Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Engaging Jewish Omaha
September 6, 2013 2 Tishei 5774 Vol. 93 | No. 51
This Week
by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Stacey and Jonathan Rockman are the 2014 Annual Campaign Chairs, and, together with their family, will lead a multi-generational effort that proved successful last year. Mike Erman, Stacey’s father, and Joe Erman, an uncle, will serve as chairs of the Pacesetter division. Ruth Erman, Stacey’s aunt, will chair the Lion of Judah division. The Rockmans enlisted sister Lori Miller, husband Michael and cousin Dana Kaufman (Ruth and Joe’s daughter) and husband Mike to round out the family effort. “I look forward to talking to community members about truly engaging in Jewish Omaha, whether as a donor, a volunteer or a program participant, or, even better, all three,” Jonathan said. When asked why this was the right time to chair a Campaign, he humorously said, “My wife said so.” But his next response was far more thoughtful and serious. “I sensed an opportunity to be of real value; to help improve the Campaign process and to encourage those that are able, to donate at a higher level than before. And, of course, I am inspired by
JCC Gallery: Israeli artist Moshe Mozon Page 6
Temple Israel’s big move Page 7
Stacey and Jonathan Rockman my wife, Stacey, and her volunteer work with Partnership2Gether, the Federation’s Budget and Financial Review Committee, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.” “This is an opportunity to remind everyone how great Omaha is,” he added. Jonathan was born and raised in London, England, where he and
Stacey (Erman) met. They returned to the States, first to Chicago in 1990 and then to Omaha in 1992. “For us, Omaha’s attraction has always been its sense of community. Upon my arrival, I had personal and business mentors that showed me, through their actions, the value in this community. I was encouraged to give generously and to increase my
philanthropic giving each year,” explained Jonathan. “I managed to do it even during some really lean financial times. And there have been many occasions where I have increased my gift. I have learned to acknowledge that maybe I can’t afford a particular contribution, but knowing that the Federation helps people who need it more is motivation enough to do it.” According to Stacey, the multi-generational family model inspired her to take on the Annual Campaign. “I decided I would do this if my family did.” Dana and Michael shared the same opinion. “Having multiple generations from one family sends a powerful message. Because the Erman family has always been a strong supporter of the Federation, this is simply the next logical step in our family’s journey as members of the Jewish community.” Anyone who’s volunteered with Stacey knows she is a strong advocate for Israel and the Jewish people and is focused on action and results. “Being part of this community means taking my turn. It is all about connections, built one at a time, with this amazing community. Whether you visit the Rose Blumkin Jewish Continued on page 3
Maccabi hits the OC Academic Excellence The Backyard Concert Series returns Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memorium
This Month Education See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
Omaha’s Maccabi team 9 10 11
by LEORA AZRIEL Teen/BBYO Director Sixteen Omaha teens arrived in Orange County, CA on Aug. 4 to compete in the 2013 Maccabi Games. They joined over 2,000 Jewish teens from across the globe for the elite athletic competition and cultural event known as ArtsFest. The Omaha delegation included: Will McGauvran, Adam Silverman, Adam Folsom, Jacob Spivack, Brett Robinson, Grant Goldstein, Aaron Noddle, Spencer Arnold, Cooper
and Jackson Clark, Jared Murray, Zach and Alex Belgrade, Josh Polack and two Israeli athletes from our Partnership2GETHER region in the Western Galilee, Osher Cohen and Dennis Nemirovski. Omaha athletes and artists participated in tennis, baseball, soccer, and basketball, and Rockband. Besides athletic and artistic competitions, teens were able to explore California, the Merage Jewish Community Center in Orange County and countless other venues. Highlights from Maccabi Games include a visit from Jewish four-time Olympic gold medalist, Jason Lezak, Israeli/Orange County Beach Party, Clipper Girls, surfing, Angels baseball game, Host Family night, a Six13 performance, and so much more! The international Maccabi Movement, which presents the Maccabi games in three different US cities each year, offers athletic, cultural, Continued on page 3
Dorothy Spizman and Aaron Zipursky by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life The Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish Life is pleased to announce Aaron Zipursky has been selected as the 2013 recipient of the David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Education Endowment Fund for Academic Excellence Scholarship. This is the only merit-based scholarship granted by the committee and is based strictly on scholarship, with high school grade point averages and SAT/ACT
scores used as the primary measure to determine the recipient. Aaron, the son of Jim and Sally Zipursky, is a graduate of Burke High School and ranked second in his class. Aaron’s awards and honors in high school included National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Principal’s Honor Roll, Exchange Club of Omaha 2011 Outstanding Sophomore Award, Cornhusker Boys State Selectee, Continued on page 3