December 11, 2020 by Jewish Press

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The Jewish Press AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA | WWW. JE WISHOMAHA.ORG

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Chabad’s Taste of Tradition gets oily: It’s Hanukkah! Page 4

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WE CARE The impact of JFO

The Kaplan Book Group reads The German Girl SHIRLY BANNER Library Specialist, Kripke Jewish Federation Library In keeping with social distancing, the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will be using Zoom to meet until further notice. To join the Zoom meeting, Contact sbann er@jewishomaha.org for the link and meeting ID.

Hundreds joined ADL-CRC’s first Walk Against Hate Page 5

JAMIE SKOG-BURKE JFO Director of Development Your support of the JFO Annual Campaign makes an impact on the local, national and global level. The annual campaign is at the heart of any strong Jewish community and allows our agencies to plan for the future. The funds raised this fall and winter will set the amount that is available to support Jew-

A wall full of memories Page 6

ish Omaha’s programs and agencies into the next fiscal year. The support of those who contributed to last year’s Annual Campaign ensures that we CARE for Jews locally, in Israel and beyond; we EDUCATE & ENGAGE our community; we INVEST in our Jewish Agencies and Community Partners. See The impact of JFO page 2

Jewish Bible Translations: Honoring Dr. Leonard Greenspoon

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MARK KIRCHHOFF Community Engagement and Education The Omaha community is preparing to honor Dr. Leonard Greenspoon in a “Mini-ZOOMposium,” noting especially the release of his most recent scholarly book, Jewish Bible Translations: Personalities, Passions, Politics, Progress. This special event will be held via Zoom on Sunday, Dec.20 from 2-3 p.m. You are invited to join at 1:45 p.m. to share and view greetings and congratulations from the

Dr. Leonard Greenspoon

many people in Professor Greenspoon’s professional life. Alan Potash, CEO for the Jewish Federation of Omaha shares that, “I am thrilled to learn about the release of Leonard’s newly published book. I am looking

forward to exploring the topic that inspired him to research and write on this daunting topic. I hope he was able to find room to insert his sense of humor. I Iook forward to congratulating Leonard at this event and encourage our Jewish community to do so as well.” Following opening remarks, Dr. Greenspoon will share an introduction of how his book came to fruition. Following this, Jennie Gates Beckman will engage Zachary B. Smith, Ph.D. and Associate Professor in the Department of Theology at Creighton University and Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at UNO Laura Alexander, Ph.D. in a discussion following their brief remarks on the role of Bible translations (Jewish and nonJewish) in their professional and personal life. Says the JFO Director of Community Engagement & Education, “We hope to acquaint See Leonard Greenspoon page 3

On Dec. 17 the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will be discussing the Armando Lucas Correa novel The German Girl. The novel, based on true events, spans seven decades in the lives of the Rosenthal/Rosen families. For this family, freedom most certainly comes with a steep cost. In 1939, life in Berlin is changing fast and is on the brink of World War II. Twelve-year-old Hannah Rosenthal, her parents Max and Alma Rosenthal, her best friend Leo Martin and his father are in a race against time to escape from Germany. The families seize upon a costly opportunity to escape Germany and emigrate to America aboard the luxury liner SS St. Louis by way of Havana, Cuba. Once in Havana, it would only be a matter of a time for their names to come up on the visa waiting list for entry into America. As the St. Louis made her way across the ocean, another race against time was unfolding; the Cuban government had reneged on allowing entry into the country for people whose landing permits were signed by DirectorGeneral of Immigration, Manuel Benitez. They would only honor documents issued by the Secretary of State and Labor of Cuba. Of the 937 passengers, only 22 were allowed to disembark – including Hannah and her pregnant mother. The remainder of the passengers’ See Kaplan Book Group page 2

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Kaplan Book Group

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The impact of JFO

Continued from page 1 LOCAL MEETS GLOBAL: PARTNERSHIP2GETHER & JFO ISRAEL & OVERSEAS (I&O) COMMITTEE More than 20 years ago, the Jewish Federation of Omaha committed to joining together with cities across the world in a Global Jewish Partnership. What has blossomed over the years is a network of cities across America, the Western Galilee and Budapest who work, learn and grow together. Every spring, the JFO I&O Committee designates part of our Annual Campaign Funds to organizations of our global partner World ORT or NGOs within the Western Galilee. HERE IS HOW LAST YEAR’S ALLOCATIONS MADE A DIFFERENCE: ORT AMERICA- DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAM NORTH OF HAIFA IN KIRYAT YAM JFO’s I&O 2019 Allocation ensured 26 middle school students from Levinson High School just north of Haifa in Kiryat Yam remained engaged in academic studies. This project bridges educational gaps while empowering participants to overcome social and emotional deprivations. Levinson High School saw a 71% reduction in dropout rate in two years and seven students increased their grades by 20 points. WORLD ORT SCHOOL CHERNIVTSI - UKRAINE STRENGTHENING JEWISH COMMUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION JFO’s support enabled the purchase of seven LEGO Mindstorm Ev3 kits with sensors and a new student laptop with software and accessories. The new equipment enabled two students to win Prizes at the All-Ukrainian Robotraffic 2020 Competition and the school to place in 39 regional and national competitions. This year in the face of COVID, JFO’s I&O Committee increased its support of this school, but instead of funding STEM education, Omaha’s funds will ensure all students are part of a daily lunch program with Shabbat/Holiday Food Packages being shared with families.

P2G WESTERN GALILEE WOMEN LEADING A DIALOGUE Matte Asher Regional Council and the City of Akko will launch the third Women Leading a Dialogue Cohort. This group brings women together to build bridges between the many communities in the Western Galilee: Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze. The new dialogue group hopes to connect and inspire similar groups in four US communities. The JFO and IO Committee looks forward to partnering with the Tri-Faith Initiative.

WESTERN GALILEE P2G LONE SOLDIER FUND Lone Soldiers are young adults from across the world who choose to move to Israel without their family to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They join a Garin, a group of soldiers who live together on kibbutzim when they are not on base. This group is in the same army unit and becomes the “family” for these soldiers. Currently, three kibbutzim in Western Galilee region host a Garin. Last year the JFO Lone Soldier’s Fund, paid for badly needed upgrades to communal See The impact of JFO page 4

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Continued from page 1 fates lie ahead in the St. Louis’ return to Germany. In 2014, twelve-year-old Anna receives a large package from Cuba containing old photographs, contact sheets and a copy of a German magazine from 1939 whose cover shows a girl who looks like her. Anna learns it was sent by her greataunt Hannah who raised her father, Louis, after the death of his parents. Anna has never known her father; he was killed in the tragedy of September 11th before she was born. Anna and her mother decide to go to Havana to meet the last remaining link to the Rosen family and learn about the lost history that connects them. Hannah has always felt that the Rosenthal/Rosen family was cursed. It began when the entire family was refused entry into Cuba. As a result Hannah and her mother vowed never to leave Havana. Hannah’s baby brother Gustavo was born in New York only because Hannah’s mother Alma’s last promise to her husband before his return on the St. Louis was “to never allow their baby to be born in Cuba.” As Gustavo grows up in Havana, he becomes involved in the revolution sweeping throughout Cuba in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The political climate and events are too closely reminiscent of whatHannah and her mother experienced in Germany. Tragedy strikes again when Gustavo and his wife are killed in a plane crash and their nine-year-old son Louis is left to be raised by Hannah and her mother. As the political climate in Cuba worsens, Louis goes to live in New York and marries, but is killed before knowing that another Rosen child will be born. After learning about the Rosenthal/Rosen family’s past, will Anna be the Rosen whose future breaks this curse? The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion group meets normally on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, but we will be using Zoom until further notice. New members are always welcome. The group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org. To view books discussed by the group over the past several years, go to www.jewishomaha.org, click on the “Community & Education” pulldown tab and navigate to “Kripke Jewish Federation Library,” then to “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.”

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Share Hanukkah Light and win! LEIBEL BAUMGARTEN for Chabad of Nebraska Chabad’s annual Hanukkah celebrations will feature safe, socially distant events, and the chance to win Beats headphones, Nintendo switch or a Hoverboard! Chabad’s annual Hanukkah parade at Boystown attracts dozens of vehicles adorned with Hanukkah menorahs and flags and educates the community about Hanukkah’s universal message. The parade inspires community members to “spread the light.” Hundreds typically attend this fun and exciting event with food, music, dancing and Hanukkah joy. Due to Covid concerns and restrictions, the format will be different and participants will be eligible to win terrific prizes as they “spread the light” in three ways. First, join the socially distanced parade which begins at Boystown’s Hall of History on Sunday. Dec. 13, at 3:30 p.m. The kindling of the Menorah will be viewed from the comfort and safety of your car. A live-streamed pre-recorded Hanukkah message will be shared before the parade drives past the Boystown homes where the Boystown families await the procession. The motorcade will continue to Aksarben Village, where a ten-foot tall Menorah will be kindled and individually wrapped sufganiot, refreshments and Hanukkah mementos will be distributed. Snap a selfie or video of yourself or family at the parade and post to Facebook or Instagram and tag @chabadofnebraska to be entered into the drawing for Beats headphones, Nintendo switch or a Hoverboard (or its cash value)!

Second, celebrate Hanukkah BIG TIME at home or at the office, with family and friends or alone, by eating latkes or sufganiot, playing dreidel, and mostly by kindling your own Menorah, which literally “spreads the light.” Post a selfie or video of yourself, your children or others, and tag @chabadofnebraska for more giveaway entries. Third, record a 10-20 second video message about how you are spreading light in the world during this season. Tell us how your light will bring hope and healing in these challenging times. Post your message and tag @chabadofnebraska on Facebook or Instagram to be included in an inspirational video to be shared during the parade and earn another chance in the Hanukkah giveaway. “To a world ravaged by Covid and riddled with political and social unrest, Hanukkah just can’t come soon enough,” says Shani Katzman of Chabad. “We want to counter worrisome ‘super spreader events’ with an initiative to become ‘superspreaders of light,’ she added. “Hanukkah is about overcoming the unique challenges in every generation or era and beating the metaphoric darkness with figurative light. Who amongst us has not felt some form of heavy darkness during this year? Let’s collaborate for a super light spreader experience.” The Hanukkah giveaway and celebrations are open to the entire community. For more details or in-depth explanation on contest rules and how many entries in the raffle your pictures can earn visit ochabad.com/parade. Please reserve your spot in the parade and reserve your cartop menorah or flag by visiting ochabad.com/rsvp.

Leonard Greenspoon

Continued from page 1 participants with some of the ways in which Bible translations have functioned in different contexts while leaving the detailed but engaging stories of individual translators for readers to discover in the pages of Dr. Greenspoon’s whimsical manuscript.” Greenspoon’s career is marked by his specialty in translations of the Bible – from the Septuagint to contemporary versions – and religion in popular culture. In a review from Amazon.com, the book is described as an “overdue corrective of an important story that has been regularly omitted or downgraded in other histories of Bible translation.” In his research for this work, Greenspoon spent 24 centuries examining translations of the Jewish Bible in 11 languages. In the process, he profiles a number of Jewish translators, including Buber, Hirsch, Kaplan, Leeser, Luzzatto, Mendelssohn, Orlinsky and Saadiah Gaon. He offers new insights and shared characteristics and limits from these translations. Dr. Greenspoon also shows how the King James Bible has been influenced in style and diction by these Jewish translators. Professor Greenspoon obtained his BA and MA from the University of Richmond and earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He was a Fulbright Fellow for Classical Studies at the University of Rome. He is professor of Classical and Near Eastern Studies and Theology. Among the courses he has developed and taught over the years are The Bible and the Ancient Near East, The Dead Sea Scrolls, The Bible in Translation, War and Peace in the Hebrew Bible and Jewish Humor. In addition to his current release, Greenspoon is the author or editor of more than a dozen books and several hundred articles and book chapters. Dr. Greenspoon holds the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civiliza-

tion at Creighton University. A Governance Committee for the Chair was established by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Creighton University and Phil and Ethel Klutznick. Governance committee member Steve Riekes shares that “In creating the Chair in Jewish Civilization, Phil Klutznick envisioned that not only would great scholars teach at Creighton University, but they would also be actively involved in the Jewish community. Further, they would bring closer the Catholic university and the Jewish community represented by the Federation. Professor Leonard Greenspoon has fulfilled and exceeded Klutznick’s unique vision. Professor Greenspoon is a great scholar, bridge builder, and actively engaged with Jews and their institutions in this city and beyond. Yasher Koach Leonard Greenspoon.” Dr. Greenspoon is a frequent presenter of short courses for the Jewish Federation of Omaha and at Beth El Synagogue. His courses always draw enthusiastic participation from former participants and new attendees who have heard of his teaching prowess and his presenting interesting, educational, and unique topics. His most recent mini-course was titled, Jews in Cartoons: Usually Humorous, Often Insightful, Sometimes Inciteful. In developing this five-session course, Greenspoon drew from his collection of more than 5,000 cartoons and comic strips that he has collected over the years. In describing the course he said, “Many of these will entertain. Some will infuriate. All are sure to elicit comment and commentary from everyone in attendance.” Be on the lookout for more details on this exciting Zoombased celebration as they are confirmed – including the Zoom registration link and information on how to buy a discounted copy of Leonard’s book. As always, the best place to find these details is by visiting www.jewishomaha.org.

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The impact of JFO

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Continued from page 2 living spaces, allows soldiers to celebrate a holiday together in Golan Heights and, combined with contributions from other partnership communities, allowed for Passover Gift Baskets to be delivered to more than 600 soldiers from our region who were locked on base. KIVUNIM: NEW DIRECTIONS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS YOUTH IN ISRAEL Kivunim helps young adults with physical and sensory disabilities or high-functioning autism learn how to live independently within a supported community. The two year program allows participants to live in a Wings apartment and take part in training sessions about every-day living. Currently, Kivunim is focusing on helping participants and their families navigate the challenges of COVID-19. The main concern is ensuring participants advance towards independence and self-management instead of regressing to dependent patterns. THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL – YOUTH FUTURES AKKO This is the Jewish Agency for Israel's flagship program, transforming the lives of at-risk children and families in 36 locations. Omaha supports the program in our Partnership city Akko. At the heart of Youth Future are devoted and professionally trained mentors who work with 16 children and their families for a threeyear period. 72% of participants saw a marked improvement in their functioning at school. GARIN OMEZ AKKO The main objective of the project is to create a safe environment for the child, through family and community intervention, for the welfare of the children and the entire family. The project raises awareness of parental neglect to help parents with parenting difficulties and empowers children in the educational

and social spheres. Presently, there are 11 families and 59 total participants in the program. The program has shown to decrease the number of cases in which children who are neglected are removed from their families. Our impact begins with YOU! The power of the collective is that together we made these amazing things happen. Please help us do it again. Individually, we each give as we are able, but together, our contributions create immeasurable communal impact. Gifts of all sizes provide the vital operating

funds that allow our communal goals to be reached. Your annual contributions allow the JFO to expand their impact and engage more community members to enhance today’s vibrant community and ensures that Jewish Omaha has the security to grow into the future. Thank you to the donors who have already supported this year’s 2021 Imagine Tomorrow Campaign. Your donations allow us to dream for the bright future to come! We hope others in the community will be inspired to give. Here is how to donate: DONATE ONLINE at www.jewishomaha. org/donate. TEXT TOMORROW to 91999. CALL in your pledge to 402.334.6430 . For more information, please call Michelle Johnson at 402.334.6430

Chabad’s Taste of Tradition gets oily: It’s Hanukkah! LEIBEL BAUMGARTEN for Chabad of Nebraska Chabad staff and volunteers are creating a Hanukkah version of our celebrated Taste of Tradition gift packages. Distributed throughout the community, these gifts let homebound folks know they are remembered, cherished and never alone. Packages will include Hanukkah foods, interesting Hanukkah information, candles and other memorabilia. To volunteer, sponsor, or nominate a recipient visit ochabad.com/rsvp. “Hanukkah is about the power a tiny bit of light has to overpower even much darkness,” says Levi Katzman, program director. “At a time when we cannot come together in person, these packages allow each and every individual and family to feel part of

the community and celebrate together.” If you or someone you know would like a Hanukkah Taste of Tradition package, please contact the Chabad Center at ochabad.com/rsvp.

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Festival of Hope The idea is simple enough. A single flame, expected to extinguish at the end of its term, is the first candle lit each night. It is the servant that honors the miracle of lights. It stands apart from the other candles either being above or below the others. The message is, it is there to serve... As we contemplate Hanukah this year, it will be the miracles that make GARY NACHMAN this holiday, this season, remind us of Regional Director, things we take for granted. Ways of ADL-Plains States life, concepts and ideas, we now view Region as miraculous if they would only manifest themselves. Good health, jobs at a living wage, commonality, and cooperation, equality among people of all creeds, races, beliefs, sexual orientation and identity shouldn’t be the realm of bestowed gifts of G-d. Has our bar been so lowered in order to survive? Must we believe in miracles so that we may simply be optimistic, once more, about our future? This season, this year of a pandemic, this time of economic and social strife and this era of political vitriol, remind us that we should always pray for these things, for finding common interests among people of difference, for governments to transition peacefully without rancor or vice. Divine intervention is not required to forgive others or ourselves. Like the Shammash, let us serve to kindle healing, listening, learning, conversation, kindness, inclusion, charity and hope. The dreidel reminds us “a Great Miracle Happened There.” It can also happen here. May our dreidel always land on a side that grants us miracles...

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Hundreds joined ADL-CRC’s first Walk Against Hate PAM MONSKY ADL-CRC Assistant Director Nearly 1,000 online sessions. 587 unique users. 114 in-person QR scans. The ADL-CRC’s first ever COVID-safe Walk Against Hate™ Journey inspired hundreds throughout the Omaha Metro to explore (actually and virtually) the evolution of civil rights and civil liberties in our community. In addition, more than $10,000 was raised to fight anti-Semitism, bias and extremism in our region. These numbers are proof that there is an incredible appetite for this type of positive community experience. We would like to thank all our inspired collaborators, sponsors, creative partners and site participants who opened their doors and welcomed us. “The quality of the Walk Against Hate™ and the amount of effort put in by the committee and ADL-CRC staff speaks to our passion for this work and the community. We are already planning for next year’s Walk!” said Gary Nachman, ADL-CRC Regional Director. Here are some thoughts from community members who participated: “My family did the Walk and it was great! Very informative,

easy to follow directions, just enough information to share out loud while standing in the cold! We loved the variety of cultures and minorities that were represented along the tour. Thanks for this great COVID-friendly idea!” JENNY MEYERSON “I have been watching the videos and reading the attached documents and I am overwhelmed with the wealth of information put together. This program must be part of every educational system in the USA, and I hope it is in our school system in Nebraska!” CARMELA KRAMER “The info in the ADL walk should be required learning for us all to maintain citizenship!! Good job.” CINDY HUMPHREYS Sponsors of the Walk Against Hate™ include the ACLU of Nebraska, Carol and Steve Bloch, Seldin Company, Broadmoor Development, Fraser-Stryker Law Firm, Aaron Weiner and Teresa Vaughn, Tri-Faith Initiative, Rich and Fran Juro, W.H. Ferer Company, Omaha Star, and the Board of County Commissioners, Douglas County, Nebraska. The Walk Against Hate™ Committee includes Tippi Denenberg, Jen Goodman, Erika Kirby, Preston Love, Jr., Sara Rips and Justin Spooner.

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Operation Grateful Goodies

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A wall full of memories GABBY BLAIR Jewish Press Staff Writer The presence of children has long been an integral part of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Before the Covid pandemic, the RBJH was a favorite destination for students of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center and Friedel Jewish Academy. It was not unusual to see CDC teachers pushing buggies full of preschoolers through the halls to visit with their Resident friends. Friedel students often shared programming ranging from music and theatre to crafts and learning. Students also delighted Residents with singing, performances and during holiday celebrations such as the annual Purim costume parade. One particular favorite destination inside the RBJH, especially for younger students and community children alike, is the indoor playground located on Main Street, just inside the lobby. Built in 2010, the playground was the vision of former RBJH director, Mike Silverman, who shared the following: “The playground at the Blumkin Home was designed to bring children into the facility so they could frequently interact with the Residents. Seeing children at play puts a smile on everyone’s face, and the Residents look forward to visits from the children on the campus – and of course their own grandchildren and great grandchildren. It provided a place and time to kvell, and we should all find more time to kvell!” The area around the playground is vibrant with beautiful tiles designed by the children at the CDC. “What a proud day it was when the tile walls were unveiled,” recalls Carole Greenberg who, along with “Miss” Hayley Swanson (Z”L), helped to create the design. “It was Mike Silverman’s idea,” Greenberg said. “He came to Hayley and me

and asked for help designing a wall of children’s art that could be permanently installed around the playground. We loved the idea and jumped on the opportunity! “Hayley and I recruited CDC students between classes to design the tiles. We merely gave them directions to draw something that made them happy and encouraged them to draw freely and use lots of color.” Greenberg recalled that the design process took a while to complete and that they had to stay mindful of the deadline for the official unveiling. “It was not the easiest project to pull off,” she said. “I remember the tiles piling up and how we fretted over keeping them safe and in pristine condition. Then we had to work through a coating process to ensure that the tiles would remain durable so that the art work would not wear off the surface over time with cleanings and such. It was a real labor of love for all of us but the result was- is- just fabulous!” Greenberg also said:“We made many trips to the RBJH with our sweet CDC children to see the progress of the wall. The children were always welcomed at the Blumkin Home and just loved seeing

their handiwork on the wall!” Margaret Conti, RBJH Activities Director, recalled the project fondly. “The idea of creating a space for children during the remodeling of the Home was Mike’s and the playground was his baby!” Maggie shares that Residents also created their own art project with tiles which continues to this day. “Each Resident gets to create or design -by explaining to staff- what they want on it. If they leave or pass away, we send the tile to their families. This project was a Mike idea as well- he had a ton of them, and his mind was always thinking!” Conti continues. "The students’ tiles bring this community's youth to the Home even today, years after completion and during pandemic restrictions. The tiles certainly make a good conversation piece. I recently took a Resident around the playground, and we had the best discussions about the artwork, from rainbows to menorahs. The playground surrounded by the sweet and colorful tiles is such a happy place on RBJH’s Main Street. We are so happy it is there and look forward to a time when our community’s children can again come play and bring joy to our Residents!”

ROBBY ERLICH Beth El Engagement Coordinator Operation Grateful Goodies is back for its third year! Operation Grateful Goodies is an opportunity for the Jewish community to say “thank you” to the dedicated people who serve our city all year long and are away from their families on Dec. 25. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is altering what can be done this year, community members are encouraged to purchase individually wrapped treats/snacks for Omaha’s finest! Also new this year is the opportunity to make home-made thank you cards! Cards will accompany the boxes of snacks/treats. Volunteers from Beth El, Beth Israel, Temple Israel, Chabad of Nebraska and the Jewish Federation of Omaha will purchase, package and deliver treats to police officers, fire fighters, hospital staff and employees of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. It’s our way of showing appreciation to those who protect, defend and heal us 365 days a year. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Operations Grateful Goodies will require many dedicated volunteers. Volunteers will be needed to fulfill four primary tasks, for which there is an online signup sheet: Purchase individually wrapped, single-serve treats/snacks. On Monday, Dec. 23, volunteers are needed to transfer the treats from their homes to Temple Israel between 10 a.m. and noon. Create home-made thank you/holiday greetings cards and include them with your snacks to drop off on Monday Dec. 23. Sort and package boxes: On Tuesday, Dec. 24, volunteers are needed at Temple Israel to sort and package baked goods. Masks will be required for this day and a maximum of eight people can sign up per shift. Three shifts are available: from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon, or from noon to 1 p.m. Beth El will provide to-go boxes and labels for packing. The labels will include the names of all participating organizations. Volunteers will meet at Temple Israel on Wednesday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to pick up Grateful Goodies packages and a list of delivery sites. Delivery volunteers can work solo, in pairs or as a family to bring boxes to first responders and health care workers, spreading joy across the city. Volunteers can sign up online from Beth El’s website: www.bethel-omaha.org. For additional information on how you can volunteer to purchase, package, sort and deliver, please contact Operation Grateful Goodies Coordinator, Linda Saltzman, at linda_saltzman@hotmail.com.

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Top, above and below: Beth Israel brings Shabbat home, pandemic style.

Top, above, below and bottom: Hanukkah is almost here, and RBJH residents and staff prepare blue and white wood snowďŹ&#x201A;akes to decorate the neighborhoods.

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Left and above: We are thankful to the RBJH dietary department for their acts of tremendous kindness! The kitchen staff bring cheer to Residents by creating daily jokes that are delivered to each Resident to remember that laugher is still the best medicine. Taylor Fox spearheads this project to create a little joy and hopefully a smile. The dietary aides fold origami to hand out to Residents in hopes of lifting their spirits. The staff work on the origami during their breaks and develop innovative designs such as turkeys, butterďŹ&#x201A;ies and angels.

8 | The Jewish Press | December 11, 2020

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Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Michael Ivey Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, David Finkelstein, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Margie Gutnik, Natasha Kraft, Chuck Lucoff, Eric Shapiro, Andy Shefsky, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha. org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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Reclaiming the Latke

ARIELLA ROHR This week, I made latkes for the first time in ten years. In college, I made them every year, usually employing my boyfriend and his roommate to squeeze the water out of the shredded potatoes. After each round they’d ask if they’d gotten enough out, and I almost always sent them back to do more. Senior year, we invited a bunch of friends to our off-campus house and prepared to make latkes for everyone. My dad insisted that I have a massive quantity of either baking powder or baking soda, not sure which, on hand in case I needed to douse a fire. One of the two would put it out, the other exacerbate the flames, he said, but my dad is a ridiculous worrier and always overprepares for every situation, so I ignored his advice. Potatoes shredded, guests arriving, I started two pans of oil on the stovetop. Within a few minutes, one caught fire. Gosh, I wish I remembered whether I was supposed to use baking powder or baking soda to put it out... For some reason, the thought in my head was “‘flash in the pan’ means something that ignites quickly and then is quickly gone, so maybe this will go away in a second.” I gave it one second and decided that the pan of fire wasn’t to be trifled with. Fortunately, about 15 feet to my left was a door leading to a concrete driveway. I could throw the pan out the door and the concrete would probably not catch on fire. “Open the door! Open the door!” I shouted, while holding the pan of flaming oil. My boyfriend, the future double-doctor, thought he would do me one better and instead open the window that was only three feet to my left. The window that was painted shut and had not been opened since my roommates and I had moved in. So I’m screaming at him to open the door, but in-

stead he is standing between me and the door trying to be helpful but actually preventing me from putting the fire out. I panic, throw the pan of fire (maybe at him), and run away to the bathroom to run cold water over my burnt arms. By pure luck and magic, it seems I threw the pan in such a way that it flipped, smothering itself on the floor before the flaming oil spread across the floor and sent the whole house up in flames.

I sat there in the bathroom, heart racing, hyperventilating a little, my wrists looking like I had just come back from a really long day at the beach with no sunscreen. The party, somehow, went on (because we were in our early 20s). I was fine, but certainly rattled. There were scorch marks on the wall going up to the ceiling. I had nightmares for weeks about fire. Since then, I have had some kitchen-fire-related fears. I have always kept a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, I am paranoid about the slightest oil drips when cooking, and I haven’t made latkes since. Several years ago, as Interim Principal at Temple Israel’s Religious School, my boss, Rabbi Josh Brown, asked me to make latkes for a latke contest for the kids. I had to explain my whole embarrassing traumatic story, and I think ultimately made some sort

of silly bargain so that I could get out of it. I have helped, I have watched others, and I have panicked to varying degrees while latkes are being made, but for myself, I have just bought the frozen latkes from Trader Joe’s, heated them in the oven, and called it good enough. But this year is, of course, different from all other years. This year I only go to the grocery store every two weeks, and it involves coordination with my husband to make sure he can stay with our toddler and not have to work while I go. This year, everything has to be planned well in advance. This year, between different exposure risks, we had one day to do an early Hanukkah celebration with our COVID bubble. This year, we made Thanksgiving dinner for ourselves, and I was so wrapped up in Thanksgiving shopping that I didn’t realize I would need to get my latkes the same day... so I forgot the Trader Joe’s latkes. And I couldn’t find frozen latkes on the Baker’s app. So I was stuck. But also, I was pushed. Pushed to buy potatoes and make my own latkes from scratch, for the first time since that fateful year. And I did it! I made my latkes, from scratch, and they were delicious and perfect and so worth it. My house smelled like latke for two days (there are worse things) and I got to eat perfect crispy spidery latkes. I honestly felt really good about it. With a decade more of cooking experience under my belt, and the combination of caution and confidence that comes from light PTSD and being 31, it’s possible that I was just better at this than I was ten years ago. I was extremely careful with my oil, I focused on what I was doing, I knew where my fire extinguisher was... and I didn’t have a single scary incident. It all went perfectly. I have reclaimed the latke. For Ariella’s Latke recipe, please visit www.oma hajewishpress.com.

There’s a hunger crisis in America. Jews must push our leaders to act. ABBY J. LEIBMAN JTA Families around the country celebrated Thanksgiving amid a new reality. Still, many of us likely recall our blessings in new ways as well. Food on the table has heightened meaning, as we know that millions of Americans are struggling to feed themselves and their families every day. Eight months into the pandemic, we are witnessing a true crisis of food insecurity. Lines for emergency food distribution stretch long and tens of millions are unemployed. Women, racial minorities and those who were struggling long before the pandemic are disproportionately suffering. As Americans and as Jews, it is our responsibility to act. We must demand that our leaders in government respond to growing hunger with the wisdom, compassion and urgency that this moment demands. We need new legislation that will help tens of millions of Americans put food on the table. COVID-19 has revealed just how many Americans are living at the edge of poverty. Before the pandemic, nearly 40 million were facing hunger. At MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, we now expect that number has doubled. Millions of Americans are falling through the cracks of our federal government’s nutrition safety net — assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps — in part due to stringent eligibility requirements and cumbersome applications. Hunger is often hidden, silent and overlooked. Nobody talks about the shame that comes with not knowing if you can feed your children their next meal, eating canned goods because it’s cheaper than fresh food or drinking water to make yourself feel full. MAZON does its best to change that, sharing the stories of people like Rhonda, who reminds us that, “it’s not normal to eat once a day, but if you’re strug-

gling, that’s the only thing you can do.” And the experience of people like Charles, who shared that, “there are times towards the end of the month when all I can afford to eat for days at a time is bread and milk.” And the stories of children like John, who says that, “If I am hungry in school, I can’t focus a lot and I don’t understand the lesson.” So many people, in the richest country in the

A person picks up donated produce at the American Red Cross food pantry in Boston during Thanksgiving meal distribution, Nov. 21, 2020. Credit: Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

world, face the indignity of hunger. But charities alone cannot change the situation — our government must do its part, too. The robust network of food pantries, soup kitchens and mobile sites operating across the country was created to supplement government assistance programs, not replace them. Now the charitable food sector has become overstretched, and some food pantries are closing due to COVID-19. Clearly, only the federal government has the resources and structure to meet today’s needs. SNAP is our country’s most effective defense against hunger. It provides modest yet vital cash assistance to anyone who meets its income and asset eligibility limits. SNAP dollars are often spent in local communities, stimulating the economy and

supporting businesses throughout the food chain. In fact, economists estimate that during a recession, every SNAP dollar generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity. In recent years, support for SNAP has become political and partisan. During a recent conversation I had with my friend Rep. Jim McGovern, he reflected on this unfortunate shift. “We were on the way to tackling the issue of hunger in this country. Then for some reason it became unfashionable to help people who were struggling to put food on the table,” the Massachusetts Democrat said. “Rather than finding ways to help them, we started finding ways to blame them. All these false narratives began to emerge that unfortunately undercut a lot of the work that was done in a bipartisan way.” In the past two years, since Congress finalized and President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill, we have witnessed the Department of Agriculture trying to undercut the bipartisan decision to preserve SNAP. Time and again, the agency has issued regulatory orders to limit the flexibility of states and drastically restrict benefits for people who do not fit a certain ideological narrative. These administrative attacks could not possibly be more out of touch with the realities of struggling Americans. The new administration, Congress and every policymaker must do what is necessary to ensure that all Americans can feed themselves and their families. A COVID-19 relief bill that prioritizes boosting SNAP for all who need it cannot wait. People cannot eat ideology or rhetoric. We must not stand by silently while political gridlock leaves the most vulnerable without the help they need. Abby J. Leibman is President & CEO of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

The Jewish Press | December 11, 2020 | 9

We need to step up our charitable giving during the pandemic — it’s the Jewish thing to do This article originally appeared in Kveller. It’s been decades since I ordered food at a McDonald’s. I’ve kept kosher since I was 18 and, outside of Israel, at least, Mickey D’s is decidedly treif. Except the other day, I found myself entering and ordering a decidedly nonkosher cheeseburger and fries. To be clear, the food wasn’t for me. After months of sheltering in place in my suburban neighborhood, I could no longer put off a downtown appointment. So the other day I headed to Chicago’s central business district, making my first journey to the Loop since March. It felt like something out of a dystopian movie. The typical afternoon crowds had disappeared: There were no masses of people hurrying along the wide avenues; gone were the packs of tourists that stopped foot traffic as they gaped at the city’s skyscrapers. There was also hardly any litter — even the alleyways, usually full of detritus, were eerily clean. Homeless people seemed to be the largest contingent I saw. On most corners I passed, there were several. “Can you help me out?” one implored. Another asked for money, saying he was cold and wet and needed help. The amount of need felt so overwhelming that at first I rushed past them all, ignoring their pleas. Then, just before I boarded a train that would take me back to the suburbs, I asked myself why I hadn’t helped anyone. After all, I had some cash on me: Why hadn’t I given any out? Just then, I was approached by a skinny man about my age. “Sure, I can help you,” I said as I reached for my wallet. “I don’t want your money,” he responded. “Can you buy me a meal instead?” “Of course,” I replied, trying to mask my shock as it occurred to me that as I almost rushed by, there was a human standing here hungry. I’d given plenty of money to beggars in my life, but nobody had ever asked me to buy them food directly. I asked him where he wanted to go, and he led me to a nearby McDonald’s. My new acquaintance ordered a cheeseburger. Before I paid, I hesitated. “Why didn’t he order dinner, too, for later?” I asked. He or-

dered Chicken McNuggets and some sides. I swiped my credit card: a total of $16 for providing a day’s worth of food. “God bless you — you’re the only one who stopped,” he told me. In a time of such enormous need, his words broke my heart. After all, the coronavirus pandemic has decimated the U.S. economy — as well as much of the world’s. A recent poll

A man and a woman giving charity Credit: Natty Blissful/Getty Images

by the Pew Research Center found that about one-fourth of Americans have had trouble paying their bills over the past seven months. Demand at food banks has risen at an “extraordinary rate,” according to The New York Times, and up to 14% of American parents now say their children are not getting enough to eat. Each week, a food pantry near my home offers drivethrough food assistance. The line to receive these donated boxes of food is long and filled with later-model minivans. Just a few months ago, many of these people would never have imagined being in this position. But jobs have been eliminated, salaries have been cut and workers have been furloughed. Poverty and food insecurity aren’t always easy to spot — your neighbor, your child’s teacher, the parent serving on the PTA with you can all be suffering from food insecurity now. In this unprecedented moment, it’s wonderful that many Jewish institutions are reimagining themselves and redoubling their efforts to help those in need. But are we, as Jewish individuals and families, doing the same? Judaism mandates giving charity: The Talmud goes into great detail about the many obligations we have to help others,

declaring “Charity is equivalent to all the other mitzvot combined” (Talmud Bava Batra 9a). The Jewish mitzvah of “maaser kesafim” instructs us to donate a portion of our income to charity. Rabbis through the ages interpreted this to mean that we should donate at least a tenth of our income to charity. For too many of us, however, performing this mitzvah feels like an impossible ideal rather than a tangible rule for life. Perhaps now it’s finally time for us to have a difficult conversation about our attitudes to giving charity and to the poor. Over the years, I’ve heard some troubling comments reflecting a profound reluctance to help others. A friend once told me she didn’t donate her children’s castoffs to charity because she didn’t believe in helping people bear “children they can’t afford.” A 10-year-old student in one of my Sunday school classes was taken aback one day when we learned that the Jewish sage Maimonides taught that the highest form of charity was giving a poor person a job. “But poor people don’t want to work,” she said, no doubt echoing what she’d heard at home. “That’s why they’re poor!” These attitudes have long been a problem, but today they’re a crisis in our country that we can’t ignore. In a world buffeted by recession and sudden destitution, we need to rediscover the central Jewish tenet of charity more than ever. When people can no longer feed themselves — when people are begging on street corners, wracked by hunger and asking for succor — we have no choice but to step up and help. It’s time for us as a community to step up to the plate and, if we are in a position to help, we must increase our charitable giving. Whatever your current level of giving is, consider giving more. Contribute to the emergency relief funds. Donate to established charities. And remember, too, that tzedakah isn’t always made up of money — if funds are tight, we can also help by volunteering our time and expertise. Judaism teaches that we are each here to fulfill a specific set of tasks that only we can perform and for which we’re given the precise, individual tools we require. Let this be our moment to shine. Let this pandemic be our time to step up and start helping our fellow men and women in their hours of need.

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Publishing date | 12.25.20 Space reservation | 12.16.20 Contact our advertising executive to promote your business in this very special edition. SUSAN BERNARD | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | December 11, 2020

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

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

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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

CHABAD HOUSE

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

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 Join us via Zoom on Friday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. for evening services. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.

BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. VIRTUAL MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Prayer Book Check-Out, 10 a.m.; Hanukkah To-Go Pick Up, 10 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Bar Mitzvah of Joshua Shapiro; Havdalah and Hanukkah Candlelighting, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; BESTT (Grades K7), 10:30 a.m.; Torah Tots, 4 p.m.; USY/Kadima Latkes in the Lot, 4:30 p.m. TUESDAY: BESTT and Hebrew High Virtual Office Hours, 2 p.m. WEDNESDAY: No BESTT — Winter Break; No Hebrew High — Winter Break; Beit Midrash — Digital Judaism?, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: BESTT and Hebrew High Virtual Office Hours, 2 p.m.; Shul Music with Hazzan Krausman, 7 p.m.; Illumination National Hanukkah Celebration, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY-Dec. 18: Virtual Cooking with Chef Mike, 10 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY-Dec. 19: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 5:40 p.m. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, Whatsapp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in Sukkah, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required. FRIDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:38 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:41 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Jewish Law in Depth, 9:45 a.m. with Rabbi Moshe; Kids Crafts & Class, 12:15 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m. MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Min-

cha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m. TUESDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rosh Chodesh — Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 6:45 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m. THURSDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Deeping Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Shacharit, 9 am.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.; Hanukkah Latkes & Donuts Drive Thru, 5 p.m.; Candlelighting with Rabbi Ari, Laura and family, 6 p.m. via Zoom. FRIDAY-Dec. 18: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Mincha/Candlelighting, 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY-Dec. 19: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:44 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

CHABAD HOUSE Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Due to Coronavirus, all services and classes have moved online. For schedules and more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.org or call the office at 402.330.1800. FRIDAY: Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi Blotner; Candlelighting, 4:37 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Ends, 5:41 p.m. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Annual Menorah Parade and Celebration, 3:30 p.m. at Boystown, NE. MONDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani Katzman; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen. WEDNESDAY: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen; Introduction to Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Professor David Cohen. THURSDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Advanced Hebrew Class, 11 a.m. with Professor David Cohen; Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman; Fun with Yiddish, 1 p.m. with Shani Katzman; Kids in the Kitchen, 4 p.m. with Mushka B. and Bubby. FRIDAY-Dec. 18: Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi Blotner; Candlelighting, 4:39 p.m. SATURDAY-Dec. 19: Shabbat Ends, 5:44 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Virtual services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. FRIDAY: Candlelighting, 4:41 p.m.; Light Two Candles at 4:41 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service

leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Felch via Zoom; Torah Study on Parashat Vayeshev, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom; Light Three Candles at 5:45 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 5:45 p.m.; Community Virtual Hanukkah Celebration, 6 p.m. via Zoom. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan-Gesher, 10 a.m. via Zoom; Adult Ed: Intro to Judaism with Rabbi Alex, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom; Light Four Candles at 5:45 p.m.. MONDAY: Light Five Candles at 5:45 p.m.; Makers of Jewish Things, 7 p.m. via Zoom. TUESDAY: Synagogue Staff Meeting, 10 a.m.; Tea & Coffee with Pals, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom; Light Six Candles at 5:46 p.m.; Adult Ed: The Whys (Wise) of Jewish Prayer, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Alex via Zoom. WEDNESDAY: Light Seven Candles at 5:46 p.m.; LJCS Grades 3-7, 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. THURSDAY: Light Eight Candles at 5:46 p.m. FRIDAY-Dec. 18: Candlelighting, 4:43 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Rabbi Alex, Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. SATURDAY-Dec. 19: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Felch via Zoom; Torah Study on Parashat Miketz, 11:30 a.m. via Zoom; Havdalah (72 minutes), 5:47 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE All services canceled until further notice.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander. DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. FRIDAY: Hanukkah Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Bar Mitzvah of Zachary Kazor, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: 2nd Sunday Stephen Center Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; Youth Learning Programs for Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Rosh Chodesh Event featuring the Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA), 2 p.m. MONDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, 11 a.m. TUESDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Mindful Meditation with Margot, 9 a.m.; Youth Learning Programs for Grades 3-6, 4 p.m. and Grades 7-12, 6:30 p.m.; Community Beit Midrash, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Discussion, 9:30 a.m. with Moshe Nachman; Challah at Home, 8 p.m. with Rabbi Berezin. FRIDAY-Dec. 18: Tot Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

Warning signs of depression Mental illness is one of the most difficult health issues to detect or observe in ourselves or in someone else. Yet, it is estimated that 46.6 million people age 18 or older have a type of mental illness. One of the main reasons for this is the increase of societal stressors, and is GLEN H. FINEMAN, more difficult to see or iden- L.I.M.H.P., M.S.W. tify than physical illness. In addition, the suicide rate, which can be the result of a mental disorder, has increased by over 24% through 2016, and is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, based on the CDC’s statistics, the highest since World War II. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in ten people with mental illness considers or follows through with suicide. Of the many types of mental illness, Major Depressive Disorders, which include Bipolar Disorders, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) are charac-

terized by a combination of symptoms that can be triggered by genetics and stressful life events, including one’s environment. Such stressful events can include death of a loved one, loss of a job, major health changes or family problems. Signs and symptoms of Major Depressive Disorders, according to the DSM V, for children, teens and adults include prolonged sadness, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, anxiety, worry, anger, loss of energy, social withdrawal and isolation and loss of pleasure in interests, among other life changes. Reactions to any of the aforementioned life changes lasting more than a few weeks, that also show new patterns of behaviors and attitudes could be major depression, and should indicate a need for awareness, attention and reaching out to that person. Untreated or under-treated depressive disorders can lead to other health problems and/or suicide. It is often difficult for the individual with depression to recognize or admit being depressed and/or being in denial that there is anything wrong. Perhaps the most difficult or traumatic aspect of depression is the effect it has on family and friends. Although early intervention can help the person

with any type of depressive disorder, learning coping skills, and healthier ways to adjust to life stressors, there is no guarantee of lasting success. In the case of suicide, reactive feelings of guilt, anger, frustration, self-blame, and questions of what could I have done differently are very common thoughts. The best response to these feelings is that each of us needs to learn the best way to live with these situations effectively, not find fault, but strengths. It is recommended to seek professional help, use community support groups, and seek emotional support from family and friends. For further information, contact NAMI at 402.345-8101, or call the suicide crisis hotline at 1.800.273-8255. The Mental Health Series is presented by the Jennifer Beth Kay Memorial Fund and The Jewish Press.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE

The Jewish Press will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 24 and 25. There will be no Jewish Press on Jan. 1, 2021. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Life cycles IN MEMORIAM JUDGE BEN NOVICOFF Judge Ben Novicoff of Lincoln passed away on Dec. 1 at age 99. A private graveside service was held Dec. 3 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his four brothers and three sisters-in-law, George and Rose, Samuel, Abe and Mollie, Louis and Sarah, nephew, Donald Novicoff, many cousins, best friend Aloha Hausner and many other friends. He is survived by nieces, Elaine Nachman of Scottsdale, AZ, Barbara Litvak of Stockton, CA, and nephew and niece-in-law, Harold and Kitty Novicoff of Overland Park, KS; and Nancy Coren, whom he acknowledged saved his life by her actions and thereby gave him several more years of life. Ben was born on Dec. 19, 1920 in Lincoln, NE, to Michael and Helen (Cohen) Novicoff. He graduated from Lincoln High in 1938, and attended the University of Nebraska College of Business Administration, majoring in accounting. Following his service in the army during WWII, he returned to the University of Nebraska College of Law and graduated in 1948 with a J.D. degree. Ben was admitted to the practice of law in 1948 and before the United States Supreme Court in 1970 and was in private general practice of law in Lincoln, NE from 1948-1955. He was appointed as Judge of Nebraska Workmen's Compensation Court on Feb. 1, 1955, by Governor Victor Anderson to fill an unexpired term and reappointed to full terms in 1958 by Governor Anderson and in 1964 by Governor Frank Morrison. Ben was retained by election under Merit Plan for six-year terms through 1994. In 1964 he was elected as Presiding Judge of the same court by fellow judges, a position he held for 30 years. He retired as a judge effective Feb. 1, 1995 having served for exactly 40 years. Ben received U.S. Dept. of Labor Commissioner’s Award for

Who Am I?

The Jewish Press | December 11, 2020 | 11

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Eminent Achievement in 1995. In 2014, he received the Diamond Distinguished Fellow designation and was awarded the special Public Service Award. He has a study room at the University of Nebraska College of Law dedicated in his name as well as a reading room at UNL's Harris Center for Judaic Studies. Ben was a member of Masonic Lodge No.54 in Lincoln, NE, and the Scottish Rite and Shrine. Member of B.P.O.E (Elk's); American Legion; B'nai B'rith since 1946 having served as President of the Lincoln Lodge for two years and Regional President for one year; and member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Memorials may be made to Tifereth Israel Synagogue or to the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. DOROTHY K. (DOTTIE) ROSENBLUM Dorothy K. (Dottie) Rosenblum passed away on Nov. 28 at age 92. Private services were held on Nov. 30. She is survived by son, Mick Rosenblum of San Diego, CA., daughter, Marcy Ruback of Omaha, and son and daughter-inlaw, Mark and Lara Rosenblum of Golden Valley, MN; grandchildren: Karolina and Jay Hobson, Dianna Sekowski, Joe and Liz Ruback, K.C. Ruback, Jake Rosenblum, Zach Rosenblum; great grandchildren: Ella, Grant and Bridgette Hobson, William and Connor Ruback; sister-in-law, Kathy Klawans; nieces and nephews, Al and Jane Drooz, Dave and Geri Drooz, Sue Klawans, Sandy and Kevin Crowe, Jan Klawans; and special cousins, great niece and great nephews. Dottie was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She was a 70 year resident of Omaha. Dottie was a volunteer her entire adult life. Memorials may be made to The Jewish Federation of Omaha; with designation to the Jewish Press, Jewish Social Services or National Council of Jewish Women-Nebraska.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of thought-provoking keynoters. Marvin Bittner, MD, Harvard MD and Infectious Disease Specialist will speak about What's really going on with COVID-19? on Wednesday, Dec. 16. For specific speaker information and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail. com or leave a message at the BB JCC office 402.334.6443.

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 11, 2020

E N D OW M E N T F U N D

MAKE A LASTING IMPACT

INCENTIVE MATCH

ON THE JEWISH COMMUNITY! With your help, we will be able to maintain the freshly renovated Staenberg Omaha JCC, keeping our facilities looking like new for years to come.

BOOST YOUR GIFT WITH A

20% MATCH! Your $1,000 gift becomes $1,200 Your $5,000 gift becomes $6,000 Your $25,000 gift becomes $30,000 Your $100,000 gift becomes $120,000

Between now and December 31, 2020, the Jewish

LIMITED FUNDS AVAILAB LE

Federation of Omaha Foundation will match gifts to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Facilities Repair and Replacement Endowment Fund or to any other

Contribute to an endowment to maintain, repair and preserve the JCC,

endowment fund established for the speciﬁc purpose

and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation will add an additional

of paying costs to repair, replace and renovate

20% to your gift, up to a maximum addition of $20,000!

buildings, aquatics facilities, equipment, furniture, and ﬁxtures in the newly renovated JCC.

It’s more than a donation.

t’s your legacy.

CONTACT: CO Ho Howard N. Epstein, Executive Director (402) 334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org (40 www.jfofoundation.org ww

TERMS T

• Add to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Facilities Repair and Replacement Endowment Fund (minimum of $1,000 required) and an extra 20%, up to $20,000, will be added to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Facilities Repair and Replacement Endowment Fund. • (VWDEOLVK D QHZ HQGRZPHQW RU DGG WR DQ H[LVWLQJ HQGRZPHQW IXQG ZLWK WKH VSHFLÀF purpose of maintaining the JCC facilities (minimum of $1,000 required) and receive an extra 20%, up to $20,000, into the endowment fund. • Matching funds will be deposited into the endowment fund designated. • Your charitable donation must be received before December 31, 2020.