Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Humanitarians of the Year
May 9, 2014 9 Iyar 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 34
This Week
by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha When asked to consider the magnitude of being recognized as Humanitarians of the Year by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Jack Baker, representing the Baker family, said, “Judaism is the core of my family’s belief system. It is who we are. My brother Bob, our spouses, children and grandchildren all strive to be good people and do the right thing. That’s who we are.” Both Jack’s and wife Judy’s parents immigrated to the United States. He and Bob were born in Walnut, Iowa, where father, Abe, opened a grocery store in 1927. “With only 900 people in Walnut, we were the only Jewish family. When my father expanded his business with a store in Bellevue, we moved to Omaha where religious, cultural and social opportunities were so much greater.” It was their grandfather, Meyer Schulman, who guided their religious education, including Jack’s Bar Mitzvah at B’nai Israel on 18th street north of Dodge. “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. I am still
Don’t miss the 60th B’nai B’rith Sports Banquet Page 4
Temple Israel’s new Torah covers Page 7
Jack and Bob Baker in awe of my parents and grandparents, who fled persecution and, under great peril, came to America for a better life,” said Jack. “Growing up with family who taught us about Jews’ resiliency, perseverance and determination, seeing that unfold right before our eyes, it makes me very proud,” he continued.
Home celebration is one for the books
Family First The Baker family today includes Jack, wife Judy and children Betsy, Tom and Jim and four grandchildren. Bob and wife Sonya have three children: Scott, Bruce and Dan, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bob and Sonya reside in Sun Valley, Idaho, yet remain ardent supporters of
the Federation’s Annual Campaign. “In my view, this wonderful recognition of our family is perfectly titled, as I’ve always viewed previous generations of our family as true humanitarians. My siblings, our children and cousins were raised understanding that taking care of those around us, in particular those in need, is neither a duty, obligation or burden thrust upon us, but rather, one of the most important and joyous aspects of our lives,” said Tom. Betsy Baker describes her parents and grandparents as tremendous role models for her and her brothers. “I was raised with the mindset that it is important to give back, be a part of something bigger than me, and to say yes when asked to volunteer for meaningful and worthwhile causes.” “As a company, Baker's was extremely involved in the community, and the rewards of helping friends and neighbors were as beneficial for us as it was for those we could help. My own children have this same sense of responsibility and work ethic, and they cherish the stories they’ve heard about their family.” With great sincerity Jack added, Continued on page 2
Beth El’s AAA Yad Squad readies youngsters
Becoming saints Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
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This Month High School Graduation See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
Rabbi Weiss, left, Linda Cogen, Karen Hook, Mary Heiman, Shelley Cash, Josh Gurock, Tyler Wolles, Aaron Dittmer, Jessy Ahabbar, Deb Simon, Karen Menagh, and Stephanie Silva. Not pictured: Stephanie Hinsley, Jenn Tompkins Kirshenbaum, Natalie Osborne, and Doug Smith. by OZZIE NOGG National Nursing Home Week will be observed again this year at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The festivities kick off on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, with a concert by Smooth Jazz and Love Songs with James Wagner, and a L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers to the Elderly) special cheesecake tea for Residents. Nursing Home Week ac-
tivities continue through Friday, May 16, with a Style Show scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 at 1:30 p.m. in the RBJH Silverman Auditorium. During the week, staff celebrating anniversaries in five year increments will receive special awards. “This year’s theme is Literature,” said Maggie Conti, RBJH Director of Activities and Outreach Programs. “Each neighborhood will base its decorations on a famous book; and even comic books count. There will be games, contests, prizes, whacky food and Blumkin Home royalty -Joie Simon and Louise Abrahamson -- will be on hand with surprises. This is going to be a week of zaniness and gobs of fun for both our Residents and staff.” Working with Conti on the Nursing Home Week planning committee Continued on page 2
Beth El’s Hazzan Michael Krausman works with members of his AAA Yad Squad, Ethan Finkelstein, left, David Kay, Spencer Gordman, Zach Krausman and Ari Finkelstein. by JILL BELMONT form a special bond with the cenBeth El Publicity turies-old tradition of Torah readOn their way up to the big leagues, ing as well as the Torah itself, and athletes often hone their skills by to give participants the opportunity playing on farm teams. And now at to gain experience chanting in front Beth El, Hazzan Michael Krausman of the congregation before their has created his own farm team of B’nai Mitzvah.” The students, who meet with the Torah readers, aptly named the AAA Yad Squad. The squad is made hazzan after religious school on up of Talmud Torah students, all en- Sundays and occasionally on thusiastic about sharpening their Wednesdays are “very bright and Torah skills for a lifetime of reading. talented students,” he said. “They’ve The select group is currently learned their portions very quickly comprised of fourth- to seventh – quicker than adults usually can.” The team has enthusiastically graders. By the time their B’nai Mitzvah roll around in a few years, taken on the challenge of learning these kids will undoubtedly be sea- tropes and portions. Their first soned Torah-reading pros ready to foray into public Torah reading be bumped up to the major league took place during services leading of readers, known as the Yad Squad. up to or during Passover, and acHazzan Krausman said his two cording to their instructor/coach, objectives for this group are “to Continued on page 2