Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Bye Bye Birdie rocks the J
June 6, 2014 8 Sivan 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 38
This Week
Jewish Agency rescues group of immigrants Page 6
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press If you were lucky enough to be
Community gallery Page 7
there on May 29 or June 1, you already know: the Jewish Community Center Musical Theater Community Acting Group’s rendition of Bye Bye
Birdie brought down the house. Thanks to the continued support from the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, the JCC has been able
to bring us quality entertainment, tapping into talent that’s homegrown and continually evolving. Continued on page 2
In honor of my father Friedel graduation by MIKE SADOFSKY I am a father of three, a stepfather of one, and a grandfather of six.
grade, he tried motivating me to play. He practiced with me, and every week came to watch me play at the J.
Belgian Jews shocked but not surprised by museum attack Page 12
Inside Mike Sadofsky at the JCC Wall of Fame Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
This Month Senior Living See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
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As the years pass by, it is getting harder to stay young and remember things. However, when it comes to memories of my father Jacob, the opposite is happening. These become more vivid, and my gratitude is growing stronger. My father was always there for me, and has helped me become a better person. Dad was a member of the Jewish Community Center’s basketball team for many years. Since I was in fourth
In high school, I became a member of the Youth Council Basketball team. On Sunday mornings, my dad was often the only parent to attend our games; he gave me valuable pointers afterwards. When the JCC honored him with a basketball award, and his plaque went on the JCC Wall of Fame, I was happy to be in the auditorium watching. My father’s constant presence in my life gave me confidence and helped me succeed in many different endeavors. Watching him work at his liquor store, I learned about sound business ethics and the value of hard work. When, a few years later, I attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri, I played football. During the first game, it was once again my father who was the only parent in the stands. Who knows, maybe it was his presence, Continued on page 2
The 2014 Friedel Jewish Academy graduates. From left, top: Destiny Howard, Zoe Berman, Sarah Aoki, Principal Pam Cohn; Bottom: Rachel Aoki and Doron Margalit. by CLAUDIA SHERMAN for Friedel Jewish Academy On stage in the Jewish Community Center auditorium, the Friedel Jewish Academy student body faced the American flag and sang The Star Spangled Banner. Then they turned the other direction and sang the Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah.” It was graduation night, May 20, for five students just completing sixth grade at Friedel. This year’s graduates are Rachel Aoki, Sarah Aoki, Zoe Berman, Destiny Howard and Doron Margalit. Prior to celebrating the graduates, Pam Cohn, principal of Friedel, thanked the outgoing
members of the Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors and recognized Jerry Gordman, Debbie Denenberg, and Lloyd Roitstein for their fund-raising efforts on behalf of the school. Cohn also welcomed the new Board of Directors. She thanked the PTO for 100 percent family participation this school year. In addition, Cohn recognized her entire staff and announced the Nathan and Rose Lillian Fine Friedel Teacher of the Year honoree: Ashley Barrow, who will be the school librarian next year. Directed by Jim Misner, the Friedel String Ensemble performed Continued on page 2