Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
IHE Film Series
October 31, 2014 7 Cheshvan 5775 Vol. 95 | No. 7
This Week
by LIZ FELDSTERN IHE Executive Director Of all the many lessons imparted by the events of WWII and the Holocaust, perhaps one of the most poignant is the incredible power of just one human being. Sometimes for good, and all too often for evil – individuals during the Holocaust made decisions and took actions that sealed fates, that saved or lost lives, that changed history. This year’s Institute for Holocaust Education Film Series features three films -- all true stories -- which focus our attention on remarkable individuals. Each in their own way, these individuals made an impact on others and on the events of the Holocaust on an extraordinary scale. The IHE is honored to bring these unique and diverse films exploring the stories, lessons, and ethical questions of the Holocaust to the Omaha community. All three films will be screened at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater, free of charge, and open to the public. Screening on Nov. 5, Run Boy Run tells the extraordinary true story of an eight-year-old boy who escapes from the Warsaw Ghetto and seeks the kindness of others in his solitary struggle to outlast the Nazi occupation and keep alive his Jewish faith. An unforgettable cinematic experience featuring exceptional performances, arresting cinematography and transcendent musical score, Run Boy Run is directed by Oscar-winner
Lincoln Jewish Community School hosted fundraiser Page 6
November Mainstreeters Page 7
by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Bennett G. Hornstein Memorial Scholarship for aspiring or current law students has been awarded to Laura Delgado for the 2014-2015 school year. She graduated from Doane College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, with an emphasis in Political Science. Before making the decision to pursue a law degree, Delgado
Laura Delgado
Pepe Danquart and based on the bestselling book of the same name,
by Israeli author Uri Orlev. The film Continued on page 2
Noah’s Ark lands on campus Hoops guru David Thorpe connects with players Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
Next Week Business Guide See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
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by OZZIE NOGG Noah’s Ark, a mini-musical featuring Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and students from the Friedel Jewish Academy, will be presented on Friday, Nov. 14, at 1:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Theater. The production, written and produced by Deborah Greenblatt and David Seay, is free and open to the entire community. “In this original adaptation of the Flood and life on the Ark, seniors and students will sing great musical selections in a variety of styles, including blues, Cajun, calypso and Klezmer,” said Karen Menagh, RBJH Activities Director who chaired the project. “Students will be paired with Residents as they learn to express themselves through creative dramatics with professional artists. They will not only be acting partners, but friends and mentors to one another.” Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the
Hornstein Scholarship awarded
Blumkin Home, worked with Menagh to help bring Noah’s Ark to the Campus. “The actual performance is part of a five-day artists-in-residency with Greenblatt and Seay scheduled for Nov. 10 through 14, 2014,” Conti explained. “Eleven students and ten Residents will participate in this intergenerational experience that will encourage teamb u i l d i n g through designing a set, learning lines and Debbie Greenblatt and David Seay bring their mini-musicalsimply being a - Noah’s Ark -- to the JCC Theater on Nov. 14. The performpart of musical ance stars Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home theater.” Mem- along with Friedel Jewish Academy students. bers of the Rose Blumkin Home Ac- work out of The Old Schoolhouse in tivities Department, the Volunteer Avoca, NE -- have been performing Coordinator and Friedel staff will together for over three decades and contribute their time to this project. offer a variety of duo and solo perIn addition, teen volunteers will work formances and workshops. The world premiere of their Noah’s Ark on set and costume design. Multi-instrumentalists Deborah was presented in the JCC theater in Greenblatt and David Seay -- who Continued on page 2
worked as a victim advocate at the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office. She is currently in her first year of the accelerated program at Creighton University’s School of Law. A divorced mother of a teenage daughter, Delgado decided to resign from the job she loved in order to pursue a law degree at the age of 43. She noted the importance of serving as a positive role model for her daughter, and said, “In my career as an advocate, I have been privileged to meet so many strong, brave, and resilient people. Perhaps it is they who have taught me to be courageous no matter what age I am and what barriers I have to overcome.” Before joining the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office, Delgado worked for Heartland Family Service’s Domestic Abuse Program. Among her earlier jobs, she provided emergency community support for the Salvation Army, served as an advocate to victims of domestic violence for the Equality Group, and worked as a legal advocate for the YWCA. “Laura is a dedicated and compassionate person who will advocate for the underserved, said Jean Brazda, Executive Director for Sarpy County Victim Witness Unit. “She was able to create lasting change at Heartland Family Service and the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office by educating members of the criminal justice system about the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault.” Delgado studied the Spanish language during her undergraduate Continued on page 2