December 14, 2018

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

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JWRP is ready for you

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their communities, and the world. Our flagship program is MOMentum, an eight-day journey through Israel. MOMentum is more than just a tour of Israel; it is an opportunity for women to deeply explore themselves. Thousands of women from 26 different countries have already experienced this life-changing trip, paying only their own airfare, and returning home with the best gift of all—a deep, eternal connection to Israel, a profound kinship with each other, and a heart filled with Jewish values.”

Working in partnership with various community organizations, synagogues and federations, the JWRP has recently collaborated with the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora See JWRP page 2

CDC special guest Shabbat

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

ozzie nogg For the past month, volunteers from Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel, Temple Israel, Chabad and the Jewish Federation of Omaha have been baking cookies, brownies, making candy and other treats as part of Operation Grateful Goodies, scheduled for Wednesday, dec. 25.

2018 JWRP momentum omaha

gabby blaiR Staff Writer, Jewish Press nspire a woman, you inspire a family. Inspire enough families, you inspire a community.

Inspire enough communities, you can change the world.”

This short statement is the mission of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP). Started in 2008 by eight Jewish women from different backgrounds, affiliations, observance levels and ages, JWRP strives to empower and inspire all women with the rich beauty of their Jewish heritage.

According to their website, the purpose of this mission is to “inspire women to transform themselves, transform their families,

L.O.V.E. Hanukkah Party Page 16

12 14 15

Operation Grateful Goodies needs you

D ECEMBER 1 4 , 2 0 1 8 | 6 T EV ET 5 7 7 9 | V O L. 9 9 | NO . 1 0 | C a nd leli g h ti ng | FRID AY , D ECEMBER 1 4 , 4 : 3 7 P. M.

From Shirley’s Kitchen: Ma’s Mandel Bread Page 5

Chabad’s Annual Hanukkah Parade Page 9

SPonSoRed by the benJamin and anna e. WieSman Family endoWment Fund

RaChel maRtin Celebrating Shabbat is a highly-anticipated occasion at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center.

“The CDC celebrates Shabbat each week to observe and remember the Sabbath,” said Lisa Cooper, Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center Assistant Director. “It is also a nice way to end our week together.

Morah Carrie Fingold leads Shabbat with the children each week.

Morah Deborah Kronick does much of the behind-the-scenes set up and preparation for whomever leads Shabbat, sometimes leading it herself.

The children, staff and special guests come together in the CDC lobby to sing songs, dance, and say the three

blessings over the candles, the juice and the challah. Due to increased enrollment, Shabbat at the CDC has grown so large that the students must gather in three separate age groups to celebrate Shabbat.

Fingold is the designated and treasured Shabbat leader, however, she has travel commitments that require her to miss some Fridays. Various other guests help lead Shabbat when Fingold is traveling. A few years ago,

CDC parent Andy Isaacson told CDC staff he would love to help out if there was a need.

“Andy became one of our go-to people,” Cooper said. “Andy plays the guitar, he brings in new songs, has a great way of responding to the group, and doesn’t get thrown off by the unpredictable nature of working with young children.” Cooper elaborated on the fact that Isaacson engages the See CdC Shabbat page 3

“Police officers, fire fighters, hospital staff and employees of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home are just some of the dedicated people who serve our city and are away from their families on dec.

25,” said Linda Saltzman, creator and chairperson of the event. “The beauty of this project is that we Jews have nothing to do on Dec. 25th when the world is shut down. So we’ll spend part of the day delivering packages of treats as a way to say ‘Thank You’ and show our appreciation to those who protect, defend and heal us 365 days a year. This is our chance to make a difference, deliver a smile, and give back to those who sacrifice so much for us.”

Operation Grateful Goodies still needs volunteers to fill these tasks. Take your pick of one or all.

Bake between now and dec. 22: Volunteers can bake in their homes, freeze and store the goodies and bring them to Linda Saltzman’s house on Sunday, dec. 23, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Home-baked goods do not need to be kosher.

Sort and package: Volunteers are needed on monday, dec. 24, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to sort and package baked goods at Linda Saltzman’s house. Beth El will provide to-go boxes and labels for packing. The labels will include the names of all participating organizations.

Deliver: Volunteers will meet at Linda’s house on tuesday, dec. 25, at 10 a.m. to pick up packages, a list of delivery sites, and then proceed to spread joy across town. Delivery volunteers can work solo, in pairs or as a family.

See grateful goodies page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018

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Continued from page 1 Affairs, allowing the organization to expand their reach to even more organizations in more countries. “Our partners recruit the women, staff the buses and continue the journey through continually evolving follow-up programming that keeps the inspiration going and helps to create bonds that extend not only to communities but globally.”

For the third year in a row, our community was fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of this growing movement.

This past October, 15 Omaha women embarked on this experience of a lifetime. Louri Sullivan, JFO Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects, served as this year’s Omaha Trip Leader and coordinated everything from applying for grants and interviewing applicants to providing packing list suggestions. Sullivan explains, “The JWRP, working together with its partners, highly subsidizes this trip and provides a scholarship of nearly $2500 per person! In Omaha, we are so fortunate to have the generosity of donors and the Herbert Goldsten Trust, which covered the remaining partner fee for each participant so that the only out-of-pocket costs were airfare and spending money.”

Sullivan continues, “The JWRP and The Jewish Federation of Omaha understand that most families, and especially mothers, would not be willing or able to spend a few thousand dollars on a trip to Israel for themselves. The JWRP goes above and beyond in making this trip affordable and accessible because they see real value and importance in reaching Jewish mothers and igniting, or perhaps fanning, the spark within them, which they in turn will share with their families.”

This year’s trip kicked off with two days and one night in Tel Aviv, followed by six nights in Jerusalem. From their home base at the Prima Kings Hotel in Israel’s vibrant capitol, a mere 20-minute walk from the Western Wall, the women toured much of the country. They did traditional touristy things, like riding camels in the desert and floating in the Dead Sea. They experienced the lively and exotic smells, sounds and tastes of Mahane Yehuda shuk and the quiet, haunting stillness of Yad Vashem. They paid tribute to Israel’s visionaries, leaders and fallen heroes at Har Herzl and lit Shabbat candles at Aish HaTorah. They cried, prayed and danced together at the Kotel and shared a meaningful Shabbat in the very heart of our most accessible Holy Site. They explored the mystical city of Tsfat and dined on the shores of the Kineret.

An important theme of the trip was “unity without uniformity”; the idea that our strength as a people lies in our diversity but only when we, as Jews, are united and accepting among ourselves, regardless of background. Hours were spent learning on a broad variety of topics: history, innovation, politics, combating antisemitism, architecture, Judaism, self-esteem and family issues. The women not only attended lectures, but also explored issues through different perspectives, asked questions and learned to shift their social paradigms. Most importantly, they bonded in a way that one must experience in order to fully understand or appreciate. While 15 acquaintances may have departed Omaha, it was 15 sisters who returned from Israel, together.

Thanks to the generosity of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and The Special Donor Advised Fund, the ladies enjoyed an additional day in Israel after the conclusion of the JWRP programming to visit Omaha’s Partnership region in the Western Galilee. They toured the Western Galilee Medical Center, Kibbutz Hanita, and the Shalom Aleichem School, learning about the positive impacts Omaha has had in the area and were proud to see what a difference our community has made at all three facilities. Before heading towards the airport, they ended with a tour of the beautiful grottoes of

Rosh Hanikra along the Mediterranean coast on the IsraeliLebanese border and a beautiful sunset.

According to JWRP, one of the most exciting and unexpected results of their MOMentum trips was the desire for a similar experience geared for their husbands, by past participants. “We began hearing from our partnering organizations, and, finally, from husbands: ‘We are behind our wives, we don’t understand but want to; please do a trip for us!’ So we responded with MoMENtum opportunities which have quickly become one of our greatest follow-up programs, helping to lift the family together.” The JWRP Men’s trip is for husbands of past JWRP MOMmentum participants, with some exceptions, and features tours and programs that complement their wives JWRP learning experiences.

In response, Omaha offered its first MoMENtum trip this past year. Thanks to the generosity of the Albert and Eleanor Feldman Family Israel Foundation and the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, six Omaha men enjoyed a seven-day JWRP MoMENtum trip where they toured, learned and grew, not only as husbands and fathers... but also as brothers.

As the momentum builds, so does the demand for these trips.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that they will be once again offering both men’s and women’s JWRP trips in late 2019. Criteria for applicant selection include being physically able to walk upwards of 50 miles over the duration of the trip (including many stairs), no serious underlying health issues that could preclude applicants from participating fully in programming, a valid passport and having children, living at home, under age 18. Health insurance is included for all participants for the duration of the trip along with all JWRP group programming, transportation, outings, group meals, daily breakfast and lodging accommodations.

Recruitment meetings are being scheduled for January 2019; look for meeting times and places in future issues of The Jewish Press. Come listen as past participants share stories and get answers to your questions. If you have ever dreamed of visiting Israel, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Space on these upcoming trips will be limited to 14 women and seven men respectively, so do not miss your chance to be part of this life changing, inspirational mission.

Please contact Louri Sullivan, JFO Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects at 402.334.6485 or lsulli van@jewishomaha.org with questions and for more information about fees, requirements and deadlines.

Grateful Goodies

Continued from page 1 “It’s a privilege for we Jews to use this day, when we most likely have time on our hands, to let others know that we appreciate what they do for us on Dec. 25th and every day,” Linda said. “Let’s get out there and say, ‘Thanks’.”

For more information on how you can volunteer to bake, or sort and deliver Operation Grateful Goodies packages, please email Linda at linda_saltzman@hotmail.com or access the link on Beth El’s website: bethel- omaha.org.

Operation Grateful Goodies is part of Beth El Synagogue’s Miriam Initiative, an ongoing series of projects and programs created and implemented by Beth El women.

The Miriam Initiative

The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018 | 3

adam Trubnikov: Solution engineer

Adam Trubnikov identifies himself as a solution engineer. In his high school years, he made Rube-Goldberg devices. In college, he traversed the audio console connections to remix well-known video game music. In the real world, Adam applies his well-rounded technical and social knowledge to help people and small businesses around him. The habit of this evolving entrepreneur is to learn. It is this ambition that makes him the reputable computer expert he is today.

Born in New York City, NY and growing up in Brooklyn, Adam attended a Yeshiva in Manhattan. At the age of eight, his parents Alexander Trubnikov and Maya Wertheimer moved to Omaha - a quieter and more calm environment to raise their children. Upon receiving a high school diploma and after attending four post-secondary institutions and completing six years of various subjects, Adam decided to spend his time focusing on resolving computer technology issues.

From misbehaving printers and undesirable viruses to learning how to work with your PC or Mac and editing images, Adam will help you. There is also the occasional magic; for example, restoring a “permanently deleted” file like a financial spreadsheet or vacation photo. Adam is here to serve the community by helping resolve your technical issues!

Why a personal driver

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Prior to being a personal driver, I worked at the JCC for eight years as the Men’s Spa Attendant.

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community

Beth Israel hosts Shabbaton

Great to have NCSY friends from Kansas join Beth Israel this weekend! The NCSY Shabbaton with Kansas City for 5-8th graders took place in Omaha for Shabbat, Dec. 1, and was hosted by Beth Israel.

CDC Shabbat

Continued from page 1 kids by asking for input on songs and encourages participation.

Isaacson co-led Shabbat with fellow CDC parent Adam Kutler on Oct. 26.

Isaacson and Kutler play guitar together at Beth El during the synagogue’s Six String Shabbat. During these Shabbat events, different congregants play guitar to enhance the Shabbat service.

“Everyone benefits when we have more community involvement,” Cooper said. “Our teachers and students feel supported when community members

show an interest in what we do. Our children certainly benefit from new and different ways to approach the familiarity of Shabbat. Sometimes we get a little complacent in our practice, so it is nice to mix things up from time to time!”

The CDC also hosts Family Shabbat every other month, during which they come together as a whole school with students’ families and other special guests. Family Shabbat has grown to be so popular that it must be held in the JCC Auditorium to accommodate the group’s growing size.

“It’s so nice to see siblings, former students, parents, grandparents, and special friends come by to spend this time with our students,” Cooper said. “The kids love seeing their special guest at school and introducing whomever to their friends.”

Isaacson and friends will be back in the future, and the CDC welcomes other community members to join the fun... with or without instruments.

For more information about the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, contact Lisa Cooper, Assistant Director, at lcooper@jccomaha.org or 402.334.6414.

4 | The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018

community Hanukkah with friends

maggie Conti Director of Activities and Volunteer Services, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home the annual Livingston Hanukkah Party was held Dec. 4th at the Livingston Plaza social hall. Hanukkah treats and latkes made with love by StaR catering with a festive program by anna mosenkis. all participants received a HyVee gift certificate. this event was sponsored by the Livingston Plaza fund and Jewish Social Services/Jewish Senior outreach.

S

Virginia Kathryn

Joey Hoffman eated by the window at Saddle Creek Breakfast Club, Virginia Kathryn’s go-to morning spot, she feasts on the lox plate and sips her cherished vegan coffee. Fourth cup. Black. “Dark as my soul,” she says, laughing.

With her upcoming gig on Dec. 18 at Reverb Lounge in Benson, the 22-year-old singer/songwriter/musician muses about her impromptu launch into the public eye six years ago in Council Bluffs, where she grew up.

“It started with a brunch at Dixie Quicks,” she says. “I was at Lidgett’s Music getting new strings for my electric guitar. Walking around downtown Council Bluffs, my mom and I ran into René Orduña. At the time he was the owner, many years before he passed away. We started talking about music and we liked a lot of the same things.

So he said half-jokingly, ‘Why don’t you come play some songs for Sunday brunch?’”

One stint stretched into every Sunday for six months, an unofficial residency of sorts. “I learned so many songs when I played those brunches. Three hours with a couple of breaks, every Sunday, and tasty breakfast afterward. It was a really wonderful chance to experience what it was like playing for other people.”

Before that bashert encounter, it was just a girl and her upright piano in the dining room of her childhood home.

“I started as a kiddo trying to learn Disney soundtracks and figuring out melodies of things like Beauty and the Beast, my favorite. Over time, I started writing songs and soundtracks for stories I was writing – sometimes fairy tales, sometimes adventures.”

Storytelling and a longtime fascination with folklore and mythology would lead Virginia Kathryn to major in Religious Studies at UNO. Learning about archetypes, she says, “I felt like this must be the riddle that ties everything together, but there are no easy answers to these things, and so much more nuance.”

In 2014, then a sophomore - she matriculated at 16 1/2 Virginia Kathryn Gallner dropped her surname “to simplify

and separate myself from my academic persona.”

Though raised in a mixed-faith home - her father is Jewish, her mother Catholic -learning family lore and religious history inspired her to gravitate towards Judaism.

My mom always wanted me to be aware of my Jewish heritage and history. She told me stories about my dad’s family all the time and made sure I read books about the Holocaust. She always bought me books on world religions, which is probably why I ended up in Religious Studies.”

Given her jam-packed schedule over the last five years, it’s no wonder Virginia Kathryn’s favorite food group is caffeine. Unlike college students who opt to sleep in, she worked three jobs most of the time, volunteered for Omaha Girls Rock and TEDxOmaha and took a full course load.

She logged long hours at UNO’s Schwalb Center, taking classes in Ancient Judaism and Hebrew Scriptures.

Like most Jews who visit Israel, wandering in Jerusalem during a summer 2016 trip solidified her sense of Judaism. "We saw so many different landscapes like the Dead Sea and Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. It was incredible, walking through all that history, the history of my people.”

Virginia Kathryn’s people also include those in the tightknit Omaha music scene, relationships with fellow musicians and audience members she has cultivated since her Dixie Quicks break.

She opened for Rex Granite Band featuring Sarah Benck this past summer and has headlined and opened for major acts at noted venues like The Waiting Room and Reverb Lounge (where she played a packed house for her Vintage Sepia album release).

Her Stevie Nicks aesthetic - billowing silhouettes, daring fabrics in wintry hues, long, tousled mane - is decidedly poetic, enhancing her sultry sound and demeanor on stage (depending on the song), a seeming nod to her old soul which could easily make her millennial contemporaries nostalgic for an era in which they never lived.

See Virginia Kathryn page 7

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From Shirley’s Kitchen Ma’s Mandel Bread (Prepared by Gail Raznick) From: Gail Goldstein Raznick Originating from: Ma (Selma Gershun) I asked Ma for this recipe for years, but she wouldn’t give it to me until she couldn’t make it any longer. It was a recipe of “abouts”...”about” 1 cup sugar, “about” 3 cups flour... whenever I would make it, it would

ma’s mandel bread

crumble when I sliced it (it was always good, but it didn’t look like Ma’s!) so I kept trying to adjust it (we won’t go into how many trial batches I made!). I finally think I’ve got it— at least for the high altitude... maybe it doesn’t need adjusting otherwise!!

Cooking time: 25-30 minutes +15-20 minutes Temperature: 350 Degrees

snowbirds

Ingredients: 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup oil 1 tsp. vanilla 3 1/4 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup walnuts* cinnamon sugar Directions: Beat eggs and sugar. Add vanilla and oil. Mix dry ingredients and add to mixture. Add chopped nuts. Divide dough into long rolls and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and slice. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake for additional 15-20 minutes. *I have also substituted raisins for the nuts.

Start your Mondays off right

Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

Winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Play.

Gabby blair Staff writer, Jewish Press Do you find Mondays lacking? Is it your least anticipated day of the week? The start of a hectic rush; back to work, back to school, back to the daily grind that makes up the week between the rest and relaxation of the weekend, of Shabbat?

If so, do I have a solution for you!

Consider taking an hour out of the morning to attend a weekly women’s parsha class, led by Shani Katzman, held every Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Chabad House (1866 South 120th Street).

Monday mornings can be a tough sell- but what better time is there to take a moment for gratitude... for learning... for yourself? This class provides an opportunity for camaraderie and sisterhood as well as insights to the Torah portion which, in turn, provides a refreshed lens with which to make sense of your week.

Shani’s weekly class is open and free to community members. Meet new women and make new friends while learning in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

For more information, please call 402.330.1800 or email shani@ochabad.com.

Jan. 18&–& Feb. 10, 2019

Omaha Community Playhouse to stage The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime—winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Play—opens at the Omaha Community Playhouse on Jan. 18.

Based on the best-selling mystery novel by Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells the emotional story of Christopher, a 15-year-old boy with an autism spectrum condition, who sets out to solve the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog. Directed by Kimberly Faith Hickman, the play’s visually-stunning design

and innovative staging boldly conveys the point of view of the young protagonist as he embarks on an incredible adventure and finds his perceptions of trust and reality turned upside-down.

The Omaha Community Playhouse production will run from Jan. 18 through Feb. 10, 2019 in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are on sale now and start at $24. Tickets may be purchased at the Omaha Community Playhouse Box Office, located at 6915 Cass Street, by phone at 402.553.0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

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6 | The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018

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Tristan Newman, 18-year old Westside senior, said, “Haviblical sources tell us that harps, lyres, cymbals and ing Josh come to Beth El was especially exciting. It’s always a drums were played in the First Temple in big deal for USY to have a musician come to our community Jerusalem. So, when Musician-in-Residence Josh and show us how Jewish music is ever evolving. I was thrilled Warshawsky, one of the up-and-coming innovators to see other members of the community, especially the little in American Jewish music, brought his guitar and kids, interact with Josh and become excited about what they original melodies to Beth El Synagogue this past Nov. 8 through were singing, whether it was a nigun or a camp song.”

11, he was following a tradition begun by King Solomon.

Slowach and Supper was another feature of the weekend. “BaThe schedule for Warshawsky’s visit included a Friday evening song session in the Youth Lounge; Tot Shabbat and Six String Shabbat in the Chapel; Saturday morning Shabbat’s Cool for grades K through 7; regular Shabbat morning services plus a special Day of Music for BESTT on Sunday. Shira Abraham, who helped facilitate the Tot Shabbat, said, “I knew Josh as my camper at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin during the summer of 2004, so it was very special to see him come to Omaha to Beth El USY members enjoy Slowach and Supper with Musician-in-Residence Josh Warshawsky; share his talents with us. Watchcenter, with guitar; an up-and-coming innovator in American Jewish music ing Josh engage the youngest members of our community was such an incredible sight to see.” sically, it’s a program where we used slow paced songs from a For Elkhorn High sophomore, Spencer Gordman, “Josh has USY songbook, B’kol Echad, and we sing them as a group,” this unique ability to make a room with a hundred people in Tristan explained. “Eighteen of us met with Josh at Eadie’s it feel like he’s singing to just you. His love of Judaism and house, which made his visit a lot more intimate. Eadie proJewish music is very joyful and radiated throughout the vided the food. It was phenomenal.”

Chapel at Beth El. I can’t play an instrument to save my life, “Josh was a pleasure to have with us,” Tsabari said. “We but it’s easy to appreciate Josh’s singing and songwriting tal- hope to see him back again soon.” ent. I’m glad the congregation, old and young, were able to see a side of prayer that you don’t experience often.” Zach Krausman, Millard North senior agreed. “Josh brought a lot of excitement and spirit to Beth El. It was really fun to hang out with him and learn the new songs. It reminded me a bit of my summers at camp Ramah Darom.”

Eadie Tsabari, Beth El Director of Congregational Learning, added, “Our weekend with Josh Warshawsky was packed full of music and song. Friedel, the CDC, all celebrated with Josh and his music. He was a wonderful addition to our congregation and added that special bit of ruach that we are always looking for.”

In 2015, Warshawsky released his first full-length album, Mah Rabu, which can be found on iTunes. The featured songs are favorites at Ramah and URJ summer camps, as well as at NFTY and USY conventions across the country. Josh is a graduate of Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary with BAs in Religion, Talmud and Rabbinics, and Friedel students employ their coding skills in a “Battle of the is currently in Rabbinical school at the Ziegler school of Rab‘Bots” using LEGO WeDo Robotics. binic Studies in Los Angeles.

What’s going on at Friedel?

Great news from JFS

Teresa Drelicharz Jewish Family Services Exciting news from Jewish Family Service! With special thanks to the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth, we have a new play therapy space that has allowed us to enhance our trauma-focused therapy services!

According to the Kids Count Data Center, one in five children in the United States has been exposed to two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). ACES can include a number of potentially traumatic events, such as sexual, physical or emotional abuse as well as exposure to hardships like parental divorce, violence in their homes, communities, or in society, and severe discrimination/bullying.

Such events can have negative and lasting effects on a child’s well-being, and have been linked to increased risk of obesity, alcoholism, depression, and possible suicide, according to research. All races, religions, and socio-economic levels are affected.

Trauma intervention at any stage of life is crucial, but if it takes place during the earlier years when the human brain is most maleable, the long term outcome for youth facing these challenges can be much more positive.

Jewish Family Service is happy, with assistance from the Singer Memorial Fund, to be able to provide more resources for healing of childhood and adult trauma including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CPP (Child Parent Psychotherapy), and TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) in addition to our existing Play Therapy services. We are currently accepting new clients, so please help us spread the word! Call for more information, 402.330.2024.

The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018 | 7

community Virginia Kathryn continued from page 4 Equally poetic is her self-described performance.

“If you come to one of my shows, chances are, you might first hear the delicate nuance of finger-style folk guitar. You might see me throw back my head as I wail out a blues tune, or dragging a brass slide across the strings of my lap-steel guitar. And in between songs, you might hear a ghost story or three, spoken over the sounds of soft conversation.”

Her sound? Eclectic folk-rock, though lately she’s leaning more towards folk-jazz. Vintage Sepia, (available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify), a full-length debut album - major coup for a 20something - is rife with songs akin to the British folk-rock tradition of the 1960s, like Fairport Convention and Pentangle. *Bonus points if you know who they are.

In her free time, she has been moving more towards writing folk ballads styled after songwriters like Joni Mitchell.

Fittingly, her music is reminiscent of a long-standing tradition of Jewish folk songwriters like Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Carole King. You can even hear echoes of the Klezmer-influenced jazz her dad shared with her in the second track of her debut album, Sometimes.

“Even the mystical aspects of religious experience occasionally surface in my music,” she says.

In a recent “Carole King mood,” she scrawled a new song in a coveted lyrical journal at home in her studio - surrounded by roughly 11 guitars - while producing accompanying music on her 1986 Ensoniq synthesizer.

Sounds swank.

“Nope, it was cheap,” she says, laughing. “$200 used at Lidgett’s.”

Together with bandmates Susan Hendrick (drums), Bryan Scherbring (bass),

Adam Sherrerd (multi-instrumentalist), and Andrea Smith (oboe), the group will share the bill with singer-songwriters Anna Sun and Annie Dilocker during their upcoming show which features almost all new material inspired by the three L’s: love, loss, and loneliness.

“I have introduced a ton of new material for my band to learn and they’ve done an amazing job with it,” she says.

“It’s exciting because at the album release show, I wrote with just myself in mind as a solo guitarist, but with these songs I was thinking more with the band in mind. These songs lend themselves to full instrumentation a lot better. It’s kind of my six-month checkpoint since the album release and I feel like we have come a long way as a band.”

A snippet of her CV will no doubt prompt even the most accomplished to get out more often. A Graduate Teaching Assistant in English at University of South Dakota, earning a Master’s in English with a concentration in creative writing; twice nominated for an Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award in the Best Blues category (2017) and Best

Folk/Americana (2018); Band of the Week by the Omaha World-Herald (June 2018); featured in Omaha Magazine (February/March 2018).

In 2016 and 2017, Virginia Kathryn was selected as a participant for the Silkroad Ensemble’s Global Musician Workshop, a project initiated by Yo-Yo Ma bringing together musicians from around the world to perform traditional music in innovative ways.

“One of the most notable moments for me was sitting in the grass late on a summer evening playing blue slide guitar with Hankus Netsky, director of the Klezmer Conservatory Orchestra at New England Conservatory who played accordion. A Canadian played oboe, and a biology professor played Irish whistle... all learning Klezmer tunes together.”

Like her coffee, Virginia Kathryn’s soul may be dark... but her future’s bright. Virginia Kathryn will be playing Dec. 18 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Avenue, Benson. Her album Vintage Sepia is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and CD Baby. For more information, please visit virginia kathryn.com.

help feed the hungry

cassanDra hicks Weisenburger Director of Communications, Temple Israel Temple israel members are now volunteering every month at the stephen center kitchen, preparing and serving breakfast to their residents. Volunteer sessions are good for families with teens (12+ yrs old) as well as adults. This is a great opportunity to get to make a difference in our community, and for students to fulfill volunteer hours for their b’nai mitzvah or school. We hope you’ll join us! if you have any questions, please contact geoff silverstein, socialjustice@templeisraelomaha.com. To sign up, visit our online form: bit.ly/2nkPdXl.

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JBL welcomes Jeff Gordman

8 | The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018

community beth israel celebrates hanukkah

annette van de kamp-wriGht Editor, Jewish Press ewish Business Leaders will host its next community event Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 from 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. at the Happy Hollow Club.

Breakfast will be served and the featured speaker will be Jeff Gordman, former President and CEO of Gordmans Stores Inc. Jeff will share the Gordmans story as well as a few of the key lessons learned over his 18-year tenure as CEO. Jeff assumed the helm of the predecessor company to Gordmans Stores Inc., in 1996, which was struggling at the time to complete its five-year plan of reorganization. After stabilizing the company via the implementation of a comprehensive turnaround and repositioning plan, over the subsequent decade Jeff and his team executed an aggressive expansion strategy. Under Jeff ’s leadership, Gordmans became a public company in 2010 with the completion of an initial public offering of common stock trading on NASDAQ, followed by a secondary public offering in 2012.

At the time of Jeff ’s retirement in 2014, Gordmans operated 95 stores in 20 states. employed 5,000 associates and generated annual revenues of $620 million. Currently, Jeff operates Jeff Gordman Advisory LLC, which is engaged in two primary businesses: a consulting practice serving the retail and consumer-related industries, and an investment firm providing angel, private equity and venture capital to companies in the consumer and health care industries.

“Gordmans is one of the great historical companies from Omaha,” JBL President Alex Epstein said. “The origin of how it started, went public and grew to a massive United States footprint will be an exciting story to hear. We are honored Jeff offered his time to the JBL group in order to tell his story. We are excited to hear his advice on today’s business environment, learn how he navigated challenges, implemented strategies and set goals. We can’t wait to hear his take on today’s retail and brick-and-mortar environment.”

Jewish Business Leaders of Omaha brings together the Jewish business community to showcase the entrepreneurs, founders, and change-makers in our community while creating opportunities to connect, teach and leverage each relationship. Membership benefits include Bagels & Business speaker events featuring local business leaders, the ability to connect with successful Jewish business leaders, learn business trend insights and receive potential corporate discounts through the JBL network.

Koley Jessen Attorneys is sponsoring the Jan. 23 meeting. In addition, JBL is in part made possible through our generous Platinum sponsor, First National Bank and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

For more information or to become a member, please visit http://www.jewishomaha.org/Post/sections/103/Files/JB L%202018-2019%20Brochure.pdf or contact Steve Levinger at 402.334.6433 or slevinger@jewishomaha.org or JBL President Alex Epstein at 402.505.7720 or aepstein@ omnepartners.com.

Serendipities and a coat: Why museums matter

enjoying hanukkah Falafel at beth israel, december 2.

Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press History Nebraska is pleased to announce a special presentation at this month’s Brown Bag Lecture series; a film that tells the story of a coat belonging to a Holocaust victim that made its way to Lincoln after WWII and later to History Nebraska’s collections.

Please join us for this poignant showing on Thursday, Dec. 20; noon; at the Ne-

braska History Museum (131 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, NE) to hear the story from the victim’s own granddaughter.

The Brown Bag Lecture Series is open and free to the public.

Lectures are held monthly on the third Thursday of the month in the Oldfather Family Auditorium at the Nebraska History Museum in Downtown Lincoln.

Learn more about History Nebraska and our programs and services at history.nebraska.gov.

Grow your endowment fund with an

INCENTIVE MATCH It’s more than a donation.

t’s your legacy.

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

We are offering this wonderful opportunity that will benefit the Omaha Jewish community for years to come.

This incentive match is offered only for the months of November and December, so take this chance to give more while it lasts!

As the year comes to a close, take this opportunity to make a charitable gift of cash or appreciated assets.

Your gift could qualify you for a charitable deduction and valuable tax savings on this year’s income tax return.

And your generosity will support your favorite causes for generations to come.

Learn more at www.jfofoundation.org

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

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

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

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

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

It’s more than a donation.

t’s your legacy.

The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018 | 9

Chabad’s Annual Hanukkah Parade

the frigid weather couldn’t stop Chabad’s annual hanukkah Parade at Boys town. shani and rabbi Mendel katzman brought piles of sufganyot and latkes, shared the meaning of the holiday and lit the third night’s candles, after which the parade of cars with Menorahs on top took off from the village.

RBJH Hanukkah Concert

Community seniors enjoying the hanukah concert with ice cream sundaes and latkes! Pictured left: Cheryl Poulin, activities Coordinator and Joey simon and right: tootie simon, left, Yvette roffman, and Joan kirshenbaum.

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers

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

health+ wellness

Bring a friend to lunch–on us at Great harvest Bread Company Great Harvest Bread Company invites you to BRING A FRIEND TO LUNCH—ON US! Try one of our delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, such as our Roasted Pepper Chipotle Cheesesteak Sandwich, or even a bowl of our steaming hot homemade soups. Our soups are so delicious; you are sure to enjoy the Chicken Tortilla or Southwest Chicken Chili-- each and every one of our soups are made fresh daily. The only question is: Cup? Or Bowl? Bring in the accompanying ad with your friend and enjoy lunch.

Great Harvest Bread Company was originally born out of a single (and amazingly delicious) whole grain bread recipe. Over time, we’ve branched out to develop a dazzling array of products, but still keeping true to our roots. We approach the creation of all our products with the same basic principles baked into that first loaf of bread. We make our food the right way, with wholesome ingredients and from scratch, so you

can feel good about eating ALL our treats. At Great Harvest Bread Co., you get real food that tastes great.

After twenty-four years in business in Omaha, we are now very excited to tell you about our expanding catering program. Businesses all over Omaha are enjoying the best we have to offer by having us deliver lunch to their meetings, office parties, etc. We can prepare boxed or bagged lunches, or platters of delicious deli sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies and crisp potato chips. We don’t just cater, We Savor! All you have to do is give us a call to have your next gathering catered

by Great Harvest Bread.

Please stop into any of our three Great Harvest Bread locations: Rockbrook Village at 108th and Center, Dundee (4910 Underwood Ave) or West Omaha (SW corner of 156th and Dodge). Bring in the accompanying ad and let us treat you AND a friend to lunch.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

publishing date | 01.18.19 space reservation | 01.09.19 Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

10 | The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018

U

Uncle Each

RichaRd FEllman ncle Each walked and talked like a character out of a Damon Runyon story. He could have played any part in the long-running Broadway Musical Guys and Dolls and nobody would have needed to change anything about him. Not his words, spoken from the side of his mouth, nor the expensive but always poorly pressed suits he wore, not the daily newspaper, folded just a certain way and sticking half out of his back pocket.

He served in the U.S. Army from the earliest days of World War II, since he was draed shortly aer Pearl Harbor. He stayed in the service until the end of the War, but the highest rank he obtained was Private First Class—one small step above the Army’s lowest rank.

During WWII, a private received a monthly salary of $21 and a PFC earned a few dollars more. Every month Each, who never married, sent War Bonds he purchased to his mother. eir value was $50 or $100; they represented his winnings from poker and other games. He asked her to save them so he could use them aer the war.

Each spent his war years stationed in Hawaii, where he was assigned to a Quartermaster Depot handling military supplies. His actual work was in the record keeping section, which was the exact work he did for the rest of his life. He was the office manager and chief accountant for a large Omaha paint firm, Morris Paint, and subsequently worked for the Nebraska State Department of Revenue.

Each’s real name was Irvin Green. His Hebrew name was Isaac Ben Mayer, since his fathr’s name was Mayer Ben Isaac.

In English, his father went by Meyer or Mayer Green. In Yiddish, which was the daily language used by the Jews of Eastern Europe and carried over to America by the immigrant generation, the diminutive form for Isaac was “Itchay.” As a little boy, Irvin Green picked up this name, which was eventually shortened to “Each.”

It would be his name, with two exceptions. In the world of business, he went by Irvin, or Irv. Among his bookmaking friends, he was “the Colonel.” Remember that in the actual U.S. Army, he was a private for most of the war, and certainly never a real Colonel.

As a young man in high school, Each began to like gambling.

It was always small amounts and never to get in trouble. His favorite mode of gambling was to bet on horses, and in Omaha that meant betting with the bookies who worked the Aksarben Racetrack. As a teen, he would hang around “Baseball Headquarters,” and one favorite horse was “Colonel Green.” Each latched on to that name and ever aer was called “the Colonel.”

Each was the seventh child and the fourth son out of eight children; parents were Bertha and Meyer Green, both immigrants from eastern Europe who came to Omaha by the end of the 1890s, married here and raised a large family. Meyer was a fruit and vegetable peddler, going out each day with his horse and wagon and calling personally on his customers. In the winter, Meyer’s brother Morris Green worked as a partner

Changing your address? Young Jewish Giving Please give us the following information: Your name, old address and new address and when you want the address change to go into effect.

Call 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org

thejewishpress

daniEllE GoRdman YJG Program Director Young Jewish Giving provides hands-on experience and education about philanthropy and non-profit organizations. YJG offers fun, social, energetic and insightful programming built around Tzedakah, its importance in Judaism and the responsibility to engage in acts of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Teens learn firsthand about giving Tzedakah by opening their own fund, practicing social action and being part of a community that models leadership.

We have several events coming up in the New Year.

Wednesday, Jan. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,Help prepare a hot meal for Youth Emergency Services. Address of event will be given to those signing up.

Sunday, Jan. 6, from 4:30-7 p.m., we serve dinner at the Siena Francis House, and we can still use help with that.

Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m., we host the program, “Four

with Meyer, since in snow and ice it took two men to get the wagon going. In the summer, Morris had his own produce stall in the Old Market.

Meyer and Bertha had four daughters. Aer Meyer was struck and killed by a drunken driver, she would oen say that even though she was poor, she had four daughters who each married well. Her sons-in-law were “two doctors, a dentist and a CPA.” en she would add: “Can you beat that?”

Each lived with his mother in her duplex at 38th and Dodge until she died, and then he moved into a single room apartment, first at the old Commodore Hotel and later at 24th and Dodge.

One of the most classic Each stories took place later in his life, aer his retirement from the State Department.

He called me one aernoon at my law office, obviously upset, and said he had to come and see me right away. On arriving, Uncle Each explained he had been playing in a little craps game with his friends when the Omaha Police came in and gave them all tickets for “keeping a disorderly house.”

“You’ve got to get me out of this,” he almost cried, “Can you do it?”

I told him I’d try and do everything possible. He called me almost every day to find out what I was doing. I told him I spoke with the prosecuting attorneys and they said nothing could be done until about three days before the trial was set. e records would not be available until then. Still, he called every day. e appointed day arrived and I went to the office of the Chief Prosecuting Attorney to see what I could do about the minor criminal ticket Each had received. Gary Buchino, the chief attorney, pulled the records and began to scroll through.

When he was finished, he turned to me and said: “is man, Irvin Green, is your uncle, isn’t he? I’ve looked through his entire record, which is very short, and this man has never had a ticket for anything, not even a parking ticket. And he’s about 70 years old. With a record like that and at his age, I don’t want to be the first public prosecutor to blemish his record.

I’ll dismiss it right now; he won’t even have to come to court.”

I told Gary “anks, I’ll tell Irv Green what you did, and he’ll be very grateful.”

What I didn’t tell Mr. Buchino, because he never asked, was that Irv Green never owned a car and had never even had a driver’s license.

Towards the end of his life, Each was confined to a nursing home. From there, he’d ask family members to make his bets for him. I always wondered what the police would have thought, had they had a wiretap on the bookie, only to discover he was getting bets from a local nursing home.

Rabbis, Many Opinions,” for 9th through 12th graders in the JCC Auditorium. The program will start immediately after BBYO chapter meetings; a kosher dinner will be provided. b’nai tzedek Sunday, march 3 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and come hear inspirational stories about Tzedakah and helping our community while preparing dinner for Youth Emergency Services. We will be in the JCC Youth Lounge; kosher lunch is provided. This event is for grades 6, 7 and 8.

Tuesday, april 16 from 6-8 p.m.: We will have our Annual Shuk (market), featuring former Husker and Super Bowl Champion, lawyer and local change maker Rik Bonnes. We will be in the JCC Auditorium and a kosher dinner will be provided.

Want to help plan YJG events and also receive service learning hours? Contact Danielle Gordman at 402.334.6447 to join the planning group. To open an account, please call that same number or email dgordman@jewishomaha.org.

Young

Giving

Beth El Hanukkah Pop-Up brought warmth and light

OzziE NOgg Beth El Synagogue’s Hanukkah Pop-Up at Westroads Mall Lounge on Dec. 2 was a popular family destination, despite the snow that had piled up overnight. “All the activities reflected our theme — Giving Warmth,” said Becky Kahn, Beth El’s Senior Executive Assistant. “We set up hands-on projects that showed how light and warmth can be provided in many different ways during this holiday season. e Pop-Up was entertaining and educational for kids and adults, too.”

The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018 | 11

community Menorah workshop Beth israel’s Menorah Workshop hosted and sponsored by The Home Depot.

LO C AT I O N C LOS I N G SO O N !

Cadee Scheer, left, daughter of Marc and Caryn Scheer and Naama Abraham, right, daughter of Rabbi and Shira Abraham, team up to make a circuit.

Fun, scientific STEM-based projects included an OPPD program, Electricity 101. “Children were given the opportunity to be a power generator,” Kahn explained. “ey powered both energy efficient and non-efficient equipment so they could learn what a smarter choice was personally and environmentally.” Many participants chose to construct Hanukkah menorahs from homemade play dough — Squishy Circuits — and a battery power pack that caused the menorah to light up. “Kids also made lava lamps using plastic lightbulbs, food coloring, multi-colored glitter and oil,” Kahn explained. “When you shook the bulb up and screwed it in, it was like magic.” Other examples of ‘giving warmth’ included a Bees Wax Candle making station.

Arrow Hoffman, son of Mark and Mary Drake Hoffman, enjoyed experimenting with Squishy Circuits at Beth El’s Hanukkah Pop-Up Recognizing that warmth comes from sources other than electricity and candle flames, kids and adults passing by were encouraged to knit scarves for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and create Hanukkah cards that were later delivered to the RBJH. Shira Abraham coordinated the Pop-Up event, assisted by volunteers Jenny Gates Beckman, Judy Brookstein, Joni Brooks, Judy Finkle, Pam Friedlander, Miriam Gotlieb, Margie Gutnik, Mary Drake Hoffman, Joanie Jacobson, Roxanne Kahn, Lisa Marcus, Janie Murow, Caryn Scheer, Cadee Scheer and Mary Lou Walker. Doug Wolfson and his son, Avi, brought and operated the 3D printer. “e Hanukkah Pop-Up was a wonderful success,” Becky Kahn said. “Each activity tied into the overarching theme of what Hanukkah means and the many ways we can give and receive warmth — from science or from our hearts.”

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018

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(Founded in 1920) Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex Officio; Laura Dembitzer; Candice Friedman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson; Michael Kaufman; David Kotok; Natasha Kraft; Debbie Kricsfeld; Eric Shapiro 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.

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Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.org.

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

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

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

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American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press As- National Newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008

I

A tree by any other name ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press t never fails: somewhere, some overly zealous city administrator, in an effort to avoid conflict, bans public religious holiday celebrations. The latest example comes from Durham, New Hampshire, where the local Chabad rabbi, Berel Slavaticki, requested permission to put a Menorah in a public park for the duration of Hanukkah and was turned down.

The official reason was concern the menorah “could be vandalized by inebriated young people.” Instead, the city suggested a menorah lighting ceremony in a different location, with everything after the event removed from public property.

Well, if those “inebriated young people” are such a big problem, maybe there are other ways to deal with them?

Because if they don’t have a menorah to vandalize, they’ll just pick something else, no? Maybe your car, your mailbox, random storefronts?

“Chabad had asked to be allowed to place the menorah next to the “holiday tree,” formerly known as a Christmas tree, that has been set up in the park for decades, ” JTA reported.

Wait, what?

I have to be honest. After feeling mostly annoyed at first, by about the fifth time I read the “formerly known as” line, I burst out laughing. It’s just too bizarre, the idea that at some point the decision was made to keep the tree but change its name. Seriously? Why can’t these people just have their tree and call it what it is? I suspect there are plenty of people in Durham, New Hampshire who celebrate Christmas. Let them. What’s next, no Christmas cookies? A ban on gingerbread?

Okay, back to the actual story.

“The town’s Human Rights Commission is likely to recommend dispensing with all holiday displays, including the tree that is currently standing in the park. One possibility the commission is toying with is a nonreligious winter carnival.”

Apparently, the solution to the question of how to be in- Holiday/Christmas Tree is not a religious symbol. clusive is to simply exclude everyone and everything. Like 3. Continue our December event, including the Tree when your kids are fighting over a toy: now nobody can Lighting, with as much focus as possible on the non-secuhave it. Happy now? lar aspects that have made it so popular for our commuMeanwhile, Durham’s Town Administrator Todd Selig’s nity — for children and adults alike. voicemail “has received several expletive-laced voicemail Newsflash: that’s the opposite of inclusivity. At the end messages on both sides of the issue.” of the day, what you end up with is a Christmas tree that’s I can only imagine. called by a different name but is still, let’s be Here is the exact honest, a Christmas tree, while avoiding language of the Selig’s everything else. And I get the separation of recommendation, from church and state argument, I do, but claiming the Nov. 26 Town that tree is not a religious symbol just beCouncil meeting: cause the courts have not ruled it a violation, After giving the matwell, that’s just lazy. Maybe this “war on ter much consideration Christmas” we hear so much about is just over the last several that: laziness. Pretending to want to be incluweeks, my recommensive while in the meantime coming up with dation to the Council is excuses to not be inclusive at all. as follows.

I have a novel idea: why don’t we just let 1. Continue to allow each other be? Is it really so wrong to have the secular symbols many different celebrations simultaneously? that the courts have Those who want can celebrate Hanukkah, ruled are not a violaChristmas, Kwanzaa or Dewali, and if you tion of the Establishhappen to not have anything on your particment Clause. This ular calendar, you either skip or go attend would include our tree, someone else’s party- hey, you might learn the lights, and Santa; something... and I bet the food will be great!

2. Continue to proLet me have my public menorah and I’ll hibit religious symbols View of the U.S. National Christmas Tree happily attend your tree lighting. I’ll even in the small park (and (foreground) and U.S. National Menorah on eat your cookies. All I ask is that you The Ellipse in the President's Park, south of please, please, just call it a Christmas tree generally on Town the White House in Washington, D.C., in the and stop feeling you have to pretend it is property). Although they are not necessar- United States on Dec. 21, 2015. anything less.

Credit: Tim Evanson via Wikimedia.com Editorials express the view of the writer ily a violation of the Establish Clause, there are many reasons that will make it difficult to accommodate all the groups that may want to display religious symbols (Christianity, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Pagan...). Again, the Court has ruled that a

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.

Trump’s ‘public charge’ rule for immigrants is a cruel proposal

MELISSA GARLICK JTA Closing America’s doors to the “tired” and “poor” yearning for freedom is at the heart of the reported proposal by the Trump administration.

The proposal would make it more difficult for immigrants to come to this country, or obtain visas or green cards, if they or members of their household have ever used public welfare programs.

The promise of the Statue of Liberty is the ideal that no matter your background, those “yearning to be free” can reach the highest levels of success in our country. We have understood that struggling financially and getting help doesn’t mean that dreams have been abandoned. And we have expressly recognized that immigrants in this country deserve government support for their hard work and contributions to our society.

However, against a backdrop of other measures that have already made it more difficult for immigrants to gain green cards and citizenship, the administration is now proposing another obvious and concerning ploy to drastically reduce the number of immigrants in our country.

The proposal, expected to be published soon, would uproot the safety net and disrupt the lives of millions of documented immigrants. Those currently seeking green cards must prove they will not be a “public charge” to the government. However, the Trump administration’s proposal would vastly expand what is considered a public charge.

A public charge is currently defined as one who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence income. According to the administration’s proposal, however, if immigrants or members of their household use or have used benefits from programs like Medicare Part D, Medicaid, SNAP or Section 8 housing vouchers, that would be treated as “negative factors” in making the public charge determination.

With very narrow exceptions, immigrants now must wait for a period of five years before they can

access federal public benefits, and undocumented ernment for “maintenance.” immigrants are ineligible for these benefits. Social Most important, when the original architects of welfare programs like Medicaid, food stamps and immigration law wrote the public charge provihousing subsidies have helped those who are vic- sion, it applied to those whose conditions were the tims of circumstances beyond their control get result of experiences prior to crossing the border. back on their feet.

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimated, based on prior versions of the proposal, that the chilling effects of this rule would be far reaching, resulting in millions of immigrants likely choosing not to access health, nutrition and social services for which they are eligible for fear of deportation. It would harm 9 million U.S. citizen children whose parents, fearing deportation, will forego food and health care assistance designated for their kids.

Advocates report that the rumors of the Immigrants await examination at Ellis Island, circa 1907-1921. proposal have already resulted in such Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division chilling effects. MPI’s report also predicted that if this approach is implemented, the The proposal would undermine the express intent share of non-citizens who could be considered of lawmakers by punishing and denying a path to public charge would increase more than 15-fold -- citizenship to tens of thousands of documented from 3 percent under current policy to 47 percent. immigrants, and discouraging immigrants eligible In the early 20th century, generally only mi- for government assistance from accessing those grants who had no cash and were not able-bodied benefits. were denied entry to the country on the grounds The vision of America as a shining city on a hill that they might become a public charge. Only im- and a beacon of freedom for the world cannot be migrants who were completely dependent on the reconciled with an approach that punishes those government for their survival would be deported; who undertake the painstaking journey here from this was limited to individuals in poorhouses and low GDP countries and spend countless hours toilhospitals and asylums for the mentally ill. ing in the hope of economic freedom. As propoWhen the social welfare programs of the New nents of these policies constantly affirm, we are a Deal in the 1930s and later in the 1960s and 1970s nation of laws. To avoid the cruel upheaval of the merged, only those who completely relied on the lives of millions of our community members, we government for their “subsistence” could be de- must respect and adhere to these laws and put presported as a public charge. The “working poor” who sure on the White House to drop this cruel proposal. used the programs as they were designed -- to alMelissa Garlick is national civil rights counsel leviate some of the hardships of low income -- were for the Anti-Defamation League. not marked for deportation. The Trump adminisThe views and opinions expressed in this article are tration would have us believe that reaching out in those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the a time of need is equivalent to relying on the gov- views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018 | 13

new York’s ‘snowvember’ and the kindness of friends and strangers andrew silow-carroll JTA I don’t mean to get mushy about what for tens of thousands of people was a miserable night -- and certainly won’t complain about an ugly snowstorm when dozens have died in California wildfires -- but the recent “Snowvember” taught me a lot about the kindness of friends and strangers and the strength of Jewish community.

In case you don’t happen to live in the center of the universe, a recap: New York City and environs were expecting the first snow of the season one Thursday late last month. The predictions were for two to three inches, with sloppy but manageable conditions around the evening rush hour.

Instead, four to six inches fell, along with sleet, freezing rain and I think at one point a dusting of frogs and locusts. Trees fell and blocked side streets in Lower Manhattan, aboveground trains stalled, cars sat for hours in traffic.

I arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal around 5:30 p.m. to find a scene out of a zombie movie, and we were the zombies. Buses weren’t coming or going, and the top floors of the terminal, which on a good day have the charm and freedom of movement of the Chicago Stock Yards, were closed. Everyone bound for New Jersey and points north and west crushed into the ground floor, spilled out onto Eighth Avenue and queued all the way to Seventh Avenue in hopes that a bus would arrive.

I felt moving -- anywhere -- was better than being crushed to death between an accountant from Cresskill and an actuary from Monsey, so I hopped on a subway headed uptown for the other Port Authority Bus Terminal, at the foot of the George Washington Bridge.

Happily I ran into a friend and fellow congregant who had a few things I didn’t, namely a, a plan; b, some cash, since I rarely carry any; and c, a fully charged cellphone. (By the way, if the preceding confession doesn’t result in my wife divorcing me, nothing will.) Together we made it uptown, where we met her husband and a few other people from our synagogue.

Unfortunately the buses weren’t running from that terminal either, so I heartily seconded the suggestion that we walk across the bridge. Once on the Jersey side we could always -what? I hadn’t really thought that far, but figured moving was better than being crushed to death between a garment worker

from Hackensack and an administrative assistant from Fort Lee. It was kind of exhilarating to be hiking though the snow on a bridge clogged with cars and trucks. The bridge has a walkway that I have sometimes biked on a sunny Sunday. That night the snow and fog were so heavy you couldn’t even see the skyline, but there was a lot of camaraderie among the dozens and dozens of others making the trudge. As you learn time and again in New York, common disasters have a way of bonding people who on a normal day pass each other without a word or smile.

a view of the snow that wreaked havoc on new York city and new Jersey’s transit systems, nov. 15, 2018.

Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Our gaggle, a few shy of a minyan, met up on the other side of the span. A few of us tried Uber (endless waits, high but not outrageous surcharges), and decided to wait it out in the lobby of a nearby office building. The Uber cars seemed lost in a space-time continuum, or perhaps on the New Jersey Turnpike. A friend called her husband, who sloshed and skidded the five miles from our town.

We made it home, slowly, slowly. The Turnpike was a mess of idling tractor-trailers and the odd bus that appeared to have skidded across a few lanes.

The rest of the night Facebook lit up with similar tales of horrendous commutes. Friends stuck in tunnels. Fifteen-mile drives that took five hours.

There is no religious excuse for not vaccinating your kids alan Kadish and edward c. halperin NEW YORK | JTA Opposition to vaccination on political and religious grounds has been swaying parents across the country to refuse immunizations for their children. Recently this has resulted in two of the largest measles outbreaks in New York’s history, impacting haredi Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods.

The opposition to vaccines is not confined to the Jewish community, but represents part of an ill-informed nationwide movement opposed to vaccines.

As of last week there were 24 confirmed cases of measles in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg and Borough Park, and an additional 75 people in Rockland County had contracted measles as well. Additional cases are under investigation, and the number is expected to rise.

Childhood vaccines preserve health, prevent disease and save lives. Proper vaccination is an essential public health strategy and parents must be made aware of the scientific research on this critical issue.

Members of our faculty reported in the New England Journal of Medicine on the ability of the childhood viral disease mumps to spread rapidly among children in the close quarters of yeshiva study halls. Similarly, measles seems to thrive in these conditions.

Measles is a viral disease that can be prevented by vaccination. The myth that measles vaccines are associated with autism has been thoroughly debunked by scientific research.

Twelve years after publishing a study that turned some parents against the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine because of an implied link between vaccinations and autism, the prestigious British medical journal The Lancet retracted the paper. In a statement published on Feb. 2, 2010, the journal’s editors said that it is now clear that “several elements” of a 1998 paper published by Dr. Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues “are incorrect, contrary to the findings of an earlier investigation.” Wakefield’s U.K. medical license was subsequently revoked as a result of unethical behavior, misconduct

and fraud.

Measles cannot be dismissed as a simple “childhood viral disease.” It can be a serious illness in all age groups. Children younger than 5 years old and adults older than 20 are more likely to suffer from measles complications. People who experience severe complications may need to be hospitalized

many Jewish legal authorities have called for universal vaccination in response to measles outbreaks in the united states and israel, according to two doctors associated with the Touro college system.

Credit: Hannah Smith/KOMU/Flickr and could die. Up to one out of every 20 children with measles contracts pneumonia, the most common cause of childhood death from measles. About one child out of every 1,000 who contracts measles will develop encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, that can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability. For every 1,000 children with measles, one or two will die from it.

Measles may cause pregnant women to give birth prematurely or to have a low-birth-weight baby. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare fatal disease that results from a measles virus infection acquired earlier in life. SSPE generally develops seven to 10 years after a person has measles, even though the person seems to have fully recovered. The

A few thoughts on “Snowvember”: What the hell, New York? I understand why Atlanta or Washington, D.C., are paralyzed by a few inches of snow, but this is the Northeast. We’ve been through this drill, albeit not usually this early in the season. What does this say about our local leadership and our strained infrastructure? Who will pay the price for an entire bus system that ground to a complete standstill?

If you want to see the hollowing out of local journalism, take a look at my Northern New Jersey daily. They should have owned this story, with constant updates, blanket coverage, hard questions for the mayors and administrators who control the plows, the salt spreaders and the transportation.

Instead, I got a measly story or two with some erroneous information. (Buses were not delayed by “as much as a half hour.” That is known locally as a typical day.) The local TV news wasn’t much better. Newsrooms have been hollowed out by layoffs and downsizing (losing 45 percent of their employees between 2008 and 2017). If they can’t throw resources at a region-wide event like the storm, you can only imagine what other kinds of stories -- about local corruption, environmental threats, corporate malfeasance -- aren’t being covered.

I don’t know if you belong to a synagogue, but, man, is it good to have a community when things go south. Not that people won’t do for strangers, but there is a huge comfort in knowing there is a network out there when you need it. And I am pretty sure that the bonds you create in a congregation -- or in any civic “third place” -- make caring a habit and make you more likely to extend a hand to a stranger.

So to the friends who banded together and got us all home safely, I can hardly express my gratitude. To my friends and colleagues who commuted that day, I am glad you made it one piece.

And to the stranger who let me know I had dropped my MetroCard at the 42nd Street station, many thanks. You were one link in a chain that gave me faith in the city -- even if it often doesn’t deserve it.

Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor in chief of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

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.

risk of developing SSPE may be higher for children who get measles before they are 2 years old.

Several Jewish legal authorities have weighed in on requiring children to have vaccines or allowing religious exemptions for school children to avoid vaccination. Recently, in response to the outbreak of measles in the United States and Israel, many have called for universal vaccination. However, there still appears to be some resistance to requiring universal vaccination. One Jewish legal opinion written three years ago justified refusing vaccines on the grounds that the risks of contracting measles were low. These medical “claims” were erroneous then and are erroneous now.

Childhood vaccination against preventable infectious disease is one of medicine’s great triumphs. We support the proper use of childhood vaccination as a crucial technique of preventive medicine and decry those who make misrepresentations to parents regarding this important issue.

Dr. Alan Kadish is president of the Touro College and University System. Dr. Edward C. Halperin is chancellor and chief executive officer of New York Medical College, a member of Touro.

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.

To submiT announcemenTs

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

Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewish omaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.

14 | The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018

synagogues 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

coNgregatioN B’Nai JeshuruN

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

offutt air force Base

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

rose BluMkiN Jewish hoMe

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

teMple israel

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

tifereth israel

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’Nai israel syNagogue

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Jeremy Wright. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

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

Beth el syNagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friDay: Tot Shabbat: Pre-Neg, 5:30 p.m. and Service, 6 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saturDay: Cup of Coffee with God, Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Shabbat’s Cool (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Guest speaker Shireen Ibrahim, following services; Mincha following guest speaker. weekDay serVices: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. suNDay: BESTT Classes, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Yiddish Class, 11 a.m. with Hazzan Krausman; Kibbutz Chaverim, Pre Kadima, Grades 5-6, noon. tuesDay: Talmudic Arguments Class, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Mahjong, 1 p.m.; Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. weDNesDay: Chesed Committee visits Sterling Ridge, 2 p.m.; BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY Program — Midterm Elections, 5:15 p.m.; Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m.; Talmudic Arguments Class, 7:15 p.m. with Rabbi Steve Abraham.

Six-String Shabbat, friday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.

BESTT Winter Break, Dec. 22-Jan. 5, 2019. During Winter Break there will be no BESTT, Hebrew High or Jr. Congregation.

Operation Grateful Goodies Sorting Day, Monday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Linda Saltzman’s home.

Operation Grateful Goodies Delivery Day, tuesday, Dec. 25. Meet at Linda Saltzman’s house at 10 a.m. to pick up packages and a list of delivery sites.

Become a Soulful Parent, sundays, Jan. 27, feb. 24 and March 31 at 10 a.m. Join us for an exploration of parenting challenges against the backdrop of Jewish ideas and texts.

Beth israel syNagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. friDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 4:38 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 4:38 p.m. saturDay: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 3:35 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:43 p.m. suNDay: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

MoNDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Jewish History — Your History, noon with Rabbi Shlomo; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. tuesDay: Fast of Tevet; Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:30 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. weDNesDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home; Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; A Taste of Conversational Hebrew, 7 p.m. thursDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Connecting with Our Faith, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Jewish Ethics wtih Rabbi Shlomo, noon at UNMC; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

chaBaD house

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. friDay: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saturDay: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. weekDays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing.

MoNDay: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. weDNesDay: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman. thursDay: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman.

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

coNgregatioN B’Nai JeshuruN

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. friDay: Candlelighting, 4:41 p.m.; Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. with music by Nathaniel and Steve Kaup; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. saturDay: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; No Torah Study this week; Scholar-in-Residence: Prof. Margaret Gurewitz-Smith and Dr. Zachary B. Smith, 10:30 a.m. on From Westminster to Westboro: American Religious Fundamentalisms.; Potluck Dinner and Game Night, 6 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:12 p.m. suNDay: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Adult Hebrew Class 2, 11:30 a.m.; Feeding the Kids at F Street Rec Center, 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Aimee Hyten at aimee.hyten@gmail.com or Lupe Malcom at lupemalcom65@gmail.com; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. tuesDay: Ladies Lunch, noon at Hacienda Real, 3130 Pine Lake Road. Let Deorah Swearingen (402.475.7528) know if you plan to attend and if you need a ride; Star City Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m.; Mussar Va’ad, 7 p.m. weDNesDay: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. thursDay: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit.

Application packets are available in the Temple office and on

offutt air force Base

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

rose BluMkiN Jewish hoMe

month. saturDay: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Larry DeBruin.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the com-

teMple israel

munity are invited to attend. friDay: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m.

saturDay: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. suNDay: Temple Israel Blood Drive, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: Temple Israel to schedule an appointment. Questions? Contact Executive Director Dennis DePorte, 402.556.6536; Kol Chokolad Kids Choir, 9:30 a.m.; Religious School Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Temple Israel Book Club, 10:30 a.m.; Tri-Faith Committee Meeting, noon; Ice-Capades with YJG, 2 p.m. weDNesDay: Religious School Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:30 p.m.; Family School, 6:30 p.m.; One People, Many Voices: Exploring the different streams of Judaism — Reform Judaism, 6:30 p.m. with Cantor Wendy Shermet. thursDay: The History of the Jewish People: The Goldent Age of Spain, 10 a.m. wtih Cantor Wendy Shermet.

5th Sunday Breakfast Service at the Stephen Center, sunday, Dec. 30, 8:30 a.m.–noon. To sign up, visit our

tifereth israel

online form: bit.ly/2NkpdXl. Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friDay: No Services; Candlelighting, 4:41 p.m. saturDay: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a light Kiddush luncheon; Got Shabbat, 11 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 5:42 p.m. suNDay: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m.

All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. tuesDay: Ladies Lunch, noon at Hacienda Real, 3130 Pine Lake Road. Let Deorah Swearingen (402.475.7528) know if you plan to attend and if you need a ride. weDNesDay: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit.

Application packets are availible in the Tifereth Israel foyer.

Jewish press Notice

The Jewish Press will be closed on tuesda, Dec. 25.

There will be no Jewish Press on Jan. 4, 2019. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

ohio man arrested for planning deadly attack on synagogue

Marcy oster tivities on social media. He pledged his allegiance to ISIS and made videos to encourage others to JTA A 21-year-old Ohio man was arrested for plan- join the jihadist group. He expressed hatred for Americans – singling out gays, Christians, ning an attack on a Toledo-area synagogue.

Damon Joseph of Holland, Ohio was charged Catholics and Jews, according to the FBI. If convicted, Joseph faces up to Monday in U.S. District Court in 20 years in prison.

Toledo with attempting to proThe Secure Community Netvide material support to ISIS. He work, a national Jewish commutold an undercover FBI agent that nity initiative, praised the FBI he was inspired by the gunman “for their ongoing and thorough who shot up a synagogue building in Pittsburgh, killing 11. work on behalf of the safety and “I admire what the guy did with security of the Jewish commuthe shooting actually,” Joseph told nity,” noting that Joseph had been the agent, according to the Deunder surveillance for nearly a partment of Justice. “I can see myyear before his arrest.

Damon Joseph, 21, said that he self carrying out this type of Michael Masters, SCN’s nawanted to kill a rabbi. Credit: operation.” tional director, said in a statement U.S. Department of Justice Joseph told the agent that he that there is “no known ongoing wanted to kill a rabbi, the Toledo Blade reported, threat against the Jewish community” related to citing an FBI affidavit. He also said, according to Joseph’s actions. He called Joseph’s plans “highly the FBI, that “Jewish people were evil and de- calculated and inspired by hatred.”

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said Monserved what was coming to them.”

He sent a plan for his attack on one of two day in a statement: “We cannot tolerate hate diToledo-area synagogues to the agent earlier this rected toward people of Jewish faith, or of any month with a request for weapons and ammuni- other religion, and last month’s mass-killing at a tion. He took possession of the weapons, two AR- Pittsburgh synagogue is a reminder of just how 15 rifles, on Friday from the agent and was then real this threat is. As Hanukkah concludes this arrested, according to the newspaper. evening, all Toledoans should reflect on the holThe FBI said that law enforcement became iday’s themes of liberation, identity, and most imaware of Joseph earlier this year though his ac- portantly, freedom from religious persecution.”

The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018 | 15

lifecycles In MEMoRIAM

nAtAlIE KAPlAn GEndlER

Natalie Kaplan Gendler passed away on Nov. 9 in Seattle, Washington.

A memorial service was held on Jan. 6 at Temple de Hirsch in Seattle and officiated by Rabbi Aaron Meyer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin Gendler.

She is survived by daughter, J. Ruth Gendler and daughter and son-inlaw, Beth Gendler and Rob Zisette, grandchildren: Emily, Rachel, and Sam Zisette; brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Renee Kaplan; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Goldie and Don Silverman and sister-in-law, Carol Gendler.

In 1984 Natalie received her Ph.D in psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a school psychologist in the Omaha area and later as a staff psychologist with Children’s Hospital. Irv and Natalie relocated to Seattle in 1997 to be closer to their family. In addition to her work and especially after her retirement Natalie was active on several boards including Child Care Resources, Music of Remembrance, and the Wellesley Research Center; she was also an active supporter of the performing arts.

Natalie's resilience in the face of loss and illness was and will be an inspiration for her family, colleagues, and many friends. Natalie will be missed for her great capacity for friendship, her love of travel and the performing arts, and her enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

Memorials may be made to Seattle Opera, Mary's Place-Seattle (https://www.marysplaceseattle.org/) or the organization of your choice.

IRwIn GoldEnbERG

Irwin Goldenberg passed away Dec. 4 at age 93 in Omaha. Services with military honors were held Dec. 6 at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Lincoln and were officiated by Rabbi Micah Peltz of Cherry Hills, New Jersey and Rabbi Steven Abraham of Omaha.

He was preceded in death by parents Myron and Sara Goldenberg, wife

Visiting Friedel

Ruth E. Goldenberg of 45 years and sister Helen Hirsch.

He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Martha and Richard Lerner, and JoAnn and Steve Gold, and daughter, Robin Karr; grandchildren: Ali Doyle, Brad Lerner, Jon Lerner, Rachel Zivic, Aaron Zivic and Sarah Rosenberg, eight great-grandchildren, and niece and nephew, Rochelle and Dave Fogg.

He was a World War II Army Veteran, Certified Nutrionist Consultant, author, lecturer and Health Food Store Owner. He was a member of the American Legion.

Memorials may be made to Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 S. 132nd Street or Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California Street, Omaha, or Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE. Condolences may be made at www.bmlfh.com.

MARCI bRooKStEIn MAInuS

Marci Brookstein Mainus passed away on Dec. 3 at age 39 in Westminster, Colorado. Services were held on Dec. 6 at Beth El Cemetery followed by a memorial service and meal of consolation at Temple Israel.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lori Harris Sweet.

She is survived by her husband Derek Mainus, and sons, Isaiah and Eli of Westminster, CO; father, Spencer Brookstein and stepfather, Mark (Lynn) Sweet; brother and sister-in-law, Joshua and Jillian Sweet of NorwoodYoung America, MN; sister Leah Brookstein; step-grandfather, Morris (Helen) Sweet of Lincoln; aunt, Claudia Sherman, aunt and uncle, Sindie and Jerry Katskee, Karen and Larry Caulfield, and uncle and aunt Jeff and Mary Brookstein, cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.

Marci was born and raised in Omaha. She graduated from Millard West High School and Indiana University. She was a special education teacher in the Mapleton Public Schools in Denver, CO for 17 years and dearly loved her teaching career. She also loved being with her family.

Memorials may be made to the Inner Circle Foundation or Temple Israel.

Hanukkah at Tifereth Israel

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Every month during the school year, preschool-aged kids and their grownup companions come to Friedel Jewish Academy for Challah tots. here, some of the kids are programming a robot mouse to navigate a hanukkah-themed maze.

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Holocaust cobblestone memorials stolen from street in Rome

Ruth EllEn GRubER JTA A group of 20 small bronze cobblestones in downtown Rome that serve as Holocaust memorials was uprooted and stolen. Police are regarding the the of the Stolpersteine, or Stumbling Stones, as “the aggravated by racial hatred,” according to Italian media. ere are no suspects.

Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi condemned the the, which was discovered, “with force and profound indignation.” e stones had been placed in January 2012 to commemorate 20 members of the Di Consiglio family. e Stolpersteine memorial project was begun in the 1990s by the German artist Gunter Demnig. Brass plates, like cobblestones, are placed in front of the homes of people deported during the Holocaust, bearing the name, year of birth, and fate of the person memorialized.

It is not the first time Stolpersteine memorials were targeted in Rome. In 2010, vandals smeared black paint over a set of the stones that were among the first to have been placed in the city.

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Seven was certainly an auspicious number for members of tifereth Israel this hanukkah. Top picture: Members joined at the home of lucy and Kirk bowers on the 7th night for havdallah and to light their chanukiyot together. Promoted as an “ugly Sweater havdallah Gathering,” the evening's festivities were enjoyed by all. Middle picture: the 7th day found over 100 tI members and friends sharing a latke lunch chaired by Robert hutkins (accompanied by his talented crew of kitchen workers).

Bottom picture: Enjoying tI hAS tAlEnt 6 emceed by performance artist, Charley Friedman.

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16 | The Jewish Press | December 14, 2018

community

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L.O.V.E. Hanukkah Party

A Hanukkah song as good as White Christmas AndREw SiLOw-CARROLL JTA Facebook friend is looking for nominations for the Great Hanukkah Song. I’m not impressed by the candidates. e classics — Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages), Oh Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah, Sevivon and I Have a Little Dreidel — have a nostalgic appeal, and I couldn’t imagine this minor holiday without them.

But no one would call any of them a great song.

Newer suggestions range from Tom Lehrer’s (I’m Spending) Hanukkah in Santa Monica to Adam Sandler’s frequently revised Chanukah Song. ere are other nominees that aren’t parodies, novelty songs or old chestnuts, but few plug effectively into the themes or emotions of the holiday itself.

And isn’t that what we mean by a great song? Music and lyrics combine to capture the essence of the thing being sung about. A great song is also oen more suggestive than explicit, or at the very least gets its greatness from a few crystalline images and not a laundry list of associations.

Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary made a game stab at writing the Great Hanukkah Song with Light One Candle, but the whole thing is way too specific and literal for my taste: “Light one candle for the Maccabee children / With thanks their light didn’t die; / Light one candle for the pain they endured / When their right to exist was denied.” It’s a stirring call to arms, but I don’t know of many history lessons that qualify as great songs.

Nearly every Hanukkah song I can name tells you what the holiday is about (“Hark! In days of yore in Israel’s ancient land / Brave Maccabeus led the faithful band”), but don’t connect word and melody to show you why you should care. ey don’t find that myth-making image and mood that makes you sigh and say, “Yes, exactly right.”

It’s a pity Irving Berlin didn’t write a Hanukkah song, be-

cause his White Christmas shows exactly how to turn a holiday ditty into a timeless song. e Jewish composer famously wrote the song on the eve of World War II, and it was first heard on radio just weeks aer Pearl Harbor. Its stature and popularity grew as more and more soldiers were shipped overseas and heard in its lyrics a longing for what they le behind and might not see again. e song is barely even about Christmas, and certainly not about the birth of Jesus. Instead, it wistfully captures what Christmas feels like, even if you don’t celebrate it. And it is compact: Famously, it has just 54 words and 67 notes. ere are really only two concrete evocations of the season in the entire song: the treetops glisten with snow, and children hear the sounds of sleigh bells. at’s it. But you see the snow, hear the bells, and even if you never lived north of the MasonDixon Line, you are transported to the mythical winter land of Christmas.

Which is why, when pressed to name my favorite Hanukkah song, I usually answer In the Window. It is as short as a blessing, has a melancholy melody and even borrows the snow motif to paint an indelible image of lighting candles during the darkest night of the year: “In the window, where you can see the glow / from my Menorah, on newly fallen snow...” at’s basically it, with another verse or two about lighting that night’s candle. e song gets to the performative essence of Hanukkah, which is “publicizing the miracle” — that is, lighting the candles where they can be seen by the outside world, in celebration of our belief in redemption and renewal, and in defiance of our frequent impulse to shield our minority culture from a possibly hostile world. I wish I knew who wrote In the Window — it’s usually attributed as a “Hebrew folk melody.” But it would be delicious irony if it were written by someone who wasn’t Jewish.

L.O.V.E. sponsored a Hanukkah Party with an assortment of lively music from Jewish composers with musician Tim Javorsky. Krispy Kreme donuts were served at the tea. Pictured top: Resident Larrie Hopson and below: LOVE Committee members Vicki Perimeter, Gretchen Radler and Ricki Skog.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is excited to be a part of this amazing grant opportunity!

A FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TO

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STAENBERG FAMILY FOUNDATION & Friends of the Jewish Federation of Omaha

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Eligible grant applications could be for anything, including: • Hiring a nonprofit consultant

These one-time matching grants will range from $1,000

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Organizations are responsible for raising the remaining

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50 percent from other sources. Project budget not to

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exceed $10,000. Your project must be completed, matching funds raised and paperwork submitted by

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Jan. 31, 2020 in order to receive your funds.

*Available to Jewish organizations in Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs, IA

For more information visit www.jewishomaha.org/education/scholarships-and-grants/view/anything-grants/ Questions? Contact Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@jewishomaha.org