Hewish Prei
WE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R -ST
. '
LINCOLN. ME 63503-1651
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS
VoL LXXVI
No. 39 Omaha, NE
NCCJ honors community leaders
4Tammuz,5759
June 18,1999
Fitness Center nearopenin
by Joan K. Marcus "The National Conference of Community and Justice is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America," said Executive Director Jane Batt at the opening of the recent 1999 Humanitarian Awards dinner. Founded in 1927 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Batt noted that the organization promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures, through advocacy, conflict resolution and education, words which echoed through the speeches all evening. Chaired by Judy and Jack Baker, Mr. Baker said that "72 years ago, leaders came together against violence and exclusion. Now more than 66 communities in 35 states have the NCCJ continuing its (Continued «>n piiRe 12)
rating at NCCtPs annual dinner were: Jan Batt, Executive Director; Jerry Hoberman, NCCJ Co-chairman; and Brenda _CounciJthonoree. . _
On a tour of the new fitness center, JCC Director Jeff Aizenberg, left, points out features to Phil Sokolof, for whom the facility is named, Tom Fellman, co-chairman of the JCC Building Campaign, and Mike Collier, Campus Manager. The 20,000-square-foot facility, set to open by the beginning of August, contains a banked running track, three levels of cardlo-vascular equipment, a testing center for new users and a wjaU ©feast-facing windows. ^
LOME, honors volunteers More than 150 volunteers were honored by L.O.V.E., the League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly. Sponsored by Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, the event featured installation of new officers and an announcement by Fatty and Steve Nogg, outgoing co-presidents, that L.O.V.E. would present a check for $5000 to ihe Blumkin Home. The funds, raised from fundraising projects such as the Garage Sale and the annual Mother's Day Flower Sale, co-chaired by Dory Mawyer and Ellie Greenspoon, will benefit the residents of the Home. The volunteer services, provided by more than 150 members of the
Jewish community, range from cardplaying and storytelling to weekly song feste and Shabbat and holiday services in the chapel. Charlotte Slutzky Koom was honored by the organization as its Volunteer of the Year; certificates were distributed as each volunteer was called by name to be honored publicly by the group; the outgoing board was honored as well. Zoe Riekes was chairman of the event, assisted by Volunteer Coordinator Lois Wine. Grandparents'Day will be celebrated at the Home on Sunday, Aug. 29, from 1-5 pan. To volunteer, call the Home at 334-6530. ••'•}. (Continued on page 8) ~
Beth El presents awards at annual meeting by Cheryl Lerner
Left photox Rabbi Paul Drazen, left, presents the Earl Siegal Award for outstanding service to a board member to past-president Howard ' Epstein. Right: Retiring teacher Shirley Goodman was awarded a certificate of appreciation by Scott Littky, Director of BESTT, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah. Mike Abramson, President of Religious Growth Award; Howard Beth El Synagogue, delivered a Epstein received the Earl Siegal 'State of the Synagogue' report in Award; and Alan "Buddy" Goodman which he announced an initial gift was given the President's Award. In of $500,000 fop^he 21st Century addition, Shirley Goodman was hon.Endowment Campaign. He also ored for her many years of service as a reported on the completion of the teacher, and Blue Kipot Awards were Harold and Etta Epstein Chapel at presented to those members who reguthe Beth El Cemetery, and that G. larly attend minyan. Michael Horowitz has been hired as Outgoing board members M'Lee Associate Cantor, starting Aug. 1. Hasslinger, Susan Friedman, Margie - "Dory Mawyer chaired the recent Gutnik, Joye Wees, Sheila Polifeov, annual meeting at which volun- Gary Rifkin and Courtney Rabb were teers were honored and new board recognized for their service. " members installed. Bruce Shackman, chairman of the nominating committee, presented the Three volunteers were given speLeft photo: Charlotte Slutzky-Koom was named L.O.V-E.'s Volunteer of slate for two-year terms on the board: the Year. Right: Marlene and Hyman Sukiennik were installed as co- cial awards: Harry Weiner was (Continued on page 12) honored with the Selywn Rofiman presidents for 1999-2000.