April 17, 2020

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Yom HaShoah

A Facebook Live Commemoration Kaplan Book Group discusses Seven Blessings Page 2

Adventures in eLearning Page 3

Credit: Cynthia J. Kohll Photography

SCOTT LITTKY Executive Director, Institute for Holocaust Education ach year it is an honor for the Institute for Holocaust Education, along with our local congregations, to plan our annual Yom HaShoah commemoration. Due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 virus, this year’s commemoration will take place virtually.

E

No yolk, Israel ran out of eggs Page 8

Practicing mindfulness and self-regulation

REGULARS

Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

4 5 6 7

TERESA C. DRELICHARZ, MS, NCC, LIMHP, RPT Therapist & Adoption Specialist, Jewish Family Service Hello from Jewish Family Service!

We hope you are all doing as well as can be expected during these tumultuous times.

There is a plethora of information available on the internet right now, everything from “hand-washing instructions”, to “how to keep your sanity as a full-time worker/home-

Communities and Holocaust centers throughout the world have now been tasked with redesigning their annual commemorations. One theme that has been universal in each community is to look at this as an opportunity and not to cancel their commemoration. So, with this in mind, we too in Omaha will continue our long-standing tradition to honor and remember those who died and those who survived the Shoah.

See Yom HaShoah page 3

Making masks

school teacher, bill payer, cook, housekeeper”, etc. There is so much information, in fact, you may be suffering from information overload!

We don’t have all the answers ei-

ther, but we do know that with such uncertainty surrounding the timeline of this pandemic, it’s more important than ever for adults to take care of themselves! In times like these it’s best to try get back down to the basics of emotional survival- how do I handle stress and anxiety not only from day to day, but from minute to minute? A few proven techniques we’d like to share with you include practicing “mindfulness,” as well as “self-regulation.”

What is Mindfulness? According to See Mindfulness page 3

GABBY BLAIR Staff writer, Jewish Press Community member Danni Christensen has sprung into action sewing masks. After spending the past few years working in a variety of healthcare settings, Danni, who has held her CNA license for the past 14 years, felt compelled to do something helpful during this Covid crisis.

“Sewing was something I was al-

ways interested in learning, but it seemed a bit overwhelming and I never tried before now. After reading about a locally driven maskmaking challenge on Facebook which called for volunteer sewers to make masks that would then be donated to smaller businesses and organizations outside of the hospital setting - including nursing homes See Making masks page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | April 17, 2020

News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

A wedding with all that’s going on?

Join the Kaplan Book Group’s discussion of Seven Blessings

SHIRLY BANNER Library Specialist, Kripke Jewish Federation Library On April 23 the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will meet using Zoom to discuss Ruchama King’s first novel, Seven Blessings. If you are not at all familiar with the world of Jewish matchmaking, this is definitely the book to read.

Seven Blessings examines the world of non-professional matchmakers in contemporary Israel and focuses on the lives of two well-meaning matchmakers, Tsippi and Judith, “aging” but hopelessly wanting to be a bride Beth, and two hopeful but flawed potential matches, Binyamin and Akiva.

In keeping with social distancing, the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will be using Zoom to meet until further notice. To join The Zoom meeting, contact sban ner@jewishomaha.org for the link and Meeting ID. The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion group meets (one way or another) on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. New members are always welcome. The group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org. To view books discussed by the group over the past several years, go to www.jewishomaha.org, click on the “Community & Education” pulldown tab and navigate to “Kripke Jewish Federation Library,” then to “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.”

Our April meeting will be on April 23 due to the Passover Holiday.

Making masks Continued from page 1 I found my motivation to learn.” Christensen, who took a much needed break from the medical field last year, was particularly fond of providing care to the elderly and those in Hospice. “We are so medically connected and I just didn’t want to see anyone go without a mask if I could help it.”

Indeed, Christensen dove right in. She borrowed a sewing machine from a friend the next day and gave herself a crash course in how to use it.

She found and modified a simple pattern from Deaconess Hospital, increasing the size and adding ties as elastic became hard to find. She researched best fabric types, bought supplies for the project and went to work.

A few days into the mask making, her son Doniven asked to join and she taught him how to use the sewing machine. Within a week, it became a family affair.

“It has become an assembly line of sorts at our house. In between remote school learning for two kids, work, and normal household chores, we are making masks. Doniven has been a great help in cutting the fabric to size.

Our younger son Micah helps by cutting ribbon for ties. My husband Mike pleats the masks and pins them- which is super helpful because it drives me crazy and I couldn’t get those done easily. Then I sew them.”

Last week, Christensen began getting requests for masks from friends and family, then from acquaintances of friends and family. “Community members asked if I could

make a few for them. Then a friend asked if I could make some for her clinic friends. Then a guy who is friends with a friend of mine on Facebook said he’d gotten my info from her and messaged me asking if I could make 50 for his plant workers.”

Christensen estimates she has made

around 200 masks in the past 3 weeks and is preparing to do a bunch more, “which is pretty amazing since I had never even used a sewing machine before all this!” She is using a medium weight tight weave muslin for the backing and patterned cotton for the fronts. When asked if she charges for the masks, the answer is no. “First and foremost, I am trying to do a mitzvah. I didn’t go into this to sell something, I did it to help provide something people need and don’t have access to right now. Second, I am just a beginner sewer. I am not sure how long each mask will last and I just don’t feel comfortable asking for money for them.” That said, many folks have donated fabric and sewing supplies to Christensen, eager to give back to this mask-making mensch.

It’s not just what they know.

It’s who they become.

2020 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

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Now enrolling for the Fall.

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2020 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND PARENTS

We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 15, 2020. To be included, send us an email with the student’s name, parents names, high school they are attending, the college they will be attending and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org by May 1, 2020.

The Jewish Press

The Jewish Press | April 17, 2020 | 3

Adventures in eLearning

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

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

SARA KOHEN Director of Advancement, Friedel Jewish Academy These are unusual, challenging times in many ways. Between the news and disruptions to our own routines, life can feel very unpredictable. We know, however, that consistency and stability are essential for children, and Friedel Jewish Academy is committed to making sure our students continue learning and staying connected to their teachers and friends.

Like other schools across the country, Friedel Jewish Academy has suspended in-person learning in order to help slow the spread of coronavirus, but our teachers and students are remaining busy, having transitioned to eLearning in midMarch. In the weeks leading up to this transition, Friedel’s teachers created eLearning lessons and sent students home with iPads and materials for activities.

With careful planning and lots of hard work, Friedel’s teachers are continuing to innovate and inspire students. Student and parent responses have been overwhelmingly positive. The following statements are just some of the positive feedback the school has received: “I am amazed by the dedication and work the teachers and staff have and continue to put into this program!”

“I feel that our children are very fortunate to be part of the Friedel learning community. I think our children have an amazing opportunity and are fortunate that Friedel, for the most part, was set up to tackle this huge challenge for all of us. Huge relief !!! Way

to go Friedel!!! If we were in a non-private school setting as many of my friends are, the scenario is VERY different. We are grateful.”

“I’m very proud of how fast Friedel got organized and developed a plan and implemented it all in such a short period of time! I have children in other schools and they are NOWHERE at the level that FJA is! I applaud your efforts and ability to make it all happen!”

“Friedel is providing quality content, to keep kids engaged, during this very difficult time.”

Friedel’s leadership recognizes that its people—our school family—are its most valuable resource. In recognition of this, the school is continuing to follow through on its financial commitment to staff and is committed to supporting families in the school community who are facing financial difficulties.

Those who want to help can donate to either Friedel’s general operations fund—to ensure that funds are available for whatever need is greatest—or to Friedel’s Emergency Assistance Fund to assist families who find themselves in unexpected situations of financial need. Tax-deductible donations can be made at https://friedeljewishacademy.com/support/do nate-now/. The Friedel community wishes our entire community good health and looks forward to a time when we can all gather together in person once again. To see lessons from our teachers and student work, follow us on Facebook at @FriedelJewishAcademy and Instagram at @friedeljew ishacademy.

Mindfulness Continued from page 1 Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Mindfulness for Beginners, (2012), “Mindfulness is awareness, cultivated by paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” In other words, stopping to ground yourself in the present, and not punishing yourself for what you are thinking/feeling at this moment in time. In order to accomplish this, follow these Five Steps to Mindfulness, offered by TheTruthPractice.com: 1. STAY IN THE PRESENT MOMENT. There is no rule that says you have to be doing a million things at once. No where in the non-existent life handbook is there a statement that tells you to worry about everything that has yet to happen.

2. DON’T ANALYZE THE SITUATION. Once you begin to analyze the situation, you’re creating an imaginary outcome.

3. ACCEPT THAT THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH THAT CAN BE DONE. You can’t control everything. You can’t go back in time and change anything. These are not bad things.

4. TRUST IN SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF. Trusting in something bigger than you lets you focus on your tasks. You don’t have to worry about the now. You don’t have to get overwhelmed by the details.

5. FIND BEAUTY IN EVERY MOMENT, EVEN THE HORRIBLE ONES. Look for the lesson. There is beauty in breaking your toe if you’re willing to be open to it. There is beauty in realizing that you don’t like the way things are right now.

Trauma Expert/Author/Motivational Speaker Jules Alvarado teaches another simple and quick grounding technique, one that helps us “orient” ourselves back into the present: STOP! Look around you. Take a mental note ofFive things you can SEE;

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Due to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home temporarily being closed to the public, B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers will not meet until further notice. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@Gmail.com, Breadbreakers chairman.

For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Administrative Assistant and Grant Writer Positions Chabad of Nebraska has two part-time positions we are hiring for to help support our mission founded in Judaism and supporting our community. The first position is working as an Administrative Assistant to run our office operations in conjunction with both Rabbi Mendel Katzman and Shani Katzman. The second position is for an individual with previous experience in writing and submitting grant applications, and to help and support the Administrative Assistant. Please submit your resume to Shani Katzman by email to shani@ochabad.org.

NEBRASKA

Associated Counseling P ro f e s s i o n a l s G l e n F i n e m a n , L I C S W, L I M H P

Four things you can HEAR; Three things you can TOUCH; Two things you can TASTE; and One thing you can SMELL. This is an effective way to intentionally orient all of your senses into the present moment, and to move your body closer to physical and emotional self-regulation. Self- regulation is the ability to manage your emotions and behaviors in accordance with the demands of the situation. As an adult in the world as it is right now, it’s CRUCIAL that you take time for self-care and mindfulness practice. As Jules Alvarado reminds us, “it is the person with the most CONSISTENT state of being, whether that is chaotic and unregulated, or calm and regulated, that will set the tone for the rest of their environment.”

Reach out for help if you need it! Jewish Family Service is a phone call away, 402.330.2024, and here to assist the people of our community through an unprecedented crisis in our country and the world. Therapy sessions are available to all ages through HIPAA compliant Zoom video-conferencing. In a world where “isolation” has become necessary to save lives, please remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Yom HaShoah Continued from page 1 This year’s commemoration will be held via Facebook Live on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. The link to the event can be found on the Institute for Holocaust Education’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IHENE. The program will be presented by Scott Littky, Executive Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education and Hazzan Michael Krausman, the son of a Holocaust survivor, Henry Krausman.

The IHE will also be posting various articles and other materials during the Week of Remembrance beginning on April 20 through April 24 that will assist in shedding light on how and why we take a week every year to honor, remember, and reflect on the Shoah.

For more information on this year’s commemoration, please contact, Scott Littky at slittky@ihene.org.

C l i n i c a l S o c i a l Wo r ke r

Family & Children Issues Marriage Counseling Depression | Anxiety | Grief & Loss

2255 So. 132nd Street | Suite 200 | Omaha 402-334-1122 | fax: 402-334-8171 www.acpcounseling.com

4 | The Jewish Press | April 17, 2020

Above: A reminder for anyone driving past the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home: we are proud of our staff and miss our Residents.

SP O TLIGHT PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

Above: Sydney Jason is ready for Passover. Mom Annie said: “Especially considering what’s happening in the world around us, it brings comfort and warmth to continue Jewish holiday traditions. This particular Passover dessert is a very addicting one!”

Below: Quality family time: Adrianna Benton with son Levi.

Above, right, below and bottom: Staff and Residents at the RBJH had a little fun to celebrate the first day of April and say goodbye to March! Staff enjoyed Mama’s Pizza for the day- and evening shifts and Pickleman’s for the night crew. A very generous anonymous donor sponsored the festivities. As Chris Ulven recently stated, “It’s been a stressful time, the past few weeks, so we thought it was time to lighten things up and say, ‘THANK YOU’.”

Above: A reminder for anyone driving past the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home: we are proud of our staff and miss our Residents.

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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.

It is Thursday, or maybe Friday. Who knows?

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press Isn’t it funny how we struggle to remember what day it is? To be honest, I always find that a bit problematic when a holiday falls in the middle of the week, but this year, when being home is the norm, it’s even worse. There is little structure to our weeks. What’s more, those weeks are turning into months.

We’ll spend years analyzing how we responded to this situation, but right now, while we are in the middle of it, that is not very helpful. But what is?

How can we make this time, if not meaningful and happy, at least bearable? Especially when it has begun to dawn on us we may be in this situation much, much longer than just a few weeks?

Some of us get creative. The internet is flooded with talk show hosts who work from home, musicians who play from home, even athletes who entertain us off the field any way they can (hence the photo of Mitchell Schwartz, because OMG, that dog!!). But not all of us are budding chefs, knitters or gardeners who were just waiting for a forced sabbatical to develop our talents. Most of us are just trying to make it through each day the best we can.

I don’t have some super-smart and insightful answer—I wish I did. I can tell you what helps me: the photos from all of you I find in my email. They are little reminders that everyone is still out there, even if I don’t see you in real life. Just seeing each other’s faces—how could we ever take that for granted

again? One of the biggest reasons to keep printing this paper, as thin as it feels, is the Spotlight pagebecause there, we get to see each other. So please, keep sending those photos and allow us a small window into your day-to-day life. We don’t even care if the house is messy in the background or if you haven’t combed your hair in days or worn the same sweat pants since the beginning of April.

Here’s a thought: maybe one way we can all keep track of the days is by sending short anecdotes and photos of a specific theme every day of the week. We can’t do it without your help, so here goes: Sunday: What strange meal did you cook today, using leftovers from your Shabbat dinner?

Monday: How are your pets responding to you being home all the time?

Tuesday: Do you finally find enough time to get your garden in order? Show off your blooms, with yourself in the frame. The weather is getting better and even with social distancing, we can still grow things.

Wednesday: How are the kids coping? At my house I have a budding chef and one who has de-

cided to teach himself piano.

Thursday: Honestly, are you hoarding anything?

I’m curious. My personal shame is that I currently own at least 30 bars of soap. The stories about soap shortage druing WW II always scared me when I was a child—apparently, it stuck.

Send us your photos, or post them directly to

Facebook with the hashtag #JPDayOfTheWeek.

The news is grim all around; let’s do something that brings a smile to our face. Susie Silverman, Pam Monsky, Ariella Rohr and Danni Christensen, I’m talking to you specifically. We fully expect you to be our role models in this.

Chabad’s Community Pantry: A first-responder to the coronavirus JOANIE JACOBSON As in many worldwide disasters — the Tsunami in Indonesia, 9/11, the wildfires in California, the double tornado in Pilger, Nebraska— the men and women of Chabad-Lubavitch International are often among the first on the scene to help. The same is true today; in the face of the coronavirus pandemic— the Chabad Community Pantry is gearing up and reaching out to those in the Omaha area who are hungry and in need.

“In response to the virus and the surge in the number of our clients, we’ve changed up the way we distribute our food goods to comply with the CDC directives and the Douglas County Health Department for cleanliness and safety during this uncertain time” said Cheryl Lerner, coordinator of the Chabad Community Pantry. “We typically see 6-8 families per week, but last week, we provided food for 17 families in one day!”

“We usually operate as a client choice pantry,” Lerner explained. “Clients make appointments in advance. They come into the pantry, shop and pick the foods they want. A volunteer worker spends 15 minutes with each client and conversation is encouraged. We ask how they’re doing, ask about their family, their health, and their needs because we want them to feel comfortable, never embarrassed or ashamed. It’s about welcoming the stranger one-on-one. That’s what makes us different than most pantries in the area.

“Today, the procedure is different,” Lerner continued. “A client calls in and we call them back with questions. How many in the household? Their ages? Any food allergies? Special requests? Who’s coming to the appointment? We compile the information and pre-package their order. On the designated pick-up day, the client drives up to the the Chabad Center’s front door (which remains open for conversation) but does not come into the building. Their pre-ordered food is placed on a sanitized table outside the front door and the client puts the food in the car. Volunteers wear gloves and the food table and pantry area are well sanitized. Clients still see a friendly face and we can still be welcoming while maintaining a safe distance.”

“Chabad spends several thousand dollars a year to operate the pantry for Omaha’s people in need,” added Rabbi Duni Blotner, Chabad’s new assistant

rabbi. “Most of the food we distribute comes from the Food Bank for the Heartland.

Above: Pantry volunteers, Cheryl Lerner, left, Joan Marcus, Karen Redmond, and Caryn Rifkin; below: Rice, peanut butter, peaches, green beans, cereal, just a few of the items included for a pantry recipient.

Some of their food is provided at no charge by the government (USDA commodities) and corporate food companies. There is also purchased product that the Food Bank buys at a low cost, that is then purchased by pantries. We also purchase food from the Food Bank, and because they’re able to buy at a lower price than the general public, the Food Bank is able to pass on the savings to its agency partners, of which Chabad is one. A small amount of product comes from food drives packed at the Food Bank, and agencies pay a handling fee.

Local businesses like Rotella’s provide products to the Food Bank, as well. Rotella’s Bakery has been a generous friend to Chabad for decades and often donates directly to Chabad’s pantry.

“The next few months will be very challenging and financially straining,” noted Rabbi Blotner.

“The numbers are growing, the demand is growing and the food supply is quickly depleting. We are not taking food or toiletry donations from the public at this time because of safety concerns (not because of expiration dates). We appreciate the effort, but monetary donations directed to the Chabad Community Pantry help the most. It allows us to buy more product from the Food Bank because they buy at lower prices and pass the savings on to us.

“Chabad lives to serve and care for others,” said Rabbi Blotner, “especially in times like these. While we focus on Judaism for Jews, our lifesaving efforts are always directed to the entire community — hence the name Chabad Community Pantry. We want anyone in the Omaha community who is hungry to know our doors and hearts are always open.

“The Rebbe teaches that studying and understanding the scriptures, the Torah, the Talmud — it’s essential to our being,” Rabbi Blotner concluded.

“Yet, he insists that all the knowledge in the world is useless unless it motivates us to help others — to put others before ourselves. It’s in this spirit that our selfless, caring food pantry volunteers show up every week to feed the bodies and souls of those who are hungry... physically and emotionally.”

Ms. Lerner adds, “Anyone who needs assistance or more information can contact the Chabad Center at 402.330.1800 or shalom@ochabad.com or the Pantry’s direct line, 402.957.2705. Monetary donations are encouraged and can be made to Chabad of Nebraska, to the attention of the Chabad Community Pantry, 1866 South 120 Street, Omaha 68144.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thoroughly enjoyed reading the Passover Edition of the Jewish Press. Great job done by all!

I have no idea if the Jewish Press will be able to be printed during this pandemic but I hope that it will be.

Always, but especially right now, reading about our Jewish community and the Jewish community worldwide is extremely comforting. Not being able to hug our loved ones or just being able to see them via facetime makes self isolating a bit lonely. The Jewish Press is like a friend coming into our house on Thursday.

Thank you for all that you do for all of us.

SUSIE SILVERMAN

Synagogues

6 | The Jewish Press | April 17, 2020

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

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

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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

CHABAD HOUSE

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

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

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

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

TEMPLE ISRAEL

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

TIFERETH ISRAEL

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

B’NAI ISRAEL For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, MaryBeth Muskin and Sissy Silber.

Handicap Accessible.

BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

VIRTUAL MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Let’s Get Cooking with Eadie (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time (Grades PreK-2), 11 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat with BESTT, 4 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Havdallah, 8:52 p.m.

SUNDAY: BESTT (Grades K-7), 10 a.m.; Yiddish Class with Hazzan Krausman, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY: Jewish Values Class with Rabbi Abraham, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Coffee & Conversation with Rabbi Abraham, 2 p.m.; BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4 p.m.; Yom HaShoah, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Singing in the Synagogue with Hazzan Krausman, 11:30 a.m.; Keeping the Faith Movie, 2 p.m.

Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and zoom service links.

BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Message from Rabbi Ari, 2 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Kehillati, 7:20 p.m.

SATURDAY: Havdalah Kehillati, 8:52 p.m.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Nach Yomi/Halacha with Rabbi Ari, 8 a.m.

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY: Reevaluation Fear, Joy, & Pleasure with Rabbi Ari, 9:30 a.m.

THURSDAY: Character Development with Rabbi Ari, 9:35 a.m.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Davening for Kids with Faige, 10 a.m.

MONDAY-THURSDAY: Kid’s Class with Rabbi Yoni, 1 p.m.

TUESDAY & THURSDAY: Drash with Rabbi Ari, 5 p.m.

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

CHABAD HOUSE Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Due to Coronavirus, all services and classes have moved online. For schedules and more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.org or call the office at 402.330.1800

B’NAI JESHURUN Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby.

The office will be open during regular office hours, Monday–Friday from 1-5 p.m. Feel free to call 402.435.8004; you can also email office@southstreet temple.org.

Rabbi Appleby is available via email, telephone, FaceTime or Skype. Please email her at rabbi@southstreet temple.org or call her at 423.763.8007.

Friday Evening and Saturday Morning Services will be offered by live stream only. Service times are Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Access the Temple’s web stream at https://southstreettemple.org/ worship/streaming/.

FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:51 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m.

TUESDAY: Tea Time with the Rabbi, noon FRIDAY: Virtual Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, April 17 at 7:30 a.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE All services canceled until further noticce.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

TEMPLE ISRAEL DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Youth Learning Programs for Grades PreK6, 10 a.m. Visit ParentSquare for link information.

WEDNESDAY: Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning with Rabbi Stoller, noon.

THURSDAY: The Israel Forum with Ron Lugasy, 10 a.m.

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

TIFERETH ISRAEL Until further notice, our Friday evening and Saturday morning services will take place via zoom which can be reached by computer or telephone.

FRIDAY: Evening Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30-7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat morning Service, 10 a.m.

FRIDAY: Virtual Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, April 17 at 7:30 a.m.

All LJCS grades remote learning classes via Zoom will resume on Sunday, April 19.

Please visit tiferethisraellincoln.org for additional information and zoom service links.

JFO COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation is pleased to partner with the Federation to establish the Jewish Federation of Omaha COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus requires all of us to come together to HOWARD EPSTEIN protect and care for mem- Executive Director, bers of our own Jewish JFO Foundation community. We estimate that at least $500,000 will be needed.

As a supporter of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, we encourage you to give generously to the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. Your gift will help Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Outreach and the Federation provide support for those impacted, focusing on: food security, housing support, health and wellness, and operational subsidies for the JCC and other Federation agencies which have seen significant operating revenue shortfalls due to the campus closure.

If you have a donor-advised fund at the Foundation, you may recommend a distribution from your donor-advised fund to the Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. Click here for

a recommendation form or email Laurie Peatrowsky at lpeatrowsky@jewishomaha.org.

You may also send a contribution directly to the Foundation if you intend to itemize your deductions on your 2020 tax return. Click here to donate online. Otherwise you can mail a check made payable to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154, designate it for COVID-19 Relief Fund.

If you wish to contribute but do not intend to itemize your deductions, please click here to donate directly to the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

For those who do not itemize, the CARES Act provides for an “above the line” charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made during 2020.

All of us at the Foundation hope you and your loved ones had Happy Passover and wish you good health during these unprecedented difficult times. While we did not have the opportunity to be with extended family and friends at our Seders and throughout the 8 days of Passover, we hold out promise for better times for all in the not too distant future. Though the Foundation staff is working remotely these days, we welcome you to contact us through our regular office phone numbers and email addresses.

Please feel free to contact me at 402.334.6466 or by email at hepstein@jewishomaha.org.

Synagogue services canceled until further notice NANCY RIPS Morning minyan begins at 8 a.m. on my computer screen. Click Zoom Conference Link.

Evening service begins online at 5:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv, Friday, 6 p.m., and Shabbat morning service is at 10 a.m. Casual attire. Pajamas welcome.

Welcome to Jewish life, US Covid-19, Coronavirus, in Omaha, Nebraska. Bar Mitzvahs are postponed. Seders are canceled. No work-outs at the JCC. And the rabbi can mute the entire congregation with a mere click of his mouse.

Daily minyan is now at my computer, just a few steps from the living room and kitchen. Just dial in, they tell me. We’re plugged in and hooked up and ready for screen time. It’s the highlight of my day when I get to connect with my community and see my friends. My mother would have said, “What is this world coming to?” I wish I had an answer.

Rabbi Jordie Gerson, Greenwich, CT comments, “We can think of this moment like a dress rehearsal for Yom Kippur. It’s a time we’re forced to contemplate our mortality, undistracted by the petty concerns of the day to day. We can take time to really think about what and who are truly important to us.”

I know what’s important to me: family, Judaism, and making the world a better place.

Synagogues are vital to me. I love services. I love Shabbat. I like to be part of the Jewish community and of the larger Jewish world. When our universe is working, I chant haftorah regularly and lead Kabbalat Shabbat services at different nursing homes on a rotating basis.

I’ve always loved to sing. When I was a child, I was sure the Cantor was looking directly at me when he would turn around to encourage the congregation to sing. I’d then go home and repeat the

entire Friday night service to my bedroom mirror, beginning with Ma Tovu straight through to that Top 40 hit, Adon Olam.

This week I’m missing my minyanaire friends: Joe, who’s always later than I am. Paul, who davens Shacharit so beautifully. Eli, who makes sure the bagels are ready. And Jerry, the cool dude, who wears bracelets and sits in a different seat every time. Then there’s Arthur, the shrink, who laughs and shows me his colorful socks. There must be a deep meaning in that.

When I say Kaddish for my mother with my online congregation, I will pray for a better world for all of us. I’ll hope for a world with peace and good health and an absence of coronavirus.

No matter what the future holds, I’ll always treasure my favorite part of the online service: when the rabbi turns off the mute buttons and says we can talk amongst ourselves. We all laugh and start chatting. It’s just like a real Oneg Shabbat. The only thing missing is the cookies.

TO SUBMIT B’NAI MITZVAH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress @jewishomaha.org or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, complete form and click on “submit”.

Life cycles BAR MITZVAH AREL ZOHAR KOTZEN Arel Zohar Kotzen, son of Orly and Israel Scott Kotzen, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 14 at Chabad of Marina Del Rey & Venice, CA. Arel is a seventh grade honors student at Palms Middle School and participates in both the Gifted Magnet and Primetime Mock Trials programs. The worthwhile charity that he supports is run by his Godmother, (former Omahan) Julie Sadofsky and contributions in his name can be made to https://www.outreach360.org/.

His interests include art, hiking, the beach, and listening to and learning to play classic rock music. He enjoys playing guitar and ultimate disc.

We were very blessed to be able to celebrate safely just in time before the pandemic shut-down. The parties were attended by friends and family, with cousins from California, Minnesota, Oregon, Arizona and great-aunt and uncle are Don and Nancy Greenberg of Omaha.

#JFO Virtual Village While we may be apart, share what you are up to with the community.

Whether you are gathering virtually, visiting loved ones through windows, or just being creative in your own house, when you post on social media please include the hashtag #JFOVirtualVillage.

JFO announcements

The recent COVID-19 developments will impact many people in both our Jewish and Omaha community. During this crisis we believe our focus should be on addressing the following challenges: • Ensuring our vulnerable seniors are taken care of and their feelings of isolation and loneliness are reduced • Assist community members with urgent financial needs • Assist JFO agency employees who might be impacted by the crisis • Identify other needs throughout the Omaha community and do our part to chip in In addition, we are looking for volunteers to help us reach out to those in need during this time of crisis. Could you make a phone call, run an errand, provide a meal, or donate technology? Click the volunteer button on the home page of our website at www.jewishomaha.org to get started.

If you have needs because of Covid-19, you can find a link on that same homepage where you can fill in your request.

While you are on our website, you can take advantage of many different tools to stay engaged, including but not limited to classes at the Virtual JCC, important information about Jewish Family Service Resources and JFS Telehealth, links for young children like TJ Library resources and Lu Lu the sock puppet, the Meditation Sit and a Carry Out Directory with a handy list of restaurants that carry out and deliver meals to your home, so you don’t have to leave.

Executive Director Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to be part of a growing, vibrant and exciting modern orthodox community?

Beth Israel Synagogue in Omaha, Nebraska is seeking a dynamic, customer-service focused individual to fill the position of Executive Director, responsible for managing all operations of the synagogue. The optimal candidate will have excellent organizational, communication and project management skills and Fundraising experience. The Executive Director partners with the rabbinic staff to manage the logistics of their vision for the synagogue.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required, and QuickBooks Online a plus. Full-time salaried position with great benefits. Submit letter of interest and resume to BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org.

The Jewish Press | April 17, 2020 | 7

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8 | The Jewish Press | April 17, 2020

News

Support asked for COVID-19 Mitigation Plan

LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

No yolk, Israel ran out of eggs

GABBY BLAIR Staff writer, Jewish Press With so much of my family in Israel, I do my best to keep up with the news overseas. On a recent call with my father, who lives in the port city of Ashdod, we discussed Israel’s current shortage of eggs.

Israelis typically purchase around 6 million eggs per day. Apparently, the demand for eggs normally increases about 20 percent as Passover approaches.

However, in light of the current coronavirus health crisis, the run on eggs was greater than any retailers anticipated.

With an estimated 10 million eggs being purchased per day, shelves have been left empty and shoppers are shell shocked.

(Yes, there are going to be a lot of eggcellent puns in this article).

According to Israel’s Channel 12 News, a cargo ship carrying a bulk consignment of eggs from Spain -of all places- arrived at the Ashdod port last Sunday morning with another expected to arrive the day before Passover. This is in addition to a reported 10 cargo planeloads, expected to land later this week, in an effort to alleviate the nationwide shortage.

The government sent a flock of trucks to unload the delicate shipment from Ashdod and is scrambling to coordinate the effort to restock Israel’s supermar-

Eggs are an important part of the Passover seder and used throughout the weeklong holiday. Credit: Getty Images

kets ahead of the Passover holiday.

Eggs are usually something Israel has no trouble supplying for itself through local coops, though The Times of Israel estimates that the country is facing an unprecedented shortage of 30 million eggs. Panic buying and hoarding, along with the difficulties in importing from Israel’s go-to global suppliers - Italy and Spain- are being blamed for the egg-straordinary shortages.

Another cause for the shortage are the travel restrictions currently in place.

Many Israelis would have flown the coop by now, opting to travel abroad, stay at a resort or join family and friends for seder. With so many now faced with smaller, individual seders and being stuck at home for an unknown amount of time, the Israeli egg shortage of

Passover 2020 is no yolking matter. A key ingredient on the seder plate and in many favorite Passover dishes, like matzo balls, along with concern of further future restrictions regarding their ability to go to the grocery store, is ruffling the feathers of millions.

For the past few weeks, eggs, when available, were limited to one or two dozen although prices have skyrocketed.

Some stores have begun requiring a minimum grocery purchase upwards of 150-200 shekels ($41-56), cracking the budgets for those who simply needed a dozen eggs. A sunny side to all this is that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Finance, Moshe Kahlon have pledged to subsidize the eggs in an effort to counter the growing black farm-market and price gouging.

PHILIP ROONEY Douglas County Health Department The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) wants to remind everyone about three additional key points being emphasized by state and local governments for the next three weeks to help bring COVID-19 under control: • Help children practice social distancing – play at home and no group sports.

• Help seniors stay home by shopping for them.

• Exercise daily, but do it at home or with proper social distancing.

On Friday April 10, the Health Department confirmed 24 new cases of COVID-19 in the county. These new cases involve 12 men and 12 women between 23 and 104 years of age. Eleven of the individuals had contact to a known case, five new cases involve community spread; details were not immediately available on eight of the cases. One of the new cases is known to be hospitalized.

Douglas County now has seen 222 cases of COVID-19.

DCHD has received 3,189 test results since testing began in March. As of 2 p.m. April 10, the positive rate for the past week was 7.9 percent, compared to 7 percent last week and 5.7 percent two weeks ago. There have been six COVID-19related deaths in Douglas County.

Please be aware of the COVID-19 symptoms, which may include a fever, cough, sore throat, severe fatigue or difficulty breathing. In most cases a person will have more than one of these symptoms. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or develops symptoms should contact their health care provider and tell them how you are feeling and any possible history of exposure.

Please call ahead before you go to the doctor’s office or an emergency room. The DCHD’s mission is to protect, promote and prioritize the health of our entire community. Call the Nebraska DHHS COVID-19 information line at 402.552.6645 for more information.

2020 VOTE!

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