Vol. LXXXIX No. 37 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
22 Sivan 5770
June 4, 2010
Third Friedel fundraising dinner a true charm by TIPPI DENENBERG own family has been a cornerstone of Friedel’s history still,” and lamented that images “of Julie frying 1000 At fundraising events, sometimes the magic shows up, and its ongoing success, introduced them. latkes” make it hard for us to relax. some times it doesn’t. For Friedel Jewish Academy’s David Kohll accepted on behalf of the group while Then Friedel teacher Denise Bennett gave the Steins a Third Annual Tribute Dinner Sunday night May 23rd at crediting wife Janet for guiding the family in its FJA “real” and lovely introduction. Julie took the podium. Beth Israel Synagogue -- from the 5:30 start to the on- involvement. He went on to recognize the other hon- She described how her parents were her role models in time 8:30 finish -- the magic giving so much of their time kept coming and coming. to the community. She also Jerry Gordman kicked off credited her husband David the event with spectacular Stein for supporting her so shofar blasts. Emcee Debbie that she can give so much Denenberg opened by time to the school. A huge explaining the evening’s contingency of UNMC scitheme, “Three’s a Charm”. entists who work with the “It’s our third annual dinfamous Dr. Gendelman were ner, we’re honoring three in attendance and Julie Stein exceptional families, and got an unintended laugh because our school is growwhen referring to fellow ing so beautifully, we’re honorees Drs. Bloch and entering a capital campaign Gendelman as “Bonnie to add three new classBloch and her husband”. rooms.” She pointed out Jeff and Danielle Gordman that the event’s invitation announced Friedel’s capital sported a picture of the campaign. Emcee Debbie Julie and David Stein Drs. Bonnie Bloch and Howard Gendelman triplets, Hamicksburg Denenberg adroitly linked Credit: Gary Javitch the recent Blumkin renovaIllyana, Dahlia and Tzipporah, who commute two hours orees, at first seriously with daily to attend FJA. Why such an effort? Their mother the usual respect for their accolades, then with a little tions with Friedel’s forthcoming classroom expansions. was quoted, “We live in Lincoln. We wanted a fighting humor. For his efforts, he was rewarded with big laughs. She said, “On the north side of the JCC, we have the chance of our daughters being observant Jews no matter Everyone in attendance was in a receptive mood when spectacular RBJH. It’s filled with the people who reprewhere they ended up. They needed a strong sense of area actor Michael Simpson, posed as new Friedel parent sent our community’s history, wisdom and experience. identity and a lot of background and knowledge. They and close friend of Julie Stein “Michael Schwartz.” He It’s where we obey the words of the Torah by honoring need to be able to do it themselves no matter where they took the podium to introduce the second honorees, our fathers and our mothers. And on the South side we end up.” Debbie commented: “Aren’t those the wishes Julie and David Stein. After joking that he has to Google have Friedel, now 60 children strong. It’s filled with our of any American Jewish parent?” Hebrew words to understand what his daughter is learn- hopes, our future. It’s where we obey the words of the The night’s first honorees were the families of Kohll’s ing at Friedel, “Mr. Schwartz” did a “stinger” about Torah by teaching it diligently to our children. And Pharmacy & Home Care: Marvin and Sandra, David and Julie as the over-achiever volunteer. He noted that her these two groups get to know each other, because Janet, and Justin Kohll. Jerry Gordman, someone whose energy made the rest of us “look like we’re standing Continued on page 7
Palmon Honored with Beth El’s Gendler Award by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator For her involvement and dedication to Beth El Synagogue, Shir Palmon has been named the 2010 recipient of the A.B. and Freeda Gendler Award. The award was presented to the recent Ralston High School graduate during the synagogue’s May 15 BESTT graduation ceremony. The Gendler Award is an honor given to a high school senior who has shown exemplary dedication to the synagogue: the criteria include regular attendance at BESTT Shir Palmon Hebrew High School, Credit: Ophir Palmon Torah reading and/or for Artistic Visions Haftorah chanting, leading service portions in the sanctuary, attendance at services and participation in the synagogue’s USY youth group, as well as other service to the synagogue. In addition to a $500 award, Palmon’s name will be included on a plaque on the synagogue’s Wall of Honor. Palmon has made her mark in a variety of ways at the synagogue: her involvement has included tutoring younger students on Shabbat, four years of participation in the USY youth group, participation in the religious school’s Merit Scholarship program, volunteering during the High Holidays and attending Continued on page 2
Inside Op-Ed Page: see page 8
Bob Lepp completes term as Federation President by BOB LEPP Outgoing President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha It has been an honor and a privilege to be the President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha the past two years. I had big plans when I started and we did accomplish many great things, but the downturn in the economy forced us to reassess and refocus our efforts in order to overcome the obstacles we now face. While we did not accomplish everything I had planned when I started my term as President and while we Bob Lepp continue to face many challenges, we did forge new ground and have set the stage for this community to continue to be one of the great Jewish communities in North America. I want to thank our Federation’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and professionals along with all the professional and lay leaders throughout our Jewish community. Your passion for this place we call home has set the standard very high and working with each of you has been my pleasure and an honor. I am confident that we can have productive conversations and find solutions to the issues we face in fundraising, volunteerism and engaging the next generation. Here are just a few of the highlights from my term as Federation President. In a vibrant and progressive community, there are times when the leadership must grapple with various issues. During these past two years, the JFO board has
Next Week: Salute to Graduates/Father’s Day See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’
Institute for Holocaust Education offers summer programming Page 2
addressed some very important and sensitive issues. Fortunately, we have been successful in addressing the area of Kashrut and recognizing its importance to our community with the development and implementation of a new Kashrut Policy. The JCC has looked into its hours of operations in terms of Shabbat and brought forward a recommendation to the JFO Board that was agreed upon by the majority of those who represent our community. A Mikvah Committee, representing all three synagogues was formed, and formal policies were established. It’s the “nuts and bolts” of every organization that make it operate, enabling the delivery of programs and services to the constituents. This administration was faced with significant changes in the areas of finances and governmental obligations and had to meet those challenges. A number of new Internal Revenue regulations have come about in an effort to maintain accountability and transparency. We have had to step up and meet those requirements and implement new policies and procedures without significant increase to our budgets. Central Services has assumed this additional responsibility and has been able to meet these demands without increasing staff. At the same time, they have implemented quarterly financial statements, continuing our organization’s commitment to excellence. This year the Federation was able to successfully respond to a grass roots effort among many in our community to begin a supplementary Jewish Community High School, bringing together the teens of our community in a learning environment. We are proud of those who came together to develop the initial stages of this project. Advertisements are now out and a search Continued on page 2
Coming Next Month: Sports and Recreation Sayig goodbye to Edith Rogert Page 6
Rivers keeps rolling, with bark and bite intact Page 6