July 22, 2016

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

Beth El’s End of Summer Festival page 5

Republican convention will be short on Jews page 12

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

15th Annual omaha Jewish Film Festival

8 10 11

Seth Conrad Rich

JU L Y 2 2 , 2 0 1 6 | 1 6 T AMMU Z 5 7 7 6 | V O L . 9 6 | NO . 4 5 | C A ND LeLI g h tI Ng | FRID AY , JU L Y 2 2 , 8 : 3 2 P. M.

t

Nice’s Jews to gather on Shabbat despite attack page 7

WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG

SpoNSoReD by the beNJAMIN AND ANNA e. WIeSMAN FAMILy eNDoWMeNt FuND

MARk kIRChhoFF he 15th Annual Omaha Jewish Film Festival begins Sunday, Aug. 7, with five movies to be shown throughout the month.

The festival is presented by the Jewish Federation of Omaha and the Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE). Show time for each film is 7:15 p.m. in the JCC Theater. We extend our thanks to the generous sponsors of this year’s film festival. They are the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’Nai B’rith, and the following Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation funds: Klutznick/Creighton Custodial Fund, Special Donor-Advised Fund, Frederick J. Simon Memorial Endowment Fund, Samuel & Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund, and the Avy L. & Roberta L. Miller Film Fund by Lindsey Miller-Lerman. Because of the generosity of the sponsors, tickets are only $5 per film, and the film on

Aug. 16 will be free of charge.

“Last year’s film festival was a resounding success judging from the high attendance and the many positive comments we received about the film selection,” commented Liz Feldstern, IHE Executive Director. “By joining with the Center for Jewish Life at that time, we were able to reach more people in our promotion and we selected films that we believed would appeal to a broad audience.

This year’s collaboration with the Federation is being planned in the same manner.”

Opening the festival on Sunday, Aug. 7, is Atomic Falafel. In this comedy/drama, two girls from nuclear towns in Israel and Iran spill their countries’ most valuable secrets on Facebook while trying to prevent a nuclear crisis. This farce skewers the current Israel-Iran showdown. With Iran threatening to attain nuclear power, anxious Israeli politicians and top brass gather in an See omaha Jewish Film Festival page 2

Temple Israel’s new Rabbis

SCott LIttky Program Director, Temple Israel The next page in the history of Temple Israel began on July 1 with the arrival of Interim Senior Rabbi Darryl Crystal and our new Assistant Rabbi, Deana Sussman. Both Rabbi Crystal and Rabbi Sussman hit the pavement running with their leading of Shabbat services Friday evening, July 1. Rabbi Sussman further demonstrated why she is such a gifted teacher by delivering the D’var Torah on July 2nd.

Rabbi Deana Sussman is a native of St. Louis, MO. For the past two years, she has served as the Rabbi Educator at Central Reform Congregation, a vibrant congregation of 780

Interim Senior Rabbi Darryl Crystal and Assistant Rabbi Deana Sussman households in the city of St. Louis.

Rabbi Sussman attended HUC-JIR in Los Angeles. She earned a Master of Arts in Jewish Education and was ordained in May of 2014.

In addition to student pulpits at Temple Beth Torah, Temple Beth Shalom, Beth Knesset Bamidbar, and at the China Lake Naval Air and Weapons Station, Rabbi Sussman served as the Harold M. Schulweis Rabbinic Intern at Jewish World Watch, an organization that promotes education, advocacy and

action around issues of genocide and mass atrocities. She had a second rabbinic internship at Our House Grief Support Center, providing pastoral care to both children and adults.

Prior to her enrollment in rabbinic school, Rabbi Sussman attended Indiana University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jewish Studies and Religious Studies and a double minor in Hebrew and Psychology.

See New Rabbis page 3

Alan Potash, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha said “The Rich family has been a critical part of our Jewish Community. Our deepest sympathies continue to be with the family during this difficult time.”

Seth Rich

The following is the euglogy given

by Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El Synagogue at the service on July 13.

Our tradition teaches us to have hope in our darkest hours and to have faith in things not seen.

This has been a week that will test even the most devout souls. We search for answers to one of life’s most difficult questions of “why” and yet no answer can speak to the depth and breadth of our grief, no words lofty enough to dispel our pain.

In the book of Deuteronomy, we learn that even our greatest teacher, Moses was troubled with questions about the meaning of life and the mystery of death. Moses came to the conclusion: Hanistarot l’Adonai – “The mysteries belong to God” (Deuteronomy 29:28).

There are no answers for a young man gunned down in the prime of his life. All we have is questions of what could have been, what should have been and talk of potential greatness for which we will never bear witness. Yet in only 27 years Seth Rich made a difference in the lives of many and we honor his memory this morning.

We are here today to remember a young man who loved his family, his community and his faith. A young man who believed in our country, who believed that our best days as a nation are still in our future. A man who was willing to wear a panda outfit or dress up in red, white and blue when the time called for it. And perhaps most importantly, a man who believed that everyone in our country, no matter their economics, religion or the color of their skin had the right to vote.

We are here today to honor Seth Rich, for whom perhaps there is no greater legacy to leave than to acknowledge that he left this world a better place than how he found it.

Seth Conrad Rich was born Jan. 3, 1989 to loving parents Mary and Joel Rich. Seth also had the deep love only brothers can share with his older brother Aaron and was overjoyed to be present at his brother’s wedding to Molly this past year.

Seth grew up here in Omaha attending the Friedel Jewish Academy, Beveridge Middle School and then going on to attend Central High.

I am told that ever since Seth was a little kid, he had an infectious personality. As a See Seth Conrad Rich page 11

Omaha BBYO teen attends national leadership training

2 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016

community Omaha Jewish Film Festival

Continued from page 1 underground bunker to debate a response. When the bellicose brigadier general and chief intelligence officer present their audacious plan, the defense minister and eye-patched commander approve a preemptive strike.

Above ground in a dusty Negev town, a mother-daughter team runs a falafel truck catering to troops patrolling a nearby nuclear reactor. As the widowed mother falls for a uranium-allergic German nuclear inspector, her daughter and computer whiz boyfriend stumble upon secret files that could prevent a nuclear conflagration. As the zany plotlines converge, the Israeli teens and an Iranian youth scramble to thwart war between their countries.

Written and directed by Dror Shaul, the film run time is 93 minutes.

The Aug. 14 showing is 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus. Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus never intended to become heroes. But in early 1939, as conditions were worsening for Jews living inside Nazi Germany, the Philadelphia couple embarked on a risky and improbable mission -- an effort to rescue 50 Jewish children and bring them to safety in the United States. This is the first time that a film tells the incredible story of an American couple who, against all odds, brought the single largest group of children during the Holocaust out of Nazi Germany and into the United States. In doing so, they transformed themselves from an ordinary couple into extraordinary heroes. Director Steven Pressman worked for many years as a newspaper journalist. This is Steven’s first documentary film. The film is in English and runs 62 minutes.

The three additional films will be shown on Aug. 16, 21, and 28, each at

7:15 p.m. Those films are listed here with more detailed descriptions to follow in future Jewish Press editions and email notifications.

Aug. 16 is Rabin in His Own Words, an autobiography of sorts told entirely in Yitzhak Rabin’s own voice. Hummus!

who rescued his blind and deaf employees from being sent to the camps.

This film will be screened on Aug. 28.

No movie night is complete without something to munch on. Popcorn, snacks, and beverages will be available each evening. Mark your calendars

The Movie will be shown on Aug. 21.

This is a film about a product that has the power to bring Muslims, Christians, and Jews together. The final film in the 15th Annual Omaha Jewish Film Festival will be A Blind Hero. This is a heroic recounting of a Berlin brush maker

and attend as many of the nights -- all of the nights -- that are possible for you. The screeners who have made the selections for this year’s festival are confident that these are films that will have wide appeal and will be appreciated by the movie goers.

Bagel Bin memories

Buddy Goldstein, right, and his friends at the old Bagel Bin in an unknown year.

RaCheL MaRTin BBYO/Teen Director One very dedicated Omaha BBYO member chose to spend 12 days of his 2016 summer break gaining knowledge, insight and nearly 100 new friendships at BBYO’s Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC).

Max Kohll, Aleph Mazkir of Omaha Council, returned from B’nai B’rith Beber Camp in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, with a take-charge attitude and fresh recruitment, programming, and leadership ideas to implement into Omaha’s BBYO Council.

“At CLTC I was taught how to be a leader in a way that Max Kohll and another CLTC member was different from how I’ve ever been taught before. It was so engaging that it made a group of 97 people become the closest group of people you will ever see. It was incredible and it’s been so overwhelming coming home and having people always asking, ‘How was it?’ It’s so hard to put into words how life changing it was, you’d truly have to join BBYO and experience it yourself one summer.

As I learned, I became motivated due to the fact that I was connecting with BBYO teens around the world. They were telling me about their chapters and councils and stuff they do that really works, and I thoght that Omaha could be incorporating some of these program ideas and new member ideas, etc. I learned the most from the friends I made there and what they do back at home. I can’t wait to try to put some of this stuff into action in Omaha. Expect great things for Omaha BBYO in the coming years.

Last but not least, there were the life-long friendships I made with kids from all over. These teens have become some of my best friends in the span of 12 days. It was sad to depart CLTC, but I know I will see them all again many times in the coming years. It was incredible and it’s for sure something to attend someday if you’re a Jewish teen. BBYO is an amazing place, and as soon as your bar/bat mitzvah is over you should be figuring out how you can join this amazing movement of nearly 20,000 Jewish teens around the world. CLTC has shown me how great it is to be in BBYO, and I don’t think any Jewish teen should miss out on this opportunity.”

Tritz Plumbing Inc.

A New Choice in Senior Living Resident First Focus: Omaha’s first senior living community where Independent Living apartments are licensed for Assisted Living, so residents don’t have to move when they need more care.

1111 Sterling Ridge Drive Phone: 402-504-3111 heritage-communities.com Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Support

Now Open

Apartments Available!

402-894-0300 www.tritz.com repair • remodel

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

A Fitting Place Fitting customers for over 70 years!

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

50% OFF

WOMENS CLEARANCE SALE Featuring brands like ECCO, KEEN, CLARKS, TAOS and AETREX Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon at time of purchase. One coupon per person.

6060 MAPLE ST. | BENSON 402.556.2022 MONDAY FRIDAY 9 TO 8:30 SATURDAY 9 TO 5:30 | CLOSED SUNDAY

I

From the Beth El diary: Friday, June 24, 2016

OzzIE NOgg “We started out as a gay church,” Michael D. tells me, “but t’s nearly noon and we’re in a social hall-like room today the MCC is more diverse. Everyone is invited to join next to the kitchen at the Metropolitan Community us, with no questions asked about sexual orientation or genChurch on South 22nd Street. People have been com- der identity. No guilt. No pressure. Many straight people of ing in most of the morning -- men, women, kids -all ethnic groups are now part of the congregation. We and by now there are 37 folks sitting at long tables, focus on social justice.” shooting the breeze. I say “Hi” to a man wearing a Bernie Gary W., another NAP activist, says, “Three generations for President t-shirt. come to lunch and every one of them has either AIDS or is “You here with Miz Joan?” affected in some way by he asks.

HIV/AIDS, even the kids, I nod, “Yes.” some of whom have been “She’s a good lady, Miz coming to lunch since they Joan,” he says. “A real good were infants. The adults aren’t lady.” well enough to work, and The “Miz Joan” under dismost have been abandoned cussion is Joan Marcus, who by their families. Volunteers - for the past 20 years -- has like Joan and the women she prepared lunches and served brings with her become famthem once a month to Neily. Some of the clients even braska AIDS Project clients in call Joan, ‘Mom’. We’re so apvarious Omaha locations. preciative of everything they Metropolitan Community do for us.” Gary hands me a Church is Joan’s current base copy of the GayZette, a publiof operations. “Margie Gutcation of the Rainbow Outnik, Beth El Synagogue’s Proreach Center, and points out gram Director, found my that both Beth El Synagogue latest angel,” Joan explains. “I and Temple Israel are listed Beth El volunteers prepare and serve lunch to Nebraska AIDS Proj- on the resource page as GLBT decide the menu, shop for ect clients at Metropolitan Community Church. Jane Dreyfus, left, inclusive. “We’re thankful that groceries, and Beth El pays me for the food. They never Lisa Lieb Marcus and Joan Marcus. those congregations underquestion how I spend the money.” stand the need to do justice and show kindness,” Gary says.

Joan’s regular kitchen crew includes her daughter-in-law, Joan, Lisa and Jane put platters and bowls of food on the Lisa Lieb Marcus, Jane Dreyfus and Judy Katskee. On this buffet table. The crowd forms a line. Tina S. and Wanda W., particular Friday, Joan, Lisa and Jane hold down the fort in NAP clients, tell me, “We come every week. Our friends are the church kitchen, preparing the day’s entree -- Reuben here.” Wanda brings her grandchildren along in the summer, sandwiches. The menu includes potato salad and four-bean when school’s out. “Joan and her helpers are awesome,” salad from Costco, sliced fresh oranges, plus brownies and Wanda says. “You never know what you’re going to have for chocolate chip cookies baked by Beth El members Darlene lunch but it’s always really good.” Before lunch is served, Joan Golbitz, Sam Munzesheimer and Diane Malashock. “Some- Marcus asks for quiet and offers a prayer, composed at the times, stuff comes out of my freezer,” Joan says, “or Jane last minute to acknowledge the current state of the world. bakes a batch of cookies at midnight on Thursday before “We thank God for bringing us together on this beautiful, the Friday lunch. Clients love the homemade desserts so sunny day,” Joan says. “We pray for all those who were lost much, they often grab the sweets and eat them before we at Pulse in Orlando and for their families. We pray for all even dish up the main course.” who were injured in Orlando and pray for their release But regardless of what else is on the menu, the piéce de from pain. We give thanks to Beth El Synagogue for providresistance is always Joan’s cole slaw. According to an unoffi- ing this food today. Amen.” The men, women and kids in cial poll of lunch-goers, the giant bowls of shredded cabthe lunch line respond, “Amen.” bage are unlike any other, seasoned with a special, possibly The Reuben sandwiches are a hit. The cole slaw, as almagic ingredient. “If Joan didn’t bring that cole slaw, there’d ways, a smash. Seconds are offered, and leftovers go home be a revolt,” says Tom G., a former chef who supervises the with the AIDS clients. One same-sex couple, recently marMCC kitchen. “After all these years, Tom and I are friends,” ried and for whom Joan supervised a wedding dinner at the Joan adds. “He comes to my Passover seders and helps me church, proudly show me pictures of their marriage cerecook. Tom’s matzah balls are delicious. Big floaters.” mony. “Now you see what a great group of people this is, Founded in 1984 as a response to the AIDS crisis, the goal and why we love to volunteer here,” Joan Marcus says. “It’s of the Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP) remains constant: to unconditional love that goes both ways.” lead the community in the fight to overcome HIV/AIDS Beth El’s commitment to providing volunteers for the and its stigma through education, supportive services and once-a-month Friday Nebraska AIDS Project lunches aladvocacy. The Metropolitan Community Church stands at ways appreciates additional manpower and funding. For inthe center of this effort. The logo on a church brochure information on how you can participate, email Joan Marcus at cludes the words, Tearing down walls. Building up hope.” hmarcom@juno.com.

New Rabbis

Continued from page 1 Rabbi Sussman married Jared Berezin in 2016.

When asked about her first couple weeks at Temple Israel, Rabbi Sussman said, “I feel truly blessed to be joining this beautiful community! From the moment I walked through the door, this congregation has welcomed me with open arms and has shown me the true meaning of radical hospitality. I look forward to connecting and building relationships in the coming months as we begin this journey together.”

Rabbi Crystal has been an interim rabbi for 11 years, serving a variety of congregations both large and small. He is the manager of the interim Rabbi Program for the Reform movement and a true lifelong learner who has availed himself of many Jewish learning opportunities, including study at Gratz College in Philadelphia and the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.

He has also pursued advanced training in the area of organizational development at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the Hauser Institute at

Harvard University, and the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western University.

Prior to his work as an interim Rabbi, Rabbi Crystal served as the assistant, associate and senior Rabbi at North Shore Synagogue in Syosset, NY, for 18 years.

When asked about his impression thus far of his role at Temple Israel, Rabbi Crystal said, “I am excited and honored to serve as the Interim Rabbi of Temple Israel this year.

I admire the warmth and heritage of the congregation. The commitment of Temple to welcoming all people and youth to Jewish learning is inspiring. The devotion of the synagogue to Jewish life and the Jewish people is a blessing.”

Both Rabbi Crystal and Rabbi Sussman have enjoyed getting to know Omaha and the community at Temple Israel.

If you have not had an opportunity to meet our new Rabbis, we hope that in the future you will attend services, a program or a class and have a chance to meet them.

For more information on membership to Temple or about future programming, please contact Program Director, Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

Associated Counseling Professionals

The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016 | 3

G l e n F i n e m a n , L I C S W, L I M H P C l i n i c a l S o c i a l Wo r ke r Family & Children Issues | Marriage Counseling Depression, Anxiety & Family Problems Abusive & Neglect Problems 2255 So. 132nd Street | Suite 200 | Omaha 402-334-1122 | fax: 402-334-8171 www.acpcounseling.com

2301 S. 102nd Street | 1.5 acres Landmark District 66/Westside all-brick mansion overlooking Happy Hollow Country Club.

Gorgeous updates, perfectly maintained. Only two owners since 1930! $1,800,000 Please call for your private showing.

Marty Cohen

Alan Cohen

Anne Cohen

402-690-1591

402-677-2524

402-850-4161

Looking for a loan?

Rebecca Wolfson Loan Originator NMLS# 1477228 4th generation member of an Omaha business family 12020 Shamrock Plaza | Suite 100 Omaha, NE 68154 office: 402.333.4920 | cell: 402.973.0069 Rebecca.Wolfson@GatewayLoan.com wolfsonloans.com

Gateway Mortgage Group is a registered service mark of Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC NMLS 7233

4 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016

Mickey Stern: A life well-lived Home Technology Tutor • Learn all about email and sending • attachments.

• Learn how to run APPs on your • computer, iPad or iPhone.

• Learn how to use the INTERNET • safely.

David M. Cohen, Ph.D., Owner Anaplerosis Associates, LLC

Contact DR. DAVE at 402-637-3935 or dmc@ieee.org to schedule a lesson.

House for Sale by Owner

1315 S. 155th St. | Pacific Hollow Over 4300 sq ft., 3 car garage, 4+ bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, open floor plan, updated kitchen with granite counter tops, walkout basement to landscaped private yard

Call 402.659.1737 for an appointment

www.JQoffice.com 402.339.5003 CONTACT

Ben Heaston: bheaston @JQoffice.com SERVING THE GREATER OMAHA BUSINESS COMMUNITY

PRINTERS POSTAGE METERS COPIERS DIGITAL DISPLAYS FOLDING & INSERTING EQUIPMENT INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

K

MeLanIe SturM nown for her vibrant personality, community leadership, sense of humor, creativity and, most importantly, her good work, Mickey Stern succumbed to cancer on July 1, 2016 in La Jolla, California.

Born August 21, 1934 in Sioux City, Iowa, to Mary (Kiser) and Harry Rabiner, Mickey (Maxine Shirlee) lived a purposeful life, enriching the lives of people who encountered her and causes lucky enough to claim her devotion.

Though worldly and wise, she emerged from a smalltown background in Storm Lake, Iowa where she forged Mickey Stern childhood friendships that lasted her lifetime. The youngest by nine years of four sisters, she was the first in her family to attend college.

Mickey obtained a degree in education from the University of Nebraska where she was a member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority, serving as its President. Ever the elementary school teacher, Mickey became an inspiring educator, in the classroom and later as a mother.

Mickey understood that as a Jew, she was put on earth for a reason involving responsibilities and challenges to meet a higher standard. Throughout her life, she used her voice, organizational acumen and resources to further this aspirational ideal.

In 1963 she settled in Omaha, venturing into communal work where her passion and pluck thrust her into myriad leadership roles and relationships with influential people, including Nebraska Governor Bob Kerrey and Warren Buffett.

It was frequently said, “If you want something done, ask Mickey.” That’s because, as the Omaha Jewish Press noted, “she reached for perfection, and she succeeded.”

In recognition of her many civic accomplishments, she was named to Who’s Who of American Women.

During the 1970s, she rose through the volunteer ranks in Omaha’s Jewish Federation, supercharging its United Jewish Appeal campaign for which she won a First Place national award.

As co-chair of the Federation’s Women’s Division, she

hatched the winning idea to bring Holocaust survivor Gerda Klein to Omaha to unfurl her incredible story.

In 1986 she chaired the Holocaust Memorial Nebraska State Dinner, a pioneering fundraiser for the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, creating a template for other communities across the country.

When Mickey moved to La Jolla in 1990, following a bout with breast cancer and her divorce, her courage and desire to improve the world helped her forge a new life in California where she made more friends and championed myriad causes.

Notable highlights include: underwriting cultural arts productions; chairing her residential building’s speaker series; orchestrating the 100th birthday celebration of friend Pat Butler; spearheading with Scripps Breast Cancer Center, an outreach program to educate and uplift woman facing the disease she overcame; and funding facility upgrades at the La Jolla Community Center.

La Jolla friends say of her, “You never had to ask Mickey for anything; she just knew what to do. If you had a cold, soon chicken soup would show up on your stoop.”

Entrusted with a beautiful soul, Mickey used it to move through the world with commitment, generosity, kindness and love. She understood the ultimate question of life is not how great you think you are, but how great you think your purpose is. She taught others how to stand out for noble reasons by standing out so nobly herself... and to always try to retain a sense of humor about life.

Her life was a gift.

Mickey’s family gratefully acknowledges the loving support she received over the last year from her remarkable stable of caregivers and doctors.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Dimond, Ruth Fried and Marlys Marion.

She is survived by her children, Bob Sturm and Melanie Sturm; son-in-law, Marc Zachary; grandson, Zane Zachary.

Memorials may be made in Mickey’s memory to the following causes she championed: M.D. Anderson Hospital designated to “The Mickey Stern Breast Cancer Research Fund”, Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, 1008 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037, The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101, La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037, The University of Nebraska, and Beth Israel Synagogue, 9001 Towne Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.

Epstein and Levinger selected for family philanthropy training Over the next 30 years, an estimated $30 trillion will be passed down from Baby Boomers and their parents to younger generations. The potential impact of these funds on Jewish Federations and the myriad programs and services they support cannot be understated.

To help manage this transition in Omaha, Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, and Steve Levinger, Chief Development Officer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, were chosen to participate in a comprehensive national philanthropic training program made possible through collaboration between the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and 21/64. 21/64 is a nonprofit organization that specializes in engaging multiple generations within families in philanthropic giving. 21/64’s platform helps families develop and implement their philanthropic goals and legacies.

The program, funded in part by a grant from the JFNA Domestic Endowment Fund, will ensure that the professional staff of the Federation and Foundation is equipped to facilitate and promote open family dialogues regarding values, philanthropy, and family legacies. The program has garnered high praise from families living in the 41 communities that

Visit us on facebook:

ps://www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress

July 28, 2016 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 5 mi East of Lincoln, NE on Old Cheney Road Featuring equipment and services related to Earthmoving, Land Clearing, Site Prep, Excavating, and more . . . . .

Visit www.NELICA.org for more info. s /VER 6ENDORS ON 3ITE s ,ATEST )NNOVATIONS AND 0RODUCTS s (ANDS ON %QUIPMENT 4ESTING s &REE !DMISSION /PEN TO 0UBLIC

already have participated in this training.

“It is essential to build and strengthen relationships among families and their professional advisors and to open new paths for multigenerational philanthropic involvement,” said Epstein. “This initiative allows families to establish and maintain positive relationships with our Jewish community, allowing them, as a family unit, to invest in a mission that they believe in.”

In the news

Koenig-Dunne Divorce Law is pleased to announce that Lindsay Belmont has joined the firm as an Associate Attorney. Lindsay graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in May 2014, earning her Juris Doctor with Distinction. During law school, she served as a law clerk in the areas of family law and public interest. After graduation, she worked for the Nebraska Child Support Enforcement office. Koenig-Dunne’s clients will benefit from Lindsay's commitment to excellence in family law.

One Call, One Low Price* for over 160 Newspapers!

Place your 2x2 display ad in over 160 Nebraska newspapers and get your message to over 750,000 readers. Statewide coverage for less than $5.95* per publication. *Statewide cost is $975. Regional ads also available in Central, Northeast, Southeast or Western Nebraska. Other sizes available upon request.

Call this newspaper or 1-800-369-2850 for more information.

Nebraska 2x2 Display Ad Network

The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016 | 5

community Beth El’s End of Summer Festival

ozzie nogg It’s still July, but Beth El Synagogue is looking ahead to Labor Day, Monday, sept. 5, when the congregation hosts an End of Summer Festival on the grounds of the facility. The program runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is open to the entire Jewish community.

Danny Cohn, Festival Logistics Manager, said, “Beth El’s campus will be transformed into a community block party offering entertainment designed for kids and adults -- current members, prospective members and members of other congregations. We’ll have delectable food, outstanding vendors, first class musical performers and a variety of other activities.

It’s going be huge.”

Festival Co-Chairs are Lisa Marcus and Caryn Scheer. “The End of Summer Festival is a cross-generational program that will appeal to everyone in the wider Jewish community,” Marcus said. “On Labor Day, Beth El will be the place to be, so save the date and join us at this communitywide celebration that we hope will become a yearly tradition.”

Individuals who want to sign up as Festival volunteers, along with families and businesses interested in participating as booth sponsors, should contact Lisa Marcus at lglieb@yahoo.com or Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@ yahoo.com. Organizations can reserve a booth at the Festival by contacting M’Lee Hasslinger at mlee011@gmail.com.

organizations

b’nai b’rith breadbreakers

Maj. dan Feferman (IDF Reserves), an Israeli journalist visiting Omaha, will discuss Iran’s post nuclear deal-breaking activities on wednesday, July 27, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc.

Providing over 3 decades of investment experience in Nebraska

Call today at 402-614-1321

Visit us on Facebook

Let’s play

L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly) has scheduled a Game Day on Sunday, Aug. 21 in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium.

The event proceeds benefit the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Check-in starts at 12:30 p.m. and play begins at 1 p.m.

“We invite individuals and groups to either put together your own game or come and join a game,” said Renee Kazor, who is coordinating Game Day together with Helene Shrago.

“All games are welcome -- Mah Jongg, Pan, Bridge, Shanghai, Scrabble, Poker, so pick your pleasure and be part of the fun.

Snacks and beverages will be served, and we have some terrific door prizes, too.” Registration fee is $18 per person.

To reserve space before the Aug. 12 deadline, send your check -- payable to LOVE -- to Linda Cogen at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 323 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154, along with names of your table-mates.

If you are looking for a game to play in, call Linda at 402.334.6519 and she will connect you with others who are also looking for a game. All proceeds from Game Day are part of the annual monies L.O.V.E. donates to the RBJH.

“L.O.V.E. is very proud to provide gifts to the Blumkin Home every year,” Linda said. “Programs like Game Day allow L.O.V.E. to purchase needed items that benefit the Residents and the Blumkin Home staff.”

In past years, L.O.V.E. has provided funds for the purchase of a crash cart and defibrillator, new patio furniture for the RBJH courtyard, transportation vehicles, hospice carts, television sets with DVD players for room-bound residents, and prayer books for religious services.

This year L.O.V.E. will complete the Sensory Room project. “Basically, they are here to provide RBJH Residents with elements that increase their quality of life and enhance their surroundings”.

L.O.V.E. was formed in 1971 and continues to play a vital role at the Blumkin Home. “Current L.O.V.E. volunteers assist with many of our programs,” said Linda Cogen, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Volunteer Coordinator, “and there is always a need for additional volunteers.” If you have an interest in giving the precious gift of your time, please call to schedule an appointment and visit with me to find your niche.” Linda can be reached at 402.334.6519 or email lcogen@rbjh.com.

sophie budwig The most impactful part of the trip to Israel was experiencing Shabbat with an Israeli teen and her family. We began Shabbat with a massive feast with their extended family. The meal was five courses of some of the best food I have ever had. The dinner table conversations weren’t the typical conversations we might have at our homes. We were never asked where we were going to college or what our major will be. Instead, we were asking the Israeli teens what unit of the IDF they wanted to join. It is such a strange and scary concept to me, but they could not be more excited to help protect their country and follow in the footsteps of just about every single Israeli before them.

We spent the next day exploring our host family’s hometown of Naharia. They took us to an amazing neighborhood park and to the beach, which was a five minute walk from our host home. We also drove to

Haifa and hiked up the mountains and could see miles and miles of Israel all around us. This weekend was such a unique experience. We got to experience Israel through a new lens. We lived their lives and our connection to our homeland will grow stronger than ever.

Israel Teen Trip

Natural Nails 402-330-9922

2421 S. 132nd St. | Omaha

Personalized customer service, ensuring your financial plan meets YOUR lifestyle needs.

Consultations free. www.russkaplaninvestments.com

New ip! h Owners

Acrylic • Pink & White (solar nails) • Color Powder or Glitter

FREE

Hand Polish or Toe Design with

Shellac Manicure and

Deluxe Pedicure

4 OFF

Kids Pedicure

One coupon per customer. Expires 7-31-16.

Natural Nails • 2421 S. 132nd St.

One coupon per customer. Expires 7-31-16.

Natural Nails • 2421 S. 132nd St.

One coupon per customer. Expires7-31-16.

Natural Nails • 2421 S. 132nd St.

FREE Design

GROUP DISCOUNTS

BRING A FRIEND

10% OFF

$ OFF EACH

total bill of 6 or more

on any service over $30

One coupon per customer. Expires 7-31-16.

Natural Nails • 2421 S. 132nd St.

One coupon per customer. Expires 7-31-16.

Natural Nails • 2421 S. 132nd St.

$

with Deluxe Pedicure One coupon per customer. Expires 7-31-16.

Natural Nails • 2421 S. 132nd St.

10 OFF

$

5

6 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016

worldnews

Pokémon Go invades Auschwitz, US Holocaust Museum and more

GAbe FriedMAn Nazi gas chambers. Although the image only appears in the JTA player’s phone, its virtual presence is enough to get players e Pokémon craze is back -- and you can apparently scrambling to the spot. “catch ’em all” at your local former concentration camp.

“Playing the game is not appropriate in the museum, Pokémon Go, a smartphone version of the popular late which is a memorial to the victims of Nazism,” Andrew 1990s video and trading card game, has become an omnipresent phenomenon since its release last week.

To put it in perspective: e game will soon have more Android phone users than Twitter, and it sent parent company Nintendo’s stock up 23 percent in one day. e game is an example of socalled augmented reality -- it allows players to experience capturing Pokémon (the game’s various cartoon creatures) in real life, with the help of their phones’ GPS systems.

A high-tech scavenger hunt, the game takes place out of doors, and sends users to PokéStops -- real-life places marked as checkpoints by the game -- to get in-game items.

Even though the game has only been released so far in the U.S., Aus- Some users of the new game have found virtual Pokémon at the Auschwitz museum.

Credit: Twitter tralia and New Zealand, some players have already found virtual Pokémon in Israel, at sites Hollinger, the museum’s communications director, told e such as the Western Wall.

Post. “We are trying to find out if we can get the museum However, the ubiquitous game has also made its way into excluded from the game.” much more controversial territory.

Jewish cultural sites are not the only ones acting as conNew York Magazine reported Monday that a user found a troversial Pokémon playing grounds -- New York Magazine virtual Pokémon (a Rattata, to be exact for all you gamers) pointed out that users can play at Ground Zero in New York at the Auschwitz museum.

City, near a North Carolina statue of a confederate general Since then, others have discovered the animated creatures and at the site of multiple African-American mural memothrough their phones at the former Holocaust camp. rials in Brooklyn.

On Tuesday e Washington Post reported that e U.S. According to New York, the game’s developer Niantic ran Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. is home to three into similar trouble last year, when one of their games, Ingress, different PokéStops -- and is therefore attracting people allowed players to battle for control over real-life locations -glued to their phone screens. One user circulated an image which happened to include multiple former concentration online of a Pokémon named Koffing (for the poisonous gas camps, such as Auschwitz, Dachau and Sachsenhausen. it emits) appearing in the museum’s Helena Rubenstein Aue company apologized last July. Looks like it might ditorium, which features testimonials of Jews who survived need to issue another statement this July.

health+ coming in august

wellness publishing date | 08.05.16 space reservation | 07.27.16 camera ready deadline | 07.29.16

Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and a short article.

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

Netanyahu says shalom to new British PM

JTA News sTAff Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel sent incoming British Prime Minister Theresa May a warm welcome.

The Israeli prime minister wrote May, who officially succeeded David Cameron as prime minister, a letter of congratulations and felicitations following her installation, his office shared in a statement.

May, 59, is considered a longtime friend of Britain’s Jewish community and a strong advocate for Israel.

She was named party leader MonTheresa May day following weeks of jockeying and Credit: Board of political turmoil surrounding the deciDeputies/facebook sion by voters to leave the European

Union and Cameron’s subsequent decision to step down.

May was known to be a frequent guest at Jewish communal events, where she would praise Israel and British Jewry’s contributions to the country. The Community Security Trust and other Jewish groups thanked May for securing significant government funding to protect Jewish institutions in the wake of terrorist attacks in Europe.

Supporters recalled Monday that following the terrorist murders in 2015 at a kosher supermarket in Paris, May carried a sign at a Board of Deputies of British Jews meeting reading “Je Suis Juif” (I am Jewish) in solidarity with its victims.

Chabad to open center in Kenya

JTA News sTAff Chabad is opening its first outreach center in East Africa. The ChabadLubavitch of Kenya will open in Nairobi as of the High Holidays this year, the Hasidic outreach movement announced this week. It will be staffed by the husband-and-wife team of Rabbi Avromy and Sternie Super.

The couple were dispatched to the Kenyan capital during Passover to assist the 112-year-old Nairobi Hebrew Congregation, which needed a rabbi. Nairobi’s only synagogue, it counts a membership of Kenyan Jews with roots in Europe; American, British and South African expats, and Israelis working in Kenya. Avromy Stern will function as its rabbi.

Chabad already has centers in 17 African countries.

Rabbi Super spent several months at the Chabad yeshiva in Congo as a rabbinical student, and visited Ghana and other African nations, where other young rabbis are frequently deployed for short-term stints, according to Chabad.org.

“I loved Africa from the first time that I got there,” Super told Chabad.org. “In other parts of the world, you might have rabbis chasing after Jews trying to convince them to come to an event. What I’ve found in Africa is that people are looking to connect with their heritage; they call you. To me, that’s incredible.”

Thomas Finn Lawn Care Mowing | Aerating | Clean-Up | Trimming cell: 402.213.3327 land line: 402.558.8635

Do you need sewing or alterations done?

Repairs | Alterations | New garments

Mention this ad for a discount 21 Years Experience Call Rena Olsen

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

402-594-8177

omahamama12@gmail.com

The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016 | 7

N

JTA News sTAff a lethal series of terrorist attacks in Paris, ice’s Jewish community will may be extended and that some army rehold Shabbat activities in a spirit servists may be draed. e driver, who of solidarity and defiance aer a fired a gun into the crowd, was killed by reterrorist killed scores of people turn fire. His name was not immediately rein the city in southern France. leased.

A 30-year-old man drove a rented white Nice, which is located on the coast of the truck through a crowded promenade in the Mediterranean Sea, is an international coastal resort city on ursday night shortly tourist destination that also draws hundreds aer the annual fireworks show on Bastille of thousands of local French tourists in Day, BFMTV reported. He may have had summer, as well as many European Jews accomplices who participated in the attack who come to Nice because it has a permaitself, the channel reported. As many as 80 nent Jewish population of 25,000 with people were killed.

“We will not let this affect us, we will not let fear affect or damage the life of our community, just as France will not let fear of terrorism change it,” Yossef Yitschok Pinson, the rabbi of Nice’s Chabad House, told JTA Friday.

Synagogue services and community events will go on as planned, he said.

In addition to the fatalities, the attack resulted in severe injuries to at least People visiting the scene and laying tributes to the victims of a terror 18 people and a few other attack on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice France, July 15, 2016. people were lightly Credit: Patrick Aventurier/Getty Images wounded. e identities of the victims have not yet been made known. kosher shops and synagogues, in addition to At least five of the wounded are Jews, acthe Chabad House. cording to Pinson. French media reported But the summer crowd has not yet arthat the death toll was higher than 50 and rived, Pinson, the rabbi, told JTA. “ey possibly as high as 80 people. usually come in August, then there are far “e truck le a trail of blood as it tore more Jews in town,” he said. through the crowd,” said Pinson, citing eyeFollowing the attack, Jewish groups witness testimonies. One witness to the atjoined other faith groups, heads of state and tack was “deeply traumatized by what she international organizations in condemning saw,” he said. “Body parts, people screamthe attack. ing, blood everywhere and very, very diffiPresident Barack Obama said in a statecult sights.” ment: “We stand in solidarity and partnerUnlike Paris, Nice had never seen a tership with France, our oldest ally, as they rorist attack of the scale witnessed ursrespond to and recover from this attack. We day. “Although it is part of the reality of life know that the character of the French Rein France that something like this can happublic will endure long aer this devastatpen, it is shocking to see it in Nice,” Pinson ing and tragic loss of life.” added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nee driver, who has a criminal record intanyahu said in a statement Friday that his volving violence but not terrorism, barrelled country “condemns in the strongest terms through the crowd that had gathered on the last night’s horrific attack in Nice.”

Promenade des Anglais to watch fireworks Israelis, he added, “stand united with the on France’s national day, according to the people of France today” and “Israel is ready BFMTV television channel. to help the French government fight this President Francoise Hollande said that an evil until it is defeated.” “attack with terrorist characteristics cannot European Jewish Congress President be denied.” He added that France’s state of Moshe Kantor spoke of his outrage, as well emergency, declared in November following as “pain and sadness,” following the attack.

Getting the right fit

Haney Shoes have been in business for 74 years sizes and widths to give you the proper fit. and have been fitting Omaha for four generations.

Our stores carry the largest selection of work Our goal is a perfect fit for every customer. boots in the entire Midwest and quality slip resistAt Haney Shoes we have old school philosophy ant shoes for the food service industry. We have a of fitting shoes. We measure your feet and custom shoe mobile that is available for on the job fitting modify your shoes by stretching them or adding of safety shoes for industrial companies and can pads to shape them up. We can modify the arch if help set up safety shoe programs for companies so needed so you will have a comfortable shoe that their employees have comfortable and safe you will not have to “break in.” Plus we have a com- footwear. We also stock a variety of Carhartt clothplete line of specialty arches available to help elim- ing from jeans to arctic coats. inate most foot problems.

Our salespeople will gladly special order anything You will find top quality brands of footwear at you need and we guarantee it to fit.

Haney Shoes including Red Wing, Keen, Ecco, New Stop in at any of our three locations: Benson at Balance, Taos, Birkenstock, Timberland, Wolverine, 6060 Maple, in Lincoln at 6133 Havelock Ave. and our Rockport, and Clarks along with a huge selection of Red Wing Shoe Store located at 5016 S. 108th St. PAID ADVeRTIseMeNT

“your uniquely personal store”

Custom Printing & Embroidery

T-shirts Hats and More!

NO MINIMUMS!

402.614.3883 www.capsetcomaha.com

Campfire Memories

august 7 | 3-5 p.m. | jcc gallery

ajewishpress exhibit

This exhibit is made possible through the generous support of the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation and the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

For my daughters, it’s peace of mind.

They know I’m safe and secure here.

Special Offer

SAVE UP TO $2,500 NO COMMUNITY FEE Save up to $1,000

• Luxurious Living • Exciting Activities • Gourmet Dining

$500 PACK AND MOVE NO CARE COST Save up to $1,000 on your first full month

call for details 402.493.5807

12606 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68154 RemingtonHeightsRetirement.com 75455

Nice’s Jews to gather on Shabbat despite terrorist attack

Caps Etc

Custom T-Shirts Custom Headwear Promotional Products Corporate Logo Apparel

8 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016

viewpoint thejewishpress

(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Scott Farkas; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz; Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press.

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content.

The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewish omaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha. org.

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org.

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view.

Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press As- National Newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008

The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project

ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP-WRiGhT Editor of the Jewish Press n Sunday, July 10, ten Omaha women, led by Louri Sullivan, joined the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project’s MOMentum trip to Israel.

The moment we boarded the plane that would take us home, there was a noticeable familiarity.

So many women in one enclosed space, it’s an experience in and of itself. There were several other, older, groups on that plane. We were surrounded by our collective mothers and grandmothers, and for the duration of the flight, many of us were asked what we were doing, what a MOMentum trip was, where we came from - allowing us to explain our purpose and own the narrative. We stood in the aisles, mingling and bonding, like we were attending a family dinner. When you put Jewish women together, magic happens. It reminds us we are much more than the sum of our parts. When some of us ran into a few of these older women in Tsfaad on Monday, we greeted each other like relatives.

While there is certainly great value in the places we visit this week, and our connection to the land of Israel, there is even greater worth in the connection we, as Jewish women, have to each other. Israeli or Diaspora Jews, young, old, single, married, white, beige, brown or black, orthodox or secular, we share something that transcends our everyday existence. That sameness is nutrition for our souls, and it is both a right and a privilege. Who knew that something mundane like a backpack with a logo could spark so many conversations?

That connection, that sameness, the feeling of belonging to a worldwide group of women forms the perfect basis for this trip.

It’s a fabulous starting point. Right now, as I am sitting on my balcony looking out over Jerusalem, it feels like home is everywhere we find each other. Whether it is here or in the streets of Tsfaad, or on a plane somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean.

Thursday July 14 We started our day at Yad Vashem, and it made for an emotional beginning. It’s a place that is hard on visitors, but I’ve always felt that it should be. Why should we sugarcoat the truth?

Why treat the horrors of the holocaust as a chapter in our history books? There is no clean beginning, middle and end to

genocide, and there never will be. We may not be able to make sense of it, but I think we can, in time, accept the messiness of it. We can remind ourselves there are no explanations, no reasons, only tears. The central question is what we pass on to our children.

Many of the women in this group have teenagers who find themselves the last generation to hear firsthand accounts. The last ones to listen to what survivors share, the last to hug them, know them and love them.

Our children’s children will not experience that, which means, for us, keeping quiet is not an option. Visiting Yad Vashem as a parent means committing to the lessons of the Holocaust, bearing witness and preparing our children to do the same. We walk away with an urgent kind of sadness.

Sunday July 17 We floated in the Dead Sea, rode camels, celebrated Shabbat with 450 women at Aish HaTorah and prayed at the Kotel. We studied, made challah and visited a mikveh in Tsfaad. We saw the building site for the new Museum for Tolerance, went to the Al Azraki Children’s home, we sang, and had more dance parties than my muscles care to remember. Most of all, we bonded as women and as Jews with one shared goal: to squeeze every single minute out of this trip.

In 2017, the JWRP plans to send an additional 10,000 women to Israel. Why is this so important? Sure, it was fun and it was inspiring, but this trip was first and foremost one big

reminder of why we are who we are. And that doesn’t end when we get off the plane in our own cities. We bring this feeling home, to our families and our communities. Just imagine;

tween communities and the police by requiring officers to identify themselves with a business card when they stop you on the street, thus allowing you to follow up if you believe you were stopped or searched in a discriminatory or illegal manner.

drained and depressed. For decades people of color have protested against discriminatory and violent policing. And while there have been some meaningful victories over the years, we have yet to win the true accountability that we need to secure our full civil rights and dignity. Ever since the death of Garner in my city -- in some ways ever since the beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles 25 years ago -- we’ve had the proof right in front of us, on our screens. We thought this new phenomenon -- ubiquitous cameras providing new evidence of an enduring injustice -- would shock the nation into action, but it hasn’t. We have organized and marched and rallied, thinking it would move the nation to value our lives and reform its policing. But it hasn’t.

All across America, local community groups are working to pass bills and make policy reforms such as the Right To Know Act. Each effort tries to address some small piece of the problem of racism and police violence -- to chip off some tiny piece of the iceberg and make some progress.

Our movement is growing, but not fast enough.

Unless the Jewish community and everyone who is now watching from the sidelines gets involved, we will be sharing these tragic videos for years to come. Now is the moment to say “never again -not one more.” Now is the moment for white Jews to join us in the streets, to call your legislators, to donate your time and money. To invest in a future where we never have to enter Shabbat with the echoes of gunshots in our ears.

The only way we can ensure a future in which black lives matter and the police are trusted and respected by all is if white Jews, and all Americans, actively participate in the campaigns for racial justice and police accountability being waged all across the country by local organizations, especially those led by people of color. We See Jewish dream of justice page 9

women from cities like Toronto, Palm Beach, Chicago, Manhattan and yes, Omaha, who have been offered a giant helping of yiddishkeit and then get to spread it around. The Omaha delegation will return on Tuesday, July 19, so when you read this, we’re back. And every last one of us will tell you: if you haven’t done so yet, you too must go to Israel.

The Jewish Press will share a number of stories about this experience over the next few months, because there is just too much to talk about in this small space. So stay tuned, and check the July 29 paper for a small sample of our photos. Until then: lehitraot, and shalom!

Police, people of color and a Jewish dream of justice LEo FERGuSoN NEW YORK | JTA Last week, we watched in horror and dismay as violent event after violent event unfolded, each amplifying and recontextualizing the one before it. By Friday morning, July 8, five Dallas police officers were dead, three black men had been killed by the police (including the Dallas shooter), and countless families were broken and traumatized.

On Friday evening I was in the streets marching, chanting our movement’s simplest, yet most elusive assertion, “Black Lives Matter.” As a black person and a Jew, I was asserting the value of my own being -- attempting to claim agency over my own body and the bodies of those who look like me in the face of racism and violence.

I usually find these marches and rallies empowering, but on this night I was deflated and sad. As we marched through the rapidly gentrifying streets of New York City, I couldn’t stop watching the faces of those people, especially white people -- presumably many of them Jewish -- who sat in outdoor cafes sipping wine or coasting by in the backseats of taxis. Some cheered or raised a glass, others gawked mutely; some were obviously annoyed at the minor disruption to their day. I joked darkly to a Jew of color who was marching with me that all of our signs should just say, “If you’re standing there, reading this, then you are part of the problem.”

On Sunday I joined a group of Jewish people of color, organized through Jews For Racial & Economic Justice, or JFREJ, to process and hold space for each other after a week of pain.

Many of those in the room with me have been active in the fight to pass the Right To Know Act, a piece of legislation before the City Council here that would help address the very issues that have brought our nation to this terrifying moment. It would create more trust and mutual respect be-

White Jews, and all Americans, must actively participate in the campaigns for racial justice and police accountability, Leo Ferguson writes. Credit: Lior Zaltzman It would also provide a remedy for unconstitutional searches by requiring officers to inform people when they have the right to refuse a search.

The bill would protect everyone in New York by empowering citizens and creating a bond of trust with the police. Our Jews of Color Caucus has been working with the rest of JFREJ as part of a wide coalition of grassroots organizations, Communities United for Police Reform, in a tireless effort to pass this bill. And it was my job on Sunday to tell everyone, even after the week that our country had been through, that the bill is still not on the calendar for a vote in the City Council.

We actually have a council majority for both bills, enough to pass the legislation. But it still hasn’t been brought up for a vote even though not a single other police reform bill has passed in New York since the death of Eric Garner two years ago.

As I looked at the demoralized faces in the room, I understood why the week left us all so

The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016 | 9

TRI COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

How Elie Wiesel inspired the Free Soviet Jewry movement

GlENN RICHTER to press for the liberation of Russian Jews.

JTA In 1986, 21 years after his first visit, he returned to the USSR. Despite On my bookshelves there are two rows of volumes on the Soviet Jewry Mikhail Gorbachev’s lockdown on immigration to Israel that year, Wiesel movement. Squeezed in among the tomes is a small, well-worn paperback witnessed the miraculous rebirth of Jewish self-identification among rewith pages no longer attached to the spine, The Jews of Silence, by Elie fuseniks and thousands of ordinary young Jews who flocked to Wiesel. This slim volume is, however, a bridge. It crossed Wiesel and his Moscow’s Arkipova Street Synagogue on Simchat Torah. Gal Beckerman readers over from his prior works, hearing recounted in When They Come the screams of those silenced in the HoloFor Us We’ll Be Gone that Wiesel caust, to an eloquent challenge in 1966 told the congregation inside, to listen to the cry of our silenced but liv“Not a day passes when I don’t ing oppressed brethren in the USSR. talk of you, dream of you, sing While today one of every seven Isof you, pray for you. You give us raelis or their descendants is from the so much hope throughout the former Soviet Union, when hundreds of world. We owe you a thousand thousands of FSU Jews live in the times more than you owe us.”

United States and the West, when with Soviet Jews responded in the click of a computer button I’d just kind. Former Prisoner of Zion arranged a frequent-flyer point flight to Alexander Paritsky recalled, “In Israel via Moscow on Aeroflot Russian the hardest and most critical peAirlines, it is difficult to remember how riod of my struggle for freedom ignorant American Jews were -- or in a Siberian labor camp, I alwilled themselves to be -- about the Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, left, and Jewish Agency for Israel ways remembered the great Elie quarter of world Jewry locked in the So- Chairman Natan Sharansky at the General Assembly of the Jew- Wiesel.” viet Union when The Jews of Silence ish Federations in North America in Baltimore discussing the SoFormer refusenik Dan Roginviet Jewry movement and marking the 25th anniversary of its sky: “For we who were fighting was published.

For my contemporaries in high pinnacle event, The March on Washington, Nov. 12, 2012. for exodus from the Soviet Credit: David Karp Union, Elie Wiesel was an examschools and universities in the 1960s, Wiesel’s cri de cœur was the first of three shocks that would galvanize ple of a Jew who never gave up in his struggle for tikkun olam (repairing our nascent public student Soviet Jewry movement into a tidal wave of the world) and for the future of the Jewish People.” action. Wiesel ended The Jews of Silence thus: “What torments me most Dina Beilina, a leading Moscow refusenik: “Elie was [a] soldier. All his is not the Jews of silence I met in Russia, but the silence of the Jews I life he fought, in the beginning, alone. But he believed in his mission and live among today.” Not yet the icon he later became, Wiesel reinforced became a symbol of Jewish resistance to Nazism and a symbol of our his written, searing recollection of his visit with Jews in the USSR in victory over evil.” talks to our Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry members. We connected Former refusenik Sasha Smukler, echoing the words of his friend Yuli immediately to Wiesel: Jacob Birnbaum, the SSSJ’s founder, a refugee Kosharovsky: “He inspired us to become Jews again.” from Nazi Germany, and students, some of us children of Holocaust sur“Elie was a major source of inspiration for the refuseniks,” summarized vivors or veterans of the American civil rights movement.

Enid Wurtman, an American Soviet Jewry movement leader who was inA year after The Jews of Silence was published, the Six-Day War pro- spired by the refuseniks to make aliyah to Israel to continue her work pelled us into a deep-rooted connection with Israel and our own Jewish from Jerusalem. “He taught them about the Shoah, strengthened their identities. And a year after that, Arthur Morse’s While Six Million Died Jewish identity, made them assertive Jews fighting against all odds to exposed the relative silence of our parents’ generation during the Shoah. be free, fighting for their right to emigrate to Israel.”

We vowed that this generation would not be guilty of the same sin.

Absolutely nothing can bring back the Six Million. Yet when 3 million Elie Wiesel was our moral compass. In between our numerous demon- of our brothers and sisters in the Soviet Union were threatened with spirstrations at the Soviet U.N. Mission, SSSJ produced a stark white-on- itual annihilation, postwar Jewry finally stepped forward, their march black lapel button challenging the Jewish community: “Are We The Jews begun, as Natan Sharansky often recalls, by “students and housewives,” of Silence?” inspired by Elie Wiesel.

It took years, but eventually the Jewish establishment put its consid“Yehi zichro mevorach” – may his memory be for us a blessing. erable muscle behind the Free Soviet Jewry movement. Wiesel was a Glenn Richter is the former national coordinator of the Student featured speaker at large rallies and utilized his growing moral authority Struggle for Soviet Jewry.

Jewish dream of justice

Continued from page 8 can win, but only by creating movements too powerful to be ignored. In this struggle there is no neutral ground -- if the Jewish community isn’t part of the solution, then it is part of the problem.

Like those people watching us march past them, most Americans don’t see this as their problem to solve. As Jews, we know what it means to fight for our survival while those around us do nothing. And as a Jew of color, I am tired of feeling abandoned by my friends and my larger Jewish community when they sit on the sidelines rather than fighting for my safety and full humanity.

Though these weeks have been painful, I am still filled with hope for change and certainty that we will win. All I have to do is look at the community I am lucky enough to

work with -- the powerful, brilliant Jews of all races who are struggling for racial justice every day. They remind me of the most potent parts of our tradition: those that call us to strive for justice even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. We won’t give up -- we will pass bills like the Right to Know Act. With Jews at my side, I will be out in the streets fighting for justice. Will you be there with me?

Leo Ferguson is the community and communications organizer for Jews for Racial & Economic Justice.

To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Send a check for $25, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.

Join Our Team and Our Mission at

We are currently in need of a driver to join our team. Class A CDL and drug testing required. Employee benefits include sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, health, dental and life insurance.

Home nightly. Competitive wages offered.

Apply at

Chase County Community Hospital

Scribner, NE

402-664-3200

Contact Craig Johnson at 402-455-6379 or email at tricoumc@live.com

ATTENTION EMPLOYERS:

When you place a recruitment ad in this newspaper, you qualify for a FREE job posting on NEHires.com, an employment job site owned and operated by Nebraska’s newspapers.

Now, recruiting on a regional or statewide basis is as easy as placing an ad in this newspaper.

NEHires.com

Your online source for Nebraska jobs, owned and operated by Nebraska’s newspapers.

NOW HIRING WELDERS AND MORE! 2nd Shift Supervisor Welders: 2nd and 3rd Shifts Available Weld assessment at interview Benefits include $1.50/hour shift differential, Medical, Dental,Vision, PaidVacation, Paid Holidays, Company Match on 401(k) and much more.

1600 East 29th Ave Columbus, NE

Come see us at 1600 E 29th Ave. in Columbus, NE or apply online at www.valmontcareers.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

A JOB THAT MAKES

A DIFFERENCE.

Call: 402-568-2224 or Email: jobs@smeal.com

HIRING BONUS

HIRING BONUS

Snyder, NE Warranty Technician Senior Buyer Purchasing Department

Fabricator

Machine Operators Maintenance Mechanic Auto body background

Some welding required

Plumbers Electricians Welder

Mechanical Engineer Bachelor’s Required

HIRING BONUS

Neligh, NE Fabricator Ability to use hand tools required

Mechanical Engineer Bachelor’s Degree required

Welder MIG/TIG experience preferred

Assembler

Engineer

MIG/TIG experience preferred

Bachelor’s Required

Assembler

Associate’s Required

CAD Drafter

Mechanical & hydraulic experience

EXPERIENCED TRUCK & PUP DRIVER NEEDED

Eveland Supply Company

Looking for an Administrative Assistant/Secretary to assist pastor 16 hours/weekly: Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Candidate must be self-motivated, trustworthy, personable, respectful and possess computer/clerical skills.

600 W. 12th Street, Imperial, NE Full-time Radiology Technologist career opportunity in the Radiology Department. CT experience is preferred. Must be ARRT registered in Radiography and hold a current Nebraska license. Position includes rotating call with two other technologists.

For more information contact Human Resources at 308-882-7234, email: jsharp@chasecountyhospital.com, www.chasecountyhospital.com CCCH is an equal opportunity employer

SMEAL FIRE APPARATUS CO. 610 W 4th ST. Snyder, NE 68664 www.smeal.com

EOE/Substance Screening

10 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016

synagogues b’nai iSRael Synagogue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 402.322.4705 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

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 Synagogue

There will not be Friday night services in July and August.

Services and speaker series will resume Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

beTh el Synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. fRiday: Lunch at the Nebraska AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SaTuRday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; MiniMinyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:45 p.m. weekday SeRviceS: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Sunday: Torah Study, 10 a.m.

Tot Shabbat Potluck Picnic, friday, aug. 5, 5:30 p.m. at the JCC Pavilion.

Kiddush Luncheon, Saturday, aug. 6, noon for Executive Director Allison Newfeld.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

beTh iSRael Synagogue

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. fRiday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:32 p.m.

SaTuRday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Kids Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Farewell Kiddush Lunch in honor of Rabbi Yaakov and Ilana Weiss and family; Summer Simcha Kiddush; Insights into the Weekly Portion, 7:30 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:15 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:38 p.m.

Sunday: Fast of the 17th of Tamuz Observed; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m.; Fast Ends, 9:28 p.m. weekdayS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

chabad houSe

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.

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, 9:30 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.

congRegaTion b’nai JeShuRun

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. fRiday: LJCS Camp Israel, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Pre-neg, 6 p.m. hosted by Elaine Monnier; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:33 p.m.

SaTuRday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Balak; Havdalah (72 minutes), 10:02 p.m.

Sunday: Tzom Tammuz Fast Day Observed TueSday: Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m.

ThuRSday: Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.; High Choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m.

It’s a mitzvah! The Temple is seeking volunteers willing to provide occasional transportation to services and events for members who are in need of a ride. Please contact the Temple office for details and to sign up by phone at 402.435.8004 or email at office@southstreettemple.org.

President’s Office Hours, Sunday mornings, 10 a.m.– noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, just email David Weisser at president@southstreettem ple.org.

offuTT aiR foRce baSe

fRiday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

RoSe blumkin JewiSh home

fRiday: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Temple Israel.

SaTuRday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Scott Weiler.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

Temple iSRael

fRiday: Shabbat Comes to You at Rose Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Cantor Shermet; Shabbat Evening Services & Picnic: D’var Torah by Rabbi Darryl Crystal, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Crystal, Rabbi Susman and Cantor Shermet.

SaTuRday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: Natasha Kraft and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer; TiYPE Schmoozing for Young Adults, 6:30 p.m., Stinson Park, 2285 South 67 St. Young adults age 18+ are invited to come enjoy food and drinks, havdalah and get to know our new assistant rabbi, Rabbi Sussman. RSVP required.

Sunday: Board of Trustees Retreat, 10 a.m.

ThuRSday: Adult Education Class with Cantor Shermet, 10 a.m.

Mitzvah Day with TiYPE, Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m., 6412 North 42nd St. Help TiYPE at the Temple Israel Cemetery to make our space of remembrance nice for our community. Please RSVP to Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement Aliyah Lasky, 402.556.6536, by monday, July 25.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game:Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball Game, Sunday, aug. 7, 5 p.m. Cost is $10 per ticket.

RSVP to the Temple Israel Office.

Annual Tri-Faith Picnic, Sunday, aug. 14, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Countryside Community Church, 8787 Pacific St. Please

join us for food & fellowship! Rain or shine! Halal burgers & kosher hot dogs provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share!

(Please, no pork, shellfish or gelatin dishes) Open to all supporters of the Tri-Faith Initiative! Questions? Contact info@trifaith.org or 402.934.2955.

Temple Israel Golf Outing, monday, aug. 15, noon at Shadow Ridge Country Club. Invite your spouse or friends to join us for cocktails, dinner and awards banquet! Schedule: noon – Lunch, 1 p.m. – Shotgun and 6 p.m. - Dinner with cash bar. Player Options: Includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, driving range and dinner. Cost: Participant $135 (Singles — we’ll find a group for you to join!), Foursome $540, Dinner Only $30.

TifeReTh iSRael

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. fRiday: LJCS Camp Israel, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Services, 6:30 p.m.

SaTuRday: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a light Kiddish luncheon.

Please let Nava in the office know of any personal information changes as she is working on the new TI directory. Please inform the office of any landline/cell number, address or name changes ASAP. Thank you.

To SubmiT b’nai miTzvah announcemenTS

Announcements should be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 two weeks in advance of the B’nai Mitzvah.

Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: avande kamp@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewish omaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Thousands attend funeral in israel for lone soldier from new Jersey JTA News sTAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) — Thousands of mourners attended the funeral on July 18 for a lone soldier from New Jersey who was killed when a grenade exploded in his jeep in the Golan Heights.

Sgt. Shlomo Rindenow, 20, was one of two soldiers who died in the incident Sunday, which is under investigation by the Israel Defense Forces.

The Hebrew-language news website Walla estimated that 3,000 people attended the funeral in Netzer Hazani near Rehovot in central Israel.

Ynet put the figure at 2,000.

On Monday morning, Rindenow’s brother, Jeff, Shlomo Rindenow in an interview with Israel’s Channel 2, called on the Israeli public to attend the funeral.

“For most of the course of his [army] service my brother was alone,” he said. “He volunteered to the army because he wanted to be a warrior.

We are requesting that at least for his final departure he won’t be alone.”

Rindenow’s parents, Mordechai and Mindy, arrived in Israel on Monday for the funeral. Ynet reported that Rindenow was buried in a nonmilitary plot at the request of his parents, who want to be buried alongside him in the future.

Rindenow has nine siblings, and is one of five brothers who moved from Passaic, a New Jersey city with a large Orthodox Jewish population, to volunteer in the IDF. He spent a year volunteering with a search and rescue organization in Israel. Another brother reportedly currently is

serving in a paratroopers unit.

“Shlomo would get into his head that he wanted to do things and then he’d just do them,” his brother Baruch reportedly said at the funeral.

“He decided to come to Israel, learn Hebrew within a few months and get into the unit in the army he wanted. And he did it. I admired him so much, and I don’t think I even told him that. I told other people, I bragged about my brother, but I’m not sure if I told him.”

His sister Yocheved reportedly said, “You were wise like your namesake, King Shlomo, wise beyond your years. More mature than all of us. You loved us all so much, and I’m so sorry for what Credit: Facebook happened to you.

“When Shlomo joined the army, we weren’t even as worried as you would think. He was so responsible that we just assumed he’d be safe whatever he did. You taught us how to live with a pure and open heart. You’re part of our hearts and you always will be. I’m grateful that you were my brother.”

The explosion occurred near Majdal Shams, a Druze village located near Mount Hermon in southern Israel, and killed another soldier. Sgt. 1st Class Husam Tafish, 24, a reservist from the Druze village of Beit Jann, was buried Monday morning. Tafish, the driver of the jeep, reportedly was holding the grenade when it exploded. Three others were injured.

The army said it was not clear why the soldier was holding a grenade. The soldiers were part of a combat engineering corps battalion.

The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016 | 11

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

lifecycles geraldine ann burstein

Geraldine Ann Burstein passed away on July 9 at age 86. Services were held on July 11 where she was honored by numerous family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ben and Jennie Cohn, sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Lee White, brother-in-law, Leonard Stoller.

She is survived by husband of 66 years, Joseph Burstein; daughter and son-in-law Nancy Burstein and Steven Elliott, sons, Sanford Burstein and Stephen Burstein; sister, Elayne Stoller; and cousins and friends.

Geraldine was born in Harlan, Iowa where her father was a grocer. At age 15 the Cohn family moved to Omaha. Toward the end of high school Geraldine met her husband Joseph Burstein who had returned from Navy duty in World War II. After Joseph’s graduation from college they married and started their life together in Omaha.

In the ensuing years they had three children. In 1967 the family moved to Kansas City, then to St. Louis (Creve Coeur) a year later, and lived there for 50 years. Geraldine’s children live in New York, New Jersey and Taiwan.

Geraldine and Joseph were members of Beth Israel Synagogue while living in Omaha and Brith Shalom Synagogue in St. Louis for most of their 50 years.

They were active in both synagogues.

Memorials may be made to the Melanoma Research Alliance, 1101 New York Avenue NW, Suite 620, Washington, DC, 20005 or the organization of your choice.

letha l. Pitlor

Letha L. Pitlor of Lincoln passed away on July 1 at age 83. Services were held July 3 at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 14th & Elba Ave. in Lincoln.

She was preceded in death by parents Allen and Monie Zalkin, two sisters and one brother.

She is survived by her husband Robert Pitlor of Lincoln; daughters: Betti and Richard Robinson of Norfolk, Soni and Jess Ruff of Milwaukee, Cindi and Marlon Weiss of Lincoln, Jane and Mike Snyder of Omaha, and Lori and Howard Feldman of Lincoln; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Retha Lansky of Virginia; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Susan Zalkin of Denver.

She was known and loved by many as “Grandma Lea” or “Lee Lee”.

Memorials may be made to Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68516 or the organization of your choice.

seth Conrad riCh

Continued from page 1 child he was willing to talk to anyone. If you were to leave him in a crowded room of strangers it would take only a short time before he would know everyone and they would know him. Whether it be making his rounds at weddings introducing himself to the invited guests, to overhearing a number of businessmen talking and bringing his mother over as he thought she could help them with advertising, to stealing the mic to make a toast at a wedding reception. Seth loved being around people and people loved being around Seth.

In high school his charisma, coupled with his intellect, led him to be on the Central High Debate team which reached the national championships. Seth was also a member of the choir, the soccer club and the student Democrats.

While Seth was always proud to grow up in Omaha and call Nebraska home, he spent his summers at his second home in Conover, WI. I would like to share with you some thoughts from the Director of Camp Ramah, Jacob Cytryn on his camper and colleague.

“Seth’s zest for life put him at the center of so much that camp had to offer; his energy was frenetic and contagious, his curiosity for ideas and, even more so, for people’s personalities, boundless. Seth was an unassuming intellectual: he was an exceptionally bright adolescent and even as a rising high school junior displayed some of the interests that would lead him to his dual passions of public service and statistics, but he always seemed more at home in the games of adolescent boys, in planning elaborate pranks, on the sailboats and motorboats on Lake Buckatabon.”

“Many people I encounter seem to assume that the ideal alumnus of Camp Ramah is a Rabbi or Jewish scholar. There is a much more powerful, compelling and historically accurate case to be made for someone like Seth. While his Jewish identity was central to who he was, it was but one part of his complex personality. Seth combined the great pillars of our camp: being a

You are the most powerful influence in your child’s daily life.

Kids who learn from their parents or care-givers about the risks of drugs are:

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

great friend, a lover of intellectual pursuits, committed to unabashed fun and an underlying allegiance to the Jewish people. He was one of the great campers, an exuberant, roofball-playing, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-dancing, light-and-sound-board-controlling platinum blond kid from Omaha with a massive heart and a brain and a soul to match.”

“On behalf of the hundreds of Ramahniks whom you touched during your summers here, the staff who worked with you as your camper, fellow campers, and the campers and staff you influenced as a staff member, we mourn the loss of a great and true Ramahnik. Here in a place you knew as a home, your memory is already blessing those of us who knew you and who will remember you this week and forevermore.”

At Ramah Seth learned how to be a leader, how to care for others and how to stand up for his beliefs. It is clear from the outpouring of support from near and far the impact that Seth had on Ramah as well as the impact Ramah had on Seth.

Following high school Seth went on to attend Creighton University where he graduated with a BA in political science in 2011. I am told that Seth’s family was thrilled he was staying close to home, but a bit apprehensive for a nice Jewish boy to attend a Jesuit institution. It was at Creighton where his love of politics grew, serving on the Creighton Students Union for two years. While Seth was the nice Jewish boy on campus, with slightly different beliefs and practices than some of his Catholic friends, the values that Creighton promoted were the same values he had been taught since he was a child. Father Hendrickson [President, Creighton University] in talking with Seth’s family, it was clear how proud he was to have graduated from Creighton.

While he was still a student at Creighton he worked for the US Census Bureau and the Nebraska Democratic Party, and interned for Senator Ben Nelson.

After graduating in 2011, Seth was hired by a national polling company, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, and relocated to Washington, DC. Once again Seth surrounded himself with a caring community of friends, including his girlfriend Kelsey. Two years later, he went to the Democratic National Committee, where he worked on the development of a computer program that allows people to enter their names and have maps drawn to their polling places. It required data culled from every voter precinct in the country. Seth worked to boost turnout by connecting voters with resources like polling place locations.

The Democratic National Committee chairwoman, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.), said in a statement, “Our hearts are broken with the loss of one of our DNC family members over the weekend. Seth Rich was a dedicated, selfless public servant who worked tirelessly to protect the most sacred right we share as Americans – the right to vote,” she said. “He saw the great potential of our nation and believed that, together, we can make the world a better place.”

Seth may have loved to chat and make the rounds of a room, but more than anything he wanted to make the world a better place. As recent as this week Seth posted on Facebook: ‘I reiterate back to people stop hating each other. Too much pain to process.’

‘We have to be better and defend each other more true.

‘A life is exponentially valuable. I have family and friends on both sides of the law. ‘Please, stop killing each other.’

Too often we see bloodshed and we avert our eyes because its someone else’s neighborhood and someone else’s kid. Not today... today the anguish and pain that we so often see on the news is now in our own hearts. Seth did what he loved, he wanted to make a difference in the world around him and we owe it to his memory to finish the work Seth started.

“Remember his name,” said Donna Brazile, “and add him to the rolls of justice.” Seth Conrad Rich. He lived to make a difference. t’hay nafsho tzrurah b’tzror hachaim May his soul be bound up in the bonds of eternal life May his memory always be for a blessing And let us say Amen Services were held on July 13 at Beth El Synagogue, followed by burial at Beth El Cemetery, 84th and L Streets.

He is survived by his parents, Mary and Joel Rich; and his brother and sister-in-law, Aaron Rich and Molly Zwerdlinger.

Memorials may be made to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, 65 East Wacker Place, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60601 or go online to https://my.ramah wisconsin.com/inmemoryofsethrich or Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St. Omaha NE 68154.

Serving Generations…

114 So. 93rd Ave. OPEN FLOOR PLAN! Huge windows, vaulted ceilings, 5/7 bedrooms, 4 baths, District 66 Schools.

Agent/Owner. Compare at $535,000!

Call CAROL COSGROVE, 402-320-0169 for showing.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICE Ambassador Real Estate

Enhance your property!

Your World Made Perfect

Retaining walls | Patios Fire pits | Water features Drainage solutions Commercial and residential Call or Text 402-957-5087 ECOTERRANE.com

nebraska statewide Classifieds

Classified adVertising in over 165 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $225/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press or call 1-800-369-2850.

bankruPtCY: free initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. affordable Press Release service. Send your message to 170 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details. for sale: 50 lb. bags of fertilizer, 30-0-3 w/crabgrass preventer, 16-4-8 & 12-1-12 microsized slow release for high quality golf course & residential turf management. www.blackstrapinc.com. dish tV 190 channels plus High-speed Internet. Only $49.99/month! Ask about a 3-year price guarantee & get Netflix included for 1 year! Call Today 1-800-520-9176.

Person to schedule appointments for major publishers of Pre-K thru 12 fiction and nonfiction. Must be well-organized, computer literate, with knowledge of basic Excel. Contact: David Fairchild, 308-850-6354.

suPerintendent/Motor Grader & Scraper Operators needed for Grading Contractor.

100% Paid Health Insurance & Simple IRA. Apply to Commercial Contractors Equip., Inc., 701 NW 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68528, 402-476-1711. EOE. rns & LPNs: Provide one-on-one in home care to a child near you. New Grads Welcome!

Flexible scheduling, individualized training. FT/PT/PRN positions - all shifts. Benefits offered, relaxed work environment. www.craighomecare.com or call 308-382-1884.

south dakota CHS Member Cooperatives Openings: Vice President of Agronomy, Agronomy Manager. Apply online or view all open positions at: http://tinyurl.com/zatcbto.

Questions: Brian Slaughter, 701-721-7247, Brian.slaughter@chsinc.com.

JourneYMan and Plumbers Helper wanted. Must have valid drivers license. Holiday pay, vacation, retirement. Submit resume: Warren-T, 1400 W. 22nd, Kearney, NE 68845 or info@warren-t.com.

Bill Cutler III

402-391-3900

• 50% less likely to use inhalants

7805 W. Center Rd.

• 56% less likely to use cocaine

BELLEVUE CHAPEL 402-291-5000 Bellevue

• 65% less likely to use LSD

For more information call: http://www.prevlink.org

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

southeast nebraska hospital seeking full-time pharmacy tech. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Must be willing to become CPHT. See full posting and apply online: www.jchc.us.

• 36% less likely to smoke • marijuana than kids who don’t

1-800-648-4444

1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452

DWORAK CHAPEL 402-346-1144 16th & Vinton

Bill Cutler IV

www.heafeyheafey.com

traCtor MeChaniC: Full-time Tractor Technicians! Maintenance & repairs of tractors and communication equipment. Great pay, full benefits. Join our award-winning team!

Apply at www.FCC-inc.com or call 866-641-6914. trailer teChniCians: Full-time trailer technicians. Day & evening shifts. Diagnostics & repair of trailers. Great pay, full benefits. Join our award-winning team! Apply at www.FCC-inc.com or call 866-641-6914.

otr/Cdl, Class A, two years minimum experience. Good pay, vacation pay, bonuses and good home time. Looking for a flatbed driver. Caudy Trucking, 402-768-6134.

12 | The Jewish Press | July 22, 2016

usnews

T

Republican convention will be short on Jews, long on mystery

RoN KAmpeAs tion League is running a session in Cleveland on bipartisanWASHINGTON | JTA ship; its Philly session is on hate language. hey’re elusive, but show up in the right place Even as many Jewish Republican insiders are steering clear at the right time -- and you might find one! of the convention, Trump seems to be considering moves No, we’re not talking about the latest iterathat would please many of the party’s pro-Israel activists tion of Pokémon Go. This is about tracking and donors. prominent Jewish GOPers and Jewish organiThe Republican Platform Committee on Tuesday approved zational representatives attending the Republican National language that does not mention the two-state solution as a Convention next week in Cleveland. favored outcome in the Middle East. It also says Jerusalem is They’ll be barely visible, and the reason has everything to Israel’s “indivisible” capital and rejects calling Israel’s presence do with the presumptive nominee, Donald Trump. in the West Bank an “occupation.”

The Republican Jewish Coalition usually rolls out major sheBoth plank items are big wins for the right wing of the probangs at party conventions, starting with a news conference Israel community. And the author of the revised language, Alan where you can count on director Matthew Brooks to confiClemmons, a South Carolina state representative, worked dently project growth in the GOP share of the Jewish vote. closely with top Trump aides to formulate the language.

Not this year, an RJC spokesman said in an email that Clemmons, who carefully described himself to JTA as a noted plans for “a couple of events” closed to the media. “delegate bound for Donald Trump” -- a tad short of someone One is a “salute to pro-Israel elected officials” -- in goverwho enthusiastically supported the candidacy -- was careful nors’ mansions, in the U.S. House of Representatives and in when asked if he thought Trump would endorse the policy.

Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland is decorated to welcome the Republican National Conthe Senate -- which is typical of past conventions.

“I’ll have to let Mr. Trump speak for himself,” he said.

Credit: Angelo Merendino/Getty Images “Let me just say his advisers at the highest level are in supJewish donors who have undergirded much past cam- vention, July 11, 2016. activists with Jewish lawmakers and congressional staffers. paigning? Try to find them. port of the language.”

A “Salute to Israel” in AIPAC’s name appears on some Democratic Na“I’m going to watch on TV,” emailed one donor who has been a constant There may yet be joy for pro-Israel folks at the Republican convention: at the conventions and asked not to be named. “Should be quite a show.” tional Convention schedules in circulation, but an official at the prominent Of the five purported names in circulation for the vice presidential nod, He said many of his GOP Jewish donor compadres also had cats to clean Israel lobby told JTA that it is not an AIPAC event. three of them -- former House speaker Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Gov. The JFNA, through its Israel Action Network and in partnership with Chris Christie and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence -- have longstanding close and hair to shampoo and long walks in the woods planned for next week.

Among the major fund-raisers staying away, according to a list com- the Israel Project, is organizing a single event at each convention honoring ties with the pro-Israel community. piled by Jewish Insider, are Charlie Spies and Yitz Applebaum. The list state legislators who have countered the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment A fourth, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, has worked hard to forge ties with the says they will be joined on the sidelines by George W. Bush administration and Sanctions movement. But unlike past years, there is no convention- community since her 2014 election -- between her November election and specific event planned. alumni Noam Neusner, Tevi Troy and Jay Zeidman. taking her seat, she visited the country. The fifth, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, Two Jewish groups are maintaining a profile typical of their past par- left the Obama administration as the Defense Intelligence Agency chief in The American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Jewish Federations of North America, usually ubiquitous at conventions, are main- ticipation -- at venues near the conventions, but raising issues not directly 2014 in part over concerns shared by Israel regarding U.S. policy on Iran. taining low profiles not just at the Republican event but also the related to the nomination. The American Jewish Committee is running Now if, as rumored, Trump names his daughter, Ivanka, as running Democratic assembly later this month in Philadelphia. That means no the same series of panel discussions in both cities on anti-Semitism, U.S. mate -- well that’s one Jew, at least, who doesn’t mind making appear“breakfasts with mishpocha” organized by AIPAC to bring together its demographics, U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East. The Anti-Defama- ances with him.