AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
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MAY 8, 2 02 0 | 1 4 IYA R 578 0 | VO L. 1 00 | NO. 2 9 | 3 SECTIONS | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 8:11 P.M.
Remembering Sue Meyers Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration Page A7
Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group Zooming along Page A8
On the national level, she served on the International AfANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT fairs Committee which set policy regarding Israel-related Editor, Jewish Press work. She also served on the National Membership Comue (Harriet) Meyers passed away April 20 at the mittee and the Field Service Committee. age of 85. Sue was a lifelong volunteer for The “I like what NCJW does and what it National Council of Jewish stands for,” she also said. “There is real Women (since 1958) on value to the services it provides.” the local and national Among the many other causes Sue level, the Douglas County Homestead Meyers championed over the years, Exemption Program, Temple Israel, one deserves special mention: she was and many other charities. a member of the Mayor’s Commission In September 1980, Sue said: on the Status of Women from 1973-75. “The personal satisfaction I get “There is a difference between from volunteer work is hard to dewomen’s rights and women’s liberascribe. I sometimes wonder where I tion, ” she said. “The Commission find the time, but I guess I want to worked for women’s rights, for equal make the time—so I do. Everything pay and equal opportunity for educaI’ve done gives me some kind of satistion. We also started a rape hotline. I faction in its own way. I’ve met some personally was involved with the situof the most wonderful people, beation of women who were incarcercause volunteer work fills your life ated, how they were treated, what with wonderful people.” rehabilitation was available. It was fasThe list of organizations Sue dedicinating work. ” cated her time to is long, but it is the In 1981, Sue was awarded the presNational Council of Jewish Women Sue Meyers tigious Hannah G. Solomon Award, that was front and center in her philwhich is presented by NCJW to an individual who has anthropic work. She was the financial secretary for the changed the lives of others through his or her leadership efNCJW-Omaha section from 1967-69. From 1969-71, she was forts and service. Honorees are those who have helped Ways and Means Vice President and from 1971-73 she was change and expand the role of others in vital areas of comthe President. Then, in 1975, she became the Chair for the munity life, and whose leadership in areas of NCJ W concern thrift shop: — improving the quality of life for women, children, and “I love the thrift shop,” Sue said at the time. “It provides families — has motivated others to fight for change, and has good quality, inexpensive clothing. It’s a good feeling to see See Sue Meyers page A2 people leave the shop happy with what they bought.”
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Europe on $5.00 a day: True stories Page C1
Teen Leadership Award
REGULARS
Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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Spirit of Federation
Lauren Kugler
Zoe Berman
Patty Lee Nogg
Bruce Friedlander
GABBY BLAIR Staff writer, Jewish Press The Robert and Ellen Gordman
Jewish Teen Leadership Award annually honors two local teens who have demonstrated exceptional commitments to our community. Criteria for nomination includes active participation and demonstrated leadership ability in local youth groups, strengthening their organizations, developing future leadership and community involvement. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that this year’s award winners are Lauren Kugler and Zoe Berman. See Teen Leadership page A4
Although our community has many opportunities to say thank you to the amazing kindness shown by our lay leaders, it is particularly important to remember those kind deeds right now. While we are unable to plan for a Jewish Federation of Omaha Awards Night and Annual Meeting the way we have done in the past, we are no less eager to shine the light on a number of people who have gone above and beyond. During the month of May, we highlight our awardees, leading up to the Virtual Annual Meeting, which is
scheduled for Monday, June 1. As we get closer to that date, we ask that you check our website at www.jewishomaha.org for the latest details, just in case we have to adjust the time and/or date. If there is one thing we have all learned: sometimes plans change. Patty Lee Nogg and Bruce Friedlander are this year’s Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award recipients. Both recipients agree it’s an interesting time to prepare for the Annual Meeting. See Spirit of Federation page A3