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The Jewish Press AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA | WWW. JE WISHOMAHA.ORG

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Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Reception Room tory,” said Mark Wiesman.

LINDA POLLARD Steve Levinger, Chief DevelEndowment Assistant/Staff opment Officer of the Jewish Writer, JFO Foundation Federation of Omaha, said: or many years “The newly repurposed the Benjamin Kripke Library at the JCC will and Anna Wieshave numerous features deman family has signed to better meet the had a strong needs of our community and connection to the Jewish draw more people in to these community. Throughout the spaces. In addition to a Hall of years, the Wiesmans have History, co-work space, and supported both local and nacarefully curated book distional Jewish organizations. plays, the Benjamin and Anna Both Ben and Anna have E. Wiesman Family Reception been deeply involved with orRoom will serve as an integral ganizations through voluncomponent to this space. teerism and community Thanks to the generosity of service in the Jewish commuBen Wiesman and Anna nity, as well as the secular Wiesman, of blessed memory, community. In continuation along with their sons, David, of this tradition, Ben and his Anna and Benjamin Wiesman William, Mark, and Stephen, sons David, William, Mark and Stephen have endowed the Benjamin and Anna E. Wies- this reception room will provide our community with a man Family Reception Room at the Learning Commons in space for learning and for hosting a variety of diverse prothe Jewish Community Center. “Our decision to support the gramming. We are grateful for the Wiesman family’s gift to renovation and upkeep of the JCC is in keeping with this his- See Wiesman Family Reception Room page 3

Liora Herskovitz joins Beth Israel team Page 5

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Beth El repeats Shabat-to-go meals Page 5

Hulu’s hit show Ramy Page 7

JFO Campaign Chairs

Finding Harold

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Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

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Ted and Jamie Friedland Credit: Paula Boggust, Friedland Studio, Inc.

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that Jamie and Ted Friedland have agreed to be the 2021 Annual Campaign Chairs. The Annual Campaign officially kicks off Sept. 13. Unlike other years, it will not be accompanied by a big event.

“This year will definitely be a unique year,” Jamie said. “Everyone has been affected in one way or another by the COVID-19 virus. Some

people are in greater need than they have ever been before. I expect that Jewish Family Service will be a priority need this year for help to provide food, mental health support and every day needs. We also want to make sure we are doing all we can to protect each other from this crazy virus that we are continuously learning more about. We anticipate that the in-person Federation events that we are all used to will be done online and over the phone this year.”

See JFO Campaign Chairs page 3

Rose Kaplan with the copy of the Jewish Press

SAM KRICSFELD Jewish Press Intern Success! A mystery photo turned out to not be such a mystery after all.

In our June 19 edition, we ran a faded photo of a man in an army uniform with the heading, Who am I? Bonnie Kaplan-Mound of Las Vegas, Nevada sent us an email that sent chills up our spines and prompted her to say, “I think G-d orchestrated this.”

She said that her aunt, Rose Kaplan, is 97 years old and lives at the

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Rose had been unable to hold the Jewish Press for approximately three years, but for some reason she decided to try and read a copy the week of the 19th. She turned directly to page 11 to find the picture we ran.

In response to the Who am I? heading, Rose Kaplan said out loud, “That is my husband!”

The picture is of Harold Kaplan, an army veteran and father of Sherry Bukstein of Minnesota and See Finding Harold page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020

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Finding Harold

Continued from page 1 Myron Kaplan, an attorney here in Omaha. Sherry has two children and two grandchildren.

Judaism was an important tenet in Harold’s life. The Omaha World Herald archives had a 1933 article about Harold’s Bar Mitzvah which said, “He will become the first boy in Omaha Jewish history to conduct the entire Saturday morning service, as cantor.” Myron said his father loved leading services and grew up Orthodox. He attended minyan regularly.

Sherry said Harold never got to have a fun childhood or play with friends; his father only wanted him to study and practice violin, resulting in Harold being recognized as an accomplished violinist.

According to both Rose and the Omaha World Herald, Harold was the best student in Technical High School. One article listed him as selected to represent the entire school in the instrumental division of the district music contest. In another district competition, he was ranked “superior.” The Herald then issued a correction – he had not been merely “superior,” but “highly superior.”

According to Rose, Harold worked in a pharmacy during his army service during World War II. In 1944, the Omaha World Herald listed him as a technician pharmacist at a regional hospital in Camp Steward, Georgia. Myron said that Harold was stationed with Rose’s brother.

After the war, Rose Berkovitz and Harold married. According to Rose, Harold wanted to go to Creighton University to become a dermatologist but was told by his father that it would be difficult to go to college and support Rose at the same time.

Soon after their marriage, Harold and Rose opened Harold’s Dry Goods on

North 24th Street. An Omaha Star article said that Harold had returned from the war and opened a “Dry Goods and Variety Store” that sells “notions, novel-

Rose Kaplan with the photo

ties, gifts and many useful items.” The article told readers to “visit Harold’s place and give him a boost.”

Sherry remembers going to the store during the holiday season when Rose would help run the store. “It was a small store,” she said, “and there really was nothing much for little kids to do.” She would hang out at Harold’s sister’s drug store down the street.

Harold’s Dry Goods was open for 21 years but was forced to close in the late

1960s after a series of break-ins and the growing racial tensions on North 24th Street. It was bought out by Canfield’s.

Both Myron and Sherry also remember their father’s love of sports – some of their best memories with their father came from going to watch a game or match.

“He took me to every sporting event that took place in Omaha,” Myron said.

“He really liked boxing.” He remembers his 13th birthday when he watched the 1972 World Heavyweight Championship between Joe Frazier and Ron Stander with his father.

“I think my favorite memory with him is going to the baseball fields down by Carter Lake to watch softball games in the summer,” Sherry said.

Harold was much more than what can be conveyed in one article. During the interview process, there was an abundance of love and fondness in the responses.

“He was a very kind and gentle man.

He didn't show a lot of emotion, and wasn't one to give you a hug, but you knew he loved his family more than anything in the world,” Sherry said.

“He was a good husband. We were always together. We went all over together, and he was a good man,” Rose said.

Harold Kaplan died at age 60. He was able to see pictures of his first grandchild, but never got to meet her. He and Rose had been married for 35 years.

“He didn’t live long enough,” Rose said.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Due to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home temporarily being closed to the public, B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers will not meet until further notice. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@Gmail.com, Breadbreakers chairman. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

Temple Israel G’milut Chasadim Award

CASSANDRA WEISENBURGER Director of Communications, Temple Israel Mazel tov to Jackie and Jason Friedland for receiving the G’milut Chasadim award for their work and dedication to social justice. Jackie and Jason have been instrumental in volunteering and coordinating volunteers to cook and serve monthly breakfast at Stephen Center.

Stephen Center has served homeless and low-income individuals in Omaha since 1984. The organization was founded by Sharon and Dick McNeil, who recognized a distinct need to assist those living in poverty in south Omaha.

From those humble beginnings in a rundown former pool Jackie and Jason Friedland hall and bar, Stephen Center has grown to include a multi-facility campus designed to support vulnerable men, women and children as they seek to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty.

Jackie said they started volunteering at Stephen Center four or so years ago when Scott Littky, program director of Temple Israel at the time, mentioned the opportunity. “We wanted to help and to do something different that we hadn’t done, and Jason likes to cook.”

The Friedlands have grown this opportunity from occurring 3-4 times a year to now being a monthly (sometimes twice-monthly) event.

On the 2nd and 5th Sundays of each month, Temple Israel volunteers cook and serve breakfast to 100-200+ people in all different stages of life. On 2nd Sundays, volunteers use food provided by Stephen Center, and on fifth Sundays, Temple Israel donates all the breakfast items.

Each morning is about a 4-hour event starting at 8:30 a.m., and the first two hours are spent cooking. Jason explained that there is always someone there with experience that directs people, so volunteers do not need to have a culinary background.

See Temple Israel G’milut Chasadim Award page 3

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Wiesman Family Reception Room Continued from page 1 the project which also includes an endowment provision to ensure this space will be well maintained for years to come.”

While the establishment of this fund was a Wiesman family decision, Mark said that Ben: “was very interested in supporting the JCC, and the Federation.” The Wiesman family has funded various projects at the JCC, Beth-El Synagogue, Beth Israel, and Chabad. It is the belief of the family that the Jewish community has contributed greatly to the well-being of Omaha. Not only does the JCC serve the metropolitan area Jewish population, but it also serves greater Omaha, as well.

Through the years it has been a hub for people of all ages and all interests. Although the JCC has been open to all of Omaha, David is hopeful that the new Reception Room will become even more utilized by all members of the metropolitan Omaha community. He remembers the JCC as a safe gathering place to go when he was active in AZA, BBYO and sports as a youth and the new more open design will help to keep it as a welcoming, open and safe place for all who use it. Mark feels the inclusion of all Omaha area citizens promotes understanding and helps to reduce prejudice. Mark said: “Our family has benefited from the various programs that the Federation and JCC have offered over the years, and we feel that it is right that we should “give back” to them.”

Anna graduated from Grinnell College with a degree in speech therapy. She was active in the Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood and served as its president. Anna was the president of the Central Regional States Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, nominated to the National Board of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, and president of Omaha Volunteer Braille Services. Anna’s mother had volunteered as a Braille transcriber in Des Moines, which piqued Anna’s interest in the skill. Anna found that it was something she could do while she stayed at home raising her four sons. In order to do this Anna had to study and take a national exam through the Library of Congress. She became a Certified Braille Transcriber and worked at transcribing for many years, even training others in the skill. She transcribed textbooks for children and college students, cookbooks, children’s books and novels.

She was the president of Omaha Volunteer Braille Services, Inc. Anna died in 2018, after 63 years of marriage to Ben. Six years after graduating from Central High School, Ben founded his real estate company, Wiesman Development. An

innovator, Ben built the nation’s first building designed for telephone and computer operations. Ben has been inducted into the Central High Hall of Fame and the Omaha Business Hall of Fame. He was presented with the Visionary Pioneer Award by Downtown Omaha, Inc. for purchasing and redeveloping downtown Omaha property. He was elected to the Board of Trustees of Nebraska Methodist Hospital, and the Chancellor’s Council of the University of Nebraska. Ben has also served as vice president of the Board of Trustees, MidAmerica Council, Boy Scouts of America. He has been the vice president of the Central States-Provinces Region of the United Synagogue of America (1989), was president of Beth El Synagogue, and served on the Jewish Press board. In 2010 the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Foundation established the Anna E. and Benjamin Wiesman Family Fund for the Omaha Jewish Press at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation to ensure that the weekly newspaper will continue to exist today and into the future.

The Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Foundation also established the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Reception Room Maintenance Endowment Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. The purpose of this fund is to pay for costs of cleaning, maintenance, repairs and upkeep of the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Reception Room at the Learning Commons at the Jewish Community Center.

Mark said: “We feel that maintenance and operation funding is often overlooked in capital projects such as this, therefore we have contributed to an endowment to maintain the building.”

The Wiesmans think that in order to keep the Jewish community strong and vital today and into the future, the active participation of all its members is necessary. The Wiesman family hopes that their endowment inspires others to consider helping Omaha Jewish organizations. Mark said: “It is not the size of the contribution or type of contribution that matters, but the participation itself that is important.” The Wiesman family has demonstrated their commitment to the Federation and the renovation of the campus, and hopefully, many others will be encouraged to follow their lead and contribute to the best of their abilities.

If you would like to help in the campus renovations, or endow a fund for a cause meaningful to you, please contact Howard Epstein at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, hepstein@jewishomaha.org, or 402.334.6466.

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JFO Campaign Chairs Continued from page 1 Both Jamie and Ted grew up in Omaha.

“Our families have always been involved in the Jewish community in various ways,” Ted said. “I attended the Jewish community center preschool when I was young,” Jamie added, “and as I grew up I continued going to the J for dance class and gymnastics. As I got older I was active in BBYO, was a camp counselor at the JCC day camp, and also was an overnight camp counselor. I was lucky to be on the first Federation-sponsored Artza trip to Israel - it was all Omaha teens. What an experience that was!”

While the Friedland’s enthusiasm for our Federation was cultivated early, nowadays they know first-hand how important a robust Federation is for the next generation.

“As we grew up and became adults,” Jamie said, “Ted and I have continued to be active members of the Jewish community. We have both served on various boards over the years.

JFO’s presence has been felt by our family in various ways such as mission trips to Israel, and Jewish community center programming such as sports, swimming, preschool and let’s not forget about PJ Library. Our 4-year-old looks forward to getting his books in the mail and attending PJ Library’s community wide programming.”

Ted is currently on the board of directors of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and serves as its immediate past-president. In addition, he is a member of the ADL Board of Directors.

“Together we were co-chairs of a mission trip to Israel with Dana and Mike Kaufman,” Jamie said. “A few years ago, we

were co-chairs with Stacey and Brett Atlas for the JFO Community Event.”

Both Jamie and Ted feel a responsibility to support this amazing Jewish community and feel lucky to be a part of it.

“Donating to the Annual Campaign helps all of us do our part individually,” Ted said, “When you put all of our individual support together it becomes a really big thing. We all become part of something, as a whole community gives together to one very important organization which raises over 3 million dollars every year. Now that is something!!! The JFO campaign is vital to the success of its agencies. We all benefit from the Jewish Federation of Omaha in so many different ways.

Jamie and Ted feel passionate about JFO and about the Campaign, and hope that passion is infectious: “Without Federation support, many programs and possibly entire departments wouldn’t be around. Donating to the Federation campaign helps all of us do our part in creating and sustaining something beautiful.”

“If you are someone who would like to get more involved,” Ted said, “please, don’t wait for someone to ask you. The Jewish Federation and its agencies are always looking for excited volunteers to step up to the plate. There are many ways to get involved from sitting on boards to volunteering or chairing events. There are agencies and departments to meet various interests, from the Jewish Community Center to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, from Jewish Family Service to the ADL/CRC, from the Institute of Holocaust Education to the JFO Foundation. It’s a great way to meet new people and also feel good about helping your Jewish community thrive.

Temple Israel G’milut Chasadim Award Continued from page 2 “Then the craziness begins where hungry grateful people come in groups and those who cooked now get to serve the fantastic food,” said Jason. “I love to cook, but for me it is watching others cook and serve.”

When the Friedlands were told they won the award, Jason said his first thought was “that maybe this award will give exposure to this opportunity to others and hopefully get others excited to volunteer for this experience.”

“It was nice to be recognized,” said Jackie. “We are just glad we could keep it going.”

The Friedlands have a small, core group of volunteers that

are always willing to assist, but they could use more helping hands. Please reach out to Jackie, jaxfriedland@gmail.com, if you are interested in learning more or you would like to take part in this wonderful volunteer experience.

Due to the Coronavirus, there are extra safety measures in place like mask requirements, social distancing, and temperature scans.

The dates for 2020 are: Aug. 9 & 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 & 29, and Dec. 13.

“I personally don’t call it social justice work, I call it doing what I think is right and something that I love to do,” said Jason. “How often do those marry up?”

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4 | The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020

Scholarship survey The Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Financial Aid Committee (FAC) has been tasked with administering the allocation and distribution of scholarship and financial assistance funds entrusted to the community for the benefit of Jewish Omaha. A survey has been created to allow the FAC to better assess and improve our process.

The FAC welcomes feedback from scholarship applicants/recipients and interested community members. This is an anonymous survey – those completing the survey will not be identified in any way.

To clarify: The scholarship process refers to funding provided by the Financial Aid Committee to support Omaha Jewish families with the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, JCC Summer Camp, residential summer camp, college and youth group programming.

The grant process refers to funding budgeted by the Jewish Federation of Omaha for Jewish Experience Grants (residen-

tial summer camp) and Israel Experience Grants (including the Teen Trip).

Please Note: Assistance received from Jewish Family Serv-

ice, including the COVID-19 Relief Fund and reduced JCC memberships are not included in this survey. The Sokolof Merit Scholarships and the Fellman/Kooper awards are also not included in this survey. You can access the survey on the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s homepage – www.jewishomaha.org.

Feel free to email any questions or concerns to Diane Walker, Scholarship Administrator at dwalker@jewishomaha.org.

Let us teach you about dangers of anti-Semitism Administrative Assistant

Beth Israel Synagogue is seeking a skilled, confident individual for the position of Administrative Assistant. The position provides administrative support to the synagogue staff, handling information requests, performing a variety of clerical functions, receiving visitors, creating weekly emails and publications, assisting with program arrangements, working with volunteers, handling a variety of special projects, and data base management. Strong oral and written communication skills are needed. Strong organizational and decision-making skills are key in addition to attention to detail and accuracy. Competency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Publisher, and Outlook required. This is a part-time position, 20-26 hours with potential for hours to increase. Submit resume to beth israel@orthodoxomaha.org attn: Julee Katzman.

Changing your address?

Please give us the following information: Your name, old address and new address and when you want the change of address to go into effect.

Call 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org

The Jewish Press

Young Philly, which works with young professionals and MARCY OSTER graduate students, to discuss how Jackson can donate to and JTA A coalition of Jewish groups say NFL star DeSean Jackson work with Chabad. needs an education about “how dangerous and pernicious Meanwhile, the chairman of the Philadelphia Holocaust antisemitism and all forms of hate are” — and the groups Memorial, David Adelman, said in a tweet that in a Facesay they are willing to teach him.

Time call with Jackson, the athlete Jackson recently posted quotes again apologized and accepted on social media attributed to Adelman’s offer to host him for an Adolf Hitler and Louis Farrakhan. educational session and tour of the The Philadelphia Eagles wide rememorial. “Confident we can turn ceiver removed them a day later this into a positive together,” the and posted an apology following tweet said. pushback.

One of the two alleged Hitler The Anti-Defamation League, quotes posted Monday accuses the American Jewish Committee, “white Jews” of having a “plan for the Jewish Federation of Greater world domination.” The Snopes Philadelphia, the Jewish Federawebsite reports that the quote is tion of Southern New Jersey, the not attributable to Hitler and apPhiladelphia Holocaust Remempears to have been first published brance Foundation and the Pennon a “clickbait web site” called sylvania Jewish Coalition in a joint FMLGoneViral.com in 2015. statement condemned Jackson for On Saturday, Jackson posted a DeSean Jackson warms up before a game against photo of Nation of Islam leader the Instagram posts.

“Although Mr. Jackson later the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Louis Farrakhan delivering his posted that he ‘has no hate in his Atlanta, Sept. 15, 2019. Credit: Carmen Mandato/ three-hour Fourth of July address heart,’ his amplification of hate- Getty Images in which Farrakhan, who has filled messages sent a very different message,” they wrote. called Jews “termites” and denounced the “Synagogue of “All of the undersigned organizations work in coalitions in Satan,” repeated canards about Jews. our community, foster interfaith and Black-Jewish dialogues, Jackson wrote: “This man powerful I hope everyone got a and support all efforts to ensure Philadelphia is safe and wel- chance to watch this!! Don’t be blinded. Know what’s going on!!” coming for all. We are willing to work with the Eagles and The Eagles released a statement on Tuesday morning adMr. Jackson on education and outreach.” dressing the Instagram posts, saying the team had “spoken ESPN reported later on Tuesday that Jackson, in a meeting with” Jackson about his social media posts, which they called with Jeffrey Lurie, the Jewish owner of the Eagles, and Howie “offensive, harmful, and absolutely appalling.”

Roseman, the team’s Jewish general manager, said he would “They have no place in our society, and are not condoned like to educate himself, and later reached out to the Chabad or supported in any way by the organization,” the team said.

Include kosher and halal food in emergency coronavirus food programs

to Families Food Box Program, and what steps USDA has taken MARCY OSTER to receive feedback from Jewish and Muslim communities to JTA Two U.S. senators want to know if kosher and halal food is ensure their religious dietary needs are met by the program.”

The first round of purchases for 32.4 million in food boxes being included in the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to ended on June 30 and totaled help alleviate food insecu$1.2 billion, according to the rity during the coronavirus USDA. A second round of crisis. purchases for 695,000 food The senators, Kirsten boxes is set to end on Aug. 31.

Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Deb“Americans of all backbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who grounds and faiths are experepresent large Jewish and riencing increased hunger Muslim populations, sent a during this pandemic, and letter Thursday to Agriculmany programs have been ture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking for details put forth to alleviate some of concerning the Farmers to these issues,” the letter said.

Families Food Box Pro“However, many in the Jewish gram. In April, the Departand Muslim community only ment of Agriculture eat kosher or halal food, and announced that under the have not been able to benefit program, the USDA would Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speaks at a news conference at the U.S. from these programs if they be purchasing up to $3 bil- Capitol, March 14, 2017. Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images do not provide these options.” lion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products to be distribAccording to Gillibrand’s office, across New York City, uted to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, Westchester County and Long Island, about 222,000 Jewish and other nonprofits. households keep kosher. An estimated 51,700 poor and near In the letter, Gillibrand and Stabenow asked Perdue to de- poor Orthodox households and 144,400 other poor and near scribe what the Department of Agriculture has done “to ensure poor Jewish households would benefit from the inclusion of that kosher and halal food are being included in the Farmers kosher options in the Farmers to Families Food Box program.

The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020 | 5

News

Liora Herskovitz joins Beth Israel team

LOCA L | NAT IO NAL | WORLD

Beth El repeats Shabbat-to-go meals ROBBY ERLICH Engagement Coordinator, Beth El Synagogue Food is a labor of love. Beth El’s Chef and Catering Manager, Mike Newell, is a true reflection of that. Chef Mike has prepared 450+ to go meals for the congregation and community since April, starting with Passover To Go meals, complete with the holiday ritual items, for over 200 people.

Liora, Caleb and Yoni Herskovitz

MARY SUE GROSSMAN For Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel is happy to announce the addition of Liora Herskovitz as the synagogue's new Executive Director. Liora holds a Master of Arts in Gerontology from the University of Southern California’s Davis School of Gerontology and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. During her time in Omaha, she first worked for a title company and most recently has been working in the dental field. She is originally from California.

Liora has an ongoing commitment to learning, stressed from an early age by her parents, who were both teachers.

She and her four siblings attended Jewish day schools throughout their elementary and high school years. During one interview she commented that one of strengths was her desire to “learn everything.”

“The search committee was impressed with Liora from the beginning,” said Jeff Kirshenbaum, Beth Israel president.

“The committee reported her enthusiasm, forthright answers, and desire to help move the synagogue forward made an immediate impact on each of them.” He continued saying “During my conversations with Liora, I quickly realized she would be an excellent fit for the Beth Israel team. I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”

“I am very excited to join the Beth Israel staff,” shared Liora. “I feel immense responsibility to do justice to the position and know I will do my utmost to take Beth Israel to the next level. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward increasing my role in this wonderful community.”

Liora and her husband, Yoni, have been active members of Beth Israel since moving to Omaha in 2015. They have a one year old son, Caleb. Liora was an active NCSY regional board member in her teens and worked as an advisor for many years. Liora began work on July 6 and is looking forward to using her organizational, fiscal, and social skills for Beth Israel. She can be reached at lherskovitz@orthodox omaha.org or by calling Beth Israel at 402.556.6288.

Brisket from Passover To Go meals

Chef Mike slices and dices on average one or two to-go meals per month. The menus have been traditional Shabbat fare, and he mixes in world-wide cuisine menu’s as well. With the remaining summer months and autumn months coming up, Chef Mike will continue delivering love and hope to all during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frequent participant Jeanne Shechet loves the program: “The idea is marvelous. There is always plenty of food. It’s so easy and so nice to not have to think about preparing Shabbat dinner - to drive up to the synagogue and pick it up... it’s just wonderful!”

The next Shabbat To-Go meal will be on Friday July 24 and the menu will be Chicken picatta with a lemon beurre, spinach and sun dried tomato stuffed portobello mushrooms for the vegetarian/vegan entre, garlic mashed potatoes, summer green bean medley and a doubled iced chocolate cake for dessert. Chef Mike also has new offerings for the community.

On Aug. 28, he will prepare full roasted chickens with housebaked challah to sell, offer a lunch to-go option in the coming months. He will also continue to deliver live cooking classes on Zoom in the Beth El kitchen. Be sure to check out the Beth El website for more information and to sign up for future togo meal offerings at www.bethel-omaha.org or e-mail Robby Erlich, Engagement Coordinator at rerlich@ bethelomaha.org.

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6 | The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020

News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Zach Banner says Jews are minority, too, and we must ‘put our arms around them’ in 2018 when a gunman entered the Tree of Life synagogue MARCY OSTER building in the city’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood and opened JTA Zach Banner of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers wants the fire during Shabbat morning services, killing 11.

“I was here on the team … a couple years ago when — it’s Black community to know: Jews “deal with the same amount just tough man — during the synagogue shooting, in this beauof hate, similar hardships and hard times.” tiful city of Pittsburgh,” he said, his In a tweet accompanied by a voice breaking. “We need to unvideo, Banner said he does not derstand that Jewish people deal want to “harp” on the controversy with the same amount of hate, surrounding the recent social similar hardships and hard times. media posts of fellow NFLer De“We need to uplift them and put Sean Jackson in which the our arms around them just as Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver much when we talk about the featured anti-Semitic statements BLM and we talk about elevating attributed to Adolf Hitler. ourselves.”

But, he said, the community Recently, he changed his Twitter can only “progress by educating profile picture to the Steelers ourselves. We can’t move forward Stronger than Hate logo created while allowing ourselves to leave after the Pittsburgh synagogue another minority race in the dark.” shooting. In a tweet he called the Banner, who is of Chamorro image “Simple, but strong repreand African-American descent, said in the video that he saw Jack- Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Zach Banner at sentation of my squad.” son’s apology video and “it seems Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Sept. 15, 2019. Credit: Joe Sar- Banner said that he met Jewish gent/Getty Images friends while a student at the Unilike his heart is in the right place.”

Jackson has deleted the posts, which also encouraged the versity of Southern California and some have become like famviewing of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan’s Fourth of ily members.

He has participated in Black Lives Matter protests in PittsJuly address that included anti-Jewish rhetoric.

“There’s a common misbelief that among Black and Brown burgh since the death of George Floyd, the Pittsburgh Tribune people — and I know this from growing up and I’ve heard it Review reported.

New York Times writer and editor Bari Weiss, who grew up and I’ve listened to it — that Jewish people are just like any other white race,” Banner said. “You mix them up with the rest in Squirrel Hill, tweeted praise for Banner, writing “What a of the majority and you don’t understand that they are a mi- mensch. Thank you, @ZBNFL (And go Steelers!).”

The ADL Philadelphia also thanked Banner in a tweet “for nority as well.”

He spoke of being in Pittsburgh as a player for the Steelers urging us all to be part of the fight against hate in all forms.”

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey supports reparations

PENINA BEEDE JTA Here’s a bit of news that has flown under the radar: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey supports reparations for AfricanAmericans.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey looks over The youthful a demonstration calling for the Minneapomayor, who is lis police department to be defunded, Jewish, revealed June 6, 2020. Credit: Stephen Maturen/ his support in an Getty Images appearance on “All In with Chris Hayes” on MSNBC. A viewer asked Frey about the topic, citing both the growing block of mayors of Southern U.S. cities who support reparations and the compensation that West Germany paid to Holocaust survivors and to Israel in the 1950s and 60s.

“Will you join some of your fellow mayors in petitioning Congress to approve reparations for Black Americans whose ancestors endured the horrors of slavery and subsequent racial terror?” Marcelle from South Carolina asked.

Frey brought his Jewish identity into his response.

“As a Jew who lost extended family during the Holocaust,” he said, “I have been told stories about the impact that this has had on our family and our lives, and yes, reparations need to take place.”

Frey grew up in a Reform Jewish family and now attends two Reform synagogues in Minneapolis with his wife, who recently converted to Judaism.

“We have seen throughout many generations systematic racism that has been put in place, whether it’s around financing, or housing, or intentional segregation,” Frey added Tuesday. “If you look over time from generation to generation, that ultimately leads to significant wealth gaps.”

The 38-year-old was thrust into the national spotlight after being targeted in a tweet by President Donald Trump in October 2018, who called him “a rotten mayor.” Frey had been widely praised by his fellow Democrats for his progressive policies relating to housing and poverty. He had even become a bit of a sex symbol on social media.

But after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which sparked an international movement of protest and reckoning over racism and police brutality, Frey was booed by protesters when he stated that he would not completely defund the city’s police department.

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The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020 | 7

Hulu’s hit show Ramy so, to American Jewish audiences — espeLAURA E. ADKINS Social distancing and staying inside is cially Modern Orthodox ones. It has the Midhard. Thankfully, accessing good things to dle Eastern cultural touchpoints, the watch during this time is not. This is the 11th superstitions, the feeling of being too Ameriinstallation of a weekly column on Jewish can for your family and not quite American movies and TV shows that you should stream enough for your fellow Americans, the quasiin quarantine.

Streams on: Hulu Family friendly? No NEW YORK | JTA The ink had not yet dried on my color-coded, scheduled-bythe-hour Shabbat plan when my phone chimed.

“I think we’ll be returning from LA Friday morning in the end. Ok if we join for Shabbos lunch?”

I sighed. My intimate four- Ramy Hassan (played by Ramy Youssef) and Zainab (played person meal had grown to an by MaameYaa Boafo) in a scene from the second season of the eight-person Shabbat lunch in Hulu show Ramy. Credit: A24 an instant.

Birthright trip to Egypt, the pick-and-choose I quickly shelved my dream of a proper approach to religious law, the zealous convert eight hours of sleep, set my Spotify to rousing characters, the search for meaning and the Hasidic music, and got to work transforming newly religious who take it upon themselves vegetables, oils and spices into mezze that to criticize others for choices they themselves would hopefully round out the meal. would have made only months ago.

Der mensch tracht un Gott lachtt, as we say.

“I don’t want desires. I don’t want anything.

Man plans and God laughs.

I just want God,” Ramy says in one episode The rhythms of religiously observant life are after having a particularly rough go at it. But misunderstood, even to those inside of it. It is as his sheikh Ali Malik tells him in another not about dogma, nor about checking off a se- context, “Islam is like an orange — the rind ries of obligations and avoiding violations. For without the flesh is bitter and useless. The the individual, it requires a slow ego death. flesh without the rind will wither and rot.”

“Homo religious is a romantic who chafes Rules preserve us. But rules are far from what against concrete reality and tries to flee to dis- it’s all about. tant worlds that restore his spirits with their Ramy thus provides us with a lens into the purity and pristine clarity,” Rabbi Joseph full range of challenges of a modern religious Soloveitchik wrote in his 1944 book Halakhic life. It’s not easy to find a community, to battle Man. “Halakhic man, however, takes up his one’s baser instincts, to juggle being the position in this world and does not move “other” while also blending in too much for from it. He wishes to purify this world, not to the liking of earlier generations and having escape from it.” friends that don’t share your path. It’s hard An observant life does not scoff at transcen- today to give back to others in a selfless way, dence, nor at secular wisdom. But it views the to find a mentor, to find a partner with the individual’s role not as enlightening the self, same values. but as bringing transcendence into the real Herein lies the paradox: observant religious world around them. To the Orthodox, this is life, whether Muslim or Jewish, requires a lot the meaning of existence itself, and the power from the individual. But ultimately, it isn’t by which we change our world. In 2020, living about the “I” at all — it’s about the world we this way is more challenging than ever. build together.

The award-winning Hulu series Ramy proYou think, “I do these things and I don’t do vides a masterful look into the challenges of these things and that’s who I am. But it’s a balancing tradition, modernity, aspirations trick of the devil, you know?” a recent convert and desires through the eyes of Ramy Youssef, to Islam tells Ramy in season 1. an American-born child of Muslim Egyptian The show gives us plenty to cringe at, plenty immigrants. The first season is mostly about to root for and plenty to grapple with as we him trying to find himself. The second season, attempt our own balance of ancient tradition released by Hulu in May, is mostly about him and modern life. trying to find God. As Soloveitchik might put it: Ramy, with I have found myself describing the show to “his glance fixed upon the higher realms, forfriends as a portrait of “a Modern Orthodox gets all too frequently the lower realms and Muslim” — referencing Modern Orthodox Ju- becomes ensnared in the sins of ethical indaism, the broad term for the movement that consistency and hypocrisy... [he has] been so mixes Jewish law and tradition into the mod- intoxicated by [his] dreams of an exalted suern world. Ramy doesn’t drink or do drugs, he pernatural existence that [he has] failed to prays five times a day, he fasts on Ramadan. He hear the cries of ‘them that dwell in the struggles to refine his beliefs and balance his houses of clay.’” culture with his modern ethic. He believes preRamy’s biggest weakness is his lofty ideals. marital sex is wrong and has it anyway — leav- He crashes and burns, time and again. He gets ing a trail of increasing destruction as he goes. so close! And you’ll be rooting for him to the The show will feel familiar, if not intimately bitter end.

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8 | The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020

Above: Beth Israel caught up with the Abramovich family in Israel. “We’re enjoying our time with our immediate family.

We were isolating in our house for a very long time, over Shabbat and holidays as well. It’s a bit weird not to see our extended family, despite living very close to them, but at the end of the day, it’s all Sababa!”

Left: Beth Israel caught up with Eliad Ben Shushan and family and they miss Omaha! A few weeks ago, they were getting ready for Nehoray’s Bar Mitzvah, but due to the pandemic, weren’t sure how it would all play out.

Top, above, below and bottom: Wacky Wednesday this week was to dress in Red, White, and Blue. Staff enjoyed chicken with lots of yummy sides from Staley’s Catering truck.

Above: Mazel tov Courtney and Sabrina Schwarz who turned 13 on July 4.

Left: While Temple Israel has been empty, Executive Director Nate Shapiro and Building Supervisor Scott Anderson have been reviewing how the building runs. They identified the need to promote recycling at Temple Israel. Pictured is Nate putting an empty can in one of Temple Israel’s new recycling bins.

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Above: From Dora the Explorer (Diane) to the Huskers (Mark), masks have become the ‘new normal’ at the Jewish Federation offices.

The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020 | 9

Voices The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920) Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Michael Ivey Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, David Finkelstein, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Margie Gutnik, Natasha Kraft, Chuck Lucoff, Eric Shapiro, Andy Shefsky, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp.

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What we do next ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor When NFL star DeSean Jackson posted several anti-Semitic quotes on social media, the backlash was pretty immediate. And so he removed them, apologized, etcetera, etcetera. Often, this is where it ends. We’re almost used to it by now-someone or some company uses the wrong words, we speak out, an apology is or isn’t issued and is or isn’t accepted, we move on to the next fire.

Not this time.

The Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and a number of others went beyond condemning Jackson’s remarks; they offered to teach him.

And more importantly, DeSean Jackson accepted.

New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman invited DeSean Jackson to have “uncomfortable conversations” about anti-Semitism and the hatred of Blacks. And Pittsburgh Steeler Zach Banner wants the Black community to know: Jews “deal with the same amount of hate, similar hardships and hard times.”

When former NBA player Stephen Jackson (no relation) tweeted in support of DeSean’s initial hateful comments, doubling down on the anti-Semitic hate speech, a similar thing happened.

Stephen Jackson walked back his comments and, like DeSean, agreed to educate himself.

It is important to remember that all this plays out in real time, while the Black Lives Matter movement is receiving a lot of attention. Some of that attention is positive and supportive, some is not. One issue that is starting to crop up in my newsfeed: the hijacking of Black Americans’ causes by the ‘Free Palestine’ movement. Almost no time passed before

flags and banners began to pop up in demonstrations, conversations, murals and online exchanges.

This is unfair and dangerous on several levels.

First of all, ‘Black Lives Matter’ is the result of hundreds of years of systemic racism, born in slavery and inherited by many generations. It is a deep injustice that we all, no matter our background,

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson on the sidelines of Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Sept. 8, 2019. Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images

have to fight and erase. It has nothing to do with anything that happens in Israel, it has nothing to do with the ‘Free Palestine’ movement. It is, frankly, galling to see (mostly white!) protestors trying to bring their anti-Zionist sympathies into this.

Second, while for many of us the question of sup-

port for Black Americans is a no-brainer, it immediately gets complicated when that cause becomes tainted by anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism. And I have to wonder: if Jews sour on BLM because it is being associated with anti-Semitism, who wins?

Who benefits from muddying the issue, from not making this about Blacks but about Palestinians?

Who walks away laughing when instead of really addressing police brutality and systemic racism we end up talking about Israel’s treatment of Palestinians? Who is afraid of a time when Blacks and Jews band together and join the same fight? Racists and anti-Semites, that’s who.

“Unfortunately,” Blake Flayton wrote in the Jewish Journal, “a select few have chosen to warp the spirit of this noble cause, and by doing so have weakened the movement. In their view, white supremacy in the United States is directly linked to Jewish autonomy in their indigenous homeland. In their view, black liberation is intertwined with Palestinian “right of return” and the eradication of a Jewish State. This twisted manipulation of social justice in order to attack the Jewish people is nothing less that classical anti-Semitism.”

The truth is, when Blacks and Jews come together, we can do so much. We can move mountains, we can make a real difference. We can continue to support Black Americans, and we must do so every chance we have. There are those who don’t want to see that happen— sometimes dressed in the costume of pretend social justice, sometimes in a white hood—but at the end of the day, they want chaos and infighting. Because while Black Americans and Jewish Americans duke it out, nothing will change for the better.

What do we do next? We reach out to every DeSean Jackson we meet and we all keep talking.

Starting to understand the haredi Orthodox RABBI AVI SHAFRAN NEW YORK | JTA At 4 a.m., Israeli rocker Aviv Gefen was still crying in the empty Haifa-area amphitheater where he had performed the previous late May evening. Staff members urged him to go home.

In a televised interview days later, the popular performer described what had happened. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, he had performed in a venue empty of anything but amphitheater staff and a videographer. He had dedicated a song “with love” to the community of Bnei Brak. The densely populated haredi Orthodox community there was hit particularly hard by the coronavirus.

“I leave the stage,” Gefen recalled, “and I see on my telephone, without exaggeration, 420 messages.

I start opening them, scrolling, and learn that someone had given my number to all of Bnei Brak.

And I cried. And I could not leave the empty amphitheater. I started to cry. The love, the division in the nation, suddenly everything came together.

The love I received came from people I had denigrated since I was 19. People who now erupted with love and with tears.”

The tension between secular and religious Israeli society has existed since before the country was founded and remains a contentious societal dividing line.

“For years we learned how to hate the other...”

Gefen continued. “Suddenly I saw the other. So how did the corona change me? Just like this: I learned to respect. A flame of love, simply amazing, was lit.

I cannot even describe it in words, only in tears.”

The longstanding social schism in Israel between the country’s rapidly growing haredi community and its secular citizens isn’t disappearing, of course.

Issues like religious exemptions from military service, heavy reliance of many haredim on social services and whether public transportation should operate on Shabbat haven’t evaporated.

But cracks in the secular-religious divide, like Aviv Gefen’s epiphany, have begun to appear. And I believe much of the credit for the happy fissure

goes to an unlikely catalyst: Israeli television.

There was a time, and it wasn’t long ago, when haredim were portrayed as aliens at best and adversaries at worst. In many American films, haredi life — as in the recent series Unorthodox — is still portrayed as something suffocating to escape from, a drab world filled with humorless men and women.

Haredi men walk past shops in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 23, 2020. Credit: Gali Tibbon/AFP via Getty Images

Recent Israeli shows are more realistic. Rather than aiming at sensationalism and confirmation of biases, they seek to provide a more accurate picture of haredi life — and, in the process, help foster understanding and empathy.

It may have begun with the wildly popular show Shtisel, which first aired in Israel in 2013 and was eventually featured on Netflix.

The series, about four generations of a Jerusalem haredi family, is a lighthearted drama, enlivened by humor and even some surrealism. But its portrayal of haredim as normal people with normal challenges and feelings, experiencing universal pains and joys, humanized haredim for many thousands of viewers.

Then in 2017 came Shababnikim (slang for haredi youth who may not belong in yeshiva), a comedy that portrayed four very different yeshiva students and their travails.

Most recently, Israeli viewers were treated to a remarkable, and remarkably moving, reality series

called Od Nifgash (We Will Meet Again), which features five secular Israelis who wish to reconnect to close but now estranged family members who became religious.

The series’ brilliant conceit was to swear each of the secular Israelis to total silence for the first 36 hours they spent with their “handlers.” That forced them to only fume to themselves when they saw or heard things that riled them up, preventing arguments or expressions of anger. By the time their enforced silence had expired, they had come to experience — even from their distance — the richness and beauty of Jewish religious life, its familycenteredness and meaningful rituals.

Although their fundamental differences of approach to life remained, each secular Jew and his or her haredi counterpart became friends.

The series is currently, at this writing, ongoing, and viewers don’t yet know whether the mission that each pair of Jews is on — to see if the estranged relative can be reconnected to his or her family — will be successful or not. But the hours of filmed interactions of the respective couples are their own testimony to the possibility of not only cooperation between secular and haredi Jews, but even of forming deep personal bonds.

There is irony in the fact that media like television (shunned by most haredim) and the internet (which, if used, is used for work purposes but not for entertainment) should be what is allowing their lives to become more familiar to their secular neighbors. But good things can emerge from all sorts of unexpected places.

The culture wars in Israel will surely rage on for the foreseeable future. But if enough non-religious Israelis can be brought to see haredi society through a different lens, and enough haredim will be willing to accept and befriend secular Jews, that can only bode well for the shared Jewish future.

Rabbi Avi Shafran is a columnist for Ami Magazine, writes widely in Jewish and general media and also serves as Agudath Israel of America's director of public affairs.

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

CHABAD HOUSE

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

TIFERETH ISRAEL

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’NAI ISRAEL Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on Friday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. with a guest speaker.

Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg wil follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact Howard Kutler at hkutler@hotmail.com or any of our other board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Mary-Beth Muskin and Sissy Silber.

Handicap Accessible.

BETH EL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

VIRTUAL MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9 a.m. and Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services with guest speaker Arielle Friedtanzer “End of Life”, 10 a.m.; Havdallah, 9:48 p.m.

SUNDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; USY Film Club, 7 p.m.

MONDAY: Jewish Law Class with Rabbi Abraham, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY: Jewish Values with Rabbi Abraham, 11:30 a.m.; African-American & Jewish Connections in Music with Jeannette Gabriel, 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Coffee and Conversation with Rabbi Abraham, 2 p.m.; USY Check-In, 5:15 p.m.; Henry Krausman Shoah Presentation with Hazzan Krausman, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Knife Skills Class with Cheryl Lerner, 2 p.m.; Teen Book Club, 4:30 p.m.; Shul Music with Hazzan Krausman, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 24: Shabbat To-Go Pick Up, 10 a.m.noon; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 25: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m.; Havdallah, 9:36 p.m.

Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

BETH ISRAEL Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m.; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. (Zoom); Candlelighting, 8:36 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Havdalah, 9:43 p.m.

(Zoom) SUNDAY: Rambam: Rabbi Moshe, 9:45 a.m.

(Zoom) MONDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp).

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer,

7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp).

WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp).

TURSDAY: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Middot with Rabbi Ari, 9:30 a.m. (Zoom); Parsha Inspiration with Rabbi Ari, 4:30 p.m. (Facebook Live).

FRIDAY-July 24: Shacharit, 7 am.; Deepening Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Laws of Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Kabbalat Shabbat (Zoom), 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 25: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Havdalah, 9:36 p.m. (Zoom).

Classes, Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah on Zoom, WhatsUp or Facebook Live. On site services held outside in sukkah, weather permitting. Physical distancing and masks required, Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

CHABAD HOUSE Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Due to Coronavirus, all services and classes have moved online. For schedules and more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.org or call the office at 402.330.1800 FRIDAY: Candlelighting, 8:36 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Ends, 9:42 p.m.

MONDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman; Introduction to Reading Hebrew, 10:30 a.m.

THURSDAY: Intermediate Hebrew Reading and Prayer, 11 a.m.; Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman.

FRIDAY-July 24: Candlelighting, 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 25: Shabbat Ends, 9:35 p.m.

B’NAI JESHURUN The Temple office is on reduced hours until further notice and all services and activities are being offered via livestream or teleconferencing. Please call 402.435.8004 or email office@southstreettemple. org for further information or to make an appointment for a visit, if necessary. You may also email Board president Nicholette Seigfreid at president@south streettemple.org. South Street Temple’s events can be found at https://south streettemple.org/calendar/.

FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. service leaders/music: Steve & Nathaniel Kaup; Candlelighting, 8:36 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Matot-Masei led by Rick Kohn; Havdalah (72 minutes), 10:06 p.m.

SUNDAY: Feeding the Kids at F Street Rec Center, 1 p.m.; Jewish Book Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m. via Zoom

or in Zoya & Dennis' backyard and will discuss Hannah’s War by Jan Eliasberg.

TUESDAY: Tea Time with Temple Friends, noon via zoom.

FRIDAY-July 24: Erev Shabbat Service, service leaders/music: Leslie Delserone & Peter Mullin, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:31 p.m.

SATURDAY-July 25: Shabbat Morning Service, service leaders/music: TBD, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Devarim led by Maria Cadwallder; Havdalah (72 minutes), 10:06 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE All services canceled until further notice.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Virtual services conducted by Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin and Cantor Joanna Alexander.

DAILY VIRTUAL MINYAN: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 5:30 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.

SUNDAY: 2nd Sunday Breakfast Service at Stephen Center, 8:30 a.m.

TUESDAY: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Mindful Meditation, 9 a.m.; Jewish Law & the Quest for Meaning, noon.

THURSDAY: The Israel Forum, 10 a.m.

Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

TIFERETH ISRAEL

Virtual services conducted by Nancy Coren.

FRIDAY: Zoom Evening Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. Candlelighting, 8:36 p.m.

SATURDAY: Zoom Shabbat Morning Service with Daniel Neiden and Nancy Coren, 10 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:36 p.m.

SUNDAY: Unveiling ceremony for the monument of Gail Wishnow, 1 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Join Gail's family as we remember their loved one and say mourner's kaddish.

Please visit tiferethisraellincoln.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

The Lincoln Jewish Community School is looking for a Lead Teacher for our Preschool/Kindergarten classroom. The LJCS is seeking a candidate who is dependable, energetic, creative and nurturing. Early Childhood education experience is preferred. If you or someone you know is interested in interviewing for this position, please contact Andrea Halpern at ahalpern1386@gmail.com.

L’Chaim! A virtual toast for Rosh Hashanah- and you can be a part of it through Partnership2Gether This Rosh Hashanah, you can bring the tastes of the Western Galilee to your home, and make a virtual toast with Partnership2Gether family and friends Sept. 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Jullius Distillery is the first Artisanal Craft Distillery in Israel and offers farm-to-bottle Spirits.

It is located in Kibbutz Hanita at the Western Galilee, and the owner, founder and master distiller Yuval ( Joov) Hargil has picked three flavours for us to try together: Marc de Galilee - Eau de vie that is made from red grapes Pomace and aged in oak barrels for three years.

Akko Wild Gin of Galilee - Akko Gin is Made from 12 botanical components – all grown in the Galilee.

Eau de Vie de Etrog (citron) - eau de vie distilled from local citrons (Etrog) that were mashed and fermented in low temperatures to retain the natural aromas.

You can make your reservation now at https://p2gwg1.wixsite.com/p2g-live/event-

details/lchaim-virtual-toast -for -roshhashana and you will be notified when ordering becomes available.

Partnership2Gether offers many other opportunities to connect. Check out the website at https://p2gwg1.wixsite.com/p2g-live to learn about the wide variety of programs. There are book clubs, virtual tours to Budapest, Jerusalem, even Buffalo, NY. Or you can attend a Zoom lecture, take a workshop and finally master the art of the perfect challah, or join film or music clubs. And, there are virtual concerts and dance performances to enjoy.

In addition, Partnership2Gether Western Galilee and Munio Gallery have collaboratively created the COVID-19 Photo Exhibition. The exhibition, presented on this online gallery is a curated collection of photos shot by Israeli, Hungarian and American amateur photographers. The photos were shot during a time of COVID19 induced quarantine or social distancing in each country, and most of the world. For three months, life took a different shape, and we hope this gallery authentically conveys the story of March-May, 2020.

Last but not least: we invite you to connect with a family in our Partnership region. More than ever, our solidarity and the connections we forge are essential and vital. Sign up at https://p2gwg1.wix site.com/p2g-live/weare-family and Partnership2Gether will match you with a family. Or, you can email Michelle Korin at michelle.korin@gmail.com for more information.

While for most of us, it is impossible to travel to Israel, we can get a little taste through Partnership and stay connected.

Life cycles IN MEMORIAM RABBI HOWARD KUTNER Rabbi Howard Kutner passed away on June 29, 2020 at age 63. A graveside funeral was held June 30 at Mount Olive Cemetery in Solon, OH. He is survived by his wife, Nechama, and their four children: Yechiel, who is studying in Israel, and Eliyahu, Binyamin and Chana Lieba, who live in Greater Cleveland.

Rabbi Kutner was born May 8, 1957 and grew up in Queens, N.Y. He received his rabbinic training at Yeshiva University in New York City. He served as Beth Israel Synagogue’s senior rabbi from 1996 to 2004. After serving as associate rabbi under the mentorship of Rabbi David Bader at Menorah Park for 13 years, he became the Director of Spiritual Learning in 2017 .

Memorials may be sent to an organization of your choice.

BARBARA JOY ROSEMAN Barbara Joy Roseman passed away on July 1 at age 70 in

Austin, TX. Services were held at Beth El Cemetery in Omaha on July 7, 2020.

She is survived by her brother Jim; niece Allyson and nephew Michael.

Barbara was born Aug. 20, 1949 and was the daughter of Arnold and Ethelyn Roseman. She was born and raised in Omaha. Barb attended the University of Texas in Austin from 1967-1970 and made Austin her lifetime home. She was very involved in the Austin music scene well before South x Southwest and before Austin was designated as the "Live Music Capital of the World".

Many of her closest friends were the musicians she met from around the world. Her interests included computers, motorcycle riding, tennis, golf, and she was a world class Big Red fan.

Barb was fiercely independent, was always true to what she believed, and was a loyal and loving friend.

Toronto restaurant owner loses business after saying ‘Zionists’ are not welcome

The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020 | 11

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Foodbenders’ owner Kimberly Hawkins in recent days has doubled down on her support for the Palestinian cause evident in her social media feeds and by decorating her store window. Credit: Foodbenders/Instagram

MARCY OSTER JTA A Toronto health food restaurant has come under fire for using the hashtag “#zionistsnotwelcome” in social media posts.

“Open now – 8pm for non-racist shoppers,” one Instagram post read, with the Zionist hashtag and others, including “#freepalestine.”

In response, Kimberly Hawkins, the owner of Foodbenders, wrote an Instagram post on the issue.

“The first thing I will say is that I love Jewish people and they are welcome in my store. I have never said anything about Jewish people,” she wrote.

“I do not believe criticism of the Zionist political ideology, Israel or the Greater Israel Project, or pointing out its racist supremacist foundations amounts to criticism of the Jewish people or even Israeli citizens. Some people do believe this and may interpret these criticisms as anti-Semitic, and others will deliberately conflate the two to label you as racist with the primary goal of silencing discussion on Israel.”

The Simon Wiesenthal Center called Hawkins’ hashtag antiSemitic.

“By stating that Zionists are not welcome to its store, this business is basically stating that Jewish people are not welcome,” Rabbi Meyer May, the center’s executive director, said in a statement. “This is clear anti-Semitism, extremely discriminatory and unacceptable.”

Hawkins countered in an interview with BlogTO. “When I’m making a statement about Zionism, I am not referring to Jewish people,” she said. “It’s about the state government.”

The move apparently has cost business for Hawkins: This week, Uber Canada, Ritual and DoorDash terminated their delivery agreements with the restaurant and caterer. The Ambrosia Natural Foods chain announced that it would no longer carry Foodbender products in its locations.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Hawkins posted on Instagram an arson and death threat sent through the company’s website.

Hawkins has doubled down on her support for Palestinian causes. In recent days, she adorned her store window with a large Palestinian flag in addition to the “I (heart) Palestine” sign that was already hung there, and covered her store’s sign with a banner reading “Free Palestine.”

Foodbenders social media posts have said “police brutality is an Israeli export” and “Zionists are Nazis,” and included hashtags such as #fromtherivertothesea and #intifada. “From the river to the sea” is a popular political slogan used by Palestinians who reject compromise with Israel. The Palestinian intifadas, which took place in the late 1980s through the early 90s and again in the early 2000s, were a series of violent Palestinian protests that involved terror attacks on Israel.

On Saturday, some 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators held a Day of Rage event in front of the store to protest Israel’s stated plan to annex parts of the West Bank. The protesters accused “Zionists” of brutality and genocide and called for companies to divest from Israel, the Toronto Sun reported.

According to the report, members of the Black Lives Matter movement told the crowd that they were engaged in the same fight and they should work together against white supremacists and to abolish the police.

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12 | The Jewish Press | July 17, 2020

News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

Israel and Overseas allocations ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor At the June 29 meeting, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Israel and Overseas Committee allocated a total of $95,000 to eight Israeli or Jewish Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). Led by outgoing Chair Stacey Rockman, this committee focuses on strengthening the relationship between our community and those in Israel and the Diaspora, Incoming chair Melissa Shapiro will take the lead at the next meeting in August. Committee members include Betsy Baker, Sam Cemaj, Laura Dembitzer, Jan Goldstein, Elon Granader, Ari Kohen, Abby Kutler, Lisa Lucoff, Mindi Marburg, Zoë Riekes, Linda Saltzman, Norm Sheldon, Jeremy Wright, Jeff Zacharia and Dick Zacharia.

JFO Director of Development Jamie Skog explained: “In the Spring, NGOs in Israel and around the Jewish world submitted their applications to the allocations process. The committee reviewed and scored these and met remotely to allocate funds from last year’s Annual Campaign budget.”

The following organizations received an allocation: The Chessed Center, which delivers food assistance, second hand clothing and more in Akko. During times of crisis, the Chessed Center becomes a prime address for helping the city’s physical and existential needs. As needs changed and deliveries had to be made to all recipients, the total need increased considerably.

The P2G Western Galilee Lone Soldiers Fund which supports the four kibbutzim in our partnership region that house IDF Lone Soldiers from the Diaspora. Last year, funds went to updating living spaces at all four Lone Soldiers’ homes. This included a new fridge, a new oven and new com-

munal space furniture. Additionally, funds were used to send 680 active soldiers from the Partnership region stuck on military bases due to COVID-19 a Passover basket.

World ORT Chernivtsi School Daily Lunch Program For the last several years, JFO has supported a World ORT Jewish school in Chernivtsi, Ukraine. World ORT works to remove the economic and social barriers that people face to accessing high- quality education. Instead of funding technology, this year’s allocation funds will be used to provide daily lunches and Shabbat/Jewish Holiday Packages for 350 students. ORT provides students with free lunches to increase their ability to focus on their coursework during the day and to encourage increased engagement in after-school activities such as the Zofim Jewish Youth Group.

Kivunim: New Directions for Special Needs Youth in Israel’s mission is to advance young people with disabilities towards the challenges of independent living integrated within the community. It provides services to individuals with physical disabilities, sensory disabilities (vision/hearing impairments), and high functioning adults with autism. Our participants are motivated to leave their parents’ home and live independently within the community.

The Jewish Agency for Israel - Youth Futures Akko empowers and uplifts over 12,000 at-risk children, parents, and family members in 36 locations across Israel, helping to ensure Israel’s resilience. Through Youth Futures, highly-trained mentors work directly with at-risk children and their parents to help them overcome formidable obstacles that, without intervention, would substantially impair their ability to develop into productive, contributing members of Israeli society.

Akko Educator’s Kibbutz - Akko Life Cycles works to

empower and mobilize one of the most vulnerable sectors of Akko Society, at-risk youth, to acquire important life skills, gain confidence and develop attitudes of individual and community responsibility. Akko Life Cycles has broad expanding circles of impact inside the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods by inviting teens to join a local bicycle maintenance workshop and coop where they are responsible for salvaging, fixing and refurbishing old and broken bikes from around the city and then distributing them to needy children. This process will teach participants valuable practical skills and promote important civil values for the improvement of their lives and the community at large, such as recycling and sustainability, independence, civic engagement, hard work and social responsibility.

Cousins Share Destiny Project aims to bring together youth from the Arab village of Sheikh Danon and youth from Kibbutz Gesher Haziv in the Western Galilee. The teens will meet regularly with sessions that are designed to get to know each other in order to build a bridge for shared life and understanding. During the year the youth will run a community project within each community separately and in June will hold a joint project for both communities.

Scholarships Program for Akko and Matte Asher Conservatories - The Association for the Advancement of Music and Dance in Akko (an NPO) and Matte Asher community center have set a goal of encouraging musical education in the city, promoting the activities and encouraging young musicians. Scholarships will provide equal opportunities for students in the Western Galilee region to study music.

A segment from the JFO Annual Campaign is earmarked for these allocations, in addition to the dollars sent directly from our Annual Campaign to JFNA. The idea is to focus specifically on direct funding for organizations within our partnership region, World ORT and the JDC.