ME HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN ME 6 8 5 0 8 - 1 6 5 1
Celebrating More Than 75 Years VbLLXXV
No. 18
Rabbi;'Olitzky to speak an Omaha next; month'
Rabbi Olitzky
Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky, D.H.L. is the National Dean of Adult Jewish Learning and Living of Hebrew Union College-Jewish I n s t i t u t e of Religion. He is a specialist in aging, being one of the few rabbis in the United States trained as a social gerontologist. Rabbi Olitzky is a leader in the development of innovative Jewish education; he has been a pioneer and leader in developing training programs for clergy of all faiths, especially in the area of pastoral care and counseling in the Jewish community. He is the author of over 30 books and hundreds of articles in a variety of fields. While he is a leader in innovative Jewish education for children and adults, he is also a pioneer in the area of Jewish Twelve Step spirituality. Rabbi Olitzky is annual special issue editor on Aging and J u d a i s m for the Journal of Psychology and Judaism, editor of Shofar magazine for children, and an executive consultant for Compass, a magazine for Jewish teachers.
Kids and addiction by Elyce Azriel;H3irector/TeTnp!e Israel Hebrew High School V ; : ; -
°A journey Into Addiction: An opportunity for parents and students to gain knowledge; perspective, understanding and support" is the title of a workshop led by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, This program will allow parents and their children to address the world of substance abuse, which is very much a concern to individuals and to society today. Adolescence is a turbulent chapter in life after childhood and before adulthood. This period of transition is filled with challenges. Most adolescents mistakenly believe that using alcohol or other drugs will turn you into an adult; they also discover that it's a quick way to be popular
and accepted, and especially important, that chemicals make you feel good, at least for awhile. Participants will explore the myths and facts about addictions and the Jewish community. We will take notice that addiction is no longer a closet issue which we need to speak about arid deal with. The workshop will take place during Temple Israel High School hours Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This workshop is sponsored by the ; Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation. All high school students in the community and their parents are invited, to attend. Please call for more information or to make a reservation to Temple Israel, 556-6536.
Building a Jewish neighborhood for the 21st century by PamMonsky : Federation Communications Director
Leaders of the Omaha Jewish Community are in the midst of a capital campaign to raise funds for improvements to the Jewish Community Center. "Because of the sweeping demographic'changes within the Omaha Jewish community over jthe past 15 years, renovation is necessary in the areas of the Child Development. Center and health and physical fitness," said Howard Kooper, President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. : "Many dual-career families and parents Want a high quality child care with strong Jewish content. The fitness center will become a state-of-the-art facility for families to enjoy together," he added. Kooper estimates that one-half of the'funds needed for the renovation have been raised. "We are still working on some of the major donors in our community. We anticipate beginning a general campaign soon so that everyone can contribute to this exciting project," he explained. . The building campaign is separate from the Annual UJA/Federation Campaign, noted Kooper. Mark Sanford, President-elect of the Jewish Community Center, is working with the-Center of Excellence Directors on building plans to incorporate their needs for the future. - -"Our priorities include updating and expanding . •"."•*"' ••' (Continued on page 7) ''.-'•': : .
Omaha Steaks receives Governor's Arts Award The Nebraska Arts Council's Business Leadership Award will be. given to Omaha Steaks International. Governor Ben Nelson will present ah original piece of sculpture by local artist Catherine Ferguson to the Simon brothers, Alan, Fred and Steve, and sons, Bruce and Todd Simon, for their outstanding commitment and support of the arts.
Talking about aging by Shane Kotok, Director of Community Outreach Services, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home
Aging. Who wants to think about it? Who wants to do it? Who can avoid it? We all face it, • Let's talk about it. Since we are all getting older, why. not do it well. Enter Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky,. the renowned: authority on Aging and Jewish ethics, who will be in Omaha to provide "The Ten Most Important Rules for Growing Old," This participatory workshop is Thursday, Feb. 19, noon; in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium. Olitzy offers participants an opportunity, to gain insight and direction for their own lives.
His blend of current trends in social gerontology and the wisdom of sacred texts creates a presentation that is unique. Trained as a rabbi and a social gerontologist, . Olitzky has written and edited numerous books and articles focusing on aging. Among them is the well-. received The Safe Deposit,and Other Stories about Grandparents, Old Lovers, and Crazy Old Men. Adults of all ages will find Olitzk/s "The Ten Most Important Rules for Growing Older" seminar worthwhile. ..-••• (Continued on page 6)
Schwalbs establish endowment fund at UNO The University of Nebraska Foundation announced that Natan and Hannah Schwalb have' established an endowment fund to provide scholarships for students at"the University of Nebraska at Omaha(UNO), : The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1000 per student, will be awarded annually to students in the College of Business Administration (CBA) and the Department of Philosophy and Religion in the College of Arts and Sciences. . Each year, financial support will be provided to CBA students as well as to four students working with the Bethsaida Excavation project sponsored and operated by. UNO and ^e.gjteto p^jBrja^.;,, ,„;,,„
Natan Schwalb is a 1964 graduate of CBA at the former University of Omaha (which later became UNO) and a 1967 graduate of Creighton University's School of Law. He is a real estate developer in Omaha. Schwalb's son and daughterin-law, David and Karen of Chicago, will be involved in the selection process. , The University of Nebraska Foundation is a nonprofit corporation supplementing faculty, students, facilities and programs at the University of Nebraska through gifts from alumni, Mends, corporations and other foundations. . For more information, contact Theresa Klein, NU
Standing: Todd Simon and Fred Simon; seated: Steve Simon, Bruce Simon and Alan Simon. Under the leadership of the Simon family, Omaha Steaks has long supported arts in Omaha. Underwriting programs and projects for the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Center, the fourth-generation company has also assisted small arts organizations in in-kind printing and encouraged attendance at local performances by making tickets available to their employees. • , ,' The Simons have committed themselves to the arts as well through their leadership positions with such organizations as United ArW Omaha, the Joslyn Art Museum, Opera/Omaha^ Brlgit Saint Brigit Theatre Company and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. (Continued on page 0)