November 17, 2023

A N AG E N C Y O F T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A

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SOLIDARITY

CO N C E RT

Parnership2Gether impacts for life Page 4

One Night

One Event

One Purpose

Concert to support emergency, war time needs for our Partnership Region

The Nebraska Music Hall of Fame gives to RBJH Page 6

ern Galilee came up with the idea of a concert to raise funds MARY SUE GROSSMAN or 20 years, the Omaha Jewish community has for the region. They reached out to Kim Goldberg and from been deeply enriched through its participation there, things moved very quickly. in the Jewish Federations of North America and Due to the inspiration of Gary Levinson of Dallas and Ruth the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Partnership2 Meints of Omaha, a “Solidary Concert” will be held on MonGether program. Akko and the regional council day, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Alan Levine Performing Arts area of Matte Asher in the Western Galilee have become a Center at the JCC. Billed as “One Night, One Event, One Purtrue home away from home for untold Omahan’s while at pose,” the concert will support emergency wartime needs for the same time, Omaha has welcomed a countless number our Partnership region. The concert is free of charge with doof Israelis from the renations sought to help gion into their homes Western Galilee resiand more importantly, dents with priority to their hearts. The protrauma therapy, comfessionals, lay leaders, munity emergency and and volunteers in both security needs, and lapcountries have made tops for remote learnPartnership an amazing plus other needs. ing way to connect.

The concert’s featured Programming and colartist will be Gary laborations of the arts, Levinson, accompaeducation, business, nied by pianist Yulia medicine, youth, and Kalashnikova.

Two volunteering have seen movements will be peran everchanging moformed, Ernest Bloch’s saic of people and exBaal Shem, B 47, the periences.

Nugun movement and While the focus of Melodie from war coverage has been Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir Noa Tene, left, Idan Zaccai, Gary Levinson, Ilana and Koby Sibony in the south, Omaha’s d’un lieu cher, op 42.

Partnership area, which is near the Lebanon border, has been Students from the Omaha Conservatory of Music and the deeply affected by the war. There are 70,000 IDF soldiers sta- Omaha Area Youth Orchestra plus Ruth Meints Omaha Contioned along the northern border. At the writing of this arti- servatory Artistic Director will also be a part of the evening. cle, over 7,000 citizens in eight communities have been Gary Levinson is a prolific performing artist. After joining evacuated due to rocket fire from Lebanon. The eight com- the New York Philharmonic as one of its youngest members munities include Chanita, Admit, Rosh Hanikra, Arab El in history at age 21, prior to his graduation from the Juilliard Aramshe, Eilon, Liman, Betzet and Matzuva. The majority of School, he has forged a career as a sought-after soloist, the evacuees are now in Tiberias. The emotional, economic, recording artist, chamber musician and pedagogue. A lauand physical toll on the thousands of residents cannot be reate of several international violin competitions, he is curimagined, and they are in deep need of Omaha’s support. rently the General Manager and violin professor at The Josef In watching the news of the war, two talented musicians Gingold Chamber Music Festival of Miami, Senior Principal who have participated in the Partnership’s Music2Gether Associate Concertmaster Emeritus at the Dallas Symphony program and developed a deep connection with the West- See Solidarity Concert page 3

F Friedel students raise $4,014 to support relief efforts in Israel Page 12

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

7 8 10 11

2 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2023

News

One week in our Partnership Region

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Together we will win

PROF. MASAD BARHOUM CEO, Galilee Medical Center Since the first week of the war, Galilee Medical Center, the front line of care for Israel in the north, six miles from the Lebanese border, has been operating fully in bombproof facilities and we remain on the highest alert.

As the campaign in the south has intensified, so has the amount of missiles directed at Israel's northern border by Hezbollah. During the next phase of the war, the medical center will remain the main treatment center for the most se-

vere injuries among the soldiers and civilians in northern Israel.

This week, our doctors performed a lifesaving procedure on one of our troops who arrived by helicopter, led by Dr. Shady Jahshan, the director of our Interventional Neuroradiology Unit. Dr. Jahshan established the unit in 2014 and it is among the most active of its kind in Israel, performing 450 plus catheterizations per year. It is one of Galilee Medical Center's crowning achievements, and a source of inspiration for the medical center's staff and

the entire Western Galilee.

This is just one of the many stories that moves and motivates us to stand strong in our mission to maintain the highest level of professional and compassionate care, and serve the country in the best possible way in this dire time.

Thank you for standing by us and for standing by Israel.

Every donation will help us in our imperative mission of providing the highest level of medical care on the northern front. To donate, see Galilee Medical Center - Iron Swords.

On Monday, 10/30, Heidi Benish, our new director and her assistant Avital Ben Dror, met in Jerusalem with rabbi Daniel Septimus, the CEO of the Shalom Austin Federation and with lay leader Dr. Matt Schocket. Both came to Israel through the JFNA solidarity delegation.

On Tuesday, 10/31, we hosted in our region lay leader Reuben Bar Yadin and his family from San Antonio, TX. Together with them we met with the mayors of Akko and Matte Heidi Benish and Avital Ben Dror Asher and the director of the Western Galilee Hospital and heard from all of them about the situation and preparations for the war.

On Thursday, 11/2, the Kramer council – the leading lay leaders and staffs in our partnered communities met on Zoom to discuss future plans for the Partnership in these challenging times. Thank you, Harry Berman, for chairing this council.

Thank you to the Louisville Jewish Federation for the generous donation of laptops for the Akko municipality. These laptops will allow the children in Akko who cannot afford one, to learn from a distance in these challenging times of war. We would love to give this opportunity to more kids.

We started creating short authentic bi-weekly video clips of what is going on in our region. Evacuated families, volunteers' initiatives, husband/father/son in the IDF, and more need to share the reality of Israel and our region in these challenging days with our partnered communities.

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SOLIDARITY CONCERT orado, twice a month for music lessons. She graduated from Continued from page 1 and Artistic Director at The Chamber Music Society of Fort high school early and attended UNL receiving a Bachelor of Worth. He has been featured on many NPR programs includ- Music in violin performance and later a Master of Music in viing the award-winning Perolin performance and formance Today in 2022. In Suzuki Pedagogy from 2019, he and Ruth Meints, Southern Illinois University. plus Robbie Hausman of She currently teaches violin Buffalo and Judit Bartekand viola at OCM and conRozsnyoi from Budapest ducts workshops around formed the “Partnership the country in violin and Quartet.” In addition to givviola pedagogy and music ing performances, they, education, integrating curalong with Ruth’s husband, rent neuroscience findings Ken Meints, taught Master into her teaching. Ruth has classes and volunteered in received numerous awards the communities. and recognitions over her Below left: Gary Levinson, right: Ilana McNamara.

“The genesis for this concareer and has published cert was brought about by the book The Music the idea that we are all Teacher’s Little Guide to Big united in helping Israel to Motivation. secure the safety of its peo“My first experience in ple and its democracy. We Israel with the Partnership wish to take action to help Quartet forged deep relathem in this goal by raising tionships with people in the money for the region’s Western Galilee region. For wartime needs,” shares my husband Ken and me, Gary. “Nigun, the second these connections continwork of a three-movement ued to grow during Covid set of pieces by Ernest through Zoom lessons and Bloch, and one of his most masterclasses for students celebrated pieces, is an from Matte Asher and Akko emotional powerhouse. Its Conservatories,” shared title refers in a general way Ruth. “Music is the univerto the power and mystical sal language - a part of fervor of Hassidic song, alevery human being’s life in though the nign, admittedly some way, showing how we Avital ben Dror, Assistant Director for Partnership Western the most common Hassidic are more alike than we are Galilee, shared the following details about the effects in the musical association, is only different. What better way Western Galilee due to the war. In the first week of the war, one of the Hassidic song to bring us together and Avital, who lives in Nahariya, a week with her sister in Pardes forms or types. The Hebrew Hana in central Israel as they were so frightened the terror- support humanitarian efniggun (along, originally, ists would attack from the north. They have since returned forts for our friends in with its Yiddish derivative, home but keep a suitcase by the ready to leave at a mo- Western Galilee than nign) is a generic term sim- ment’s notice. through music! ply meaning “melody” or In addition to the music “The reservists may not see their homes for a month. While “tune.” But its primary con- some have been able to return home, it is only for a few performances, Idan Zaccai, notation has come to be hours before they need to return to their units.” an Israeli native married to that of a special class of “It might sound like fun for the evacuees, being in a hotel Esther Katz, Performing Hassidic song—most often, for a month but it is far from great. First of all, there are fam- Arts Director at the JCC, though not always, word- ilies of five or even more that are sleeping in one bedroom. will share his experiences of less and sung to vocables Second, many times the mother is alone with the kids be- growing up on a kibbutz that are said to transcend cause the father was called up. She is unable to work since next to the Lebanon border the ability of words to com- the family is far from her workplace plus the kids don’t have in addition to speaking a routine or school and there is no childcare available. Some about his own experience municate”.

Prior to the 2019 trip, in evacuees are beginning to go to school in their host city but and that of his family durDecember 2018, Gary along there are many for which a solution has not worked out.” ing the current war. Special “Many farmers cannot work in their fields because the remarks will also be shared with musician Sarah Price of Fort Worth and Omaha’s fields were declared as military zones or the roads are from Ruth Meints and own, Ilana McNamara, blocked or they don’t want to leave their families alone.”

Aviva Segall plus comments “The worst thing is that no one knows for how long they from Mika Mizrah, Omaha’s daughter of Aviva Segall and Patrick McNamara, will be away from their homes. Some say they will not return Community Shlicha. Video traveled to Israel for the home if Israel does not take care of the threat in the north.” messages from Heidi Benfirst Music2Gether proish, Partnership’s Executive gram. During this program Director plus the mayors of they worked with students Akko and Matte Asher will in Matte Asher, teaching Many of the Partnership staff and volunteers, each of also be shown. and performing. Gary also whom has visited Omaha and many more than once, have Registration for the concollaborated with Musa children now serving in the IDF. They include Heidi Benish, cert is requested and is Shuli, an Oud player from Avi Hatchuel, Noa Friedman Epstein, and Aya Kipershlak. available through the link Sheikh Danun. “During Avital Ben Dror has one nephew and two nieces who are on the weekly Jewish Federthese difficult times it is serving, two in combat units in the north and one in logistics ation emails or at jewhard to find the right words near the West Bank. Her brother-in-law was also called up. ishomaha.org. If unable to Hezbollah is taunting the Partnership daily as they con- attend, please visit jewto express the depth of our feelings. Hopefully, this con- tinue to shoot rockets and bombs over the border. Fortu- ishomaha.org and make cert will go beyond words nately, the Iron Dome is intercepting. your donation to “DONATE To add to the stress, everyone has also been attending nu- to ONE NIGHT FOR THE as an expression of care and concern for our brothers merous funerals.

WESTERN GALILEE.” A young woman from the Yokneam-Megiddo Atlanta-St. and sisters in the land of Is“This is an extraordinary rael,” said Aviva, who is Louis Partnership area of which Eliad ben Shushan, former opportunity for Omaha to Music Director and Princi- Omaha community shaliach, is now the director, was killed make a true difference in on Nov. 6. Rose Ida Levin had been living in Atlanta and repal Conductor of the our Partnership area,” comturned to serve with her IDF unit. She was killed in an attack Omaha Area Youth Orchesmented Zoë Riekes, former in the Old City. May her memory forever be a blessing. tra and has been a part of U.S. Chair for the Partnerthe concert planning. ship Central Consortium.

Ruth Meints, served as executive director of the Omaha “Partnership has been such an important part of my life and I Conservatory of Music from 2005, recently became the artistic feel holding the concert near Thanksgiving is very appropridirector. In addition to being a part of the Partnership Quartet, ate. While we give thanks for our many blessings, we must reshe was also a key participant in the Music2Gether program member to include the blessing of the State of Israel plus the that was developed during the pandemic to enable students blessing of the friendships and connections in Israel that we in the Partnership area to continue their musical studies. A hold dear. Please be a part of this special event, helping our native of Scottsbluff, Ruth’s artistic talents became apparent friends, helping the Partnership area, and helping Israel with at an early age with her parents driving her to Ft. Collins, Col- your support, showing your love of Israel.”

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Partnership2Gether impacts for life

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and acceptance. I became convinced that all people could live MARK KIRCHHOFF together harmoniously. Yohay Neeman of Hungarian descent JFO Community Engagement and Education Perhaps deep within us all we retain and embrace a limited was born in Israel and now the manager of a meat plant in number of impactful life experiences. I do; I often revisit them. Kibbutz Yehiam. When a significant part of the plant burned Sometimes I do so to experience the joy I felt. Sometimes I am down a number of years earlier, he took the opportunity not to rebuild but to searching for respite reinvent, making it from turmoil in the one of the top present. Sometimes plants in the counI want to dip into try. Ingenuity. Efrat the well of amazing Srebro fascinated revelations that me with her innovaflow in abundance tive “Music that when I return to Counts” program. those experiences.

Under Efrat’s guidThe time I spent in ance children of Israel in an Artist in kindergarten age Residency program and beyond were through the Jewish learning more than Federation of music – they were Omaha’s participalearning discipline, tion in “Partnership paying attention, 2Gether Western math, cooperation.

Galilee: Israel ConAbove left: Efrat Sebro.

Credit Mark Kirchhoff and above right: Eytan George Hurwitz commitment and nections” will reand Albert Ben Shloosh. Credit Mark Kirchhof creativity. Beyond main with me for a telling the stories, I was learning through the opportunities lifetime as one of those impactful life experiences. the Partnership presented to me.

I was in disbelief when in December of 2014 I was accepted The Partnership made sure that our stay was as rich in the by the Partnership to join six other photographers for a project experience of Israel as possible. I arrived on a Thursday. Nothin the Western Galilee. The project would be from May 14–22, ing could have been better the following day than sharing 2015, with the task of documenting - through photographs, Shabbat dinner with a local family – and what a family I was interviews, and written narratives - the diversity of people livprivileged to join.

If there was one person at the table, there ing in the area. From the beginning the project held all the powere twenty-five.

If there was one tray of food passed around tential of offering eye-opening, memorable experiences. In the there were thirty.

The joy and interplay between family memend it proved to be more than a series of tasks. One product bers and guests is something that will always remain a part of was a tapestry of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. For me, Israel to me.

It is an experience that one never has by seeing a it also proved to be an impactful life experience. I suspect that country through the window of a tour bus. in the midst of their meticulous planning and organizing, the The Partnership2Gether staff also incorporated tours of the incredible Israel Partnership staff didn’t have time to consider area that enriched my overall experience. Places visited inhow much this would mean to the participants. Kindness, cluded the artists’ village Ein Hod, Haifa, the Gottesman Etchconsideration, attention to detail and professionalism were ing Center in Kibbutz Cabri, Rosh Hanikra and the northern traits that seemed to come naturally to all of them. For a border, Carmela’ s Sukkah at Moshav Amka , Tzfat, the Kibbutz stranger in a strange land, I found this comforting and enjoyContemporary Dance Company at Kibbutz Ga’aton, the able. When I arrived it was like I was the cousin who people Kupferman Collection, the Ghetto Fighters Kibbutz and the had heard about but had never met. They greeted me and Ghetto Fighters Museum.

Because of the Partnership I was from that point on I felt like I was with family. in Israel and I extended my trip for 2-1/2 days to spend time The Assignments. I first met Amos Froehlich, a retired vetin and around Jerusalem. erinarian living in the moshav Shavei Tzion. In1938 at the age It is not possible for me to express my gratitude in this artiof seven Amos fled from southern Germany to Israel with his cle to all who made this trip possible. Prior to this trip I apparents, three siblings and a number of villagers. I was impreciated the Partnership program for what I knew it to be. pressed with his love for Israel and what it had become over Through this trip I now embrace the program and all the peothe years. He had disdain for conflict. In his retirement he exple, both here and in Israel, who do so much to build bridges uded peace and confidence in what the future held. There is and make friends.

As a non-Jew I am able to say that in a way, much to learn from Amos. Next into my project life was Elyia through this experience, Israel feels like my homeland too. An Beany, an Arab painter and sculptor living in Kfar Yasiff. Much impactful life experience indeed. of his work depicted turmoil. His demeanor emitted peace

Two sides to every story?

My college friend Michael Fatale was supposed to feature in this column about a year ago but I never got around to it. Now, with the Gaza war raging, writing this column has become all the more important. I should say at the outset that from his childhood in “Italian” Bergen Beach, Brooklyn, Mike has always had close Jewish friends, both in his personal life and TEDDY professionally (he is one of the State WEINBERGER of Massachusetts’ most senior lawyers, serving as General Counsel for the Department of Revenue). What was made clear to me last year was underscored in my recent visit with Mike on Nov. 4, and it is something that can shed light on what many American Jews are experiencing at this time.

Here is the heart of the matter: Within my own Jewish world (both in Israel and with my American Jewish friends and relatives), there is only one legitimate story concerning Israel: After almost 2000 years and after the destruction of one-third of its population, the Jewish people returned to their ancient homeland. Their Arab neighbors went to war in 1948 to try to prevent the State of Israel from coming into existence. Most of the Arab world in general, and the Palestinians in particular, have never subsequently accommodated themselves to Israel’s presence, and thus the violence has never abated.

I had assumed that in this story there is only one side that a just, intelligent person (whether Jewish or not) can take.

But surprise!!! To someone not living within the Jewish world, there is another story out there that also, prima facie,

seems valid: In 1948, the Land of Israel was already occupied by a different people. These people’s homes and villages were destroyed and they went into exile, with many having to live in squalid refugee camps. Michael’s basic take on all of this?

“Well, you have two sides and each has claims.” Dear Reader, do you know what this means in terms of Israel’s war against Hamas? If to begin with someone like Mike Fatale is not willing to come down strongly on the side of Israel in its basic conflict with the Palestinians, how do you think that person is going to react to the deaths of thousands of Gazan civilians? When I pointed out to Michael that after 9/11 the American people gave its Presidents carte blanche in its 20year war on terror and that American newspapers then did not keep running tallies of civilian victims and that all this does not seem fair, Michael was willing to admit the injustice of the situation, and he also said: “I don’t know that people in America are very good at analyzing the situation in Israel.”

But my friends it is crucial to understand the following: We are not going to get to a point where all good people like Michale Fatale are willing to tell the Israeli government: Do whatever it takes to destroy Hamas.

In the big world of international affairs, not everything you do can be validated even by your friends. This does not mean that we should not fully support the Israeli government in our all-out war against terror, but it does mean that we cannot expect such complete support from all of our friends.

Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., made aliyah with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Jane Ross, and their five children, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie, Ezra, and Elie, all of whom are veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@gmail.com.

The Jewish Press | November 17, 2023 | 5

News

Rabbi Geiger’s Weekly Torah Expedition PARSHAT TOLDOS My cousin Baruch, three weeks before his wedding, volunteered to lead his unit in fighting against Hamas.

Expressing a level of bravery and selflessness that I cannot begin to relate to. And yet, I found in the back of my mind I was rationalizing why what he did was no big deal. And I realized that I had not internalized the lesson we learn from Esau in this week’s RABBI Torah portion.

MORDECHAI In this week’s Torah portion (Tol- GEIGER dos), a troubling event occurs be- Beth Israel tween Jakob and Esau. It ends with Esau selling his spiritual birthright to Jacob for a pot of soup.

And from that point onwards, the Jewish nation continued only through the line of Jacob. Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe explains that behind this strange story, there is a profound lesson.

Esau sold his birthright to Jakob because he knew that his sins were so great that he no longer deserved to be part of the Jewish nation. However, Esau made a big mistake. G-d does not only look at the results of our actions but at the intent as well. Had Esau shown how badly he wanted to be a part of the Jewish nation, there might have been hope for him. But instead, Esau scoffed at his birthright (Genesis 25:34). That was his downfall.

When faced with greatness (like that of my cousin Baruch’s), I have two choices. I can scoff, belittle, and condescend like Esau did. Or I can dream of being greater than I am, I can support, and I can connect.

In this challenging time of our history, we must allow ourselves to be inspired and show our support to one another no matter what. Am Yisroel Chai!

Assistant Rabbi Mordechai Geiger, hailing from California, brings the warmth of the West Coast to our community. With smicha from Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz, he combines his passion for spiritual growth with rock climbing and guitar playing. His educational background in Behavioral Science and Human Services and his family symbolize unity, growth, and shared values, making him a dedicated addition to Beth Israel, eager to teach Torah and build meaningful relationships in Omaha. He can be reached at mgeiger@orthodoxomaha.org.

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!

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Community Conversation about Israel PAM MONSKY JCRC Assistant Director JCRC presented another Community Conversation recently titled Why is this War Different from all Other Wars? in person and via Zoom. The program featured experts from Israel, Bahrain and Omaha. Dan Feferman is the Executive Director of Sharaka (‘partnership’ in Arabic), an NGO working to shape a new Middle East, built on dialogue, understanding, cooperation and friendship.

Feferman talked about how the violence started and how it could progress. Dr. Gina Ligon is the Director of the Counterterrorism Research Initiatives at the National Counterterrorism Innovations, Technology and Education (NCITE) Center the nation’s leading academic center for the study of emerging and novel terrorism threats.

Based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), the

NCITE consortium includes more than 50 expert researchers from partner institutions across the U.S. and Europe. Dr. Ligon discussed how to respond to threats here in Omaha. Finally, Dr. Ahmed Khuzaie, Political Affairs Director for Sharaka in Bahrain spoke about the countries that signed onto the Abraham Accords and the challenges they face promoting peace in the region. A recording of the program is hosted on the JCRC website: https://www.jewishomaha. org/inspire-change/jcrc/.

Community Conversations is a series of relevant discussions on topics of importance to the Omaha Jewish community. Community Conversations are possible thanks to our generous sponsors: The Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, The Staenberg Family Foundation Anything Grants, and the Special Donor Advised Funds of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Student to Student

Recently the first ever cohort of Student to Student participants met for orientation. Student to Student is a bigotry-reduction program for teens that is sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Omaha. Our participants, Jewish high school students, give presentations to students in Omaha area public and private schools that have little or no Jewish presence. They talk about their lives as Jewish teens--a powerful antidote to stereotyping and antisemitism. The program will begin giving presentations in January 2024. Participating students include: back row: Ryan Kugler, left, Tyler Epstein, Josh Shapiro, Asher Tipp, Pam Monsky, JCRC Assistant Director; Cadee Scheer; Front row, Janie Kulakofsky, JCRC Education Committee Chairperson, left; Sharon Brodkey, JCRC Executive Director; Katie Howell and Ava Stoller. Not pictured: Elizabeth Brodkey and Aiden Meyerson.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISE IN THE JEWISH PRESS Reach the Jewish communities in Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs and surrounding areas.

Contact Howard Kutler 402.334.6559 | hkutler@jewishomaha.org

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6 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2023

News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

The Nebraska Music Hall of Fame gives to RBJH MAGGIE CONTI RBJH Director of Activities and Volunteer Services Rick Weiner, representing the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame, contacted Shelly Fox, Director of Community Outreach, JSO, about donating $1,000 to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home activity program. The Hall of Fame sponsors many organizations in the surrounding Omaha community for entertainment or the purchase of musical equipment. This organization’s Mission is the preservation of Nebraska’s rich musical history, which is the fundamental goal of the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame. The RBJH activities department is so Rick Weiner and Maggie Conti grateful and looks forward to hiring quality entertainment in the months ahead. We thank the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame board members on behalf of the Residents and Rick for delivering the donated gift for all the RBJH to enjoy.

Trade scholarships available

An anonymous donor in our community has created two trade school and/or cosmetology school scholarship opportunities, up to $5,000 each, to go towards the 2023-24 academic year.

Not every student who advances into higher education signs up for a four-year curriculum. Some high school graduates seek job training that lasts a year or two and then places them in the workforce. Such opportu-

nities include, but are not restricted to: Information Technology, Construction, Industrial, Transportation and Horticulture. It is not too late to apply for this upcoming school year!

Qualified students who have unmet needs regarding tuition for either a two-year trade school program or a trade certificate program can contact the Jewish Press at avandekamp @jewishomaha.org or jpress@jewishom aha.org for more information.

Duties of the Heart with Rabbi Geiger

sonal and meaningful. Every session promMARK KIRCHHOFF ises to be interactive, fostering a dynamic JFO Community Engagement learning environment. Rabbi Geiger explains and Education On Nov. 19 from 4-5 p.m. in the Goldstein that “Each session will encourage questions, Community Engagement Center-South at discussions, and personal reflections, makthe Staenberg Omaha JCC, Rabbi Mordechai ing it a collaborative growth journey.”

In this second session Rabbi Geiger, Assistant Rabbi at Geiger first poses the question, Beth Israel Synagogue, will “How can one put the shackles continue leading participants of obligation on the most emoin this second session of a tional part of ourselves: our continuing monthly series heart?” Discover with him the exploring Duties of the Heart, greatest gift ever given to a work penned by Bahya ibn mankind. Then ponder the Paquda. Rabbi Geiger has question, “Is Judaism a religion embraced this timeless masof blind faith?” terpiece for over seven years Who should participate? No as he makes his own spiritual matter your Jewish learning or journey. Duties of the Heart background level, these are dedelves into profound teachRabbi Mordechai Geiger ings of faith, gratitude, and signed for adults seeking spiritrust. Rooted in logic and philosophy, these tual growth and meaning. Whether you’re principles are meticulously woven into the new to these concepts or have been on a lifefabric of Torah teachings,” Rabbi Geiger ex- long journey, the Duties of the Heart classes plains. He will bring his personal under- are tailored to enrich your understanding.

For more information, contact Rabbi standing and insights to every session.

If you missed the first session, you need Geiger at mgeiger@ orthodoxomaha.org. not be concerned. Your journey begins with Take advantage of this opportunity. We look your first step, and your first step can be on forward to seeing you on this incredible jourNov. 19. Every step of the way will be per- ney of self-discovery and spiritual expansion.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch our email for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com.

See full digital issues: omahajewishpress.com/eedition

HANUKKAH

Coming next week

The Jewish Press | November 17, 2023 | 7

Above: Soldiers protecting the Western Galilee in the war received dozens of supporting letters. You are welcome to send them more to Avitalbe@jafi.org.

Top, above, below and bottom: Friedel Jewish Academy is incredibly proud and humbled to announce that our students raised $4,014 at our bake sale to support relief efforts in Israel! Thank you again to students, staff, volunteers, and donors who helped make our bake sale so successful!

Above, right and below: Familiar faces in unfamiliar circumstances; our hearts are with all these former Omaha families. Am Yisrael Chai.

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: Lillian Cohen, UNL Hillel President, organized a solidarity event on UNL’s campus. Rabbi Alex of Lincoln was one of the speakers.

8 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2023

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The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920) Margie Gutnik President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Howard Kutler Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Sam Kricsfeld Digital support Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Board Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Helen Epstein; Andrea Erlich; Seth Feldman; David Finkelstein; Ally Freeman; Mary Sue Grossman; Chuck Lucoff; Suzy Sheldon; Joseph Pinson and Larry Ring.

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 JFO are: Institute for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Social Services, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Press.

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The Right to Exist, part II ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Maybe you’re wondering why we used the entire front page for an article about yet another event the Jewish Federation of Omaha is hosting. Perhaps you know very well why.

This, of course, is not just any event. Yet, it is not as unusual as we might think. Remember, when after the first few months of Covid, we all got very tired of the word ‘unprecedented?’ We won’t have that problem this time around. What is happening today is sad, tragic, horrifying and extremely painful, but it is not unprecedented. We have been here before.

A very kind reader sent me a reminder of an oped I wrote, titled ‘The Right to Exist,’ in 2021: Sometimes I have to read news articles several times before they can sink in. Take this line, from an article Ron Kampeas wrote about a survey of Jewish American voters: “The poll found that 9% of voters agreed with the statement ‘Israel doesn’t have the right to exist.’ But among voters under 40, that proportion was 20%.”

This 20% of Jewish American voters under 40, what made them answer this way? To not agree with certain policies, or not love the settlements, or dislike any of all Israeli politics, fine, but to deny the very fundamental right to exist? I can’t wrap my head around it.

I wonder how they feel today. Are some of them among the protesters, waving a Palestinian flag?

Do they deny Israel’s right to exist to the point that they willfully ignore the horrific things Hamas has

done—and will continue to do?

Since October 7, our narrative has become more complicated. We have a lot to talk about: how much money to raise, where to send it, whether our kids are safe at college, why that death in LA is going unpunished, should we put our mezuzahs inside the doorpost, do we feel safe. Why the main-

Golda Meir in 1964

stream media is so blind, why these pro-Palestinian protests so quickly turn into anti-Jewish demonstrations. Why they hate us so much.

But after all that, there is really only one question.

How far do we need to go to defend our right to exist, not only as the State of Israel, but as Jews everywhere? And are we willing to dig in our heels and go the distance?

This is a war that is being fought on multiple fronts. If here in America, we feel as if we can’t do much besides sending money, we are mistaken. We have a different kind of fight on our hands in this part of the world.

For centuries, we’ve tried to respond to the hatred by working harder, by doing more, by going above and beyond to make friends and find allies.

Over and over we try to prove we really aren’t bad people; we’re worth knowing, trusting. We inwardly cringe when Jews like Bernie Madoff and Jeffrey Epstein make terrible decisions.Wait, we want to say, we are not like that! Please don’t generalize!

But I think we’re done arguing. I for one am no longer willing to make my case. You don’t like me because I’m Jewish? Too bad. You want to wave your Palestinian flag, the one you ordered on Amazon with your iPhone made with Israeli technology? Go ahead; I don’t care. You want to go on social media and say hurtful things? Do it; I won’t read them anyway. You want to tear down posters?

We’ll put new ones up.

However, make no mistake: while I don’t engage with you, I won’t go away. The world may not like us right now, but we have the right to exist nonetheless. No flag-waving can change that.

Golda Meir said it best: “If we have to make a choice between being dead and pitied, and being alive with a bad image, we’d rather be alive and have the bad image.”

Now go back to that front page article and RSVP for our next big pro-Israel event. I for one can’t wait to see you there!

The spiritual risks of lingering in the place of our pain RABBI IRWIN KELLER This article originally appeared in My Jewish Learning’s Shabbat newsletter JTA How often have I sat in my tears over these last weeks? How many minutes have I spent in the ruins — the ruins of people’s lives, the ruins of fixed ideas, the ruins of hope. I keep my eyes on my inbox and watch as people jump to the doing, the rallying cries and the articulation of positions. Some of these seem sensible, some are frightening. But even when I agree with them, the words don’t change the feeling. Because I am not there yet. I am still crying in the ruins.

A story from Talmud comes to mind. In the course of a conversation about the proper circumstances for prayer, we are told about Rabbi Yosei ben Chalafta, who is visiting Jerusalem when the time comes for the afternoon prayer. So he ducks into a ruined house. This was the century following the Roman conquest of Jerusalem. Ruin was the landscape.

Rabbi Yosei begins his prayer but notices that he is being watched. It is the prophet Elijah, standing guard. When the prayer ends, the prophet scolds the rabbi for praying in a ruin. He should have prayed on the road, Elijah says. Rabbi Yosei explains that he was afraid of being interrupted by travelers and would have been unable to concentrate. But Elijah says he should have done it anyway.

Why? Why not pray in the quiet privacy of the ruin? The Talmud explains that there are dangers there. Demons may attack you. There is a risk of prostitution or lewd behavior. And there is the obvious fear that the physical structure could simply collapse on top of you.

The Talmud articulates this as a worry about physical risks. But I think the sages might have been just as concerned about the spiritual risks of lingering in the place of our pain. They are worried that we might be further harmed, or we might fetishize our trauma or become trapped in it altogether and unable to escape. So keep moving, the prophet seems to say. Let your prayer practice bend to the momentum. If you have to, offer a short version of your prayer to be done quicker. Just don’t linger in the memory of destruction.

Grief on the scale of the fall of Jerusalem ulti-

mately requires a vessel that both honors and con- kenness of the broken building, that Rabbi Yosei tains it. This vessel ultimately came to be the fast was able to hear God’s own lament. In the ruin, he of Tisha B’Av, when we gather as a community to felt a divine companionship that was not obvious mourn. We pull the Book of Lamentations from the to him elsewhere. As Psalm 34 says, “God is close shelf and weep and chant our way through it. This to the brokenhearted.” Perhaps that is the attracis the frame that both expresses and contains our tion of the ruin, that in our deepest grief we most ancient grief. How long did it take our ancestors to clearly hear tza’ar hashechinah, the sorrow of the reach a place where containment of that grief was divine, cooing like a dove. possible?

A couple weeks ago, I attended an event for an AIDS service organization that I ran in the 1990s. Four decades have passed since its founding and the HIV epidemic is no longer an unceasing hammer of destruction. I walked into the ballroom and saw the faces of people I knew back when and I pictured the faces of people who are now long gone. Almost instantly, I was back in the The ruins of an ancient Jewish settlement with a synagogue from the ruins. I listened to the speeches 4th century CE with pews and columns, Mount Arbel, Galilee, Israel. and nibbled the hors d’oeuvres, Credit: Getty Images but I struggled to contain my grief. Elijah might So when we find ourselves in the ruins, in the have told me to hit the road, but I didn’t want to place of deep brokenness, we must remember to run. The sadness was breaking my heart, but it was get out. And also to stay. For it is in the ruins that sweet too. Feeling the absence of old friends and we and God cry together. colleagues was akin to feeling their presence; my Rabbi Irwin Keller has served Sonoma grief was another flavor of love.

County’s Congregation Ner Shalom since 2008 The Talmud also has mixed emotions about that and the Taproot Community since 2017. His sad place. Elijah reprimands Rabbi Yosei ben Chalafta book Shechinah at the Art Institute is due out for praying in the ruin, but in fact no actual harm be- in 2024. He blogs at irwinkeller.com. fell him. So while this story is a scold, it is not clearly The views and opinions expressed in this article are a cautionary tale. And more, the Talmud admits that those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the there is a sweetness to praying in the ruin. views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

After a beat to change gears, Elijah asks the rabbi, “What did you hear while you were praying?” Rabbi TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Yosei responds that he heard a bat kol, a heavenly Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press voice, and it was cooing like a dove. Elijah leans in at jpress@jewishomaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also further, and the rabbi tells him that the heavenly submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, voice spoke words, saying, “Alas for my children, beengagements, marriages, commitment cerecause of whose sins I destroyed my house and sent monies or obituaries -- online at www.omahathem into exile.” jewish press.com/site/forms/. Deadlines are Elijah excitedly tells Rabbi Yossei that such a normally nine days prior to publication, on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish voice cries out those words three times a day, every Press, for notices of early deadlines. day. But the fact is that it was only here, in the bro-

The Jewish Press | November 17, 2023 | 9

With US campuses roiled by Israel-Gaza war, college presidents must speak up for what’s right ALAN KADISH JTA Like many Jews, I am watching with a mixture of horror and grave concern as college campuses around the United States convulse with anti-Israel demonstrations and, in many cases, overt antisemitism and vocal support for terrorism.

More, as a university president, I have been especially dismayed by the failure of college and university leaders to respond adequately.

University presidents have been slow to condemn Hamas’ terrorism and disavow expressions of support by students and faculty for violence against Israelis, equivocating statements have ignored the real problem by calling on “both sides” to exercise restraint, and colleges are failing to take appropriate measures to protect their Jewish students.

The school I lead, Touro University, is unique. As America’s largest Jewish-sponsored educational institution, our campuses are safe havens not only for Jewish students but also for students from all faiths. Amid the upsurge of antisemitism on campus since Oct. 7, we’ve heard from numerous students interested in transferring to Touro. But universities like ours must not become the only safe places in America for Jews to attend college. Students everywhere must feel safe.

Feeling safe starts with faith in leadership. College presidents must clearly denounce violence, support for terrorism and antisemitism, especially at fraught moments like these.

How can there be any confusion about the wrongfulness of murder, rape and torture?

People of good faith can disagree about politics and the Palestinian-Israel conflict. But evil deeds, like Hamas terrorists’ beheading of babies and the taking of civilian hostages, need to be denounced in clear, unambiguous language. Failure to do so portrays either cowardice or a glaring lack of moral leadership; it implicitly suggests that it’s okay to extol terrorism (so long as only Jews are the targets).

President Biden set an example when the White House issued a statement denouncing “antisemitic messages being conveyed on college campuses” and condemning student groups that have praised Hamas’ attack on Israel or called for “the annihilation of the state of Israel.”

Several days ago, I was one of 18 college presidents who joined

in the founding of a coalition to express our support for Israel bangs on windows and doors chanting anti-Israel slogans, the and for Palestinians suffering under Hamas’ repressive rule in line has been crossed. When the mantra “From the River to the Gaza Strip. So far, over 100 institutions of higher education the Sea” — a recognized dog whistle calling for Israel’s destruchave signed on to our statement of support, including public and tion — is projected onto the façade of a campus library, the private universities, faith-based schools and historically Black line has been crossed. When Israeli or Jewish students are ascolleges. But making statements is just a beginning.

Colleges must implement measures to undo the decades-long slide that has transformed many campuses into places where groupthink and intersectionality falsely link Israel’s existence to a narrative of colonial oppression that hails Palestinian terrorists as “civil rights heroes” and dismisses the rights of Jews to live securely in Israel. We must restore college as a place where Jewish students do not feel threatened wearing Jewish symbols, speaking up about Israel in the classroom or simply being Jewish.

How do we do this? Start at the top. Presidents and boards of directors must not tolerate violence or support for terrorism on campus. We can preserve students’ right to free expression while adopting and enforcing codes of Jewish students and supporters rally near New York University in conduct that make clear that threatening other students Washington Square Park, Oct. 26, 2023. Credit: Luke Tress or endorsing violence is out of bounds — whether in the class- saulted by someone ripping down posters of kidnapped civilroom, at a literary festival or in student demonstrations. ians, the line has been crossed.

In the long term, colleges should strive for faculty who reSince the events of Oct. 7, we at Touro have worked espeflect the breadth of American life, rather than the predilec- cially hard to ensure that all of our students, including approxtions of a radical fringe disassociated from truth and imately 500 students in Israel, have the academic, American values. While entitled to their political opinions, psychological and practical support they need in this difficult professors should be taken to task when their advocacy denies time. Some of our students have been called up for Israeli milthe truth or, worse, endorses murder and terrorism. There are itary service, and we’re accommodating them as best we can. limits to academic freedom, and college leaders should not let Jewish students on all campuses across America need to political correctness render them silent. have basic protections. Nobody should stay silent when they When it comes to accommodating students, we too often are threatened, harassed and assaulted. It is our obligation as confuse comfort with safety. It’s okay for students to feel un- American Jews, and my duty as a university president, to stand comfortable, disturbed or offended — that’s part of the up for what is right. process of education and resilience-building. Certainly, Jewish Dr. Alan Kadish is the president of Touro University. students may be exposed to views on Israel with which they The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of disagree. But when these students feel physically unsafe be- the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its cause students or faculty members are advocating terrorism, parent company, 70 Faces Media. the line has been crossed.

This story was sponsored by the Touro College and University I know that the line isn’t always clear, and people of good System, which supports Jewish continuity and community while faith sometimes will disagree. But when Jewish students are serving a diverse population of over 19,000 students across 30 forced to shelter in a library for safety while an angry mob schools. This article was produced by JTA’s native content team.

Antisemitism scholars like me study perpetrators. We should know more about their victims.

MAGDA TETER JTA The ruthless Hamas attack on civilian communities inside Israel shocked not only Israelis but much of the world. Pictures and grisly videos — some broadcast live by the perpetrators — flooded the world. Many governments and elected officials in the West swiftly expressed solidarity with Israel and empathy for the countless innocent victims, condemning the slaughter.

At the same time, as news was still coming out about the scope of Hamas attack and days before Israel’s retaliation, in cities and on college campuses across the United States, proPalestinian rallies and demonstrations showed a shocking lack of empathy for the massacred and kidnapped Israelis, among them young people attending a music festival, elderly Holocaust survivors, women, and children.

As a scholar of antisemitism watching these rallies, I wondered why there was such a reflexive disregard, even contempt, for Jewish victims. Why weren’t Jewish and Israeli victims of violence seen as human victims of violence but were immediately pushed into the political discourse about the Israeli government’s policies and actions? Why was their humanity erased?

Some of this contempt surely stems from the polarization wrought by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some is rooted in centuries of theologically grounded habits of thinking about Jews as unworthy of the respect accorded to other kinds of human beings, and even unworthy of having their own land.

But some blame for this I think can also be laid on how those who study and write about antisemitism, including myself, have approached this subject.

For almost a century, most of us have focused on dissecting antisemitic ideas and ideologies. But — with the very important exception of those studying the Holocaust—we have not paid enough attention to the effect these ideas, images, and actions have on Jews as human beings.

Having taught a comparative course on antisemitism and racism at Fordham University, I have been thinking a lot about different scholarly approaches to the study of antisemitism and racism and their social impact.

Consider for example how scholars generally approach antiBlack racism. Many have focused on the impact of racism on Black communities and Black individuals — no matter how

successful and accomplished they are. President Barack Obama spoke about being “mistaken for a waiter at a gala” and acknowledged the experience many Black Americans have had of being “mistaken for a robber and to be handcuffed, or worse.” We all can picture Ruby Bridges trying to get to school. We can think of Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson,and Carol Denise McNair, killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963. We can all picture George Floyd and understand the significance of the words uttered by Eric Garner: “I can’t breathe.”

Credit: JTA illustration

Yet, few Americans, or students on college campuses, could name a victim of antisemitism, or explain, beyond the deaths of millions of Jews in Europe, how indeed Jews have experienced antisemitism. Few would know that the college admissions process is the way it is in part because it was designed to exclude Jews from elite universities. Few would be able to articulate how Jews must feel when antisemitic memes circulate online, or when they hear slurs, see swastikas or Stars of David spray-painted on walls in workplaces, or see demonstrations near their neighborhoods, organized on Saturdays and coinciding with the Shabbat, in which people hold signs that say, “Keep the world clean” — the obvious implication being, of Jews.

The focus on the Black experience of racism has a long history: It goes back at least to the publication of slave narratives and continues to the present day, as we read the works of James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Toni Morrison or George Yancy. In contrast, scholars of antisemitism have long focused not on victims but on propone

One result is that most educated Americans have been trained to acknowledge the full range of anti-Black racism and its impact on individuals, from public lynchings to microaggressions. In contrast, Jews tend to be viewed as privileged, with the harm done to them downplayed or unseen.

There is a cost to both approaches. The works on racism have been subsumed under “Black history,” and the relatively recent effort to shift the gaze onto white supremacists and their ideologies, and to make them part of our understanding of American history, has led to a fierce backlash, including book bans.

In contrast, the focus on antisemitic ideas and their perpetrators has arguably resulted in a comparative lack of empathy for the Jews victimized by such ideas. Even worse: paradoxically, by studying and writing about the perpetrators, we spotlight and preserve their antisemitic ideas. Our readers then are exposed to toxic ideas without seeing their impact on real people.

The Biden-Harris’s U.S. National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism, released in May, advocated for “(1) increasing awareness and understanding of antisemitism, including its threat to America, and broaden appreciation of Jewish American heritage; (2) improving safety and security for Jewish communities; (3) reversing the normalization of antisemitism and countering antisemitic discrimination; and (4) building cross-community solidarity and collective action against hate.”

Coupling “increasing awareness and understanding of antisemitism” with “appreciation of Jewish American heritage” is helpful in diversifying the image of Jews and their role in society. Indeed, teaching about Jewish history and culture is one of the most powerful antidotes to antisemitism.

But, as the responses to the Hamas massacres in Israel suggest, we need to do more to build empathy and recognize the impact of antisemitism on Jewish individuals — from microaggressions to outright violence.

A version of this article first appeared in Public Seminar.

Magda Teter is professor of history and Shvidler Chair in Judaic Studies at Fordham University, and author of "Christian Supremacy: Reckoning with the Roots of AntiSemitism and Racism" (Princeton, 2023).

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2023

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

CHABAD HOUSE

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

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

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’NAI ISRAEL Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Rita Paskowitz. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information about our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail. com or any of our other board members: Renee Corcoran, Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Ann Moshman, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber.

Handicap Accessible.

BETH EL Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

IN-PERSON AND ZOOM MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. with Miriam Anzovim: Jewish Texts as Jewish Identity; Our Shabbat Tables Rainbow Connection, 7 p.m. at Beth El. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Kiddush Lunch with Miriam Anzovin on How to Encounter Jewish Texts Using the Miriam Anzovin Method; Junior Congregation (Grades K-12), 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 5:40 p.m. Zoom Only.

SUNDAY: BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Thanksgiving, 6 p.m. at St. Luke..

MONDAY: Women’s Book Group, 7 p.m. and will discuss Kantika by Elizabeth Graver.

TUESDAY: Pirkei Avot, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham.

THURSDAY: Beth El Office Closed.

FRIDAY-Nov. 24: Beth El Office Closed; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY-Nov. 25: Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Havdalah, 5:35 p.m.

Zoom Only.

Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

BETH ISRAEL FRIDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Candlelighting, 4:46 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Kids Kiddush and Tehillim, 11:15 a.m.; Soulful Torah: Unpacking the Or HaChayim’s Teachings, 3:43 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:30 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/ Kids Activity, 5 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:47 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

MONDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Monday Mind Builders, 4 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.; Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.; Office Closed.

FRIDAY-Nov. 24: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Candlelighting, 4:41 p.m.; Office Closed.

SATURDAY-Nov. 25: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Kids Kiddush and Tehillim, 11:15 a.m.; Soulful Torah: Unpacking the Or HaChayim’s Teachings, 3:39 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:30 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 5 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:44 p.m.

Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person and via Zoom (ochabad.com/academy). For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/ Lechayim; Candlelighting, 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 5:46 p.m.

SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps: Shacharit, 99:30 a.m., Video Presentation, 9:30 a.m. and Breakfast, 9:45 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m.; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 7 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Parsha Reading, 10 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 34), noon; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) Class, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-Nov. 24: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ocha bad.com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 4:40 p.m.

SATURDAY-Nov. 25: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed

by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 5:42 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch.

All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options.

FRIDAY: LJCS Family Shabbat with Rabbi Alex and led by LJCS, 6:30 p.m. followed by Oneg Shabbat hosted by Dan and Ruth Friedman in honor of Abra-

ham’s sixth birthday at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 4:49 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Toldot; Havdalah, 5:50 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Classes, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Men’s Bike/Coffee Group, 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room at Rock 'n Joe (5025 Lindbergh St.). For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at alb ertw801@gmail.com; TI Board Meeting, noon; Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 3 p.m. followed by a reception at Unitarian Church of Lincoln, 6300 A St, Lincoln. All faiths are welcome; Pickleball, 3-5 p.m. Anyone interested in playing or learning how to play can text Miriam at 402.470.2393. If there are enough interested people; we will play in the Social Hall at TI. THURSDAY: Offices Closed.

FRIDAY-Nov. 24: Offices Closed; Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:30 p.m. followed by Oneg Shabbat at SST; Shabbat Candlelighting, 4:44 p.m.

SATURDAY-Nov. 25: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Vayeitzei; Havdalah, 5:46 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

FRIDAYS: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin, and Cantor Joanna Alexander FRIDAY: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. In-Person; Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m. In-Person; Shabbat B’Yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SUNDAY: Grades PreK-7, 9:30 a.m.; Coffee and Conversation with the Board Members, 10 a.m.; Book Club: Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon, 10:30 a.m.; Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 6 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

FRIDAY-Nov. 24: Shabbat B’Yachad Service, 6 p.m.

In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-Nov. 25: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom.

Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICES

The Jewish Press will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 for Thanksgiving. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Colleges could face funding cuts if they don’t address antisemitism RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON | JTA Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said colleges could lose federal funding if they fail to address antisemitism and other bigotries, following up on a meeting last month with Jewish leaders alarmed by rising antisemitism on campuses in the wake of the IsMiguel Cardona Credit: rael-Hamas war.

Cardona made his Chip Somodevilla/Getty warning in an interview Images on CNN on Monday ahead of the release the next day of a letter reminding federally funded schools of their obligation to protect Jews and other minorities.

“I would want to provide support for these universities, provide guidance. And if there are egregious acts, I want to make sure that we’re investigating,” he told the network. “Ultimately, if

we have to withhold dollars from a campus refusing to comply, we would.”

Cardona’s comments do not represent a new policy, but they suggest that Cardona is prepared to be aggressive in pressing colleges to act. In a release on Tuesday formally announcing the letter, Cardona tied the letter’s instructions to what Jewish organizations have said is a massive spike in antisemitism on campuses since Hamas terrorists struck Israel on Oct. 7, launching the war.

“The rise of reports of hate incidents on our college campuses in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict is deeply traumatic for students and should be alarming to all Americans. Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all other forms of hatred go against everything we stand for as a nation,” he said.

The letter sent Tuesday to colleges that receive federal funds, signed by Catherine Lhamon, the department’s assistant secretary for civil rights, describes in its first paragraph “an alarming rise in disturbing antisemitic incidents and threats to Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students on college campuses and in P-12 schools.”

In her second paragraph, Lhamon ties the money

the schools get from the government to their legal obligations to protect minority students. Both public and private universities receive federal funds through a variety of pathways.

In his Oct. 30 meeting with Jewish leaders, Cardona noted that the Biden Administration had already, prior to the Oct. 7 Hamas deadly attack on Israel, extended Civil Rights Act protections to religious minorities, including Jews and Muslims. He promised a two-week deadline to come up with a plan.

Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Jewish Democrat from Nevada, had sent a letter urging the Education Department to issue “updated guidance to college and university administrators making clear the consequences of failing to ensure the safety of Jewish students,” among other measures.

Rosen, who cofounded an antisemitism task force in the Senate, welcomed Cardona’s letter. “I’m glad to see the U.S. Department of Education is taking action at my urging to remind school administrators of their legal responsibility to keep students safe from antisemitism and other forms of discrimination – or face consequences,” she said.

Life cycles IN MEMORIAM SIDNEY C. ABRAHAM Sidney C. Abraham passed away on Nov. 1, 2023, in Phoenix, AZ. Services were held on Nov. 12, 2023, on Zoom and were officiated by Rabbi Andrew Paley of Temple Shalom in Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by Marilyn Abraham (2017).

He is survived by his four daughters, Stephanie (Mike), Carrie, Patricia (Larry), and Terri (Joe); grandchildren: Brian, Leslie (Santiago), Brooke (Rob), Cameron, Candace and Rachel; and greatgrandchildren: Hadleigh, Leighton, Emma, Mia, and Luka.

Sid's journey in life was marked by remarkable achievements and a deep commitment to his family. He excelled in academics and athletics, graduating from Mapleton High School in Iowa, where he was known for his standout performances as an athlete. He went on to play on the University of Iowa Freshman Football Team, demonstrating his dedication to sports. He served his country in the Korean War earning the rank of Master Sergeant in the Army. Sid embarked on a successful career in the wholesale grocery business, eventually founding Midwest Foods Distribution Center. He was the perfect salesperson and employees, customers, and community leaders valued their relationships with him. His company thrived for over 40 years, supporting his growing family, and building lasting partnerships with clients, including the Strategic Air Command in Bellevue, Nebraska, and Omaha Public Schools. Sid's dedication to his work extended beyond his own business, as he became an active member of Nugget International, the wholesale grocers’ association, and even served as its president. He was inducted into the Omaha Restaurant Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the industry. Outside of his professional life, Sid and Marilyn were active supporters of Temple Israel and the Omaha Jewish Community Center. Sid participated in many sports: tennis, curling and golf. He and Marilyn won numerous Mr. and Mrs. golf tournaments at Highland Country Club (HCC). He also served on the HCC Food and Beverage committee and served as President of the HCC board of directors.

Sid also had a wide circle of relatives, including cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, all of whom he enjoyed spending time with. He was known for his sense of humor, storytelling, and practical joke playing. Sidney C. Abraham will be remembered for his commitment to family, his achievements in business, and the joy he took in spending time with friends and family. He leaves behind a legacy of family and friends with special memories of the impact he had on their lives. Sidney will be dearly missed and forever cherished.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation at https://www.alzdiscovery.org/donate to further the research on Alzheimer and/or to the Pacc911 at https://pacc 911.org/donate for his lifelong love of dogs.

ELI SAGAN CHESEN, MD DFAPA Eli Sagan Chesen, MD DFAPA passed away on Oct. 25, 2023, at age 79. His wish for his ashes was for them to be spread around the Benedict Music Tent of the Aspen Music Festival in Aspen. CO. In lieu of a memorial service, Eli will be honored with a chamber music (string quartet) concert during the Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music 2024-25 Season, the details of which are TBA. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Blue Chesen, daughters,

INFORMATION ANTISEMITIC/HATE INCIDENTS If you encounter an antisemitic or other hate incident, you are not alone. Your first call should be to the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in Omaha at 402.334.6572, or email JCRCreporting@jewishomaha.org. If you perceive an imminent threat, call 911, and text Safety & Security Manager James Donahue at 402.213.1658.

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Chelsea (Michael Hollman) and A. Berkley Chesen; granddaughters: Scout and Saylor Hanelt (Ben Hanelt); sister, Susan Chesen Hawkins (Gary); brothers, Jerry Chesen and Edward Chesen (Debbie); mother-in-law, Janet Ebers Blue; sister-in-law, Rhonda Polzkill Blue; sister-in-law, Connie Blue Milliken; six nieces, two nephews, and hundreds of much-loved patients.

Dr. Eli Chesen was a psychiatrist, artist, author, inventor, audiophile, and genuine phenom, whose imagination and energy was boundless and he touched the lives of many.

Eli was born in Sioux City, IA, to Louie and Edy Chesen. He graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1962 followed by his premedical studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, and it was on campus that he met the love of his life, Peggy. They were married in 1967. He graduated with his MD from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1969, a member of Phi Rho Sigma Fraternity, after which he completed his psychiatry residency in Phoenix, AZ, at Good Samaritan Hospital. During his residency, he published two books for which he received significant notoriety). Religion May Be Hazardous to Your Health (1972) was serialized in the New York Times Sunday Magazine.

Following psychiatry residency, Eli served in the United States Air Force as Chief of Psychiatry at Nellis Air Force Base (Las Vegas, NV) until his Honorable Discharge in October 1974. Eli and his young family then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he started practicing psychiatry, initially as part of a rural outreach program. This was followed by years of private practice, where he specialized in working with patients who required challenging psychopharmacological treatment. He also spent years in forensic psychiatry, including performing expert witness work in the nationally recognized and tragic case of the “Beatrice Six.” He was proud to be a Board Certified psychiatrist and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (DFAPA), and also served as the President of the Nebraska Psychiatric Society.

Memorials may be made to Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music, P.O. Box 82882, Lincoln, NE 68501 and The University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508. Note: **Please specify that funds be designated for the Glenn Korff School of Music (for Faculty Development/Programming) AND/OR the Department of Biology (for Faculty Development/Research)** MIRIAM (TAGER) MISLE Miriam (Tager) Misle of Lincoln passed away on Nov. 9, 2023, at age 91, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha. Graveside services were held on Nov. 12, 2023, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Lincoln.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Misle; father, Itzchak Tager and mother, Fania (Sher) Hayuth.

She is survived by daughters, Betty Mellen, Sharon Grosz and Naomi Misle; grandchildren: Erinn Mellen, David (Katie) Mellen, Aaron (Beth Newton) Eisenberg and Sophia Misle; and greatgrandchildren, Aidan and Leo Mellen.

Miriam was born on Dec. 31, 1931, in Rezekne, Latvia. She wa a member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln.

Memorials may be made to Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha.

Online condolences may be left at www.bmlfh.com.

France rallies to oppose antisemitism PHILISSA CRAMER JTA An estimated 180,000 people in France marched in rallies against antisemitism on Nov. 12 that brought together political leaders from most of the country’s major parties, a display that stood in contrast with major pro-Palestinian marches held worldwide throughout the weekend.

Among the marchers in Paris were Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor; Marine Le Pen, a likely presidential contender who leads a far-right party with an antisemitic history; and representatives of President Emmanuel Macron, who has expressed support for Israel since Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel and triggered a subsequent war in Gaza. Called by the two speakers of the French government — including Yael Braun-Privet, the Jewish speaker of the National Assembly — the rally was intended as a show of unity in opposition to antisemitism at a time when antisemitic incidents are on the rise in France. More than 1,200 antisemitic acts have been recorded since Oct. 7, accord-

The Jewish Press | November 170, 2023 | 11

ing to CRIF, the French Jewish umbrella organization.

“Today, we were all united for the Republic and against antisemitism,” CRIF tweeted after the march.

Planning for the rally ignited tensions in the government, as the political leaders who attended do not often work together. One political leader, Jean-Luc Melenchon of the far-left France Unbowed party, boycotted the march in a reflection of his long-held anti-Israel views, saying that those who gathered would be “friends of unconditional support for the massacre” in Gaza.

France’s interior minister announced a ban on pro-Palestinian marches last month, saying that they were a risk to the country’s Jews and to public order. The country’s top court said the marches must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Read more at www.omahajewishpress.com.

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12 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2023

News

Meet Meme

LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

Friedel students raise $4,014 to support relief efforts in Israel

SARA KOHEN Friedel Jewish Academy Director of Advancement On Nov. 3, students from Friedel Jewish Academy held a bake sale at the Staenberg Kooper Fellman JCC to support relief efforts in Israel. The students, who range in age from kindergarteners to seventh graders, raised $4,014 to support three organizations: The Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Israel

Emergency Fund; ZAKA, which responds to emergencies and conducts search and rescue operations in Israel; and Kibbutz Kissufim, one of the kibbutzim along the border of Gaza.

The students voted on which organizations to support,

helped bake treats to sell, and volunteered at the sale. Dina Hill, whose children attend Friedel, came up with the idea for the bake sale and helped organize bakers and parent volunteers.

In addition to items baked by students, several professional bakeries donated items for the sale: Bagel Bin, Baker’s, Family Fare, Made by Shira, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Yuvi’s Bake Shop.

Supporting Kibbutz Kissufim was especially meaningful to Rabbi Tal Uzi, one of Friedel’s Jewish Studies teachers, whose parents live in Kibbutz Kissufim. Rabbi Tal says that the members of Kibbutz Kissufim are very appreciative of and touched by the support coming all the way from Omaha.

Beth Cohen, Friedel’s Head of School, said: “It was amazing to see the whole school community come together to make this sale happen. The level of support from people who visited the sale was also very gratifying. Our students were able to see that even children can help make a difference.”

Even during the war, when Galilee Medical Center’s medical clown Meme sings and clowns around, she fosters premature babies’ development and milk production in new mothers.

Nofar Muati Azencot, a Nahariya resident, has been working as a medical clown in Galilee Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for two years. After she witnessed the magic of the medical clowning profession while studying Community Theater at the University of Haifa, she decided to study medical clowning after she completed her degree. Similarly to the other medical clowns of The Dream Doctors Project to which she belongs, she has a stage name: Meme at the Galilee Medical “Meme.”

Recent studies demon- Center Maternity Understrate that a medical clown’s ground Hospital gentle singing and playing an instrument positively affects the neurological development of premature babies, calming them and strengthening the bond between them and their parents.

Nofar said: “Now, during the war, the women are huddled in an underground hospital complex and everyone is together in a big area, Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Christians and Druze, all reflecting the diverse tapestry of our Western Galilee community. It is moving to see the unity and togetherness. There is a strong female force. Women are helping each other, hugging their babies tightly and telling them that they have arrived in a world that will be better and more pleasant. It is poignant and heartwarming.”

Nofar explained that she sings songs that foster a sense of calm, which is important to produce breast milk and breastfeed.

“I sing a lot of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah,” she said, “or Meir Ariel’s Mod’e Ani (I Thank), and in response I get hugs, enormous love and optimism. The mothers sing with me and know that it can be better, it must be better.”

SOLIDARITY

CO N CERT C E RT One Night • One Event • One Purpose Concert to support emergency, war time needs for our Partnership Region

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Monday, November 20, 2023 7:00-8:00 pm • Dessert reception to follow Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater at the Staenberg Omaha JCC, 333 S. 132nd St.

PLUS SPECIAL REMARKS FROM:

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• Ruth Meints

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