April 25, 2014

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Blumkin Family honored

April 25, 2014 25 Nisan 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 32

This Week

Friedel Plant Sale Page 6

Irv Blumkin

by OZZIE NOGG In 1993, the Greater Omaha Chamber initiated its Omaha Business Hall of Fame to honor past and present Omaha-area business leaders. Among that “freshman class” was Rose Blumkin, founder of the Nebraska Furniture Mart. On Wednesday, April 23, the Chamber recognized two more generations of the Blumkin family by inducting them into the 2014 Business Hall of Fame. Mrs. B’s late son, Louis Blumkin, Chairman Emeritus, Nebraska Furniture Mart

Connection: Jan McCarthy Page 7

Louie Blumkin was honored posthumously, along with his sons Irvin Blumkin, Chief Executive Officer, of the Nebraska Furniture Mart and Ronald Blumkin, President, Chief Operating Officer of the NFM. The Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala was held at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

At the award ceremony Ron Blumkin said, “I am pleased to accept this honor on behalf of my late father, Louie, and my brother, Irv, who I am proud to stand next to every day to help lead our company and the won-

Ron Blumkin

derful team at the Nebraska Furniture Mart. Irv and I are honored to be part of one of the greatest home furnishing teams on the planet whose mission is to improve people’s lifestyles. At the Furniture Mart, we frequently refer to our team as extended family, and they truly are the ones who deserve recognition. It is their dedication and unwavering commitment to making Nebraska Furniture Mart a great place to shop and work that makes us successful.”

Along with the extended NFM

family, Ron thanked his brother, Steve, who came from his home in California to attend the event. While Steve Blumkin is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, Ron called him, “Our greatest cheerleader.” In thanking his father and mother, Louie and Fran Blumkin, Ron said, “Our parents were the type of parents others aspire to be. My mom and dad had kindness, patience, and grace, but most importantly, they were great role Continued on page 2

Young Leadership Award recipients In memoriam: Rabbi Myer S. Kripke Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues

Next Month Mother’s Day See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

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by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Young leadership is an integral component of Jewish communal work. The phrase, “From Generation to Generation” reminds us of the work done by those who came before us and of our responsibility to sustain our Jewish community for those who will follow.

Our young leaders’ generous gifts of time and resources are essential to our community’s health and welfare. Their work sets an example and encourages robust participation from more and more of the young adults who call Omaha home. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is proud to recognize those individuals whose efforts make our community better for everyone.

The first of our 2013-14 honorees to be announced are Caryn Scheer, the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award recipient and Brett Atlas, the Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award recipient. Both awards serve to rec-

Brett Atlas

Caryn Scheer

Our Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Meeting, held in June each year, has become one of the community’s most celebratory evenings and a yearly reminder of the power and impact of community service and volunteerism.

Several years ago, the Federation combined its annual meeting with its recognition of community leaders and volunteers. Since instituting this new format, the Federation has received positive feedback for creating a gathering that celebrates our Jewish community and, in the words of Federation President, Jay Noddle, “is a focused, productive, and efficient meeting.”

This year’s event will be held Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater.

A dessert reception will immediately follow the event and the entire community is invited to attend. ognize the next generation of leaders in our community.

Scheer has immersed herself in Beth El Synagogue life and created and leads two successful initiatives, The Young Adult Committee (YAC) and “Our Shabbat Tables”. Under the auspices of the YAC, Caryn has focused on engaging young families, couples and singles in synagogue life.

She organized a monthly parent/toddler playgroup and is organizing an effort to build a playground on synagogue grounds. She plans social programming for young families, couples and singles, involving not only congregants but all members of the Jewish community.

“It was important to Caryn and Beth El that participation be open to

everyone in the Jewish community. It really says a lot about the type of person Caryn is,” described Eadie Tsabari in Scheer’s nomination.

“Caryn brought the idea of ‘Our Shabbat Tables’ to Beth El two years ago as a way to engage our congregants in relational Judaism. Due to her diligent efforts, Beth El continues to receive grant funding,” added Tsabari.

Rabbi Steven Abraham had this to say of Scheer’s dedication, “Caryn has been a true asset to our synagogue.

Her commitment to making Beth El a warm and welcoming synagogue is unmatched. I am thrilled for Caryn to receive this honor and look forward to working with her for years to come.”

Scheer serves on the Beth El Synagogue Board of Directors and, in 2012 received its Emerging Leader award. This year, she is supporting the synagogue’s Strategic Plan with work in the area of Engagement, establishing goals and mentoring lay leaders to engage young people.

Scheer also serves on the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Jewish Press Board of Directors and is involved in its Young Jewish Omaha program.

She is married to Marc Scheer and they have three children, Cadee, 5, Alex, 4, and Matthew, 4.

Atlas’s nomination describes him as “one the most outstanding young leaders in the Jewish Federation of Omaha.” Atlas has served in a number of volunteer positions, starting Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | April 25, 2014

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by MARY SUE GROSSMAN from early morning into the evening. From a campus tour on Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life Thursday morning to the farewell dinner on Sunday evening, On April 2, 12 Israeli teachers were welcomed to Omaha the teachers participated in a wide variety of activities. The for the 2014 Partnership2GETHER teacher’s seminar. The packed schedule included a presentation by Mike Silverman seminar is held annually, about the role of the Jewish rotating between Israel Federation; teaching at and the U.S. The theme for Crestridge Magnet Center this year’s event was at which a twinning relaP a r t n e r s h i p 2 G e s h e r. tionship has recently been Sessions focused on varistarted; a rabbinic panel ous “geshers” - bridges - to with Rabbis Abraham, give the Israelis a better Brown and Gross disunderstanding of Jewish cussing the Orthodox, life in the United States.

Conservative and Reform The seminar, which was movements; volunteering coordinated through the at the Food Bank for the Center for Jewish Life, was Heartland; leading a workdeveloped by Eliad Eliyahu shop for teachers in the Ben Shushan in his role as Child Development the Education Coordinator Center; participating in Visiting Israeli teachers; front row: Idit Dado and Sigalit Barzilay; for the Partnership Central Kabbalat Shabbat at the back row: Orli Carmi, Nili Tishler, Meital Eden, Eti Salamander, Area Consortium.

CDC, Friedel and the Denise Perlin, Edith Ruchs and Anna Zvagelsky. Not pictured: Many Israeli teachers Blumkin Home; teaching Ahuva Lavi, Efrat Srebro and Margalit Fogel. vied for the 12 available at Friedel and the CDC; seminar slots. The teachers selected are involved in an active, learning about Holocaust education in the U.S. from Liz successful “twinning” program. “Twinning” is a flagship pro- Feldstern with the Institute for Holocaust Education; attendgram of Partnership which pairs schools in Israel with ing Shabbat services at Beth El, Temple Israel or Beth Israel; schools in the U.S., providing students the opportunity to participating in the Sababa Relay and teaching in the synaconnect through a variety of projects. The teachers who were gogue religious schools. Sunday afternoon featured a teacher selected paid a self-participation fee, utilized vacation time in-service which included 14 Omaha religious school teachand forfeited two days of their teaching salaries to attend the ers. Hosting the visitors were Patty and Steve Nogg, Pam and seminar. The teachers who traveled to the U.S. were Idit Jeff Cohn, Karla and David Cohen, Naava Naslavsky and Dado, Denise Perlin, Anna Zavagelsky, Sigalit Barzilay, Nili Steve Caplan, Sara Juster and Eliad and Sara Ben Shushan.

Tishler, Orli Carmi, Meital Eden, Margalit Fogel, Efrat The opportunity for Omaha and Israeli teachers to work Srebro, Edith Fuchs, Eti Salamander and Ahuva Lavi. together at the in-service was a highlight of the seminar.

The fast paced seminar kept the participants on the go Continued on page 4

Blumkin Family Continued from page 1 models and mentors. My dad would have been thrilled to be here today receiving this great honor.” Also on hand to celebrate were Ron’s wife, Chris, and their son, Matt; and Irv’s wife, Susie, and their children Jessie, Becca and Ryan. For Frances Blumkin, the award carried a significant kvell factor.

“I’m very honored and pleased for the recognition given to my family,” she said. “I’m a very proud mother.”

The Greater Omaha Chamber’s Omaha Business Hall of Fame annually recognizes men and women whose accomplishments in business are historically significant to the development of Omaha, either through sustained superior accomplishment or through a specific important achievement.

Recipients may be the founder or someone who contributed significantly to company development and may be active, retired or deceased.The selection committee seeks individuals representing ethnic diversity who have demonstrated exceptional business leadership within their community.

Clark Lauritzen, Executive Vice President, First National Bank, served as the 2014 selection committee chair. “The Blumkins were an easy choice for us to come to,” he said.

“The multiple generation component was so compelling.

Our only challenge was persuading them to accept the honor. They’re very down to earth and wanted to decide as a family. Family was the lens through which they made their decision.” The Nebraska Furniture Mart currently has locations in Omaha and Kansas City, with their largest facility located in The Colony of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. “I’m not sure everyone realizes how they’ve grown the business, including their on-line presence,” Lauritzen said. “This is a challenging industry and the Blumkins handle it with integrity and sophistication. Still, they take a common sense approach to business and to their customers. This is a strong family and strong operators of a great business. The Blumkins and the Nebraska Furniture Mart are highly respected and have made an outstanding contribution to the growth and overall business image of greater Omaha. They fit our Omaha Business Hall of Fame criteria well.”

Mike Silverman, Jewish Federation of Omaha Chief Executive Officer added, “The Blumkin family have been Omaha icons for decades. They are not only well known for the Nebraska Furniture Mart and the outstanding customer service and quality they provide for their patrons, but also for their philanthropic spirit. When I arrived in Omaha almost twelve years ago to be the Administrator of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, I learned very quickly the impact the Blumkin family has had on the entire Omaha community.

They are role models for all of us.”

Appreciation was also expressed by Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. “The entire Blumkin family has been exceptionally generous to city of Omaha, and certainly to the

Omaha Jewish community, for several generations,” Epstein said. “They are true visionaries and leaders in the business community, and we were happy to attend the Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala to help honor them and to acknowledge all they have done for us over the years.”

Other members of the Business Hall of Fame from the Omaha Jewish community include Dan Gordman (d.)

Founder, Richman Gordman Half Price Stores, Inc. (2011); Pennie Z. Davis (d.) Greater Omaha Packing Co. Inc. (2010); Theodore (Ted) M. Seldin, The Seldin Company (2010); Harold M. Maurer, M.D., Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center (2009); Alan D. Simon, Chairman of the Board; Frederick J. Simon, Executive Vice President; Stephen H. Simon (d.) Vice President and General ManagerOmaha Steaks (2006); Jack W. Baker, Chairman, President & CEO, PDM, Inc. (2005); Benjamin Wiesman, Chairman, Wiesman Development (2003); Joseph Kirshenbaum, President, Noddle Development and Harlan J. Noddle (d.), Chairman, Noddle Development (2002); Maurice M. Udes (d.) Founder, Builders Supply Co., Inc. (2001); Phillip G. Schrager (d.)Founder, Chairman & CEO, The Pacesetter Corporation and Harley D. Schrager, President, The Pacesetter Corporation (2000); Milton R. Abrahams (d.)

Founder, Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman (1999); Lester Simon (d.) Past President, Omaha Steaks International (1998); George Brandeis (d.) President, J.L. Brandeis and Sons (1997); Ike Friedman (d.) President and CEO, Borsheims Jewelry (1996); Abe Baker (d.) Founder, Baker’s Supermarkets (1995); Samuel M. Greenberg (d.) co-owner Philips Department Store (1995); Rose Blumkin (d.)

Founder, Nebraska Furniture Mart (1993).

Commenting on the award, Marty Ricks, Jewish Federation of Omaha Chief Development Officer said, “The Blumkin family has the reputation of being extremely successful business innovators and operators. And their generosity, especially to our campus, is obvious. Beyond that, the collective reputation of Louie, Ron and Irv speaks of words like ‘ethical, smart and caring’, but more important, ‘really nice guys’.”

Concluding his acceptance remarks, Ron Blumkin said, “Irv and I would like to give heartfelt thanks to all of you.

You are our customers, colleagues, business partners and friends. Without all the support we’ve received from this community, Nebraska Furniture Mart would not be what it is today. Omaha truly is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. On behalf of my father, Irv and myself, I thank you for this tremendous honor.”

Proceeds from the April 23 Gala support the permanent Omaha Business Hall of Fame display at The Durham Museum, and provide funding for the annual Young Professionals Summit, a project of the Greater Omaha Young Professionals.

April 25, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 3

Rabbi Abraham takes his lessons on the road Young Leadership

by JILL BELMONT had a good Jewish experience no different than people who Beth El Publicity come to services on Friday nights.”

Rabbi Steven Abraham is making house calls these days.

Allan Murow, Vice President of Investment Services for OK, office calls. The Beth El rabbi has been drawing crowds Noddle Companies, coordinated the lunch and learn at his during his visits to area businesses as part of his popular “On company. The 20 attendees comprised a diverse group and the Road with Rabbi Abraham” series. were engaged in the day’s topic, making preparations for In the past few months, he has hosted the lunch-and-learn Passover. meetings at the law firms of Kutak Rock, and Herzog & “Rabbi did a terrific job incorporating the business angle of Herzog; the accounting Pesach observance to the firm of Frankel Zacharia, predominantly business and most recently, comcrowd,” said Murow, a mercial real estate develBeth El congregant. opment firm Noddle “Everyone was delighted Companies. Each hourto meet and learn with the long session has drawn rabbi and each other in a attendees from a variety of unique environment that businesses, firms and conshows Jewish learning and gregations. camaraderie can take place “I believe Ron Wolfson anywhere in the city. Being is correct when he says together, if only for an that building relationships hour over lunch, was with people is what the embraced by all.”

Allan Murow, standing at left, welcomes the group of 20 people synagogue of the 21st cenMike Abramson, also a who attended Rabbi Abraham’s recent lunch and learn at Noddle tury is all about; people no Beth El congregant and a Companies. longer show up at the synpartner at Frankel agogue because that’s what you’re commanded to do,” Rabbi Zacharia, said, “It was a pleasure hosting Rabbi Abraham.”

Abraham said. “We need to give people reasons: We have to The crowd of around 20 was made up mainly of attorneys, create relationships outside the building in the hopes that Abramson said, and the topic of business ethics outlined in maybe they will be curious and come to the synagogue for Jewish laws and traditions led to “a wonderful and enlightsomething else. And if they never come to the synagogue, ening discussion.” this can be their once-a-month thing. Some people go to The next “On the Road” meeting will take place at the law yoga, some people attend book clubs, and some people show firm of Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman, 8712 W. Dodge Road; up for Jewish learning once a month on a weekday after- the topic is “Where Is God? In the Wilderness – A Study of noon.”

Parshat Bamidbar.” To make a reservation, email Rabbi Discussions revolve around the week’s Torah portion or Abraham at rabbiabraham@bethel-omaha.org. other Jewish-related topics. Rabbi Abraham’s objective is to After a summer hiatus, he plans to head out on the road tailor his presentation to each audience, and to make the again, ready to share more thought-provoking discussions topics relevant to people’s lives. and enjoy the perk of making new friends in the community.

“People have been receptive to the lessons and have joined “I don’t care where I teach – I have a car and a GPS, and as in the conversation,” he said, adding, “I try not to monopo- long as there are people who want learn, I will be sure to lize the conversation; text studies are open to dialogue, so have something interesting to talk about,” the rabbi said. “I interrupting me and asking questions are perfectly fine. don’t know where this will take us, but for the moment, it’s a “I hope the people who participate leave feeling that they wonderful way for me to be involved in the community.”

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Awards Continued from page 1 several years ago as the Young Leadership representative on the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors.

He impressed his colleagues on the Board and was quickly nominated for a two-year term following its restructuring after the One Campus, One Community initiative.

As a member of the Federation’s Planning and Community Engagement Committee, he was instrumental in developing new bylaws for the Federation and its agencies. He has been described as dependable, detailoriented and an active participant in the committee’s extensive work.

Atlas co-chaired the 2013 Annual Campaign together with his wife Stacey, and his in-laws, Carl and Zoe Riekes.

Their multi-generational, family approach broke new ground in seeking re-engaged Campaign gifts. In addition to raising Campaign totals over the previous year, and generating an average 6% increase per gift, Atlas is most proud of the 191 new or re-engaged gifts realized in that Campaign season. “I am glad we did things differently and grateful that the Federation’s professional staff supported our ideas and plans. To me, those are 191 examples of new ideas proving successful,” he said.

Additional community volunteering includes the OneWorld Community Health Center and Temple Israel.

It is clear he continues the legacy of an important and vital Omaha family.

Atlas feels passionate about his community involvement and takes his commitments very seriously. “You often hear the excuse, ‘This isn’t a great time for me right now’ or ‘I’m just too busy’, but despite all of our responsibilities, volunteering is a truly rewarding experience, and I have come to believe that there is no shorter path to happiness than when you give your resources to others,” he said.

A native of Chicago, Brett is married to Stacey, and they have three young children.

Plan to celebrate with the entire Omaha Jewish community on Monday evening, June 2 in the JCC Theater as we pay tribute to an outstanding lineup of honorees.

Mazal Tov, Aaron!

We are so proud of your achievements – membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from the Band.

ere Photo h

Love, Mom, Dad, brothers and sisters

Congrats, Lauren!

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Name _____________________________________________________________________

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Address ____________________________________________________________________ City, State and Zip ___________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________________________________ Ad A O Ad B O Photo enclosed O Check enclosed for $ _________ Send check and photo to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 by May 9.

We are so proud of your achievements – membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from B.E.S.T.T. Love, Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents

4 | The Jewish Press | April 25, 2014

Ultimate Peace

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Over the years, sports have often been a great unifier, bringing together disparate people from different backgrounds and cultures in their love of competition. With that

Ultimate Peace holds camps and tournaments throughout Israel for Israeli Jews, Arab-Israeli and Palestinian children of all ages, from grade school through high school.

“The kids from Palestine are bussed in after being scrutinized by lots of security,” Sadofsky said.

“It’s such a strenuous process to travel in and out of the West Bank.

But once they get to camp, the kids stay at a boarding school where everyone sleeps together and eats Julie Sadofsky, back row, second from right, with her fellow 2012 Ultimate t o g e t h e r .

Peace Coaches-In-Training, many of whom hailed from around the world, Some of them including Australia and Europe. have never in mind, what better way to build bridges and had this kind of experience before.” forge lasting relationships in the conflict-ridSadofsky, who has played Ultimate Frisbee dled Middle East than with a sport aimed at since 2010, first worked as an Ultimate the youth of the region: Ultimate Frisbee.

Peace coach at a camp near Akko in northUltimate Frisbee is one of the fastest grow- ern Israel in the summer of 2012 after her ing sports among the youth of America, and Birthright trip. an international nonprofit organization “I knew I wanted to extend my stay in called Ultimate Peace has been bringing that Israel after Birthright, and when I heard love of sports and competition to Israel since about Ultimate Peace and its mission, I 2009. And for the past couple years, Omaha knew I had to volunteer,” Sadofsky said. “I native Julie Sadofsky has been helping them have a longstanding commitment to service do it. and volunteerism, and this is an opportuni“[Ultimate Peace] is one of the coolest ty to combine that with a game I love.” organizations I’ve worked with,” Sadofsky said.

Sadofsky, who is graduating from the “It’s something you’ve never heard before, University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May, is using a sport, something as new and recently heading back to Israel on May 18 to help popular as Ultimate [Frisbee], to bring togeth- lead a Birthright tour, and after that she will er youth from all these different cultures.” be returning to Akko to once again coach

Ultimate Frisbee at an Ultimate Peace summer camp. To do so, however, means she has to raise $800 to help run the camp.

“Every coach has to fundraise in order for the camp to exist, basically,” Sadofsky said.

“The money goes toward camp operations and scholarships for kids so they can attend.”

Sadofsky is hoping to raise her share before she leaves for Israel in May. “[Ultimate Frisbee] is such a great way to create friendships between the different groups,” Sadofsky said. “It’s a teambuilding sport and a self-officiated sport, which

means the players police themselves and each other instead of using referees. We emphasize sportsmanship and mutual respect to bring these kids together, kids who are interacting with people of cultures they’ve never met before. It’s a fun, exciting way to make friends and hopefully create bonds that will one day lead toward peace in the region.”

To donate to Ultimate Peace, visit ultim atepeace.org/donate and be sure to indicate that the donation is in support of Julie Sadofsky.

Partnership2GESHER Continued from page 2 The in-service focused on the four core values of the Jewish Agency for Israel and discussed methods to enhance Israel education in U.S. schools. The group also worked on developing a Partnership project in which all the communities will participate. Daniel Christensen, an Omaha teacher who attended the in-service, commented, “It was over too soon, I would have gladly stayed for another few hours.

Meeting and exchanging ideas with the visiting Israeli teachers was wonderful.”

“It was an amazing experience to have the teachers in Omaha,” reported Eliad. “The teachers were so impressed with Omaha and the friendliness of everyone they met.

They especially loved the chance to meet the teachers and students at the schools and the opportunity to learn so much about Omaha’s wonderful Jewish community. It is difficult to explain the importance of the teachers experiencing Jewish life in the U.S. This experience will make a real difference

in their classrooms in Israel.”

The group left Omaha on April 7, traveling to their respective twinning communities in Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Dayton, where they spent two days before returning to Israel.

Partnership2GETHER, a program of the Jewish Agency for Israel and coordinated by the Center for Jewish Life promotes people-to-people relationships between Israel and communities throughout the world. Omaha is one of 12 cities in the U.S. partnering with the city of Akko and the Matte Asher region in northern Israel, sharing cultural, social, medical, educational and economic programs. Omaha’s Partnership2GETHER activities are coordinated through the Center for Jewish Life whose mission it is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. For additional information, please call 402.334.6445.

“May the memory of the righteous be a blessing.”

In remembrance of

Rabbi Myer Kripke We mourn the passing of Rabbi Myer Kripke, a true leader of Omaha’s Jewish community who generously shared his wisdom, heart, sage advice and love of Torah with generations. His steadfast, caring commitment to our community will never be forgotten.

We offer our sincere condolences to Rabbi Kripke’s family and friends.

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April 25, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 5

May

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Community Calendar FRIDAY, MAY 25 Friday Learning Series with Anat Gilboa, 11 a.m.

Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATRUDAY, APRIL 26 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Youth Department Overnight, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El The Secrets of the Jews Adult Ed Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Adult Hebrew, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Musical Theater Rehearsals, 2 p.m.

Movie TBA, 2:15 p.m.

State Holocaust Commemoration, 3 p.m. at Capitol Rotunda in Lincoln MONDAY, APRIL 28 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Yom Hashoah, 8 a.m. at Friedel Yom Hashoah Observance, 10 a.m.

Federation Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29 Rabbi Abraham’s Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Maj jongg Lessons and Practice, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Mah Jongg Lessons and Practice, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Community Yom Hashoah Observance, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 1 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Love and logic Parenting Class, 6 p.m.

UNO History of Jewish Philosophy Class, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 2 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH BESTT Shabbaton, 4 p.m. through May 4 SATURDAY, MAY 3 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 4 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Adult Hebrew, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Kindergarten Roundup, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsals, 2 p.m.

Cast B Dance Recital, 4 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 5 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Yom HaZikaron, 8 a.m.

Cast B Dance Recital, 6:30 p.m.

Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 6 Yom Ha’Atzmaut, 8:30 a.m. at Friedel Rabbi Abraham’s Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, noon BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Science and Religion with Rabbi Brown, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 8 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Center for Jewish Life Board Meeting, noon Planning and Community Engagement Committee Meeting, noon UNO History of Jewish Philosophy Class, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 9 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, MAY 10 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 11 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El BILU USY Final Banquet, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsals, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 12 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Cast A Tech Rehearsal and Pictures, 4 p.m.

Friedel Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 13 Rabbi Abraham’s Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Eye on Israel with Eliad, noon Jewish Medical Ethics, noon at Med Center Cast A Dress Rehearsal, 4 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

BESTT Talmud Torah Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Cast A Recital, 5 p.m.

Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El AIPAC Nebraska Annual Event, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 15 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel B’nai B’rith Sports Banquet, 5 p.m. at Century Link Center Cast A Recital, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 16 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Family Shabbat Services & Congregational Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El

SATURDAY, MAY 17 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Music Transition with Cantor Shermet, 4:15 p.m. at Temple Israel

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SUNDAY, MAY 18 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El NJHS Genealogy Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m.

Musical Theater Rehearsals, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 19 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Federation Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m.

Friedel Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 20 Friedel Graduation, 9 a.m.

Rabbi Abraham’s Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El The Ethics of Our Fathers, 2 p.m. at Remington Heights BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 22 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, MAY 23 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, MAY 24 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 25 Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsals, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 26 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, MAY 27 Rabbi Abraham’s Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Jewish Senior Services Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m.

Musical Theater Tech Rehearsal, 4 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 Musical Theater Dress Rehearsal, 4 p.m.

Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 29 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Bye Bye Birdie Musical Theater Performance, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 30 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, MAY 31 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El

All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

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6 | The Jewish Press | April 25, 2014

2014 Friedel Jewish Academy Plant & Flower Sale Thursday & Friday May 8 & 9 9:30-4:00 JCC Main Entrance 333 S. 132 St *Vegetable and Herb Seedlings* *Organic & Heirloom* *Bedding Flowers* *Hanging Baskets* *Locally Grown* *Many Varieties* Just in time for Mother’s Day! Accepting Plant donations for The Jewish Community Garden Project cash or check only

Home+Garden Coming May 9

Friedel Plant and Flower Sale

by GABBY BLAIR Mark your calendars for the annual Friedel Jewish Academy’s PTO Plant & Flower Sale, Thursday May 8 and Friday May 9 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the main entrance of the JCC. Select from quality organic, locally grown vegetable and herb seedlings, many of which are offered in rare, heirloom varieties.

Choose from tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, broccoli, eggplant, cucumber, melons, lettuce, chard, kale, basil, chives, rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, chamomile, lemongrass, sage, nasturtiums and verbena, just to name a few! The FJA-PTO is also pleased to offer a beautiful selection of brightly colored bedding flowers including marigolds, sunpatiens, impatiens, geraniums, coleus, daisies, petunias, begonias, pentas, and vincas. Why not surprise a loved one with one of our amazing hanging flower baskets, which are sure to brighten up anyone’s mood and porch for months to come!

The FJA-PTO would like to acknowledge the generosity of those who attend our events throughout the school year and purchase Friedel spirit wear, as well as all the parents who donate their time through volunteering to support the community school.

When supporting the efforts of the FJAPTO, such as buying your garden starters at our plant sale, the students and teachers at

Friedel benefit by receiving 100% of all proceeds. These earnings are used to financially support school-wide holiday celebrations

for students and families and to provide financial assistance to the teachers in the form of teacher appreciation gifts and classroom supply allowances.

Please consider furthering the efforts of this truly amazing group of grassroots volunteers to whom Jewish education for their children is a priority, by purchasing your garden plants from us on May 8 and 9. If gardening is not your passion, then consider planting the seeds of kindness by making a donation to the FJA-PTO or by purchasing plants for donation to the Jewish Community Garden, which is harvested for Jewish Family Services to feed the needy. If you would like to volunteer to help tend the community garden over the summer, please contact Friedel Principal Pam Cohn at pcohn@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.0517.

A family saved by Omahans

Contact our advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org

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To apply, send resume and cover letter to: The Jewish Press, c/o Annette van de Kamp-Wright 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154 Email to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org or call 402.334.6450

by HELEN RIFKIN The publication is not a book per se, but more of a During WWII, members complex genealogy of the of the Lesin family were Lesin family. It reveals the trapped in Lithuania, desploys that were necessary to perately trying to escape get Jews out of Europe. The Nazi aggression. While the most successful ploy war raged on, family meminvolves Omaha, Beth El bers already living in the US Synagogue, and in particutried every avenue they lar, Sam Beber and other could think of to get them well-known Omahans. out. One such avenue was Documented corresponOmaha. dence between two On Friday, May 2, the strangers culminates in an Institute for Holocaust Dr. Benjamin Lesin offer of a rabbinical position Education and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will present at Beth El making, at long last, an immi“How Omahans Saved My Family from the gration visa possible for Israel and his wife.

Dr. Lesin will speak in the Rose Blumkin Holocaust,” a talk by Dr. Benjamin Lesin of Jewish Home board room at noon. If you Encino, CA. Dr. Lesin’s publication, From Birth in wish to purchase a kosher lunch from the Lithuania to a New Life in America, chroni- deli, kindly plan to arrive by 11:45 a.m. to cles in detail the two-year long attempts of place your order and be served in the his grandfather, Rabbi Jacob Lesin, to bring board room.

For more information, please contact Liz his son, Israel, out of Nazi-occupied Europe.

It is an intriguing story of perseverance with Feldstern at the IHE: 402.334.6575 or LFeldstern@ihene.org. a very interesting twist at the end.

Central High Roadshow celebrates 100 years

by ALLISON LATENSER For 100 years, Central High School has been showcasing the outstanding talents of its student body in its annual Road Show. Central has always had a diverse student population, and that diversity was reflected in the acts performed on the Central High stage. Many Omahans of all ages and backgrounds will remember their experiences in the Road Show.

In celebration of this landmark year, a special performance has been added: The May 1 Alumni Show will feature former Centralites reprising the acts they brought to the Road Show stage over the years.

There will be evening performances on May 1, 2, and 3 with a curtain time of 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $10.00/adults and $8.00/students. To reserve tickets or for

more information call 402.557.3332. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Seating is general admission.

On Saturday, May 3, there will be a 2 p.m. matinee in addition to the 7 p.m. evening performance. Between shows, the Band Parent Organization will be holding its annual Spaghetti Dinner in the courtyard from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The cost is $6/person or $24/family. The menu includes pasta, salad, bread sticks, and (mostly) homemade desserts.

This year’s students have worked hard to maintain Central’s tradition of excellence, and they welcome all of Omaha, especially Central alums, to celebrate this milestone in the history of Central High School. Come support the kids and enjoy a fun show!

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April 25, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 7

Connection: Through the eyes of Jan McCarthy

by OZZIE NOGG We recently celebrated the Passover Seder with its four sons, four glasses of wine and four questions. In the past weeks, and in one more upcoming edition of the Jewish Press, we will ask our questions through the eyes of four Jewish Family Service professionals. And just as with the Haggadah, in the telling we will learn. This week, we focus on Jan McCarthy and the ways we connect to our community.

Jan, would you please tell our readers what the Jewish Family Service Yachad program is all about?

Yachad, The National Jewish Council for Disabilities, is an international organization dedicated to addressing the needs of all Jewish individuals with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in every aspect of Jewish life. The Hebrew word, yachad, Jan McCarthy means togetherness. The social, cultural and religious activities offered at our local Yachad gatherings give participants a chance to build friendships, maintain or improve their independence and social skills, and become better equipped to reach their full potential.

Yachad programs provide a variety of learning opportunities that help members become active participants in our Jewish and larger community. We currently have sixteen members in our Omaha chapter of Yachad. They’re a great bunch.

How long have you been with JFS, and what is your background with Developmental Disabilities?

I was hired by Jewish Family Service to be their Coordinator for the Yachad Program almost six years ago.

My background in the developmental disabilities field began in the 1980s, when I worked with individuals who had recently been released from an institution in Ohio that was closed because of abuse and breach of care. These individuals had great potential and capabilities and were transferred to another residential care facility where my role was to provide education in basic self-care and social skills. In 1996, I was employed as an Independent Support Coordinator by the Florida Medicaid-waiver program, which allows recipients to ‘waive’ institutionalization and instead choose services that would help them continue to live in the community. Each of us wants to live in the least restrictive environment, find a valued role in the world, and pursue leisure and social activities. As a Support Coordinator, I acted as an independent advocate for the consumer, identified and accessed services on behalf of recipients, and helped them access medical, social, educational or other appropriate support and services on their own. I worked in Florida as a

Support Coordinator until my move to Nebraska in 2007.

My job as Coordinator of the Yachad program is part-time.

My full-time profession is as an instructor at Metropolitan Community College, where I teach Philosophy, Ethics, Critical Reasoning and Comparative Religion.

What changes have you seen in Yachad members during your time with Jewish Family Service?

The most satisfying change is to see our members gain greater self-confidence. One Yachad member has successfully transitioned to independent/supported living, and has had a community-based apartment for two years. Another member moved into a community-based facility geared to increasing self-sufficiency. I’m proud that many of our members have improved their physical health through Yachad programs. Feeling healthy and reaching physical

can’t afford these arrangements, there are organizations to assist with funding and securing a safe place. Once adult children are established -- on their own -- in the community, parents can witness their growth, their new-found strengths and new skills. Nothing is more reassuring than watching your child flourish. There is, of course, another practical reason for establishing a community-based home for adult children with developmental disabilities. After all, should the parent become ill or pass away, the adult child who still lived in the family home would then have to move to a new and unknown environment. Grief is hard enough to deal with.

Now, try to imagine having to move out of your comfort zone and into new living arrangements while mourning the loss of your parents or caregiver.

Some parents of adult children with developmental disabilities may disagree with this next bit of advice, but here it comes anyway. I would discourage plenary guardianship -- those cases where a guardian assumes the legal right to make decisions about various aspects of their child’s daily life, because the parent is afraid their son or daughter will make poor decisions. Well, that can be true for any of us. There are times when all of us turn to others for support and advice in order to make wise choices. Again, my professional experience shows me that plenary guardianship should be used only when an adult child suffers a severe intellectual disability which renders him or her incapable of making sound judgements. There are many less restrictive steps that can protect finances and health without violating an individual’s autonomy.

Any other comments you’d like to make, Jan? In order to thrive, each of us -- child or adult -- needs support, understanding and encouragement. When Yachad members display the paintings they created and see people in the community show interest in their work, and in them, the smiles on their faces reflect their growing sense of self-worth.

When a Yachad member feels free enough to dance in front of the TV, during half-time of the Superbowl, to the applause of his Yachad extended family members, the joy is felt by everyone. We need to remember that each one of us is unique.

We all have value and dignity, and each person grows in his own way, in her own time. We need to respect and honor all human beings. I’ve learned so much about life and love from our Yachad members, their families and our volunteers. It has been my pleasure to work with so many community members whose enthusiasm and generosity has provided Yachad with exceptional opportunities. I’m very grateful to be a part of Jewish Family Service and a part of this community.

How will you express acts of connection?

By becoming a Friend of Jewish Family Service.Your donation ensures that JFS will continue to help our Yachad members gain independence by offering programs that are integrated into the community, thereby fostering their connection to their Jewish roots. To learn how you can become a Friend of Jewish Family Service and support the agency’s work, call 402.330.2024.

goals is great for increasing self-confidence. All our members are becoming more aware of their own strengths and skills. I also see an increase in meaningful conversations between Yachad members, the Jewish community and the general public. Integrating people with developmental disabilities into the life of our community is a win-win solution.

What are your hopes and dreams for the Yachad members in, let’s say, five years?

For starters, I’d like to see the community embrace current Yachad members in a way that would encourage other disabled persons in the Jewish Community to explore Yachad membership. I’d love to see more members find a place to live that affords them the highest level of independence. One of my big dreams is to see Yachad have a designated space within the Jewish Community Center campus to be used for recreation, education and creative activities. And if we’re talking highest hopes, I’d like to work with the Tri-Faith Campus to set up a business, maybe a specialty store, that would be a supported work environment for individuals with developmental disabilities from all three faiths. Our community is very generous and forward thinking, so these hopes and dreams could certainly be realized.

One of the greatest concerns expressed by parents who have a child with a developmental disability is, “Who will take care of my adult child in the future, when I no longer can?”

What advice would you give?

I always encourage parents to promote and nurture their child’s sense of self-advocacy and independence. From my experience, everyone benefits when an adult child can live • • • • •• •• • •• • out of the family home and in the community. If the parents

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8 | The Jewish Press | April 25, 2014

Robert Weinstein’s bequest helps children

by MARY BORT never lose that feeling of your hometown.’ It definitely Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer, Jewish Federation of Omaha turned out to be true for me.”

Foundation After he retired the business, Weinstein moved to Robert Weinstein has solid roots in Omaha. He lives in California. His mother resides in Omaha and winters in California and Florida, but has strong ties to his birthplace. Florida; Weinstein joins her there. He visits Omaha every “I’m a nostalgic person about the past, and I have many fond summer. “Every time the plane lands, I have such a warm, memories of growing up in Omaha,” he said. “Omaha is my good feeling that I’ve come home,” he stated. “And it’s always home.” special to run into people I Weinstein’s connections to haven’t seen in a long time.”

Omaha led him to arrange for a Weinstein’s parents joined bequest to fund a future Temple Israel, and he looks endowment fund at the Jewish forward to seeing the new Federation of Omaha Foundabuilding when he visits tion. The Robert L. Weinstein Omaha this summer.

Jewish Community Center Weinstein kept his Omaha Child Development Center connection when he travScholarship Endowment Fund eled to Israel last September. will assist Jewish families from “Marty invited me to come the Omaha metropolitan area on the Jewish Federation of who require financial assisOmaha’s Partnership trip to tance or scholarships to enable Israel,” he said. “It had been their children to enroll in either 38 years since my last visit. childcare or the pre-school pro- Robert Weinstein with the Omaha group during their Returning to Israel was gram provided through the Partnership TRIP2GETHER mission to Israel last fall. Front amazing. The Omaha group Pennie Z. Davis Child row: Bonnie Horwich, Patty Nogg, Zoë Riekes, Rhoda was terrific, and I can’t say Priesman, Harlan Priesman; middle row: Steve Nogg, Ari enough about Jan Goldstein Development Center (CDC).

Harel (tour guide), Weinstein; back row: Howard Goldstein, and Zoë Riekes, who “When I was thinking of setJan Goldstein, Marty Ricks, Iris Ricks. ting up an endowment, I knew arranged the trip.” that Omaha was the only place to do it,” explained According to Foundation Executive Director Howard Weinstein. “Omaha is in my heart and soul.”

Epstein, “A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of talkWeinstein credits Marty Ricks, former Foundation ing with Robert about his bequest. He is passionate about Executive Director and current Chief Development Officer Omaha’s Jewish community and helping the children at the for the Jewish Federation of Omaha, for helping arrange CDC. Robert’s gift will leave a lasting legacy that will signifWeinstein’s future endowment fund. “Being close to Marty, I icantly impact Omaha’s Jewish families for years to come.” learned a lot about the Foundation and all the funds,” he To sum up why he chose to support the CDC, Weinstein said.” And Marty gave me a tour of the CDC, which led me noted the classes he’s taken in the Middle East Studies to decide on the purpose of my endowment fund. It was an Program through Florida Atlantic University’s Life Long easy decision.”

Learning Society. “I’m struck by the way that radical groups “It is also wonderful to know people who already had recruit children,” he explained. “Children need the right Foundation funds and are philanthropic, such as Ike and guidance and connections. We see the problems with gangs Roz Friedman and their family,” he continued. “They were in our society, and how young people lacking connections our neighbors and we were very close. Additionally, my join gangs. I believe that early education makes an impormother was close to Ruthie Sokolof, and I’ve witnessed the tant difference for our community’s kids.” philanthropic approach that the Sokolof family always fol“If I can help some hard-working families in Omaha who lowed. These connections were instrumental in my decision can’t afford to send their children to the CDC, then my to make the Foundation bequest.” future endowment fund will help them,” he concluded. “I Weinstein’s parents are Shirley Fox Weinstein and the late want every child to get a good start.”

Herman Weinstein. “I was fortunate to grow up in Omaha,” To learn more about establishing a charitable endowment noted Weinstein. “I was lucky enough to live near my uncles, fund at the Foundation, contact Howard Epstein at Philip and Alfred Fox, and cousins, grandparents, paternal 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org. great-grandparents and other family. We were a very close family.”

“We lived near 49th and Cass and then the ‘Old Bagel’ neighborhood,” he recalled. “I have fond memories of my Bar Mitzvah by Rabbi Myer Kripke at Beth El. I participated in B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS USY and AZA, enjoyed going to the old Jewish Community Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, April 30, noon, Center, and attended camps through the JCC. My time at at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. An optional buffet lunch Camp Herzl reinforced my connection to Judaism.”

Weinstein graduated from Central High School and then costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was active in or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnai his Jewish fraternity. After graduating with a degree in busi- brith@jewishomaha.org. ness, Weinstein went to law school at Creighton University.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Eventually, Weinstein started Artisan Seating Guess what? Spring is Here!! We’ve resumed our meetings International. “We designed and manufactured designer seating for offices and other commercial locations,” he said. on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Jewish “I oversaw marketing and traveled extensively. But, as my Home’s boardroom. We welcome all who would like to uncle, Al Fox, told me, ‘No matter how far you travel, you attend. For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

Organizations

Star Deli celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut

by OZZIE NOGG Beginning in the evening of Monday, May 5, and ending at sunset on Tuesday, May 6, Jews everywhere will celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, which commemorates the 1948 Declaration of Independence by the State of Israel.

In honor of this momentous event, Omaha’s own Star Deli will offer an Israel Independence Day menu on Friday, May 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the

Silverman Auditorium at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “This is the perfect time to declare your independence from the kitchen,” said Mike Aparo, Director of Food Services at the RBJH. “Come let our Star Deli chefs do the cooking. All you have to do is enjoy lunch with family and friends.”

The Israel Independence Day menu features authentic Grilled Turkey Thigh Shawarma Sandwich on Freshly Baked Pita with French Fries on the side. “Just like you’d get in a restaurant on Dizengoff Street,” Aparo said.

Traditional Star Deli menu items -- corned beef, pastrami, smoked turkey, egg or tuna salad sandwiches along with ever-popular salads and sides -- will also be available. Also, anyone who wears an Israeli flag shirt or clothing will receive a free dessert. “On Yom Ha’atzmaut, families in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and all around the country, celebrate with picnics and barbecues,” said Josh Gurock, Director of Operations at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “We’re in Omaha, but Star Deli knows how to bring a taste of Israel to our community. On Friday, May 2, the place to be is at the The Israel Independence Day lunch.”

Launched in July of 2010, The Star Deli on Main Street -- with its garlicky aromas and the raucous atmosphere of a Lower East Side eatery -- is a favorite Friday lunch destination for local chow hounds. Open for business Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Star Deli is happy to host special occasions and will reserve private dining spaces in the RBJH for large groups. And Star Catering can add spice to your meetings, parties, and life cycle events. For more information about Star Catering, please contact Mike Aparo, 402.334.6522 or visit the web page -- http://www.rbjh.com/index.php/star-catering/home.

And you can LIKE the Star Deli on their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/star.deli.rbjh.

Birth Brittany and Michael Schackman of Plano, TX announce the Dec. 18 birth of their daughter Blair Elise.

She is named for her maternal great-grandmother, Ethel Wald and paternal great-grandmother, Evelyn Schackman Grandparents are Harriet and Ron Epstein of Omaha and Susan and Sandy Schackman of Plano, TX.

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April 25, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 9

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Noise

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Ever since former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was forced to leave his overpriced palace, Ukraine and Russia have exchanged allegations of antiSemitism. While at first it seems like a case of the pot calling the kettle black, the truth may be a little more complicated.

Several violent attacks have been documented in Ukraine since the revolution began, including the stabbing of a rabbi, the defacing of the Holocaust monument in Odessa with swastikas, a number of street beatings and the attempted torching of a synagogue in Zaporizhia in February and in Nikolayev this past week (JTA). This latest attempted burning of a synagogue comes on the heels of the anti-Semitic fliers that were handed out in the city of Donetsk at the start of Pesach. The fliers, supposedly distributed by the Donetsk People’s Republic, ordered all Jews 16 and older to register with the government or face deportation and confiscation of their property.

"It is beyond unacceptable, and any of the people who engage in these kinds of activities -- from whatever party or whatever ideology or whatever place they crawl out of -- there is no place for that," said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Kerry is correct; it is deplorable. He is also right when he uses the words “whatever party or whatever ideology or whatever place,” because it is not easy to get a clear read on the situation.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine revolution, Russian President Vladimir Putin has brought up the treatment of Jews in Ukraine as his main reason for intervention. Not so, says Ukraine. In March of this year, Leading Ukrainian Jews took out a full page ad in several newspapers, among them the New York Times and Haaretz, and denounced Putin: “Your certainty of the growth of anti-Semitism in Ukraine does not correspond to the actual facts. It seems you have confused Ukraine with Russia,” read part of the text. The letter was immediately criticized by Chief Russian rabbi Berel

Lazar: “The Jewish community should not be the one sending messages to President Barack Obama or to President Putin or to any other leader. It’s the wrong attitude,” he told JTA. Of course, the ultra-nationalist Svoboda party has had a big role in Ukraine’s revolution, so Putin isn’t completely making things up. Svoboda is bad news, there is no question; the party has a long track record of xenophobia and anti-Semitism.

Then, on March 19, St. Petersburg councilman Vitaly Milonov, member of Russia’s ruling party, brought up the “Jews-killed-Jesus” libel during a meeting of the city council.

This came on the heels of a news anchor saying on Russian state

television: “the Jews brought the Holocaust upon themselves.”

That must have been awkward for Putin. Time for a counter move.

On April 14 (yes, the same day those stupid fliers were handed out) Putin wrote a holiday greeting: “Russian Jews are making an enormous contribution to strengthening Russian society’s cohesion. The Jewish community works to preserve stability and consensus in the general public and actively participates in the education of the younger generation as well as charity and humanitarian actions.” (JTA) Happy Passover, Vladimir, but here’s my question: why is so much time and energy spent on deciding who is more anti-Semitic, Russia or Ukraine?

“Unfortunately,” wrote ADL National Director Abraham Foxman, this was just the latest escalation in a series of political maneuvers in Ukraine where the anti-Semitism card has been repeatedly overplayed. Manufactured incidents of anti-Semitism have been cynically used to discredit political opponents as anti-Semites, whether they are or not. In recent years, some Ukrainian political operatives have spread rumors that opposing candidates are Jewish, likewise whether they are or not.” (USAtoday.com) Overplaying the anti-Semitic card is a dangerous thing. If that’s what Putin is doing, that is. And that is a very difficult thing for us in the US to decide, because the news we receive is fragmented and, more often than not, subjective.

And every story we read about Russia, and by extension Ukraine, is colored by what we think we know. For every point, there is a counterpoint. It’s possible to read 50 different sources about the situation in Ukraine and come away more confused than ever.

When anti-Semitism occurs, it deserves our attention, every single time. We should not let the strange back-and-forth between Moscow and Kiev distract us from that. Because when politicians play that anti-Semitism card, as Foxman pointed out, we may just take our eyes off the real issue.

Why ‘Israeli’ is not a nationality

Focus on issues YEDIDIA Z. STERN and JAY RUDERMAN JERUSALEM (JTA) -- For Americans, the definition of national identity is straightforward: It goes hand in hand with citizenship. If you are an American citizen, you are also American by nationality. The same applies to the French, Germans and many others.

In Israel, however, there is a different but equally valid conception of the relationship between citizenship and nationality. Indeed, this understanding is central to Israel’s identity as a Jewish state.

The State of Israel maintains a national population registry in which every resident is classified by both “citizenship” and “nationality.” The citizenship of all Israelis is listed as “Israeli.” However, under “nationality,” Israelis are defined as belonging to different ethnic and religious groups, among them Jewish, Arab and Druze.

Several prominent Israelis -- including a former education minister, a former Knesset member, a celebrated playwright and several Arab citizens -- requested that the state recognize a new category of “Israeli” nationality that could be applied to all citizens, Jews and Arabs alike.

In a petition to the Israeli Supreme Court, they argued that the current nationality categorization system, in distinguishing between Arabs and Jews, contributes to discrimination against Israel’s Arab citizens. In other words, in order to protect Arab civil rights, the petitioners want to create a new collective Israeli nationality to parallel the collective Israeli citizenship.

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Caryn Scheer, Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Scott Farkas; Sandy Friedman; Noah Priluck; Paul Rabinowitz; Mark Senal; Nancy Wolf; David Kotok, Sarah Grossman-Lopez.

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Israeli society, however, must differentiate between the necessary task of ensuring the equal rights of all citizens and needlessly abrogating the bond of peoplehood that ties together all Jews no matter their country of residence. Thankfully, Israel’s Supreme Court made this important distinction.

In a decision handed down in October 2013, the Supreme Court denied the request to recognize Israeli as a nationality. It gave several essential reasons for supporting a specific Jewish nationality over a general Israeli nationality.

First, since it is reasonable to assume that a person cannot have two nationalities, this change would compel Jewish citizens of Israel to choose between being Israeli and Jewish.

Most Israeli Jews would be forced into an impossible predicament. We see ourselves as both Jewish and Israeli, and one does not exclude the other.

Second, if the nationality of Jewish citizens of Israel were to be classified as Israeli, the implication would be that Judaism is not a nationality for them but is solely a religion.

This idea is antithetical to the fundamental doctrine of Zionism and its main thinkers, from Herzl to Ben-Gurion, who saw Zionism as the national movement of the Jewish people.

Third, if the nationality of Jewish Israelis is defined as Israeli rather than Jewish, then the national bond we believe binds together Jews in Israel and Jews in the Diaspora would be severed.

The court dealt with this last point extensively. It adopted the position that one of Israel’s essential characteristics as a Jewish state is its responsibility for the fate of the entire Jewish people -- including the Jews of the Diaspora.

For example, the Israeli penal code applies to crimes that

are committed against Jews because they are Jews even if those crimes are committed outside of Israel, and it applies to property of Jewish institutions that is vandalized as well.

The State of Israel has thus taken upon itself the duty of protecting world Jewry as a profound expression of global Jewish solidarity.

The responsibility of the State of Israel for world Jewry is an important expression of the fact that Israel is more than just an ordinary democratic state; it is also a Jewish state.

Though we may be divided by geography and citizenship, Israeli and American Jews -- and our brothers and sisters around the world -- are members of one nation.

Thus, it is imperative for the State of Israel to distinguish between citizenship and nationality.

Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs share a common citizenship.

They are all Israelis. They are therefore entitled to and must be accorded the same civil rights.

But they are not members of the same nation. Nationality, according to the Israeli Supreme Court, is derived from traits such as religion, culture and collective historical memory. This is another manifestation of the puzzle of identities characterizing the Jewish nation-state.

As a country that defines itself as both a democracy and the homeland of the Jewish people, debates will continue as to who is a Jew and who is an Israeli. What matters most is that we approach these debates in a respectful and consistent manner. The future of Israel depends on it.

Yedidia Z. Stern is vice president of research at the Israel Democracy Institute and a professor of law at Bar-Ilan University. Jay Ruderman is president of the Ruderman Family Foundation.

ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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10 | The Jewish Press | April 25, 2014

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, please call 712.323.8885.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Our Shabbat Tables, Shabbat dinners at participants’ home. For more information, contact Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@yahoo. com.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. We celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Amanda Simon, daughter of Jill and Scott Simon; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8 p.m.

SUNDAY: BESTT Classess, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; The Secrets of the Jews, 10 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg (last class of year); Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.; Sunday Scholar Series, 11 a.m., with Dr. Fred Kader on My Experience during the Shoah; Mincha/Ma’ariv/Yom HaShoah, 5:30 p.m.

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

MONDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Wrestling with Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham.; ChaverWeb Training Class, 7 p.m. led

by Melissa Massey and Cait Leff.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Yom HaShoah program for teenagers, 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel; Community Yom HaShoah Remembrance Program, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel.

THURSDAY: Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, “What’s in a Name?”, 7 p.m. hosted by Laurel Krausman and Roni Reiter Palmon at Beht El. BESTT Shabbaton at Gretna 4-H Camp, May 2-4.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 7:57 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit (Barchu), 9 a.m.; Mincha, 7:45 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 9:01 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Gross.

THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m.

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

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

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

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

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

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Shabbat Evening Service, with special guest Rabbi Lawrence Troster, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Pam and Steve Ganz.

SATURDAY: Creation Care for Congregations: Theological Foundations, Energy Efficiency, and Waste Management for Greening Houses of Worship with Rabbi Lawrence Troster, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Nebraska Wesleyan University, Callen Hall. For questions email info@nebraksaipl.org or call 402.405.9425; Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Kedoshim.

SUNDAY: Temple Garden Clean-up, 9 a.m.-noon. If you are interested in donating supplies or helping with summer wedding and watering please contact Ellin Siegel at ellin7@aol.com or 402.327.9988; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Teachers, 12:15-1:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony, 3 p.m. at State Capitol Rotunda.

TUESDAY: Cantillation Class, 7:30 p.m.

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

THURSDAY: 30th Annual Lincoln Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, 333 S. 13th St in Lincoln.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism led by Rabbi Lewis.

THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m.

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

contact Director of Lifelong Learning Debbie Massarano for more information.

SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m. Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402-556-6536, to let us know you are coming; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Shelby Goodman, daughter of Jennifer and Scott Goodman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Temple Israel Blood Drive, 8 a.m. Schedule an appointment online, http://www.redcrossblood.org/makedonation-sponsor, using code 009113, call 1-800-REDCROSS or email Executive Director Dennis DePorte. Bring a photo ID and drink plenty of water before you donate; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Non-Jewish Parents Raising Jewish Children, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel; Adult Hebrew Class, 11 a.m.; Temple TED Talk: Sir Ken Robinson, 11 a.m. on How Schools Kill Creativity presented by Dan Gilbert; Kol Rina and St. Paul United Methodist Church Choir, 11 a.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

MONDAY: Conclusion of Passover: Matzah Brei Breakfast, 9:30 a.m.; Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.

TUESDAY: Mah Jongg Lessons and Practice, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. $45 per person and includes 2014 Mah Jongg card.

Contact the Temple office to RSVP; Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Bible Study with Rabbi Azriel, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Yom Hashoah Dinner, 6 p.m. and Yom Hashoah Service, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Music in Transition, 10 a.m. with Cantor Shermet.

Shabbat Service with Kol Rina and St. Paul United Methodist Church Choir, Friday, May 2, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel “Reflections on America” Omaha Symphonic Chorus Performance featuring the Offutt Brass Band, Friday, May 2, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Services, 6:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: JCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Teachers, 12:15-1:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony, 3 p.m. at State Capitol Rotunda.

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

THURSDAY: 30th Annual Lincoln Mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, 333 S. 13th St in Lincoln.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Beth El. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet; Grade 8 Trip Mahoney Shabbaton: Please

Temple Israel’s Seder

Cantor Wendy Shermet led the children in singing Dayenu during Temple Israel’s Passover Seder on April 15.

Candlelighting Friday, April 25, 7:57 p.m.

Temple Israel youth gathered around the Seder plate during the Passover Seder on April 15 to make sure Elijah drank from his cup of wine.

Beth El asks: What’s in a name?

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity The Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group will welcome the month of Iyar on Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m., during a get-together at the synagogue themed What’s in a Name? During the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to share their Hebrew names and the significance behind them, and hosts Laurel Krausman and Roni Reiter-Palmon will explain the meanings of those names. Participants will also learn how to write their Hebrew names using calligraphy.

“We’re asking people to share their Hebrew name and a personal story of who they are named after, why they are named after that person, etc.,” Krausman said. “Some people got to choose their own Hebrew names and can tell us why they made that choice. Everyone has a story and very often they are fascinating.”

She added that the evening will be “a great learning experience, both for the individual and as a chance to learn more about one another. It is fun to discover new information about yourself (the meaning of your Hebrew name) and about other people (their personal stories).

People like to share and listen and learn.”

All women in the Jewish community are welcome to join the conversation. Reservations are requested and may be made by contacting Krausman at lkrausman@gmail.com.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

April 25, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 11

New at the Kripke Library Free Spirit, by Joshua Safran. An autobiographical novel about growing up on the road and off the grid. When the author was four years old, his mother was determined to keep him safe from nuclear war and Ronald Reagan, and together they took to the open road.

Arik: The Life of Ariel Sharon, by David Landau. A thorough look at Sharon’s life and political career.

The Auschwitz Volunteer: Beyond Bravery, by Captian Witold Pilecki. The story of a man who volunteered to be captured and imprisoned in Auschwitz in order to bear witness.

Karen and Friends

Joyce Torchia, left, Pegi Georgeson, Gene Klosner, Karen Javitch, Hannah Goodman, Grace Bydalek and Daniel Denenberg entertain the crowd during a recent live concert.

Letter TO THE EDITOR

Omaha Gives!

by JUSTIN ZACHARY SPOONER Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha Omaha’s second annual 24-hour charitable challenge is set for May 21. Over 500 nonprofits are registered, the Jewish Federation of Omaha included. This is another chance to help support all of the amazing work done by the Federation and our agencies.

On May 21, you will have 24 hours to support the Jewish Federation by making a donation of $10 or more. To help make the donations go further, the Omaha Community Foundation has secured over $100,000 in prize money for the nonprofits that receive the most support. In addition, one nonprofit selected at random each hour will get an additional $1,000 over its donations.

During last year’s Omaha Gives!, KANEKO received over $250,000 in funds. The Nebraska Humane Society received over 740 total donations. We can do this, too. Save the date, May 21, to get online and participate in this wonderful community-building program. As we strive to achieve our mission of meeting the needs of our Jewish community, we ask your help.

Omaha Gives! -- “It’s rallying the whole community,” said Amanda Brewer of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, who raised over $20,000. “Everyone can be a change agent.”

If you have any questions, please contact Zach Spooner at 402.334.6431 or email at zspooner@jewishomaha.org.

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Temple Israel blood drive

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer For the last six years, Temple Israel has met or exceeded its quota of blood donations, and on Sunday, April 27, the congregation is looking to make it six straight for its annual Red Cross Blood Drive.

“Blood donations are always needed,” Executive Director Dennis DePorte said. “And giving blood is one of the easiest things we can do to help our community.”

Temple Israel’s goal is to collect 34 pints of blood from at least 40 volunteers. Anyone interested in donating can visit www.redcrossblood.org and search sponsor code 009113 to make an appointment. You may also call 800RED-CROSS or contact Deporte at ddeporte@templeisr aelomaha.com or 402.556.6536 to make an appointment.

“To paraphrase the Talmud, to save one life is to save the entire world,” Rabbi Josh Brown said.

Temple Israel member Sarah Gilbert is a frequent blood donor.

“The first time I gave blood was in graduate school, to keep some friends company,” Gilbert said. “After I read just one brochure on how donated blood saves lives, I made a goal to become a 10-gallon donor. I hope that nobody I know ever needs donated blood, for either trauma or a chronic condition, but if they do, I want to do everything I can to ensure an ample supply of blood.”

Volunteers are reminded to bring a photo ID and to drink plenty of water and eat before they donate.

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Dear Editor: In the Jewish Press (April 4, 2014) Annette Van De KampWright calls her readers’ attention to the dangers of the European right. She’s absolutely correct in doing so.

However we would be foolish to ignore dangers from the left, both in Europe and America.

In Europe the left has taken a virulent anti-Israel position, urging divestment from Israel and only Israel. This, and attacks on Jews, has become worse as the Muslim population in Europe has increased. The same thing is happening on many American college campuses where leftist professors collaborate with leftist and Muslim students in urging divestment from Israel. Some of the anti-Israel campus leaders are Jewish students. Since their action is directed against only Israel, the only Jewish nation on earth, this activity, in my opinion, borders on anti-Semitism.

Brandeis University was about to honor Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Muslim woman, who has called the world’s attention to abuse of women by Islam. Because of pressure from Muslim groups and leftist students and professors, Brandeis “divested” itself from Ali and decided not to honor her. Yet Brandeis has recognized and honored people who are virulently antiIsrael like playwright Tony Kushner and the well known antiSemite, Desmond Tutu. It would be unsafe on many college campuses in America today to announce publicly that one is a Zionist. It wouldn’t fit in with today’s leftist views on Israel and leftist rules on what is permissible speech. I could give many more examples of leftist efforts to limit free speech, but the Press wouldn’t have enough space to print all of it.

Sincerely, Maynard Telpner Talent, Oregon 97540 | Telephone 541.897.0634

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12 | The Jewish Press | April 25, 2014

In Memoriam: Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Rabbi Myer S. Kripke passed away Friday, April 11 at the age of 100.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy and his daughter, Netta Stern. He is survived by his son, Saul A. Kripke; daughter and son-in-law, Madeline F. Kripke and Yossi Stern; grandson, Gil Stern (Brandee); granddaughter, Tamar Stern, and two great grandsons, Benjamin and Ari Stern.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at Beth El. Internment immediately followed at Beth El cemetery. The meal of consolation was held at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

It’s not a question many of us are ever asked: What would you do if you had 100 years to live? In Rabbi Kripke’s case, the answer is: “Quite a lot.”

Born in Toledo, Ohio on Jan. 21, 1914 to J. Michael Kripke and Nettie Goldman Kripke, he was one of nine children. He was an excellent student, and attended both New York University and Columbia University, where he earned a Master’s in Philosophy.

He then enrolled in Rabbinical School at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and was ordained in the spring of 1937.

He and his wife Dorothy came to Omaha’s Beth El (then located at 49th and Farnam) in 1946 and raised their three children here. According to Rabbi Steven Abraham: “Once in Omaha, Rabbi Kripke began to see his role not only as a pulpit rabbi but also as ambassador of the Jewish faith within the greater Omaha community. Whether it be speaking at churches or meeting with religious leaders of other faiths, Rabbi wanted to educate the outside community about Jews, in the hopes of promoting greater tolerance and respect.”

Dorothy became a writer of children’s books (how many of us have read Let’s Talk About God to our kids and grandkids?) and, along the way, the Kripkes struck up a friendship with Susie and Warren Buffett. The rest, as they say, is history: Dorothy received a small inheritance, and they decided to invest the money with Berkshire Hathaway. They did quite well, allowing them to honor the Jewish Theological

Seminary with the gift of rebuilding the tower, which had been destroyed in a fire.

It was an appropriate cause. Rabbi and Dorothy had met at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and it’s where they were married. The wedding was officiated by the late chancellor, Dr. Louis Finkelstein, but the fee was waved because at the time the Kripkes could ill afford it. Legend has it that Dr. Finkelstein told Rabbi Kripke that, would he one day have the means to reimburse the seminary, it would be appreciated.

It didn’t stop there: additional gifts were made to the University of Nebraska, Creighton University, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha, which nowadays houses both the Kripke Library and the Kripke Bed & Breakfast office section by the main entrance.

Mike Silverman, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation, said: “Rabbi Kripke was a source of insight and inspiration to so many people. Always smiling and willing to converse, his magnetic personality drew you to him. And you felt special when in his presence. For all the staff at the Home, we feel extremely privileged to have cared for him. ” Rabbi’s sermons were always carefully constructed, according to Dick Fellman, who gave the opening eulogy on April 14: “Everyone who heard him remembers his deep, sonorous voice, and the absolutely wonderful way he read, whether in Hebrew or English.”

Yet, in spite of all his accomplishments, Rabbi Kripke was a humble man.

Fellman illustrated it beautifully in that same eulogy: “The third chapter of proverbs says: Happy is the one who finds wisdom, and one who obtains understanding, but be not one who is wise in his own eyes. To the humble, God gives grace. And this tells us much of what we know of Rabbi Kripke... wise, understanding, modest, humble, a man of grace.”

“What struck me about Rabbi Kripke,” Rabbi Steven Abraham said, “was that everyone knew he was a brilliant scholar and a once in a generation mind, but what was less apparent was how much he valued the aesthetics of the synagogue. He embraced the importance of hiddur mitzvah, enhancing ritual with fine art. He was responsible for commissioning unique silver ritual objects for Beth El’s pulpit and sanctuary.

Not unlike the Passover Seder, teaching and learning did not only have to take place via sermons and classes, but could also come in the form of art and music.”

Rabbi’s passing marks the end of an era. It is difficult to say goodbye, and it is difficult to summarize the gift to our community that was Rabbi Kripke. Perhaps Dick Fellman put it best when he called Rabbi Kripke “a man of great wisdom, a man of great understanding, and a man of such modesty that he truly believed in his own eyes that he was not wise.

To Rabbi Kripke God gave grace, and in turn Rabbi graced us with a century of goodness and giving. To this man, Rabbi and teacher, scholar and counselor, relative and friend, we offer our final respects, and we say todah rabah.”

WE KEEP NEBRASKA HEALTHY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. The University of Nebraska Medical Center currently ranks No. 6 nationally in primary care education. And, our rural medical program now is No. 9. While this may prove there is plenty of brainpower in the heart of America, we are by no means satisfied. It is this relentless pursuit of excellence in education, research and care that draws people – faculty, physicians, staff, students and patients alike – to us from across the country and around the world.

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