are welcome and encouraged to attend! You are invited to bring a non-perishable food donation for The Food Bank of Lincoln; No Pickleball this week. tuesday: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Kinja Sushi and Japanese Cuisine, 4141 Pioneer Woods Drive. Let Deborah Swearingen (402.475.7528) know if you plan to attend and if you need a ride; Star City Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m. wednesday: No LJCS Classes. thursday: Thanksgiving — Temple office closed.

LJCS Hat and Mitten Drive — Every child deserves a warm and cozy winter season! LJCS is collecting NEW socks, hats and mittens for the children of the Cedars. Donations will be collected through sunday, nov. 18 and can be dropped at SST or TI. Latkes and Suyganiyot with Chef Nathaniel, sunday, nov. 25 at 3:30 p.m.

offutt aIr forCe Base

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

rose BluMkIn JewIsh hoMe

saturday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Marty Shukert.

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

teMple Israel

frIday: Chocolate Shabbat & Dinner: Dinner, 5:15 p.m., Services, 6 p.m. Multi-generational service featuring our kids’ choir, Kol Chokolad; everyone is invited! Community dinner at 5:15 p.m., then Friday evening Shabbat service at 6 p.m., and followed by a chocolate Oneg. There is no cost for dinner, and is sponsored by Angie and Stan Krieger. RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536, by thursday, nov. 15. saturday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of adria tipp, daughter of Sonia and Alan Tipp. sunday: Kol Chokolad Kids Choir, 9:30 a.m.; Madrichim Meeting, 9:30 a.m.; Religious School Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Temple Israel Book Club, 10:30 a.m.; Tri-Faith Committee Meeting, noon; 23rd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, 5 p.m. at Kountze

Memorial Lutheran Church, 2650 Farnam Street. This service brings together many participating faith communities. All 7th12th grade students are invited to a youth gathering at 3:30 p.m. at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church for a pizza party! wednesday: No Religious School. thursday: No Thursday Morning Symposium.

OSRUI Weekend, friday, nov. 30-sunday, dec. 2. Save the date for this fantastic weekend to learn more about OSRUI! Cantor’s Hanukkah Gift to You, wednesday, dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. The Omaha Chamber will play holiday music from around the world in celebration of the Festival of Lights: Hanukkah! All ages welcome.

Hanukkah Lighting at The Heritage at Sterling Ridge, thursday, dec. 6, 5-7 p.m. Come play games, craft, and light Hanukkah candles with our neighbors at the Heritage as well celebrate the festival of lights! Hot cocoa and other warm treats will be provided! Open to 6th through 12th grade young people. Cost to participate is $10. RSVP to Jacob Kahn, jkahn @templeisraelomaha.com Hanukkah Service & Dinner, friday, dec. 7 Candlelighting and Kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m., Services, 6 p.m., Dinner immediately following. Join us for a family-friendly Hanukkah service featuring the First Friday band, followed by dinner and games for all ages. Bring your dreidels! Bring your family menorah to decorate your holiday table! Menu: Brisket, Vegetables, Latkes with Applesauce & Sour Cream, and Dessert. Cost is $11 for adults; $6 for children in 2nd-6th grade; and no charge for children under 2nd grade. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536 or rsvp@templeisraelomaha.com, by Monday, dec. 3.

tIfereth Israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. frIday: No Services; Candlelighting, 4:49 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon; Got Shabbat, 11 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 5:48 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Jewish Book Club, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Gere Library and will discuss My People by Laura French; Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 3 p.m. All faiths are welcome and encouraged to attend! You are invited to bring a non-perishable food donation for The Food Bank of Lincoln; No Pickleball this week — will resume nov. 25. tuesday: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Kinja Sushi and Japanese Cuisine, 4141 Pioneer Woods Drive. Let Deborah Swearingen (402.475.7528) know if you plan to attend and if you need a ride. wednesday: No LJCS Classes. thursday: Thanksgiving — Syngaogue office closed.

LJCS Hat and Mitten Drive — Every child deserves a warm and cozy winter season! LJCS is collecting NEW socks, hats and mittens for the children of the Cedars. Donations will be collected through sunday, nov. 18 and can be dropped at SST or TI. Syngaogue office closed, friday, nov. 23 for Thanksgiving.

Tifereth Israel's Annual Hanukkah/latke party, sunday dec. 9 at 12:15 p.m. TI has Talent will return this year!

Acts should be 3-5 minutes in length (maximum). Performers can be ages 3-100! Solo or group acts, you choose! Just email Nancy Coren to let her know you're going to participate and what you plan to do!

More than 200 rockets from Gaza rain down on southern Israel JERUSALEM | JTA More than 200 rockets and mortars fired from Gaza rained down Monday evening on southern Israel, including one that hit a bus, seriously injuring a young man. The Israel Defense Forces responded by launching attacks on Hamas sites in Gaza.

At least 18 other Israelis have been were injured by shrapnel and flying glass, the public broadcaster Kan reported.

Rockets directly hit a home in Netivot, and homes were hit in Sderot and Ashkelon, where the house caught fire. A gas leak in Sderot next to a corner supermarket was ignited by a rocket and firefighters were working to put out the fire.

Several of the rockets fired from Gaza were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Extra batteries had arrived in the area earlier in the day following clashes on the border after an Israeli army special forces operation was exposed on Sunday night.

The rockets set off Code Red sirens throughout southern Israeli communities, including for the first time in decades in Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea. The rockets began falling at 4:30 p.m., with more than 100 fired by 6. The Israeli army called on residents of Gaza border communities to remain in place in their bomb shelters and safe rooms, and on the residents of the northern Negev, including Beersheba, to remain near their shelters.

The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018 | 15

lifecycles in MeMoriaM

Gennadiy MenKoV

Gennadiy Menkov pased away on Nov. 10 at age 79. Services were held Nov. 13 at Beth El Cemetery in Omaha.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Fridman.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie Menkov; sons and daughters-in-law, Sergey and Lilya and Max and Karen and six grandchildren: Anna, Phoenix, Gabriel, Jacob, Sophia and Nathan; and many loving cousins, nephews and friends.

Gennadiy was born in Bobruisk, Belarus, and moved to the U.S. in 1993 at age 53. He fell in love with his adoptive country and spent the last 26 years of his life living as a proud American, and was a proud hard-working man that sacrificed a lot for his family and taught the values of devotion and integrity to many. He was loving and proud of his children and grandchildren.

JCC Hanukkah Run

JCC Members can join us dec. 2 for the annual Hanukkah Run 5K, or 1-mile Family Fun Run. Event check-in begins at 8 a.m. The 5K will be held outside and begins at 8:30 a.m. The 1-mile Family Fun Run begins at 8:45 a.m. and will be held on the indoor track (Strollers are permitted.

No pets please.) In case of inclement weather, both events will be held indoors. A Kosher breakfast and t-shirts will be handed out at the conclusion of the event.

Members: $15/ adult (ages 16+) | $5/child (ages 5-15. Under 5: free) You can register online through our website, call the JCC registrar at 402.334.6419 or stop by/call Member Services at 402.334.6426.

Kehilla cup

nate shapiro Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha is year’s Kehilla Cup occurred during the month of October. e Kehilla Cup is a friendly competition between teams of volunteers to make calls to folks in our community on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Volunteers were placed on a color-based team and would earn points for completing a call with bonuses for expediency, increases, engaging new donors, and for showing up to our kick-off event.

Kehilla Cup is valuable to the Federation in a variety of ways. e most obvious benefit is that we are securing pledges for our annual campaign. By having volunteers call on behalf of the Federation, it demonstrates that we are a community organization. By using volunteers, we also have the opportunity to solicit valuable feedback about the federation. Volunteers that share their stories about a trip to Israel, or a kid in the CDC provide an opportunity to educate donors about the work that community dollars do. On a more practical note, our volunteers also help us clean up our records, so we can operate more efficiently as an organization.

Our volunteers were able to secure 226 pledges totaling $71,211 for our annual campaign.

We had an incredible group of volunteers and we truly appreciate their work. If you run into any of them, please thank them for going above and beyond to keep Jewish Omaha thriving!

Abigail Kutler, Adam Kutler*, Alan Tipp**, Andy Isaacson, Ann Osborne**, Bonnie Levinger, Eric Shapiro***, James McMullen, Jeff Zacharia***, Joe Meyers*, Lisa Lucoff, Mendel Katzman, Michael Shrago, Nancy Rips, Pam Friedlander, Phil Wolf, Rachel Dysico, Scott Littky***, Shane Cohn***, and Tina Meyers. ***Gold Medal Volunteer ** silver Medal Volunteer * Bronze Volunteer

California wildfires damage synagogues, camps and day school Marcy oster JTA e fires racing through Southern California have led to the evacuation of more than 260,000 people, burned over 83,000 acres and destroyed more than 170 homes, as well as damaged several Jewish institutions. e Jewish institutions, including several synagogues, turned to their social media pages to distribute information and offer support. Many held Havdalah services on Saturday night at other nearby sites, most livestreamed on their social media pages, in order to provide support and healing for their members.

At the Ilan Ramon Day School in Agoura, fire destroyed the school’s computer lab, administration building and a bathroom. e fire also reached the Shalom Institute, a camp and conference center located in the mountains of Malibu. In a message sent Saturday, institute leaders said that the fire had caused damage to the facility but it was not yet known how serious. e staff, animals and Torah scrolls located on the campus of the institute were safely evacuated on Friday, according to the message signed by Gil Breakman and Rabbi Bill Kaplan, the president and executive director, respectively, of the Shalom Institute, and Joel Charnick, director of Camp JCA Shalom.

Camp Hess Kramer, a camp owned by the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, said in a message to camp families that “at least some structures” at the camp were consumed by the fire. e camp’s Torah scrolls were evacuated ahead of the fire,

early deadline notice

and the camp is fully insured, according to the message. e Reform Congregation Or Ami of Calabasas on Nov. 9 set up a “Kid Camp and Adult Hangout” at a nearby high school, which was scheduled to continue on Nov. 11.

On Nov. 9, the rabbi and president of Temple Adat Elohim, a Reform synagogue in ousand Oaks, located in the same neighborhood as the Borderline Bar and Grill, the site of a deadly shooting on Wednesday night, managed to enter the synagogue on Friday and remove its four Torah scrolls as mandatory evacuations were underway. e synagogue’s cantor, David Shukiar, on Saturday posted on the synagogue’s Facebook page that the grounds of the synagogue had been burnt but that “the temple is in great shape.” He noted that the homes in the area of the synagogue were “burnt to the ground.”

Some 175 families who make up the congregation of the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue were evacuated from their homes, as was the synagogue. On Saturday, the synagogue posted on its Facebook page that the building remained unharmed. e Torah scrolls had been removed a day earlier as a precaution to the Kehillat Israel synagogue in Pacific Palisades, which played host to a bar mitzvah that had been scheduled for the the Malibu Jewish Center. e family of the bar mitzvah invited the entire congregation to gather at the synagogue and celebrate with them.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued Nov. 9 for families and institutions in Calabasas, Malibu and ousand Oaks.

The Jewish Press will be closed on thursday, nov. 22 for Thanksgiving. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Wednesday, nov.

14, 9 a.m. for the Nov. 30 Issue: Hannukkah Edition. Questions? Call 402.334.6448

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General reporter: The Columbus Telegram is seeking a full-time reporter with a passion for community journalism. See full job description and apply at www.columbustelegram.com/workhere. EOE

Mechanic and Livestock positions available due to retirements. U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center. NE. Visit https://employment.unl.edu (search keywords ‘Clay Center’) or call John Rieckman at 402-762-4117.

attention hUnters/Fur Harvesters. Petska Fur running weekly routes. Actively seeking Coyotes, Lynxcats, Fox, Coons, Deer hides and Antler. Coyote market exceptional. 308-750-0700, www.petskafur.net.

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16 | The Jewish Press | November 16, 2018

Grow your endowment fund with an

INCENTIVE MATCH It’s more than a donation.

t’s your legacy.

MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE JEWISH COMMUNITY! Open a new or add to an existing endowment fund with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation between November 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018, and we’ll add up to $1,000 to your endowment fund.

We are offering this wonderful opportunity that will benefit the Omaha Jewish community for years to come. This incentive match is offered only for the months of November and December, so take this chance to give more while it lasts!

As the year comes to a close, take this opportunity to make a charitable gift of cash or appreciated assets. Your gift could qualify you for a charitable deduction and valuable tax savings on this year’s income tax return. And your generosity will support your favorite causes for generations to come.

Learn more at www.jfofoundation.org

CONTACT: Howard N. Epstein, Executive Director (402) 334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org

TERMS • Establish a new endowment fund (minimum of $10,000 required) and receive an extra $1,000 into your endowment fund.

• Add to an existing endowment fund (minimum of $1,000 required) and receive an extra 10%, up to $1,000 into your endowment fund.

• Matching funds will be deposited into the endowment fund you establish.

• Limited to established and funded endowments. Your charitable donation must be received before December 31, 2018.

It’s more than a donation.

t’s your legacy.