May 27, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3
Another well-deserved succes for the annual Friedel Tribute Dinner Continued from page 1 Debbie Denenberg introduced the second honoree: “Robert Eisenberg was born in Omaha and was raised here by his parents, Bella and Erwin, and his grandmother, whom we affectionately called Baki, who taught him Yiddish. A lifelong investor and journalist, he has taught at Creighton and UNO. He has written briefs for the Nebraska Court of Appeals and articles for The Forward, the Village Voice, and the Chicago Tribune Book Review. Entrepreneur Bob created the most popular nightclub in the Old Market, 415. Bob has also served as Chair of the Jewish Press, Vice-Chair of Friedel, cohead of the Federation Campaign and Treasurer of the Federation. Currently involved in helping less fortunate Jews in New York, where he resides, Bob has also taught non-religious subjects at a yeshiva in Brooklyn. He shared his story of growing up in Omaha during the 60’s. He was asked to attend a day school that went up to the 2nd grade. To satisfy the begging of his parents, Bob tried the school for only a day. Having missed the day school experience, Bob educated his children, Talia and Zev Eisenberg, at Friedel. Now young adults, they flew in from Boulder and New York City to see their father being honored. In the midst of the evening, Jerry and Linda Gordman were thanked through a light-hearted video presentation, featuring Dave Wingert, a local Omaha radio host. “It is my job to stay-up-to-date on what is happening, who is hot, not just in the local community but coast-to-coast. And the name that keeps popping up is Jerry Gordman,” Dave said. The video cut to New York City where a Broadway producer thanked Jerry for his
Clockwise from top left: Honorees Jody K. and Ray Goldstein address the crowd; many community members came to show support for the school, including Rabbi Jonathan and Miriam Gross; Friedel parents and volunteers Karen Cohen, Erica Lucoff, and Joy SchwartzMason helped get Beth El’s dining room ready; Shirley Goldstein with daughter Kathy Helm. work at Friedel. From Frontier Denver cockpit pilots to students of Stanford University, to a group of Chinese tourists, thank-yous and praise for dedication and hard work were issued. Mike Silverman closed the video by thanking Jerry and Linda for their enormous generosity and support for Friedel.
The final honoree of the evening, Shami Jacobs, was introduced by Rabbi Eric Linder, Associate Rabbi of Temple Israel and friend of Shami’s. Shami’s father Paul Jacobs flew in from Toronto for the event. Shami completed his undergraduate degree at Yeshiva University and earned an MBA at Columbia University. While at
graduate school, he wrote an extraordinary letter that got the attention of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, and a summer internship ensued. After completing his MBA in 2003, Shami returned to Berkshire Headquarters in Omaha to work directly for Mr. Buffett. In 2009, Shami left Berkshire Hathaway to head his own fund, 402 Fund LP. Shami was President of Beth Israel Synagogue while still in his 20’s, Board Member of Friedel, and is currently Treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and a Board Member of the Institute for Holocaust Education. Shami brought comic relief to the dinner when he said: “Gee, the coveted eleventh speaker spot!” He spoke of how it is quintessential for a Jewish community like Omaha to have a day school. He feels it is paramount that the Jewish community support the school in order to guarantee the future of our Jewish youth. The event co-chairs who put months of work, dedication and creativity into the program are: Beth Cohen and Harry Berman, Tippi and Steve Denenberg, Bruce and Linda Potash, Sherry and Jeffrey Taxman, and Susan and Isaac Witkowski. With the support of generous donors, committed families, excellent teachers, along with the Omaha Jewish community, Friedel Jewish Academy will continue to grow and thrive. If you or someone you know would like to get involved with the school, please call the office at 402.334.0517.
“People don’t realize, and I was one of them, how much you need them, until you need them. And boy, did I need them!” - Linda Mann
Linda Mann can’t speak highly enough about the physical and occupational therapy she received at The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home after a recent knee replacement. She said the therapists were the most kind, professional and thoughtful people. And now . . . “My leg is perfect,” she said. Are you in need of outpatient therapy services? Call 402.334.6535 for an appointment.
Providing Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy for The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home
402-392-1818