December 30, 2022

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor

We’ve all been there. We think something that’s not very nice, and we open our mouths and say the wrong thing.

And over the last few years, it seems the country as a whole has become worse; the news is full of stories of people using words to hurt, rather than heal. If we want to get better at how we talk to each other, we need to do the work.

Clean Speech Nebraska is a communitywide, month-long campaign to clean up our conversations, one word at a time. By encouraging mindfulness and personal awareness, we can create a more peaceful and respectful world, where our communities are united and connected.

Presented by Jewish Community Relation Council (JCRC) Clean Speech Nebraska will kick off in February 2023 with a month of videos and a workbook focused on being mindful of how we speak to each other when we disagree inspired by Jewish values. Community members are being recruited to record short daily video lessons. You can find out more at Cleanspeech.com/Nebraska

Just as Jewish tradition offers guidelines for respectful, community-oriented speech, Clean Speech Nebraska encourages people of all faiths to cleanse their speech and be

more mindful of the language they use. In fact, Clean Speech Nebraska will be the first local initiative to focus specifically on respectful, community-building speech.

“We are thrilled to bring the Clean Speech project to Nebraska,” JCRC Assistant Director Pam Monsky said. “The theme of lashon hara is relevant and timely because words of kindness can impact someone’s day, just like unkind remarks can affect someone for a long time. We hope everyone in the community will dedicate a few minutes each day in February to the Clean Speech project, and tell your friends and family!”

Clean Speech originated in Colorado.

“In the years, months and weeks leading up to November 2019, incivility and political animus in the US were rampant. Friends or families were being torn apart by negative rhetoric, labeling and name calling,” Larry Hankin wrote for The Intermountain Jewish News Rabbi Raphael Leban, managing director of The Jewish Experience, noticed how the Jewish community was affected as much as the rest of the country. And so, he created Clean Speech Colorado, a month-long campaign that educated some 10,000 people from all corners of the Colorado Jewish community about the basic Jewish proscription of lashon hara, negative speech — saying hurtful things about a person when that person is not present. There are short videos, See Clean Speach Nebraska page 2

Rachel Shukert wins Emmy Awards

DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor

After long being included in the Daytime Emmys, the first-ever Children’s & Family Emmys ceremony was held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The first night was dedicated to the creative arts, including achievements in writing, directing, voice direction, cinematography, editing and more.

The second night focused on major categories, including children’s or family viewing series, preschool children’s series and young teen series.

Omaha native Rachel Shukert ac-

cepted the Emmy Award for her work on The Baby-Sitters Club in the category ‘Writing for a Live Action Preschool or Children’s Program; and took home a second one for ‘Outstanding Children’s or Family Viewing Series.’ Shukert was creator, showrunner, and executive producer of this critically-acclaimed adaptation for

Netflix of the original Baby Sitters Club books by Ann M. Martin. In addition to The Baby-Sitter’s Club, Shukert has written five books and numerous on-line articles and interviews, has previously served as a writer and producer for the hit Netflix show GLOW and an executive producer and writer for The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu, and has written for Supergirl. She is currently working on the Hulu series Nine Perfect Strangers She is the daughter of Aveva and Marty Shukert.

“I received my first Baby-Sitter’s Club book as a birthday present when I was around 10,” Shukert said in 2020. “I don’t remember being particularly excited about it and honestly, it sat on my shelf for a while before I was bored enough to read it one day. Then I couldn’t put it down. I devoured the series after that - along with my friends at Friedel Jewish Academy. It is one of those quintessential series that kids growing up in the 1980s and 90s know and love. It was something

In Memoriam: Tuffy Epstein

HOWARD K. MARCUS

Arnold “Tuffy” Epstein’s Jewish musical presence in Omaha lasted decades, and it would be easy to assume it had gone on for the more than 80 years he played an instrument.

But Epstein, who died Dec. 10 at age 87 of renal failure, grew up in a home where Judaism was respected but affiliating with a synagogue wasn’t something his Russian-immigrant parents did.

In a 2018 oral history, he said his parents wanted their kids to be Jewish, but they themselves weren’t interested in participating.

Epstein grew up near 20th and Martha Streets, where his parents ran a grocery.

“There were no Jewish families anywhere around us,” he said. “But we always had a tutor coming to the house, teaching us how to read Hebrew.”

His musical and performance education was more thorough.

After a stint from ages 5 to 7 learning Hawaiian guitar – an instrument his mother loved but he hated – he moved to saxophone while at Castelar Elementary School, later adding clarinet and flute. In his early teens, he also took lessons in tap dancing and gymnastics.

Musically, he wasn’t alone. His brother Ira learned piano, his brother Allen took trumpet and his sister, Gloria, played trombone and cello.

What followed was a rapid musical and educational ascent for the young musician, first at Omaha Central High School where he was in the band, orchestra and jazz band. After graduating in 1953 and spending a summer on the road with a New York-based band, he attended Omaha University on a music scholarship.

In 1955, he transferred to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, where he joined the marching band.

Annual Ruth Sokolof Christmas Party

Julian Witkowski wins B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz

ANNETTE VAN

Tuffy Epstein appeared Nov. 19 as the Omaha Musicians’ Association celebrated its 125th anniversary at The Jewell, a live music venue in downtown Omaha. Epstein was a 70-year member of the association.

The event was his final public performance. Credit: Howard K. Marcus/ marcusofomaha.com

Rachel Shukert

Clean Speech Nebraska

Continued from page 1 daily emails with succinct messages that take little time out of your day, there is swag, and there are speakers. But most of all, there is awareness, a community-wide sense that we can do better in how we speak to each other. It’s something we’ve always known, but Clean Speech puts a bright spotlight on the need to measure our words.

Clean Speech Colorado is now in its fourth year— and is spreading beyond the Jewish community, and to communities across the country.

There is no cost to participate. During the month of February 2023, you’ll receive a daily lesson to watch or read. There are also weekly challenges to try

Rachel Shukert

Continued from page 1 my friends and I wanted to emulate; we wanted to be like the characters in the books. Smart, mature, independent, innovative, caring- those girls had each other’s backs. They overcame issues and problem solved and ran their own successful business, who wouldn’t want to be like them!?”

out, and inspiring memes, too.

Why participate? Just about anyone who develops a greater awareness of the way they communicate with others will

us to use our words to heal and build love, as opposed to destroy. The mouth is powerful, let’s use it well. Be a part of it!”

This concept isn’t just isolated to the Jewish community. The message of Clean Speech Nebraska goes far beyond religious affiliations. In fact, many religions emphasize the importance of guarding one’s tongue. This is a broad, inclusive challenge for everyone.

B’nai Israel Speaker Series

CAROLE LAINOF

At Friday night services Jan. 14 at B’Nai Israel. Dr. Rami Arav, Chief archaeologist at UNL will be presenting the discovery of Josephus Flavius’ Military Camp which was discovered in Israel May 20, 2022, at the convergence of Kela Valley and the Jordan River. This will be a fascinating presentation following the regular religious service led by Larry Blass. Please join the congregation at 7:30 p.m. for services, Dr Arav’s recounting of the discovery and history of this Camp and of course the delicious Oneg in the Social Hall. Remember “Everyone Is Welcome at B’nai Council Bluffs Living History Synagogue.”

enjoy smoother, more pleasant interactions and relationships. It’s just no fun to live in a nasty, back-biting world filled with careless speech that causes us all discomfort and pain. This will help!

“This is an amazing program,” Rabbi Ari Dembitzer said. “It’s designed to get all of

Throughout the month, Clean Speech Nebraska will work closely with schools, synagogues, and other community organizations to share thought-provoking educational content. The campaign will cross political lines and reach people of all religions to inspire mindfulness in thousands of adults and children.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced the establishment of the Children’s & Family Emmys in late 2021, nodding to recent growth in scope and reach among that programming. According to Variety, “Younger audiences aren’t strictly daytime cable viewers anymore — much of the innovation in children’s and family TV

in recent years has happened in streaming. Case in point: Netflix was nominated for more awards than any other platform, beating even Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior combined.”

Her parents are thrilled but have come to expect interesting and amazing accomplishments from their very creative daughter.

Saturday Shabbat Service opportunities at Temple Israel

STEFANIE BAGUIAN

Temple Israel Director of Communications

Temple Israel of Omaha is excited to announce we are expanding our Saturday Morning Shabbat offerings. Saturday Morning Services will begin on Jan. 14 and take place twice each month. Services will start at 10:30 a.m. These services will take place in the Temple Israel Sanctuary and will also be available via Zoom.

Upcoming Saturday Morning Shabbat Service Dates: Jan. 14, Jan. 28 (includes Bar Mitzvah of Brody Sudbeck), Feb. 11 and Feb. 25 (includes Bar Mitzvah of Miles Remer).

omahajewishpress.com/eedition

Temple Israel

STEFANIE BAGUIAN

Temple Israel Director of Communications

The Board of Trustees and the Senior Rabbi Search Committee of Temple Israel Omaha are excited to announce the engagement of Rabbi Benjamin Sharff as their next Senior Rabbi!

Rabbi Sharff comes to Temple Israel from Upper Nyack, New York, where he has served as the Rabbi of The Reform Temple of Rockland since 2016. Since his rabbinic ordination in 2004, Rabbi Sharff has also served six years as Senior Rabbi in the Baltimore area at Har Sinai Congregation, and as Assistant/Associate Rabbi in Tucson, Arizona, at Temple Emanu-El from 2005-2010.

Rabbi Sharff’s rabbinic leadership is as deep as it is wide. Having served as Senior Rabbi to two different congregations and having been trained as a URJ Religious Action Center Brickner Fellow in Social Justice, Rabbi Sharff brings new ideas for congregational engagement, innovative Shabbat experiences and involvement in our larger Jewish and secular communities. Rabbi Sharff is excited to collaborate with Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin, Cantor Joanna Alexander, and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, as well as the staff and lay leadership to usher in a new chapter of Temple Israel’s storied history.

“I’m most excited about the sacred work we will be able to do together,” said Rabbi Sharff. “There are so many opportunities for engagement and vibrant Jewish living in the greater Omaha area. Temple Israel is blessed with a deeply connected and committed membership and wonderfully talented team of clergy, staff and lay leaders, and I cannot wait to be a part of this journey and community.”

Throughout his entire interview process, Rabbi Sharff continued to impress the Search Committee and others with his wisdom, warmth, wit, humor, and genuine interest in Temple Israel and our congregants. He was engaging during informal conversations as well as while teaching, and all our interactions were infused with his authenticity and drive.

“I am passionate about building relationships,” said Rabbi Sharff. “The main goal, initially, is to get to know the community and have the community get to know me. Once we are

able to build a relationship of trust and mutual respect, we are then able to have sacred conversations about where we then want to go as a congregation and community.”

Rabbi Sharff hopes that he can then help the congregation to have the most meaningful Jewish experiences possible be-

cause they are a part of the Temple Israel community and the Greater Jewish community.

Members of Temple Israel’s staff, past presidents, Rabbi Emeritus Azriel, as well as Jewish Federation and Tri-Faith Initiative leaders, were all able to feel Rabbi Sharff’s focused attention and gracious presence during his in-person visit. The engagement of Rabbi Sharff capped off the Search Committee’s work that took place over the past six-plus months.

“I want to thank Search Committee Co-Chairs Susie Norton and Geoff Silverstein for their diligence and leadership in leading the committee and our Congregation through this important process,” said Troy Meyerson, President of the Board. “Their hard work and thoroughness were essential to our finding Rabbi Sharff.”

Rabbi Sharff and his wife, Joy, have three children: Emily (16), Noah (13), and Alex (9). Rabbi Sharff quickly fell in love with our community during his visit. He and his family are excited to join us before his tenure starts in July. Temple Israel looks forward to welcoming all of the Sharffs to Omaha and into the Temple Israel family!

Annual Ruth Sokolof Christmas Party

Sunday, Dec. 11 at Westroads, the Ruth Sokolof Annual Christmas Party was held for the Nebraska Foundation for Visually Impaired Children.

More than 120 visually impaired students were paired up with more than 200 high school volunteers, to go Christmas shopping for their families.

Over 50 years ago, Ruth Sokolof (Karen’s Mom) started this program. With the help of foundation members Bernice Wolfson and Ben Kutler, this became an annual event. The kids receive a certain amount of money from the Sokolof family to shop with. After both Ruth and Phil Sokolof passed away, this special party has continued with the help of their daughter, Karen Javitch and other board members: Howard Kutler, Doug Wolfson, Anthony Scioli and others.

“After the students go shopping, they wrap their presents, have pizza, and visit with Santa! Both the kids and the volunteers have a wonderful time!” Karen remarks. “Some of the moms came up to me afterwards and said this is their child’s ‘favorite day of the whole year.’ I can see my mom ‘kvelling’ now.”

Inclusive Communities Conversations for Change

Inclusive Communities is hosting the first annual Jane H. & Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Conversations for Change speaker series in March 2023. Thanks to a gift from Miriam Brooks, the event will be free to the public and aims to continue her parents’ legacy of teaching through dialogue and building bridges between different cultures and identities.

“The Conversations for Change speaker series is a wonderful opportunity to bring thought leaders from around the world to Omaha to share their experiences and perspectives around confronting prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination,” said Cammy Watkins, Inclusive Communities’ Executive Director. “We are honored to be able to be the spark for these transformational cross-generational conversations in our community and can’t wait to see the ripple effects of this initiative,” echoed Maggie Wood, Inclusive Communities’ other Executive Director.

The inaugural fireside chat will feature actor, writer, producer,

and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, Kal Penn. Penn’s memoir, You Can’t Be Serious, highlights the challenges he faced growing up as a South Asian in New Jersey, and the obstacles to succeeding in Hollywood without being typecast.

Conversations for Change will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. at the Holland Performing Arts Center in downtown Omaha. Tickets will open to the general public in February 2023. Sponsor and partnership opportunities are available by contacting Lachelle Rankins, Director of Strategic Partnerships at lachelle@inclusive-communities.org

Since 1938, Inclusive Communities has served Nebraska, Iowa, and the region by directing our efforts in the areas of youth, community and workplace human relations, and leadership programming to achieve our mission of creating inclusive communities. For more information or to find out how you can help, visit our website at: www.inclusive-communities.org

Temple Israel’s New Senior Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, left, and his family, Emily, Noah, Alex and wife, Joy.

ANG BENNETT

Volunteers Gary Javitch, Karen Javitch, Christine Sokolof and Karin Coker.

Julian Witkowski wins B’nai

Bible Quiz

GARY JAVITCH

In a close-fought contest, Julian Witkowski never relinquished the lead over the two rounds of 18 questions each. The questions covered the Book of Exodus and the Book of Ruth.

1st place-finisher-Julian’s final tally was 420 points, while Preston Gordman grabbed 400 points in taking 2nd place, and Oliver “Ollie” Lucoff earned 310 points while snapping up third-place. For their efforts, the high school students received $1000, $750, and $500, respectively, that could be used for any Jewish related or educational activity, such as camp or college.

In addition, each person answering a minimum of three questions received $50 in cash. Julian, as the overall winner received a $100 bill.

The 36th Annual Sen. Ed Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz was held Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Goldstein Room at the Jewish Community Center of Omaha.

Lodge trustee, Steve Riekes, a cofounder of the Bible Quiz, observed that the kids participating were very sharp and had good knowledge of the material. Gloria Kaslow, also a cofounder of the quiz, served as the quiz master and Ari Riekes assisted the smooth-running contest as the timekeeper. (The 3rd co-founder of the Bible quiz was Stanley Mitchell, who retired to Florida.)

In the rare situations when a question came up about the interpretation of the Bible or the phrasing of the question, the judges help guide everyone to the correct answer. They were led by Marty Shukert, Hazzan Michael Krausman, and UNL Professor Ari Kohen. Computer whiz Adam Trubnikov, flashed the scores on the screen and Gary Javitch, Lodge President, was the master of ceremonies.

Above: Quiz winners Julian Witkowski, 1st place; Ollie Lucoff, 3rd place, and Preston Gordman, 2nd place. Below: Back row: Steve Riekes, left, Gloria Kaslow, Ollie Lucoff, Julian Witkowski, Preston Gordman, Ari Riekes, Mark Kelln, and Gary Javitch; Seated first row: Hazzan Michael Krausman, Dr. Ari Kohen, and Marty Shukert.

JFO Foundation Grants and Scholarships

DIANE WALKER JFO Foundation Fund & Scholarship Administrator

It is time to start planning for next year’s adventures! 2023 is right around the corner. Are your kids ready to get back to camp? Do you have little ones at the ELC or Friedel?

College students? Israel plans? Thanks to the generosity of this community, a variety of funding sources are available to Omaha’s Jewish families to help with the financial burden of Jewish sleepaway camp, JCC summer camp, Israel programs, the Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, and youth group activities. Assistance is also available for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, professional or yeshiva studies.

The revised 2023 Scholarship and Grants booklet is included as an insert in this issue of the Jewish Press. The booklet and applications will soon be available on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

Grant programs, funded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, are available to any Omaha Jewish family meeting the program requirements, regardless of the family’s financial situation.

Jewish Experience Grants provide up to $2,000 for Jewish children in the metro area to attend a residential summer camp. Grants are paid over two years with no more than $1,000 per summer.

Israel Experience Grants provide up to $1,500 to students in grades 9 – 12 or young adults aged 18 – 26 for an Israel peer program. An additional stipend of $1,000 is provided for the bi-annual community teen trip to Israel.

Scholarships, awarded by the Financial Aid Committee of the JFO, are funded by a number of endowments established through the JFO Foundation, outside entities, and through the JFO’s Annual Campaign. Scholarships are available for JCC summer camp, residential Jewish summer camp, Israel peer programs, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center, and youth group programs. Jewish students, who are residents of the Omaha metropolitan area, can apply for scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, professional or yeshiva studies programs. While the majority of scholarships are based on financial need, some college scholarships are merit-based.

I would like to highlight a few special funds: Carl L. Frohm Educational Custodial Fund was cre-

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS

ated in 1995 by the Carl Frohm Foundation to help meet ever-increasing education costs. The fund provides scholarships for any Jewish child, teen, and young adult in need of financial assistance for education and Jewish experiences

and has provided consistent support for nearly 30 years.

Herbert Goldsten Scholarships were established by the Herbert Goldsten Trust to provide Jewish educational opportunities for children and youth, including Jewish summer camp and day school education.

Bennett G. Hornstein Endowment Fund was endowed by the family and friends of the late Bennett G. Hornstein to provide scholarships for aspiring law students at either the University of Nebraska College of Law or Creighton University School of Law. Applicants should demonstrate Hornstein’s core values and beliefs and be committed to working on behalf of “the poor and powerless.”

John H. Mosow & Ellin B. Siegel LIFE & LEGACY Endowment Fund was established with a twofold purpose: a. to enable Jewish youth under 18 to attend Jewish summer camp; and b. to assist Jewish adults over 40 years of age to travel to Israel on community or group trips. Primary consideration for both categories will be given to residents of the Lincoln, Nebraska, metro area.

Omaha Jewish Alumni Association/Annual Topgolf Fundraisers have helped young Jewish families by providing scholarships to the Pennie Z. Davis Early Childhood Learning Center.

There are also several scholarship programs outlined in the 2023 Scholarship and Grants booklet which are outside the realm of the Financial Aid Committee. These include the Sokolof Honor Roll scholarships, the Fellman/Kooper scholarships, the Leon Fellman, DDS and A.A. & Ethel Yossem scholarships for Creighton University and the Bennet G. Hornstein Endowment Fund. Sources for additional information on these scholarships are included in the booklet.

Omaha’s Jewish families are encouraged to take advantage of these funding opportunities. All financial information is kept completely confidential. For any questions, please call Diane Walker at 402.334.6407 or via email at dwalker@jew ishomaha.org

Omaha Community Playhouse to present Fences

A former African American League baseball player struggles to co-exist with the racial trauma he still carries from his time in the league. When his frustrations lead to a series of tragic choices, his relationships with his wife and son suffer the consequences. Set in the 1950s, Fences is the sixth installment in The American Century Cycle, a series of ten plays by August Wilson that trace the Black experience through 20th century America.

The production runs at the Omaha Community Playhouse in the Hawks Mainstage Theatre from Jan. 20 to Feb. 12, 2023 Tickets are on sale now starting at $25 and can be purchased by visiting the OCP Box office at 6915 Cass St., calling the OCP Box Office at 402.553.0800, or visiting omaha playhouse.com

Temple Israel celebrates First Night, First Light

STEFANIE BAGUIAN

Temple Israel Director of Communications

To celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, Temple Israel hosted their annual First Night, First Light celebration on Dec. 18. Over 270 people spanning all ages came together to mark the beginning of the holiday.

“It was great to be together for the first night of Hanukkah with so many Temple friends,” said Troy Meyerson, President of the Board of Trustees of Temple Israel. “It has been too long since we’ve been able to celebrate like that together.”

The evening began with a dinner that included a variety of latke offerings to sample –including potato, sweet potato, and zucchini. Those in attendance were then invited to bring in their own menorah to participate in a communal candle-lighting. While taking in the laughs from Big Canvas Comedy, they were also enjoying sufganiyot. These were prepared fresh in the Temple parking lot by Hudson’s Mini Donut Company. Throughout the evening there was music led by Cantor Joanna Alexander and an amazing group of musicians as well as activities for children of all ages.

“The joy of being together to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah was reflected on the faces of every person I saw tonight,” said Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin. “It was amazing to see our social hall filled again. As we lit our Hanukkah candles together, we helped to bring a little more light into the world.”

Temple is overwhelmed with excitement about the turnout for the evening, the congregation’s yearning for community, and what it means for things planned in the future.

“So many people tonight commented on how wonderful it was to be together,” said Rabbi Berezin. “I think we’re ready for more opportunities to reconnect with each other after so long apart. I’m excited to see even more of our community members at Temple

soon! We’ve got a lot coming in the next few months, so consider this your invitation to join us!

Temple looks forward to maintaining the sense of community and gathering as we prepare for more opportunities to get together and hope to see everyone for a multi-generational Tu B’Shevat Seder on Feb. 5

Above: Children gather to play games in the Simon Community Court at Temple Israel during their Hanukkah First Night, First Light celebration. Right: Over 270 people of all ages showed up for dinner, a candle-lighting, dessert and a comedy show to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.

Bob’s Jam

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is counting down until we can welcome Bob Goldberg as our new CEO. While some of us, and some of you, have known Bob for many years, others have not yet had the pleasure. So, for the coming months, Bob will share short insights into who he is. This way, we get all get (re-)acquainted. If you have specific questions for Bob, feel free to email them to avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

This week, Bob discusses some favorite Omaha memories and places. Things we ate and things we did.

We spend a lot of time talking about food in my family. Perhaps too much. Like many of yours, we are often eating one meal and talking about what we’re going to eat for the next. My mom is a very, very good cook and we ate most meals at home. When we did go out, it was special.

I grew up with Big Fred’s, King’s Drive-In, Bronco’s, Goldberg’s, Goodrich, Little King, Julio’s, Martin’s Pastries, and the Bagel Bin, right in the neighborhood. What else could you need? When we did go out for a family dinner, I remember going to places like the Ground Cow, the Drawing Room, Jonesy’s Dinner Den, Highland CC, and sometimes for really special occasions to the Neon Goose or Gorat’s.

I have always liked exploring Omaha through its food cultures and enjoyed standards like the original Caniglia’s on 7th Street, Malara’s, El Alamo, Joe Tess, Piccolo Pete’s, Frankie and Phyl’s, Stella’s, the old Dundee Dell, Joe Marino’s, and Jim’s Rib Haven. The A-Ri-Rang Club was really good.

I love breakfast food and diners, so The Diner that used to be in the Old Market was a favorite and a regular stop, especially when we lived downtown. The Radial Café and Louie M’s are also great. I did eat a lot of those huge cinnamon rolls at the Garden Café!

As a young adult, we often found ourselves at the Smoke Pit. It was our regular spot and we loved, loved, loved it and we still talk about it all the time. Other places we liked, especially in the summer, were the Surfside Club, Skeets, and the Alpine Inn.

We used to go to Gallagher’s for my birthday dinner. It was

the only place (other than the Leavenworth Cafe) that was open on Christmas Eve (my birthday).

My favorite place to go as a kid was to Goodrich to get a malt or a sundae. My favorite was a chocolate sundae with marshmallow topping. Strawberry malts were a close second.

The first place that I remember going and being with friends with no parental supervision was Gizmo’s at the Westroads or maybe Skateland. WC Franks was a hangout during our junior high school years.

I was lucky to go to the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium a lot as a kid and saw some of the greatest ever play. My dad took us to Nebraska football and Creighton basketball games. I remember when Creighton beat Larry Bird’s Indiana State team in Omaha. He took us to Kansas City-Omaha Kings NBA games when they played at the old Civic Auditorium. I remember seeing Pistol Pete Maravich and the New Orleans Jazz beat the Kings, who had Tiny Archibald and Sam Lacey. Maravich was unstoppable that night.

There used to be a few drive-in movie theaters in Omaha and in the summer, as teenagers, that was always fun. I don’t know if any drive-ins exist anymore.

I probably spent more time at the JCC than any other place outside of home and school. I used to spend summers at the pool and playing basketball at the J or at the pool at Highland.

In the early 90s and again in the late 90s, after Kim and I moved back from San Francisco, we lived downtown. I loved living downtown and having the Old Market as my neighborhood. I would wander around and study the old buildings and wonder who built them and all the history there. We used to play frisbee in the streets at night because it was so quiet. And I loved hanging out reading in the park on 10th street across from Barry O’s, where the old Jobber’s Canyon had been, before they built the Embassy Suites. I spent lots of time at the Diner, M’s, Delice, 13th Street Coffee, Homer’s, W. Dale Clark Library, the Antiquarium, Howard Street Tavern, the Dubliner, Barry O’s, Jackson Street Booksellers, and La Buvette. I am still drawn to the downtown urban pedestrian lifestyle.

with Your Omaha Shlicha

SIVAN COHEN Community Shlicha

One of the things I enjoy about being the Omaha Shlicha is that I am provided with many opportunities to engage with people throughout all of Omaha on behalf of the Jewish community. In my looking at service agencies throughout Omaha, I became interested in Project Harmony and contacted them to learn more about their mission.

Project Harmony began in 1996 as a non-profit organization working to end child abuse and neglect. They do this by working with law enforcement agencies and Child Protective Services in responding to abusive or neglectful situations; by providing treatment for those in need, and by working towards the ultimate goal of prevention. I learned that our own Jewish Family Service works with Project Harmony in addressing the problem of child abuse. It soon became clear that what they do is “in harmony” with Jewish values. We decided that a “lunch and learn” between the two organizations would be mutually beneficial.

At the invitation of Project Harmony staff, JFO staff members Jennifer Tompkins, Sharon Comisar-Langdon, Teresa Drelicharz, Scott Littky, Mark Kirchhoff and I visited Project Harmony on Nov. 9. We shared information about the activities of the Federation and learned more about Project Harmony. We were provided with a tour of their facilities and descriptions of how they coordinate efforts to provide efficient, effective, loving services to those in need. Community outreach efforts such as this can provide a good way to understand and support the ways in which we are all doing our part to make our world a better place.

INFORMATION

ANTISEMITIC/HATE INCIDENTS

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

SNOWBIRDS

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

Bob Goldberg

Above: Ari and Ethan Finkelstein’s first semester of Young Judaea Year Course in Israel, is winding down. Today, Ethan had his Marva graduation, and was awarded Soldier of Excellence. Between that, and Ari’s amazing internship (the first trade internship they have facilitated), it looks like they both have left quite a mark on the program. We can't wait to see what the second semester holds for them.

SP O TLIGHT

PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

SUBMIT

and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image

Above: Friedel Jewish Academy’s middle school will open next year, with our first seventh-grade class starting in August 2023.

Below: Anna Mosenkis creates a festive atmosphere for the RBJH Residents with her Hanukkah tunes. Thank you, Anna!

Family Shabbat with the Early Learning Center. Above: ELC Director Lisa Cooper and Rabbi Berezin; top right: Ally Freeman and Shiri Phillips with their children; bottom right: Temple Israel’s Rabbi Deanna Berezin and Amy Dworin.

Above: Annette Fettman recently celebrated her 97th birthday. Mazal tov, Annette!

Below: There’s a new employee at RBJH dietary department, a robot, and the staff and Residents recently had a Name the Robot Contest. Drum roll please... the new staff member’s name is Gizmo. Congratulations to Christy Lancaster for originating this clever name; she won a $50 gift card. Gizmo will be automated to perform repetitive tasks such as delivering meals to the nursing stations.

Above: Happy Hanukkah from Friedel!

Above: The RBJH activity staff getting ready for Hanukkah at the Home.

Above: Men of Beth El making latkes. Below: Henry and Sam Kutler deliver their Grateful Goodies.

The Jewish Press

(Founded in 1920)

Margie Gutnik President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Sam Kricsfeld Digital support Mary Bachteler Accounting

Jewish Press Board

Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Seth Feldman; David Finkelstein; Ally Freeman; Mary Sue Grossman; Les Kay; Natasha Kraft; Chuck Lucoff; David Phillips; and Joseph Pinson.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the JFO are: Institute for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Social Services and the Jewish Press

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Editorial

The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org ; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org

Letters to the Editor Guidelines

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

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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

Postal

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

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

That’s a wrap

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor

It feels a little weird, this secular calendar that tells us things are ending and we’re making a new start. We already did that back in September, and having it happen twice (although maybe less hectic than during the high holidays) seems overkill. Yet I can’t escape the feeling that it’s time to wrap things up. There is something exciting about fresh starts—even when they are purely calendar-driven and mostly exist because of the majority culture that surrounds us.

Come Jan. 1, we can start a new diet (I’ve had two sufganyot already today and it’s not yet 3 p.m. so that’s a great idea) or take on a new hobby. Maybe we’ll get a puppy or start a new class. Home renovations, reading all the books we didn’t get around to this past year and try out a cooking class. The possibilities are endless when you tell yourself you should start over.

Of course, come January, our non-Jewish neighbors will take down those festive lights, our schedules will be a little less hectic and even the last piece of Hanukkah gelt will have disappeared. The weather will still be too cold and many of us will have the winter blues. No wonder we try to imagine a clean slate.

The thing is, while our real New Year happens elsewhere on our calendar, we live here. Maybe it is not such a bad idea, telling each other to make 2023 a happy one. I think there is something to be said for taking a moment and wishing each other well. We already spend more than enough time

you join us. Since we’ve been working on this initiative behind the scenes for quite a while, I’ve become incredibly conscious of how often I make the wrong choice. How many times per day I have the opportunity to speak kindness, but don’t. How often I complain about things I see on the news, the price of groceries, how long it takes the Immigration and Naturalization Service to process my paperwork, why the salt truck always seems to skip the street I live on. There are endless chances to complain, to nag, to point out things that bother me. What if, when I notice I’m complaining, I instead choose to say something kind? Redirect those impulses?

Sure, we have every right to kvetch when the likes of Kanye speak ill of us, but does it help us if we continue the cycle? Can we ignore the hurt and choose to do or say something positive instead?

What would the world look like if we did that consistently?

moping about a variety of things, so dedicating a few seconds here and there and telling our loved ones, family members and friends, colleagues, even total strangers ‘I hope you have happiness for the next 12 months,’ can be a good thing.

There is an article on the front page of this paper about Clean Speech Nebraska. I hope you read it, from beginning to end. I also hope, after reading it,

We can start small. No, this is not our New Year. But we can be secure enough in our Jewishness to understand that wishing everyone we meet a Happy New Year costs us nothing. Kindness costs us nothing. Clean Speech costs us nothing.

So, from me to you, I wish you and everyone in your circle, a very happy and healthy 2023. Let’s all bring a little more light into this world.

Hanukkah is the holiday that America needs right now

RABBI ISAIAH ROTHSTEIN JTA

As a young child I often wondered why people light the hanukkiah, or Hanukkah menorah, in so many different places. Some light the candles on their front porches and driveways, some in the streets, others at in city parks, and a very select few even light candles at the White House.

But with the recent rise of antisemitism, some only shine their lights in the inner chambers of their home, a place that feels safe and secure. As the Shulchan Aruch, or Code of Jewish Law, warned centuries ago, the mitzvah of persumei nisa, or publicizing the miracle (Talmud Shabbat 23b), was contingent on the dangers of institutional antisemitism and our enemies’ desire to extinguish the Jewish people’s light (Shulchan Aruch, O.CH, Hanukkah 3:5).

In America today, our democracy faces a similar problem. The barrage of threats to our civil society, increased polarization and a heightened threat from domestic extremists are pushing the light away, to the detriment of us all.

Many Americans today feel that they cannot express their true identities because of how others might perceive or treat them. The fear of rejection, the fear of violence, or worse, cause too many to hide their light, acquiescing to the oppressor. Hanukkah literally means to rededicate, rebuild, reconstruct — our institutions and ourselves. We are to fix that which has been broken so we can reimagine what is possible for the future. During this festival of lights, we are reminded to embrace our unique identities, regardless of what oppressive systems might dictate.

As a proud American Jew whose ancestors on one side fought in the American Revolution while other ancestors were enslaved on American soil, and as an Orthodox rabbi working to build communities of the 21st century that work for everybody, I understand the way systems of oppression conspire to extinguish our lights.

Systems of oppression are often described using

“the four I’s”: ideological, interpersonal, institutional, internalized. The Greco-Syrians of the Hanukkah story opposed the Jewish people’s relationship to God and the Torah (ideological), forced the Jewish leaders to coerce their loved ones to publicly defame the Torah (interpersonal), renamed Jerusalem “Antiochus” and decried that Jews remove their mezuzahs, sacrifice pigs and write above the door of their houses “there is no God in this place” (institutional). Finally, they caused many Jews to embrace the ways of their oppressors (internalized).

That’s why I believe that just as the Jewish people need a Hanukkah to usher in a time for light in the face of much darkness, America needs a Hanukkah, too.

With ideological and culture wars pinning social groups against one another, many search in the darkness for even a few Maccabees to remind Americans what our democratic seal still stands for.

In the year 164 BCE Antiochus of Greece breached the doors of the Jerusalem Temple, defiling the sacred, leaving but one flask of oil. Though not a direct parallel, in the year 2021 C.E., a dangerous mob of white supremacists breached the doors of the United States Capitol building, defiling democracy and sending defenders running for their lives.

America needs a Hanukkah because our light still burns strong and we must recommit to the democratic ideals of our nation.

America needs a Hanukkah so that when we come across darkness and hate in the media, we can combat that rhetoric with language of justice, love and openness.

America needs a Hanukkah because when walls and windows are breached and broken, whether in 2021 or 2,200 years ago, it is hard to believe one would ever see light again.

The Alter Rebbe of Lubavitch taught: “A little light dispels a lot of darkness.” The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught: “Darkness cannot drive out

darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

For thousands of years, lighting the hanukkiah was an act of protest, reclaiming who we are, reclaiming our stories and rededicating ourselves to the past lights, and the ultimate restoration of the menorah’s light in a rebuilt Jerusalem. A time when systems and structures exist where all people feel like they can bring their light, and that they belong. As we approach the winter months and the year ahead, let us remember there is always light, and we must let ours shine.

Rabbi Isaih Rothstein is the Rabbinic Scholar and Public Affairs Advisor for the Jewish Federations of North America.

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.

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 “National Menorah,” erected by Chabad-Lubavitch in front of the White House in Washington, Dec. 2, 2021. Credit: Kerem Yucel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In fighting antisemitism, Jews can be our own worst enemies.

JONATHAN A. GREENBLATT JTA

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few weeks, and even if you’re not Jewish, you can’t miss the fact that antisemitism is back in the news: Kanye West, Kyrie Irving, Nick Fuentes; extremists returning in droves to Twitter; President Donald Trump kowtowing to antisemites over dinner at Mar-ALago; Saturday Night Live opening with a monologue trafficking in antisemitic tropes; members of the Black Hebrew Israelites intimidating Jewish fans coming to Barclays Center, and an endless feedback loop of antisemitism coursing across social media.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, it is that when it comes to the Jewish people, hatred doesn’t discriminate. When Kanye says Jews control the music industry, he’s not talking about rich Jews or conservative Jews. He’s not singling those who may support Likud or those who back Meretz, two Israeli political parties. He’s not calling out Orthodox Jews versus Reform Jews. He’s talking about us all.

Same with the white supremacists who are circulating Great Replacement conspiracy theories about Jews conspiring to bring more people of color and immigrants into America to “replace” white people. They don’t care if you are a die-hard MAGA voter or a card-carrying member of Democratic Socialists of America. It doesn’t matter: If you’re Jewish, you are in their crosshairs.

Another unfortunate example is the Mapping Project, an insidious campaign that ostensibly accused pro-Israel Jews of conspiring together in Boston. However, it didn’t target only Zionist organizations. They targeted all Jewish organizations, from a nonprofit helping the disabled to a Jewish high school.

And yet, while our enemies see us as one, the Jewish community too often seems riven by discord and infighting. We are divided around religious practices and beliefs. We are deeply riven by politics. We do not see eye to eye when it comes to the State of Israel, and at times we can’t even agree on the definition of antisemitism itself. At times, absurdly, some Jewish leaders seek to tear down other Jewish leaders even as it tears apart the community, as Steven Windmuller, a retired professor at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, recently documented. I point this out not to diminish the value of debate and dis-

sent — these are fundamental to our tradition. But we need to be mindful of when debate descends into division. Usually in the aftermath of antisemitic attacks such as we saw after the Tree of Life shooting or the hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas, Jews from across the political spectrum set aside our differences and come together in a show of unity. We lock arms, proclaim we are one, call on our policymakers to do more, put up our defensive shields and hope for the best.

But at a time when a celebrity with a cult-like following, Kanye West, is using his platform of 38 million-plus social

preciate that difference doesn’t have to equal division. We cannot allow the toxic partisanship that has seeped into so much of our society to poison our communal spaces. There are no “Tikkun Olam” Jews. There are no “Trump” Jews. There are only Jews, and we need to remember the dictum — you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Second, we should recognize that self-defense starts with self-love and self-knowledge. Jewish literacy is essential to our long-term survival. Many like to remark how Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel prayed with his feet — but he did so in part because he wrapped tefillin with his hands. This is not to say that we all need to observe our faith in the same manner. There are plenty of Jewish people who opt out of ritual entirely, and yet their connection to our peoplehood is as strong and as valid as those who daven, or pray, every day. But shared values that emanate from Torah still bind us as a people — we need to redouble, not just our efforts to pass on these values to our children in ways that relate to the next generation, but we also must relearn these values ourselves.

media followers to spread hateful tropes about Jews, I would argue that the locking-arms response, while effective in the moment, does not have the staying power that we could achieve if we had a more unified and close-knit Jewish community.

What does have staying power? In this uniquely fragile moment, we must choose to embrace our differences, or at least accept them and lean into Ahavat Yisrael, the love for our fellow Jews. We ferociously can disagree internally while standing completely united to external hate.

We are our brother’s keeper, and any Jew suffering from antisemitism is ultimately our responsibility. We must come together, despite our differences, and fight those who hate our people.

How can Jews stand together against antisemitism while respecting our ideological divides?

First, this isn’t a moment to try to win each other over. This is a moment to declare that every Jew matters and is worth protecting. We may disagree on many things, but we can ap-

Third, we must never allow our ideological blinders to gloss over or ignore antisemitism from those who are generally our political allies. We must be morally firm and call out antisemitism where we see it, and not just when it is convenient politically. We must be equally fierce in the political circles where we belong, where we ultimately have more influence and clout, as in simply calling out hatred by pointing to those on the other side.

During his lifetime, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson shared his wisdom about the fact that while every Jewish person is a unique individual, as a people we share a “basic commonality that joins us into a single collective entity.” The Lubavitcher Rebbe understood that this unity has sustained the Jewish people throughout history.

If we look to our ancestors, we can see examples of how holding together at times of strife has made our community stronger. It’s quite possible that we may be living in one of those difficult periods again. I hope we can meet the moment.

Jonathan A. Greenblatt is CEO and National Director of the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) and the author of It Could Happen Here.

This article was edited for length.

WOMEN

Annette van de Kamp | avandekamp@jewishomaha.org

We shouldn’t be.

Credit: Stefano Montesi/Corbis via Getty Images

Synagogues

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

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

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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

CHABAD HOUSE

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

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY:

B’NAI JESHURUN

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

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

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

ROSE BLUMKIN

JEWISH HOME

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154 rbjh.com

TEMPLE ISRAEL

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

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL

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

Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. with our guest speaker, Dr. Rami Arav, Chief archaeologist at UNL. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on COVID-related closures and about our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber. Handicap Accessible.

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream followed by New Years’s Toast and Kiddush Lunch sponsored by the Shukerts in honor of the 60th anniversary of Marty’s Bar Mitzvah; Havdalah, 5:45 p.m. Zoom Only.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6 p.m.

THURSDAY: Israel’s Challenges in 2023, 7:30 p.m. Zoom Only.

FRIDAY-Jan 6: Kabbalat Shabbat 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream.

SATURDAY-Jan. 7: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 5:50 p.m. Zoom Only.

SUNDAY: BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; MI Flower Arranging, 10 a.m. at EverBloom; USY Board Meeting, 10 a.m.; Gesher Escape Room Program, noon.

MONDAY: Women’s Book Club, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Pirkei Avot, 11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham at Beth El & Live Stream.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6 p.m.

FRIDAY-Jan. 13: Kabbalat Shabbat 6 p.m. at Beth El & Live Stream.

SATURDAY-Jan. 14: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; No Jr. Congregation,, MLK Weekend; Havdalah, 5:55 p.m. Zoom Only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

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

SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Brisket Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Mincha 4:30 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity 5:10 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:51 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 4:50 p.m.

MONDAY: Office Closed; Nach Yomi, 8:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

TUESDAY: Fast of Tevet: Fast begins, 6:21 a.m.; Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Daf Yomi 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.; Fast Ends, 5:46 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Character Development 9:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.; Parsha Class, 5:10 p.m.

FRIDAY-Jan 6: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:52 p.m.; Candlelighting, 4:43 p.m.

SATURDAY-Jan. 7: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Brisket Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Mincha 4:30 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 5:10 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:58 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit 9 a.m.; Daf Yomi 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

MONDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Daf Yomi 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.; Beth Israel Workshop, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Daf Yomi 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Character Development, 9:30 a.m.; Daf Yomi, 4:10 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.; Parsha Class, 5:20 p.m.

FRIDAY-Jan 13: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:49 p.m.; Candlelighting, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY-Jan. 14: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Brisket Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Mincha, 4:50 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 5:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:04 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/Le chayim; Candlelighting, 4:46 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 5:50 p.m.

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Tanya Class, 9:30 a.m.; Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Hebrew Reading, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 18 — No advance experience necessary), noon; Hebrew Reading, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Jewish Law Class, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-Jan 6: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochab ad.com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 4:52 p.m.

SATURDAY-Jan. 7: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 5:56 p.m.

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Tanya Class, 9:30 a.m.; Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Hebrew Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

THURSDAY: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Hebrew Reading, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 18 — No advance experience necessary), noon; Hebrew Reading, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Jewish Law Class, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-Jan 13: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochab ad.com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 4:59 p.m.

SATURDAY-Jan. 14: Shacharit 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 6:03 p.m.

Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch.

Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now being offered in person.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Candlelighting, 4:50 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex and music by Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Oneg host: TBD.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Vayigash; Havdalah 5:54 p.m.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; Men's Bike/Coffee Group continues to meet during the winter months, 10:30 a.m. at Rock-N-Joe, just off of 84th and Glynoaks. For more informatoin or question please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com; SST Ruach Committee Meeting, 1 p.m.; Pickleball, 3 p.m. at TI. For more information please contact Miriam Wallick by text message 402.470.2393 or email at Miriam57 @aol.com

MONDAY: Synagogue Offices Closed

TUESDAY: Fast of Tevet: Fast begins, 6:23 a.m.; Fast Ends, 5:49 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes; Adult Ed class: The Modern History of Israel, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at SST.

FRIDAY-Jan 6: Shabbat Candlelighting, 4:56 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex and music by Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Oneg host: TBD.

SATURDAY-Jan. 7: Shabbat Morning Service 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Vayechi; Havdalah, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Classes, 9:30 a.m.; Men's Bike/Coffee Group continues to meet during the winter months, 10:30 a.m. at Rock-N-Joe, just off of 84th and Glynoaks. For more informatoin or question please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com; Pickleball, 3 p.m. at TI. For more information please contact Miriam Wallick by text message 402.470.2393 or email at Miriam57@aol.com

TUESDAY: TI Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Classes, 4:30 p.m.; Adult Ed class: The Modern History of Israel, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at SST.

FRIDAY-Jan 13: Shabbat Candlelighting, 5:03 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex and music by Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Oneg host: TBD.

SATURDAY-Jan. 14: Shabbat Morning Service 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Shemot; Havdalah 6:07 p.m.

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

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.

In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Batsheva Appel, Rabbi Deana Sussmam Berezin, and Cantor Joanna Alexander

FRIDAY: Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Zoom Only.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.

THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Class, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel In-Person & Zoom.

FRIDAY-Jan 6: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m.; Shabbat Shira Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom; Confirmation Class and Dinner, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY-Jan. 7: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SUNDAY: Temple Tots Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Grades PreK-6, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Book Club, 10:3011:30 a.m.; Toby’s Team Kickoff, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.; Social Justice Meeting: Reading Program, 2:30-3:30 p.m. In-Person & Zoom; Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Grades 9-12, 6-8 p.m. at Temple; Grades 7-8, 6:30-8 p.m.; Community Beit

Midrash: Life Cycle 7-8 p.m.

THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Class, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel In-Person & Zoom; Building Racial Samina Cohort 2, 7-8 p.m.

FRIDAY-Jan 13: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m.; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-Jan. 14: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom.

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

We, the family of Brenda Sue (Reichardt) Frank, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the quality, compassionate care she received at The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Additionally, so many have blessed our family with kind words, thoughtful gestures, cards, visits, phone calls, texts, posts, food, flowers and gifts. We are humbled and thankful at the outpouring of love we've received. From the bottom of our hearts, many thanks to each and every one of you!

Very Sincerely,

B’NAI ISRAEL

BETH EL

BETH ISRAEL

CHABAD HOUSE

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

TEMPLE ISRAEL

DENNIS AND BETSY REICHARDT THE LATE PAT AND KARLA LYNE/DETTY FAMILY LANA REICHARDT STEPHEN AND DANA (FRANK) BRANNON RYAN FRANK

Life cycles

ARNOLD “TUFFY’ EPSTEIN

Continued from page 1

That’s where he met freshman Helen Cook, the woman he would marry in 1957 and who brought him into synagogue life.

“Let’s give Helen credit for that,” he said in 2018.

His ascent continued, with graduation from UNL in 1958 with a degree in music education, military service in the Air Force Band of the Rockies, a master’s degree from UNL, several decades as an Omaha-area public school music teacher and teaching instrumental music at Friedel Jewish Academy. He also taught privately, worked as a sideman for touring shows and AkSar-Ben shows, spent 12 years with the Omaha Symphony and performed in other groups including the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha, plus thousands of small-group gigs at weddings, b’nai mitzvot and other events.

But through it all, he was a stalwart musical presence at Beth El. Though known for his instrumental work, starting in the mid1970s he branched out to lead the Beth El Choir.

Fellow congregant Martin Shukert sang tenor during Epstein’s leadership.

“Tuffy added immeasurably to the musical life at Beth El,” Shukert said. “His musicianship, personality, demonstrable love for the music, and – most of the time – Jobean patience with the choir made better singers of all of us, whatever our capabilities. From a personal perspective, I learned much about music from him and greatly appreciated his energy, knowledge and friendship.”

Shukert added that Epstein introduced new and classic liturgical compositions, including a Friday night service written by his daughter Marti, who has since become a composer and music educator.

During her father’s Dec. 12 memorial service, Marti Epstein offered some reflections.

“My dad was not raised in an observant Jewish household, but my mom was,” she said. “Jewish identity became very important to my dad, even though he was not religious in a conventional sense. Synagogue life and community were vital to him.

“I recently recorded some interviews with him about his early

Afternoon with Shayna Maydele

LISA KEYS

New York Jewish Week via JTA

In my decades as a journalist, I’ve interviewed some pretty powerful, important and, yes, even famous people. But never before have I been so excited — starstruck, even — to meet a subject, and this one wasn’t even human.

I was positively giddy to visit the Upper East Side home last week of Shayna Maydele, a small, white dog who has captured the hearts of thousands of adoring fans on Instagram. Shayna Maydele’s popularity isn’t just owing to her adorable punim — though her punim is 100% adorable, as as this committed fluffy-dog lover can attest. It’s also because her Instagram is filled with charming, authentic expressions of Jewish pride, as well as humorous takes on life in New York City.

Leaving aside the big question of whether or not a dog can be Jewish (I say yes!) — or even if owning a pet is a Jewish thing to do — every Friday, Shayna Maydele’s account features a heartwarming “Shabbat shalom” message. The Shabbat photos often include homemade challah, other times they might feature her “Papa,” or her owner’s dad. I always let out a squeal of delight when I see the posts, and I’m hardly alone: “I wake up each a [sic] Friday and await such good posts,” wrote one commenter on a Shabbat post earlier this month. “Shabbat Shalom, Shayna!”

performing days in Omaha, and I asked him when he decided to become a musician. He said to me something that I say all the time: ‘I didn’t decide to become a musician. I just am one.’ “

In recent years, Tuffy Epstein and pianist Anna Mosenkis played during Kabbalat Shabbat services.

“From before I arrived in Omaha, Tuffy could be found every week at Friday-evening services helping to bring our beautiful liturgy alive with music,” said Rabbi Steven Abraham. “Tuffy will be missed in so many circles, but the music and our services will not be the same without him.”

Hazzan Michael Krausman said Epstein was one of the first people he met after coming to Beth El 11 years ago.

“I was immediately impressed by his musical creativity and great skill,” he said. “As I came to know him, I realized that Tuffy was also a repository of the musical history and culture of our synagogue community. Whether it was discussing which settings to use for a particular prayer or just commenting on the state of the world, Tuffy always had an amazing joke or pun that was perfect for the occasion.

“I increasingly came to realize that Tuffy was actually an icon in the overall musical scene in Omaha. In fact, it was only a few weeks ago, when he was among the outstanding musicians honored by the musicians’ union, did I realize how important he really was and how privileged I was to work with him,” Krausman said. “It has been a great honor to have worked with and gotten to know Tuffy over these years – his beautiful playing will always resonate in the halls of Beth El and throughout the community.”

Epstein was preceded by his parents, Harry and Jennie Epstein; a brother, Ira Epstein; and son, Michael Andrew Epstein.

Tuffy Epstein is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen Epstein; daughters Marti Epstein and Danielle (Epstein) Sherman; brother, Allen Epstein; sister, Gloria Hyman (née Epstein); son-in-law, Drew Sherman; and grandsons: Gideon Katz and Michael Sherman.

Memorials to the Milton Marcus Instrumental Music Endowment Fund at Beth El Synagogue, the Omaha Musicians’ Association, the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha or Prairie STEM.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Let’s try to be better

Without trying to be foolish or seem like I just want to make a joke, one of my favorite quotes comes from the old television show MASH! Frank Burns say, “it’s nice to be nice to the nice!’ When one hears this out of Frank Burns’ mouth, you simply begin to laugh, but if you really think about it, I must say that I truly agree with Frank Burns.

I think that too often in today’s world, we often seize the opportunity to knock a person down, instead of looking to educate. Recently, the Mayor of Omaha posted a Hanukkah greeting on Facebook. Very nice, and thank you for the good wishes, Mayor Stothert. There was one problem with the post. Instead of using a Hanukkiah with eight spots for candles, representing the eight nights of Hanukkah, the image contained a menorah with seven arms. Truly, an innocent mistake. There was no ill intention.

I was personally bothered by posts on Facebook calling the Mayor out on this simple mistake. Is this really the message we wish to send to our community? We all make mistakes, and I hope we learn from them. Why not just call the Mayor’s Hotline and let them they made a mistake?

There really was no need to issue negative comments. Let’s learn from this. The next time there is an error, call the person privately and don’t turn it into more than it really was, a simple mistake.

SCOTT LITTKY

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE

There will be no Jewish Press on Jan. 6, 2023 Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

NEBRASKA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENT

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 150 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $225/25 word ad. Contact The Jewish Press or call 1-800-369-2850.

HELLO NEBRASKA! Introducing www.nepublicnotices.com, a new public notice website presented as a public service by all Nebraska newspapers. Free access, fully searchable – because democracy depends upon open government and your right to know.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 155 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-3692850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

FOR SALE – CELL PHONE

SWITCH AND save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-877-7685892.

FOR SALE – INSURANCE

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-490-4149 www.dental50plus.com/81 #6258.

FOR SALE – SENIORS

PORTABLE OXYGEN Concentrator? May be covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855385-3580.

STROKE AND Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-893-8016.

FOR SALE – UTILITIES

THE GENERAC PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a Free, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-833-513-0190.

HOME REPAIR

DOES YOUR basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-844-958-3431.

SENIOR CARE

CARING FOR an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and in-home care? Caring.com’s Family Advisors are here to help take the guesswork out of senior care for you and your family. Call for your FREE, no-obligation consultation: 1-888-495-3288.

JCRC Community Conversation addresses antisemitism

SHARON BRODKEY JCRC Executive Director

The JCRC is dedicated this Hanukkah to the global #ShineALight campaign, which we encourage you to follow and share on Facebook and Instagram. During this Festival of Lights, we are focused on preparations for our next Community Conversation on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m., when we focus on antisemitism. Our panel of experts features Special Agent in Charge of the Nebraska-Iowa FBI Field Office, Eugene Kowel; Felix Ungerman, representing Congressman Don Bacon’s office; the City of Omaha’s Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Keith Station; Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, David Goldenberg; JFO’s Safety & Security Manager, James Donahue; a Nebraska State Senator (several invitations are pending at the time of this writing); and Dr. Ari Kohen.

I recently read an article (to be discussed in a Community Conversation in the future, but not Jan. 11) that offered some hope in these awkward antisemitic times. It posits that “... when antisemitism reared its ugly head this past month, American society clubbed it. Ye was mocked on late night, chastised by pundits across the ideological spectrum and abandoned by his sponsors. According to the trackers, antisemitism went up. But also: Ye went down.” Celebrities of all races and political stripes, from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Def Jam, Reese Witherspoon,

John Mellencamp, John Legend, and more came out to call out, condemn and cut ties with the rapper, the NBA star, and others who spew hateful and dangerous rhetoric.

Many in our community called the JCRC to express concern after the ubiquitously cov-

ered, bombastic behavior of Ye, Irving, Chappelle, and the now infamous dinner at Mar-aLago. The worry was palpable. “Where are our Black allies? Why aren’t they showing up and speaking up?” “What are we in Omaha doing to respond?”

The answer is complex and doesn’t often satisfy, but sometimes, the most effective responses are not necessarily high-profile, public begging or shaming of local leaders. Personally, I did receive calls and messages (private emails and DMs) from concerned friends, “Thinking of you, Dear Friend, during what must be ‘busy season’ in your line of work.” And, “Keep calm and cocktail on!” read another.

But, my expectation was not that Black friends or community leaders in Omaha would jump on a soapbox and start posting anti-Ye declarations or “Kyrie doesn’t speak for me!” That’s certainly a conversation that we in the Jewish community should have to explore and unpack that sentiment further. But imagine how you would feel if and when some Jewish celebrity or person of note, let’s say, Bernie Madoff or Harvey Weinstein, says or does something absolutely unconscionable, unspeakable, and truly harmful. Then, a non-Jewish friend calls you for comment or your opinion as if, because you are Jewish, you are suddenly The Spokesperson for your community, which is assumed to be responsible for the said unconscionable act, and anything you say may be construed as

being the official position of “the Jews,” a monolithic community that can’t contain its own. That call may be interpreted as accusatory. In the least, that’s awkward. At its worst, it’s misguided and unfair!

Sometimes, the greatest impact can be the quiet, respectful conversations that happen with our friends and colleagues; the opportunities that arise in circumstances and times such as these to reach out to our friends of color, other faiths, and beliefs to say, “I’m scared and angry about the recent antisemitic statements made by so-and-so.” Or, “Can I talk to you about...?” “Would you lend an ear and share your thoughts about...?”

Between now and our Community Conversation on Jan. 11, the JCRC is committed to sharing some pre-event reading from thought leaders and experts in antisemitism. Call it “homework” if you wish, but think of it as background that may help you frame and formulate some thoughts and questions to bring to the panel discussion. Last month, Atlantic writer Yair Rosenberg wrote an interesting piece for his Substack column Deep Shtetl. Why Fighting Conspiracy Theories Is Essential to Fighting Antisemitism is an interesting read in preparation for our upcoming Community Conversation on antisemitism (You can also find it on Rosenberg’s Facebook page.)

I hope you’ll take some time to read it and know that our door and ears are always open! We’d love to know your thoughts and concerns, questions, and comments!