Decenber 8, 2023

A N AG E N C Y O F T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A

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DECEMBER 8, 2023 | 2 5 KIS LE V 578 4 | VO L. 1 05 | NO. 8 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 4:36 P.M.

Omahans March for Israel The Kaplan Book Group Zooms with Israeli author Jonathan Dunsky Page 3

My friend Rabbi Maximo HOWARD KUTLER “We allow Jews here” were the first words I heard Rabbi Maximo Shechet speak to me when I came to pray on a Shabbos morning at Chabad of Nebraska. During services the Torah was taken out of the ark and placed on the bimah. The weekly Torah portion was read and what followed was a one-sided lively exchange between Rabbi Maximo and Rabbi Mendel Katzman. There was no question who was going to be in charge on how the Torah was to be handled and respected.

Sunday Night Give: 2024 Annual Campaign Page 5

Part 1 Rabbi Maximo Shechet

O

‘Ultimately, we are alone’: Schumer calls out antisemitism Page 12

n Nov. 14, approximately 290,000 people participated in the March for Israel on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Among them were members of our Omaha Jewish community, as well as the wider Omaha community. The Jewish Press asked some of those in attendance to describe the experience.

See Omahans March for Israel page 2

The mood on campus

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

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ROBERT OSBORNE What’s it like, being a Jewish college student in America after Oct. 7? The following statements from Jewish college students were collected for the Jewish Press. Answers have been edited for clarity; the message of the responses remains true. Names have been changed to preserve anonymity. It is notable that some subjects did not feel safe or comfortable commenting at this time.

There haven’t been violent demonstrations on my campus, but what pro-Palestine ones there are, they say some strong words. If only they’d condemn Hamas. People can pop-off Andrew Classroom De La Salle University Credit: Malate269

though. Protesting is a right, and people have unalienable rights, as the civilians in Gaza do. Everybody just wants an end to the senseless killing and hostage situation. Polarized rallies just make people look dumb. (Sarah) Most of my time is spent practicing or studying for class, so my information mainly comes from news sites like Reuters or from my best friend,

who’s strongly associated with Judaism. I’m a conservative Jew and do keep kosher. I’m politically independent but have to say, Republicans seem to have responded better in support of Israel. (Jon) Israel did respond how you’d expect, but if they knew in advance See The mood on campus page 3

After the Torah reading was completed, I was given the honor to raise the Torah. Sitting down, Rabbi Maximo oversaw the responsibility that the Torah scrolls were turned tight, Torah cover properly in place with breast plate and pointer, before being returned to the ark.

When meeting Rabbi Maximo one cannot be prepared for the first impression he makes on you. He is not tall, but speaks in a loud commanding voice. His facial expression at first might appear stern, but under the surface is one of the most caring individuals you can meet. He is a practical joker who likes to have fun with people. I frequently cross paths with him standing at the reception desk of the Jewish Community Center. There he is entertaining and enlightening receptionist Jolene Stevens and all the other people he knows. And Rabbi Maximo has many friends throughout the Omaha community and beyond.

Born on Sept. 4, 1936, in Habana, Cuba, he was raised in a family rich in Jewish tradition. He represents ten generations of family members working as a shohet and bodek, Hebrew for “ritual slaughterer and inspector.” His son Stanley of blessed memory followed in his footsteps, working as a shohet.

The shohet is responsible for overseeing an ancient method to slaughter cattle, sheep, and fowl. It is performed in the manner See Rabbi Maximo page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023

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My friend Rabbi Maximo

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Omahans March for Israel

Continued from page 1 SCOTT LITTKY, Executive Director, Institute for Holocaust Education As a young person growing up in suburban Detroit, I was raised with a love of Israel. My grandfather was devoted to raising funds for the Jewish National Fund. When I was 16, he was very influential in making my first trip to Israel a reality. I was then and am now a realistic Zionist.

As with the rest of us, I have been shaken to my core with emotions since I got the first news blurb from the Washington Post early on Oct. 7. Like the rest of us I have felt a deep sense of responsibility to do whatever was possible to support our Israel.

A few days before the rally in support of Israel and against antisemitism, Bob Goldberg asked me if I would serve as the JFO staff person with our delegation to the rally in DC. I felt extremely honored to be asked and felt that it was the least I could do to represent Omaha at this historical event and time in our Jewish History.

To me the day was very emotional and

very hard to put into words. To be with over 290,000 supporters of Israel was very moving. I felt that as a Jew in America we were not alone, and that Israel will get through this troubling time.

The speakers from our government seemed to understand why Israel could not afford at this time to have a ceasefire and that the actions that Israel was taking were the only way that the area would be rid of Hamas.

JANIE AND ALLAN MUROW We already had plans to be in DC the week of the rally to visit our children and grandchildren. Upon learning that Scott Littky would be leading an Omaha delegation at the March, we reached out to Scott to join in. We felt it was important to connect with the Jewish community to let the world know we are united in our support for Israel and calling out the horrors and atrocities of October 7.

The Omaha contingency arrived relatively early and watched a steady flow of supporters ultimately fill the entire National Mall. It seemed as though there was representation from every state with a significant turnout of younger

people. It was incredibly heartening to see the courage of participants wrapped in Israeli flags, several groups davening and people assembling to sing and dance in celebration of Israel.

Never have we been in a place with so many Jews. While we’ve been to Israel many times, the feeling of being with hundreds of thousands of Jews was so pronounced here. It was astounding. We all had the same message, We Stand With Israel and Release the Hostages!

We were overcome with emotion as we saw the many posters and t-shirts identifying each hostage and the continued call for their release. The irony for us was that our primary reason for being in DC was to be with our family. Yet standing at the rally with thousands and thousands of “family” members we recognized our responsibility to show our support for the existential rights of Israel and to call for the return of the hostages.

We must be united; we must show our children, our community and the world that Israel has the right to exist and to defend itself.

Continued from page 1 prescribed by Jewish dietary laws. According to Rabbi Maximo, the Jewish ritual of slaughter is based on reverence for life. Eating meat is viewed as necessary, and the slaughter is meant to be as easy as possible on the animal. Following in a long family tradition to work as a shohet was a vocation that Rabbi Maximo might agree was an easy path to follow.

It was a career that he worked in for 40 years. He earned the title of Kabbalat Shechith from Rabbi Eliezar Silver, of blessed memory, in Cincinnati.

However, early on in life he knew that he would continue to study to become a Rabbi.

Becoming a Rabbi was a decision that required both academic and financial commitment. The path to the rabbinate became possible with encouragement from Rabbi Mendel Katzman from Chabad, Rabbi Paul Drazen of Beth El Synagogue, and Rabbi Saul Bolotnikov of the United Orthodox Synagogue in Sioux City. He studied under the direction of Tifereth Yisrael Rabbinical Yeshiva in Sayville, N.Y. And at age 57, Rabbi Maximo completed the studies required to earn him that title.

The central importance of becoming a Rabbi is the Hebrew meaning of the word which is “my master” or “my teacher”. To proudly claim Rabbi Maximo as my friend has given me the experience of both definitions. I look up to him as a leader in our Jewish community as he sets the right example how to live your life as a Jew. And the fact that he continues to be a teacher to people he meets is a credit to his earning the title of Rabbi.

Rabbi Maximo has volunteered his time to lead services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He currently works on the staff of chaplains for CHI Health Lakeside Hospital. And there is never a time that he would not give of himself to share his knowledge and experience to help us all live a better life through learning.

He was recently asked to give a talk at Boys Town for their Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Interfaith Student Assembly. His message of hope and thanks brought a rousing cheer of applause from the young people in attendance. And once again, Rabbi Maximo the leader and the teacher left a positive impact on all the people in the auditorium that day.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch our email for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com.

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The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023 | 3

The Kaplan Book Group Zooms with Israeli author Jonathan Dunsky SHIRLY BANNER JFO Library Specialist On Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will gather for their monthly meeting. Group members have the choice of meeting either in person in the Benjamin & Anna Wiesman Reception Room in the Staenberg Jewish Community Center or via Zoom.

This month they will be discussing Ten Years Gone by Jonathan Dunsky. The group will be joined via Zoom with Dunsky who will share insights about this mystery and others in the Adam Lapid series.

Dunsky’s participation promises to be insightful.

Jonathan Dunsky Given the current situation in Israel, I’m sure Dunsky will provide his personal insights on this as well.

Adam Lapid is a former Hungarian police officer who, upon surviving Auschwitz, immigrated to Palestine. Adam fought in Israel’s War of Independence and became a reticent hero during Operation Yoav and now spends his days taking on the occasional private investigations and exacting occasional retribution against former Nazi perpetrators. Adam has his own brand of justice often resulting in a guilty party’s death. He is a frequent visitor to Greta’s Café where he spends his time playing two-sided chess against himself and often uses the café as his home base and uses owner Greta as a sounding board for his investigations. He is often aided by former military friend and current Israeli policeman Reuben “Ant” Tzanani. Adam owes his survival to Reuben who rescued him

when he was badly wounded during Operation Yoav in 1948.

Dunsky’s book Ten Years Gone begins on a stifling hot day in July of 1949 when Adam was approached by newly immigrated Henrietta Ackerland wanting to hire Adam to find her son Willie who she sent with former schoolmate Esther Grunewald from Germany in 1939 to Palestine.

Henrietta tells Adam she intended to follow shortly thereafter but with the war against Jews escalating was unable to go. Since the police have no interest in pursuing a 10-year-old missing child case, Reuben refers her to Adam for help. As hopeless as the situation first appears, Adam discovers that the baby and Esther were able to make it to Palestine but were brutally murdered not long afterwards. Before breaking this devastating news to Henrietta, Adam is determined to solve their gruesome murders. In the style typical of Jonathan Dunsky’s work, all is not as it seems, and the reader is still guessing who is responsible for the murders and the circumstances until the final pages of the book.

Please feel free to join us on Dec. 21 in person or via Zoom.

The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. New participants are always welcome.

The Group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group and to join in the discussion, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org.

The mood on campus Continued from page 1 about the attack and failed to respond, that’d be the biggest mistake. Now it’s defense, some news outlets, and people on the “Free Palestine” side, are ignorant and misinformed. College kids too; they don’t know where these conflicts stem from. Shouting to your 30 followers isn’t going to solve the crises. Hamas is ruthless and this is a tragedy. I’d feel unsafe being on either side of the border. Even though it feels that people are against you and a large population seems antisemitic, stand together, trust in your faith. (Isaac) I’m currently a law student on the east coast. I do attend services and Chabad events and do consider myself to be politically active. There haven’t been any protests on campus, which I know of; it’s well represented by many. Even wearing a kippah, nobody makes trouble. (Ben) I obviously support Israel, there is no other state as accepting to the Jews. Just stop the killing; it’d be unfortunate to have to hit rock bottom just to fix these issues. Hamas is bold, terrorists are, that is why Israel has a need to be defensive. World leaders really should be lending a hand and trying to improve the Middle East, get their sh*t together. Condemn Hamas as well as the murderers, rapists, and criminals on all sides. So many don’t have the civilians’ best interests in mind. (Sarah) As for the war, I keep up with what’s generally happening.

You must take the accuracy of most major media sources pretty limitedly; you can’t trust the Palestinian authorities. Social media seems to be a mixed basket, and they don’t seem to know enough about this issue or past relations between Israel and Arab groups. There are terrorists amongst them deserving no sympathy. (Ben) There definitely has been misinformation from the beginning. You must read a variety of sources with social media ranking as the trickiest. From the beginning, I knew enough to make a better point than most claiming they do but without having a stake or prior education in this region, but I do not know enough to comment on past conflicts. Gaza gained power in elections and are very driven to reoccupy Israel, going as far as putting their civilians at risk for their aim. “Free Palestine” means to destroy the state of Israel; perhaps supporters in America do it as a fad, to fit in, think it’s considered acceptable. (Jon) I am in a criminal justice program at my university. I’m somewhat religious, modern orthodox, and attend high holiday services. I participate in some Hillel events, like shabbats.

There was one event they held with Jewish leaders from

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around the area, after the war broke out. I think it helped to empower the community. (Isaac) The world is fighting over semantics. I don’t support Netanyahu and name calling, nor his support in taking land they shouldn’t, nor in meddling in things they shouldn’t. People on any side are trying to use history to justify cruel acts, but I have nothing against you, people of Gaza, I sympathize, it’s terrible if anyone is brutalized or forced from their familial home. I wish there was something more that I as an individual could do. I have solidarity with every person living there, so long as they’re not Hamas or the Israeli government. And Jews, we’re all one people, keep your heads held high, we deserve a place in this world. Some are using this matter to drive us further apart and take away our sense of Jewishness, f... them.

Stay united. (Sarah) As for division, there haven’t been any aggressive activities on my campus I’m aware of. I don’t hear or see much, because of classes and practice. There is a large multicultural center next to the Union, so the affirmation of acceptance of different people is there and I don’t think they operate with any problems. What I can say- stay strong, am Yisrael chai. Your community and being together is the most important. Friends and family. (Jon) I’ve heard about some things happening on campus, walked by only a few in front of the student union. At the capitol there were some demonstrations, same with this company General Dynamics, but I’ve heard them to be non-violent. There hasn’t been notable anti-Jewish sentiment on campus, it’s a diverse one, lots of backgrounds, but there are lots of silent folks. My administration hasn’t even had a real need to comment. (Isaac) Israel deserves to be a state, Israelis and Arabs can and have coexisted. Regarding settlements and leadership, I reject the premise of Israel pushing civilians from their homes, but I do not really support Netanyahu. Those pushing strong narratives about some conspiracy and attack Zionists are antisemitic. There are no words to describe Oct. 7, and those calling for “Free Palestine” might not know they’re calling for an end to Israel and displacement of those Jews. I wish I could be there fighting alongside you. We will never give up. (Ben)

INFORMATION ANTISEMITIC/HATE INCIDENTS If you encounter an antisemitic or other hate incident, you are not alone. Your first call should be to the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in Omaha at 402.334.6572, or email JCRCreporting@jewishomaha.org. If you perceive an imminent threat, call 911, and text Safety & Security Manager James Donahue at 402.213.1658.

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Dr. Gold expressed the importance of rural medical care in JAY KATELMAN The Jewish Federation of Omaha Jewish Business Leaders Nebraska. He discussed the high rate of in-state students in was privileged to honor Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the Hall of Fame the medical school of UNMC and the importance of continuing to keep Nebraska students award on Friday, Oct. 13. Alex in state.

Epstein, EVP of OMNE PartWe will hold our next event ners, introduced Dr. Gold who on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, from became the eighth chancellor 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. in the Shirley of the University of Nebraska and Leonard Goldstein ComMedical Center. munity Engagement Venue at The event took place within the Staenberg Omaha Jewish a week of the war and the takCommunity Center. Our next ing of the Israeli hostages. Dr. speaker will be Joe Wees. Joe is Gold addressed the crowd and the Executive Vice President of said he was glad the FederaCreative Advertising at Univertion did not cancel the event sal Pictures. given the circumstances. He Joe Wees has over 16 years of said it was important to conGary Javitch, left, Dr. Jeffrey Gold and Alex Epstein experience driving exciting tinue our work. He drew the parallels of national trauma as he reminisced with his first- and innovative film campaigns. A personal accomplishment of his, reviving the original scream queen, Jamie Lee Curtis, in hand experience of 9/11 to Oct. 7.

We are proud to honor Jewish leaders. We are fortunate to the latest Halloween trilogy. To top it off, he’s been helping have Jewish leaders in our community who help the entire oversee Illumination campaigns for over a decade, having just Omaha/Council Bluffs community. Dr. Gold has been active completed The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Minions: The on the national level in multiple educational, research and Rise of Gru campaigns. You can find Joe in his spare time with clinical COVID-19 pandemic responses, with hundreds of ed- his two boys, Sam and James, creating lasting memories while ucational and media appearances, webinars, congressional trying to not get in too much trouble for doing what boys do best: destroying stuff. hearings, and briefings.

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SCOTT LITTKY Institute for Holocaust Education Executive Director The Institute for Holocaust Education is pleased to announce the next two months of our Third Thursday Lunch and Learn Series speakers.

The Third Thursday Lunch and Learn Series, presented by the Institute for Holocaust Education, is programming that seeks to educate, engage, and empower the community through discussion, presentations, and informative speakers about topics pertaining to the Holocaust.

All Third Thursday presentations are offered via Zoom, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Kati Larson their respective days.

On Dec. 21 at 11:30 a.m. by Zoom, Kati Larson, a middle school teacher in the Bellevue School District will be speaking on her philosophy on Holocaust Education and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Teacher Fellow Program. Kati, on top of being a public-school teacher in Bellevue, NE, is a member of the class of 2023 USHMM

Teacher Fellow Program, which was created to ensure that learning how and why the Holocaust happened is an essential component of education in America and strengthens students’ critical thinking about their roles in society.

On Jan. 18 at 11:30 a.m. by Zoom, Alexandra M. Cardon will be presenting on the art of Samuel Bak. Alex is the curator and gallery manager of the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center in Omaha, NE. She envisions the future museum as a collaborative space that celebrates Samuel Bak’s oeuvre and educates viewers on the realities of the Holocaust, while also offering exhibiAlexandra Cardon tions that explore contemporary artistic responses to conflict, human rights, and genocide. Alexandra has worked in art museums and taught art history in universities and colleges.

For more information regarding Third Thursday programming at IHE, or to RSVP please reach out to Scott Littky, Executive Director of IHE, at slittky@ihene.org.

Update from our Partnership region Since the beginning of the war in Israel, at least four doctors from our communities have come to volunteer at the Galilee Medical Center, Naharyia.

They left their families and jobs, in order to do their part for the Jewish people and Israel.

Dr. Louis M. Profeta, Indianapolis; Dr. Assaf Shemesh, Budapest; Dr. Jonathan Beyer, South Bend; and Dr. Jonathan Saxe, Indianapolis.

Our dear volunteers of the Partnership are making sure that they feel at home, inviting them for Shabbat dinners and more.

Seven public bomb shelters in underprivileged neighborhoods in Akko received board games under the auspices of the Community Center. The games will be available when the population needs to be in the shelters for extended periods.

Thank you to the Jewish Federations of North America IEC campaign for this generous gift!

The Jewish community in Budapest rallied to aid Israeli citizens in need. Organizations like Sochnut, Mazsihisz, Chabad, and JCC Bálint Ház joined forces, opening homes and hearts.

“Team Jiddishe Mame” offers bedrooms and embodies the spirit of compassion.

Hungarian Jewish Charity Hospital extended a helping hand by providing medical assistance to anyone with an Israeli

passport. One notable initiative, and the most important one, was the prescription for the medicine. In cases where specific requests could not be fulfilled, alternative solutions have been suggested, underscoring the commitment to finding solutions in times of distress. The Jewish Charity Hospital in Budapest has offered 20 beds for rehabilitation patients from Israel including from Galilee Medical Center in Naharyia, which is part of our Partnership.

Solidarity events at Chain Bridge, Dohány Street Synagogue, and Heroes’ Square, along with fundraising campaigns, highlight the unity. The Israeli Embassy’s WhatsApp group facilitates communication and assistance. Hungarian Jewish Charity Hospital provides medical aid, issuing over 1,000 prescriptions. Lauder and Scheiber School coordinate relief efforts.

Generations unite, with young adults supporting organizations like Merkaz and opening a library for Israeli children.

Comprehensive support includes housing assistance via the “From Israel to Budapest Facebook group” and PTSD treatment. The enduring bond ensures ongoing medical aid and a compassionate relationships. Together, we stand strong!

Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign dollars support the work in our Partnership region.

The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023 | 5

Sunday Night Give 2 024 A N N UAL CAM PAIGN

Sunday, Oct. 29, The JFO held its Annual Campaign Community Event, Sunday Night Give, at the Staenberg Kooper Fellman JCC. It was a beautiful night, with a keynote address from Saturday Night Live alum Rachel Dratch and a tasty kosher deli dinner from Star Catering. We are sharing a few more photos from that night. Thank you to everyone who was there!

Column 1: Campaign Chairs Steve and Marilyn Tipp; Jeff Kirshenbaum, Spirit of Federation award recipients Norm Sheldon and Margie Gutnik, JFO co-President Nancy Schlessinger; Chuck, Makayla, Lisa and Kori Lucoff; John and Jennifer Glazer; Rabbi Ari Dembitzer; and David Kotok and Jim Farber.

Column 2: Brett and Stacy Atlas and Carl and Zoë Riekes; JFO CEO Bob Goldberg with Candace and Dusty Friedman and Mosah Goodman; Karen Freeman with Kathy and Steve Zalkin; and Jeff Kirshenbaum with Linda and Kevin Saltzman.

Column 3: Jim and Kim Simon; and Richard and Terri Zacharia.

Column 4: Jim and Judy Farber; Mary Bernstein, Paula Albert and Nancy Noddle; and Rabbi Deana and Jared Berezin.

Column 5: Jeff and Danielle Gordman; Louri Sullivan and Jess Cohn; Rabbi Mendel Katzman with Gary and Karen Javitch; JFO co-President Mike and Andrea Siegel; Joy and Rabbi Benjamin Sharff; and Carlos Gomez and Sara Slatkin.

Credit: Debra Kaplan

6 | The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023

News

Omaha joins the International Torah championship!

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Gesher’s Got Game MARK KELLN Beth El Synagogue Education Director On Oct. 27-29, Beth El Omaha hosted Gesher Kinnus. It was a wild success!

Gesher is USY’s youth group for kids in grades six-eight and Kinnus is their annual convention. The weekend is planned, organized, and run by the teens on the region’s elected teen executive board. The EMTZA region includes synagogues from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri.

The theme for our weekend was “Gesher’s Got Game!” Including high schoolers who helped run the convention, we had approximately 70 participants join us for Gesher Kinnus. The weekend started with fun “crowdbreakers” to get the kids comfortable and to get to know each other and then some pretty wild sports-themed stations. No USY convention is complete without a SATO program. These Social Action/ Tikkun Olam activities help participants tie their Jewish values to the world around them. Then it was time to get in our Shabbat best and get the best pictures of the weekend before lighting candles and enjoying a ruach-filled Kabbalat Shabbat service led by the participants and our teens. An amazing dinner, a religious education program (complete with a bubbles, kick the can, and a blindfolded obstacle course) Tisch, and an amazing discussion about Israel led

by Dr. Ari Kohen rounded out the first day of the convention. Participants then spent the night here at Beth El, getting to know each other even better.

After joining the Beth El congregation for Shabbat morning services and a great lunch, they enjoyed many people’s favorite part, chofesh. Chofesh is a time for kids to relax with one another, play outside, or compete in a board game with friends. Dinner, songs, and Hav-

dalah came quickly before we all climbed into a coach bus and headed to Sky Zone! What an amazing time that was.

Finally, we headed back to Beth El where participants met up with their host families for a night of home hospitality.

Our final morning together came and went quickly. There was only time for breakfast, Shacharit, and an emotional closing circle before we had to say goodbye to our friends, old and new. What a weekend!

Going to an event like this is so beneficial to our kids. These conventions allow our kids to meet Jewish kids from throughout the region and see their old friends from Jewish summer camps.

They get a full Shabbat experience in a fun and enlightening atmosphere. They learn and embrace traditions that have been passed down for decades (ask an EMTZA USYer about Krispy Kritters cereal or their favorite Ruach song). Finally, they build stronger relationships

with members of their own chapters.

Hosting this event led to an entire other level of benefits for our teens and our community. Our teens really stepped up and came together to make sure that this event went well. We had an amazing group of high school and college students who put in many hours making the event run smoothly. They did it with enthusiasm, skill and knowledge and made us all look good! Our community pitched in with fantastic host families who made our visitors feel safe and welcomed. Beth El and the Omaha Jewish community was able to connect to the larger Jewish world while putting on full display the wonderful things happening here.

I am so thankful to the families, teens, kids, staff, and volunteers who made Gesher’s Got Game happen. The positive effects will reverberate for years to come as the participating kids become leaders in USY and beyond.

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MUSHKA TENENBAUM Chabad is proud to announce its participation in the renowned international JewQ Torah Championship. This esteemed competition has taken the Jewish kids around the world by storm and brings together the young minds from Hebrew Schools across the nation to showcase their proficiency in Torah knowledge, culminating in an exciting championship for all participants.

“We want to get our kids fired up about Judaism,” says Rabbi Eli, who is director of youth programming at Chabad with his wife, Mushka. Students each receive a full-color Living Jewish textbook containing the core content of the JewQ program. “Fun review games and exciting incentives will get our youth pumped to study and review in their free time.”

All over the world, thousands of youth are becoming JewQ champions. Much of the learning takes place at home. Why do kids get behind doing more homework? Well, the motivation is there: three qualifying tests separate contestants from champions—and the champions are the lucky ones that get cool prizes, a fun trip and the chance to join the JewQ International Championship in Stamford, Connecticut.

The top finalist from each location also gets the chance to compete onstage in a live game show performance that is one of the highlights of the JewQ experience.

“Judaism isn’t meant to stay in books, it’s meant to be lived, loved and celebrated” says Rabbi Mendel Katzman. “That’s why JewQ aims to help kids master the knowledge they need to really live, love and celebrate their rich heritage.”

To sign up for JewQ, call Mushka or visit Ckids.org/JewQ.

IN THE NEWS The Old Avoca Schoolhouse in Avoca, Nebraska will be streaming three online Crooked Tunes Workshops for violins, violas, cellos, basses, mandolins, soprano recorders and alto recorders.

The Workshops will be on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m., Central Time, Wednesday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m, Central Time, and Friday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m., Central Time.

Different tunes will be played at each session.

We will read, play, and discuss various survival skills for these charming pieces. A treble clef version of the sheet music for the tunes being played will be displayed on the screen during the workshop.

There is limited enrollment, and pre-registration is required. The cost for each workshop is $10.00. The cost of each optional book is $15.00 (includes shipping if ordered with workshop registration).

For more information, and to register: https://www.green blattandseay.com/workshops_crooked.shtml.

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Above and below: Thanks to the inspiration of Gary Levinson of Dallas and Ruth Meints of Omaha, a ‘Solidary Concert’ was held in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Center at the JCC. The concert supported emergency wartime needs for our Partnership region. Both Levinson and Meints have previously participated in the Partnership’s Music2Gether program.

Above: BESTT students got to learn from amazing Jewish children’s book author Dori Weinstein. Hebrew High got to play a high-stakes game of Bingo with the residents at The Heritage.

Above, below and bottom: A few more photos from the ‘Thank You, Helpers‘ program with Friedel Jewish Academy, PJ Library Omaha and Douglas County Sheriff's Office (NE), including from when the kids dropped off thank you cards at the fire station.

SP O TLIGHT PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

Above: A visit from Israeli tour guide Patrick Aram. Credit Howard Marcus Right: Amy Tipp, Ari Kohen, Patrick Aram and Alan Tipp.

Below and right: Friedel Jewish Academy seventh graders have been enjoying learning about different trades through our partnership with Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education! So far, we’ve had visits from police officers, plumbers, firefighters, and electricians. Here are some pictures from last week’s session with the Omaha Fire Department.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

8 | The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023

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Spring Cleaning ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor It’s become an all-too common story: a synagogue, a college campus, a cemetery, you name it, defaced with antisemitic slogans. We’re not even surprised anymore. I have some questions, though.

How does spraying paint on bricks help anyone?

I’m serious. Why do we not talk about the way vandalism really affects the situation? Because if people keep doing it, there must be a purpose.

That purpose is not to change anything on the ground in Israel or Gaza. I refuse to accept anyone who wields that paint can actually believes it will affect the war itself. It doesn’t feed anyone, doesn’t stop any bleeding, or halt any rockets. It’s just paint, on a wall. thousands of miles away. So why is it there?

Simple: it’s there to intimidate whoever considers that building home. Whoever prays at that synagogue, or walks by that parking lot; whoever visits loved ones’ graves at that cemetery. The sprayed slogan and swastikas are a reminder: you are not safe. You are wrong. You should give up.

And that’s where it gets complicated. The person who wields the paint does not directly interact with the person who feels its effects. It’s an incomplete discourse; nobody learns or grows.

The funny thing is, the way this type of graffiti works on our psyche, it is not so different from the war that’s being fought on social media. Paint a slogan on a wall, or create a 20-second TikTok, what’s the difference, really? They are little jolts of hate; on their own, they don’t harm us, but the cumulative effect is devastating. It’s why bullies never travel

alone.

It may feel like this cleaning job is too big and How do we counter this? The best response is ac- overwhelming. We might want to call someone else tually no response. Don’t engage on Instagram or to do it for us, or wait for a miracle. If it happened Facebook, don’t talk back, don’t enter the fight. Re- to Judah Maccabee, it could happen to us, no? fuse to be drawn in. When you wake up in the Surely, this too shall pass? morning and, G-d forbid, someone sprayed a But deep down we know. We have to do the work, swastika on your garage door, do you spray an an- we have to bring the light, and most of all, we have swer underneath? Of course not; you clean it up. to be the miracle. Us. You and me. What that And that is exactly what the world needs in this moment. A big, massive cleaning— let’s not wait for spring.

There is a Creation story that talks about the unfinished corner of the world.

G-d left a corner un- In the Bronx, London and Los Angeles, Jewish sites have been graffitied with pro-Palesdone, for us tinian messages. Credit: Sholem Aleichem Cultural Center picture via X; Wiener Holocaust Lito finish. It’s a brary via X; Canter's Deli via ADL California dark corner, where evil resides, there are demons means is fluid; it may consist of a small act of kindand monsters and bad storms and all sorts of scary ness one day, and a big lift the next. Life will forever stuff. Sometimes it feels like we are living in that cor- throw us challenges and opportunities to make the ner, sharing a neighborhood with those who want to world cleaner and better. We’ll know it when we see destroy us. We are frantically searching for the light. it—as long as we pay attention. So let’s get to work.

I believed diverse coalitions would benefit Jewish women.

DAPHNE LAZAR PRICE JTA I am the executive director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance and a lifelong feminist. I advocate for Orthodox Jewish women’s representation and inclusion in all areas of life. Before joining Jofa in 2019, I spent 20 years working with faith groups, women’s advocates and other social justice organizations. We worked in coalition towards social change by sharing awareness raising campaigns, in-person gatherings and through the legislative process.

I once found it meaningful when people set aside differences to build bridges towards positive change. It was not always easy to be in these spaces because of political or religious differences, sometimes related to Israel/Palestine, and sometimes because I was the only Orthodox Jewish woman in the room. But I really believed that the more diverse the coalition, the more likely we could reach success.

These days I’m so sad. Sad for the tremendous losses all around. And on a personal level, I’m also sad that I devoted so many years of my life to groups that don’t seem to care about me or my pain.

I’m used to being uncomfortable; my work at Jofa presents an uphill battle. I am constantly fielding criticisms from rabbis who accuse me of ruining Orthodoxy by including women in rituals, positions and spaces they think should be reserved solely for men, and from pluralistic Jewish people who accuse me of upholding the patriarchy. It can be lonely to be an advocate for Orthodox Jewish women. Working with diverse advocacy groups gave me solace as I considered them to be a safety net when the resources in my own community fell short.

I worked with many groups for years on areas of shared interest. We collaborated on reproductive justice, sex trafficking, prison rape and obstetric fistula prevention. We released resources for our communities, created awareness-raising campaigns, including marching together at the Million Mom March, the March for Women’s Lives and Save Darfur. So after partnering for years, I expected my sister feminist groups to share their outrage about Hamas’ war crimes against Israelis on Oct. 7. After all, it is clear that kidnapping civilians of all ages, and brutally attacking women, men,

children, babies and the elderly, all the while viciously raping women, is abhorrent.

Instead, I’m shocked and horrified by too many national and global women’s and children’s advocacy groups – none worse than UN Women. After remaining virtually silent since the Oct. 7 atrocities, on Nov. 25 it published an Instagram post condemning the attacks and calling for the release of

A special meeting in the Israeli parliament on the subject “Crimes against humanity committed by Hamas against women since the events of October 7,” took place Nov. 27, 2023. Credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90

all hostages only to replace it with one that says they “remain alarmed by the reports of genderbased violence on Oct. 7 and call for rigorous investigation, prioritizing the rights, needs and safety of those affected.” An investigation? What happened to “believe women”?

There is video footage and survivors’ testimonies that bear out the claims of rape — so when did it become OK for women’s groups to become rape apologists? Surely women’s organizations shouldn’t be allowed to continue to exist while they ignore or second-guess hundreds and hundreds of Israeli women who were slaughtered in their homes, in the streets and at a music festival.

To be sure, I know many are worried about the death and suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. I am, too, but does this mean that they cannot express sympathy for the Israeli women who were brutalized and murdered, and for those of us who grieve for this devastation?

This conflict is personal. My family and I were in Israel when the war started. My children, extended family and hundreds of friends live in Israel. My relatives, my friends, my friends’ kids and my kids’ friends all serve in the Israeli military. From the moment the war broke out, not a single person in there — myself included — was immune from the horror and loss. Between death tolls and injuries, every single person in Israel attended funerals, shiva houses and made hospital visits. My worry for my loved ones there keeps me up every night.

When the groups I’ve worked with over the years fail to speak out against these atrocities committed against women, I take it personally. I hope my former colleagues’ hearts will open up. I hope my own heart will heal. I’m not optimistic, but I’m hopeful they will come around and try to reconcile.

As a Jewish person of faith, and an activist who looks for the good and seeks out justice, my work in this space to fight for a fairer world for all girls and women is not complete. But I can’t continue to work with those who don’t see me in the same light, as someone deserving of love and respect, no matter how they feel about my Judaism or Israel.

My attempts to engage former colleagues have been hurtful and fruitless because of their unwillingness derived from ideological differences or a defensiveness of long-held views. Those groups’ attempted mind games to decide who is worthy of care and who is entitled to protections needs to end — or they will become irrelevant.

We are people who are worthy of care. Full stop.

At this moment I am reevaluating my relationship with the people and organizations I engage with. I can say with certainty that we can and will recreate a community of coalitions that will not deny our humanity and our Jewish and Zionist identities. Either way, their silence will neither erase me nor deter me from fighting the good fight.

Daphne Lazar Price is Executive Director of Jofa, the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance. She is also an adjunct professor of Jewish Law at the Georgetown University Law Center.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023 | 9

Letter from the Editor of the Kansas City Chronicle SAM KRICSFELD The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle Editor As we mourn the victims of the Oct. 7 massacre and fear for the safety of the only place on Earth where we’d be unequivocally welcomed, we don’t really get much emotional respite.

Most Jewish people I talk with are emotionally exhausted, and I think we all have a valid reason for that.

The pain and agony of our people anywhere is going to affect every one of us. There is a cloud hanging over us — I venture you’d have trouble finding a Jew who hasn’t thought about the situation in Israel in the last hour, if not the last minute.

When gathered together, we’re “preaching to the choir” — incensed at Hamas, outraged at the media, disgusted by the rise in antisemitism, and, most prominently, terrified for our family and friends.

When apart, at least for me, each of those emotions explodes in pangs of despondence — as a 24-year-old Jew from

Nebraska, I’m a bit of a newbie to large-scale Jewish crises.

As a Jewish kid, I was constantly bolstered by the stories of survival, resistance and victory, both current and in our adversity-riddled past — there’s nothing like a good “triumph of the human spirit” story. But those stories, for the vast majority of us, are not our lived experiences. I don’t wish to be tested to the point in which my human spirit needs to triumph over anything, but I will say that I’m a bit weary and wary of being told stories that imply that everything will work out fine in the end.

It certainly will work out in the end — that’s the story of our people — but whether it works out “fine” is where I’m worried.

Even with the safety of being in Kansas, after more than a month, I’m scraping the bottom of my emotional barrel and have been left with dregs of these unpleasant feelings. I know I’m not alone in being tired and emotionally worn down — I

know a lot of people who are feeling even worse. I thank G-d that I’m not personally under immediate threat, nor are most of my friends, family and community in the diaspora, but my optimism is being stretched paper thin.

But, maintaining optimism, to an extent, is the only way for us not to lose our minds right now. I implore you to do what you can to live with some semblance of optimism. I know many of us are working hard at this — staying connected with your friends, your family and your community; praying, whether or not you’re “religious;” providing what you can, whether it be money, time or effort, etc.

Should you choose to listen to a 24-year-old, I say to stand your ground, be levelheaded and rational and, above all, hold your head up and be proud to be Jewish. There’s a reason we’ve lasted this long, and what we do now will be the reason we continue on.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Why Israel had no choice but to make a ‘bargain with the devil’

ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL JTA In pressing for a deal that could see the release of 50 of the more than 200 hostages held in Gaza in return for a four-day pause in hostilities the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners, Israel’s National Unity Party Minister Benny Gantz described the return of the hostages as a “moral imperative and part of the resilience that enables us to win wars.”

But what if negotiating with Hamas, considered a terrorist group by Israel, creates a dangerous precedent and further encourages its enemies to view hostage-taking as a weapon? By putting its war on Hamas on a four-day hold, does Israel appear to be giving in to an enemy it has vowed to destroy? And by releasing three Palestinian prisoners for every hostage returned, does Israel risk allowing violent prisoners to go free?

These are the unbearable tensions Israeli and American negotiators faced in the leadup to the deal, announced Tuesday night. To understand the dilemmas and pressures Israel is facing, I spoke with law professor Robert Mnookin, director of the Harvard Negotiation Project at Harvard Law School and author of the 2010 book, “Bargaining with the Devil: When to Negotiate, When to Fight.” Mnookin advises governments and corporations on negotiating strategy and conflict resolution and has written about Israel’s controversial hostage swaps with Hamas and other adversaries.

He is also the author, in 2019, of “The Jewish American Paradox: Embracing Choice in a Changing World,” a book about Jewish peoplehood and identity.

We spoke Wednesday about the political pressure on Israel to strike a deal, how religious and national values play a role in hostage negotiations and why a “no-win” scenario is sometimes the best you can do.

The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Before we get into the details of this specific hostage exchange, I wonder if you could provide a theoretical framework for hostage negotiation, especially with an enemy deemed terrorists. What should any power consider before embarking on negotiations essentially with kidnappers?

One hard question, of course, is, are they likely to keep to the deal that you make with them? Kidnappers aren’t necessarily a reliable partner to a negotiation.

A second big issue is the question of precedent. What kind of precedent are they setting by being willing to negotiate? For many years, the United States government took the position that it would not negotiate with terrorists to try to release kidnap victims. And there was a lot of tension [between the government and victims’ families]. The stated policy was often informally violated by the U.S. government, that is, they sometimes did participate. And in fact, it turns out that European countries were negotiating with various — often Islamic — terrorist groups in the last decade, were paying money to get people released. The United States wasn’t and it changed its formal policy.

That they would pay ransom?

Not necessarily, but they no longer had an absolute policy that there should not be any contact between the government and terrorist groups with respect to kidnap victims.

You wrote an op-ed critical of the decision in 2011 by an earlier Netanyahu government to release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier kidnapped by Hamas in 2006 and held hostage in Gaza. What made you call that a “crazy deal” and what might be different about the current situation?

There were lots of things wrong with that deal. First, the price was absurdly high. Second, it set a terrible precedent.

And third, as it turns out, that deal strengthened Hamas and weakened the Palestinian Authority, because the Israeli government was negotiating with Hamas, who made sure the Palestinian Authority would get no credit. And comparatively

few of the Palestinian Authority’s prisoners were released. And finally, it turns out of course, that among those released are at least some who now are apparently leaders of Hamas.

On the other hand, obviously, I’m thrilled that Shalit was released.

When you heard the terms of the deal Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, how did it strike you as someone who has an expertise in negotiations? Was there a winner? Was there a loser?

Well, listen, these kinds of negotiations often involve tragic choices. Who could not be very happy that women and children are being released? On the other hand, while we don’t really know the details of who’s being released by the Israeli

more people.

What we’ve seen in Israel, with so many victims, the political pressure is very, very substantial. You’ve seen these posters of all the individual kidnap victims. The families are trying to personalize it — appropriately, because it’s a good strategy.

My wife last night was brought to tears with interviews of the family of one of the victims because their story was so sad.

There’s this little girl, for example, who’s going to be 4 on her birthday, which is Friday. [Abigail Edan was kidnapped on Oct. 7; Hamas killed her parents, Roy and Smadar Edan; she is a U.S. citizen and President Joe Biden said he expects her to be released.]

Of course a government should be willing to work very hard

Families and supporters of hostages held in Gaza gather at the public square outside of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art to demand their release, Nov. 4, 2023..Credit: Oren Rozen/Creative Commons

government, I gather many of them are minors who participated in rather violent acts or very violent acts.

Should Israel worry that negotiating over hostages in this case is going to encourage its enemies to engage in more kidnapping?

They absolutely should.

Israel has a national ethos of returning its soldiers and protecting its citizens above all else — including by taking actions, like lopsided hostage swaps, that might endanger soldiers and civilians in the future. Do these sort of emotional goals — for the sake of national solidarity or morale, or even the religious imperative of pidyon shvuyim, or redeeming hostages — strike negotiation experts as irrational?

I don’t want to call it irrational because it may reflect and reinforce values that are really quite important. Israel has a tradition that no soldier would be left behind. Given that Israel has an army in which nearly all Jewish people participate, a truly citizens’ army, the Shalit deal was, for all its flaws, a valuable reinforcement of that ideology.

Israel is also a small country, and the degree of separation among its citizens is incredibly small. I imagine that any idea that it won’t negotiate with terrorists is impossible to maintain politically and morally when there are so many stories and they are so personal.

This is something I talked about in my oped many years ago, which is a very important psychological finding that people, in order to save identifiable individuals, are willing to take actions that are far more costly than actions that could save many more unspecified individuals. The classic example of this is when an individual is trapped in a coal mine: It becomes national news, and rescuers might spend millions of dollars to get them out — while the same government authorities are unwilling to spend anywhere near an equivalent amount on safety measures that would ultimately save many

to get her release. How can you feel they should not do so?

These are very hard choices that governments have to face.

What did each side achieve in this deal?

What the Israelis achieved, of course, is that some fraction of the 200-plus hostages are being released and that there are going to be children and women among them. And the suspension of hostilities from Israel’s perspective is comparatively brief. As for Hamas, they’re getting credit for the release, they’re getting a rest in terms of hostilities and there’s going to be substantial humanitarian aid.

The other thing that I think is interesting about this arrangement, of course, in part goes to the reliability issue. They’re doing an arrangement where the hostages are going to be released partially each day, which is a way of reinforcing the ceasefire. Whereas if they were all released right in the beginning, Hamas would be taking the risks that the Israelis might immediately resume hostilities.

Do you accept the idea that a successful negotiation is one in which both sides are disappointed?

No. If the people are rational actors, it should create an outcome that each side views as superior to what their best alternative otherwise would be. Now, it is often the case that the negotiated deal is disappointing in comparison with a perfect world. But on the other hand, almost by definition, if you and I settle a terrible dispute, we wouldn’t have made a deal if we didn’t think it was superior to our expected alternative.

And what’s often true is sometimes you and I could settle a conflict with an arrangement that makes us feel positive about doing business together in the future.

Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor at large of the New York Jewish Week and managing editor for Ideas for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 www.cblhs.org

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’NAI ISRAEL Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. with a jam session with the Bagel Boys after services. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information about our historic synagogue, please visit our website at www.cblhs.org, or contact any of our other board members: Renee Corcoran, Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Carole and Wayne Lainof, Ann Moshman, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon and Sissy Silber.

Handicap Accessible.

BETH EL Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

IN-PERSON AND ZOOM MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service and Bat Mitzvah of Naama Abraham, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation (Grades K-12), 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 5:35 p.m. Zoom Only.

SUNDAY: BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Hebrew Reading for Adults, 10:30 a.m. with Hazzan Krausman.

TUESDAY: Pirkei Avot, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6 p.m.; Family Hanukkah Celebration, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY: PJP Presents What Jews Think: Dr. Brian Gordon Hillman, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY-Dec. 15: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY-Dec. 16: Shabbat Morning Service, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation (Grades K-12), 10 a.m.; Mahjong Shabbat, 12:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:35 p.m. Zoom Only.

Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

BETH ISRAEL FRIDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Candlelighting, 4:37 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Kids Kiddush Club, 11:15 a.m.; Soulful Torah: Unpacking the Or HaChayim’s Teachings, 3:45 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:30 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 5 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:41 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.

MONDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Monday Mind Builders, 4 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.; Hanukkah Carnival, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.

THURSDAY: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Character Development Class, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.; Parsha Class, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY-Dec. 15: Nach Yomi, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Candlelighting, 4:38 p.m.

SATURDAY-Dec. 16: Shabbat Kollel, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Kids Kiddush Club, 11:15 a.m.; Soulful Torah: Unpacking the Or HaChayim’s Teachings, 3:45 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:30 p.m.; Laws of Shabbos/Kids Activity, 5 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:43 p.m.

Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

CHABAD HOUSE All services are in-person. All classes are being offered in-person and via Zoom (ochabad.com/academy). For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ochabad.com/ Lechayim; Light two lights on the Menorah before, 4:36 p.m.; Candlelighting, 4:36 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Light three lights on the Menorah after, 5:40 p.m.; Shabbat Ends, 5:40 p.m.

SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps: Shacharit, 99:30 a.m., Video Presentation, 9:30 a.m. and Breakfast, 9:45 a.m.; Light four lights on the Menorah after, 4:54 p.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m.; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Light five lights on the Menorah after, 4:55 p.m.; Parsha Reading, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Light six lights on the Menorah after, 4:55 p.m.; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 6 p.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 7 p.m. with Prof.

David Cohen WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Mystical Thinking (Tanya), 9:30 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Light seven lights on the Menorah after, 4:55 p.m.; Annual Menorah Parade, 5 p.m. begins at Boys Town — RSVP at ochabad.com/chanukah84.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Parsha Reading, 10 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with Prof. David Cohen; Talmud Study (Sanhedrin 34), noon; Light eight lights on the Menorah after, 4:55 p.m.; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with Prof.

David Cohen; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) Class, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-Dec. 15: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Inspirational Lechayim, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi and friends: ocha bad.com/Lechayim; Candlelighting, 4:37 p.m.

SATURDAY-Dec. 16: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed

by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 5:42 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch.

All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Candlelighting, 4:40 p.m.; Candlelighting for Hanukkah - two candles, 4:40 p.m.; Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:30 p.m. with Oneg to follow at SST. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at

Rabbi Geiger’s Weekly Torah Expedition PARSHA MIKETZ One of my most fond childhood memories is my father throwing marshmallows at me at the Passover seder. Our seder tended to go quite long, and my father would keep our attention by bombarding us with these gooey sweet treats if we RABBI asked a good question or MORDECHAI seemed to be falling asleep. GEIGER A tradition that I happily Beth Israel continue at my seder.

Passover is the holiday we celebrate our formation as a nation. Unfortunately, this nation was formed through suffering the hardships of slavery.

Why was suffering necessary for our conception?

Last week’s Torah portion describes the rivalry and hatred between brothers that resulted in Joseph

being sold as a slave. This ultimately led him to Egypt, and the rest of the family eventually followed.

What is fascinating is that the Torah tells us that Joseph would bring “evil reports” of his brothers to his father. This caused his brothers to hate him, so they could not speak peacefully with him (Genesis 37-4). The commentaries explain that everything Joseph said about his brothers was true but onesided. The brothers had some moral disagreements. However, Joseph skipped the details when relating the events to Jacob and simply said, “They have sinned.”

And so it took oppression by an external force for us to be truly bonded as a nation.

It is inspiring to see how so many Jews have come together to support Israel regardless of any previous “moral disagreements.” We see it happening in Israel, and I saw it at the rally in D.C. We must not lose this momentum! We must stay focused on what is essential: to support one another no matter what.

TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Vayeishev; Havdalah, 5:44 p.m.; Candlelighting for Hanukkah - three candles, 5:44 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Classes, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Men’s Bike/Coffee Group, 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room at Rock 'n Joe (5025 Lindbergh St.). For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at alb ertw801@gmail.com; Community Hanukkah Event, noon-2 p.m. at TI; Pickleball, 3-5 p.m. Anyone interested in playing or learning how to play can text Miriam at 402.470.2393. If there are enough interested people; we will play in the Social Hall at TI; Candlelighting for Hanukkah - four candles, 5:30 p.m.

MONDAY: Candlelighting for Hanukkah - five candles, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Candlelighting for Hanukkah - six candles, 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Hebrew School, 4:30-6 p.m.; LJCS Parents Menorah Candlelighting, 6 p.m. at TI; Candlelighting for Hanukkah - seven candles, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Candlelighting for Hanukkah - eight candles, 5:31 p.m.

FRIDAY-Dec. 14: Shabbat Candlelighting, 4:41 p.m.; Erev Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex, 6:30 p.m. at SST SATURDAY-Dec. 16: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Mikeitz; Havdalah, 5:46 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

FRIDAYS: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin, and Cantor Joanna Alexander FRIDAY: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. In-Person; Lights, Laughs, Latkes: A Hanukkah Celebration, 5:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SUNDAY: Grades PreK-7, 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m. In-Person; Grades 36, 4:30-6 p.m. In-Person; Grades 8-12 Mitzvah Corps, 6-8 p.m. at Beth El In-Person.

THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Class, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel via Zoom.

FRIDAY-Dec. 15: Drop in Mah Jongg, 9-11 a.m. InPerson; B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-Dec. 16: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom.

Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Mondays, Dec. 25, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024. There will be no Jewish Press on Jan. 5, 2024. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS B’nai Mitzvah announcements may be emailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at: www.om ahajewishpress.com. Go to Submission Forms.

Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

Life cycles IN MEMORIAM ETHEL MAE LERNER Ethel Mae Lerner (Morrison) passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2023, at age of 94 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha. A graveside memorial service was held on Dec. 8, 2023, at the New Mt. Sinai Cemetery in St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerryin October, 2017; and son-in-law, Stan Wilensky.

She is survived by her sons, Gary Lerner (Cheryl) of Omaha, Dean Lerner (Deana) of Des Moines, and two daughters, Donna Wilensky and Eve Rudolph (Don) who reside in St. Louis; grandchildren: Nicole, Michael, Matthew, Alec, Scott, David, Mark, Molly, Zachary, Kayla, and Carly; and great-grandchildren: Sam, Oliver, Louie, Sebastian, Jonah, Charlie, Kinzie, Nash, Eleanor, Grant, Gavin, Olive, and Lincoln.

Ethel was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 3, 1929. She married Jerome (Jerry) Lerner in 1948. Together they raised four children, thoroughly enjoying life and their many dear friendships in St. Louis. They were long-time members of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Ethel was an amateur photographer in high school, took photographs for her school's publications, learned how to fly a Piper Cub after graduation, and was a professional women's shoe model (size 4). After Ethel retired from West County Famous-Barr's personnel department, she and Jerry loved antiquing together, accumulating several treasured collections--cookie jars, children's toys, and salt and pepper shakers favorites among them.

Ethel's greatest joy was caring for her family. She was the quintessential mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A wonderful cook, she happily spent countless hours in the kitchen making everyone's beloved matzo ball soup, brisket, twice-baked potatoes, challah dressing, buckeye balls and, of course, blintzes.

Ethel adored her husband and family and was adored and beloved by them in return. St. Louis fun was her specialty.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Laurie and all of the wonderful caregivers at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha.

Trade scholarships available for 202324 academic year An anonymous donor in our community has created two trade school and/or cosmetology school scholarship opportunities, up to $5,000 each, to go towards the 202324 academic year.

Not every student who advances into higher education signs up for a four-year curriculum. Some high school graduates seek job training that lasts a year or two and then places them in the workforce. Such opportunities include, but are not restricted to: Information Technology, Construction, Industrial, Transportation and Horticulture. It is not too late to apply for this upcoming school year!

Qualified students who have unmet needs regarding tuition for either a two-year trade school program or a trade certificate program can contact the Jewish Press at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org or jpress@jewish omaha.org for more information.

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Memorials may be made to The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 323 S 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68154, or www.rbjh.com.

LANCE S. MARGOLIN Lance S. Margolin of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, passed away on Nov. 5, 2023, at age 67. A memorial service will be held on Dec. 20, 2023 at 1 p.m. in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club.

He is survived by his children, Matthew Margolin, Jennifer Margolin and her fiancé Alex Hare; granddaughter, Skylar Margolin; mother, Joan Gardner; siblings and their spouses, Ross Margolin, Sheryl Roland, Jay Margolin and Jamie Chen, Lisa Margolin and Kim Mills, and many nieces and nephews.

Lance was born in Omaha, NE in 1956. He had a happy childhood and youth, excelling in school and as a soccer player. He went on to play soccer at the college level. Lance moved to California in his late 20s and worked in various professions in the real estate industry. Most recently, Lance was fulfilled by contributing to his son’s business on a daily basis.

He also expressed great joy and fulfillment as a companion to his mother Joan, with whom he had lived before his death. His other great joy was undoubtedly his son, daughter, and granddaughter, all of whom he spoke of often with visible pride and joy. Family was of utmost importance to Lance.

Above all, Lance’s most striking quality was his kind heart and generous nature. Everyone who knew Lance understood that if they needed a hand with anything big or small, Lance would be delighted to help in any way possible. He was the go-to person when someone needed something.

Lance would have wanted his numerous friends and loved ones to remember him by the love, gentle nature, and generosity he exhibited. He was not a judgmental person, and was truly a man who never said a negative word about anyone.

He enjoyed talking about his many travel adventures during his lifetime, and loved visiting childhood friends in Omaha. His sudden loss is being felt deeply by all of his relatives and friends.

JFS to expand Yachad Through our Yachad Program, Jewish Family Service provides social and educational opportunities to those members of the Jewish community who have developmental disabilities.

Currently, the program provides weekly yoga at the JCC, and several monthly activities planned throughout the community.

There is no cost to become a member of our group, or to participate in activities. We are excited to announce that we are expanding membership to include any developmentally disabled individuals in the community, six years of age and older! Activities will be planned with all age groups in mind, and facilitated accordingly.

Please help us spread the word! If you have a family member or know someone in the Jewish community who might be interested, contact Heather Topil, our Yachad Coordinator, at 402.330.2024, or email at htopil@jfsomaha.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Yachad believes that every Jew deserves opportunities to participate in the Jewish community in a way that is meaningful and that gives them a true sense of belonging.

Yachad is dedicated to enriching the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities and their families, by enhancing their communal participation and their connection to Judaism through social and educational programs and support services.

There’s a new Jewish Caucus in Congress RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON | JTA More than a dozen Jewish members of Congress gathered Dec. 1 for the first meeting of the U.S. House of Representatives Jewish Caucus. But following the meeting convened by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, it remains unclear what the caucus will stand for as the chamber’s Jews are deeply divided over the Israel-Hamas war and other issues. Wasserman Schultz suggested the caucus was still finding its feet.

“We had a very-well attended, constructive meeting focused on how we can work together and develop our broader mission,” she said in an email. “We did a lot of listening and considering one another’s opinions and thoughts. We left looking forward to continuing to engage in these discussions with our colleagues so that we can come together in consensus on how a secular Jewish Caucus can be most effective.”

The House has 26 Jewish lawmakers, all but two of them Democrats, and it is unclear which attended the meeting and whether either of the Republicans made it — especially because six congresspeople who RSVPed canceled at the last minute due to illness or sudden conflicts. Ohio Republican Max Miller had said he would attend, but he did not confirm whether he

The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023 | 11

was there. Nor did Tennessee Republican David Kustoff.

Wasserman Schultz is alarmed at the spike in antisemitic attacks and rhetoric in the United States since Hamas terrorists massacred 1,200 people in Israel on Oct. 7, launching the current war in Israel and Gaza. She wants to formalize a united front among Jews in Congress to confront the hatred.

For decades, Jewish members of Congress had been gathering unofficially. Earlier this month, Axios reported that Wasserman Schultz got the go-ahead from House administrators to make the Jewish Caucus official — though it appears that not all Jews in the House believe the caucus should exist.

“In the rush to form this new group, by contrast, most Jewish members were left out of the discussion,” Rep. Jerry Nadler, a NY Democrat, said. He also said the hurt feelings would be a distraction as the caucus seeks unanimity on the Israel-Hamas war.

There are currently official Black, Hispanic and Asian-Pacific caucuses in the House, and there are formal Jewish caucuses in state governments; one of the most active is in California. But one issue that may have prevented the formation of a House Jewish Caucus until now is the age-old question of what “Jewish” means.

Read more at omahajewishpress.com.

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 8, 2023

News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

‘Ultimately, we are alone’: Schumer calls out antisemitism

the left is also becoming inhospitable, with RON KAMPEAS some progressives praising the Hamas attack.

WASHINGTON | JTA In a 45-minute speech on the Senate floor, “In some cases, people even celebrated Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Jewish what happened, describing it as the deserved Americans are “alone” and took some of his fate of ‘colonizers’ and calling for ‘glory to the political allies to task for rising antisemitism martyrs’ who carried out these heinous aton the left following Hamas’ tacks,” Schumer said. “Many Oct. 7 attack on Israel. of the people who have ex“Jewish Americans are left pressed these sentiments in alone at least in our eyes to America aren’t neo-Nazis, or ponder what this all means, card-carrying Klan members, and where it could lead,” or Islamist extremists. They Schumer said in opening are in many cases people that Nov. 29th Senate session. most liberal Jewish Ameri“Can you understand why cans felt previously were their the Jewish people feel isoideological fellow travelers.” lated when we hear some He also drew a parallel with praise Hamas and chant its anti-Muslim actions during vicious slogan?”

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, a the Donald Trump adminisThe slogan he was referring Jewish Democrat who is the ma- tration, recalling how he to, “From the river to the sea, jority leader, delivers a speech stood with Muslims when Palestine will be free,” is one on antisemitism in the U.S. Capi- Trump issued a travel ban on embraced by a member of his tol, Nov. 29, 2023. Credit: Senate seven Muslim-majority counown party, Michigan Rep. website/screenshot tries early in his presidency.

Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American who As a candidate, Trump had called for a ban on advocates for a single Israeli-Palestinian state. all Muslims entering the United States.

Schumer started out by proudly noting his “When President Trump called for a Musstatus as the most senior Jewish elected offi- lim ban during the first weeks of his presicial in U.S. history. But he articulated what dency, I held an emergency press conference many Jews — who vote overwhelmingly for to protest the ban,” he said. “It was a deeply Democrats — have said over Thanksgiving distressing moment, and I’m an emotional meals, Shabbat gatherings and after syna- sort. I began to cry. President Trump saw me gogue services: After years of alarm at the rise crying on TV and gave me a nickname, ‘Cryin’ of antisemitism on the right, many fear that Chuck Schumer.’ I was — and am — proud of

that moniker.”

Schumer’s speech comes as Jewish security groups and law enforcement agencies have reported a spike in antisemitic incidents following Oct. 7. A Jewish man died following a physical altercation at dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies near Los Angeles, and multiple Jewish students have been assaulted on campus. Synagogues and other Jewish institutions across the country have been vandalized with antisemitic and anti-Israel graffiti.

Schumer delved into the use of the “river to the sea” slogan, which Tlaib and others say simply calls for equality between Jews and Arabs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. Jewish groups including the Anti-Defamation League say the slogan is antisemitic because it calls for Israel’s elimination.

“I believe there are plenty of people who chant ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ not because they hate Jewish people, but because they support a better future for Palestinians,” Schumer said. “But there is no question that Hamas and other terrorist organizations have used this slogan to represent their intention to eliminate Jewish people not only from Israel, but from every corner of the Earth,” he said. “Given the history of oppression, expulsion, and state violence that is practically embedded in Jewish DNA, can you blame Jewish people for hearing a violently antisemitic message, loud and clear, any time we hear that chant?”

Schumer often trumpets his Jewish identity

and has spoken repeatedly at pro-Israel rallies since Oct. 7. In speeches to Jewish groups, he likes to note his surname’s etymology, which likely derives from the Hebrew word “shomer,” which means guard.

As he has in the past, he expressed deepseated satisfaction in doing his ancestors proud and praised the American values that he said made his upward mobility possible.

And he sought to conclude on a positive note, inserting a Hebrew phrase from the Jewish prayer book into his speech.

“Are we a nation that can defy the regular course of human history where the Jewish people have been ostracized, expelled and massacred over and over again?” he said. “I believe, truly believe in my heart, that the answer can and must be a resounding yes. And I will do everything in my power as Senate majority leader, as a Jewish American, as a citizen of a free society, as a human being to make it happen. Ken yihye ratzon, may it be God’s will.”

Yet he walked away from the podium with his face frozen in a grimace, a departure from the avuncular posture he loves to project, and the stark unhappiness that infused his speech lingered on.

“Can you appreciate the deep fear we have about what Hamas might do, if left to their own devices?” he said at another point in the speech. “Because the long arc of Jewish history teaches us a lesson that is hard to forget.

Ultimately, we are alone.”

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Howard Kutler | 402.334.6559 | hkutler@jewishomaha.org