March 24, 2017

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SponSoReD By the BenJaMin anD anna e. WieSMan FaMiLy enDoWMent FunD

MARCH 2 4 , 2 0 1 7 | 1 9 AD AR 5 7 7 7 | V O L. 9 7 | NO . 2 4 | C a nD LeLi g h ti ng | FRID AY , MARCH 2 4 , 7 : 2 3 P. M.

Friedel Jewish academy graduates: How do they fare in public school?

W oZZie nogg

Thinking outside the Matzah Box page 2

Cat in the Hat visits the CDC pages 5

hen parents ask themselves, “Should we enroll our child in the Friedel Jewish Academy?” one of the questions they often ask Beth Cohen, Friedel Head of School is, “Will my child have any trouble, either academically or socially, when they transition from the small, loving environment of Friedel and move on to a much larger public middle school?”

“I can assure them,” Beth said, “that our graduates are well positioned to be successful in a ‘big, bad’ middle school even though they didn’t attend a feeder elementary school. During the course of my job as Head of School, I speak with the administrators from the schools our students move on to after graduation. Over and over again – from the magnet coordinator at Beveridge to the admissions staff at Brownell Talbot – I hear how prepared our students are academically and socially. They know what it’s like to work hard in class, and

they have the self-confidence to join clubs and athletic teams.”

Debbie and Alan Kricsfeld’s children, Sam and Rachel, had little trepidation about moving from Friedel to middle school. Their mother, on the other hand, did. “I was worried about them

going to the bigger school and getting lost in the shuffle,” Debbie said, “but our kids flourished.” The Kricsfelds think that not coming from a feeder school actually was an advantage for Sam and Rachel. “They each tested out See Friedel graduates page 3

April events

Purim photo gallery pages 6 & 7

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

Friedel Jewish academy graduating Class of 2015: Back row: gavin Smith, left, David Kay, abby Kohll, almog Zinman, Danny Denenberg, Matan Shapiro. Front row: Rachel Kricsfeld, left, Becca Denenberg, Leora Mcnamara.

9 10 11

Maggie Conti Director of Activities and Volunteer Services Sunday, April 2: Joy of Laughter presents Keith Barany at 1:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium. Join us for a FREE serving of healthy laughter – with a side of nuance and nosh. The New York Post describes Keith as the wittiest comic working today!

He’s been a contributing writer for Seinfeld, Gary Shandling, and Jimmy Kimmel.

Sponsored by The Meyers Family Legacy of Laughter Endowment Keith Barany Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Join Us at the Movies: Fences. Friday, April 21 at 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Free film and unlimited bags of warm, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a friend. Academy Award Nominations for Best See Mainstreeters page 2

LiZ FeLDSteRn Executive Director, Institute for Holocaust Education This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest. The contest is organized by the Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) and the Plains States Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and is funded by a generous gift from the Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation. The Essay Contest calls upon high school students from across Nebraska and western Iowa to consider the concept of moral courage, choosing examples of individuals and groups who took great personal risks for the benefit of others. Students must examine the acts of moral courage through the lens of the Holocaust, and also make a personal connection to the idea of moral courage and how it might play a role in their own lives in the future.

The 2017 contest received a total of 411 entries from 13 different schools. A panel of 30 judges read

all the qualifying essays on March 7. Using a rubric system adapted from the Nebraska Department of Education, each essay was scored by multiple readers. Those ranked in the top 20% will move on to the second round of judging, carried out by an additional 15 volunteer judges. After a third and final round of judging, the winners will be selected.

The winners and honorable mentions in each grade category (9th/10th and 11th/12th) will be recognized and receive scholarship prizes at the May 1 Awards Ceremony, held in the RBJH Auditorium. Teachers whose students showed significant achievements will also be recognized. Good luck to all those who entered!

Over the past 15 years, the Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest and the Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation have received more than 6,000 essays and provided nearly $50,000 in scholarship prizes.

2 | The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017

community

Thinking outside the Matzah Box: Celebrate Passover at Beth Israel

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farfel kugel, vegetables and dessert. Thanks to generous sponsors, the seder cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children 4-12 and $5 for those under four who will be eating. Reservations MUST be made by april 3. After april 3, prices increase to $22 for adults and $16 for children.

Anyone in need of financial assistance to participate in the seder should contact the synagogue office at 402.556.6288. Additionally, anyone in need of a home in which to celebrate the first seder is encouraged to call the syna-

gogue office.

A reminder that 10:46 a.m. on Monday morning, april 10, is the latest time chometz can be eaten. The last time chometz can be burned or nullified will be 12:06 p.m. The synagogue chometz burning items will take place at 11 a.m. Items for burning may also be dropped off earlier in the day.

Contact the office for forms to sell your chometz. Forms must be received no later than 10 a.m. on Monday. For additional information, call the Beth Israel office, 402.556.6288.

IN THIS CORNER — HOPE! FIGHTING BACK AGAINST PARKINSON’S

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Mary Sue GroSSMan Beth Israel Synagogue hen a creative group of volunteers met to brainstorm about Beth Israel’s congregational seder, the energy, ideas, and enthusiasm were, in Rabbi Ari’s favorite word, “Amazing!”

The group which includes Karen Cohen, Anna Goldberg, Aviva Segall, Andreea Shnayder, Rabbi Shlomo and Rabbi Ari, are planning a “not to be missed” seder with interactive learning, fun, and celebration. It will truly be a “Thinking Outside the Matzah (Box)” experience for one and all.

The seder will take place Tuesday, april 11, beginning with Mincha at 7 p.m. The seder introduction begins at 7:30 p.m. with creative, interactive learning plus salad and fish. Maariv and a short intermission take place at 8 p.m., with part two of the seder beginning at 8:30 p.m.

“The celebration of freedom is a major focus during Passover,” shares Rabbi Ari. “While this is about the physical freedom found in leaving Egypt, it was also the freedom to think what was gained.” When asked what he and the volunteers are planning, his response, given with a smile, was “We are going to find creative ways to stretch your mind and make this a great seder experience.”

The dinner menu will include matzo ball soup, tossed salad, brisket, baked chicken, mushroom

Continued from page 1 Supporting Actress (winner Viola Davis), Best Picture, Best Actor (Denzel Washington) and Best Writing Adapted Screenplay. Troy Maxson, a former star player in the Negro Leagues, lives with os at Sv his wife Rose and teenage Mandy son Cory in Pittsburgh in 1957. Troy is bitter about missing the integration of professional baseball, and his caustic attitudes toward life and race relations taint his relationship with Cory, an aspiring football player. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language, and some suggestive references. The running time is two hours and 19 minutes.

If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m.

Monday, April 24 Get back on Track: Healthy Weight Loss Tips 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Boardroom. Presented by Mandy Svatos, RD LMNT LD – Clinical Dietitian with the Visiting Nurse Association.

Invite a friend. Jewish Social Services and the Visiting Nurse Association realize the importance of being proactive about your health. This educational workshop will be especially interesting for seniors who want to learn more about taking charge of their well-being. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 or email mconti@rbjh.com by Wednesday, April 19.

We welcome all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60+ and invite you to take part in these April activities and in the many other enriching programs planned throughout the year. For more details, phone Maggie at 402.334.6521 or email her at mconti@rbjh.com. Wishing you warm wishes for a blessed Passover!

The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017 | 3

Friedel graduates

Continued from page 1 Arts Guild (T.A.G.) Best Youth Actor Award in 2015 and of 7th grade algebra and went into honors algebra, and the 2016, and last month received 2017’s Omaha Entertainment same for English,” Debbie said. “Each of our kids is success- and Arts Award for best youth performer. Danny currently ful, in his or her own way.” While at Friedel, Sam, now 17, attends Brownell-Talbot. competed at the district level for the Woodman of the “Danny initially had a gloomy few months transitioning World Speech contest. As a Millard from Friedel to Brownell,” Tippi DenenNorth senior, he has maintained supeberg said. “Nothing in particular. He rior academics and has been accepted just wasn’t used to moving about a large into the Honors Program at the Universchool and he missed the ‘haimishness’ sity of Kansas, where he’ll begin studies of Friedel, missed what he called ‘his this fall at the School of Architecture, people.’ But now he has a fantastic circle Design, and Planning, majoring in Inof friends, he loves his classes, and he’s dustrial Design. Sam is an avid piano making great marks.” Danny is active in player, car enthusiast, car blogger and Pep Band and Jazz Band at BrownellBeatles fan. Fourteen-year old Rachel, Talbot. “That’s all he has time for,” Tippi an 8th grader at Kiewit Middle School, said, “because of his involvement in thewill attend Millard North next year. ater, piano, and tennis. He would be eliWhile at Friedel, she also competed at gible for the tennis team at Brownell the state level for the Woodman of the next year, but he’s opted to move on to World Speech contest. Rachel is a SupeCentral for high school. He has no fear rior Honor Roll student, is part of the about going to an even bigger school.

JCC Dance Training Company, plays He’s now 100% at home in ‘the diaspora.’ the violin, ukulele, and - like her brother Corny as it may sound,” Tippi contin- thoroughly enjoys the Beatles. Accordued, “Friedel gave Danny a sense of self, ing to Debbie Kricsfeld, “A combination a reinforcement of his - and our family’s of the encouragement and motivation - core values. He’s a proud Jew who intethey got at home, along with Mrs. Bengrates well in all areas of his life. Our nett’s fabulous job preparing the sixth daughter, Sima, is currently in 2nd graders for what was to come, helped grade at Friedel. Sasha is in 4th grade.

Sam and Rachel leave Friedel with all We’re watching them reap the benefits the tools and skills needed to succeed.” of a Day School education, too.”

Mrs. Denise Bennett has been a teacher After graduating from Friedel, twin at Friedel for 28 years, and currently brothers Ari and Ethan Finkelstein tranteaches 5th and 6th grade General Studsitioned to 7th grade at Kiewit Middle ies. “It was Denise who brought the School. “Friedel gave our kids a real Modern Woodman of America speech head start, so both boys are enrolled in contest to Friedel,” Beth Cohen exthe 8th grade math class,” said their parplained, “and the annual preparation ents, David Finkelstein and Rebecca she does with students on speech writRuetsch-Finkelstein, “and both are on ing and delivery is one of the hallmarks the honor roll. They’re also very inof her classroom.” volved in extra-curricular activities.” For Top photo: Sisters Leora, left, and Ilana Ari, that means participation in a cityThanks to Mrs. Bennett, Friedel students are not shy when it comes to pub- McNamara at Ilana’s 2013 graduation wide band competition this spring, from Friedel; middle: 2015 Speech contest membership in the Kiewit Writing Club, lic speaking, and many Friedel alums have awards to prove it. Jacob Katzman, winners at the school level with their and a spot in the Omaha Junior son of Julee and the late Rick Katzman, teacher and coach: Danny Denenberg, left, Olympic Archery Division. Ethan Becca Denenberg, Mrs. Denise Bennett, Finkelstein continues to enjoy Taekwon the Modern Woodman of the and Rachel Kricsfeld; bottom: The Finkel- wondo -- he’s earned a 2nd degree black America state speech contest in 1994; stein twins, Ethan, left and Ari. Friedel belt -- and also plays on the JCC basketElissa Weiner, daughter of Richard and Jewish Academy graduates, 2016.

Audrey Weiner, took home the prize in ball team. In the fall of 2017, he plans to 2008; and Sara Kutler, daughter of Nancy and Howard Kuttry out for the Kiewit basketball team. “Both boys also stay ler, was the 2009 champion. Steve and Tippi Denenberg’s busy at Beth El,” their mother said. “They’re studying for son, Danny, another Friedel graduate, won the 2015 Heistheir April 22 B’nai Mitzvah, attend Saturday morning servman Trophy of speech contests when he took first place, out ices each Shabbat and are active in the Beth El youth group, of over 90,000 competitors, in the national level of the ModKadima. They moved very smoothly from Friedel to ern Woodmen of America speech competition held in New Kiewit.” The Finkelstein’s younger son, Asher, is currently a York City. A budding thespian, Danny also received the Friedel Academy 1st grade student.

Omaha Community Playhouse Charles Jones Award to RecFor Ilana and Leora McNamara, daughters of Aviva Segall See Friedel graduates page 4 ognize Excellence in Performance, along with the Theater

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Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund Concert Ozzie nOGG

munities. Seth Rich loved summer camp. He loved his religion. It was at camp that Seth learned to work with others, n Sunday, March 26, Beth El Synagogue presrespect and value their differences, and develop his coments Rising Stars of American Jewish Music: Banot and Noah Aronson. A Concert to Benefit mitment to make positive changes in the world. The monies raised from this concert help ensure that Omaha youngthe Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship sters have the opportunity Fund. The to attend Jewish summer event begins at 4 p.m. camp and increase their Banot, co-founded by love for and connection to four women graduates of Judaism.”

Berklee College of Music, Concert Chairs for Risblends jazz, R&B, classical ing Stars of American Jewand folk into a unique ish Music, a benefit for the sound that sheds new light Seth Rich Memorial Camp on long-loved classics.

Scholarship Fund, are Noah Aronson is an enerMary and Joel Rich and getic and soulful composer Pam and Bruce Friedlanand performer whose music is sung in progresder. Individual tickets and sive communities and sponsorship opportunities summer camps worldwide. Left picture: Seth Rich, center, at morning minyan, Camp Ramah 2003; are found at http:// right picture: Spencer Gordman, left, and his brother, Preston, at Camp bethel-omaha.org. All “We’re very excited to Ramah have Banot and Noah giving levels include at Aaronson perform at our March 26 Seth Rich Memorial least two concert tickets at no extra charge. Donations are Camp Scholarship Fund Concert,” said Hazzan Michael tax deductible. For more information, please contact Hazzan Michael Krausman: hazzankrausman@ bethelKrausman. “Statistics show that kids with Jewish summer omaha.org or call the Beth El office at 402.492.8550. camp experience grow up to become leaders in their com-

Friedel graduates

Continued from page 3 and Patrick McNamara, the transition to Beverage Magnet School went without a hitch. “Friedel alumni have a strong sense of identity,” Patrick McNamara said, “and that’s the most important thing middle schoolers need to succeed.

The roots in a small and close-knit elementary school were essential to building that sense of self. The smaller classes and individualized instruction at Friedel positioned both Iliana and Leora to achieve higher academic success at Beveridge than their peers who attended public elementary schools. We are so glad we made the Friedel choice.”

Over the years, Friedel students have distinguished themselves in many ways. In 2012, Friedel graduate Lilly Phillips, daughter of Julie and Eric Phillips, was named a Presidential Scholar, one of two high school seniors selected from each state based on academic success, community service and leadership, plus completion of an essay that recognizes the teacher who most influenced their education. “I nominated Friedel Jewish Academy teacher Denise Bennett,” Lilly said. “I shared how Mrs. Bennett set the bar for how learning could and should be. How having been in an environment where reading was a competitive and cherished pastime, the more facts you knew the cooler you were, and math was - dare I say it - fun? She instilled in me a love for learning that I’ve seen so many of my peers lose.”

Between 2014 and 2016, Friedel graduates were named to National Junior Honor Society; selected Kiewit Middle School Student of the Month; selected Student of the Week at Beveridge Magnet Middle School and King Science &

Technology Center; won State Champion as a Level 7 Trampolinist; and placed First in Beveridge Middle School Optimist Essay Contest. “And here’s a great statistic,” Beth Cohen said. “During the 2015-2016 school year, eight Friedel graduates attended Beveridge Magnet Middle School. Of those eight students, seven of them were in honors classes.”

When parents of prospective students ask Beth Cohen, “Why should we enroll our child in the Friedel Jewish Academy?” she points to the accomplishments of Friedel graduates and the satisfaction voiced by their moms and dads. “It’s hard to deny the evidence. Our students learn how to learn, how to think critically, how to be inquisitive, how to be confident in asking questions. These are skills that we teach day in and day out. These are the life skills of learning. With these skills, Friedel Jewish Academy students transition with great academic success to middle school, high school and beyond.”

Organizations

B’nai B’Rith BReadBReakeRS

a representative from israel will discuss the great economic miracle of the “Start Up Nation.” How is it that Israel, started 69 years ago, has economically surpassed almost all the Arab countries in the Middle East? The details are fascinating on Wednesday, March 29, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Foundation Monthly news How timely and appropriate it is that Bob, Jim and Murray Newman recently honored the memory of their father with a loving and lasting tribute!

They established the Jule M. Newman Anti-Bigotry Endowment Fund at the Jewish Federation of HoWaRD EPSTEIN Omaha Foundation. The Executive Director, Fund will sponsor pro- JFO Foundation gramming by the AntiDefamation League Plains State Regional office, specifically anti-bias training for law enforcement officers and programs focusing on the prevention of hate, bigotry and anti-Semitism.

The recent rash of anti-Semitic acts of vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and bomb threats to JCCs

Ben Gurion Society

Please join us for cocktails and appetizers as we celebrate current and potential Ben Gurion Society members in our community.

Saturday, March 25 from 7:309:30 p.m., Danny Cohn and Andrew Miller invite you to their home at 11330 Pine Plaza. RSVP to Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@ jewishomaha.org or call 402.334.6485. e Ben Gurion Society is a national donor recognition society for young adults ages 25-45, who make a contribution of $1,000 or more to their local Jewish Federation as a sign of their commitment to leadership in the community.

across the country highlight the pressing need for this sort of training and prevention. We thank the Newman family for recognizing the need and for generously creating this new endowment fund.

What a wonderful lasting tribute to their father!

Thankfully, to date, we have not seen vandalism to any of our cemeteries.

Everyone at the Omaha JCC and the CDC, in fact the entire Jewish Federation of Omaha campus, remains exceptionally vigilant and takes these antiSemitic acts seriously. Security procedures across the Jewish Federation campus have been evaluated and upgraded. Working with local and national law enforcement, expanded emergency preparedness training is the new norm.

If you would like to explore the philanthropic opportunities available to you, please feel free to contact me at 402.334.6466 or by email at hepstein@ jewishomaha.org.

Cat in the Hat visits CDC

Look who stopped by the CDC recently? It was The Cat in the Hat.....sometimes known as storyteller Nancy Rips. It was ‘Manners Week’ in Miss Barb’s classroom, and she entertained the children with books on manners and even threw in a song! Please and many thank yous to Nancy Rips!

The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017 | 5

community Temple Israel Adult Education SCoTT LITTky Program Director, Temple Israel It may feel like winter is still in Omaha; but in a few short weeks; our school year will be concluded.

To finish the school year, we have a number of different classes and experiences scheduled for our Wednesday evening class that meets at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, March 29, Doug Wolfson will present, Disabilities: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly! The class will focus on everything you wanted to know about disabilities and why, as a Jewish value, it needs to be thought of as the most important Jewish value we have. Doug Wolfson is a very engaging presenter and his class will leave you wanting to study more with him.

On Wednesday, April 6, Scott Littky will teach Finding God in Music. The class will examine Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and a couple other pieces, to learn how they serve as a stepping stone to spirituality. The discussion will be based on material presented as a Kol Nidre sermon by one of Scott’s teachers.

There will not be classes on Wednesday, April 12 due to Passover; but we will return on Wednesday, April 19, and Wednesday, May 3, with Rabbi Darryl Crystal presenting, A Taste of Talmud II. The premise of the class is that the Talmud is the standard upon which modern Jewish life is based.

The course will introduce major themes in the Talmud including guidelines for con-

structive debate, the Rabbis’ vision of an ideal society and the importance of affirming human dignity.

On Wednesday, April 26, we will attend the community’s commemoration of Yom Hashoah held this year at Beth Israel Synagogue.

For more information on these classes or other adult education opportunities at Temple Israel, contact Program Director Scott Littky, 402.556.6536.

Sixth grade family retreat

Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin teaching students and their parents how to tie Tzitzit for a Tallis that each student made.

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6 | The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017

The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017 | 7

purim

Purim was celebrated around town at Beth El, Beth Israel, Temple Israel and at Chabad’s ‘Purim in Persia’ party at the Jewish Community Center. The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home crowned Harold and Helen Abrahamson as the 2017 King and Queen and students at Friedel Jewish Academy baked hamantashen, held a talent show and paraded in costume, of course-through the JCC. Festivities at the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center included a costume parade and performance in the theater.

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8 | The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017

Israel’s Edge by Jason Gewirtz Book review

alan poTash As a devoted advocate of Israel, I am always on the lookout for ways to promote the country. Over the past several years it has been very easy to find great stories about Israel’s entrepreneurial nature. e website www.Israel21C.org is a great resource to learn about new advancements. I have been a proponent of Israel’s technological advancements for a long time and even more so aer reading Start Up Nation, which referenced an Israel Defense Forces unit handling hi tech weapons.

In Jason Gewirtz’s latest book, he brings to the public another IDF unit tasked with protecting Israel – this unit brings experts in science, math, engineering, and computer science together to investigate this long term need. As I was reading, it did feel as though the book should be classified. Gewirtz tells of this unique unit’s development in a way that protects the information and celebrates

Class of 2017

Souper Bowl 2017

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS High School Seniors and Parents

We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 19, 2017. To be included, we need the student’s name, the parent(s)’ name(s), the graduate’s current high school, the college they will be attending and a graduation photo. Please email the information and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org by May 1, 2017.

The Omaha Chamber Music Society and the Omaha Jewish Community Center present

chef mike aparo Director of Food Services, RBJH Spring is here again and with it comes the return of the third annual RBJH Souper Bowl! Don’t let the recent unseasonably warm weather fool you; we might still have some chilly days ahead of us. Star Catering offers warm, flavorful comfort food just in time.

Better yet, we’ve decided to open this hearty annual event up to the public. On Tuesday, march 28 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. RBJH will open its doors to soup lovers all over Omaha. For just $9.99 we’ll have unlimited soup in 16 different varieties, unlimited salad bar with fresh veggies, homemade dressings and charbroil grilled chicken, plus desserts. This is truly a labor of love. Let Star Catering’s delicate balance of flavors take you back to simpler times with memories of Mom’s cooking at an affordable price.

This year’s featured soups will be Caribbean Black Bean, Chicken & Wild Rice, Coconut Curry Chicken, Country Beef, Vegetable, Hamud, Italian Wedding, Lentil Quinoa Kale, Mango Gazpacho, Mexican Chicken, Mulligatawny, Mushroom Barley, Navy Bean, Polish Sausage, Potato Leek, Split Pea…and last but never least….Matzoh Ball with Chicken & Fine Noodles.

Try them all and pick up a ballot to choose your top three soups. Chef Mike and his team have worked very hard to perfect these savory works of art.

Call us to reserve a table 402.330.4272, or drop by, we’ve got plenty of room. It’s just like the wise philosopher George Costanza once said upon entering a soup restaurant in New York: “I gotta focus. I’m shifting into soup mode.” Come get into soup mode with us at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on march 28.

The recent attacks and desecration of Jewish cemeteries as well as bomb threats, including a recent bomb threat at the Omaha Jewish Community Center, are despicable, and those guilty must be held accountable.

Regarding the bomb threat made to the Omaha Jewish Community Center, the building was checked and cleared before 8 a.m. and the rest of the day went on as normal. These cowardly and disgraceful acts against any religious or ethnic group have no place in our great nation. A threat to any part of our community is a threat

to our entire community and we won’t let this stand.

While we must hold those responsible for these actions accountable, we cannot forget that the mass majority of our community are good people who value a peaceful and respectful community. We are strong and unified, and we won’t be intimidated by the few who are doing these hateful actions.

I stand with my Jewish friends, neighbors, and community. congressman don Bacon (ne-02)

leTTer To The ediTor

Voices

the contributions of the soldiers. e unit is called Talpiot, and with the Wall Street Journal and Forbes referencing its technical advancements, I guess the secret is out.

Prior to reading this book, I wouldn’t have thought anything about Intel’s announced purchase of Israel based Mobileye for $15 billion. I now have a deeper understanding of the significance of the technology. If you are intrigued by Israel’s ability to technologically outperform most western countries, Israel’s Edge is definitely for you. Reading Gewirtz’s book will show you how and why Israel has been so successful in this area.

But here’s the real scoop – Israel is taking STEM to a whole different level in promoting math and science education which will continue to be a game changer. Please join us for a presentation by Jason Gewirtz on Wednesday, March 29 at 7 p.m. in the Social Hall of the Jewish Community Center. is presentation is offered to the community free of charge by e Jewish Federation of Omaha through the Jewish Book Council.

keeping you safe and sound

Sunday, March 26 7:00pm The Jewish Community Center

Admission Free Reception following

Concert Hall Sponsored by the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund

BeTh lueders David never considered his comfy living room harmful to his health. But one day the retiree caught his foot on a stack of magazines. Kabang! In an instant, David joined the more than 2.8 million Americans each year who fall and are treated in emergency rooms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 800,000 of these fall patients are hospitalized and 27,000 die. Taking even a slight tumble can prove deadly.

Every year one-third of older American adults fall, and falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors. Roughly 55 percent of all falls occur within an elder’s home.

Without you knowing it, your own home could become hazardous to your health, causing serious injury or worse. Falling can jeopardize you living safely and independently. Even the fear of losing your footing can fuel fear and significantly hold you back from routine activities and social engagements.

Fortunately, you can take control of your own home’s safety with a few simple, inexpensive pre-

cautions: • Remove clutter or furnishings in pathways • Secure loose flooring and carpeting • Replace sliding throw or area rugs (or add • non-slip backing) • Add better lighting • Rearrange lights and electronics along the walls • Clean up spills immediately • Use stable chairs with armrests for standing • up safely • Install grab bars with color contrasts The outside of your home is a safety factor too. Uneven sidewalks and driveways invite stumbles. Slippery footing on steps and decks raise the risk of falling.

To help prevent falls in and around your home, Right at Home, a leader in adult home care, offers you the Fall Prevention Guide (https://www.rightathome. net/fall-prevention). The free resource details highrisk areas within your home and provides specific measures to avoid falling. To evaluate your own home safety and discuss our comprehensive in-home caregiving services, give us a call at 877.697.7537.

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The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017 | 9

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Reasons to celebrate

Annette vAn De KAMP-WRIGHt Editor of the Jewish Press ure, we can talk all day about the bomb threats and the wave of anti-Semitism we are seeing. And in many cases, the editorial page is the appropriate place to point out dangerous developments. But not this week. This week, I am going to give you a random list of ten things we, as a community, should celebrate. Because when faced with adversity, it is important to remember we have many things to be proud of.

1. Danielle Gordman has given new life to what used to be called B’nai Tzedek by initiating “Young Jewish Giving,” which invites seventh through 12th grade kids in our community to open their own donor-advised funds with matching funds from the Federation and community partners. They learn about tzedakah and philanthropy in a hands-on way.

Our teens are making a difference!

2. Danny Cohn is chairing the Ben Gurion Society. He and husband Andrew Miller will host community members for cocktails and appetizers as they celebrate current and hope to inspire future Ben Gurion Society members. No pledges or payments will be taken during this event. The Ben Gurion Society is a national donor recognition society for young adults ages 25-45, who make a contribution of $1,000 or more to their local Jewish Federation as a sign of their commitment to leadership in the community.

3. Oklahoma! We’ve lost count as to how many shows the JCC Musical Theater Community Acting Group has performed in our theater, how many different children and adults have acted in them, and how many audience members have come to watch. This spring, it is time for Oklahoma!

Performances are thursday, June 8 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale May 8.

4. Beth Israel, Beth El and Temple Israel all had fantastic Purim parties March 12. That same day, the JCC Auditorium welcomed community members to a ‘Purim in Persia’ party, hosted by Chabad. Earlier in the week, the Purim King and

Queen were crowned at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Honestly, is there anything better than the Purim King and Queen kissing?

5. The Institute for Holocaust Education is gearing up for their annual Week of Understanding, which was created in partnership with Omaha Public Schools. Students in middle

language early on, all combine to grow well-rounded students.

9. The next JWRP trip will take place in november of this year. In July of 2016, the first Omaha group of women went to Israel with the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project and it was inspiring, educational and fabulous. This trip makes Israel less of a dream and more of a reality for many

and high schools across the state of Nebraska host a survivor or U.S. military liberator, hearing first-hand accounts.

This year’s 25 speaking engagements will create amazing learning opportunities and will reach some 5,000 students.

6. The Community Relations Committee and the AntiDefamation League host the ‘A World of Difference Institute’, teaching classes on diversity in schools and in the work place. Staff members also address cyber-bullying, provide education to combat extremism and hate crimes, and teach Holocaust Awareness and Remembrance. The work the ADL/CRC staff does is essential to all of us. It is never easy, and it never stops.

7. The JCC pool! Especially this time of year, when spring is within our grasp (well, minus those last pesky flurries) we all long for pool season. Once we can smell the chlorine throughout the entire building, we know summer is truly here.

8. Friedel Jewish Academy, our day school, is a treasure.

Small classroom size, lots of personal attention and an excellent track record in Judaic studies, as well as general studies, plus the developmental benefits of learning a foreign

moms because of the heavy subsidy provided by JWRP and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. We can’t wait to see and hear from the next group about their experience.

10. The Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center almost needs no introduction. We’re all familiar with the red carts, filled with toddlers who loudly comment on anything and anyone they encounter. One of the best things is to watch one of those groups (some walking next to the cart because they can) visit the residents at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Providing our youngest and oldest community members an opportunity to interact is priceless. Personally, I never visit the CDC without stopping in the photo gallery and looking at pictures from when my own child was there.

I remember, as soon as I walk down that hallway, how comforting a place it always was for my child.

I could keep going. Coming up with a list of ten was effortless; what about PJ Library, Partnership2GETHER, the JFO Annual Campaign community event, the Kripke Library, Eye on Israel, Yachad, JCC Summer Camp, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, BBYO, B’nai B’rith Bread Breakers...?

We are truly blessed in Omaha.

The surge in anti-Semitism? Here’s how to stop it DAnIel elbAuM and MARc SteRn JTA Almost daily accounts of vandalized cemeteries, spray-painted swastikas and bomb threats to JCCs and other Jewish agencies have naturally evoked considerable alarm.

Clearly, we must never reconcile ourselves to an America where this is considered normal. Yet we must not succumb to the opposite tendency to see these recent incidents through a 2,000year-old lens and draw comparisons to darker days, when Jews felt powerless and alone in the fight against anti-Semitism.

There is no nation -- other than Israel, of course -- that has been more hospitable and welcoming to Jews than the United States. Indeed, there has been no generation of Jews in our people’s history more ingrained into the fabric of the nation in which it lived. A recent Pew Research Center report found that Jews are the most admired religious group in the country, and it will take far more than the incidents of the last few months to alter that fact.

Experts on hate crimes agree on two things.

First, perpetrators are not always caught, and therefore the majority of hate-crime victims may not see the culprits brought to justice.

Second, since hate crimes are “message” crimes, the public response is crucial in preventing them from happening again. Words matter.

Condemnations matter. And leaders must step up and express solidarity with the victimized communities, sending the clear message that such acts will not be tolerated or ignored.

We welcome the White House’s strong condemnation of recent anti-Semitic incidents and its promise to find ways to stop them. We also appreciate the Senate letter urging action against these threats spearheaded by Senators Peters, Portman, Rubio and Nelson, and signed by all 100 members of the upper chamber.

But still more can be done now. Here are three

suggestions for concrete action: rules that will make it easier to track phone First, the White House should convene a conthreats. ference on violent extremism and hate crimes.

And finally, since other nations are watching, The assault on the Jewish community is not ocour reaction, in word and deed, can affect Jewish curring in a vacuum. There also have been wide- security abroad. The White House should act spread reports of crimes against other minority communities. Although reasonable people can disagree about the causes, there can be little doubt that something ugly has been unleashed, and it needs to be examined and addressed.

All crimes are reprehensible, but hate crimes carry an extra dimension since they victimize both individuals and communities. Recent polls reveal that a majority of European Jews do not feel comfortable wearing clothing or jewelry that identifies them as Jewish. The situation in Europe is very different, and tragically, more People demonstrating at a Stand Against Hate rally at Independence violent than what Jews in the U.S. Mall in Philadelphia, March 2, 2017. have confronted. Still, the White Credit: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images House must elevate this issue in an effort to ensure that such sentiments do not take swiftly to dispel rumors that, as part of a wave of hold in our nation. budget cuts, it plans to eliminate the State DeSecond, federal security funding for vulnerable partment’s special envoy to monitor and combat religious and other communal institutions must anti-Semitism. be increased. The Nonprofit Security Grant ProSince 2004, when Congress created that post, gram, administered by the Department of the special envoy has been a go-to global address, Homeland Security, is currently budgeted at apan embodiment of our country’s commitment to proximately $20 million, a figure simply inadefight anti-Semitism. It is needed today more than quate to meet a pressing need. ever. Although the special envoy has dealt with Hate crimes aimed at Jewish institutions anti-Semitism abroad, the position also sends a threaten not only those organizations. They message here at home -- and so does any talk of menace the very basis of our pluralistic society, eliminating it. and therefore every citizen should have an interThe upsurge of anti-Semitism will not abate on est in stopping them. Governments at all levels its own. We need concerted action to reverse it. need to make financial investments to that end.

Daniel Elbaum is the American Jewish ComNo doubt there are other steps that can be taken mittee’s assistant executive director and director -- a good example being the Federal Communiof regional offices and Marc Stern is the comcations Commission’s waiver of certain privacy mittee’s general counsel.

10 | The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017

synagogues B’NaI Israel syNagogUe

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

Beth el syNagogUe

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

Beth Israel syNagogUe

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

ChaBad hoUse

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

CoNgregatIoN B’NaI JeshUrUN

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

offUtt aIr forCe Base

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244

rose BlUmkIN JewIsh home

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

temple Israel

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

tIfereth Israel

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

B’NaI Israel syNagogUe

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on april 14, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Nate Shapiro, Jewish Federation of Omaha who will discuss his recent trip to Israel.

Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! Our services are led by lay leader Larry Blass.

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

Beth el syNagogUe

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. frIday: BESTT Shabbaton (Grades 3-7); Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. satUrday: BESTT Shabbaton (Grades 3-7); Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m. weekday serVICes: Sundays, 9:45 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sUNday: BESTT Shabbaton (Grades 3-7); No BESTT Classes; Torah Study, 10:15 a.m.; Sunday Speaker Series, 11:15 a.m. featuring Marty Shukert on Musical Midrash: An examination of various Jewish composers and singwriters and their works, centered on specific themes; The Rising Starts of American Jewish Music--BANOT/Noah Aronson Concert, 4 p.m., followed by reception; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6 p.m. tUesday: Rabbi Abraham’s A Wisdom Tradition -- An Inside Look at Ethical, Moral and Spiritual Lessons of Judaism, Noon at Whole Foods; Women’s Book Club, 7 p.m., at the home of Lou Lukas. wedNesday: BESTT Hebrew High Grades 10-12 serve dinner at Siena Francis House, 4 p.m.; BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Rabbi Abraham’s A Wisdom Tradition -- An Inside Look at Ethical, Moral and Spiritual Lessons of Judaism, 6:15 p.m.; BESTT Hebrew High Grades 8-9 volunteer at Chabad Food Pantry, 6:30 p.m.; Hazzan Krausman’s Echoes & Reflections - A Multimedia Approach to the Holocaust, 7:30 p.m.

Scholar-in-Residence weekend with Helen Kim and Noah Leavitt, friday, march 31-sunday, april 2 All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

Beth Israel syNagogUe

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 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, 7:23 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:23 p.m. satUrday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights in the Weekly Torah Reading, 6:20 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:23 p.m. sUNday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. moNday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Rosh Chodesh Group, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Jordana Kurtzman. tUesday & wedNesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. thUrsday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ethics Class with Rabbi Ari, 7:45 a.m.; Woman’s Class with Rabbi Ari, 9:30 a.m.; Learn with Rabbi Shlomo, Noon at UNMC.

ChaBad hoUse

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. satUrday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a festive kiddush luncheon. sUNday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. moNday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wedNesday: New Tanya Series -- The Anatomy of Your Soul: Who Are You?, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. thUrsday: Advanced Talmud Class, Noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Family Passover Seder, monday, april 10, 7:30 p.m.

Farewell to Pesach, Moshiach Feast, tuesday, april 18.

All programs are open to the entire community.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

CoNgregatIoN B’NaI JeshUrUN

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. frIday: Pre-neg, 6 p.m. hosted by hosted by Barb Straus; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:25p.m. satUrday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayakhei-Pekude; Havdalah (72 Minutes), 8:56 p.m. sUNday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple; Book Club, 1 p.m. at Scooter’s on 84th & Van Dorn and will discuss Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a man who rescued a million Yiddish books by Aaron Lansky. tUesday: Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m. wedNesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI; The Faithful Fight: How to Work for a Just World and Tend Your Soul at the Same Time with Rev. Kim Morrow, 6:30 p.m., at First-Plymouth Mayflower Hall. thUrsday: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

Friday Night Live! Shabbat Evening Service/Sha-ba-ba-bat Family Service, friday, march 31, 6:30 p.m.

Passover: Annual Community Second Seder, tuesday, april 11, 6 p.m. Please RSVP by friday, april 7! Late RSVP’s cannot be guaranteed food. RSVP to 402.435.8004 or to office@ southstreettemple.org. The cost is: Adults (13 and up) are $18, Children (ages 5–12) are $9, Children 4 and under are Free, and Full Time College Students are Free. Payment in advance is requested to plan and ensure that we have enough food for everyone. You can register and pay online or mail your payment to the Temple office, 2061 South 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502.

If you need assistance paying for dinner, please contact Rabbi Lewis, and confidential arrangements will be made.

LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 10–July 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at TI. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering. Tuition for each week is $75 and if you are enrolling two or more children, the cost is $50 per child, per week. This program is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade.

Please send tuition checks payable to LJCS to Andrea at TI no later than July 1. Camp registration is required through LJCS. 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 at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, email David Weisser at president@southstreettemple.org.

offUtt aIr forCe Base

frIday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

rose BlUmkIN JewIsh home

satUrday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

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

temple Israel

frIday: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. satUrday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of eli lopez, son of Amanda and Mario Lopez Dominquez. sUNday: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Madrichim Meeting, 10 a.m.; Temple Israel Book Club, 10 a.m.; Come Meet Omaha’s Candidates for Mayor, 10 a.m. Mayor Jean Stothert will visit Temple Israel to share her vision for the city and to respond to

questions from congregants; OTYG Meeting, noon. tUesday: Executive Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. wedNesday: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Taste of Talmud II, 6:30 p.m. thUrsday: Meanings within Meanings, Stories within Stories: Uncovering the Wisdom of the Torah, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Crystal.

The Magic of Hebrew Chant: Healing the Spirit, Transforming the Mind, Deepening Love with Rabbi Shefa Gold, sunday, april 2, 10 a.m. We will explore the power and magic of Hebrew Chant as we transform the words of prayer into spiritual practice.

Temple Tots Sunday, sunday, april 2, 10:30 a.m.

Passover Family Seder: Let Us Make the Seder for You!, tuesday, april 11, 5:30 p.m. Join us for our family friendly Passover Seder. Reservations are a must! Your payment is your reservation.

Please contact the Temple Israel office, rsVp@ templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536, by monday, april 3, to reserve your seats. Cost of the dinner is: $27 for adults, $14 for children ages 6-12, and no charge for children ages five and under.

After April 3, the cost of the dinner is: $37 for adults, $24 for children 6-12, and no charge for children ages five and under.

Concluding Passover Service and Yizkor, monday, april 17, 10:30 a.m. If you would like to have the names of your loved ones read at the concluding service, please contact Temple Israel, 402.556.6536 or mweidner@templeisraelomaha.com, by Thursday, April 13, with the names.

tIfereth Israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. frIday: Services, 6:30 p.m. satUrday: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. followed

by Lunch and Learn final Shabbat Scientist Series with Al Weiss on Climate Change in our World, after services. Al was a Argicultural Climatolody professor at UNL from 1974-2010. sUNday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple; Book Club, 1 p.m. at Scooter’s on 84th & Van Dorn and will discuss Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a man who rescued a million Yiddish books by Aaron Lansky. Please contact Zoya Zeman with questions. moNday: JNF representatives will be in Lincoln, 7:15 p.m. at the Coren home with members of the Tifereth Israel Tour of Israel participants. If you would like to attend this educational/ social gathering, please let Nancy know. This gathering is not limited to our tour participants! wedNesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m.

TI and UNL Hillel Potluck Shabbat Dinner, friday, march 31, 6:15 p.m. at the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center at UNL. Join us for a communal seder at Tifereth Israel on monday, april 10 at 6 p.m. A Passover seder for all ages or tuesday, april 11 at 5:45 p.m. for families with children ages 0-13.

Make your reservations now! This is a free event to all but donations to help defray expenses may be contributed to the Layleader Discretionary Fund. Please RSVP to the office at 402.423.8569 to say you're coming or e-mail ncoren@tifer ethisraellincoln.org.

LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 10–July 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at TI. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering. Tuition for each week is $75 and if you are enrolling two or more children, the cost is $50 per child, per week. This program is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade.

Please send tuition checks payable to LJCS to Andrea at TI no later than July 1. Camp registration is required through LJCS.

UN group takes down report accusing Israel of apartheid

JTA NEWS STAFF A United Nations affiliate removed a report accusing Israel of apartheid from the internet following a request from the secretary-general of the international body.

Antonio Guterres asked the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, or EWCWA, to remove the report, which was published Wednesday and says it “establishes, on the basis of scholarly inquiry and overwhelming evidence, that Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid," Reuters reported.

Rima Khalaf, the commission’s chief, resigned because of Gutteres’ pressure to remove the report, according to Reuters.

As of shortly after noon Friday, a previous link to the report yielded an error message and the report was not listed among the publications on the website for the ESCWA, an agency based in Beirut, Lebanon that is com-

prised of 18 Arab member states, including what is identified as the State of Palestine.

A U.N. spokesman had said earlier that the report was published without consulting the international body’s Secretariat and “does not reflect the views of the secretarygeneral.”

The United States and Israel sharply criticized the report.

“The United States is outraged by the report,” Nikki Haley, the U.S. envoy to the U.N., said Wednesday in a statement. “The United Nations Secretariat was right to distance itself from this report, but it must go further and withdraw the report altogether.”

Israel’s U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon, said in a statement: “The attempt to smear and falsely label the only true democracy in the Middle East by creating a false analogy is despicable and constitutes a blatant lie.”

The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017 | 11

lifecycles baT miTzvah

abigail friedland

Abigail Friedland, daughter of Jackie and Jason, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, April 1, at Temple Israel.

Abigail is a seventh-grade student at Russell Middle School and a member of the Quiz Bowl Team.

She enjoys arts, baking and playing the viola for Russell Orchestra.

For her mitzvah project, Abigail is the Equipment Manager at HETRA and is donating school/art supplies to Completely KIDS. She has a sister, Nicole.

Grandparents are Shelley and Rick Friedland, and Pat and Lew Stone.

engagemenT

kurland/cohen

Sandra and Allen Kurland of Council Bluffs announce the engagement of their daughter, shayna kurland, to ben cohen, son of Fran and Harvey Cohen of Denver.

Shayna graduated from Iowa State Univeristy where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, and she is a Senior Data Analyst for the Service Employees International Union. She is the granddaughter of Josephine Berg Simes of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Ben earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University and he is a product development engineer at Oakley. He is the grandson of the late Bernice and Don Cohen of Omaha.

The wedding is planned for the late summer of 2017.

zacharia/o’connell

Terri and Dick Zacharia announce the engagement of their daughter, kylie, to Teddy o'connell, son of Beth and Jim O'Connell of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Both Kylie and Teddy graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. It was not until they both moved to Chicago that their paths crossed, vhen they joined the same kickball team! Kylie works for CEB as an account manager. Teddy works in digital media sales at The About.com Group.

Kylie is the granddaughter of the late Trickle and Ed Milder and the late Minnette and Sam Zacharia.

Teddy is the grandson of the late Betty and Donald Lewis and the late Catherine and Dennis O'Connell.

A September wedding is planned in Omaha.

anniversary

millie and harold bernstein will celebrate 70 years of marriage on March 30, 2017. They were married in 1947 at the Fontanelle Hotel. Starting their married life in Council Bluffs, Harold was the co-owner of the People’s Department Store. Later Harold opened The People’s True Value Store and Millie worked with him. They moved to Omaha before they both retired in 1995.

in memoriam

herberT m. berkowiTz

Herbert M. Berkowitz passed away March 14 at age 103 in Fort Myers, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nicole Berkowitz He is survived by his nieces, Ronnie (William) Uebel of Peru, IL and Ruth Sang of Highland Park, IL, his nephew, George (Ilene) Sang of Glencoe, IL, and one great-nephew, Adam Bloom of Bellingham, WA. Herb Berkowitz began working for Hinky Dinky at age 17 and remained a Hinky Dinky employee until his retirement, interrupted only by WWII when he served in the Army. After managing stores and serving as a supervisor for many years, Herb became a grocery buyer. Ultimately, he began assisting Jule Newman in buying and merchandising staple groceries.

In 1935, Hinky Dinky, for the first time, had a store which was losing money. It was located in downtown Council Bluffs on W. Broadway, the main street. Herb was a combination store auditor and supervisor, while attending Creighton University at night. Jule decided to reassign Herb to take over supervision, giving him full authority to do or change anything he wanted, including staff, merchandising, pricing, and, advertising. In three months time the W. Broadway Hinky Dinky became the leading store in the chain, in both volume and profits.

Memorials may be made to the Anti-Defamation League-Plains State Region, Jule M. Newman Anti-Discrimination Fund c/o Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 S. 132d. St., Omaha, NE 68154.

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sTanley kaplan

Stanley Kaplan of Lexington, MA, passed away March 14. Services were held March 16 at Temple Emunah in Lexington, MA, with Interment at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, MA. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann A. (Zager) Kaplan, siblings Lucille Hutchins, Earl Kaplan, and Dorothy Kaplan.

He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Maureen Kaplan, David and Bonnie Kaplan, and Charles Kaplan and Lisa Griswold; grandchildren and grandchildren's spouses: Jessica and Jeremy Rosenblum, Nadine and Christopher Cartwright, Isaac Kaplan, Emily Kaplan, and Jill Kaplan; great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Benaya, and Adina Rosenblum.

Stanley was the son of the late Jake and Esther Kaplan. He was born in Omaha on May 4, 1924. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and worked with his father and his brother-in-law, Marvin Kaplan, in the family business, Kaplan Iron & Metal Co. He was married to his beloved wife for 52 years. In their later years they moved to Nashua, NH, to be near their children and grandchildren, and after his wife died, he lived with his son Michael and daughter-in-law Maureen until his death.

Memorials may be made in his memory to Temple Emunah Endowment Fund, Hebrew Senior Life Hospice Care, Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, or Perkins School for the Blind.

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They are blessed with four grandchildren, two granddaughters-in-law and one great-granddaughter. Daughter Kay and her husband Bruce live in Minneapolis and son John and his wife Nancy live in Denver.

To submiT announcemenTs

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

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

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12 | The Jewish Press | March 24, 2017

community

J

Tri-Faith Initiative

JackIe G. Grau ews of all stripes wear a common garment.

Woven deep within the fabric of Judaism is the thread of curiosity: a challenge, or even a requirement, to ask questions. We look past the common reality and demand answers to why things cannot be better, why things are not different. As Jews we believe that “there is a better place, a promised land.” Why do so many in this land accept fear, exclusion, and hate? Why can’t it be changed? What will it take? This intellectual restlessness is a hallmark of progressive thinkers and great leaders.

Enter the “Tri-Faith Initiative,” born from sparks dancing in the minds of Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Bob Freeman.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel’s conviction is that the Abrahamic faiths are more alike than they are different. Perhaps a synagogue, church, and mosque on one dedicated campus sounded like something out of an idealist’s dream when it was first discussed. But Bob Freeman stood up to announce he would blaze the trails to make it happen. Together they have carried the torch lit from those sparks.

Now, thanks to Rabbi Azriel, Bob Freeman, and many other Temple Israel leaders and community members here in Omaha, we’re quietly watching the Tri-Faith’s vision solidify. First the American Muslim Institute and then Countryside Church, will become Temple Israel’s neighbors and co-witnesses to a new model of religious community.

Rabbi Emeritus Azriel technically retired from Temple Israel’s clergy in 2016, but has continued his heart’s work all the same. He helped shape a unique Congregation. Azriel’s temporary successor at Temple Israel, Rabbi Darryl Crystal, had his pick among national congregations needing the assistance of interim clergy. Yet he came here. Rabbi Crystal was swayed by the beauty of the Tri-Faith Initiative, what he calls “a beacon of amity which rejects people who thrive on hate.”

For the team that has worked for years and years to real-

ize “Tri-Faith” on the green of Sterling Ridge, sitting along 132nd and Pacific Streets, formal recognition from a local humanitarian organization is well deserved. On April 2, 2017, the Omaha nonprofit organization, Inclusive Communities, will present its Humanitarian Award to the Tri-Faith Initiative at Hotel RL (formerly Ramada) on 3321 S 72nd Street, Omaha, NE 68124, during a brunch from noon to 2:15 pm.

Bob Freeman, current board member of the Tri-Faith Initiative, past board chair and counsel to Temple, reflects that the “recognition by Inclusive Communities is particularly fitting because at its heart, the Tri-Faith Initiative is simply about being inclusive - treating people with respect, being a great, caring neighbor, and living Omaha’s core values.” The recognition in itself is simply a by-product of a process that has made members “already the better for trying.”

Inclusive Communities selected the Tri-Faith Initiative “for [its] outstanding service, contributions of time, and efforts to the community and dedication to the goals, values, and mission of Inclusive Communities.” The April 2 celebration brunch marks Inclusive Communities’ annual event to recognize the “long-standing tradition of recognizing distinguished individuals and groups for their outstanding generosity and commitment to the creation of a more just and inclusive society for all people.”

Inclusive Communities invites members of Temple Israel and all other congregations to attend its April 2 event in celebration of Tri-Faith and Temple Israel’s role in it. Tickets for the event are $100 each, and sponsorships are also available. Visit http://www.inclusive-communities.org/ for a link to the ticket vendor.

Although Temple Israel will welcome a new head rabbi in

late Spring of 2017, its members still listen for the unmistakable laugh and enthusiasm of Rabbi Azriel within its walls on the Sterling Ridge campus. Azriel is a man who is always talking to people, whether members of his congregation, other religious leaders, or his own grandchildren.

And now the leaders of Tri-Faith Initiative have become history-making humanitarians. When asked his thoughts about being labeled as such, Rabbi Azriel replied with typical zeal: “Humanity was always on my mind. The concept in Judaism of “Adam Yachid”- a single man, that all of us, all humanity is created from a single person. All are related! All life is about relationships!” He could not be more correct.

And now we are privy to the realization of his vision, kindled by Freeman.

If it feels like hatred and fractures in society are multiplying around the world in 2017, let’s dedicate ourselves to strengthening our own community that stands for the opposite. By living the “Tri-Faith” way, we are teaching that fear and prejudice burn up when the beams of familiarity and human-tohuman relations shine instead. Our actions speak. On the ground level we’re effortlessly building friendships and gathering for meals with our Muslim and Christian neighbors.

We see the common truth: it is unnatural to keep us apart. In the great expanse of America’s fertile plains, Omaha is fostering the Tri-Faith Initiative seedling born out of Azriel’s “theological understanding” of his Jewish faith and Freeman’s outstretched hand to Muslim and Christian alike. And as Jews and ambassadors of Tri-Faith, we could not be more honored than to accept an award from our own Inclusive Communities April 2, 2017. We hope you will join in honoring this occasion.

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