February 19, 2016

Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA February 19, 2016 10 Adar 1 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 23

Why we sent our teens to Israel: The parents’ perspective

This Week 2016 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Help Us Reach Our Goal

$3.31M

$3,005,591 (Pledged as of 2/15/16)

NUMBER OF GIFTS

GIFT FOR GIFT % INCREASE

NEW OR RE-ENGAGED GIFTS

1,020 3.47 % 63

Dr. Pamela Berger to discuss Temple Mount

by KASEY DAVIS Schwalb Center Staff Assistant World famous art-historian and filmmaker Dr. Pamela Berger will come to UNO as a guest of e Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies.

She is visiting Omaha to deliver the opening keynote address at the 59th Annual Missouri Valley History Conference on her ground-breaking book e Crescent on the Temple. In addition, Dr. Berger will present her work at B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, Beth El Synagogue and Temple Israel.

Thank you for supporting our mission.

2016 Annual Campaign totals

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor On a chilly morning in December of 2015, no fewer than 35 religious school students traveled from Omaha to Tel Aviv. For many, it was the first time; they came from all three synagogues, and were guided by Beth El’s Rabbi Steven Abraham, Beth Israel’s Rabbi Ari Dembitzer and Temple Israel’s Cantor Wendy Shermet.

Soon, the community will read all about the teens’ reactions. This week, we have the privilege of hearing what some of the parents had to say about the impact the teen mission has had on their children, and why they made the decision to send them on this trip.

“There are no adequate words to express the gratitude Randy and I feel for the opportunity this presented to our daughter Mikayla,” said Sharon Comisar-Langdon. “We felt this trip would offer

NBC News veteran to speak at Beth El Page 5

In all-Chabad Israeli village, Brooklyn meets country living Page 12

a unique opportunity to experience Israel not only with her peers, but with all three clergy. She had experiences she could not have had anywhere else, developed relationships beyond the religious school classroom, and now connects with Israel in a personal and individual way.”

Cindy and Bruce Goldberg sent their son Max, because “he really wanted to go at the same time as several of his friends. We knew he would have a wonderful, educational time. The outcome was great; he absolutely loved it -- all of it. He came back feeling totally connected to the other teens.”

Patty and Tony Nogg, parents of Olivia, added: “it was such an amazing opportunity offered by the community. Truly, a deal you cannot have refused to take full advantage of. Also, Olivia simply wanted to go. She had talked about the Temple Israel trip for several years Continued on page 2

Dancers to perform piece based on the Shoah

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

9 10 11

This Month The Men’s Issue See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press Sophie Henning, left, Michelle Chouinard, Laura Theisen, and Chloe Wills Credit: Jim Williams

by CHERYL LERNER guish and the sisterhood of the Omaha Academy of Ballet women. It was so moving, and the I was sitting in my office at the dancers loved working with her. We dance studio when the music began. asked her back and trusted she would Ashley Durst was about to start re- produce another work of worth, but hearsals for her piece for Omaha she had not yet told us her theme.

Dance Project 2016. Last year’s work, “I enjoy creating dances based on Remember Me, was about women history and human experience. It sending their men to war, the an- Continued on page 3

Dr. Pamela Berger e professor’s work on historical Jewish, Christian and Islamic iconography of the Dome of the Rock, the Temple Mount and Western Wall in Jerusalem has astounded scholars and students alike, according to Dr. Curtis Hutt, UNO professor of Religious Studies. e Special Programs Coordinator at the Schwalb Center describes e Crescent of the Temple as “the most important book written about Jerusalem in the last 100 years.”

UNO will welcome Dr. Berger at a breakfast reception at e Schwalb Center from 8:30-10 a.m., which is open to the public. e Center is located on the campus in the Arts & Science Hall (ASH) Room 202 on Wednesday, March 2.

At Noon, she will address the B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers luncheon in the Blumkin Home Auditorium. Wednesday evening’s program is presented by the Center for Jewish Life of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. e program will be held at Beth El Synagogue from 7:30-9 p.m. and will feature her film, e Imported Bride. ursday morning, March 3, Dr. Berger will be discussing her book e Crescent on the Temple with the adult education class at Temple Israel.

When asked what Dr. Berger’s visit meant for the adult education class, Scott Littky, Program Director at Temple Israel, said, “When Dr. Moshe Gershovich, Director of the Schwalb Center, presented the idea of Dr. Berger speaking at Temple and an opportunity for us to help sponsor the event, I jumped right on board. I Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2016

Why we sent our teens to Israel Continued from page 1 leading up to it, and actually being part of this larger mega teen mission was even more exciting and fulfilling.”

It wasn’t a first for Tomer Palmon, son of Roni and Ophir Palmon: “Tomer has been to Israel many times,” said Roni, “spending time with family, but also with BBYO. This trip provided an opportunity to visit Israel with his friends from Omaha, with the clergy, and experience Israel in an entirely new way. I like the idea of him spending time in Akko, the home hospitality, and the ability to create (hopefully long-lasting) relationships with Israeli teens.

“I am still amazed that the community was able to send such a large group and provide the scholarships and the low price. This made it affordable, which I hope the community will continue to sustain. Tomer loved the trip; he got to know teens from Beth Israel and Temple Israel whom he did not know before. He developed a relationship with the clergy and came to see them in a different way. He practiced his Hebrew, including bargaining in the Shuk. As someone who had been to Israel before, he served as somewhat of an expert to his peers: what to eat, what to buy, which candy is the best...”

Jill and George Idelman sent their son Brandon along for many reasons: “The most important reason was his strong desire to visit the land of Israel, which he had only read about in books, studied about in religious school, or seen on the news. He wanted to experience it with Cantor Shermet and his friends, and we as parents wanted him to connect to his culture and heritage, the way it can only happen in Israel.

“As for how it affected him, it was the first question we asked on the ride home from the airport. He told us that he felt a certain

type of emotion when he visited the Old City of Jerusalem and prayed at the Kotel-- something he had never felt before. He also said Yad Vashem left him with images he will always remember. The pride he has for his Jewish heritage and faith was strengthened by this experience, and he can’t wait for his Birthright trip. We have seen a change in Brandon; he gained a sense of pride and confidence from this experience.”

One of the most valuable things that happen when one visits another country is that, so often, it is nothing like we imagined.

Israel is no different, and for Jewish teens especially, it is important they are given an opportunity to experience the land and its people directly, without the filter of the media or someone else’s viewpoint.

Marla Hockfeld sent her daughter Rachel on the trip so “she could experience and connect with Israel and her Jewish identity by seeing, touching, tasting, smelling, listening and interacting, and then forming her

own opinions. She now sees the world through a bigger lens, and filters her role and her place in it differently,” Marla said.

“She is no longer afraid of things she is unfamiliar with. She shared how wonderful it was to put her phone down and actually feel the moment, experience it rather than focusing on taking the perfect Instagram picture.”

The trip had more unexpected and very welcome benefits. When Jordana Kurtzman heard about the Mega Teen Mission, she knew her son had to go with his friends: “Anyone who knows my son, Joshua, knows that he is usually pretty shy. In fact, when he joined BBYO a year and a half ago, he was so shy he wouldn’t even say his name in front of the group. His friend, Max, had to introduce him to everyone. BBYO has turned out to be really good for Joshua, and he has become much more talkative with people outside of our family and close friends. He even went on a couple of regional conferences, and that was a big step for

him -- taking a trip without the safety net of a family member along, but he has made new friends along the way.

“However, the reasons I sent him on the trip to Israel weren’t to get him to become more social and outgoing --that was coming on its own. The reasons I sent Joshua to Israel were twofold. First, I wanted him to see how wonderful it is to be in our homeland, where we are not the minority, and he could wear his Kippah without feeling like people had no idea why he wore it. Second, but equally as important, I wanted to break him of the negative feelings he had about Muslims, which he had picked up from the media and social commentaries.

“Hating a group of people because of their religion or skin color or any other reason is a slippery slope, and in the end, hate does nothing but bring more hate. When Joshua came back from Israel, I asked him about his experiences, and he said he loves Israel, and one of the things he loves most is that Jews, Muslims, Christians and other religious groups just get along. That may be overly optimistic, but I am happy that he came back from Israel with feelings of love, rather than hate.”

Whatever the reasons for going, whatever the expectation of the land and its people, Israel always surprises, and it is no different with our community’s teens. Everything they learned and experienced will stay with them, thanks to the support of this community.

The Mega Teen Mission was made possible with support from the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel. The Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, The Herbert Goldsten Foundation, The Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, The Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation, and The Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation.

February 19, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 3

Dancers to perform piece based on the Shoah

Continued from page 1 al. It is hard to portray that terrible time in dance. The helps educate the dancers to grow emotionally as perform- dancers are very good. I liked the piece”. ers, to feel something beyond just dance steps. I also like to What messages did the dancers take away from her talk? give the audience a story or something they can think about.” Dancer Laura Theisen commented, “Her own story of moving When I heard the first strands of music, I shuddered a lit- from innocence to what she experienced kind of paralleled tle. The tune with haunting the three sets of emotions we children’s voices, reminded me are trying to portray. She also of a song my grandmother talked about paying attention to from Poland used to sing to me. what your government is doing.

I listened longer and the music Since this will be the first year changed and I recognized it that I can vote, I realized what immediately. It was music from can be at stake.” Dancer Chloe the film, Schindler’s List.

Wills said, “I have studied this She’s doing a piece about the all in school, but it made a difHolocaust? How do you dance ference to see a face and hear that? How do you choreograph someone’s own story”. that, drawing those kinds of Omaha Dance Project is a emotions from young dancers? community performance proI talked to Ashley about it and gram sponsored by the Omaha thought it would be essential to Academy of Ballet. Academy Bea Karp speaks to dancers give the dancers a first hand dancers join with other dancers account about what they were going to try to portray. I con- and groups in the Omaha dance community for a program tacted the Institute for Holocaust Education, and Bea Karp of classical and contemporary dance works. In addition to was recommended to speak. They needed to hear her story.

Ms. Durst’s piece, which will close the program, the perAnd Bea, lithe and lovely, always reminded me a little of formance also features commissioned works by Omaha choAudrey Hepburn. She came to rehearsal one day to see the reographers Juliette Henning, Nichol Mason Lazenby, and piece and to speak to the dancers. And they listened. The Marcus Oatis of the Kansas City Ballet. piece never looked the same after that.

Performing groups include Tbd. – an Omaha Dance The List was inspired and moved by the 1993 film, Collective, Dance Lab Omaha, and dancers from the Schindler’s List. “This piece does not correlate directly with Creighton University Dance Company. the events in the film, but rather, it touches on the evolving This year’s performances will be Friday and Saturday, emotions that the people may have experienced through that Feb. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. time. The feeling in the first section is carefree, untroubled. at the Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center at The second part depicts confusion and fearfulness. The Marian High School, 7400 Military Avenue. Tickets are $15 third section shows more of an exhausted feeling. The for adults, $10 for students and seniors. For more informadancers are fatigued, hungry, and my goal was to demon- tion, call 402.346.0469 or go to www.oabdance.org. Omaha strate those three different emotions throughout my piece.”

Dance Project is made possible with support from the Bea said of the work, “The songs made me very emotion- Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

Tritz Plumbing Inc. 402-894-0300 www.tritz.com repair • remodel

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

Indigo Resale Boutique & Tailoring Resale & Purchase High End Designer Items Get 30% Off Tailoring with this ad Call for tailoring appointments Masha 402-714-3341

14224 Pierce Plaza (off 142nd & Pacific)

Buying orSelling?

Give us a call!

716 N. 148th Street

$275,000 Stunning Seville updated 2 Story, 4 bedroom, 3 baths up Walking distance to Beth El 5207 Cuming Street $599,950 Majestic Brick 2.5 Story over 3700 sq. ft., Gorgeous!

302 S. 56th Street $1,100,000 Updated Historic Midtown 2.5 Story 9221 Laurel Plaza 8707 Capitol Avenue 1625 S. 113th Plaza

CONDO $162,500 $215,000 $295,000

/ TOWNHOME / VILLA Adorable True Ranch. New paint & carpet. Mn flr laundry Exciting floor plan with cathedral ceilings. Treetop view Brook Hollow 1.5 Story Almost 2400 sq ft, Beautiful deck overlooking trees & pond

Marty Cohen

Alan Cohen

Anne Cohen

402-690-1591

402-677-2524

402-850-4161

New Jersey NCSY in Omaha “It really speaks to the welcoming nature of our community that a group of teenagers from New Jersey would be excited to come to Omaha in the winter and recommend it to their friends to come back the next year,” Rabbi Yaakov Weiss explained. “Having a group of teenagers join us for Shabbat gives everyone a unique opportunity to unite. It’s especially important for our teens to know that they are part of the greater Jewish family that expands well beyond the confines of Omaha, Nebraska.”

On Shabbat morning Feb. 27, the group will lead classes for Beth Israel youth. In the late afternoon, classes will be available for children, teens and adults at 4:45p.m. Saturday night will be feature a trip to the Sky Zone in which Omaha’s Jewish teens are invited to participate.

The young men and women will participate in more volunteering on Sunday, leading a morning Kid’s Craft and a class at Beth Israel for children under 5th grade as well as youth programming for 6th grade and older. They will cap off their visit to Omaha with a trip to see Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo before returning to New Jersey.

For more information on any of the events, please contact Rabbi Weiss at 402.556.6288 or rabbiweiss@orthodoxoma ha.org. The mission of Beth Israel Synagogue is to perpetuate the legacy of Torah Judaism in the modern world and provide a home for those who wish to learn about and observe halacha, Jewish law. Beth Israel Synagogue welcomes all persons of the Jewish faith to join, and accepts the diversity of practice and thought among its members. Beth Israel offers a variety of religious, cultural and social programs throughout the year.

Dr. Pamela Berger Continued from page 1 know that all who get to learn with Dr. Berger will benefit from the experience.”

Finally, Thursday evening at 6 p.m., Dr. Berger will give the keynote address at the start of the 59th Annual Missouri Valley History Conference. The lecture is open to the public and will be held at the Magnolia Hotel (1615 Howard Street in downtown Omaha). Her lecture, based on her book, fits perfectly with this year’s conference theme: Sacred Sites, Holy Places. To learn more about the MVHC and its program visit http://www.unomaha.edu/ college-of-arts-and-sciences/history/news-and-events/ mvhc.php.

If you have questions about any of these events, contact Kasey Davis at unoschwalbcenter@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2788.

February 19th 10am to 7pm

February 20th

• FREE ADMISSION • INDOOR SHOWROOM • SALES REPS ON HAND • SPECIAL FINANCING!

10am to 7pm

February 21st Noon to 6pm

2601 South 13th St. Norfolk, NE 68701 402-371-1306

www.JerrysTrailers.com

Freelance Writer wanted The Jewish Press staff seeks a local freelance writer for original story assignments, $0.10 per word.

If you are interested, email cover letter and writing sample to the editor at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

No phone calls please.

120778

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Publicity Chair, Beth Israel Synagogue After a highly successful visit in February 2015, another group of teenagers from New Jersey NCSY will travel to Omaha, Feb. 24-28. This year, tenth graders from the Frisch High School, a co-ed Jewish high school in Paramus, NJ, will visit Omaha as volunteers in Leadership Chesed Mission.

“The purpose of this Leadership Mission is to teach our teens the value of Chesed, Achdut and Tikkun Olam, while exposing them to the beauty of smaller Jewish communities around the country” explains Regional Director Rabbi Ethan Katz.

While in Omaha, the group will be volunteering on the JCC campus to better connect and bond with the Jewish community as a whole. The teens will be given the opportunity to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, working to construct and repair homes as well as the lives of their inhabitants. They will also see some highlights of Omaha and also participate in a special RESPECT program designed for the teens.

Avital Moss, Director of Special Projects, New Jersey NCSY, added “Our goal is to create a sense of unity among the greater community and the beautiful bond that exists among all Jewish communities around the world. The group had an incredible experience last year with Beth Israel and the whole Omaha community, and we’re excited to bring a new group to experience the warmth of Beth Israel and Omaha.”

NCSY is a world-recognized organization that has played a pivotal role in the lives of Jewish teens across the globe. The organization’s mission is to connect, inspire and empower Jewish teens and encourage passionate Judaism through Torah and tradition. NCSY connects with Jewish teens through innovative, cutting-edge social and recreational programs to develop a positive Jewish identity. Programming inspires Jewish teens through informal Jewish education, retreats and summer programs and develops leaders to become passionately committed leaders of the Jewish community and instruments for positive change and renewal.

The teens will have a full schedule while in Omaha after their arrival the evening of Feb. 24. Their volunteer activities at Habitat for Humanity will take place on Feb. 25. Friday events will include programs with the Friedel Jewish Academy and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The group will be hosted by Beth Israel for Shabbat and enjoy a special Shabbat dinner as the kickoff for their Shabbaton. Shabbat dinner is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-12 and free for those 3 and under. The dinner will consist of challah, soup, roast beef, roasted vegetables and desert. The dinner is open to all members of the community. Please contact the office to make reservations by Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Following the dinner, the NCSY group will be leading a special Shabbat Oneg.

4 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2016

Associated Counseling Professionals

Caroline, or Change at the Playhouse

G l en F i neman, L I C S W, L I M HP Cl in ical So cial Wo r ke r Family & Children Issues | Marriage Counseling Depression, Anxiety & Family Problems Abusive & Neglect Problems 2255 So. 132nd Street | Suite 200 | Omaha 402-334-1122 | fax: 402-334-8171 www.acpcounseling.com

4 DAY BRANSON SPRING MADNESS INCLUDES: 3 Nights Lodging, 3 meals, 6 shows

5IF )BZHPPET t %PVH (BCSJFM t T .VTJD $FMFCSBUJPO XJUI #BSSZ 8JMMJBNT )BNOFS T 6OCFMJFWBCMF 7BSJFUZ 4IPX t -FHFOET JO $PODFSU t #JMM $ISBTUJM Also includes motorcoach & tour coordinator

April 19-22, 2016 Departures from: Lincoln, Omaha & Co. Bluffs Seward, Crete & Beatrice Sioux City, Sloan, Onawa, Mo. Valley &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

1-800-488-2114

299

$

P.P.D.O.

$399 Single

www.elitetours.us

Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc.

Providing 32 years of investment experience in Nebraska

Personalized customer service, ensuring your financial plan meets YOUR lifestyle needs.

Consultations free.

Call today at 402-614-1321

Visit us on Facebook

www.russkaplaninvestments.com

by PEGGY REALL Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Omaha Community Playhouse Caroline, or Change takes place in 1963 Louisiana, when the American civil rights movement was at its height. The backdrop of the story revolves around the large-scale social changes happening in America, such as the assassination of President Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March on Washington.

Caroline, an African American maid, works for a Jewish family. She spends her days in the basement of the Gellman home doing laundry, sometimes accompanied by young Noah Gellman (played

by Danny Denenberg), whose mother has died. Noah’s stepmom tries to teach Noah a lesson about leaving money in his pockets by telling Caroline she can keep whatever change she finds in his pockets while doing the laundry. This

entices Caroline, who earns a meager wage of $30 per week.

Noah receives $20 as Hanukkah gelt, which becomes pivotal in the plot of the story when he accidentally leaves it in his pockets in the laundry.

Caroline, or Change was written by Tony Kushner, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Angels in America, and the music is by Jeanine Tesori, who wrote the music for Shrek: The Musical and Thoroughly Modern Millie. The score for this musical includes a range of music types, including Motown, blues, traditional Jewish melodies, classical, Jewish Klezmer and gospel. Together, Kushner and Tesori received a Tony nomination for Best Musical for Caroline, or Change in 2004. Caroline, or Change is playing now through March 20 at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

For tickets, call 402.553.0800, stop by the Playhouse box office at 69th and Cass or go online at OmahaPlay house.com.

Educator Shabbat at Temple Israel

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel On Friday, Feb. 19, Temple Israel will be conducting a very special Shabbat service for our religious school students’ secular studies teachers. The evening will provide teachers with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the religious community that their students participate in.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a brief tour of our Religious School classrooms. Friday evening Shabbat services will begin at 6 p.m., followed by an Oneg (a social gathering). Teachers will also have the opportunity to meet and speak with Rabbi Brown and Rabbi Azriel and with members of our Religious School staff.

Temple Israel’s Interim Religious School Director Sharon Comisar-Langdon said, “The opportunity for our students to

become the teacher and share with their secular teachers a little about their Jewish life is a real gift. Education does not just come from teachers but also from students to their teachers and a Shabbat experience is truly one that all can learn from.”

According to Rabbi Azriel, “During my 28 years at Temple Israel we have held Educator Shabbat every two or three years, and it has always been one of my favorite events to participate in. The chance for our students to show off their Judaism to their teacher is an experience they will remember all their life. We are all proud to be Jewish, and we need to share that with others to help them better understand what we are all about as a religion, a people and a civilization.”

For more information about Educator Shabbat, please contact Interim Religious School Director Sharon Comisar-Langdon at 402.556.6536.

Final session of Klutznick Learning Series Monday night

Your computer: is it a blessing or a curse?

Need help with your Computer, iPad, or iPhone?

----We offer private lessons at your home.

• Learn all about email and sending • attachments.

• Learn how to run APPs on your • computer, iPad or iPhone • Learn how to use the INTERNET • safely David M. Cohen, Ph.D.

Call DR. DAVE at 402-637-3935 to schedule a lesson with the Home Technology Tutor

www.JQoffice.com 402.339.5003 CONTACT

Ben Heaston: bheaston @JQoffice.com SERVING THE GREATER OMAHA BUSINESS COMMUNITY

PRINTERS POSTAGE METERS COPIERS DIGITAL DISPLAYS FOLDING & INSERTING EQUIPMENT INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life Pirkei Avot: Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World is the theme of the 2016 Klutznick Learning Series that began on Feb. 8. The series is sponsored by the fund of the Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. The final evening on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Social Hall will feature Rabbi Yaakov Weiss, Assistant Rabbi at Beth Israel Synagogue, and Jeremy Wright, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and part-time teacher at Bellevue University and Metropolitan Community College. They will lead a discussion of Pirkei Avot 1.14, that presents the perplexing questions, “If I am not for myself, who is for me? And when I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” The presentations and Q&A that follows are certain to produce interesting insights and commentary.

Series developer, facilitator and discussant for the final session of the series is Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Chair at Creighton University. He is joined by Richard Fellman, currently teaching in the Department of Political Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha having been in private law practice for 44 years. The academic and the jurist will tackle the Pirkei Avots that advise you to love work, hate authority, not to get friendly with government,

Marriage MONSKY/WILSON Pam and Henry Monsky are proud to announce the marriage of their daughter Rachael to Logan Wilson, son of Bob and Holly Wilson. The couple, who wed in a private ceremony on Feb. 4, will make their home in Omaha.

Rachael is the granddaughter of Ramelle Monsky of Palm Desert, CA and the late Hubert Monsky, and the late Sid and Nancy Pearlman.

Logan is the grandson of Eleanor Wilson of Alta, IA and the late Harry Wilson; and Marry Masters Allen and the late Bradford Allen.

A reception will be held in the spring.

and to be wary of those who are friendly only for their own convenience. This is the perfect topic for these intellectual rebels and the perfect way to cap off another celebrated season of the Klutznick Learning Series.

If you haven’t attended yet, this is the perfect night to do so. If you have attended, you will continue to be entertained, informed, and intrigued by the discussion. The series is available free of charge due to the generous financial support from the fund of the Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. Call 402.334.6463 or email mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org with any questions.

The Klutznick Learning Series is a program of the Center for Jewish Life whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Foundation update

by HOWARD EPSTEIN Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Let the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation help you create a legacy for the future.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, which was established in 1983, is to help assure the stability and continuity of Jewish life and to support communal services in the Omaha area by establishing and accumulating enduring assets for permanent funding resources.

The Foundation is responsible for development, investment, accounting, administration and donor contact for over 110 donor-advised funds; more than 55 B’nai Tzedek teen donor-advised funds; over 300 endowment, custodial or discretionary funds; and four supporting foundations. In the past fiscal year, the Foundation distributed almost $6 million to local and national charities, including all of Omaha’s synagogues, the Federation, and other Jewish organizations and causes, including over $290,000 in scholarships. The Foundation also coordinates the LIFE & LEAGACY™ initiative for Omaha’s Jewish community. Through LIFE & LEGACY, generous Omahans have made legacy commitments for after-lifetime gifts valued in excess of $12 million.

The Foundation provides a wide variety of donor services and can help you create a customized philanthropic plan. Please contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director at 402.334.6466 to begin the discussion. Additional information on the Foundation is also available at www.jfofoundation.org.

February 19, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 5

NBC News veteran to speak at Beth El

by SHERRIE SAAG tremendous support. “I don’t need to for Beth El Synagogue explain to my family. They understand that Martin Fletcher, author and award-win- this is my job and I love it and they trust me. ning NBC news correspondent, will speak And when I told my mother once not to in Omaha on Tuesday, worry because when I go March 8, 7 p.m. at Beth El to work I wear a flak jacket Synagogue. His decadesand a helmet, she long career as a war answered, ‘Martin, if you reporter was, in part, have to wear a flak jacket influenced by his personal and helmet to go to work, life. Fletcher’s parents are you should get a new job!’”

Holocaust survivors and Fletcher has won almost his wife is Israeli. every award in TV jourHis career spanned an nalism, including the Du exciting time in journalPont, known as the TV ism when those who pracPulitzer, five Overseas ticed the craft were rouPress Club awards, the tinely sent into war zones Edward R. Murrow Award and areas of extreme confor Excellence several flict to report live on times, and five Emmys American television. one for his coverage of Remember CNN’s Kosovo, another for Martin Fletcher Bernard Shaw, John Rwanda, and three for his Holliman and Peter Arnett reporting from reporting from Israel: one for the first an Iraqi Hotel balcony on Jan. 17, 1991 as Palestinian uprising, one for the second the US bombing of Baghdad occurred uprising, and the third for coverage of directly behind them? War reporting like Israel’s war with Lebanon in 2006. that rarely exists anymore; journalists can’t After covering world events for the entireguarantee safe transport, hostage situations ty of his broadcast career, Fletcher has are commonplace, and conflict zones are become a celebrated author. He won a simply too dangerous. It makes careers like National Jewish Book Award in 2010 for his Fletcher’s even more fascinating to recall novel, Walking Israel: A Personal Search for and remember. the Soul of a Nation.

For 26 years, Fletcher was NBC’s Chief Before the current conflicts in Syria and correspondent in Israel and during a 2006 Iraq, the fighting in Afghanistan and interview with Al Tompkins he said that in Yemen, and the unrest on the border all those years, his wife had only asked him between Russia and Ukraine, the wars of the once not to go somewhere. And that was Iraq past engulfed the men and women who cov(because he was Jewish and she was Israeli). ered them. Fletcher captures a sense of nosSo when NBC asked him to go, he declined talgia for the way reporting used to be in his for the first and only time in his career. latest novel, The War Reporter, and it is the Fletcher went on to explain his family’s subject of his talk on March 8.

The War Reporter is a tale of love, war, and redemption. Fletcher uses his lengthy experiences as a journalist to take readers on a touching, stressful, and emotional ride through wartime Bosnia and Serbia. Tom Layne was a world-class television correspondent until his life collapsed in Sarajevo, and he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Eleven years later he returns to the Balkans to film a documentary on the man who he believed caused his downfall, Ratko Mladic, Europe’s notorious murderer, wanted for genocide and crimes against humanity. Mysterious forces have protected Mladic for a decade but deadly foes swing into action against the journalist.

Drawing upon his own experiences reporting on the wars in Bosnia and Sarajevo, Fletcher has written a searing love story and a painfully authentic account of a war reporter chasing down the scoop of a lifetime.

Fletcher says he can relate to the protagonist in his story, both in his search for the truth and in his desire to be front and center in the conflict.

A dessert reception, book sales and a book signing will follow his talk. The event is open to the community. Fletcher’s visit is co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish Life and the Jewish Federation of Omaha through its membership with the Jewish Book Council.

Beth El Synagogue is a welcoming and vibrant conservative Synagogue that empowers, engages and inspires its congregants through God, Torah and Acts of Living Kindness. To find out more check out www.bethel-omaha.org.

Source credit: thetakeaway.org, guyflet cher.com.

Kids Campaign

Feigy and Zalmen Katzman are filling a Pushka (Tzedakah can) for the Jewish Federation of Omaha Kids Campaign. Do you have yours? Pushkas are available through the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, the JCC front door, all three synagogues and the Chabad House. Giving coins to help others is easy, and it’s fun!

The younger members of our community will be able to donate their Tzedakah during the Jewish Federation of Omaha Purim Carnival at the JCC March 20. More details will be announced in a future article in the Jewish Press.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Louri Sullivan at 402.334.6485 or lsullivan@jewishomaha.org.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Notice: as a prelude to this session: See 13 Hours in Benghazi! Omahan Kris Paranto is one of the real-life heroes of the current Top-Ten movie; he will speak Wednesday, Feb 24 at Noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnai brith@jewishomaha.org.

6 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2016

February 19, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 7

Our community THANKS YOU for your generous gift to the 2016 Annual Campaign. It's not too late, please join us.

Your gifts are funding scholarships, educating our community, investing in Israel, fighting Anti-Semitism and prejudice, caring for our seniors and those in great need, and securing the future of Jewish Omaha.

Donor list as of February 9, 2016. A final acknowledgment ad will follow at the close of the 2016 Annual Campaign. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy. We apologize if your name was incorrectly printed or inadvertently omitted.

MAJOR DONORS Corporate Sponsor ($100,000+) Omaha Steaks International Lion of Judah Platinum Lion ($100,000+) Susan Cohn Prime Minister ($100,000+) Murray and Sharee Newman King Solomon Circle ($25,000-$99,999 Ind. & Couples $50,000-$99,999 Corp. & Family) Joel Alperson Baker Family Ronald Blumkin Joseph Erman Michael Erman Thomas Fellman Herbert Goldsten Trust Howard Kaslow Joseph Kirshenbaum Howard Kooper Jay Lerner Robert Newman Jay Noddle Carl Riekes Harley Schrager Phillip Schrager Of Blessed Memory Joel Schlessinger Ted Seldin Phil Sokolof Of Blessed Memory The Slosburg Family Special Donor Advised Fund of The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Emerald Lion ($25,000-$35,999) Nancy Friedland Chai Circle ($18,000-$24,999 Ind. & Couples $25,000-$49,999 Corp. & Family) Steven Bloch Epstein Family Gary Epstein Harold Epstein Paul Epstein Ike and Roz Friedman Family Foundation Jeff and Danielle Gordman Livingston Foundation Omaha Bedding Co Stanley Perlmeter Andrew Robinson Gerald Simons Milton Simons John Waldbaum Sapphire Lion ($18,000-$24,999) Frances Blumkin Sharon Kooper Major Donors Couples ($11,000 - $17,999) Rich and Fran Juro Edward and Sally Malashock Joshua Circle ($10,000-$17,999 Ind, $18,000-$24,999 Corp. & Family) Irvin Blumkin Richard Glazer Donald Goldstein Nelson Gordman Mark Javitch Michael Liddy Allan Murow Steven Nogg Steve Pitlor Natan Schwalb Bruce Shackman Norman Sheldon Steven Silver Stanley Silverman Mark Singer Philip Wolf Eugene Zweiback

Ruby Lion ($10,000-$17,999) Judy Baker Ellie Batt Ruth Erman Darlynn Fellman Rosalie Friedman LOJE Fund Carol Gendler Linda Gordman Maxine Kirshenbaum Joan Lehr Nancy Noddle Zoe Riekes Terri Schrager Anne Shackman Phyllis Sherman Cari Sommer Of Blessed Memory Gail Veitzer Pacesetters ($6,000-$9,999 Ind. & Couples $6,000-$17,999 Corp. & Family) Harold Bernstein Leo Eisenstatt PACE Fund Ted Friedland Bruce Friedlander Sanford Friedman Howard Friedman David Gilinsky Bruce Goldberg The Leonard & Shirley Goldstein Supporting Foundation Kip Gordman Richard Jacobson Gary Javitch Larry Josephson Joseph Kirshenbaum Jeff Kirshenbaum Kevee Kirshenbaum John Lehr Robert Lepp Marcel and Ilse Kahn PACE Fund Mark Martin Jon and Denise Meyers Allan Noddle Alan Parsow Eric Phillips The Platt Family Martin Ricks Henry Riekes PACE Fund Dick Robinson Jonathan Rockman Les Schneiderman Rick and Laura Schrager Jack Shrago Martin Shukert Jerry Slusky Michael Staenberg Maurice Udes Of Blessed Memory Tom Vann Arnold Weitz Lion of Judah ($5,000-$9,999) Phyllis Aronson Sandra Belgrade Carol Bloch Chris Blumkin Susan Blumkin Paula Boggust Eunice Denenberg Aileen Eisenstatt LOJE Fund Lisa Epstein Sandy Epstein Pearl Giventer LOJE Fund Ann Goldstein LOJE Fund Shirley Goldstein Karen Javitch Gloria Kaslow Andrea Kavich Sharon Kirshenbaum Sandra Lehr Bobbi Leibowitz Deana Liddy Jody Malashock Sue Meyers Jean Neff Phyllis Newman Patty Nogg

Carol Parsow Fefe Passer Julie Phillips Marcia Pitlor Iris Ricks Dorothy Riekes LOJE Fund Kimberly Robinson Stacey Rockman Rosalie Saylan Nancy Schlessinger Janice Schneiderman Beth Schrager Laura Schrager Hannah Schwalb Sarah Seldin Suzy Sheldon Norma Silverman Harriet Singer Suzanne Singer Ellen Slosburg Martha Slosburg Melissa Steiner Joodi Veitzer Nancy Wolf Zahal ($3,600-$5,999) Norman B & Frances P Batt PACE Fund Marvin Bittner Dr. Mark Brodkey PACE Fund Howard Epstein Mark Goldstrom Jerome Gordman Don Greenberg Myron Kaplan Larry Kelberg Larry Meyerson Alan Potash Steven Riekes Michael Sherman Paul Shyken Michael Siegel Double Chai ($3,600-$4,999) Lois Friedman Thelma Lustgarten Barbara Platt Helene Shrago

BUILDERS Sabra ($1,800-$3,599+) Robert Belgrade Albert Bloch Peter Brodkey Richard Fellman Robert Freeman Donald Gerber Larry Gilinsky Jim Glazer David Golda Michael Goldstein David Goldstein Gary Gotsdiner Barton Greenberg Michael Halsted Jerome Kaiman Gary Kaplan Milton Kleinberg Michael Leibowitz Steve Levinger Neal Malashock Todd Manvitz Bruce Meyers Joseph Meyers Wiesman Development Wolf Brothers Morley Zipursky Mort Zuber Pomegranate ($1,800-$3,599) Sylvia Cohn Beverly Fellman Of Blessed Memory Frances Fried Thama Friedman PACE Fund Jordana Glazer Phyllis Glazer Of Blessed Memory

Jan Goldstein Kathy Goldstein-Helm Nancy Greenberg Andrea Hamburg Joanie Jacobson Sheryn Joffe Beatrice Karp Barbara Lashinsky Susan Lehr Bert Lewis Lisa Lieb Tina Meyers Jane Murow Susan Norton Margo Riekes Judith Simons Louri Sullivan Debbi Zweiback Leadership ($1,000-$1,799) Mike Abramson Bruce Baron Robert Batt Bruce Belgrade Gabriel Berg Bruce Brodkey Frederick and Molline Cassman Robert Cohen Alan Cohen Toba Cohen-Dunning Janey Dann Eric Dunning Richard Engel Samuel Fried Jamie Friedland Pamela Friedlander Amy Friedman Cindy Goldberg Gary Goldstein Judi Goldstein Mendy Halsted Gerald Hoberman Rabbi Mendel Katzman Michael Kaufman Dick Kirshenbaum Harry Klein Harvey Konigsberg Forrest and Lisa Krutter PACE Fund Howard Kutler Jeffrey Laudin Trenton Magid Todd Manvitz Scott Meyerson Michael Miller Stuart Muskin Of Blessed Memory Bettie Muskin Amy Nachman Hap Pocras Jim Polack Sheila Priluck Silvia Roffman Phyllis Schwartz Patty Sherman Howard Shrier Aveva Shukert Scott and Jill Simon Maxine Simons Ramon Somberg Robert Yaffe Richard Zacharia Steven Zalkin Rosie Zweiback Ben Gurion Society ($1,000+ less than 45 years old) Rabbi Steven Abraham Brett Atlas Stacey Atlas Danny Cohn and Andrew Miller Jason Epstein Laurie Epstein Dana Kaufman Adam Kutler Troy Meyerson Jeffrey Nogg Brian Nogg Andrew Ruback

Teresa Ruback Anthony Scioli Adam Yale Sarah Yale

GENERAL CAMPAIGN ($1-$999) Shira Abraham Gaylene Abrahamson Linda Abrahamson Mark Abrahamson Robert Adler Paula Albert Vicki Allely Carol Alloy David Alloy Doris Alloy Harry Alloy Mildred Altman Rami Arav Phyllis Aron Joyce Ashley John Atherton Denise Baccus Arnold Ban Shelly Ban Jill Baron Deborah Baum Diane Baum Donald Baum Robert Beber Eliad Ben-Shushan David Berman Dianne Berman Harry Berman Marilyn Berman Mary Berman Joan Bernstein Mary Bernstein Millie Bernstein Rose Bernstein Stuart Bernstein Terrance Bernstein Thomas Bernstein Alan Biniamow Jason Blair Claire Blass Larry Blass Joann Blatt Brent Bloom Brian Bogdanoff Esther Bogdanoff Janet Boguchwal Richard Bonness Howard Borden Quint Bowsman Ayanna Boykins Barb Brehmer James Bresel Marge Bresel Beth Brodkey Gloria Brodkey Ronald Brodkey Florence Brody Miriam Brooks Larry Brookstein Phyllis Brown Amanda Bucher Michelle Bucher Daniel Bukenholts Elaine Bukenholts Sam Bukenholts Scott Burger Helen Burns John Burns Maralyn Burr Steve Caplan and Naava Naslavsky Samuel Cemaj Shirley Cemaj Peggy Chasen Robert Chenoweth Susan Chenoweth Cathy Christensen Joyce Clark Edwin Clignett Eileen Clignett Berdine Clumpus Anne Cohen Arlene Cohen

Beth Cohen Gilbert Cohen Howard Cohen Joyce Cohen Marla Cohen Paul Cohen Rose Cohen Sheldon Cohen William Cohen Doris Cohn Edward Cohn Sharon Comisar-Langdon Margaret Conti David Cooper Harvey Cooper Jeffrey Cooper Judith Cooper Justin Cooper Lisa Cooper Rose Cooper Sarita Cooper Arthur Davidson Doug Davidson Rose Davis David DeLand Peggy DeLand Karen Delgadillo Manuel Delgadillo Ari Dembitzer Tiffany Denenberg Richard Diamond Vera Dobin Tom and Raquel Dolson Teresa Drelicharz Esta Dubov Gregory Dubov Eleanor Dunning William Dunning Amy Dworin Gilbert Dysico Rachel Dysico Janice Egermayer Eugene Elkin Julia Elkin Michelle Elkin Penny Endelman Alex Epstein Arnold Epstein Helen Epstein Sharon Epstein Abram Erlich Esther Erlich Richard Erlich Mikhail Etus Valentina Etus Deirdre Evans Steven Evans Estelle Faier Scott Farkas Nancy Feidman Ted Feidman Judith Feigin Lillian Feldman Marla Feldman Ronald Feldman Elizabeth Feldstern Annette Fettman Leo Fettman Ellie Fields Paul Fine Glen Fineman Hollie Fineman Carrie Fingold Steven Fingold Joel Finkel Lois Finkel Marti Finkel-Poulos David Finkelstein David Finkle Katherine Finnegan Janis Fischer Stephen Fischer Claire Flatowicz Hersz Flatowicz Paulette Flatowicz Pierre Flatowicz Sherry Fletcher David Fowler Shelly Fox

Beverly Frank Bruce Frank C. Thomas Frank Joseph Frank Alan Fredricks Jen Freeman Joanne Freeman Melvin Freeman Robyn Freeman Jim Fried Marshall Fried Norma Fried Jimmy Friedlander Sophie Friedlander Candice Friedman Cindy Friedman Deborah Friedman Dustin Friedman Scott Friedman Sheryl Friedman Marlen Frost Harry Gates Linda Gates Andrew Gelbman Julie Gelbman Hymie Gendler David Gerber Gary Gerber Kevin Gilinsky Patty Gilinsky Barb Giller Ron Giller Stu Giller Arkadiy Ginzburg Larisa Ginzburg Jennifer Gittelman Larry Gittelman John Glazer Pete Godwin Richard Goedeken Darlene Golbitz Frank Goldberg Leanne Goldberg Irwin Goldenberg John Goldner Howard Goldstein Jill Goldstein Joseph Goldstein Dolores Goodman Jen Goodman Shirley Goodman Steve Goodman Toni Goodman Allison Gordman Jay Gordman John Graham Melinda Graham Sherri Green Rosalie Greenspan Herman Greenwald Alex Grossman Daniel Grossman Mary Sue Grossman Sarah Grossman-Lopez Myrna Grumer Karen Gustafson Bruce Gutnik Margie Gutnik Mace Hack Howard Halperin Ken Hoberman Leslie Hoberman Marla Hockfeld Randy Hockfeld Nancy Hornstein Bonnie Horwich Jeanine Huntoon Marilyn Ivers Lewis Izenstat Thomas Jaeger Susan Jodis Tamara Johnson Anne Joseph Ed Joseph Leslie Joseph Debbi Josephson Fred Kader Sarah Kader Allen Kahn

Joseph Kahn Rebecca Kahn Robert Kahn Roxanne Kahn Joan Kaiman Marilyn Kaplan Robert Kaplan Rosie Kaplan Sally Kaplan Marcia Kapustin Frankie Kasin Sander Kasin Renee Kasner Jeanne Katelman John Katelman Esther Katleman Robert Katleman Cookie Katskee Kari Katskee Evelyn Katz Nan Katz Shani Katzman Helen Kay Leslie Kay Matthew Kelberg Jay Kenik Susan Kenik Mark Kirchhoff Kelly Kirk Jenn Kirshenbaum Rosemary Kirshenbaum Janet Klein Marsha Kleinberg Karen Klingberg Diane Kohler Mark Kohn Sherry Kohn Betty Kolnick Stuart Kolnick Marilyn Konigsberg Brandon Koom Georgine Koom Larry Koom Joseph Kosinovsky Leah Kosinovsky Alice Kosowsky Harold Kosowsky David Kotok Shane Kotok Joe Kravitz Jori Kravitz Alan Kricsfeld Barry Kricsfeld Debbie Kricsfeld Angie Krieger Stanley Krieger Traci Kugler Jane Kulakofsky Allen Kurland Sandra Kurland Jordana Kurtzman Barbara Kushner Marshall Kushner Abigail Kutler Bruce Kutler David Kutler Debi Kutler Carole Lainof Wayne Lainof Pauline Landman Randy Langdon Joan Latchaw Allison Latenser Nancy Lazer Martin Leiserowitz Cheryl Lerner Gary Lerner Martha Lerner Richard Lerner Hugh Levin Mordechai Levin Susan Levin Alan Levine Jodi Levine Michael Levine Bonnie Levinger Lina Levit Barbara Levitan Clifford Levitan

Rochelle Lewis Dmitriy Libov Marina Libov Marcia Lipsman Felicia Littky Robert Lohrman Doris Lubman Stephen Lubman Chuck Lucoff Erika Lucoff Lisa Lucoff Phil Lucoff Fritzi Luefschuetz Scott Lustgarten Kyrie Lynch Candee Mack Jerry Mack Bernard Magid Carolyn Magid Diane Malashock Larry Malashock Paul Mann Lueen Mansfield Wendy Manvitz Dan Marburg Joan Martin Julie Martin Leon Martin Rachel Martin Jose Martinez Marty and Marilyn Warren Elizabeth May Patrick McNamara Ruth McNamara Dan Meiches Marybeth Meiches Deenie Meyerson Jamie Meyerson

Jennifer Meyerson Robert Meyerson Carl Milder Lois Milder Rhoda Milder Paul Militzer Lindsey Miller-Lerman Lynda Mirvish Evelyn Mitchell Stanley Mitchell Michael Mogil Patricia Mogil Susan Mogil Anna Mogilevskaya Henry Monsky Pamela Monsky Alyssa Morris Ann Moshman Gordon Moshman Ann Moskovits Ken Munzesheimer Alan Muskin Bruce and Mary-Beth Muskin Linda Muskin Carol Nathan Patricia Newman Anthony Nogg Jaime Nogg Kelly Nogg Ann Noodell Dave Noodell Jack Noodell Maxine Noodell Steven Noodell Helen Novak Linda Novak Mark Ocheretyanskiy Jon Okun

Donna Olesh Robert Olesh Ann Osborne Louis Pachman Doris Parker David Parsow Margo Parsow Alla Pashchenko Galina Pashchenko Gennadiy Pashchenko Clara Paskar Gary Paskar Jeffrey Passer Sandra Passer Ella Patkovsky Joel Patton Helene Paulin Elinore Penner Vicki Perlmeter Cheryl Phillips Gerri Phillips Ann Pickel Harvey Pickel Roman Pisetsky William Pisetsky Matthew and Kimberly Placzek Karen Plotkin Suzanne Pocras Marvin Polikov Sheila Polikov Lynne Popp Steven Popp Merle Potash Ruth Potash Debbie Powers Gwendolyn Pred Ramon Pred

Marni & Morris Propp Family Foundation Wendy Raffel Irina Raksin Leonid Raksin Emily Ray Amy Reynolds Don Rice Diane Rich Philip Rich Gary Rifkin Helen Rifkin Harlan Rips Jane Rips Nancy Rips Judith Roffman Phyllis Roffman Charles Rogers Marcelyn Rogers Mimi Rogers-Farkas Betty Roitstein Debbie Roitstein Lawrence Roitstein Lloyd Roitstein Kenneth Rosen Margo Rosen Marti Rosen-Atherton Gerald Rosenblatt Richard Rosenblatt Sidney Rosenblatt Sue Rosenblatt Dorothy Rosenblum Jerry and Charney Rosinsky Lee Ross Bunny Rothenberg Steven Rothenberg Faye Ruback Marcia Ruback

Mark Rubezhin Barry Rubin Betty Rubin Daniel Rubin Lynn Rubin Rebecca Ruetsch-Finkelstein Kelli Sadofsky Marina Sadofsky Michael Sadofsky Paul Sadofsky Michael Salkin Ernest Saltzman Errol Saltzman Linda Saltzman Rosalie Saltzman Mark Sanford Caryn Scheer Marc Scheer Bernard Schlessinger June Schlessinger Edward Schneider Jeff Schrier Debra Schwartz Andrea Scioli Lourdes Secola Aviva Segall Betty Segell Dalma Seitelbach Nathan Seitelbach Ben Shapiro Eric Shapiro Larry Shapiro Matt Shapiro Melissa Shapiro Nate Shapiro Sherry Shapiro Raisa Shats Yakov Shats

Jeanne Shechet Maximo Shechet Lev Shekhtman Claudia Sherman David Sherman Mark Sherman Lisa Shkolnick Danita Shrago Leon Shrago Michael Shrago Michael Shrier Alan Shulewitz Cindy Shulewitz Andrea Siegel Michele Silberstein Peter Silberstein Esther Silver Denise Silverman James Silverman Lorraine Silverman PACE Fund Chuck Simon James Simon Michael Simon Deborah Simpson Harold Siporin Andrea Skolkin Anne Skolkin Michael Skolkin Beth Slovut Mitch Slovut Aaron Smith Stuart Smoler Susan Somberg James Sophir Penny Sophir Steven Speer Jim Spooner

Diane Stamp Lorraine Stein Carolyn Stern Rochelle Stern Asher Stoller Sara Stoller Barbara Taxman Benjamin Taxman Jeff Taxman Sherry Taxman Alain Taylon John Terry Fred Tichauer Alan Tipp Marilyn Tipp Sonia Tipp Steven Tipp Michael Tomaszkiewicz Ellina Tomchin Max Tomchin Sheila Tomps Eadie Tsabari Judy Tully Stewart Tully Boris Turetsky Lucy Turetsky Tevee Turkel Chris Ulven Margie Utesch Annette van de Kamp-Wright Donna Walter Phyllis Wasserman Bill Wax Esther Wax James Wax Jan Wayne Phil Wayne Dana Wear

Helen Weber Joshua Wees Joye Wees Kori Wees Steven Wees David Weill Phyllis Weinberg Aaron Weiner Dale Weinstein Alice Weiss Ryan Welner Cynthia Wiesman Allyson Wilczewski Andi Willensky Ellen Willer Lois Wine Norman Wine Sally Wintroub Ronald Wiseman Isaac Witkowski Susan Witkowski Leona Wolfson Isabella Wright Jeremy Wright Mendel Wright Judi Yampolsky Lawrence Yampolsky Tiffany Yankovich Jeffrey Zacharia Terryl Zacharia James Zipursky Sally Zipursky Family Zlotnik/Golovey Barry Zoob

FOR EVERY GENERATION It is a tremendous privilege for both of us to witness first hand the enthusiasm and dedication of our community. The Annual Campaign allows us to meet our collective responsibility of maintaining an exceptional community—and do so together, as one. With gifts small and large, we all have a voice, and a place in the Federation system.

This community wasn’t built in one day. It was created over many years, and has grown into something we can all be proud of.

Through the Annual Campaign, through hard work and passion for Jewish life, we are guaranteeing its continued existence. We do this together so we have a vibrant community to pass on to the generations after us.

Our vision for the 2016 Annual Campaign included an emphasis on the connection to those future generations. It’s all about the people in our community; the dollars raised create real opportunities and services, and this ensures that the next generation will be involved.

It’s why we kicked off with Campaign Cabaret, which both enabled us to build on the past and look towards the future. And it did exactly what we envisioned: it sparked the kind of energy that brings people together and enables us to create a relevant community.

From Campaign Cabaret, the Kids Campaign and the Kehilla Cup, to the Women’s Mission to Eastern Europe and the Mega Teen Trip to Israel, it has been an inspiration to see so many young community members involved. We’re turning over the reigns to a younger generation, and we have no doubt they will carry the fire!

It took this group of lay leaders and young professionals to launch the Kids Campaign in a relevant manner. The spirit and energy that accompanies it is indicative of what we as a community are capable of. In every generation, there are those who pick up the reigns and lead, and those who enable them.

The names on this page represent just that: spirit and energy.

We thank you all for your dedication and commitment to our community. There are no limits to what we can accomplish together!

Sincerely,

Jan Goldstein

Howard Kooper

Make Your Gift Today!

402-334-6433

| www.jewishomaha.org

8 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2016

Scholarship|Opportunities Israeli wine tasting and teacher in-service programs $2,000 Nebraska Press Association Foundation Scholarships

Selection based on:

!"#$%&'()*#!+,*&*)-! !.%%/!0*)*123($*4!*3!"#$%%& !.%%/!0*)*123($*4!*3!0%5563*)-! !78292823#2!:*&&!,2!;*<23!)%! ()6/23)(!:$%!:*&&!,2!468(6*3;!32:(4'428!=%683'&*(5!2/6#')*%3!')! >2,8'(?'!#%&&2;2(@

Applications must be post-marked by February 19, 2016 For more information and application form, go to: www.nebpress.com or call 402-476-2851/800-369-2850

BULL SALE? Run this size ad in over 160 Newspapers for just $5.95/newspaper

Place your 2x2 display ad in over 165 Nebraska newspapers & get your message to over 750,000 readers. Statewide coverage for just $5.95* per publication. *Statewide cost only $975. Regional ads also available in Central, Northeast, Southeast or Western Nebraska. Other sizes available.

Call this newspaper or 1-800-369-2850 for more information.

Nebraska 2x2/2x4 Display Ad Network up to

HIRING BONUS

Diesel Techs are needed at all Nebraska locations.

Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Columbus and York.

More info, call:

Jim 402.951.3380

Apply Online Today! www.truckcentercompanies.com/careers

TC RANCH ANGUS SALE

g: Sellin ad e 290 H

>6 ?#0&@!"/!A#*+4#*;(7 12:30 CST at the ranch 1 1/2 miles East of Franklin, NE

185 Angus yearling bulls 10 Sim Angus bulls 35 Angus heifer calves 60 commercial Angus heifer calves

To view sale catalog online go to:

BBB?CD!/'DE?D.F ANGUS cattle with Performance, Muscle & Ef ciency

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT Memorial Health Care Systems, an NRHA Top 20 Critical Access Hospital, is seeking a Full-Time Physician Assistant for our Milford, NE Clinic.

This is an opportunity to work with a strong, dedicated health care team while earning a competitive wage and beneÞts package.

This position requires Saturday morning rotation in our Seward Clinic and one night of week-night ER call. QualiÞcations required are a NE PA license and certiÞcation.

Previous clinic and ER experience is preferred.

Interested candidates should complete an online application and upload resume at www.mhcs. us/about-us/employment or send resume and information to:

Memorial Health Care Systems

Attn: Human Resources 300 N Columbia Ave Seward, NE 68434 EOE

!"#$%&' ()*+#,#-./% 0!/'123'4#56#789:9 :;8<+=;<;=+;

The only source of Individual Feed ./0123456/0%781589%:0;21%<2==1%60%>?

Increase YOUR PROFITABILITY with Feed Efficiency Tested Profit Maker Bulls

February 27, 2016

at the Profit Maker Bulls Test & Development Center near Ogallala, NE

&-" :0;21 -" Hereford @??A%?@@B.B?>.C%7?D7?A%<EFFD

Buy Them or Lease Them - You Decide!

Sale broadcast by Superior on RURAL TV Call or e-mail for your free sale book

Dave Bittner (308) 284-8280 Office !"#$%&#'()#*!%+%,% !"#$%&#"(&&&-%. bulls@megavision.com www.profitmakerbulls.com

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life Steve Kerbel, an independent education consultant in the Greater Washington DC area, led a very enjoyable Israeli wine tasting event on Saturday evening, Feb. 6. The program was jointly sponsored by the Center for Jewish Life, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel. Nearly 50 people tasted a variety of wines while learning about the growing regions from which they originated and the expanding wine production in Israel.

On Sunday, Feb. 7, Steve led a teacher in-service for 20 educators from Beth El, Beth Israel, the JCC Child Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy and Temple Israel participating. The in-service centered on building community in the classroom and reflective practice.

While in Omaha, Steve also gave a D’var Torah at Beth El on Shabbat morning, participated in the “World Wide Wrap” event at BESTT, led an adult education session and attended the Temple Israel Super Bowl party. In addition to his full schedule, Steve was able to enjoy the time he spent with long-time friends Scott Littky, Program Director for Temple Israel, and Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El Synagogue.

Voices of Beth El: Linda and Alan Muskin

by SHERRIE SAAG estimated at up to $1.1 billion (in 1975). for Beth El Synagogue “Since that horrible but also wonderful day, we’ve had the The story of Linda and Alan Muskin, long-time Beth El honor of knowing and learning from five Rabbis and seven Synagogue congregants, transcends some mighty powerful Cantors,” Alan said, “Our daughter Tracy, son Scott, Linda forces – first and foremost being the weather! and myself have been blessed to be part of the Beth El family.

Linda and Alan were marAlan’s father, Stuart Muskin ried in 1973 by Judge Donald (z”l), was born and raised in Brodkey (as Linda was not Omaha. His mom, Bettie, was Jewish at the time). “You could born in Manhattan, KS and say my life-long relationship raised in Council Bluffs. His with Beth El began in 1948, parents joined Beth El in 1946 the year I was born. Linda and when they married and I became members as a family remained congregants unit in 1973,” Alan said. throughout their marriage.

Immediately, Linda started Alan wants to set the record her conversion studies with straight with regard to his Rabbi Kripke. Fast-forward to Hebrew school days. “I May, 1975 and Rabbi Kripke remember Hebrew school at felt Linda was ready for her Beth El on 49th and Farnam. conversion ceremony. The My friends and I would Rabbi scheduled both Linda’s always stop at Cecil’s grocery conversion and the couple’s on 49th and Dodge, to load up Jewish wedding for May 6, on ‘penny candy’ to eat before, 1975; the day that one of the during, and after class.

Linda and Alan Muskin country’s worst tornados tore “I remember Bar Mitzvah through Omaha. preparation and behavior not so becoming, with Mr. A tornado watch was issued in the early afternoon. At Fiedman, Mr. Katz, and Cantor Edgar. I read Richard around 4:30 p.m., an F4 tornado touched down in Sarpy Jacobson’s Dec. 11 Voices of Beth El profile with his recollecCounty, quickly moving northeast into Douglas County; tions, but he failed to mention those classes and our behavior crossing a 10 mile path including the city’s busiest intersec- issues, so I’ll go on the record with the mention.” tion (at the time) at 72nd and Dodge.

Alan shared one last anecdote that serves to bring his “We were either enormously brave or totally clueless that story full circle. When Judge Brodkey married them on Dec. afternoon; we’re still not sure which! Linda and I drove to 26, 1973, it was cold and snowing in Omaha. Their parents the Dr. Sher Home on North 52nd for the Mikvah and con- didn’t make it to that first wedding ceremony either, and two version,” Alan said. It turned out Rabbi Kripke was unable to good friends working downtown stepped in as witnesses. meet the couple at the Dr. Sher Home and he directed a After so many years, Alan thinks of his story this way: rabbi on staff to perform the ceremony for Linda.

“Maybe Mother Nature’s involvement in both of our mar“While the storm was raging in Southwest Omaha, we left riage ceremonies was a test. If so, then I say, so far so good. the Home and drove to Beth El. Linda and I were married in We just celebrated 42 years of marriage this past December.”

Rabbi Kripke’s office under a chuppah; broken wine glass and L’Chaim! all,” Alan recounted. True love conquers all, even the weather.

It was reported the tornado lifted in the Benson Park area at 4:58 pm. By then, the Mazel Tovs and L’chaims had been handed out in the Rabbi’s office.

Alyssa Gerber and Noah Hayes announce the Dec. 31 Unfortunately and understandably, none of their family members made it to the ceremony in Rabbi Kripke’s office birth of their daughter, Aalayah Renee Hayes.

She is named after her great-great-grandfather, Arthur that afternoon. “We were East and North of the storm at the Dr. Sher Home, and when we were scheduled to marry at “Sonny” Gerber.

Grandparents are Todd and JoEll Gerber, Amy and Dave Beth El, the brunt of the storm was passing through 72nd Preucil and Davi Hayes.

Street. Our family couldn’t get to us,” Alan said.

Great-grandparents are Ron and Debbie Powers and “I recall knowing the storm was full blown at the time, but we couldn’t know its severity. I think both Linda and I were Bruce and Janice Bratetic.

Great-great-grandmother is Bernice Gerber. focused on each other and in the right place to hope for our

Birth

family and friends’ safety.”

Over 4,000 buildings were damaged and 287 were destroyed. Three people lost their lives. In terms of damage, it was the costliest tornado in American history to that date,

Visit us on facebook: ps://www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress

February 19, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 9

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

It’s an election year. What could possibly go wrong?

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor For the first time ever, a Jewish candidate has won a Democrat Primary. Bernie Sanders (D) did so by beating another candidate, Hilary Clinton (D), who happens to have a Jewish son-in-law. On the same night, across the aisle, the Republican winner of that same primary was Donald Trump, someone whose daughter married an orthodox Jew, converted, and is raising Jewish kids. And to top it all off, we might still see former New York Mayor Bloomberg throw his hat in. Isn’t that amazing?

Many voters think it’s not. The Jewish-American media has been a little excited, but not too much; it’s obvious that we don’t want to make too big a deal out of it.

“Sanders doesn’t go out of his way to highlight his Jewish background, nor have his supporters or opponents made it an issue,” Daniel Treiman wrote for JTA. “The Jewish community has not rallied around him, nor has there been, until now, any Jewish groundswell of public pride or anxiety over his campaign. We have not heard calls for Jews to support their fellow Jew.” He adds: “If Sanders’ Jewishness is not an issue, perhaps it’s because Jews are so well-integrated into contemporary American life. What’s remarkable is how unremarkable this is.”

Not so fast. When we call this ‘unremarkable,’ we are really saying: not important, and we don’t really care.

It is, actually, tremendously important that we have a Jewish presence in this race, and here’s why: there have been some worrisome headlines recently.

“Ted Cruz campaign defends pastor who said God will send hunters for Jews.” And: “Megachurch pastor: ‘Ted Cruz has been anointed by God to be president of the United States’” I don’t mean to single out Ted Cruz. His campaign is not the first to be associated with these types of headlines, and it won’t be the last. But the rhetoric is dangerous, and we should pay attention when we are confronted with it.

The aforementioned pastor is Mike Bickle, a Kansas evan-

gelical who runs a project called “Israel Mandate.” One of the project’s goals is “to partner with Messianic Jews for the salvation of the Jewish people.”

Elephant and donkey in Luna Park, Coney Island, N.Y. Credit: wikimedia commons But wait; it gets worse: “In a sermon in 2011, Bickle said God would give Jews a chance to convert to Christianity, and ‘raise up the hunters’ against those who refuse. Bickle called Hitler ‘the most famous hunter in recent history.’ In 2005, Bickle said in a sermon that before Jesus’ coming, ‘a significant number of Jews will be in work camps, prison camps or death camps.’

Nick Muzin, a senior advisor to the Texas senator’s campaign, said Bickle was referring to Biblical passages: ‘My understanding is that he was paraphrasing the words of the prophets Jeremiah and Zechariah.’”

No. Just no.

First of all, I’m not a bible scholar, but I’m pretty sure nei-

ther of these prophets said anything of the sort. And second: the only acceptable response to Bickle’s words is horror.

Hunting down Jews? Are you seriously saying that out loud in your sermons? And nobody in your congregation speaks out against it? I’m all about civilized discourse and respecting others’ opinions, but you, pastor Bickle, are oh so wrong.

And for a campaign representative to shrug it off and mention there are 70 rabbis who endorse the candidate (as if that makes up for it) is troubling.

True; few of us would support a candidate for the Presidency merely based on his or her tribe membership. We need more than that; we care about issues and political track records and what comes out of the candidate’s mouth during the debates. At the same time, we want to know that the candidate, whichever party affiliation he or she has, will not stand for hate speech. And that includes speaking out when your campaign is endorsed by the likes of pastor Bickle. Our President doesn’t have to be Jewish. However, we’d live more comfortably if we knew he or she had our back.

When Daniel Treiman says “Jews are so well-integrated in contemporary American life,” he paints a picture that is not necessarily wrong, but it is incomplete. Religiously speaking, we are not integrated at all. We don’t want to be, and we shouldn’t have to be. We have every right to expect acceptance without changing our religious convictions. And most of the time, that is the status quo. However, there are those religious forces who continue to spread the message that ultimately Jews should be converted. Pastor Bickle’s rhetoric is not that extreme an example, and there are many who agree with him. Wherever and whenever that conversion narrative pops up, it becomes painfully obvious that we have a long way to go when it comes to total respect and acceptance.

A Jewish Presidential candidate isn’t a big deal? If you say so. But I think the very fact that it hasn’t happened before makes it noteworthy. And knowing that Pastor Bickle and like-minded Americans would most likely not be excited about it makes the idea even more attractive.

I’m not your mitzvah project

by PAMELA RAE SCHULLER (JTA) -- I have Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and noises called “tics.” My Tourette’s is relatively mild at this point, but I went through a turbulent adolescence when Tourette’s was the most defining thing about me.

Between the constant movements and the loud, uncontrollable noises, it was incredibly disruptive.

I now work in the Jewish community as an inclusion advocate, as well as in youth engagement. So I Pamela Rae Schuller have this cool opportunity to see the Jewish community both as someone with a disability and as one who is supporting congregations and communities in creating more inclusive spaces for all people.

Sometimes I hear people talking about how much of a “mitzvah” they are doing by opening their doors to people with special needs in their community. Maybe they allowed a child with autism in their youth group or religious school, or hosted an “inclusion” service.

But here is the thing: It is not a mitzvah to let me in the door. It’s not. Opening your door to those with disabilities is not enough. Because there is a critical difference between tolerance and full inclusion. If we are practicing full inclusion, our communities should be celebrating each person and what

(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Andrew Boehm, Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, Alex Grossman, David Kotok, Debbie Kricsfeld, Abby Kutler, Pam Monsky, Paul Rabinovitz, Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob.

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 sto-

they bring to the community, not just what they demand of it.

Many times throughout my life, I have felt like I was the mitzvah project of the week, like the community didn’t really want me there, but knew including me was what they were supposed to do. I always felt like we were one step away from my face being on the community bulletin with a story reading something like “We did it! We included somebody with special needs! Be proud everyone. Be real proud.” OK, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But feeling like my presence was another’s mitzvah made me feel even more like an outsider.

People keep telling me their community is really working on their “tolerance” of those of us with special needs. I tolerate the weather in the winter. I tolerate the neighbor who is learning the drums. I tolerate going to the dentist. But none of these are things I like; they are things I know I have to deal with. But every person -- whatever their unique gifts, whatever their limitations -- has value, and no one wants just to be tolerated.

It is so important that we are aware of those who feel on the outside (disability or otherwise), and are putting programs and services in place to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to feel engaged and valued. It means doing things like tailoring the b’nai mitzvah experience to cater to children of varying needs, and instilling in the community a mindset that being inclusive is everyone’s role, not just those who have it in their job description. It’s using preferred gender pronouns and celebrating families of all shapes and sizes.

It’s making sure we are constantly reevaluating our communal offerings, so we never become complacent.

Let’s think about how we talk about inclusion – and make sure we are never “othering” anybody, be they people with

disabilities or their families. Getting in the practice of “yes and-ing” as much as possible is a great way to start. That is, saying that yes, we want you and your family to be part of this community, and we want to partner with you to make sure that not only are your needs met, but that this is a place where you are cherished and can fully participate. It’s creating partnerships of synagogue leadership, teachers and families, and sometimes stepping outside our comfort zone to try something new.

Because when we have a community that appreciates each person and what that person brings to the table, the entire community benefits. A fully inclusive community is celebrating the unique qualities that everyone brings to that table, creating a safer and stronger community -- one of trust where people can be uniquely themselves.

Just opening your door is not a mitzvah; it’s a start. What happens after the welcome is what really matters. It’s the critical difference between being tolerated and being valued -- that difference is everything.

Pamela Rae Schuller is a New York City-based inclusion advocate and stand-up comedian, probably because she sees the world from a different point of view: one where eye level is 4-foot-7 and barking without provocation is a completely normal and entertaining part of her day. Learn more about Pamela’s work at StandUpInclusion.com.

This article is part of a series tied to Jewish Disability & Inclusion Awareness Month that is part of our partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation. Guided by Jewish values, the foundation advocates for and advances the inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the Jewish community. To learn more, visit the foundation’s website.

ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma ha.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.

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, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. 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

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@jew ishomaha.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@jew ishomaha.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.

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.

10 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2016

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Join us for our Monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on March 11, at 7:30 p.m. with the guest speaker to be announced.

Oneg to follow the service. Please join us! Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

Larry Blass will officiate the Speaker Series Service.

For information on our historic synagogue, or to arrange a visit, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf. Tribute cards for any occasion are available. Contact Sissy at 311 Oak Ridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 or 402.292.8062.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat and USY Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. followed by dinner.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services/Minyan in the Round, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush Lunch; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Shabbat’s Cool (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m. followed by lunch; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Learn to Read Hebrew with the Hazzan, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.; Sunday Scholar Series, 11 a.m., featuring Glen Fineman on Hearing Men’s Voices. Program sponsored by Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY/Kadima Lounge Night, 5 p.m.; Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m.

Lunch at NE AIDS Coalition, Friday, Feb. 26, 11:30 a.m.

YAC Brix/FunnyBone Event, Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. followed by dinner.

Sunday Scholar Series, Sunday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m., featuring Curtis Hutt, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at UNO. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.orthodoxomaha.org Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Shabbat Classes, 9:45 a.m.; 15 mins after Kiddush -- Mishna L’Neshamah and Teen Class; Monthly Simcha Kiddush, noon; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 5 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 5:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:46 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash: Understanding Our Prayers, 9:45 a.m.; Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m.; Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: RSVP’S due for Friday night dinner by noon.

THURSDAY: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholar’s Club for 6th Grade, 3:30 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Talmud Learning, 8 p.m.

Carlebach Style Kabbalat Shabbat, Friday, Feb. 26, 7:15 p.m. Cost is Adult - $12; children, ages 4-12 - $6, Ages 3 and under are free. Menu: Soup, Roast Beef, Roasted Potatoes, Vegetable & Dessert. RSVP on the website or by calling the synagogue office by Noon on Tuesday, Feb. 23.

NJ NCSY Comes to Omaha, Friday-Saturday, Feb. 26-27.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu.

All programs are open to the entire community.

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 Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Sha-ba-ba-bat Family Dinner and Service, 6 p.m. hosted by the Grossbart-Henkelmann Family; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Tetzaveh; Game Night/ Potluck, 6 p.m. All ages welcome! Questions? Please contact Deborah Swearingen; LJCS Havdalah at Home, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-Noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 1:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Torah Yoga, Saturday, Feb. 27, 9:15 a.m. led by Barbara Barron.

Board of Trustees, Sunday, Feb. 28, 1:30 p.m.

President’s Office Hours, Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.–noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, just email David Weisser at president@southstreet temple.org.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Chef ’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. led by Beth El.

Candlelighting Friday, February 19, 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack and David Herzog.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Educator Shabbat/5th Grade Shabbat Service: Religious School Tours, 5:30 p.m. and Family Worship Service, 6 p.m. To foster an atmosphere of understanding and sharing, the Temple Israel Religious School is sponsoring A Celebration of Learning: An Educators’ Shabbat.

Grades K through 6 students will have a chance to share Shabbat with their public/private school teachers, principals, and district superintendents and their Religious School teachers and madrachim. This is an opportunity for secular educators to see how their Jewish students are involved in Temple Israel and to honor our Religious School teachers and madrachim. We hope your family will participate in the evening’s activities. Our 5th Graders will be participating in the service. For more information contact Religious School Director, Sharon Comisar-Langdon. R.S.V.P. to Jen Goodman, jgoodman@templeisraelomaha.com.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: Beth Slovut.

SUNDAY: Teachers Meeting, 9 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Introduction to Hebrew Class with Eliad, 11 a.m.; Temple Isreael Book Club, 11 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School Service, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi Brown; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Was DNA God’s Way to Protect the Chosen People?, 6:30 p.m. with Dr. Bruce Buehler.

THURSDAY: Diversity in Israel: A Real Reality Show with Eliad Eliyahu, 10 a.m. with Eliad Eliyahu.

Under the Sea with OTYG Spaghetti Dinner and Auction, Sunday, March 6, 5 p.m. Join us in celebration of our Temple Israel youth at this year’s Spaghetti Dinner and Auction. There will be food, silent auction items and friends and family to share this event with. Proceeds will go to support Camp Rainbow, a camp for kids with cancer and other blood-related diseases, along with funding youth activities.

The cost is $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and no charge for children five and younger. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, RSVP@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536, by Tuesday, March 1. Now requesting donations! Please contact Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement Aliyah Lasky, alasky@templeisraelomaha. com or 402.905.0409.

Scholar in Residence Rabbi Uri Regev, Friday, March 11 – Saturday, March 12.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Lunch.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-Noon at Tifereth Israel; Star Deli Lunch, 12:15 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

External disability vs Internal strength: An amazing group set to visit Beth Israel

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Publicity Chair, Beth Israel Synagogue Imagine being 20 years of age and you are given a diagnosis of a disease called ARDS - acute respiratory distress syndrome. This was the news given to Ben Taplin from Lakewood, New Jersey. “I was in a coma for two and half months,” shares Ben. He then spent seven weeks in ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Today Ben is on oxygen and deals with bronchitis. “I love meeting new people, engaging in conversation and going to social events” he reports. Ben particularly likes sports games which he says helps him push through the rough times. In looking to the future, he hopes to be a physiologist, helping young adults deal with life’s challenges.

Ben is one member of an extraordinary group set to visit Beth Israel in early March. When asked to describe this group of young men, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer describes them

as having “external disability and internal strength.” He goes on to explain that each is challenged physically -- most quite significantly -- but these challenges do not stop their drive, determination and zest for life.

Another visitor will be 18 year-old Yehuda Neuman from Kew Garden Hills, NY. “I am in the first year of the Beis Medreash at Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim” Yehuha shares. He loves music, spends a lot of time on his computer and also writes his own music. When asked about future plans, Yehuda smiles and admits he’s not exactly sure what he wants to do in life. He then quickly adds “I hope Omaha will be an amazing trip.”

Shmaryahu Morris from Monsey, New York, will also make the trek to Omaha. He is very enthusiastic about the visit and particularly looks forward to spending time with Rabbi Ari. When asked to describe himself, Shmaryahu said “I have a fun and energetic personality and I enjoy

going to new places and meeting new people.”

When asked about future plans, Shmaryahu said he aspires to “learn, grow and help others grow.”

Rabbi Dembitzer describes his life as being immeasurably enriched by these young men who he met through his work with Camp Simcha. A program of Chai Lifeline, Camp Simcha is for children with cancer and different chronic illness, under the umbrella organization called Chai Lifeline. Camp Simcha provides a happy and magical environment for children so they can confront their challenges with increased strength and willpower. Rabbi Dembitzer has worked with Camp Simcha since 1997.

Others traveling to Omaha include Raphoel Greenfield, Oshry Moyal, Pesach Weiss, Yehuda Neuman, Chesky Rosenberg and Yaakov Felder. Each person will be accompanied by a counselor.

Continued on page 11

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

February 19, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 11

At Utah’s on-slope Shabbat service, ski boots required

by URIEL HEILMAN But seven months into his new job, Levinsky -- who used to PARK CITY, Utah (JTA) -- It may be the most elevated make a living as a rock musician, before getting Reform rabShabbat service in the country, and not just because of the binical ordination and then a doctorate in religion from spirited singing.

Stanford University -Held in a rustic cabin says he has started to in the woods off a ski change. He skis two slope at Deer Valley days a week now (usuresort, the service is ally for a couple of situated at about 8,800 hours at a time, as many feet above sea level, who live here do), and and it’s the nation’s -takes long walks with and possibly the his dog in the foothills world’s -- only skiof the Wasatch mounin/ski-out Kabbalat tain range.

Shabbat minyan.

For a rabbi in Park There’s no way to get City, (elev. 7,000 feet), there by car or foot; mountain activity is worshipers must buy a practically required. lift ticket to Deer “One of the goals of Valley ($120), make Har Shalom is to find their way over to the interesting ways to An Israeli flag is posted at Deer Valley’s Sunset Cabin every Friday afterfour-person Sterling blend mountain living noon to alert skiers to the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service.

Express chairlift, ride with Judaism, and ski Credit: Uriel Heilman to the top of Bald shul is one of the ways Mountain (elev. 9,400) and then ski down to Sunset Cabin. to do it,” Levinsky said. “The temple is nestled in the Beginners beware: The steep trail leading to the cabin is des- foothills of the Wasatch range. Sometimes we take our ignated intermediate blue.

Judaism up the mountain.”

There are a few other important things to know about The Friday afternoon minyan at Sunset Cabin is, for the what’s billed locally as “Ski Schule at Deer Valley.” It’s actual- most part, like many liberal Kabbalat Shabbat services. It’s ly held before the Sabbath, at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoons. participatory, held in the round (or the scrum, when it’s Come on time, because the service starts promptly and lasts crowded), and worshipers use customized laminated prayer about 35 minutes; the lifts close at 4 p.m. Dress is definitely booklets. The rabbi’s d’var Torah sermon usually runs about casual: Attendees come clad head-to-toe in ski gear, and two to three minutes. there’s a custom of clomping around in ski boots during the On a recent Friday, the rabbi altered the traditional line in V’Shamru prayer. the Amidah prayer for “wind and rain” to a petition for And don’t worry: There will be Kiddush, though it’s a “wind and snow.” At the conclusion of the service, which sweet Concord. If you’re hoping for whiskey, you’ll have to drew about 30 people, skiers wished each other “Shabbat wait till après-ski down in the valley. It’s better that way any- Shalom” and headed back outside, into what suddenly had way: Skiing while drunk is not recommended. turned into a serious snowstorm (prayer answered).

The ski shul is a longstanding tradition at Deer Valley, Levinsky was in a rush -- it was the closing weekend of which is famous for its beautifully groomed runs, snow- Park City’s Sundance Film Festival, and the service was the board ban (one of only three such ski resorts in the United first of three he would be leading that day -- but most of the States) and pampered customer service. There is compli- worshipers took their time pulling on their goggles and mentary overnight ski storage, designated staffers to help strapping on their skis. visitors load their cars at day’s end and pillow-soft tissues at One woman stepped off the cabin’s wooden platform and all 21 lifts. And though the resort is spread across five peaks immediately sank into snow up to her calf -- a reminder that and has 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, Deer Valley has ubiq- in Utah the snow tends to fall in feet, not inches. uitous green-uniformed mountain hosts on hand who can A moment later she had her skis on and was ready to go. help direct you to the ski shul. Once you’re on the right trail, “Shabbat shalom!” she called out, and disappeared down the the cabin is easy to spot: There’s an Israeli flag tacked to the mountain. log cabin’s slope-facing wall.

Most of the service’s participants tend to be visitors, not regulars. Some are Deer Valley fans who come back year and a year (a few to vacation homes they own on the mountain), but many others are first-time visitors who learn about the worship service from notices posted around the mountain.

Continued from page 10 “Quite a few years ago I saw a sign on the bulletin board The weekend will begin with Shabbat dinner on at the chair lift about the service. Being interested in Jewish Friday, March 4 beginning at 7 p.m. Sharon and Jeff life, I of course dragged my family and thought it was fanKirshenbaum are dinner chairs. Dinner is $18 for adults tastic,” said Diane Krieger, a Miami resident who has been with special family pricing available. On Saturday morncoming since the early 2000s, before she bought a vacation ing, March 5, members of the group will help lead servhome in town. “I find it incredibly uplifting that Jews will ices and give the sermon. Saturday evening will feature a choose, even at 8,000 feet, to gather together.” musical Havdalah and special seudah shlishit.

The service is led by Rabbi David Levinsky, spiritual Reservations for Shabbat dinner are needed by Feb. 29 leader at Park City’s Temple Har Shalom. A relative newand can be made on the synagogue website at comer to Utah (Levinsky moved here last summer), the www.orthodoxomaha.org, by calling the office at rabbi needed some serious practice before taking over the 402.556.6288 or emailing jnickels@orthodoxomaha.org. service – making turns in the snow, that is, not reciting the “I cannot stress enough the impact this extraordinary prayers. Levinsky, 48, describes the lessons he took as a group will have on everyone who meets them” states “crash course” in skiing – literally.

Rabbi Dembitzer. “This is an experience not to be “I had never skied till I came out here,” said Levinsky, missed. Please join us and feel the impact these young whose favored sport is skateboarding. “I’m a Jewish kid from men can have on you.” the suburbs. I wasn’t a big outdoors mountain guy.”

An amazing group set to visit Beth Israel

You are the most powerful influence in your child’s daily life.

Kids who learn from their parents or care-givers about the risks of drugs are:

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

Snow Is Coming!

Your World Made Perfect

Commercial and Residential Snow Removal Call or Text 402-957-5087 ECOTERRANE.com

Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING works! Place your 25 word ad into thousands of Nebraska homes for $225. Contact the Jewish Press at 402334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 170 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

STEEL BUILDINGS: Diamond Steel Structures, factory direct pricing, Preseason $1,000 discount if ordered before March 15. www.diamond steelstructures.com. Call 844-297-8335.

SALE, ERICSON Registered Angus, March 8, 1 p.m., Ericson Livestock Market. 100 head 2-year-old Registered Angus bulls. For info/catalog contact Jim Brinkman, 308-653-2134.

CAN YOU dig it? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We offer training and certifications running bulldozers, backhoes and excavators. Lifetime job placement. VA Benefits eligible! 1-866-362-6497.

Bill Cutler III

402-391-3900 KORISKO CHAPEL

CEMETERY MAINTENANCE Supervisor, $17.06 hr. Responsible for maintenance at Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance. Applications may be filed online at www.statejobs.nebraska.gov (Job number 02837103)

402-391-3900 402-731-1234

• 50% less likely to use inhalants

7805 Center Rd. 5108W. F Street BELLEVUE BELLEVUECHAPEL CHAPEL 402-291-5000 402-291-5000 Bellevue Bellevue DWORAKCHAPEL CHAPEL DWORAK 402-346-1144 402-346-1144 16th&&Vinton Vinton 16th

• 56% less likely to use cocaine • 65% less likely to use LSD

For more information call: http://www.prevlink.org

1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452

FOR SALE: 3 Zimmatic Center Pivots, Models 307, 310 and 410, low hours, good Galv. Pipe, well maintained. Priced loaded on a truck. 701742-3223.

Serving Generations…

• 36% less likely to smoke • marijuana than kids who don’t

1-800-648-4444

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

Bill Cutler IV

www.heafeyheafey.com

MEAT DEPARTMENT Manager needed. Financially strong family chain in Midwest. Salary, bonus, insurance, 401k. Resume: msteck58@ gmail.com or mail to Box 600630, San Diego, CA 92160-0630.

QLF TRANSPORTATION — Class A CDL Drivers/Tankers. Great pay, home weekends, and benefits! Potential of $60,000 plus per year!

Contact Tony, 608-935-0915 ext. 16, www.qlf.com.

12 | The Jewish Press | February 19, 2016

In all-Chabad Israeli village, Brooklyn meets country living

by BEN SALES in Kfar Chabad’s 770 replica refers to Schneerson as KFAR CHABAD, Israel (JTA) -- In an otherwise “the king messiah” and uses an acronym after his deserted field at the center of this rural Israeli village, name that translates to “May he merit a long and a Brooklyn brownstone presents an incongruous sight. good life, Amen.”

If it looks like it would fit perfectly in Crown The Israeli version of the 770 headquarters features Heights, that’s because it already does. The three-story a replica of Schneerson’s study. In Brooklyn, this is apartment house topped by three gables is a brick-forwhere Schneerson would greet and hold private meetbrick reconstruction of 770 Eastern Parkway, the stoings with visitors from across the globe. At Kfar ried headquarters of the late Lubavitcher rebbe, Chabad, a perpetually empty chair sits opposite the Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and his Chabaddoor, and Chabad Hasidim often use the room to pray Lubavitch movement. The address is etched next to privately, recite Psalms or feel close to their leader. the doorway of the Israeli replica, 6,000 miles from “He didn’t die,” Binyamin Lifshitz, the village manBrooklyn and about 11 miles from Tel Aviv. ager, said of Schneerson. “He went away. He’ll come “The building is an alternative to whoever can’t go to back.” him in the United States,” said Rabbi Menachem Latar, Schneerson’s predecessor, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok the manager of the Israeli version of 770, referring to Schneersohn, instructed 74 Chabad families who Schneerson. “As a Chabad Hasid, if you were with the had survived the Holocaust to found the village in rebbe and had a meeting with the rebbe, you imagine 1949, one year after Israel’s independence.

A man baking matzah in a brick oven in Kfar Chabad, a village that provides According to Lifshitz, Schneersohn wanted to help everything that was in the presence of the rebbe.”

Credit: Ben Sales settle the land while ensuring that his followers The out-of-place brownstone symbolizes the mis- ritual materials to Chabad emissaries across Israel. sion of this community of 6,000 Chabadniks, who call their are sent to Chabad Hasidim worldwide. Three months retained their ideology during a time of upheaval. Early resvillage the “capital city” of the Chabad movement. Its ware- before Passover, children and adults at a local factory begin idents raised cows, chickens and goats while also growing houses organize and distribute ritual and educational materi- baking matzah to be sent to Lubavitch emissaries all over the oranges, clementines and wheat. als for the Hasidic outreach movement’s global network of world. A large children’s bookstore sells serials for Chabad Sixty-seven years later, Kfar Chabad has lost most of its emissaries, and it acts as a home base for Chabad Hasidim boys and girls. A leather bookbinder puts out identical sets agriculture and gained a train station. But it remains a sleepy of Chabad texts. across Israel. town, without a stoplight and with one small supermarket The town’s flagship exports, however, are emissaries. An dominating a tranquil, central roundabout. Lampposts feaTwenty-two years after Schneerson’s death, the village estimated 1,500 emissaries, known in the parlance as turing pictures of and quotes by Schneerson line suburbanaims to perpetuate his legacy.

But Kfar Chabad also exists in tension with Chabad’s ethos shluchim, have come from the town, serving across Israel style residential neighborhoods. of outreach. Schneerson sent his followers to far-flung cities and the world. Many children are raised by their grandparMany of the residents know each other, and there are no from Colombia to the Congo, setting up outposts to greet ents because their parents are serving abroad. street addresses. Say a name and a passer-by will simply “Here we grow emissaries, and that’s no less important,” direct you to the house. and engage Jews wherever they may be. Chabad emissaries sometimes are the only observant Jews in their city. Kfar said Bracha Tvardovich, a Kfar Chabad resident with children In many ways, the village is similar to several other haredi Chabad is the only place in the world where every resident serving as emissaries in Israel, Miami and Antwerp, Belgium. Orthodox towns across Israel. According to data from 2008, “There are institutions that serve Chabad nationwide.” is a Chabadnik. the latest available, half of the residents are children and the Kfar Chabad also has attracted some of the more extreme village’s median age is 17. Only 55 percent of adults work, “For someone living outside Kfar Chabad, his Chabad [allegiance] could cool down,” said Nochum Lurie, who elements of Chabad ideology. In the past two elections, the below the national figure of 64 percent. Three-quarters of grows etrogs in one of the village’s orchards. “Here it’s warm- vast majority of Kfar Chabad voters chose parties with far- men 15 and older have studied in a yeshiva. ing up all the time. If a tree grows separately, it can grow right Kahanist candidates -- hewing to Schneerson’s prohi“We say we need to be integrated in society and not live all bition against Israel ceding land. crooked. But in the woods, the trees stand tall.” together, but we’re in a village,” said Kfar Chabad resident City leaders, along with many others, speak of Schneerson Sara Zilbershtrom, director of Israel’s Women and Girls of One of the main functions of the village is to act as a wholesaler of Chabad ritual objects. Lurie maintains his in the present tense, suggesting a belief that the rebbe, whom Chabad. “The village lives the mission. It’s like the backbone trees for the fall festival of Sukkot, when crates of his etrogs many believe is the Messiah, is not quite dead. The Torah ark that makes it possible to leave.”

You two can talk about anything. Don’t let discussing retirement living put an end to that. We’ll provide information and advice to make the conversation a little bit easier. See where the conversation goes. You might just find a place uniquely your own. Give us a call at 402-691-8434 or visit Immanuel.com

You’ve had plenty of awkward conversations.

What’s one more?

Affiliated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America