May 16, 2014

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

Patty and Steve Nogg support This Omaha’s Jewish Community Week May 16, 2014 16 Iyar 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 35

Celebrating 30 years of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

Chicago consultant to talk about Special Needs Page 5

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Steve and Patty Nogg grew up here.

Steve is from Omaha and Patty is from Council Bluffs. Steve and Patty met and were married in Omaha, and chose to raise their family here.

And they both care deeply about Omaha’s Jewish community.

To honor the memories of loved ones, Steve and Patty established three endowment funds at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Additionally, they made arrangements to create future endowment funds to support the Jewish Federation of Omaha in perpetuity.

According to Steve, “Patty and I have been active in Omaha’s Jewish community; we’re a part of it. And we don’t take it for granted. We’re both very proud and appreciative, so we are doing all we can to support everything that goes on here and try to be role models for our contemporaries, and for our children and grandchildren.”

In 1994, the Noggs established the Ernie and Adalyn Nogg Memorial

Steve and Patty Nogg Endowment Fund in memory of Steve’s parents. The fund’s purpose is to support special programming activities at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) for Jewish youth, from

preschool through college years.

Steve attended Central High School.

“The old ‘J’ was right across from Central,” recalled Steve. “Mom and Dad were so thankful that my sisters, Lynne

and Jane, and I could go to the ‘J’ and enjoy the services and programs they provided to the community.”

“I know that Mom and Dad would love the endowment we established in their memory,” said Steve. “Their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren have had great experiences at the JCC.” To honor the memory of Patty’s parents, the Noggs established the Betty A. Studna and Seymour T. Lee Endowment Fund in 2000. The fund supports programs that honor grandparents or any program or project sponsored by the League Offering Volunteerism to the Elderly (L.O.V.E) auxiliary of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH).

“Steve and I were co-presidents of the Auxiliary for L.O.V.E.,” stated Patty. “We got to see the important services provided to older community members. It’s about honoring your parents and grandparents, and doing the right thing. We wanted to honor Mom and Dad’s memories Continued on page 2

Our Foundation staff Past Foundation Directors

Financial Aid Committee awards scholarships Page 9

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

12 14 15

Next Week High School Graduation See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

Back row: Laurie Peatrowsky, left, Mary Bort, and Margo Parsow. Front Row: Janet Henthorn and Howard N. Epstein.

by MARY BORT Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation achieving C.A.P. certification in JanThe Jewish Federation of Omaha uary of this year.

Foundation’s staff is dedicated to Howard is responsible for the working with the Foundation’s Board overall management and direction of of Directors in the Foundation’s mis- the Foundation. He builds and mainsion in order to benefit Omaha’s Jew- tains relationships with donors, ish community. prospective donors, board members, Howard N. Epstein, and other constituents. He also oversees and implements investment Executive Director Howard earned a B.S. in Business policies and the distribution of inAdministration from the University vestment proceeds to constituent of Nebraska, and a J.D. from beneficiaries.

Howard was a member of Marks Creighton University School of Law. After joining the Foundation in Clare & Richards, LLC, where he January 2013, Howard became a served as an attorney in general business and civil legal matters, estate planning, real estate and family law.

Before he entered the law profession, Howard worked in his family’s food distribution business, Nogg Fruit Company, for 20 years and served as president of the company for many of those years.

Omaha natives, Howard and his wife Sharon have three children and five grandchildren.

Continued on page 2

Back row: Marty Ricks and Sheldon and Lorrie Bernstein.

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Including the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s current Executive Director, Howard Epstein, only four individuals have served as directors of the Foundation over the past 30 years.

Jerry Rosen, 1984 - 1992 In 1984, Jerold Rosen was named the first director of the Foundation.

In the November 23, 1984 Jewish Press, Mort Trachtenbarg stated, “With Jerry Rosen’s appointment as an in-place director, the Foundation can now organize its committees more effectively, coordinate activities and begin earnestly the

Bernstein. Front row: Sheila Rosen important task of developing new endowments.”

Jerry was raised in Omaha, entered the Navy after graduating from Central High, and later attended the University of Nebraska. He joined the Foundation after 31 years in the life insurance business. His experience in insurance, pension funds and estate planning made him a logical choice to direct the Foundation.

In the Jewish Press article, Jerry stated, “When you look at our community – and the feeling people have for it and for each other – it’s impressive. For a group of 6,000 Jews, we get a lot done and we’re Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | May 16, 2014

Foundation Wall of Recognition

Congratulations

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation on your 30th Anniversary Sharee and Murray Newman Spring is here.

Now is the time to

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Continued from page 1 by establishing a fund that would support L.O.V.E. programs and projects.”

The Noggs established the Richard “Pete” Lee Memorial Endowment Fund in 1996. The fund helps with the costs for providing mental health services such as ongoing programming, counseling and education for depression and suicide prevention.

“My brother committed suicide; he was only 48 years old,” explained Patty, “He struggled with depression. It’s important that people can reach out, without the stigma associated with mental illness. That’s why we set up this fund, so that others can receive the assistance they need.

The Jewish Family Service and the services it provides is a great thing for our community.”

In addition to the three endowment funds, Steve made arrangements for a future Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) Fund and Patty will leave a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) Fund. Both funds will endow their Annual Campaign gifts in perpetuity. There are a variety of ways to establish these funds; the Noggs have life insurance policies that will be used to create their PACE and LOJE funds.

“My philanthropic perspective comes from how I was

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The Wall of Recognition has grown significantly through the years. Today there are 230 donor plaques on the Wall.

“We’re proud of the number of people who have made a commitment to support our community by establishing funds at the Foundation,” noted Foundation Executive Director Howard Epstein. “I look forward to the day when there will be so many plaques that we’ll have to move the Wall of Recognition to a larger space. Omaha is a giving community and I know we’ll get to that point in the coming years.”

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by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation When you enter the Jewish Community Center (JCC) lobby, one of the first things you will notice is the Foundation’s Wall of Recognition. The Wall was dedicated on April 22, 1991. Funding for the project was provided by Sharee and Murray Newman.

When the wall was dedicated, over 90 individuals had established permanent endowment funds at the Foundation. The names of the donors, or names of those designated to be recognized by the donors, were placed on the Wall of Recognition.

In an April 19, 1991 Jewish Press article by Jill Belmont, Jerry Rosen stated, “To be able to walk through the lobby and see the Foundation flame is very meaningful to me. For years, we were invisible. We started small, but now we’ve arrived. We’re here, we’re permanent, and we’re part of the community. To look up and see those names will be a constant reminder of those people who made a commitment to the continuity of our Jewish community.”

raised,” stated Steve. “My father often spoke of how important it is to give back to the community. The importance of caring about our community was instilled in me by my family. I remember Grandma Nogg saying that there would always be room at her table for one more.”

Patty also credits her family for her outlook about charitable giving. “My grandparents would buy Israel bonds,” she noted. “They supported their children and thought about the future. My family taught me how fulfilling it is to actively participate in your community.”

“There is a ‘can do’ attitude in the Jewish community,” said Steve. “Now that I serve on the Foundation board, I see first-hand the growth and philanthropic spirit of so many in our community.”

“Thanks to the endowments that people have created, no one in our community has to think it’s impossible,” Patty stated. “You can dream high, thanks to the generosity of this community.”

Patty and Steve Nogg are just one example of the many individuals and families who have generously established charitable funds at the Foundation. They made the commitment to ensure that Omaha’s Jewish community and programs are sustained for future generations.

Foundation staff

104333

Continued from page 1 Janet Henthorn, Office Manager Janet graduated with a B.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Spanish/Portuguese.

Janet serves as a fund administrator for the Foundation’s donor-advised funds, endowment funds and supporting foundations. She is the coordinator for scholarship and grant committees. She is also responsible for financial reporting, donor services, and communication and collaboration with campus agencies. Janet has been with the Foundation for nearly 10 years.

Before joining the Foundation, Janet was the internal accountant and administrator for Phil Sokolof and his National Heartsaver’s Association. She also is a former administrator for Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy, a non-profit organization providing therapy on horseback for disabled children.

Janet is from Omaha. Janet and her husband Steve have three children and twin grandchildren.

Laurie Peatrowsky, Endowment Associate Laurie earned a B.A. in Business Administration, Spanish, Graphic Design and Art from Dana College.

Laurie serves as fund administrator for the Foundation’s donor-advised funds, endowment funds and supporting foundations and as coordinator for grant committees. She is responsible for financial reporting, donor services, and collaboration with campus agencies. An important focus of Laurie’s position is marketing and communication. Recently she has been working on upgrading the Foundation’s website and enhancing the Foundation’s social media presence.

Laurie’s first and only job after graduating from Dana College is her position with the Foundation. She has been with the Foundation for almost 15 years.

Born and raised in Omaha, Laurie and her husband Cory have four children.

Margo Parsow, LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator Margo earned a M.P.A with an Organizational Development concentration and a M.A. in Communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She earned her B.A. in Communication and Psychology from the University of Denver.

As the Foundation’s new LIFE & LEGACY coordinator, Margo will be responsible for all aspects of Omaha’s LIFE & LEGACY program, including coordinating communications and building and monitoring relations among and between all nine partner organizations, the JFO Foundation, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

Margo served as the Career and Community Services Director for the Omaha Women’s Center for Advancement (formerly YWCA). She previously worked as the director of training and development for Hughes GM when she lived in California.

Margo is a native Omahan. With her late husband, Dr. Jay Parsow, she raised two sons, Aaron and Charles.

Mary Bort, Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer Mary graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.A.A. in Music and Communication, and a M.A. in Communication.

Mary writes press releases and prepares ads about Foundation donors, funds, and other Foundation activities.

She processes deposits, prepares fund distribution requests, processes tribute donations, is fund administrator for teen donor-advised funds, and provides administrative support.

Mary has been with the Foundation for nearly six years.

Before joining the Foundation, Mary worked for Beth Israel Synagogue. She also worked in public affairs for a television station and was a college Communication instructor for a total of 12 years.

Originally from Michigan, Mary’s significant other is Kabin Thomas.

May 16, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 3

Past Foundation Directors Continued from page 1 known nationally as a great place.”

Trachtenbarg credited Jerry for the Foundation’s growth.

In the April 19, 1991 Jewish Press, he stated, “Jerry was the perfect match for the Foundation. He helped to organize, took care of every detail and followed through with whatever needed to be done. He’s a terrific administrator and is very valuable to the Foundation and the Federation.”

Jerry and his wife Sheila established the Jerold I. and Sheila E. Rosen Endowment Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide university and college scholarships for needy Jewish students in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area.

Jerry passed away unexpectedly on March 23, 1992.

According to Sheila, “Jerry enjoyed working at the Foundation and was pleased to become the Foundation’s first director. He was dearly loved by so many.”

Sheldon Bernstein, 1992 - 1998 Sheldon joined the Foundation after working as a C.P.A. with a large firm for many years. “I enjoyed my time at the Foundation very much,” said Sheldon. “And I knew Jerry Rosen. As a matter of fact, his wife Sheila is close friends with my wife, Lorrie. And now Sheila lives here at our complex in California.”

Prior to his professional career as a C.P.A., Sheldon served in the Army Infantry during WWII. Sheldon returned to Omaha after the war and graduated from Creighton University. “After graduation, I became active as a C.P.A., and served as president of the Nebraska C.P.A. Society.” he recalled. “I also was the president of the Central States Council of C.P.A’s, where we developed continuing education programs for accounting personnel in eight states.”

Sheldon was pleased to be selected to be the Foundation’s Executive Director after Jerry Rosen passed away. “During my time with the Foundation, I saw it grow significantly,” he said. “When I started, it had about $10 million in assets. By the time I left, it was at $28 million. All of us who worked for the Foundation loved what we were doing. It was easy to help it grow. And after I left, Marty did a great job.”

Sheldon and Lorrie established the Sheldon A. and Lorrie Bernstein Endowment Fund at the Foundation. The purpose of the fund is to support the annual Grandparents Day programming for the benefit of the residents of the Rose Blumkin Home.

Although they live in California, the Bernsteins have a

special place in their hearts for Omaha. “Omaha is where I was born and grew up, so I arranged for a bequest that will support Omaha’s Jewish community,” said Sheldon.

“I’m just so proud of the Foundation’s growth through the years,” he continued. “It can’t do anything but get better.

We’ve had good people serve on the Foundation board. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Marty Ricks, 1998 - 2012 Marty Ricks was living in California before joining the Foundation. “My sister and brother-in-law were at Pasta Amore and saw Sheldon Bernstein,” explained Marty. “He asked if they thought I would be interested in his job, so my sister called me. Iris and I came to Omaha and I interviewed.

Harley Schrager drove me to the interview which was held in a conference room at his Pacesetter office. Sheldon Bernstein and eight Foundation board members interviewed me.” Marty was offered the job the same day.

The board chose wisely. Marty was an experienced CPA and had earned a law degree at Creighton University. During his tenure at the Foundation, assets grew from $28 million to $62 million. “Our staff grew, too, from two to four members,” he said. “We needed them as we grew and tripled the number of funds we maintained.”

“Sheldon was a huge help,” noted Ricks. “He moved to California, but came back to Omaha a few times, and the Foundation bought him a fax machine so we could transmit documents.”

“During my 15 years with the Foundation, I enjoyed getting to know Omaha’s Jewish community and finding out what motivates donors. Many people are incredibly caring, and are concerned about the local, national and international Jewish community. I was pleased to watch the growth and expansion of the JCC and the remodeling of the Blumkin Home.” Marty also expressed appreciation to the Foundation board presidents and board members he worked with during his tenure.

When asked what the next 30 years would bring to the Foundation, Marty said, “A challenge is that younger generations aren’t keeping up with the Annual Campaign donations that have been given by older donors.It will be important to continue to invest wisely but conservatively to keep a steady stream of income strong and constant. I also think the new LIFE & LEGACY program will help enhance the Foundation’s goal for increasing assets.”

Foundation support: NJHS

by RENEE RATNER CORCORAN Executive Director, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society congratulates the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation on reaching this important milestone in our community. Throughout the years, the Foundation has provided the NJHS with needed resources to better serve our community and preserve our Jewish history for generations to come.

Funds from the JFO have made it possible to conduct approximately 400 oral history interviews. The interviews contain irreplaceable histories of individuals and are a tribute to our Jewish community. Many of the NJHS exhibits, permanent exhibits and events enjoyed by our entire community though the years have been made possible by the JFO. The success of our most recent annual meeting, “A Salute to Downtown Omaha” attended by approximately 175 people, was made possible because of the generosity of the Foundation.

The Historical Society, an organization of our community for almost 32 years, depends entirely on memberships and donations. The generous support of the Jewish Federation of Omaha has made it possible for the NJHS to become a vital part of our Jewish community. Thank you to the Foundation Directors, Staff and Board for recognizing the important work of the Society.

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Celebrating 30 years

We thank you for your commitment to our community

Jewish Social Services JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE | JEWISH SENIOR OUTREACH

THE ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

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4 | The Jewish Press | May 16, 2014

Foundation Board of Directors

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Through the years, many people have volunteered their time and talents by serving on the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s Board of Directors. We gratefully acknowledge the service provided by these dedicated individuals who previously served, and the current Foundation Board of Directors: Carl Riekes, President; Donald Goldstein, Vice President; Steven Bloch; Paul Epstein; Michael M. Erman; Ted Friedland; David Gilinsky; Gloria Kaslow; Joseph Kirshenbaum; Jody Malashock; Murray H. Carl Riekes, President Newman; Steve Nogg; Andrew Robinson; Harley D. Schrager; Ted M. Seldin, Emeritus; Frederick J. Simon; Norman Veitzer; Adam Yale; Jay Noddle, Ex-Officio; Stacey Rockman, Ex-Officio.

Some of the Foundation’s board members shared thoughts about the Foundation: Ted Friedland In early 2011, I was asked by then Board President Jay Noodle to join the Foundation’s Board of Directors. I immediately accepted and was flattered to be considered. The Foundation was something that my father David Friedland was passionate about and believed was the bulwark of the Jewish Community in Omaha. He was committed to the success of the Foundation since its inception. It is a great honor for me to carry on that commitment, and serve alongside so many board members who have had the foresight to ensure that we continue to have a vibrant Jewish community in Omaha and beyond.

Paul Epstein I was very pleased and honored to join the Foundation board. It was the natural extension for me after serving on other boards of the Federation and raising money for over 35 years. I want to make sure we are always helping and supporting our Jewish community. Sandy and I have had a donor-advised fund for six years and I have enjoyed listening to our investment committee report how they have invested for our future so carefully. I have also enjoyed being a part of a relatively new committee, the Marketing Committee! We are constantly reviewing the opportunities to efficiently give the proper exposure in our entire community and to use the skills of our executive director, Howard Epstein, and his fabulous staff! Truly the best people that genuinely care about all of us!

Jody Malashock Having served as Federation president, I know how important the work of the Foundation board is. Funds that have

been created by our generous donors and managed by the Foundation sustain and will continue to sustain our community for future generations. My parents have endowment funds at the Foundation and I am planning on leaving a gift through the Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY effort. I am proud to currently serve as a director on the Foundation board as we continue to plan for today and for the future of Jewish Omaha.

Murray Newman The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation... this is our Legacy for future generations. It began that way 30 years ago, and continues as the most important institution to insure the existence of Jewish life in Omaha as we know it today and to further the expression of that Jewish life throughout the world. Few of us will be here 100 years from now. What will Jewish life consist of then? Who knows for sure? What we positively do know is the best hope for that life we cherish today, to be sustained and enhanced into the future, is the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Steve Nogg It is a privilege to serve on the Foundation board. As a board member, I’m able to see where the dollars are going and to interact with the board on policies that will strengthen the Foundation in the future.

Harley Schrager I’ve enjoyed my many years on the Federation Foundation Board for several reasons: 1) Each of the numerous Board members I’ve served with were dedicated to the Jewish community, generous with their time and deeply concerned about advancing the Foundation’s mission. 2) The Foundation has enabled the many agencies it funds to thrive and continue serving Omaha’s Jews in meaningful and effective ways. 3) I’ve learned a great deal from those elder statesmen who ushered me onto the Board and helped me understand and improve its functions; and 4) The tremendous growth of the Foundation’s managed resources has been a source of pride and astonishment.

I’m proud of the years I’ve spent as a member of the Investment Committee that oversees the way in which our assets are managed. The term I served as Foundation President was both gratifying and enjoyable. I’ve been fortunate to work with many devoted people from whom I’ve learned a great deal and with whom I’ve shared decades of the Foundation’s tremendous growth and success. People like Murray Newman, Norman Veitzer, Ted Seldin, Mike Erman, Steve Bloch, David Friedland and others too numerous to recount, have served as mentors and partners in this work.

Marty Ricks, whom I hired as our Executive Director 15 years ago when I was President, played a huge role in the great leap forward our Foundation achieved during his tenure.

I’m grateful for having the opportunity to serve on this prestigious and critically important board of directors.

Adam Yale I joined this board because I think it’s important to align our means with our mission. We want to do our very best to

provide the resources to support our cultural, programming and communal mission for future generations. A strong and growing Foundation can help us achieve those goals.

Carl Riekes, Foundation President As you can see by our board members’ comments, we all are deeply honored to be a part of the Foundation. I am especially humbled and appreciative to be its president.

What makes the Foundation such a pleasure to lead are the fine individuals who comprise the board, as well as our excellent professional staff.

As president of the board, one of my priorities is to make sure that we maintain the continuity we have enjoyed over the years. Unlike other boards, we do not want to become a revolving door. We have an incredible amount of wisdom and expertise that is important to maintain.

We are responsible for over $70 million of donated contributions and we do not take that responsibility lightly. That is why the continuity and expertise is so important. Omaha has a thriving Jewish community that the Foundation is working hard to sustain for future generations.

I cannot conclude without thanking the hundreds of donors who have made our Foundation so viable over the last 30 years of its existence. I must also recognize and pay tribute to those donors who established funds well before the Foundation existed. Those donors provided the impetus for the creation of the Foundation.

Foundation support: ADL

by ALAN POTASH Regional Director, Anti-Defamation League Plains Region The Jewish Federation Omaha Foundation has been a vital resource in support of the ADL/CRC’s programming and our work in the community. From support of our programs like the Prejudice Elimination Workshop that impacts students in over 30 high schools across the greater metropolitan Omaha area, Making Diversity Count, providing continuing education for teachers, supporting our work in combating hate and prejudice, leadership development, Israel advocacy and community security. These are just a few of the life-changing programs that the ADL/CRC is able to provide with the meaningful and significant support of the Foundation. Thank you.

Congratulations to the Omaha’s new and innovative LIFE &

Our Community Partners:

LEGACY™ Program helps our community

Anti-Defamation League/

secure resources for generations to come.

Community Relations Committee

Congratulations to our nine partner

Beth El Synagogue

organizations selected to participate.

Beth Israel Synagogue Chabad House

To learn more, contact the Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator, Margo Parsow, at 402-334-6432 or mparsow@jewishomaha.org.

Friedel Jewish Academy

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation on your 30th Anniversary

Marty and Iris Ricks

Institute for Holocaust Education Jewish Federatiom of Omaha and its agencies: Center for Jewish Life

Congratulations

Jewish Community Center Jewish Press Jewish Social Services

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

Jewish Family Service Jewish Senior Outreach Rose Blumkin Jewish Home

On your 30 years of service to the Jewish community

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society A program of the HAROLD GRINSPOON FOUNDATION

Temple Israel

The Belgrade Family

May 16, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 5

Chicago consultant to talk about Special Needs

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN communication with students, parents, and Shana Erenberg, Ph.D., is co-founder and colleagues; sensitivity to diverse student president of the Board of Directors of the populations and needs as well as other Libenu Foundation in Chicago. Libenu important practices that enhance learning Foundation is a not-for-profit organization and maximize potential.” that addresses the urgent That evening from 7 to 9 residential needs of Jewish p.m., in the JCC adults with disabilities and Community Room, Dr. provides the residents with Erenberg will present the opportunities to live indesecond in-service for edupendent, meaningful lives cators on the topic, Beyond as members of the Chicago Stickers and Stars Jewish community.

Proactive Classroom Dr. Erenberg provides Management. She said, consult services to com“Most discipline techmunities across the United niques are reactive, States that wish to start responding to crises as similar projects in their they occur. The emphasis cities. Through the genof this presentation is on erosity of the Glazer underlying causes and Family Endowment Fund communicative functions and the Aaron H. and of behavior as well as what Ruth Somberg Krantz motivates a student to Endowment Fund of the behave in a certain way Lizzie, a resident of Libenu JFO Foundation, Dr. and what to do about it.” and Dr. Erenberg Erenberg will spend She will touch on characTuesday and Wednesday, May 27 and 28, in teristics and effective discipline techniques Omaha speaking to teachers of Omaha and for students with Attention Deficit Lincoln synagogue religious schools, the Hyperactivity Disorder, sensory integration Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, challenges, non-verbal learning disabilities, and Friedel Jewish Academy. She will also and ocular motor problems which all have talk with families of Jewish adults who have similar symptomology. developmental disabilities and live in To attend one or both of the sessions on Omaha and Lincoln.

Tuesday with Dr. Erenberg, please contact Established in 2009, Libenu opened its Mark Kirchhoff with the Center for Jewish first group home in Skokie serving six resi- Life at 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jewish dents in 2011. A second home, which serves omaha.org. young women, the first of its kind in Dr. Erenberg will meet with families of Chicago, opened in 2013. A third group adults with special needs and other interesthome opens this month. A day program ed community members at 7 p.m. on provides vocational, recreational, and edu- Wednesday, May 28 in the Community cational opportunities for the residents.

Room at the JCC. Dr. Erenberg is also the chair of the “Young adults with special needs share the Department of Education and a professor at same desires as their neuro-typical peers: to Blitstein Institute of Hebrew Theological live meaningful, independent lives with digCollege in Chicago. She maintains a private nity and respect as fully included members practice for the diagnostic evaluation, reme- of their communities,” she said. “I think that diation, and advocacy of children and adults they all share a desire for fulfillment, selfwith special needs. Dr. Erenberg is the sufficiency, and self-determination. There is Special Needs Consultant to the also a need for social interaction with peers Community Foundation for Jewish and companionship which group living can Education and the Board of Jewish provide. We have seen the young men and Education of Chicago. women of Libenu thrive in their new homes, Additionally, Dr. Erenberg serves as a develop skills and relationships that no one consultant and provides in-service teacher believed possible. It’s the best thing we could training for numerous day schools and pub- have done for them and for their families.” lic schools in metropolitan Chicago and When Baruch Schur’s son Josh moved throughout the country. She is co-chair of into Libenu’s first group home, Baruch the International Consortium of Jewish noted that “a tremendous weight was lifted Special Educators in Central Agencies and a from my shoulders. I realized that my dream frequent conference speaker. for Josh’s independent future was now Founder of the Keshet Sunday School, becoming a reality. My wife and I are no established in 1982 to provide programs for longer the sole caregivers for our disabled individuals with intellectual disabilities, and son. We now have a partner who assumes operating according to traditional Jewish the primary role for this lifelong responsibilvalues, she served as its director for 20 years. ity. By taking on this responsibility, the In addition, she is a member of the Libenu Foundation has given me and my University Review Board for the Illinois wife and our other children the freedom to State Board of Education. explore and live our own lives without the In Omaha, Dr. Erenberg’s first teacher in- need to be on fulltime alert. I no longer fear service is on Tuesday, May 27 from 1:30 to for my son’s unknown future, because I am 3:30 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy. It is now linked to an organization comprised of open, free of charge, to teachers and staff professional, experienced, and caring indifrom the congregational religious schools, viduals who capably manage my son’s life. the Child Development Center, and Friedel “The Libenu Foundation has managed to Jewish Academy. The topic will be Best create a warm, friendly, and spiritual home Practices in Special Needs, which, Dr. for Josh; a home where he will hopefully live Erenberg explains: “refers to strategies and out a long and happy life filled with love, methods that facilitate student engagement dignity, and respect. I am overwhelmed by to maximize learning. Typically, best prac- gratitude and emotion,” he said. tices are research-based and reflect accepted Dr. Erenberg added, independent living is standards of instruction. Best practices “not just the right thing to do. It’s imperainclude developing an in-depth understand- tive, and in the end, it will be a blessing and ing of students’ strengths, needs, and moti- a gift to your community.” vation; using authentic assessment to differTo attend the Wednesday evening session entiate instruction and monitor student with Dr. Erenberg, please contact Claudia progress; applying positive, proactive prin- Sherman at 402.496.3523 or at cgwriter1@ ciples of classroom management; effective cox.net.

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New Epstein Fund to support Senior Outreach efforts

by MARY BORT “Since mom didn’t drive, she and my Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation grandfather walked one mile from their When Sam Epstein passed away last home to catch the bus at Crossroads, at 72nd spring, just short of his 98th birthday, his and Cass,” explained Steve. “It was great family was grateful for the outpouring of exercise for my grandfather, who was in his support from the Omaha Jewish communi- 80’s. Then they caught the bus to go out to ty. Many people gave tribute donations in the ‘J,’ at 132nd and Dodge. They were really Sam’s memory.

“We were very touched that so many people made donations in memory of Dad,” noted Howard Epstein. “The thoughtfulness of our friends and family was amazing.”

Howard, his wife Sharon, his brother, Steve Epstein, and his wife, Judy, wanted to do something meaningful with the donations made in memory of their father, and, at the same time, memorialize their mother, Rosaline, who died in 2009. They added their own gifts to the tribute donations that had been made, and then established the Sam and Rosaline Epstein Senior Outreach Fund, a charitable endowment fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

“As the Executive Director of the Foundation, I know, first hand, the benefits of establishing an endowment fund at the Foundation,” said Howard.

“We were able to specify the endowment fund’s purpose so that it was something that appropriately honored our parents’ memory. And we know that the Foundation will manage the fund, making smart investments to help the fund grow.”

The fund will assist elder Jewish residents of metro Omaha to: (1) participate in social and cultural programs sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, its agencies, and other Jewish organizations; 2) receive geriatric counseling and in-home visits by Jewish Senior Outreach and Jewish Family Service professionals; 3) provide transportation to and from social and community events sponsored by the Jewish Federation and its agencies, and Omaha area synagogues; 4) proTop picture: Rosaline, left, Sam Steinberg and vide transportation to and from groSam Epstein at Omaha Potato Market in 1944; cery stores, pharmacies, retail stores middle picture: Rosaline and Sam Epstein with one and medical appointments; and 5) proof their great-grandchildren; bottom picture: Steve vide Meals on Wheels.

Epstein and Howard Epstein.

“The fund’s purpose was chosen for a couple of reasons,” explained Howard. committed to going there, and enjoyed their “Mom and Dad were quite active in the time at the ‘J.’ Mom learned more about the Y.E.S. (Young Energetic Seniors) Club at the Senior Club, and became a volunteer.”

Jewish Community Center. They volunSteve continued, “Even after our grandfateered for many committees and activities, ther died, Mom spent many afternoons at and served as the group’s travel chaperones. the ‘J’ helping out the Senior Citizens Working closely with Mollie Delman, and Group. When she was older, she joined the then Maggie Conti, they took numerous club and enjoyed it immensely. The need for JCC Senior Citizen group tours to various transportation, opportunities to socialize tourist destinations across the country. They and geriatric services is important for our also attended most of the functions in Jewish seniors. The Epstein fund will help Omaha.” meet that need.”

“As their children, we saw how Mom and “When Judy and I moved to Las Vegas 17 Dad were able to maintain a very active years ago, my parents always kept us social life through Omaha’s Jewish Social informed as to what was going on back Services Outreach program,” continued home, particularly in Omaha’s Jewish comHoward. “We also saw how important it was munity,” noted Steve. “Even though they for them and their friends to get transporta- were well into their 80’s, my parents went tion to and from events when they were no out for lunch almost every day. Judy and I longer able to drive. The services provided by joked that even though we lived in the JSO ensure that older residents in Omaha’s Entertainment Capital of the world, they Jewish community are not isolated. We had a more active social life than we did.” appreciate what the JSO did for our parents.”

According to Maggie Conti, Rose According to Steve, there was another rea- Blumkin Jewish Home’s Director of son they chose to have the fund provide sup- Activities and Outreach Programs, “In addiport for older Jewish residents. “After our tion to being active in the Y.E.S. Club, Sam grandmother passed away, our grandfather, and Rosaline were on the Visions Steering David Epstein, moved in with our parents,” Committee and planned several cruises. I said Steve. “At first, he preferred to spend his will never forget their kindness and time on his own, but Mom continually thoughtfulness. I feel grateful knowing such encouraged him to get out and socialize. She sincere and exceptional people.” took him to the Jewish Community Center Steve concluded, “I can’t think of a better so he could attend events sponsored by the way to honor my parents than to establish Senior Club at the center.” this endowment fund in their memory.”

May 16, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 7

Visitors from Israel

Friedel graduates are ready for next phase in life

by MALLORY ROGERS A few weeks ago, a group of Temple Israel teens, myself included, had the pleasure of hosting our peers from Israel’s Western Galilee region. It had been four months since our first meeting in December, when Omaha’s teens went to Israel through the Partnership2Gether program. Despite the gap, it was almost as though no time had passed at all.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN helped me incorporate Jewish values into my everyday life.” for Friedel Jewish Academy Daughter of Beth Cohen and Harry Berman, Zoe will attend Five young ladies will mark their graduation from Friedel Beveridge Magnet Middle School next fall. She admitted Jewish Academy at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, in the the- she’ll miss “my Friedel family. It feels sad and a little scary to ater at the Jewish Community graduate. Sad is because I will Center. miss everybody and scary All members of the combecause I’m a little nervous munity are invited to share in about going to middle school, the graduation ceremony but I know Friedel has prewhich includes a musical pared me, and I’ll be ready.” presentation by all the stuDestiny Howard, daughter dents of Friedel, tributes to of Jeff and Sarah Howard, will the graduates by the teaching also attend Beveridge Magnet staff, the introduction of the Middle School next year. new Board members, and the Destiny, who spent all her elename of the Nathan and Rose mentary school years at Lillian Fine Teacher of the Friedel, said, “I’m happy I Year. went to Friedel, because I met Rachel and Sarah Aoki, so many friends and now twin daughters of Mona Aoki, they’re like my brothers and moved to Omaha from sisters.” She’s not sure who California three years ago and she’ll miss the most when she have attended Friedel ever leaves Friedel: “the students since, starting in the fourth Friedel Jewish Academy’s newest graduation class includes or the awesome teachers. grade. “I’m glad I went to front row: Rachel Aoki, left, Zoe Berman, Sarah Aoki; back Hopefully, I’ll visit a lot.”

Friedel,” said Rachel, row: Doron Margalit, left and Destiny Howard.

Like her two older sisters “because I didn’t feel I was learning as much at my old before her, Doron Margalit attended Friedel. Doron, daughschool. All the people seem a lot closer like a family at ter of Eyal and Ruth Margalit, says Friedel “is all about famFriedel.” She and Sarah will attend Brownell-Talbot School ily and friends. I have a lot of close friends there.” She also next year. “It feels like I’m growing up,” Rachel said. “It’s a appreciates the “really good education” she received there good feeling, but I’ll miss my friends that I made at Friedel.” “learning Hebrew, and the small classes.” Like Zoe and Sarah commented that she “learned more about Judaism” Destiny, Doron started at Friedel as a kindergartner and by attending Friedel, “and I met a lot of great people.” Like recalls how the teachers give each student “personal time. her sister, Sarah is excited about graduation, but “I’m nerv- They’re there to help when I had a question.” She’ll attend ous too. I’m going to go to a bigger school with more class- school in Atzmon in Israel next year. “It’s exciting and kind es, but more opportunities, too,” she realizes. of sad to graduate,” she noted, realizing the big step she’s Zoe Berman has attended Friedel since she was in kinder- about to take along with her classmates. “I’m going into a garten. It was an important experience to her, “because it new phase in my life.”

The Israeli teenagers Temple Israel’s students met last December recently visited Omaha and caught up with their American peers, including Mallory Rogers, fourth from left, and Justin Norton, second from right.

Immediately, everyone was talking and laughing like old friends.

Together, we participated in a variety of activities, from an hour-long session of trampoline jumping at Defy Gravity, to sorting food at the Food Bank for the Heartland so it can be sent to distribution sites across Nebraska. We also went to Millard North High School, where the Israelis pointed out that American high school is, “just like the movies.”

They also pointed out one of the (very few) differences between us. In America, high school students are expected to know what they want to do with their lives by the time they’re 18. At that age, Israeli teens already know that they’ll be going into the military. When a Millard North student asked what they wanted to study in University, their responses were mostly, “I have no clue,” or “We have four years to worry about it.”

Perhaps the most meaningful experience, however, was not one that stemmed from being in a certain place or doing a certain activity. The meaning really came with each laugh, every smile, and all of the friendship.

On the final night of the partnership, everyone gathered at Cantor Wendy Shermet’s home, where we sang songs and chatted before parting ways and promising to keep in touch. It quickly became obvious that some lifelong friendships were made through the Partnership2Gether program.

We congratulate the

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation on your 30th Anniversary

Serving this community for over 50 years.

Lisa C. Lewis Ari D. Riekes Ray Aranza Dirk V. Block Elizabeth Stuht Borchers David A. Christensen - of council Julia Cryne Jamie Hurst Jennifer Turco Meyer

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11605 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 300 • Omaha, NE 68154 402-492-9800 • 800-889-9801 www.mcrlawyers.com

The Katz Awards

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) — Four leading rabbis will be honored for their work in applying halachah, or Jewish law, to modern life.

The Katz Award 2014 recipients were announced Sunday.

They are Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the former chief rabbi of Britain; Rabbi Zvi (Herschel) Schachter, rosh yeshiva of Hebrew University; Rabbi Zalman Nehemiah Goldberg, the rosh yeshiva of the Hasidic Yeshiva of Sadigura and the Jerusalem College of Technology, as well as the co-author of the Rabbinical Council of America’s prenuptial agreement; and the late Rabbi Yehoshua Yeshaya Neuwirth, a rabbinic scholar who authored Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchatah, the authoritative work on the laws of Shabbat and Yom Tov.

A committee chaired by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, a former chief rabbi of Israel, and made up of Talmudic scholar Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz and Hebrew University President Menahem Ben-Sasson, selected the winners.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Jerusalem on May 27.

The Katz Award was established in 1975 by Marcos and Adina Katz of Mexico and is awarded to individuals and enterprises engaged in the application of halachah — Jewish law in modern life — in the creation of written work and practical applications.

Previous recipients include the late Rabbi Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik, the late Rabbi Shlomo Goren, Menachem Elon, Nahum Rakover and Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Bar Ilan.

In celebration of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s 30th Anniversary

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8 | The Jewish Press | May 16, 2014

Foundation support: Beth El

by JILL BELMONT said. ‘Our Shabbat Tables’ and Beth El Publicity the bi-annual Family Whether social programShabbaton -- two of our more ming, educational programsuccessful programs -- would ming, or special-event pronot have been possible withgramming, Beth El congreout the seed money and gants of all ages have benefitongoing support we have ted greatly over the years received from the Goldstein, from Jewish Federation Goldsten and Donor Advised Foundation funding. funds.”

For example, thanks to the Gutnik noted that the Donor Herbert Goldsten Trust, the Advised Fund recently Leonard and Shirley awarded funding for three Goldstein Supporting future Beth El programs, Foundation and the Donor including the out-of-thisAdvised Fund, the synagogue world “Havdalah Under the has been able to offer Young Stars” congregational event, Beth El Family Shabbaton Families Shabbatonim, held scheduled for next January at at the Lied Lodge and Convention Center in Nebraska City. the UNO planetarium.

These spiritual and fun-filled retreats, geared to families Beth El’s Talmud Torah has also reaped the benefits of the with young children, have provided meaningful and memo- Foundation’s generosity, including support from the rable Shabbat experiences for all participants.

Goldsten Trust, which for years has underwritten the annuThe Goldstein Foundation also provided funding for the al BESTT Shabbaton for students in second through seventh synagogue to make rides available for seniors to attend serv- grades. Held at the Gretna 4-H Camp, these innovative ices and other synagogue activities and events. weekends create a special connection between students and The Goldsten Trust currently underwrites the synagogue’s Judaism; each themed retreat engages participants through “Our Shabbat Tables” initiative, which brings together Beth games, activities and discussion groups; they also encourage El members of different ages and backgrounds for festive and promote leadership and camaraderie.

Shabbat and holiday meals at fellow congregants’ homes.

The Donor Advised Fund has also provided financial supNow in its third year, this innovative project allows congre- port for youth group members (both USY and Kadima) to gants to celebrate Shabbat and holidays with new friends attend their first conventions, and the Goldsten Trust has with whom they otherwise might not get acquainted. made it possible for BESTT faculty members to attend sumAmong other funding awarded to the synagogue in recent mer conventions for Jewish educators. years are Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman “We were very fortunate to receive grants this year that Grants, which underwrote Beth El’s production of “Children have helped our youth,” said Eadie Tsabari, Beth El’s of Eden” several years ago, as well as the first community Director of Congregational Learning. “Leadership training, Sukkah Hop in 2010. first-time convention goers and our annual BESTT Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik expressed Shabbaton were among the recipients this year. We also appreciation for the Foundation’s generous support over the received grants to help us fund one of our adult-education years. weekends.

“The grant funds the Foundation have awarded us have “We would like to thank the Goldstein, Goldsten and allowed us to venture into areas of new programming to Donor Advised Funds of the Jewish Federation Foundation, engage our members more fully in congregational life,” she for making all these programs possible.”

Preserving the Jewish Press for the next generation.

Foundation support: IHE

The Institute for Holocaust Education has the JFO Foundation to thank for many of our most impactful and successful programs! The IHE is very grateful for the financial support we have received from a number of Foundation grants and Donor-Advised funds, since our inception 13 years ago. In addition to operating funds, the Foundation has helped to support many of our largest public programs like Week of Understanding and Yom HaShoah, allowing us to reach upwards of 10,000 students and teachers each year.

Club Giving levels:* Reporter: $36 Editor: $72 Publisher: $180

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May 16, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 9

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life The Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish Life recently awarded nearly $250,000 in scholarship funding to benefit children and students in Omaha’s Jewish community. These scholarships, based on financial need, were awarded to 61 children, teens and young adults for Jewish summer residential camp, Jewish Community Center day camp, youth group activities, programs to Israel, the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center preschool and Friedel Jewish Academy. In addition, 60 college scholarships were awarded for undergraduate and graduate studies.

The mission of the Financial Aid Committee is “to administer the allocation and distribution of scholarship funds entrusted to it for the benefit of members of the Omaha Jewish community. This duty includes the guarantee of confidentiality to the applicants and their families in conjunction with the diligent stewardship of community funds.”

Working with the Assistance Council of Jewish Family Service, the committee strives to provide an equitable distribution of funding for families in need in the community.

Dorothy Spizman is chairman of the Financial Aid Committee, which consists of a cross section of individuals from the Omaha Jewish community. “The Committee is truly dedicated to allocating funds in the best manner to help families to the best of its ability in making Jewish experiences a reality for their children” states Spizman.

Scholarship funding is provided from nearly 40 funds, each of which has distinct parameters regarding the scholarships awarded. A full list of these funds is listed at the end of this article, the majority of which are managed by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. “The Committee is able to make these awards due to the foresight and generosity of those who have established endowment funds over the years, in addition to a yearly allocation through the Federation” commented Spizman. “To be able to help so many families is such an honor for the Committee.”

Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, adds his thanks for the generosity of the community. “I am in a position of seeing first hand, every day, the generosity of the Omaha community.” He continues “This charitable focus is seen so clearly in the awards the Financial Aid Committee is able to make each year.” Epstein added “The work of the Committee is truly an extension of the work of the Foundation and we are grateful for the time and dedication of the members.”

In addition to endowed funds and grant awards from outside entities, a portion of the scholarship funding is also provided each year by an allocation from the Annual Campaign to the Children’s Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

For the 2014-2015 fiscal year, $60,000 has been made available to assist in funding summer programs, the CDC pre-

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Financial Aid Committee awards nearly $250,000 in Scholarships

school and Friedel. “There are so many demands on the funding provided through the Annual Campaign” stated Beth Cohen, Center for Jewish Life Executive Director, “and we greatly appreciate the allocation of funding for scholarships. The direct benefit we are able to provide to so many families in our community is truly rewarding.”

Families are equally as appreciative of the financial assistance that is provided. The following are excerpts from thank you letters received from families who have been awarded scholarship funding.

• “The Jewish Community of Omaha is a true community.

While I lived most of my adult life away from Omaha and belonged to a number of different synagogues, my return to this community has been an unexpected homecoming. We have been welcomed like family and this has made all the difference. We are honored to be a part of this community and you have our deepest gratitude.”

• “Thank you so very much for your tremendous generosity.

My son is thrilled to attend camp due to the significance of your award. I would not otherwise be able to send him to summer camp.”

“I am honored to be the recipient of this scholarship award.

Education has always been at the cornerstone of Jewish culture with its importance passed from generation to generation and ingrained in the way we raise our children.”

• “Your continued generosity and support of my family is simply amazing and inspirational... My son is so excited to be attending Friedel and simply loves every minute of the experience.”

• “This award will help ease the financial burden I have been under to achieve my educational goals... Be assured I will work hard so that someday I may be able to give back to others in the Jewish community.”

Scholarships and grants are administered by the Center for Jewish Life as part of its mission to bring imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences to the Jewish community. For questions, please call 402.334.6445. To discuss the establishment of an endowment fund, please contact Howard Epstein at 402.590.2156.

Scholarship funding is available through the following endowment funds and outside entities: Lenore Simon Aronson Educational Fund, David E. Beber Scholarship Fund, B’nai B’rith Dr. Abe Greenberg Henry Monsky Lodge Endowment Fund, Children’s Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Truman and Rosemary Clare Scholarship Endowment Fund, CornerStones Fund, Jewish War Veterans Epstein-Morgan Post #260, Nathan Marcus Memorial Scholarship Fund, Leo and Aileen Eisenstatt Scholarship Fund, Barry E. Epstein Memorial Healthcare Fund, Max and Betty Falk Endowment Fund, Sandra Feldman Scholarship Fund, Nathan and Rose Lillian Fine Fund for the Education of Students of the Jewish Faith, Alan and Annie Fleishman Scholarship Fund, David W. and Minnie Frank Memorial Fund, Rebecca Friedman Scholarship Fund, Carl Frohm Educational Fund, Randy and Marvin Gilman Scholarship, Herbert Goldsten Scholarships, Gary and Barbara Goldstein Residential Summer Camp Scholarship, Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Family Fund, Nancy and Don Greenberg Scholarship Fund, Harris Family Fund, Samuel and Ida Kaiman Endowment Fund, Ben E. Kaslow Scholarship Fund, David Katzman Endowment Fund, Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum Scholarship Fund, Aaron H. and Ruth Somberg Krantz Fund, The Livingston Scholarships, Betty Margel Scholarship Endowment Fund, Albert M. and Jeanette T. Nepomnick Education Fund, Carolyn Kully Newman Memorial Fund, Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund, Gertrude T. and Albert B. Newman Endowment Fund, David S. Rice and Esther Zorinsky Rice Endowment Fund, Joe and Ruth Rice Scholarship Fund, Burton L. Robinson Student Athletic Scholarship Fund, Jerold I. and Sheila E. Rosen Endowment Fund, Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation, Natan and Hannah Schwalb Scholarship Fund, Nate H. and Beatrice Sherman Scholarship Fund, Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship Fund, David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational Fund, Benjamin and Elizabeth “Bess” Stern Scholarship Loan Fund, Brandon Thomas Vocational Scholarship Fund, and Edward Zorinsky Endowment Fund.

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Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation: A brief history

by MARY BORT Morton Richards was one of those people selected. A 1994 Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Jewish Press article about Richards stated, “He was a foundDuring the first 70 years after it was established, several ing member of the original Endowment Fund Board of generous donors endowed programs and buildings operated Directors, the precursor of today’s Jewish Federation by the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies. Those Foundation. His endowment and philanthropic funds are funds were intermingled with the two of the oldest administered by the Federation’s day-to-day operating funds.

Foundation.”

In 1972, several forward-thinking In 1983, the Foundation was formally Federation board members determined established. In recognition of that histhat Omaha’s Jewish community could toric event, the Foundation is celebratbest be served by separating the endowing its 30th anniversary of its formal ment funds from the Federation’s dayexistence during this 2013-2014 fiscal to-day operating funds. And, the year.

Foundation was born.

In 1984, Trachtenbarg announced the In a letter dated October 11, 1972, appointment of Jerold Rosen as the first then president of the Federation, Morley Foundation Endowment Director.

Zipursky, wrote to the committee of the Rosen served until 1992, followed by newly created “Omaha Jewish Sheldon Bernstein, who served from Federation Foundation.” Milt Abrahams 1992 to 1998. Marty Ricks was the Morley Zipursky served as committee chair, and Daniel Executive Director from 1998 to 2012.

Katzman, C.M. Nick Newman, David Friedland, and Stan Today, Howard Epstein serves as the Executive Director.

Perlmeter were members. The letter noted that that the first The Foundation continued to grow. Foundation funds contribution to the Foundation was a transfer of over $1.3 totaled $11,771,585 at the end of 1989. The Unrestricted million dollars.

Endowment Fund was $758,077. By 1991, over 90 people The committee had many tasks, such as establishing had established permanent endowment funds with the bookkeeping procedures, determining administrative fees, Foundation. and creating marketing materials. They also needed to In June 1997, the Foundation had $23,224,503 in assets. establish the by-laws and regulations for the committee, That grew to $28,167,204 by June 1998. investment policies, disbursement policies, reporting to On May 3, 2004, the Foundation was officially incorporatdonors and to the Federation, meeting policies and other ed and named the “Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.” methods of operation. There was much work to be done.

The Foundation has grown exponentially. It administers More than 40 years later, Zipursky recalled the impetus for and manages over 100 donor-advised funds, 260 endowcreating a Foundation. “We saw that the Cleveland Jewish ment funds, three supporting foundations, and 55 teen Federation had created a Foundation, and it was working donor-advised funds. These funds support the Federation’s well for them,” explained Zipursky. “We felt that it would Annual Campaign; programming offered by the benefit our community to do the same. There were ongoing Federation’s agencies; scholarships for college, camp, day needs for fund development and growth in support of the school and pre-school; programming and projects offered Federation’s Annual Campaign, and so we decided to pro- by synagogues and other Jewish organizations, and more. vide initial funding to start Omaha’s Foundation.”

The Foundation also coordinates the new LIFE & LEGA“By the time Jerry Rosen, the Foundation’s first Executive CY™ Program in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Director, came on board, that $1.3 million had grown to about Foundation. This effort will benefit all participating local $10 million,” he continued. “The creation of the Foundation Jewish organizations and synagogues by working to obtain was a significant point in the history of the Federation.” legacy gift commitments.

The next big step was in 1983, when Mort Trachtenbarg “The Foundation helps keep our community active, prowas named chairman of the Foundation. He worked with vides for the Annual Campaign, and has other funds to supthe Federation president to select well-qualified people to port various situations within the community,” noted serve on the Foundation’s new Board of Trustees and its Zipursky. committees. The committees included an investment comWhat does the future hold for the Foundation and for the mittee to manage Foundation funds; a professional advisory community? Zipursky is optimistic. “Omaha’s Jewish comcommittee composed of attorneys, accountants and finan- munity has learned to encourage our young people,” he said. cial consultants; and a solicitation committee with the task “Our young people understand and they will take the responof securing gifts and bequests. sibility to make sure our wonderful community continues.”

Many fund options are available at the Foundation

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation offers various charitable planning tools that can help you meet your philanthropic goals and manage your philanthropy in a way that complements your overall tax and estate planning. You may choose to make your contributions during your lifetime or through your estate. You can leave your legacy to Omaha’s Jewish community in many ways.

A Donor-Advised Fund is a personal charitable tool that helps you organize your charitable giving in one account.

You establish a fund with the Foundation by completing a simple agreement and contributing a minimum of $2,500.

You receive an income tax deduction in the year of the gift, though distributions from the fund need not occur in the same year. You may make additional contributions to your fund at any time. The Foundation invests your DonorAdvised Fund assets; income is reinvested and grows taxfree. You recommend distributions of a minimum of $100 from your Donor-Advised Fund to any IRS qualified 501(c)(3) charity, either Jewish or secular, and the Foundation takes care of the details.

Establishing an Endowment Fund at the Foundation allows you to create a permanent legacy and support the causes within the Jewish community that mean the most to you. An Endowment Fund is created by contributing a minimum of $5,000. You complete a simple agreement, and then fund your endowment by contributing cash, appreciated securities, a life insurance policy with the Foundation as the beneficiary, by transferring assets from a qualified retirement plan naming the Foundation as a beneficiary or through other means. The Foundation invests your Endowment Fund assets; income is reinvested and grows

tax-free. The Endowment Fund will begin providing annual income for the charitable purpose you select one year after the fund has been established and every year thereafter in perpetuity.

A Charitable Remainder Trust is a separate trust which generally provides lifetime income to you and/or your spouse. A predetermined percentage of the funds you contribute to the trust are tax deductible. A corporate trustee holds, invests and distributes the funds during your lifetime.

After your passing, the remainder is distributed for the benefit of the Federation and/or its agencies according to your wishes. You determine the purpose.

A Supporting Foundation is a separate legal entity (with a separate board) created by you and your family. This entity enters into a relationship with the Foundation whereby the Foundation manages and invests the funds, administers operations and makes disbursements as directed from time to time by the Supporting Foundation Board.

Perpetual Campaign Endowment (PACE) and Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) Funds are separate endowments you create at the Foundation, the income and/or principal of which will make an annual campaign gift in your name well after your lifetime. These endowments are intended to provide a gift in your name to the Federation Annual Campaign in perpetuity. The endowment may be funded during your lifetime or as part of your estate, with potential significant tax benefits in either case. PACE/LOJE is a means to make an impact on the Federation and our Jewish community for many years to come.

There are a variety of affordable approaches to take when you establish a fund at the Foundation, in ways that will be of benefit to you and to the programs you wish to support.

Contact Howard Epstein today, at 402.334.6466.

Essay contest winners

by LAURA STASTNY Institute for Holocaust Education The Twelfth Annual Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest Awards Ceremony was held Thursday evening, April 24 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium.

This contest is sponsored and managed by the Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) and the Plains States Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and is funded by a generous gift from the Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation.

Reflective opening remarks and a call to action from Liz Feldstern, Executive Director of the IHE, set the tone for the evening and were followed by thoughts from Holocaust survivor Milt Kleinberg on moral courage as it related to his own experience during World War II. Harold and Linda Mann, trustees of the Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation, shared the story of Carl Frohm and his desire to support youth and the Jewish Community even after his death. They then presented the students with their awards.

Top picture: Winners of the Essay Contest with Harold and Linda Mann, Trustees of the Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation. Back Row: Brian Hula, left, Zachery Taylor, Patrick Nolan, Eddie Schooler, Andrew Martinez; front row: Samantha Quintana, left, Tenley Kahl, Emily Baratta, Linda Mann, Brianna Siracuse, Harold Mann; Recipients of the Teacher Awards who were in attendance, Jen Stastny, Central High School (1st place tie); Jenny Razor, Burke High School (1st place tie); Sherri Hoye, Skutt Catholic High School (3rd place tie).

Each of this year’s contest winners and honorable mentions received a certificate, cash prizes ranging from $75 to $750 and the book, The World Must Know by Michael Berenbaum. 516 essays were submitted from eight states.

Students hailed from the greater Omaha area, Cairo, NE, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. A total of 15 schools and 19 teachers participated in the contest, which also included many homeschooled students, a first for the Essay Contest. The first place winners in each grade category (9th/10th & 11th/12th) read their essays for those in attendance. Awards were also given to teachers who had the highest percentage of entries make it into the second round of judging (the top 20% of essays submitted).

Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest: 9th-10th Grades: First Place: Tenley Kahl, Burke High School, Omaha; Second Place: Andrew J. Martinez, Burke High School, Omaha; Third Place: Emily Baratta, VJ and Angela Skutt High School, Omaha; Honorable Mentions: Henry Atkins, City High and Middle School, Grand Rapids, MI and Brianna Siracuse, VJ and Angela Skutt High School, Omaha.

11th-12th Grades: First Place: Eddie Schooler, Central High School, Omaha; Second Place: Zachery Taylor, Central High School, Omaha; Third Place: Patrick Nolan, Central High School, Omaha; Honorable Mentions: Brian Hula, Homeschooled, Bellevue and Samantha Quintana, Central High School, Omaha.

Teacher Awards: First Place (tie): Jenny Razor, Burke High School, Omaha and Jen Stastny, Central High School, Omaha; Second Place: Robert Gowell, Bethlehem Catholic High School, Bethlehem, PA; Third Place (tie): Sherri Hoye, VJ and Angela Skutt High School, Omaha and Amber Johnson, VJ and Angela Skutt High School, Omaha.

May 16, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 11

Foundation support: Jewish Federation of Omaha

by MARY BORT many Foundation donors use their donor-advised funds to Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation recommend distributions to the Annual Campaign. “During Over the past 30 years, the Foundation has supported the our last fiscal year, $915,000, or 24% of all donor-advised disJewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies through the tributions, was donated to the Federation’s Annual Campaign various funds established at the Foundation. through Foundation donor-advised funds,” noted Epstein.

The Foundation’s mission “That is a significant contribuis, “to help assure the stability tion to the Federation.” and continuity of Jewish life It is the Foundation’s mission and to support communal to support Omaha’s Jewish services in the Omaha area by community in other ways. establishing and accumulatMany donors established ing enduring assets for pertheir funds at the Foundation manent funding resources.” to support specific Jewish “It’s all about the mission,” activities, events, and prostated Howard Epstein, grams that are offered by the Foundation Executive Federation’s agencies, other Director. “We work with local Jewish organizations donors to achieve their philand synagogues. anthropic goals. We align the For example, in the 2012donor’s goals with our mis2013 fiscal year, over 3.7 milsion and once the donor lion dollars was disbursed JCC Musical Theater Community Acting Group performance establishes the charitable from donor-advised funds. of Seussical Jr., May 2013. Financial support that helped fund, we work to invest and Twenty percent of the districover costs was provided by the following Foundation funds: administer the funds in butions went to local synaKaren Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, Samuel and Bess accordance with the donor’s gogues, and eleven percent Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund, and JCC Theater wishes. We’re obligated to went to local Jewish organizaProgram Endowment Fund. abide by the terms of the fund tions and Federation agencies. agreement to ensure that the organizations and constituents Other distributions from Foundation funds and supporting designated by the donor will benefit from the income gen- foundations totaled close to $1.7 million dollars in the last fiserated by the invested funds.” cal year. Of that amount, 29% was distributed to the The Foundation’s mission guides the Foundation staff and Federation, Center for Jewish Life and the Jewish Press; 14% Board of Directors to help assure the stability and continu- went to college, camp, JCC and CDC scholarships; and 12% ity of the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign. went to Jewish Social Services (including the Rose Blumkin Donors establish PACE and LOJE funds that will provide Jewish Home, Jewish Senior Outreach, and Jewish Family income to the Annual Campaign in perpetuity. During our Service). Five percent went for merit scholarships and awards last fiscal year, $176,816 was contributed to the Annual and other local Jewish organizations received nine percent.

Campaign from Foundation PACE and LOJE funds, endow“There are many great things happening in our commument funds, custodial funds and supporting foundations. nity because of the financial support provided by funds In addition to endowments with the designated purpose of established at the Foundation,” explained Epstein. “We are providing income to the Federation’s Annual Campaign, so grateful to our donors for their support.”

SeniorLiving Publishing Date | 06.20.14 Space Reservation | 06.11.14 Camera Ready Deadline | 06.13.14 Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and short article.

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

Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org

Blumkin Home seeks junior volunteers

by OZZIE NOGG Young people looking for a way to perform acts of loving kindness this summer will find a solution at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “The Home is seeking junior volunteers, age 12 and up, to assist with Resident activities and services,” said Linda Cogen, RBJH Volunteer Coordinator. “The work requires computer skills and friendly interaction with Residents. This is an opportunity for kids to earn service hours in a Jewish environment committed to caring, compassion and customer service and -- as a bonus -- meet other teen volunteers from schools all over the city. We invite all interested young people to call for an interview.”

Along with a personal interview, the application process includes attending and completing an orientation and training session scheduled for Monday, June 16. For an appointment, please call Linda Cogen at 402.321.1552, or email lcogen@rbjh.com.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Dave Domina, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate from Nebraska will speak on Wednesday, May 21, noon, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnai brith@jewishomaha.org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Guess what? Spring is Here!! We’ve resumed our meetings on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s boardroom. We welcome all who would like to attend. For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

12 | The Jewish Press | May 16, 2014

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

In case you missed it

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Thank goodness the primaries are behind us. Now, instead of a never-ending lineup of political ads, we can get back to actual news. Here are a few stories you may have missed.

The latest “Price tag” attack Last week, the threat “Death to Arabs, Christians and all those who hate Israel,” topped with a star of David, was found spray-painted on a column in front of the Office of the Assembly of Bishops, Notre Dame of Jerusalem. The timing is no accident: the graffiti showed up two weeks before Pope Francis’ first visit to Israel since he became pope.

He will visit Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority May 24-26. Francis is scheduled to meet with Israeli leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres, in Jerusalem, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, as well as the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians.

Rabbi Abraham Skorka and Omar Abboud, friends of the pope from his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires, will join the papal delegation at the invitation of the Vatican. The reason: it will hopefully improve interfaith dialogue.

“Don’t bother,” say the perpetrators of the Price tag attacks. They are not interested in debate. At least not with anyone who may have a different opinion.

Israeli women take test for kosher supervisor Something exciting happened at Jerusalem’s International Convention Center. Nine women took the Chief Rabbinate’s exam to be kosher inspectors. the first time females were permitted to take the test.

Allowing the women to take the test resolved a lawsuit filed last year with Israel’s Supreme Court by the Emunah organization, which runs a kosher supervision course for women. The court had asked the Chief Rabbinate to allow the course graduates to take the exam, Haaretz reported.

The Chief Rabbinate’s decision to allow women to take the exam was based on a ruling by Chief Rabbi David Lau made over the objections of Chief Rabbinate members.

Yosef Abramowitz joins Israeli presidential race.

Yosef Abramowitz The upcoming Israeli presidential election is getting more interesting by the day.

While rumors fly about Netanyahu planning to postpone the whole deal, American-born solar energy entrepreneur Yosef Abramowitz has declared his candidacy in the Jerusalem Post.

“President Shimon Peres has done great things,” he stated, and followed it with “I would strive to improve Israel’s standing in the global arena and embrace the strengthening of pluralism among all Israelis.”

Ouch. If I were Netanyahu, I’d take that as a bit of a dig. It is no secret that Bibi and Peres have been experiencing a cooling off, and pluralism isn’t really Bibi’s strong suit.

Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin is the main Likud candidate, but Netanyahu reportedly doesn’t get along with him

either. Remember that adage about two dogs fighting over a bone? Better watch out, Bibi.

What we should know about Abramowitz: he is credited with co-founding the Israeli solar industry. Abramowitz is married to Rabbi Susan Silverman, an activist for religious pluralism and sister of comedian Sarah Silverman; the family made aliyah in 2006. And no, none of these things necessarily qualify him for office, but they do make him fun to talk about. And often, that’s half the battle.

Italian priest who saved Jews beatified While the world was mostly focusing on the sainthood of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, Father Giuseppe Girotti, whom Yad Vashem declared a Righteous Among the Nations in 1995, was beatified at a ceremony in the town of Alba, in northern Italy.

Beatification is the next step before sainthood.

Girotti, who was born in Alba in 1905, was a professor of theology in Turin. He was murdered at the Dachau concentration camp. According to Yad Vashem, after the Nazis occupied northern and central Italy in September 1943, Girotti “dedicated his efforts” to the rescue of many Jews in Turin.

“Risking his life, Girotti acted according to his values and religious beliefs, arranging safe hideouts and organizing escape routes from the country,” the Yad Vashem website said.

Girotti’s actions were reported by an informer, the website said, and he was arrested on Aug. 29, 1944, when he was “caught in the middle of transferring a wounded Jewish partisan” to a safe house. He was held in various prisons and camps before being shipped to Dachau, where he was murdered on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945.

Fact-checking J Street and its critics

Focus on issues AMI EDEN (JTA) -- The vote is over, but the debate rages on over the recent rejection of J Street’s application to join the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Depending on where you stand, the 22-17 vote rejecting the application was either about J Street’s own missteps or the conference's failure to live up to its billing as the Jewish community’s vehicle for bringing together organizations from across the political and religious spectrum to forge a strong pro-Israel consensus.

With passions running high, it seemed like a good time for some fact-checking: 1) Claim: J Street is beyond the communal pale J Street did not round up the votes, but in defeat it put to bed the argument that the group falls outside of the communal mainstream. If the Reform movement, the Conservative movement, the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (a body bringing together the largest synagogue movements, several national organizations and scores of local community relations councils) say you belong in the Conference of Presidents, then by definition you are operating within the communal tent. You got a problem with that? Don’t shoot the messenger -- take it up with all of the above, not to mention the prominent Jewish and Israeli figures associated with J Street.

2) Claim: J Street is more left wing than the other dovish members in the Conference of Presidents I’ve heard the arguments, but I don’t see it. Yes, J Street has pushed for the U.S. government to exert pressure on Israel, but so have other groups in the conference. J Street hasn’t endorsed a settlement boycott, or (unlike conference member Americans for Peace Now) even sort of endorsed a set-

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tlement boycott. And in sticking by the Obama administration’s side on Iran through various policy shifts, J Street has at times found itself to the right of some of those on the left in the Conference of Presidents.

3) Claim: J Street is just like any other left-wing group Well, no. When it launched several years ago, J Street came out swinging -- not just at Israeli policies it thought were dangerous but also at the Jewish establishment. The group has demonstrated a willingness to take aim at individuals and individual organizations, some of whom have long memories and sharp elbows. The group and its supporters are outraged by any suggestion that J Street is not pro-Israel but have no problem questioning others’ commitment to peace. J Street hosts BDS supporters at its conference in the name of fostering dialogue and maintaining a big tent but has publicly pressured others to boycott Pastor John Hagee and shun pro-Israel evangelicals.

So, yeah, J Street might fall within the conference’s and the community’s existing political spectrum, but the group sure has a way of getting under people’s skin. If you’re looking for another example of why, just check out this statement from J Street in response to the vote: “So,” J Street declared in its statement, “join us in thanking Malcolm Hoenlein for clarifying this situation and revealing to all what we’ve long known: a new voice is needed to represent the true majority of American Jews -- and non-Jewish supporters of an Israel at peace.”

First off, why make it all about Hoenlein, the conference’s chief executive? By all accounts that I have seen or heard, whatever Hoenlein thinks about J Street, this process for better or worse was driven by the 50 member organizations, with plenty of openness and debate.

Second, why not use the electoral defeat as a way to dispel the notion that you are a sanctimonious organization that is incapable of playing nice with others (not an unimportant

trait when you are trying to gain admittance to a politically and religiously diverse consensus-driven organization)?

Maybe something like: “While disappointed that we failed to gain admission this time around, we appreciate the opportunity to apply and look forward to reopening the conversation at some point down the road. Meanwhile, we hope to find ways to work with our fellow Jewish groups as we devote ourselves to securing a peaceful and democratic future for Israel.”

Even some of those who voted for J Street have expressed frustration and/or disgust with the way the organization has at times conducted itself.

Of course, I can think of one or two right-wing members of the conference who are similarly skilled at driving folks crazy. But J Street is the one currently on the outside looking in. So to paraphrase an old joke: If you’re going to crap on someone’s front steps, don’t be surprised if they don’t let you in to get some toilet paper.

4) Claim: The Conference of Presidents no longer represents the full spectrum of the Jewish community You can argue that J Street belongs in the Conference of Presidents. You can argue that the existing voting rules are out of whack, giving too much influence to smaller groups on the right over larger left-leaning and centrist groups. But that doesn’t change the fact that, with or without J Street, J Street’s views are represented in the Conference of Presidents, and the conference continues to serve as the most diverse and reflective platform in the Jewish organizational world.

Period. Full stop.

Plus, it’s worth noting that the process doesn't need to be over. Other groups have fallen short and then made it in down the road. All that said, it’s easy to understand why, if someone is a member of J Street — or just identifies with the Continued on page 13

ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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May 16, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 13

92Y chooses non-Jewish leader. Is that a problem?

Focus on issues URIEL HEILMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- When the 92nd Street Y announced last week that it had hired a new executive director, Crain’s New York Business went with an eye-catching headline.

“It’s a goy! 92nd St. Y picks first non-Jewish chief.”

The announcement that Henry Timms would lead the famed Upper East Side cultural center represented the culmination of the Y’s effort to move past the scandal-tainted tenure of its previous director, Sol Adler, who was fired last July. Adler’s dismissal followed revelations that he had a long-term affair with his assistant, Catherine Marto, whose son-in-law was under investigation for allegedly taking part in a kickbacks scheme at the Y. After Adler’s departure, Timms -- at the time the Y’s deputy executive director for innovation, strategy and content -- was named interim executive director.

But the move to make Timms’ position permanent is raising some eyebrows in Jewish philanthropic circles.

“Was I disappointed when I read the news? It’s fair to say that I was,” said Mark Charendoff, president of the Maimonides Fund and a former head of the Jewish Funders Network. “I don’t know the process they went through that led to this decision.”

Officials at the 92nd Street Y declined to be interviewed for this story or address questions on the subject by email.

Phone calls to numerous Y board members also were not returned.

While it describes itself on its website as a “proudly Jewish organization,” the Y’s programming long has focused far more on the wider community than on Jewish culture. It serves primarily as a cultural center, hosting world-class artists, entertainers and public figures, along with some specifically Jewish programming. It also has many of the elements typical of JCCs and YMCAs: fitness programming, child care, a nursery school and activities for seniors.

The selection of a non-Jew to lead this major New York Jewish institution raises questions both about the character of the Y and about the larger issue of gentiles leading Jewish organizations.

Is restricting the executive positions at Jewish institutions to Jewish candidates arbitrary and limiting, or does having a non-Jewish executive detract from the mission of a Jewish organization -- and, potentially, its attractiveness to Jewish donors?

“Most organizations that identify themselves Jewishly know that a significant portion of their support is going to come from Jewish philanthropists, the Jewish community, so they try to hedge it both ways,” said Jay Sanderson, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

“Do I believe it’s impossible for someone not Jewish to

take on these jobs? No. But you have to be passionate about building the Jewish people to be involved in any of these organizations,” Sanderson said. “The 92nd Street Y didn’t make being Jewish a high priority. To me it’s a little disappointing. As organizations choose to become more universal and less particular, more secular and nonsectarian, this is going to happen more and more.”

Jewish nonprofit leaders long have bemoaned the dearth of future leaders prepared to step up and take the reins of Jewish nonprofit institutions. Some blame a lack of talent, others a lack of leadership training; many complain that executive jobs in the Jewish nonprofit world are not sufficiently attractive or lucrative to retain top Jewish talent.

The 92nd Street Y, the famed Jewish cultural center in Credit: Wikimedia Commons Manhattan.

Yet in the world of federations, JCCs and groups that deal with Jewish content, there’s practically no willingness to entertain the possibility of a non-Jewish executive at the helm, according to David Edell, president of DRG, an executive search firm that specializes in Jewish nonprofits. The Jewish institutions that have been most open to non-Jewish leadership, he said, are groups that focus on health care or human services, such as Jewish family service organizations and Jewish day schools.

Marc Kramer, executive director of Ravsak, a network of Jewish community day schools, said interest in hiring nonJewish executives arose years ago, when the day school

The irony of enduring hate

Behind the headlines JAY TCATH CHICAGO -- It is a familiar mantra following a hate crime: Representatives of both the targeted and other minority groups decry the attack as being not just against the victims, but “against all Americans.”

At a moment when a particular community feels vulnerable, that principle affirms our nation’s noblest ideals, rallies solidarity among diverse groups and rebukes the criminal’s hate.

This formula was invoked again following the killings in Overland Park, KS., allegedly by an infamous white supremacist.

The venues for the multiple murders -- a Jewish community center and a Jewish retirement home -- combined with the suspect’s history of hate and his shouting “Heil Hitler” when apprehended, leave no doubts who he wanted to harm.

Half a century ago, when the 73-year old suspect was forming his demented worldview, it might have been reasonable to assume that those venues would yield Jewish victims. Yet in this case, those murdered at the Jewish venues were two Methodists and a Catholic.

The Methodists -- a grandfather and his grandson -- went to the JCC to participate in a singing competition sponsored by a non-Jewish group and open to the entire community.

The Catholic went to the Jewish home to visit her mother, a resident.

This integrated reality is now the American “normal.” It is authentically American for Christians to seek services at a Jewish institution, and for Jewish institutions to open their doors to others.

That non-Jews died when Jews were the intended targets

illuminates just how abnormal the assumptions of bigots have become. They are swimming against our nation’s tide of harmonious inter-group relations. Bigots refuse to see -or recoil at the sight of -- this new America.

In the wake of any hate crime, diverse groups unite not because we ourselves might become victims at one another’s facilities. We unite because our individual American dreams and our dreams for America are intertwined.

The lives destroyed in Kansas were of a young man yearning to sing, his doting grandfather, and a loving daughter visiting her mother. Americans of all stripes mourn their loss and rededicate ourselves to building the type of America that the haters seek to destroy. That’s our response to bigotry. That’s our debt to those killed. That’s our dream.

Jay Tcath is executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. This article was originally published in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Fact-checking Continued from page 14 organization’s stated commitments -- he or she might feel slighted, not wanted, disenfranchised. This vote took place in a wider context, where J Street and its members have been consistently, harshly and sometimes unfairly attacked, and their motives and loyalty (as opposed to their ideas) questioned, with some of the group’s loudest opponents all but saying there is no room in the Jewish community for those who would criticize Israeli policies.

So, yeah, it’s complicated. What do you expect? After all, we’re talking about the Conference of President of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Ami Eden is the CEO and editor-in-chief of JTA.

movement was growing quickly and there was a shortage of quality talent. These days, day schools by and large have turned away from gentile leadership, according to Kramer.

Within the Jewish schools that still have non-Jewish heads of school, the lead professional position usually is more akin to CFO or COO than principal.

“In communities where we have had gentiles in the lead professional role, they often have a Jewish partner who holds the cultural and religious portfolio,” Kramer said. “What we’ve heard from the schools is that it is tricky; it’s not a hole-in-one kind of move.”

The 92nd Street Y may be trying to pull that off with its hiring of Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein of Manhattan’s Central Synagogue as the Y’s director of Jewish community -- a new full-time position whose announcement was made simultaneously with the Timms announcement. The Y’s news release on Rubinstein focused on his role “nurturing 92Y’s Jewish spirit,” but it overreached in describing him as the Y’s “spiritual leader.” Rubinstein clarified to JTA that serving as spiritual leader is not part of his job description, noting that he would not be leading worship services or conducting any lifecycle observances.

The Y, originally the Young Men’s Hebrew Association, was founded in 1874 in New York by German Jews. It moved to its current location on the Upper East Side in 1900. The Y’s mission statement says: “Founded 140 years ago to serve the Jewish people, 92nd Street Y promotes individual and family development and participation in civic life within the context of Jewish values and American pluralism.”

Fordham University law professor Thane Rosenbaum, a frequent presenter at the Y, says the institution always has been informed by Jewish values but is not limited to the Jewish community, either in target audience or presentation.

“There’s always been an implicit understanding that the place is endowed with Jewish values, but its presentation -what is on stage -- has never been focused on that,” Rosenbaum said. “If anything, it’s always tried to reach a wider audience. The decision to elevate Henry Timms to executive director fits into that.”

Rosenbaum credited Timms with greatly expanding the Y’s reach and programming. Where it matters, Rosenbaum says, Timms is Jewish enough.

“This guy has a Jewish soul. It’s not about did he attend yeshiva,” Rosenbaum said. The choice of Timms as executive director, Rosenbaum said, “only reinforces the point that as long as the values and objectives of the place are being both honored and preserved, the leadership of the 92nd Street Y would not be dependent on circumcision.”

Editor’s note: Prior to publication of this issue, the news broke that Sol Adler, former Director of the 92nd Street Y, had taken his own life. Adler reportedly died in the Brooklyn home he shared with his wife.

Living in France

by JULIE WIENER France’s Jewish community -- Europe’s largest -- faces three threats, according to Roger Cukierman, president of the CRIF umbrella group of French Jewish organizations and a vice president of the World Jewish Congress.

In an appearance at New York’s French consulate, Cukierman laid out the trio of challenges: an increasingly radicalized Muslim immigrant population that scapegoats Jews, the growing popularity of the far-right National Front party headed by Marine Le Pen, and widespread anti-Israel sentiment among French leftists.

“It’s not so pleasant living there as Jews in this period,” Cukierman said, adding that at a recent anti-government demonstration, “a crowd of 17,000 people was yelling, ‘Jews, France does not belong to you.’” (An audience member disputed his characterization later during a Q&A session, arguing that only about 500 demonstrators joined in the antiJewish chants.)

Forty percent of violent hate crimes in France target Jews, Cukierman said.

Despite the challenges, the French government is standing by the country’s Jews, said Cukierman, noting approvingly that the country’s president recently publicly equated anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.

A mix of French expats and American Jewish leaders filled the room where Cukierman spoke, followed by Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Much of Hoenlein’s speech was laced with dramatic rhetoric, comparing anti-Semitism in France to a “tsunami,” describing Arab unrest as “the Arab volcano” and referring to anti-Semitism in Europe as a “cancer that has been allowed to grow.” He also referenced Hitler’s “big lie” and quoted the “in every generation, enemies arise to destroy us” line from the Haggadah.

14 | The Jewish Press | May 16, 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: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, Have a Cup of Coffee with God, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 9:45 a.m.; MiniMinyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Last Day of BESTT Classess, 9:30 a.m. waffle breakfast, followed by Lag B'Omer activities. The day will end with a final assembly and outdoor activities and treats for everyone from noon to 12:15 p.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 9:45 a.m. waffle breakfast, class will begin at 10:15 a.m.; Sunday Scholar Series, 11 a.m., with Rabbi Baruch Feldstern on a Pre-Shavuot study of Midrashic texts on Where do you find Torah? (Or does the Torah find you?); USY final banquet/brunch, 12:30 p.m.

RSVP to Betsy Goodman, betsy4589@gmail.com or text her cell phone, 402.321.1806.

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

TUESDAY: On the Road with Rabbi Abraham, noon at the law firm of Abrahams, Kaslow and Cassman.

THURSDAY: Jews ‘n’ Brews, 7 p.m.

NE AIDS Project Lunch, Friday, May 23, 11:30 a.m.

Women’s Rosh Hodesh meeting, Wednesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m. at Fertile Crescent Farm. Meet at Beth El by 6 p.m. to caravan or carpool.

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, 7:15 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit (Barchu), 9 a.m.; Mincha, 8:05 p.m.; Ma’ariv/Havdalah, 9:26 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.

Bat Mitzvah Emily Kutler, daughter of Pam and Bruce Kutler, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 24, at Beth El. Emily is a seventh-grade student at Westside Middle School. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and earned the Esteem Builder award for her positive attitude.

Her interests include dance, show choir, reading and math.

For her mitzvah project, Emily created beauty gift bags for the young girls at the Siena Francis House women’s shelter. She also contributed to the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philantrophy Program. Her charitable fund will give to to the charities of her choice, from now throughout high school.

She has a brother, Benjamin.

Grandparents are the late Ben and Harriet Kutler, the late Harvey Stern of California, and Myrna and Mark Myers of Arizona.

Candlelighting Friday, May 16, 8:19 p.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.

High School Senior Celebration, Friday, May 23, 6 p.m.

Temple Israel’s high school seniors will be given a celebratory blessing by the clergy as they prepare to begin the next phase of their lives.

143rd Annual Meeting, Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m. All members of Temple Israel are invited to attend as Sally Kaplan is honored for serving as president of the Board of Trustees for the past two years. Mike Halsted, incoming president, new Board officers and members will be installed. Outgoing Board members will be thanked for their service. Many other honors will be presented. Brunch will be served. Cost per person is $18. Please RSVP by May 27.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

TIFERETH ISRAEL

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: Wacky Mac Dinner and Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Vicki Edwards.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Beckukotai; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m. All ages welcome! Contact Deborah Swearingen with any questions.

SUNDAY: LJCS Last Day of the Year; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite and Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS end of the year picnic, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel. Parents are invited to join; Glaser Celebration, 4 p.m. Linda and Donald Glaser invite you to join in celebrating their 15th Wedding Anniversary at a Renewal of Vows Jewish Wedding Ceremony at the South Street Temple with a reception immediately following.

TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Olive Garden; Cantillation class, 7:30 p.m.

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

THURSDAY: Centered Walking Workshop Class using the Alexander Technique and Up with Gravity part II with Robert Rickover, 7-9 p.m. The class costs $40. Enrollment is limited to 15 people. To reserve your place, please contact Jean at the Temple office, 402.435.8004 or office@southstreettemple. org. Make your check for $40 payable to the South Street Temple, and send it to South Street Temple, 2061 South 20 St., Lincoln, NE 68502 prior to the first class. You can learn more about the Alexander Technique at www.Alexander Technique.com, and find out more about Up with Gravity at www.UpWithGravity.net.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30-8 p.m. Up Close with Jewish Authors – The Writing of Chaim Potok Adult Education Class. We will learn about the life of one of the great Jewish American authors and examine passages from some of his masterpieces, including The Chosen, The Promise, and My Name is Asher Lev.

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 and Wacky Mac Dinner with Ms. Jennifer, 5:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon in honor of Gail Wishnow’s 80th birthday sponsored by the Wishnow family.

SUNDAY: LJCS Last Day of the Year; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite and Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS end of the year picnic, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Gail Wishnow's 80th birthday reception, 1-3 p.m. at Lazlo’s South, 5900 Old Cheney Rd. No gifts, please. RSVP to Gail at 402.489.3012.

TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Olive Garden.

Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions.

Jewish Book Club Meeting, Sunday, May 25, 2 p.m. at Zoya Zeman’s home and will discuss The history of Love by Nicole Krauss. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions.

Tifereth Israel Annual Meeting, Sunday, June 1 at 2 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.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Chef ’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. led by Chabad.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Renee and Mark Kazor.

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: Confirmation Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel for our tenth graders. Everyone is welcome to attend.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Gabriel, Lilly and Simon Gilinsky, triplets of Patty and Kevin, will celebrate their B’nai Mitzvah; OTYG Board Installation, 7:30–9 p.m. Open to all OTYG members, this evening will include the installation of the new Board members, a Havdalah service and S’mores.

SUNDAY: OTYG Board Retreat, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Nikki Flatowicz’s home; Teacher In-Service, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY: Executive Meeting, 6 p.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Service practice with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m.

Temple Israel Confirmation

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Confirmation ceremonies celebrate the culmination of a Reform Jewish student’s Hebrew school studies, and on May 16 Temple Israel’s latest confirmation class will be honored with a ceremony during the Shabbat Worship Service.

Surrounded by friends and family, the students will participate in the Shabbat service and share a private moment on the bimah with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel.

“What I’ve done for the past few years with the tenth grade students is taking modern day questions and trying to find the Jewish answer to some of those ethical challenges,” Rabbi Azriel said. “We’ve discussed topics such as interfaith marriage and substance abuse, always trying to find the Jewish answer to these topics.”

In addition to classroom discussions, this year’s tenth grade students also had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and learn about American-Israeli politics and the American political system. The group that attended L’Taken lobbied Nebraska’s senators and congressional representatives.

This year’s confirmands include Sophie Budwig, daughter of Larry Budwig and the late Kirsten Budwig; Abby Hack, daughter of Rosie Zweiback and Mace Hack; Brandon Idelman, son of Jill and George Idelman; Solomon Marburg, son of Deb Marburg and Dan Marburg; Michael Militzer, son of Ellie and Paul Militzer; Madelin Miller, daughter of Jennifer and Paul Miller; Abby Reiss, daughter of Wendy and Rob Reiss; Gavin Rogers, son of Marcee and Chuck Rogers; and Sierra Simpson, daughter of Debbie Meiches-Simpson and James Simpson.

“I’m very proud of these kids,” Rabbi Azriel said, “and I look forward to seeing them in the building as they finish their high school studies.”

Traditionally held on or around Shavuot, the holiday commemorating the day God handed down the Torah, and thus knowledge, to the Israelites, confirmation ceremonies are held mainly by Reform congregations as a way to encourage students to continue their Jewish education after their bar or bat mitzvahs. Confirmations also signify the students’ inclusion within the Jewish community. Shavuot this year falls in early June. There will be an evening service on June 3 at 6 p.m. and a morning service June 4 at 10:30 a.m.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

May 16, 2014 | The Jewish Press | 15

Ike Davis hopes to right his ship with Pirates

by HILLEL KUTTLER bat and belting a grand slam in his third game. The latter set BALTIMORE (JTA) -- Ike Davis was upbeat despite the rain an odd major league record, since Davis had blasted a grand pelting the Camden Yards turf and his struggles at the plate. slam for the Mets earlier in April – a pinch-hit, game-winThe new Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman was playing ning homer, at that. Both came against the Cincinnati Reds. catch with teammate Josh Harrison when music from the “It’s an interesting trivia-game fact. It was just nice to hit loudspeakers sent him into a dancing the ball over the fence,” he said with whir. Harrison couldn’t stop giggling. a laugh.

But Davis’ hitting problems with “I hadn’t had a lot of great the New York Mets were no laughing moments in the last year-and-a-half matter. His mid-April trade was offerin New York because I hadn’t played ing a fresh start with a Pirates team well, so it was nice to do something coming off a 2013 playoff appearance. positive,” Davis said of the April 4 The move to Pittsburgh has been game-winner. “a really good transition” because Davis wouldn’t lay his struggles on “I’m obviously getting playing time,” health issues, including a 2011 ankle Davis said in the Pirates’ locker room injury, a bout with Valley fever in before the game here was rained out.

2012 and an oblique strain last year.

His new teammates say Davis “Obviously, I could blame a lot of introduced himself to everyone, things, but to tell you the truth, I indicating a desire to fit in. don’t like to do that, just because I’m “He’s a very upbeat guy, always out there with the bat and it really positive, always optimistic,” second doesn’t matter if something hurts or baseman Neil Walker said.

I’m sick. You still have to put the bat “I’m just glad we got him,” said Jeff on the ball,” he said.

Banister, a Pirates coach. “He’s a left“You’ve just got to put your head handed power hitter who has the down and grind and not [apply] Ike Davis ability to hit the ball the other way pressure when you’re not going well and is a terrific defender at first base.” because that’s what I’ve done in the past, and I’ve made [a Davis said the experience of being traded from New York, slump] last longer than it should have.” an organization to which he’d belonged since 2008, “was While playing for the Mets, Davis attended a 2010 gatherweird,” but “not as devastating as you would think.” ing at the team’s Citi Field with families of Holocaust surOne familiar face on the Pirates is center fielder Andrew vivors. Working on a high school project in his hometown of McCutchen, the National League’s Most Valuable Player last Scottsdale, Ariz., he had discovered that many of his mothyear. As 17-year-olds, the two played together on a U.S. jun- er’s relatives in Lithuania were Holocaust victims. ior team at a tournament in Taiwan.

“Being able to sit there and talk with family members of “He was no different than he is now,” McCutchen said of Holocaust [victims] was pretty cool,” he said of the stadium Davis circa 2004. “Baseball is a crazy game; you never know meeting. “You got to hear some stories about how it affected who you’re going to play with [again].” family trees and how many people were terminated during Davis, 27, had enjoyed a sterling rookie season in 2010 (19 the Holocaust. home runs and 71 runs batted in), a solid but injury-short“I think it’s good to talk about it because the more you talk ened 2011 (.302 batting average) and a productive 2012 (32 about it and learn history, hopefully you don’t make the HRs and 90 RBIs, despite a .227 average) before falling to same mistakes in the future.” .205 last year and being demoted to the minors.

Davis hasn’t been to Israel and doesn’t rule out playing for The Mets sought to trade him last winter, and he played an Israeli entry in the World Baseball Classic (the next qualsparingly before being dealt. ifiers will be in 2016), but said he dreams of representing an Davis is among about 10 Jewish major leaguers; former American team there.

Mets teammate Josh Satin is another.

The here and now is challenge enough. Davis slumped folPittsburgh’s Jewish community hasn’t yet reached out to lowing his initial successes with his new team, at one point Davis, but he said he appreciated the support of Mets fans. going hitless in 21 at-bats. But last week he had several hits “I guess it’s nice to see a guy with Jewish blood playing against the National League West-leading San Francisco professional sports,” the lanky infielder said.

Giants, including three in one game, along with some hardIn New York, Davis said he received scores of invitations hit outs. to bar mitzvahs and weddings that he did not attend because As of May 7, Davis had raised his average to .237, helping he didn’t know the celebrants. the Pirates move out of last place in the N.L. Central into He quickly adapted to Pittsburgh, doubling in his first at- fourth, 7 1/2 games behind first-place Milwaukee.

Sterling apologizes

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Donald Sterling, the Los Angeles Clippers owner banned for life from the NBA for making racist comments, publicly apologized in his first interview since the remarks were made public.

“I’m a good member who made a mistake and I am apologizing and asking for forgiveness,” Sterling said in an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper aired Monday evening, though excerpts were released earlier in the day. “I love my league, I love my partners. Am I entitled to one mistake? It’s a terrible mistake, and I’ll never do it again.

Asked by Cooper why he waited so long to apologize, Sterling said it was because he was “so emotionally distraught.”

“The reason it’s hard for me, very hard for me, is that I’m wrong. I caused the problem. I don’t know how to correct it,” he told Cooper.

Under the punishment laid down late last month by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Sterling may not associate with the team or the league after it was determined that his was

59th annual Willa Cather Spring Conference Wildflower walk and foraging on the prairie, locavore banquet, live production of My Ántonia

by Illusion Theater, author and artist reception, and keynote address by NPR’s, Clay Jenkinson

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the voice recorded without his knowledge making the racist rant, which included comments about black Jews in Israel.

Sterling will be pressured to sell the team; he also was fined $2.5 million.

Sterling said he was not going to fight to keep the team, saying it would not accomplish anything for him to alienate the other owners and for each side to spend millions of dollars in order to fight it out in court.

“If the owners feel I deserve another chance, then they will give it to me,” he said.

Under the ban, Sterling may not attend Clippers games or practices, and cannot enter any Clippers facility. He also was barred from making business or player decisions and from NBA Board of Governors meetings or other activities.

CORRECTION In the May 9 article about Temple Israel’s new Torah covers, Jan Perlmeter was incorrectly identified as Jan Goldstein. The Jewish Press regrets the error.

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ATTENTION: AFTER an absence of 60 years, the fabulous Czech healing salve “NONAT” salve is back. Info: www.nonatsalve.com or 503-234-5594. Order now!

COUNTY ROAD Superintendent. Thayer County is seeking a full-time Highway Superintendent. Applicant must hold a Class A or B Nebraska Highway Superintendent license. Salary is negotiable based on experience. For more information contact the Thayer County Clerk at: phone 402-768-6126 or e-mail clerk@thayer.nacone.org.

FARM OPERATIONS position open, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center.

Competitive salary. Excellent benefits: health/life/dental/vision insurance, retirement, 12 holidays, tuition remission. To apply visit https://employment.unl.edu (search requisition #S_130699). Questions, call 402-762-4150.

SWINE UNIT Manager position open, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center. $40,278/year minimum. Excellent benefits: health/life/dental/vision insurance, retirement, 12 holidays, tuition remission. To apply visit https://employment.unl.edu (search requisition #S_140225). Questions, call 402762-4150.

THEDFORD PUBLIC Schools is seeking applications for a K-12 Counselor/Title Teacher for 2014-2015 school year. Please send letter of application, resume and transcripts to: Henry Eggert, Supt., Thedford Public Schools, PO Box 248, Thedford, NE 69166.

DEALER/MANAGER $60,000 first year. No overnight travel, local territory, company training. 800-240-7681, Mr. Carlson or send resume to pvhsafety@gmail.com.

CORRECTIONS OFFICER: Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, #046G041430, $14.81/hr. + benefits! Apply at: www.corrections.nebraska.gov or call 855.WRK.4DCS. ADA Accommodations call 402-432-5182. Must complete online NE State application by May 30, 2014. EOE/Vet IMMEDIATE OPENING: Aircraft Painting Operation seeks motivated individuals.

Experience in aircraft/industrial painting, or auto body helpful. Wage dependent on skills/experience. Benefits: health, dental, 401(k). Print application at www.hillaero.com or call 402-474-5074. Hillaero Modification Center, Lincoln.

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16 | The Jewish Press | May 16, 2014

With Gratitude We thank all of our donors who have generously established endowment funds, custodial funds, PACE and LOJE funds, supporting foundations and donor-advised funds to support Omaha’s Jewish community.

Your generosity enabled the Foundation to disburse over $5.4 million last year to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign; the JFO’s agencies; local and national Jewish and secular charities; synagogues; and for scholarships to college, camp, the JCC and the CDC.

Thank You!

Contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org | www.jfofoundation.org