Vol. 90 No. 6 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
30 Tishrei 5770
October 8, 2010
2009 Spirit of Federation Awards winners by SHERRIE SAAG Jewish Federation of Omaha Sometimes it’s the littlest things that bring us the greatest rewards. Sometimes, it’s the ‘little known’ or ‘behind-thescenes” jobs that bring us the most satisfaction. And sometimes those who volunteer in this way impact each and every one of us in the most profound way. This best describes the volunteer commitment to our Jewish community of both Pete Brodkey and Judy Josephson. In recognition of their great service, the Jewish Federation of Omaha is honoring them with the 2009 Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Awards. They will be recognized at our Volunteer Reception on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium. The Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation is awarded annually to one man and one woman who have demonstrated personal commitment, dedication and leadership to the Federation and its agencies. Pete Brodkey’s 30 plus years of volunteering does indeed include nearly every Federation agency. His involvement began through young leadership when Mort Greenberg, Federation Director at the time, wanted to put together a young leadership group. It occurred to Brodkey that it was payback time. He was in his early 30s, had grown up spending his free
time at the JCC on 20th and Dodge and in AZA, and enjoyed his Jewish youth so much it was time to give back to the
require families whose children were active in BBYO to be members of the JCC. Brodkey says it took getting used to
Pete Brodkey
Judy Josephson
community. He was a board member of the Dr. Sher Home, precursor to the Rose Blumkin Home. He sat on the JCC Board under Hy Tabachnik, JCC Director, as the current JCC facility was conceived and built. Hy assigned Pete to what he simply termed “Youth”. His mission? Find Omaha youth that got out of the habit of using the JCC and encourage them to return. Pete and Hy then conceived an idea, novel at the time. They decided to
– they had never sold the JCC this way before, but he remembers it turned out successfully. Pete was instrumental in brokering the agreement of all three rabbis to open the JCC on Saturdays. “It took some convincing, but all three were gracious enough to say yes. We knew this was controversial, but necessary to the success of the JCC. Our Jewish youth were not going to wait to swim or play basketball until Sunday afternoon,” he said.
Week for mockeries at the United Nations by JTA STAFF attacks, he called on the United Nations NEW YORK (JTA) -- During last to establish “an independent fact-finding week’s gathering of world leaders for the group” to investigate. annual opening of the U.N. General The U.S. delegation walked out of Assembly, some of the proceedings inside Ahmadinejad’s speech, as did all 27 were nearly as farcical as the proceedings European Union delegations, Canada, outside. In one Jewish-organized protest on the street near the United Nations, activists wearing rainbowcolored wigs, mini-skirts and pom-poms danced around a man wearing a massive effigy of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s head and clad in a nuclear suit and chains. Behind him stood an activist in a Hawaiian shirt wearing an Obama mask on his head, a rub- An effigy of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad occupies ber octopus on his hand center stage at a protest outside the United Nations. Credit: Iran180 and carrying a sign that read, “No Nukes for Iran.” New Zealand, Australia and Costa Rica. It was all part of a mock trial of the As is his custom, the Iranian president Iranian leader organized by a group also used his annual speech at the General called Iran180. Assembly to lash out against Israel. Inside the U.N. plenum, Ahmadinejad “This regime,” he said of Israel, “which by many accounts was making a mockery enjoys the absolute support of some of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Western countries, regularly threatens the The United States arranged the 9/11 countries in the region and continues attacks “to save the Zionist regime,” publicly announced assassinations of Ahmadinejad declared in his Sept. 23 Palestinian figures and others, while address. Suggesting that U.S. officials at Palestinian defenders are labeled as the highest levels were complicit in the Continued on page 2
Inside Op-Ed Page: see page 8
Fred Simon named honorary campaign chair by BOB GOLDBERG go anywhere and do anything, and at “If your actions inspire others to the end of the day, what is most impordream more, learn more, do more and tant to him? His family and his commubecome more, you are a leader.” nity,” said Sheldon. – John Quincy Adams According to Ellie Batt, the time was These words take on great significance right to name Fred Simon honorary as Ellie Batt and Norm Sheldon, co- chair. “It was a great decision for the chairs of the 2011 Federation, because Federation Annual Fred is well respected Campaign, announce and admired, and sets the first honorary chair an example in philanof Federation’s annual thropic leadership,” she campaign, Fred Simon. said. As Executive Vice “As someone who has President of Omaha spent a lifetime making Steaks and a lifelong successful investments resident of Omaha, in business and comSimon has actively supmunity, who better ported local causes dear than Fred Simon to to him, including the persuade people that Jewish Federation of there is no better Omaha. investment here in Simon is the perfect Omaha than in the Fred Simon ambassador to promote Jewish community,” this year’s campaign theme, “The Gift said Jan Goldstein, Federation you Get Back.” He currently serves on Executive Director. the Foundation’s board and has served Fred Simon sat recently with as Campaign chairman, and as Goldstein and Debbie Denenberg. Pacesetter chairman. Following are excerpts from their con“I wanted Fred Simon to be our hon- versation. orary chair, something brand new, What was your first memory of because he is an inspiration to the com- Federation and charitable giving? munity. Here is a man who has traveled I was a freshman in high school and extensively throughout the world, can Continued on page 2
Next Week: Jewish Camping See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’
Next came a board position with Jewish Family Service during the second wave of Russian immigration into Omaha. He describes his work during this time as “the neatest learning experience of my life.” Then Pete began a decades long commitment serving on the Federation’s annual campaign team. He describes his work on campaigns as “moving up the ranks, doing any and every job asked of me.” Ten years ago he became the first chairperson of the Campaign’s Men’s Division. Since then, Brodkey has never wavered in his commitment and volunteer efforts for the campaign. And, he added, he’ll be around for a long time to come as he has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. That’s to our benefit, no doubt. Like her fellow award winner, Judy Josephson is a committed and dedicated community member whose multitude of talents touches every part of Omaha Jewish life. Not a day goes by when Judy isn’t doing something for the community. Just try to make a lunch date or set a time for an interview, Judy’s calendar is filled with her work for the Jewish Community Center, the National Council of Jewish Women, and Temple Israel. She makes it sound so easy and for her, it is. Judy grew up in Aberdeen, South Continued on page 3
Coming This Month: America Decides - Election Preview Annual Federation campaign launches 1:1 outreach Page 5
“Glass Ribbon Project” helps draw attention to breast cancer Page 6
Sukkah Hoppers marking new Community tradition Page 7