ewish Press
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS Vol. LXXDC
No. 36 Omaha, NE
Rabbi Flax tospeak at Friedel graduation
Andy Finkle, Courtney Rabb named Jewish Teen Leaders
by Diane Axler Baum
. Rabbi Ira Flax will deliver the commencement address at Friedel Jewish Academy's 12th annual graduation on Thursday, June 1, 7:30 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center theater.
This year's graduates are, from left: Ilya Poulektov, Kseniya Kilishek and Zev Eisenberg-Kohll. Each will make a short commencement speech. In his remarks, Rabbi Flax will explore the advantages of Jewish day school education in general and will look, in particular, at the ways, Friedel has shaped the Class of 2000. Jerry Gordman, chairman of the Friedel board, will offer greetings, and Michael L. Linn, Friedel Director, will present the introduction and welcome. They extend an invitation to members of the community to attend the commencement ceremonies and to celebrate with the graduates at the reception in their honor. Karin Levine, Friedel mom and Board member, will lead the assemblage in singing "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Hatikvah." Tuffy Epstein will serve as accompanist. The evening also will feature a slide show of the Academy's 1999-2000 school year, gift presentations, a musical performance by the entire student body, and "Ode to the Graduates" by the Friedel Women's Choir. In the "Ode," the faculty will pay individual tribute to Ilya, Kseniya and Zev. They will combine humor and sentiment to recall special times shared and wish them success in their future endeavors. (Continued on page 8)
by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
Andy Finkle and Courtney Rabb have been selected as the 1999 Jewish Teen Leaders. They will be honored at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Omaha on June 26, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Finkle, 17, was nominated by B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO), and Rabb, also 17, was nominated by Beth El Synagogue USY. Julie Kushner, BBYO Director, said, "The impact Andy has made on BBYO is immeasurable. By Courtney Rabb serving on a wide variety of chapter and council boards, he has made wonderful things happen in BBYO and taught others that they, too, can make a difference. Andy has helped ensure the longevity of BBYO by encouraging others to become involved at a higher level than they expected for themselves." A senior at Burke High School, Andy is the current President of BBYO's Mid-America Omaha Council. During his four years of involvement in BBYO, Andy has served as Chapter President, Secretary, Moreh (teacher) and Treasurer. In addition, he worked on the AZA 75th Anniversary Community Celebration as the Youth Chair and received the Mid-America Region Top Freshman Educator Award in 1998. His volunteer interests expand beyond BBYO to the Jewish and non-Jewish community. He worked on this year's Kids Super Sunday for the Jewish Federation of Omaha, and has volunteered at the Ak-Sar-Ben Retirement Home, Make-aWish, and the Siena Francis House. Andy's leadership, maturity and ability to provide a positive role model to younger members of BBYO have made him a Jewish leader with a
Omaha Chapter of Hadassah to honor long-time members by Mary Fellman
Hadassah members and Associates over 80 years of age will be honored by the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah at the annual HIES luncheon on Wednesday, May 31, 11:45 a.m., at the Happy Hollow Coun-try Club, 1701S. 105th St. Also honored with a Hadassah Associate membership will be Dr. Howard Gendelman, a recent recipient of the Fulbright Research Scholar Award. Dr. Gendelman is Director of the Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His research involves finding new strategies for combatting the degenerative effects of such diseases as AIDS and Alzheimer's on the brain. This summer, he and his family will move to Israel where Dr. Gendelman will continue his research at the Weizmann Institute, through funding from his Fulbright award. The trio of Dr. Michael Yablonski, Dr. Gendelman and Dik Weiner will entertain the guests "In a Program of Music You Love." In addition, Anna Mosenkis will perform. Election and installation of officers will be included.
Joye Wees (left) and Carol Parsow are charing the upcoming Hadassah HIES luncheon. ior me luuciieun is 9x0 per person. Reservations may be made with co-chairmen Joye Wees and Carol Parsow by calling them at 4980812 or 289-3211. The HIES project provides for Hadassah Education Services in Israel, which uses the latest theories of secondary and community college career oriented schooling.
bright future. The son of Judi and David Finkle, Andy will attend Emory University in the fall. Courtney, daughter of Steve and Lori Rabb, graduated from Millard North High School last week and will attend Brandeis University in the fall. USY Director Holly Friedman said, "Courtney is a very positive role model. Whatever she does, it is with a positive attitude. She is a good student, involved in Andy Finkle many outside activities, and the synagogue. She has achieved a balance in her life that many people find difficult, and her peers look to her as one who demonstrates the right path to take in life." Courtney serves on the USY Executive Board as past president. Her prior positions within USY include Regional General Board Officer, President, Social Action/Tikkun Olam Vice-president, Purim Carnival Chair and Dance-A-Thon Chair. One of her most outstanding accomplishments this year was the organization of the First Annual USY Talent Show. She advertised for talent, held auditions, held rehearsals and made a $600 profit. Courtney's other activities include serving as a TSS tutor at Beth El and working as a 5th grade aide for Talmud Torah classes. She has also worked as a student intern for the Jewish Press, which included writing many feature articles, and has been involved in a Jewish-Christian Dialogue program. Courtney's dedication to the Omaha Jewish community, along with her creative and leadership abilities, make her a fine recipient for the Jewish Teen Leadership award. . : • . , .
JFS hires Steve Stiel as Executive Director Frank Flatowicz, President of the Board of Jewish Family Service, announced that Steven Stiel has been hired as the Executive Director of JFS. Stiel has a Master of Social Work degree, and has worked for Child Saving Institute and Family Connections, Inc., providing intensive family preservation services. Most recently, he was a therapist at Maplewood Counseling, working with adolescents with chemical dependency and conduct disorder problems. Prior to obtaining his MSW, Stiel worked for five years in administration for non-profit organizations. He also brings with him financial experience having worked in investments for both Fidelity Investments, Inc., and the Trust Department at First National Bank of Omaha.