Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA September 25, 2015 12 Tishrei 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 2
Cabaret volunteers
This Week
Beth Israel to feature Noam Apter’s story Page 5
From left to right: Delaney Graham, Rosie Friedland, Brittney Clignett, Lilian Cohen, Abbey Milder, Charlotte Simon, Emily Kutler and Elena Rosenblatt.
Assaf Gavron presents Tel Aviv Page 7
by OZZIE NOGG On Sunday evening, Oct. 11, more than 100 Campaign Cabaret performers will be on stage, in the spotlight, taking bows. Other volunteers (four women, to be exact) deserve our applause for their behind-the-scenes efforts to make
the event a crowd-pleasing success. “Betsy Baker and I are Community Event Co-Chairs,” explained Stacey Rockman. “I can’t sing or dance, so working with Betsy on choosing the venue, decorations and menu is my way of participating in Campaign Cabaret 2015. I didn’t live in Omaha
RBJH inspection nets a perfect score
thirty years ago when the original show was performed, but people tell me the production was a smash. We know that everyone who attends this time around will have great fun, too. I’m especially happy to see so many of the younger generation involved.” Teaming with Rockman on event
logistics is right up Betsy Baker’s alley. “It’s always the people who make any volunteer endeavor a pleasure,” she said. “Along with Louri Sullivan, Director of Community Impact and Special Projects at Federation, Stacey and I worked out the Continued on page 2
NJHS Annual Meeting
Open pulpit: A lasting effect Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
Next Month Jewish Camping See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
8 10 11
by OZZIE NOGG Following a recent inspection by the State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home earned a perfect score on the Annual Health Survey. “This was the best review the Home has had in the past 20 years,”
said Mike Silverman, MPA, Executive Director of Jewish Social Services. “The inspectors found no deficiencies. Not one. I’m so proud of the Blumkin Home staff. We demonstrated to the State Health Department the exceptional teamwork, camaraderie and unparalleled care that we provide in this facility. When you have a staff that concentrates on quality and compassion, this is what you get. The best review possible.” During the Home’s annual review, inspectors assess RN staffing, general staffing, medication management, resident rights and quality of life, nursing home administration and environment, as well as food services. “We’re so fortunate to have Continued on page 2
by OZZIE NOGG The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, and runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center auditorium. A reception will follow the program. “This year’s theme is the Boomer Years,” said Renee Corcoran, NJHS Executive Director. “The 1950s, 60s and early 70s were historical decades for the world and our community -- from the first service at the Cass Street Temple Israel in 1954, the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. These and many other events changed our culture, and the program at the Annual Meeting will focus on the highlights of the
Boomer era.” During the meeting, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Volunteer of the Year will be announced, along with the recipient of the Mary Fellman Award. Working with Corcoran on the event arrangements are Ellie Batt, Jill Belmont, Joanie Bernstein, Midge Bowers, Judy Brookstein, Helen Epstein, Janie Kulakofsky, Rocky Lewis, Sue Millward, Vicki Perlmeter, Denise Silverman, Beth Staenberg and Rocky Stern. Since its incorporation in 1982, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society has helped preserve local Jewish history through the collection of artifacts and documents that show Continued on page 3