Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA September 7, 2012 20 Elul 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 50
Noddle named Federation president-elect
This Week
by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha The Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors announced this week that Jay Noddle, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Board President and President and Chief Executive Officer of Noddle Companies has been named president-elect effective immediately. Noddle will succeed Board President Jody Malashock following the Federation Annual Meeting on June 3, 2013. “Between Jay’s years on the Foundation board and his recent work on Federation committees, he has had an enormous impact on our structural organization. With everything we’ve accomplished to date, Jay is the guy to take us to the next level,” said Malashock. “He has my complete confidence and total support.” In addition to serving on the Foundation board for over 14 years, the last three as president, Noddle is an active volunteer on several Federation committees whose work was instrumental throughout the “One Campus One Community,” reorganization. He serves on the Planning and Community
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Engagement Committee, the Financial Resource Management Task Force, the Human Resource and Compensation Committee, and chairs the search committee for a Chief Development Officer. Jay offered his own view. “I prefer
Friedel welcomes Principal Pam Cohn by COOKIE KATSKEE The Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Pam Cohn to serve as principal of Friedel for the 2012/2013 school year. Mrs. Cohn recently retired from the Omaha Public Schools. Her
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Jay Noddle
leadership as an administrator has afforded her the opportunities to lecture and present her programs in fifteen different Leadership Conferences across the United States. Last year she served as an adjunct professor for UNO. Pam has earned national recognition for
to think of our recent work as a m o d e r n i z at i o n , rather than reorganization. It’s an important distinction. To modernize implies we’ve taken what’s worked in our past -- and our history is vitally, critically important -- and adapted it to work for our future. And I think that best describes what we’ve done.” “I look forward to working with Jay to further the mission of our Federation. He is an astute businessman, consummate professional and a highly respected member of our community. Jody’s outstanding work has allowed for a smooth transition in leadership,” stated Mike Silverman, Federation Chief Executive Officer. Jay was always available whenever Federation leadership called for his
expertise. But he acknowledged that he was the one learning – learning the needs and wants of the community and the incredible generosity of its members. “I have been impressed with both our lay and professional leaders. I have seen incredible dedication, effort and drive from volunteers from all corners of our Jewish community,” Jay added. “I was honored and humbled to be asked to assume the Federation board presidency in June. Serving the Omaha Jewish community in any capacity has always been a part of my family. We take it very seriously and we just would never say no.” “My goal has been and will remain this: to perpetuate a high quality of Jewish life here in Omaha,” Jay said. According to Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Jay has his priorities at the right level. “Jay is just like his dad, Harlan. In his day, Harlan was very involved in the Jewish and secular non-profit life of Omaha. Jay is the same way. He will continue the legacy of his father and lead with determination, passion, and commitment.”
It’s the NCJW Chocolate Festival!
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The Kindergartners surround their new principal. Back row, left to right: Max Gurock, Brandon Raffel, Pam Cohn, Shiloh Wertheim, Mo Blair; front row: Sasha Denenberg, Leora Shapiro, and Jacob Gurock. data-driven decision making, high student achievement and starting the first Dual Language Program in Nebraska. In 2010 she was recognized in Washington DC as a nominee for the American Association of School Administrators Outstanding Women in School Leadership Award. In 2011 she was named Continued on page 2
Todd Baker, from Corporate Sponsor Bakers Candies, kept the chocolate flowing at the 2011 chocolate festival. The company will unveil three new flavors of their chocolate meltaways this year. by PAM MONSKY for NCJW-Omaha Section Mouths are watering in anticipation of the 2nd Annual Great Omaha Chocolate Festival, Sunday, Sept. 30, noon-5pm at the
UNO Field House. The event, presented by NCJW, drew more than 2,200 people last year, and this year is shaping up to be even bigger. More than 40 vendors will have Continued on page 2