Vol. LXXXIX No. 21 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
28 Shevat 5770
February 12, 2010
New editor selected to head Jewish Press
Y.E.S. and VISIONS combine forces to create “Main Streeters”
by JILL BELMONT Interim Editor, Jewish Press Bobbi Leibowitz, president of the Jewish Press board, has announced the hiring of Annette van de KampWright as the newspaper’s new editor. Van de Kamp-Wright succeeds Carol Katzman, who retired last December after 13 years at the paper’s helm. “Our search committee conducted a nationwide search, but we were lucky enough to find a local candidate who fit the bill perfect- Annette van de Kamp-Wright Credit: Kim Goldberg ly,” Leibowitz said. “We’re all very excited to welcome Annette as the newest editor of the Jewish Press. She’s bright and articulate; she knows the community and the importance of the Press, and she has a vision for the future of the newspaper.” A native of the Netherlands, van de Kamp-Wright received her undergraduate degree from the University of Utrecht, where she studied American Cultural Studies, and a master’s degree in English Arts and Literature from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During the past four years, she has worked as a freelance writer and editor, and has volunteered for a variety of Jewish organizations in Omaha. “I am extremely excited to have been offered the job of Jewish Press editor,” she said. “It is a wonderful opportunity, and a true honor; I have no doubt my learning curve will be steep, as I will be working with a very talented team, both within the immediate Press office, within the Federation, and within the community at large. I am very grateful to all who have helped Continued on page 2
classes; and Jim Wax, communications. Other commitby OZZIE NOGG The Yiddish term shidach means “a good match.” tee members are Doris Alloy, Harry Alloy, Jack Noodell, And that’s exactly what our community will witness Ilene Pachman and Sivi Roffman. Mike Silverman, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home when the current memexecutive director, and bers of Y.E.S. and Maggie Conti, RBJH VISIONS join forces to director of activities, are become “Main Streeters” advising the group. -- a new organization Many popular activities under the umbrella of established by Y.E.S. and Jewish Social Services -Visions will remain on the that welcomes all resiMain Streeters’ calendar. dents of the Omaha “We’ll continue to meet metropolitan area age 60 for lunch on the third and older, whether or not Friday of every month at they belonged to the the Home,” Wax original two groups. explained. “The Yiddish “You might describe group will still gather Main Streeters as a blendevery Thursday, and Mah ed family,” said coordinaJongg will keep its regular tor Susan Rothholz, “with new members Making plans for the Main Streeters’ April 16 kick-off are steering Tuesday game. We’ll also added to the mix. Our committee members Suzanne Singer, left, Susan Rothholz and retain Harry’s Mystery Trip, the Brownville programs are geared to Rocky Stern. every mature adult who is looking for ways to stimulate Concert Series, our summer picnic and Royals baseball creative thinking. That includes Livingston residents games, plus outings to Lauritzen Gardens, the casinos, local museums and theaters.” and spouses of Blumkin Home residents, too. Creating interest in new areas is the responsibility of “The wide variety of social events, speakers and educational opportunities will have broad appeal, and we Rocky Stern and Suzanne Singer. “When the Pennie Z. plan to build on the success already established by Y.E.S. Davis Learning Center is up and running on Main Street and Visions by offering even more activities. All of us on at the Blumkin Home, we’ll offer computer training in Word, Excel, Outlook and Skype, as well as technology the Main Street steering committee are very excited.” The new organization’s official kick-off will be Friday, classes for cell phones, digital cameras, camcorders and April 16. “The opening event will be five-star, so put any other training in which the community expresses an the date in your book right now,” Rothholz advised. interest,” Singer said. “We also hope to offer opportuni“I’m not giving any details, but believe me, you’ll be ties for members to play poker, Pan, bridge, canasta, sorry if you miss it.” pinochle, you name it.” Also under discussion are cookCurrently working with Rothholz are: Tootie Simon ing classes, a quilting group plus craft and ceramics classand Ida Banner, culinary committee; Rose Pitlor, social es, all to be held on the JCC campus. “You could committee; Rocky Stern and Suzanne Singer, games and Continued on page 2
For Temple Israel family’s simcha, timing was everything by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Director Rory Sudbeck hoped he would be Jewish by the time of his son’s bris. It was close; just four days to spare. Growing up in Hartington, Nebraska, about two and a half hours northeast of Omaha, Sudbeck didn’t meet many Jews -- if any -- in the town of 1600 whose population was predominately Catholic. He attended 12 years of Catholic education at Holy Trinity Church and was confirmed at the end of eighth grade. After high school, Rory enrolled in Bellevue University on the Lincoln campus and graduated in early 2006 with a degree in business administration. Six years ago, Rory met Rebecca Blumkin who was in Lincoln finishing her degree in business at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She graduated in late 2005. Becca grew up in Omaha and was affiliated with Temple Israel “all my life,” she said. Much of her family, including her parents, Irv and Susie Blumkin, and grandparents, Louie and Fran Blumkin, belong to Temple. Becca became a Bat Mitzvah at Temple following the path so many in her family had walked before her. “Becca was the first Jewish person I ever met,” pointed out Rory. “I asked a lot of questions,” he recalled. As they dated and their relationship seemed headed toward marriage, they talked about raising children. “I wanted to have my family raised the same way I was,” Becca acknowledged. “It didn’t bother me at all, because I had met her family, and they weren’t any different than my own family,” according to Rory. He actually began to think about
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
Brody, Becca and Rory Sudbeck choosing Judaism for himself before he and Becca became engaged. “I witnessed how loving and caring her family was to someone who wasn’t Jewish,” he remarked. “If we were going to live in Omaha around Becca’s family,” it made sense to be a Jewish family.” Becca had some concerns. “I wanted him to do it
This Week: Simchas and Celebrations starts on Page 8 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’
Goldstein Supporting Foundation awards grants Page 2
(convert to Judaism) for himself. Not for me,” she insisted. She told Rory, “I want you to be sure. A mixed marriage would have been OK,” she said. Once they were engaged, they went to worship services at Temple. Rory was introduced to the High Holy Days and Passover and “met even more of Becca’s extended family and friends.” Becca and Rory were married on October 7, 2006. Once they decided to have children, the decision was settled for Rory. In the fall of 2008, he called Rabbi Eric Linder who suggested that Rory enroll in Derech Torah classes. For several months he went to class choosing to go alone “so I would have my own original thoughts.” Subsequently, he began working with Rabbi Linder. There were numerous assignments, such as going to Torah study on Saturday mornings, attending worship services, and composing his own writings on Jewish topics. While Rory was completing his journey to becoming a Jew, Becca was going through a new experience as well. She was pregnant and expecting their first child in December. Rory’s conversion ceremony was scheduled for Dec. 4, 2009. Surrounded by many family members and friends that night, Rory said, “It felt great!” He is especially grateful to them for all their support. “I had a lot of cheerleaders. There were numerous, numerous friends and family who helped me along the way.” Great aunts, great uncles, and members of another synagogue encouraged Rory. “Everyone was just a phone call or an email away,” he mentioned. Continued on page 10
Coming Next Month: Home and Garden Partnership with Israel program makes vital connections Page 3
Vancouver Jews gearing up for the XXI Winter Olympic Games Page 16