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AUGUST 21, 2026 | 8 E LUL 578 6 | VO L. 1 06 | NO. 42 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 7:55 P.M.
Tzedek Teens Make An Impact
Standing On Their Shoulders: Rediscovering Federation Presidents — Henry Sidman (1967-1969) Page 3
ZANE ROBINSON Jewish Press Chesed Intern zedek teens gathered at the Food Bank for the Heartland, where they worked together to pack food bags for the organization’s Backpack Program. By the end of the service project, the group had packed 1,376 individual bags of food. By giving a few hours of their time, Tzedek Teens helped put the Jewish value of tikkun olam into action while making a tangible difference for local youth experiencing food insecurity. The Backpack Program provides food to children and youth experiencing food insecurity throughout the region. The bags are designed to help supplement
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More Than A Game, Part 1 Page 5
Mazel Moments: RBJH’s Fashion Week Was a Runway of Smiles Page 12
meals for children who may not have reliable access to enough food outside of school. For Tzedek Teens, the project was an opportunity to turn the idea of tikkun olam, repairing the world, into hands-on action. Tikkun olam is not just something we talk about, it’s about actually doing something to help other people, and that’s what made this project so impactful and meaningful. We worked together to assemble the individual food bags, with each participant contributing to the larger effort. While one bag may seem like a small contribution, the final total demonstrated the impact that can come from See Tzedek Teens page 2
The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home: A Legacy We Proudly Carry Forward, Part 3
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SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
LYNN BATTEN JFO Content Coordinator/Gallery Manager As we prepare to open the new addition to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, we are running a series of articles reflecting on our community’s history of senior care. To help us fully understand the significance of where we are today, this series will look back at the journey that brought us here and the previous generations who made this moment possible. Special thanks to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society archives and Jewish Press archives for providing source materials for this article. Parts 1 and 2 can be found in the previous editions of The Jewish Press. Part 3: 1990 – 2010 “To be the best. That is our goal,”
said Eugene Brandt, Executive Director of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in 1994. Since its opening in 1982, RBJH had set the standard for quality care. The Home built a superior reputation throughout the medical community, earning the praise See RBJH page 4
Tri-Faith Legacy Luncheon ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor The community is invited to the Tri-Faith Initiative Legacy Luncheon and speaker at noon on Oct 13 at the CHI Center. We hope you will join us as we honor the three original founders of Tri-Faith: Rabbi Emeritus Aryeh Azriel, Bob Freeman, and Sayed Mohiuddin z’l. The featured speaker at the luncheon is John Kasich, former Governor of Ohio, and CEO of The Kasich Company. John Kasich was a FOX television commentator, in addition to being a stand-in host for both Bill O’Reilly and Chris Matthews. In January of 2019, Kasich made his debut as a Senior Political Commentator for CNN, where he appeared across a variety of programs. In 2022, he and comedian Jordan Klepper launched the Kasich & Klepper podcast and in 2023, Kasich joined MSNBC/ NBC News as a Political Analyst. Kasich is the author of four New York Times best- sellers: Courage is Contagious; Stand for Something: The Battle for America’s Soul; Every Other Monday; and most recently, Two Paths: America Divided or United, which reflects on his 2016 run as Republican Primary Presidential candidate and his hopes for America’s future. Another book, titled It’s Up To Us: Ten Little Ways We Can Bring About Big Change, was released on Oct. 15, 2019. Kasich is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where he also served as a Presidential Fellow. His latest book, Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future, offers a series of stories that positions religion as the antidote to cynicism and despair in America. The book contains a chapter titled Have a Little Interfaith, and it’s inspired by conversations Kasich had with Bob Freeman. It’s chapter five, and it starts like this: “This story found me in the unlikeliest place, in the unlikeliest way—but I guess this is only fitting because it’s just about the unlikeliest story (…)” Kasich describes hearing about Bob See Tri-Faith page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2026
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Tzedek Teens
Continued from page 1 working as a group. The project also gave us an opportunity to learn more about food insecurity in our own community and the organizations working to address it.
According to the Food Bank for the Heartland, food insecurity affects individuals and families throughout Nebraska and western Iowa. Its programs work to provide food to people in need, including children who may face challenges accessing enough food on a regular basis. For Tzedek Teens, volunteering at the Food Bank was part of a larger effort to encourage young people to become involved in charitable and community service projects. The November Tzedek Project will provide another opportunity for teens to participate in service. Tzedek Teens engage multiple times each school year in hands on volunteer projects within the Jewish community and greater Omaha community. Teens are also able to open charitable giving accounts to empower them to give tzedakah to nonprofit organizations that are meaningful to them. Details about the next project will be announced as plans are finalized. For those of us who participated in the Food Bank project, however, the impact of this work will continue well after the service day ended. The 1,376 bags packed by the group will be distributed to local youth, providing food to children and families who need it. The project perfectly demonstrated how, when we work together as a group, Jewish values can impact the wider community, one food bag, and one act of service, at a time. Read more about Tzedek Teens or open a Tzedek Teens fund at jewishomaha.org.
Tri-Faith
Continued from page 1 Freeman from Susie Buffett, she introduced the two men, and the book’s next chapter was born. “His is a story I didn’t know I needed to tell when I started in on this project,” Kasich wrote, “but it’s one that has come to epitomize the very many stories I’m about to share. And one that reminds us of the power to be found in dreaming big and pushing the envelope and refusing to take no for an answer.” The Tri-Faith origin story, as told by Bob to John Kasich, and retold in Kasich’s book, is one the Omaha Jewish community is familiar with. “It started with a dream,” Kasich wrote. “An impossible dream, most people might think, but Bob Freeman was not one of those people.” In 2026, it is no longer a dream—it is reality in the form of Temple Israel, the
American Muslim Institute, Countryside Church and the Tri-Faith Center, all nestled together at Sterling Ridge, with Abraham’s Bridge connecting all four buildings. Much has happened in the past 20 years, both within those buildings and on the grounds. The Tri-Faith Garden is bigger than anyone could have imagined, playgrounds have been installed, an orchard was planted and the Temple Israel parking lot is about to undergo a renovation (it’s Omaha—roadwork is a must). The Ironwood golf course is a faint memory. It’s time to mark the accomplishments, honor the founders and celebrate the dream-turned-reality by coming together at the CHI Center on Oct. 13. Please join us. Registration details and additional event information is available at trifaith.org/events.
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.
Welcome to Rabbi Sendrow!
CONNOR P. MULLIN The Lincoln Jewish Community is proud to welcome the new Rabbi for both Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (the South Street Temple) and Congregation Tifereth Israel, Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow! A native of the Philadelphia region, where his favorite thing is the Kosher Chinese restaurant Dragon Inn, Rabbi Sendrow began as an undergraduate major in music at Northern Illinois seeking to eventually become a symphonic conductor. He studied and performed euphonium and trombone and had a performance scholarship, but unfortunately found that career path closed to him. Five years driving a truck for a catalog showroom and doing retail management as a catalog deliverer taught him two things. First, that he wanted to find a career that he had passion for, like music, and secondly that he had no passion for retail at all.
As he was active at his synagogue, Congregation Beth’El, he decided he wanted to be a full-time Jewish professional. Sendrow was initially denied entrance to the seminary as he had never attended a full Jewish day school, just Hebrew school in the afternoon. However, with the support and mentoring of his main influence, Rabbi Howard Kahn (of blessed memory) from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Sendrow went to Gratz College, received his BA in Jewish Studies, and then passed the Rabbinical school exam. Prior to serving in Lincoln, Rabbi Sendrow held the pulpit at two other congregations: Temple Judea in Fort Myers, Florida, and Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel, Indiana. Ken Bloom, who co-chaired the search committee for Rabbi Sendrow, said, “The search committee knew that we needed a very special rabbi who could respect and carry on the traditions of both congregations while also continuing to bring us together as one community. We were lucky to have Rabbi Sendrow apply for our position. He has those qualities and consistently demonstrates his love for both Judaism and Jewish people.” These views were echoed by Bob Bleicher, the other search committee co-chair: “Benjamin Sendrow was invited to Lincoln to help us become a more united Jewish community, rather than a city with two separate and distinct houses of worship. We are impressed by his knowledge, warmth, and humor. We are excited and optimistic about the future of Judaism in Lincoln, Nebraska, under his leadership.” Rabbi Sendrow believes that to disagree is Jewish, so he looks forward to helping both congregations collaborate, feeling and acting like brother and sister congregations, all while celebrating their distinct identities as Reform (South Street Temple) and Conservative (Tifereth Israel) congregations. To keep himself “grounded and sane”, in his own words, as he embarks on his new work, he will rely on what he always does: music, photography, and Philadelphia Phillies baseball. Please join us in welcoming Rabbi Sendrow!
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The Jewish Press | August 21, 2026 | 3
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Standing on Their Shoulders: Rediscovering Federation Presidents Harry Sidman (1967–1969)
MARTY RICKS NJHS Advisory Board Some leaders leave their mark through the offices they hold. Others shape a community through decades of quiet service. Harry Sidman did both. I first came to know Harry when my family moved to Omaha's "Bagel" neighborhood in 1959. We lived at 821 Parkwood Lane, while Harry and Pauline Sidman lived just six houses away at 847. Their son, Edwin ("Ed"), was one year ahead of me at Central High School, and I knew the Sidman family primarily through Beth Israel Synagogue. They were exceptionally kind people, and all three were deeply committed volunteers whose impact reached far beyond their own family. One of my earliest memories is hearing Harry speak to the congregation at Beth Israel after he had been elected synagogue president in 1952. Even then, it was clear that service to the Jewish community was not simply something Harry did — it was part of who he was. In fact, Harry's involvement in Omaha Jewish life began decades earlier. As a teenager in 1923–24, he was among the founding members of AZA #1, the first chapter of Aleph Zadik Aleph, an organization that began in Omaha and would eventually become part of an international Jewish youth movement. It was an early indication of a commitment to Jewish community that would continue throughout his life. Harry was born in Omaha to parents who had left Boston around the turn of the twentieth century in search of greater opportunity. The family first entered the hay, feed, and coal business before Harry established himself in real estate, specializing in the rehabilitation and management of residential properties. When Harry passed away in December 1993, Ed deliv-
ered a moving eulogy that revealed how his father's lifelong commitment to Jewish communal service developed. William ("Doc") Milder recruited Harry to oversee Golden Hill Cemetery, a responsibility Harry embraced for many years. That work helped develop the leadership qualities that would later prove invaluable as Beth Israel Synagogue grew and evolved. Under the mentorship of Doc Milder and I.G. "Isadore" Goldstein, Harry played an instrumental role in raising funds and assisting with the design and construction of Beth Israel's new synagogue at 52nd and Charles Streets, completed in October 1951. After serving in numerous committee roles, he was elected president of Beth Israel in the spring of 1952. Twenty-five years later, during the synagogue's silver anniversary celebration, he was honored for his decades of dedicated service. Harry's commitment to Jewish life was shared by his wife, Pauline, who was active at Beth Israel, Hadassah, and as president of Omaha's chapter of B'nai B'rith Women, later renamed Jewish Women International. Together they demonstrated that community leadership was truly a family calling. Harry's success as a fundraiser at Beth Israel soon attracted the attention of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. He chaired the Men's Division of the 1954 Philanthropies Campaign and was asked to lead it again the following year. Over the next decade he continued serving the Federation as treasurer, secretary, and vice president before being elected Federation president in 1967, serving through 1969. Although Harry held many leadership positions, he never forgot the responsibility that first drew him into communal service. As Ed recalled in his eulogy, his father considered caring for Golden Hill Cemetery and assisting families through Jewish burial traditions "a sacred obligation" — an expression of gemilut hasadim, loving kindness. Harry became a driving force behind the establishment of Omaha's Chevra Kadisha, helping ensure that Jewish families could observe burial traditions with dignity and compassion. In recognition of this extraordinary service, the Jewish Federation honored Harry with its third Humanitarian Award in 1981. The honor carried special significance: the award had originally been established to recognize
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non-Jewish leaders in the Omaha community, making Harry its first Jewish recipient. Then-Federation President Joe Kirshenbaum observed that without Harry's determination to perpetuate this sacred work, Omaha might never have had a Jewish funeral home. For more than twenty-five years Harry quietly coordinated burials, supported grieving families, maintained the funeral home, and preserved one of Judaism's most cherished traditions. Harry and Pauline's example of service continued through future generations. Their son, Ed, became an active leader in Boston's Jewish community, serving as chairman of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston. Members of Harry's extended family likewise devoted themselves to philanthropy, Jewish education, and civic leadership, reflecting values that Harry had modeled throughout his life. I feel fortunate to have known Harry and Pauline, to have attended Central High with Ed, and to have watched members of this remarkable family continue their commitment to Jewish life. Their example reminds us that leadership is measured not simply by titles, but by lives devoted to strengthening community, serving others, and inspiring future generations.
Standing on Their Shoulders This article is part of Standing on Their Shoulders: Rediscovering Federation Presidents, an ongoing series by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society celebrating the visionary leaders who helped build and sustain Jewish life in Omaha. The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society welcomes photographs, documents, family stories, and personal recollections that can help preserve our community's rich history. If you have memories or materials related to Harry Sidman or any of Omaha's Federation presidents, we invite you to share them with the Society. Together, we can ensure these remarkable stories continue to be remembered and passed l'dor v'dor—from generation to generation.
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RBJH
Continued from page 1 of industry professionals. The growth at RBJH reflected societal advancements. The 1990s had been a decade of change, seeing the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Gulf War, the sale of the first flip phone, and the birth of the world wide web. The digital information age had begun, and technology was rapidly advancing. The pressure to keep up with these advancements, combined with shifts in resident demographics and reforms on government funding, challenged the financial stability of the Home. The cost of maintaining RBJH without letting it go downhill was substantial. By 1994 it cost $3,800,000 a year to sustain operations, an average of $33,000 per resident. No other nursing homes in Omaha provided the same breadth of services as RBJH. Daily room rates included meals, wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, IVs, personal hygiene supplies, van transportation, etc. Annually, the dietary department was making 125,000 meals and 42,000 afternoon snacks. The average age of incoming residents was also increasing due to assisted living, home health care, and other senior services. Those who were admitted to nursing homes usually had four or more chronic conditions, requiring a higher level of care. Health care reform put state and federal support for nursing homes under scrutiny. Medicare reimbursements totaled 2% of the Home’s income, barely enough to cover expenses. All of these factors resulted in RBJH relying on endowment funds to keep rates affordable. Jerry Dann, past president of the Bureau for The Aging, along with board members Bert Lewis and Stan Silverman spearheaded an endowment fund drive. Norman Veitzer, chairman of the Board of
Trustees of the JFO Foundation, and Sheldon Bernstein, Endowment Director, worked to protect and nurture the growth of funds set up to benefit RBJH and all other agencies of the JFO. The en-
dowment fund drive emphasized community generosity as the starting point. RBJH worked closely with the JFO Foundation. Supporting or creating endowment funds would help maintain facility operations while also honoring loved ones by keeping their values alive. Using existing endowment funds as examples, the committee illustrated how contributions could be both personally fulfilling and beneficial to the community. The Ernie I-Go Nogg Memorial Fund had recently provided an ice cream machine for the Home, symbolic of Ernie’s desire to make people feel good. The Frohm Repair Endowment Fund allowed for the replacement of lifts needed to help move residents, symbolic of the family’s commitment to community care. The Sara Rose Woskoff Arts and Crafts Resource Fund provided residents with art supplies, art programs, and intergenerational classes, symbolic of the joy Sara had
found when she led residents in creative art projects. The collective impact of these gifts enriched the lives of residents and inspired community participation in sustaining the Home. In 1998, Steve and Marcia Pitlor, along with Patty and Steve Nogg, led a $5 million community campaign for additions and improvements to the Jewish Community Center. In 1999, the Phil Sokolof Fitness Center opened. With new improvements across campus, attention soon turned to the Blumkin Home. In 2002, Michael Silverman took over as the Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services, and discussions of a “new” Blumkin Home began. Howard Kooper, Joanie Bernstein, Bob Lepp, Bob Belgrade, Harlan Noddle, and Jan Goldstein formed a steering committee. The committee wanted to determine whether the existing facility and services would satisfactorily meet future demand. They found seniors wanted a space where their medical concerns could be managed, but in a place that felt like home. In short, the needs of the current population were different from those the building was originally designed to serve. It had been twenty years since the opening of RBJH. State-of-the-art nursing home facilities built in the early 1980s prioritized medical needs almost exclusively. RBJH had been designed on the hospital model. Long hallways, challenging for both residents and nurses, and an overall institutional feeling were disadvantages of this model. National trends in senior health care had shifted toward the hospitality industry, revolutionizing nursing home design. “These details wouldn’t matter for a few days at a time, but if you’re moving somewhere to live, you want it to feel like home,” Silverman told The Jewish Press in
a 2005 interview. “The institutional design of the current facility interferes with the level of control residents want over their lives. Families want this for their loved ones as well.” In 2005, the Jewish Federation of Omaha approved the “New Beginning” campaign. Paul and Sandy Epstein and Richard and Joanie Jacobson lead the community-wide fund raising campaign. Plans sought to usher in a new era of senior care by “rebuilding, remodeling, renovating, and expanding” the current facility. The focus was on comfort, beauty, and ambiance. The campaign included the refurbishment of resident rooms, new family-style dining rooms, and bright, open spaces with greenery and artwork. Plans also called for a 20,000-square-foot expansion that would house a short-term care area and a 25-bed Special Care Unit. The concept of a “Main Street” design was selected for the building’s center to highlight the importance of connecting with community. All plans were chosen with the comfort and safety of the residents in mind. The first step, prior to formal construction, was the creation of two prototype resident rooms. Built according to architectural plans, the rooms were piloted to test the layout with staff, residents, and community members. The “New Beginning” project was estimated to cost $18 million. The contract was awarded to Hawkins Construction Company. The JFO Foundation, now under the leadership of Marty Ricks, continued to play an important role. Preliminary construction started in the fall of 2006. Work took place over the next four years in three phases. Phase One included the transformation of rooms on the existing southwest corridor. Phase Two included the expansion of rooms in the northwest wing and the building of a new kitchen. Phase Three included the removal of the existing kitchen, relocation of the therapy suite, and renovation of fourteen rooms in the north hall. Plans originally called for 96 beds. During construction, it was increased to 105. Upon completion of the resident rooms, work began on Main Street. The “New Beginning” project was completed in 2010. RBJH was now a modern, full-service facility offering personalized care to residents of all backgrounds and faiths. Watch for the final article in this series, coming Aug. 28.
Friedel Jewish Academy Welcomes New Board of Directors
SARA KOHEN Friedel Jewish Academy Director of Advancement Friedel Jewish Academy welcomes its new Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 academic year. New board President Lisa Marcus is taking over from Ari Kohen, who served as President or Co-President for ten years. Beth Cohen, Friedel’s Head of School, says “Friedel has benefited enormously from having strong leadership at the board level. Ari led the board through a transitional time, as we added a middle school and grew into what we are today. I know that Lisa’s vision, experience, and passion for education will help us thrive going forward.” Alex Epstein, Justin Spooner, and Nancy
Wolf are joining the board as new members. Pam Cohn is leaving the board after many years of service to the school, both as a board member and as Friedel’s former principal. Friedel’s board also includes clergy from Beth El, Beth Israel, and Temple Israel. Marcus says, “We are truly blessed to have such a strong, active board. In Lisa Marcus and Ari Kohen addition to our amazing lay leaders, participation from the clergy every time we reach out, and their guidof all three synagogues has been invalu- ance and support has always been incredable in so many ways. They show up ibly helpful.”
The full list of board members is as follows: Lisa Marcus, President; Brandon Rich, Vice President; Anna Priluck, Secretary; Ron Giller, Treasurer; Shiri Phillips, Officer; Ari Kohen, Immediate Past President; Rabbi Steven Abraham; Cantor Joanna Alexander; Joel Alperson; Rabbi Deana Berezin; Alex Epstein; Helen Epstein; Jon Gates; Rabbi Mordechai Geiger; Susan Long; Linda Neumann-Potash; Lloyd Roitstein; Rabbi Benjamin Sharff; Ben Shapiro; Helene Shrago; Justin Spooner; Nancy Wolf. More information about Friedel (and Friedel’s online kosher market, Thursday night takeout catering information, and donation opportunities) can be found at www. friedeljewishacademy.com.
The Jewish Press | August 21, 2026 | 5
More Than a Game, Part 1
ZANE ROBINSON Jewish Press Chesed Intern Editor’s note: On a recent Sunday afternoon, I received a sudden, slightly shocked text, from our Chesed Intern, Zane: Itay was taking him to the JCC Maccabi Games. He was leaving for Kansas City that same day. It was an ordinary Sunday morning. I was not expecting to make a trip to Kansas City, play basketball with a team I had never met, or spend the next week surrounded by Jewish athletes from around the world. Then Itay, Jewish Federation of Omaha Shaliach, called. He told me the Pittsburgh Maccabi basketball team was down a player and needed someone to join the team quickly. Without another player, the team would have to forfeit. Itay knew me from BBYO. He knew I played a little basketball, but more importantly, he knew I loved the game. He thought of me when his team needed someone, and that one phone call completely changed my week. I was surprised. I had never planned on going to the Maccabi Games, and suddenly I was being asked to join a team in Kansas City. I was also incredibly lucky to have people around me who immediately supported the opportunity. My parents were completely behind me. Annette, my supervisor at the Omaha Jewish Press, did not hesitate when I told her what had happened. “Go, you MUST go!” she told me. So I went. My sister and my dad, Zac Robinson, dropped everything to help get me to Kansas City. I arrived knowing almost nothing about the team I was joining. I was meeting teammates for the first time and stepping into an experience that, just hours earlier, I had not even known I
would be part of. Looking back, I keep thinking about how easily the whole thing could have never happened. If Itay had not thought of me, I would not have gone. His ability to think outside the box and connect people is what made this possible. He saw an opportunity to bring someone into a situation where they could contribute, and he reached out. That is exactly what he does so well — he connects people. And because of that phone call, I met people who quickly became friends and experienced a week that I will not forget. A Team of Strangers When I first arrived in Kansas City, I was joining a team of people I had never met. That could have been intimidating, but it did not take long for everyone to make me feel like I belonged. We were brought together because of basketball, but the team quickly became much more than that. We practiced, competed, talked, joked around and spent time together away from the court. The basketball itself was competitive, but there was also a strong sense that we were there to have fun. There was a lot of respect shared between the teams. That balance was one of the things I enjoyed most. Everyone wanted to win, but nobody lost sight of why we were really there. I also quickly realized that our team was only a small part of something much bigger. There were athletes from all over the world — including Israel, Ukraine and the United States — and I heard people speaking different languages throughout the week. It was one of the first things that really stood out to me. Even though we all came from different
places and had different stories, we had something in common. We were Jewish athletes coming together through sports. A Home Away From Home Some of my favorite parts of the week happened when we were not playing basketball. During the Games, I stayed with a host family along with three of my teammates. At first, they were simply the family providing us with a place to stay. By the end of the week, they felt like an important part of my Maccabi experience. We spent a lot of time together getting to know each other, hanging out and having conversations. Those conversations gave me a chance to learn about people I probably would never have met otherwise. We talked about our lives, our families, our experiences and Judaism. I got to hear about different ways people connected with Judaism and what that connection meant to them. Those conversations were especially meaningful to me because I am still figuring out what my own relationship with Judaism will look like. What I saw during the week was that there is not one specific way to be Jewish or one specific path that brings someone into the Jewish community. Everyone has their own story. Finding Belonging One of the biggest things I took away from the Maccabi Games was how welcoming people were. I never felt like I had to explain why I was there or prove that I belonged. People are just very welcoming, and they don’t care about who you are or how you came about finding Judaism. That really stuck with me. There were people from different coun-
tries, different backgrounds and different experiences with Judaism. Some people had grown up surrounded by Jewish community, while others had found their way to Judaism differently. But at Maccabi, everyone had a place. For me, that was one of the most meaningful parts of the entire experience. I went to Kansas City because a basketball team needed one more player. I came home thinking much more about what it means to be part of a Jewish community. Seeing the World in One Place The opening and closing ceremonies were some of my favorite moments of the week. That was when everyone got to be together. We got to meet people from different teams and countries, hang out and celebrate everything we had experienced. Standing in a crowd with so many Jewish athletes from around the world made me realize just how large the Maccabi community really is. Before going, I probably would not have understood the scale of it. If people just hear “Maccabi Games,” they might think it is a national event. It is much bigger than that. It is global. Seeing all of these people in one place was something I will remember for a long time. Athletes who had been competing against each other throughout the week were suddenly standing together, celebrating the same experience. The competition was important, but the community was what made the JCC Maccabi Games truly special.
proaching this will be the first of many opportunities for students to celebrate being Jewish together. We are also excited to announce that through a generous donation the kosher kitchen will be able to provide kosher meals to students free of charge. Kitchen staff are creating menus and working on the behind-the-scene details to be able to offer a seamless, and accessible, dining experience to students that is 100% kosher. We anticipate a huge jump in demand this year and are thrilled that the Harris Center for Judaic Studies is supporting us in this endeavor. Additionally, the Harris Center will be offering many learning opportunities for students as they return to campus. Dr.
Kohen and his co-authors will be celebrating the launch of their book Fascist Legacies: Far-Right Ideologies Then and Now with a discussion panel and snacks on Aug. 27. The next week the 2026 Krivosha lecture, on Sept. 3, will host Zalman Rothschild as he presents his lecture on Free Exercise’s False Binary: Lessons for Jewish Law. The next evening, Sept. 4, Hillel will host a special Shabbat dinner during which time Dr. Kohen will sit for an AMA about Judaism. With all these events students will have a vast number of options to see old friends, make new connections, and start the school year off strongly. We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon.
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Welcome Back to Campus!
ABBY COREN Jewish Life Coordinator/Kosher Kitchen Supervisor, Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies, UNL Housing and Dining Services Hillel is excited to welcome students, new and returning, back to campus this year! We are busy planning the year and
have many exciting events coming up. We will be meeting students in both student unions on City and East campuses at the “Nvolvement Fairs” taking place the first week of school, August 26 and August 27. This is our opportunity to introduce Hillel to the campus community and share the events we have scheduled in the first few weeks of school. The year will kick off with a Back to School BBQ on Aug. 28 with food provided by the kosher kitchen. Students are actively working on the menu and deciding which games to play. This is our first Shabbat dinner of the year which will bring students together to reconnect with one another and relax after a hectic first week of classes. With the chaggim fast ap-
6 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2026
MAZAL TOV, ALEX! Alex Rich earned his pilots license on June 3rd. He will be a sophomore at UNO this fall majoring in Aviation. He's working to be a commercial pilot upon graduation.
RBJH Family members, residents, and friends attended the Family Night BBQ at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Chris Ulven and Mark Sweet manned the grill. This special event was generously sponsored by the Julius Froom and Phil & Minnie Freeman Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
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.
BIKE4CHAI
Familiar faces at the Bike4C hai, a charity ra Chai Lifeline. Te ce for am Omaha ra ised over $33, 000.
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8 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2026
News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D
JBL Welcomed Tamara Draeger
JAY KATELMAN JFO Director of Community Development On Wednesday, Aug. 5, Jewish Business Leaders welcomed Tamara Draeger, President and CEO of Nebraska Warehouse Company, Cannonball Express Transportation, and The Junction. Tamara and her father, Jon Meyers, shared the spotlight for a fireside chat. Having both secondand third-generation leaders together made the morning particularly meaningful for those in attendance, and for Jon and Tamara themselves. Tamara (Meyers) Draeger entered the logistics industry in 2007 when she began working alongside her father, Jon Meyers, and cousin, Bruce Meyers, in the family business. Tamara was teaching special education when she received a call from her father. Jon explained that the family had begun receiving offers from companies interested in purchasing the business, and told her that if she ever wanted to join the family business, it was “now or never.” She left teaching and, at just 23 years old, began working for the family business. Tamara made it a priority to learn every aspect of the business, except for positions requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To her, being overprepared and truly understanding the business from the ground up was very important. “Tamara’s story really embodies why I started Jewish Business Leaders,” Alex Epstein said. Alex is the founder of Jewish Business Leaders and Executive Vice President of OMNE Partners. “At just 42, she’s navigating what so many business leaders spend their careers trying to figure out—leading a successful multi-generational family business, planning for succession, honoring what the generation before her built while still putting her own stamp on it, and doing all of that as a female CEO and a mom. Having Tamara and Jon together gave us a rare opportunity to hear both sides of that generational transition and an honest look at what it takes to successfully navigate family, leadership and business.” As a young woman entering an industry traditionally dominated by men, Tamara often found herself managing employees who were significantly older than she was. Through her knowledge, leadership skills and strong work ethic, she earned their respect and demonstrated that she was exactly where she belonged. The same experience followed her outside the workplace. When she attended industry conferences and professional organizations, she was often one of the few women—and frequently the youngest person in the room. Rather than allowing that to discourage her, she continued to show up, learn and lead. Over time, she became well-known and respected throughout the industry for her knowledge, leadership and dedication. Tamara holds, and has held, important leadership positions within several industry organizations. She was the youngest person and the first woman to serve as Chair of The Captive, an insurance program in which trucking companies pool their insurance risks rather than relying solely on traditional insurance coverage. Tamara also makes time to give back to her community. Once a quarter, she and her team volunteer with different nonprofit organizations throughout Omaha. Tamara also serves on the Building and Grounds Committee at the JCC, is a member of Temple Israel’s Execu-
tive Committee and Board of Trustees and serves on the YLP Steering Committee. When Jon asked Tamara about her leadership style, she described herself as a servant leader, someone who values people, puts them first and empowers them to be their best. She wants her employees to know she is not simply someone in the C-suite making decisions from an office. She values their opinions and input and believes they should have a voice in important decisions. She leads by example and will not ask someone to do something she is unwilling to do herself. “They are family to me,” she explained. That commitment to her employees is evident in the culture she has built. Jon also asked Tamara about the growth of the family business. In Tamara’s words, they are “really a real estate business with a warehouse problem.” Nebraska Warehouse began purchasing land and building warehouses to store third-party products until they could be transported to their final destinations. As the company continued to grow, the family added Cannonball Express Transportation and The Junction, allowing them to transport products themselves. This combination of warehousing and transportation gave the company a significant competitive advantage and allowed it to provide customers with a more complete range of services. It was refreshing to hear the story of a thriving family business that has successfully transitioned through three generations. The morning demonstrated not only how well the Meyers family understands their business, but also how well they understand and support one another. We are grateful to Jon and Tamara for sharing their stories, advice and knowledge with the Jewish Business Leaders community. It offered a wonderful example of the impact that strong leadership, family values and a commitment to community can have on a business and the people it serves. Coming up next for Jewish Business Leaders is the JBL Hall of Fame on Nov. 6 from 7:30–9 a.m. at Happy Hollow Club. The event will feature the Nogg family and recognize I-Go Van & Storage. More details and registration information will be available soon. A special thank you to our Presenting sponsor: Bridges Trust; Our Platinum sponsors: CFO Systems LLC, Horgan Law, Max I. Walker, OMNE Partners, Security National Bank, Sun Valley Landscaping, and Thrasher Foundation Repair; and our Event Sponsors: Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service, Nebraska Warehouse Company, Cannonball Express Transportation, The Junction, Koley Jessen, and Alex Epstein. For questions about Jewish Business Leaders, please contact Jay Katelman, Director of Community Development at jkatelman@jewishomaha.org, or at 402.334.6461.
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The Sorting Hat is coming for you
CADEE SCHEER Jacobson Leadership Tomorrow Intern Some people think that there is not a lot that my generation knows about getting older. Most of us think that you just have more issues, complain about the weather, and tell the younger generations how grown up they look. But after years of observing my parents and grandparents I have realized that one thing is for certain. Think of it kind of like the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter. There are three paths when you get older: pickleball, mahjong, and knitting. There is one for everyone, you can play mind games, be active or be artistic. You may think this won't happen to you, but it will. My mom tried to tell me I was wrong but then she tried out pickleball. There are reasons behind why all the Bubbies go down these roads. Of all three, Mahjong has the most Jewish history and that is not because there are as many ways to spell it as Hanukkah. In 1937, a group of Jewish women got together to standardize the game creating the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) and creating American Mahjong. Today the game has grown tremendously, where now you can go to many synagogues and public spaces to play. You can chill with your friends, or play very seriously.
If you are not into games and like to move around, you may be sorted into the second path, pickleball. There are many benefits to playing pickleball. It is an active game that is similar to tennis. It has become really big in recent years with many JCCs and outdoor places building courts where tennis courts used to be. It is also very big in Israel. There are over 3,000 active players. They have every level from in the park to Maccabiah games to World Cup wins. The final path you can take, if you are more on the creative side, is knitting. This is for really artistic people. Knitting is a rhythmic calming activity that uses muscle memory, which is good for the brain. When you do two different movements with your hands, it can help with brain function. When people knit and make things for other people you can see their creativity though it. Knitting makes good gifts for friends and family. There are many different levels of knitting from intricate red-carpet pieces, to me trying to knit a scarf in 7th grade and finding this was not the path I was meant to be on. Something I have seen with all three of these activities is that in recent years they have grown not just with the bubbies but with people of all ages. You can go on Tik Tok or Instagram and find videos of people of all ages playing pickleball, making the coolest Mahjong sets and the most intricate sweaters and blankets. You don't have to wait until retirement to pick where you will go, but inevitably, that sorting hat will come for you. Personally, I am terrible at sports and I am not the most artistic person so I think I will go down the Mahjong path. I love playing games. I love playing games with my grandparents. So where will you be sorted?
Voices
The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920)
David Finkelstein President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Will Fischer Creative Director Claire Endelman Sales Director Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Sam Kricsfeld Digital support Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Advisory Board David Finkelstein, President; Margie Gutnik, Ex-Officio; Toby Dresdner, Andrea Erlich, Dana Gonzales, Mary Sue Grossman, Hailey Krueger, Avery Lubin, Sara Rips, Seth Schuchman, Stewart Winograd and Bob Yaffe. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the JFO are:: Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE), Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS), Jewish Press, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH), Jewish Family Service (JFS), Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center (JCC). Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial E-mail editorial material and photos to: jpress@jewishomaha.org and avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: wfischer@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes signed Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
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The Jewish Press | August 21, 2026 | 9
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Advisory Board, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.
Put down that Microphone ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor When the Metropolitan Museum of Art recently announced they were dedicating an exhibit to fashion designer John Galliano, there were questions. Galliano tanked his career over 15 years ago, during a public meltdown that showed a fair amount of antisemitism. Since then, he has repented, studied with rabbis, and he is reportedly clean. How much does it take to forgive his past behavior? Staff at the Met has promised to include Galliano’s problematic chapter in the narrative, so that’s something. But can we consider Galliano reformed? Can we mark him safe? Meanwhile, in Great Britain there is Joshua Bonehill-Paine, the (supposedly former) neoNazi who came out of prison a better man, or so he claims. Back in the day, he cosplayed in fake uniforms, organized Nazi marches and harassed Jews, including Labour Party member Luciana Berger. He called himself “a proud antisemite,” and aimed for the end of the “Jewification” of Great Britain. Bonehill-Paine presented himself as reformed, and tried to run for a local council seat on the Conservative Party ticket. Backlash was swift, and he dropped out of the race. Instead, he will now “serve as an unpaid adviser to the Conservative Party’s Culture and Inte-
gration Commission on preventing the radicalization of young men.” (Kelly Hartog, JTA) Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch “argued that people who had renounced extremist beliefs could play an important role in preventing others from radicalized.” becoming Bonehill -Paine in turn “told the Guardian that since his release from prison he has spoken publicly against antisemitism and extremism and has completed government-backed de-radicalization and counter-extremism programs.” That may, or may not, be true. Does that mean he truly changed? I understand the idea behind it: who better to educate wanna-be Nazis than someone who used to think that way himself ? But then, I don’t know how effective these programs are. And as for educating the radicalized, I’d rather have that done by people who never believed any Nazi ideology in the first place. Here is what I really think: people get caught up in neo-Nazi movements because they look for a sense of belonging, and because they want attention. And Bonehill-Paine may think he’s changed his stripes, but he continues to
look for that attention. He just looks for it in public office, in government, rather than by waving a Nazi flag. He still tries to prosely-
tize—not because he is truly on our side, but because he wants to be seen, he wants to be heard. And people like him do not need a pedestal, or a microphone. I mean, what does he have to offer? So, Joshua, you did bad things and spoke ugly words, and then you went to prison. Now you are out, and you say you are better. You can show us that’s true by living a quiet life and getting out of that spotlight. Put down that microphone, get away from the cameras, stop taking up space in the news cycle. We are all tired.
Learning and growing SCOTT LITTKY IHE Executive Director For the past five summers, I have had the privilege of traveling to Poland with students from Creighton Law School participating in the Kaiman Nuremberg to The Hague (N2H) Program. It has been an honor to serve as part of the program staff, and each year I return home having learned something new and grown from the experience. When Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, nearly three million Jews lived there. Today, fewer than 20,000 remain. Before the Holocaust, Poland was the center of Ashkenazi Jewish life, home to a vibrant culture and centuries of rich religious, intellectual, and communal traditions. This year, two experiences continue to stay with me. The first was my visit to the site of the Treblinka extermination camp. I was drawn there because of the remarkable story of our local Holocaust survivor, Joseph Polonski, one of the very few people to escape from Treblinka. His survival is nothing short of extraordinary. I encourage everyone to watch Escape from Treblinka: The Joseph Polonski Story, the documentary created by his family and available on the Institute for Holocaust Education website. Between July 1942 and October 1943, an estimated 800,000 to 925,000 Jews were murdered at Treblinka as part of Operation Reinhard. It was the second-deadliest extermination camp after Auschwitz-Birkenau. Today, nothing remains of the camp itself; the site has become a place of remembrance and reflection. For me, visiting Treblinka was an opportunity to bear witness and honor Joe Polonski's survival. Whenever I visit a Holocaust site, I bring home a small stone and place it on my desk. In Jewish tradition, stones left at memorials symbolize remembrance and the enduring obliga-
tion not to forget. Seeing those stones each day reminds me of the profound responsibility we share to teach the lessons of the Holocaust and to uphold the promise of "Never Again." The second experience that has remained with me took place in Kraków. This year, we added a Shabbat dinner to the N2H program, held on the evening before our visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. I had the honor of leading the traditional rituals and blessings. It was an incredibly moving experience. My own family emigrated from Poland before World War I, and I could not help but think about the generations of Jewish families who once welcomed Shabbat in that same city. The dinner was filled with conversation, laughter, and community, offering our students a glimpse into the vibrant Jewish life that flourished in Kraków before the Holocaust. As I begin a new year as Executive Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education, I am reminded that memory is not simply about preserving the past. It is about shaping the future. The responsibility to keep the stories and lessons of those who experienced the Holocaust alive has never been more important. In an increasingly complex world, those lessons challenge us to confront hatred, defend human dignity, and ensure that the voices of survivors continue to guide future generations. I also have found myself over the last few years, realizing the importance of my own per-
sonal support for Israel as it relates to being a Holocaust Educator. Two summers ago, I attended an international conference on Holocaust Education at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. One of the speakers made the following statement in her presentation: “Israel did not come about because of the Holocaust, but because of the Holocaust we need Israel.” To me, this statement has been very impactful! I am not a pessimist or one who sees the glass as half-empty. But I do think of myself as a realist, and I think our history has shown us as Jews that we must be there for each other and the importance of having a Jewish homeland.
Synagogues
10 | The Jewish Press | August 21, 2026
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
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 Ever Rosh Hashanah, Friday, Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. with our guest speaker, Council Bluffs Mayor Jill Shudak. Our service leader is Bob Yaffe. 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 board members: David Alloy, Renee Corcoran, Rick Katelman, Gail Kenkel, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Ann Moshman, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon, Sissy Silber and Jenn Tompkins. Handicap Accessible.
BETH EL Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Cantor Gil Ezring. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services and Bar Mitzvah of Micah Christensen, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream; Havdalah, 8:50 p.m. Zoom Only. SUNDAY: Morning Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Makers Market, 10 a.m.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El and Zoom. MONDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m. at Beth El and Zoom; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El and Zoom. TUESDAY: Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream. WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m. at Beth El and Zoom; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El and Zoom; Minyan, Mahj & Mumchies, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug. 28: NE AIDS Project Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Tot Shabbat with Dinner, 6 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream. SATURDAY-Aug. 29: Simcha Shabbat, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream; Kiddush sponsored by Sandy and Jeff Passer following services; Jr. Congregation (Grades K-12), 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 8:35 p.m. Zoom Only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.
BETH ISRAEL FRIDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Calm in an Uncertain World, 7:35 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:57 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos Café, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Soulful Torah, 6:55 p.m.; Mincha, 7:40 p.m.; Kids Activity/Laws of Shabbos, 8:10 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:57 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Calm in an Uncertain World, 9:35 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m. MONDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Calm in an Uncertain World, 7:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m. TUESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Calm in an Uncertain World, 7:35 a.m.; Smichat Chaver Men's Class, 7 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv,
8 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Calm in an Uncertain World, 7:35 a.m.; Character Development, 1:30 p.m.; Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8 p.m. THURSDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Calm in an Uncertain World, 7:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug. 28: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Calm in an Uncertain World, 7:35 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:46 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug. 28: Shabbos Café, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Soulful Torah, 6:45 p.m.; Mincha, 7:30 p.m.; Kids Activity/Laws of Shabbos, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:46 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
CHABAD HOUSE Join classes via Zoom. Go to 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.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m. go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; Candlelighting, 7:56 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 8:56 p.m. SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps, 9 a.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 6-8 p.m. with David Cohen. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Aramaic Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 6 p.m. with David Cohen; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 7 p.m. with David Cohen. WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with David Cohen. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with David Cohen; Code of Jewish Law Class, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug. 28: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m. go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; Candlelighting, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug. 29: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 8:44 p.m.
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services led by Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow. All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:30-7:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Sendrow at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 7:58 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Torah Study, 12:15 p.m. on Parashat Ki Teitzei led by Rabbi Sendrow at TI; Havdalah, 8:57 p.m. SUNDAY: LJCS Classes, 9:30 a.m.–noon; Men's Bike and Coffee Club, 10:45 a.m. The Mill Coffee & Bistro at Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Dr #1350, Lincoln. For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at alb ertw801@gmail.com. WEDNESDAY: Ladies' Lunch, 12:30–1:30 p.m. at Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen-Lincoln, 2940 Pine Lake Rd STE A, Lincoln. Locations are decided upon at each lunch for the following month. For more information, please email Barbara Barron at oohhmmm. barb@gmail.com; Hebrew Classes, 4:30–6 p.m. THURSDAY: TI Board Meeting, 7–9 p.m. at TI. FRIDAY-Aug. 28: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:307:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Sendrow at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 7:47 p.m. SATURDAY-Aug. 29: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Torah Study, 12:15 p.m. on Parashat Ki Tavo led by Rabbi Sendrow at TI; Havdalah, 8:46 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.
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 a.m. In-Person; Village Walking Group, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m. In-Person; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. In-Person & Zoom. SUNDAY: Breakfast for YLP, 9 a.m.; Grades PreK-7, 9:30 a.m.; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 1 p.m. TUESDAY: Life and Philosophy of Abraham Joshua Heschel, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Bienstock; Mah Jongg Made Easy, 1:30 p.m. In-Person; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m. In-Person; Grades 36, 4:30 p.m. FRIDAY-Aug. 28: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. InPerson; Village Walking Group, 9 a.m.; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom. SATURDAY-Aug. 29: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service and Bat Mitzvah of Sophie Kazor, 10:30 a.m. In-Person & Zoom. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
Don’t get scammed! SHELLY FOX Jewish Senior Outreach Director Community Presentation with Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine. Scam calls and pop-ups are getting more convincing: callers pretending to be the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or a panicked relative; tech support pop ups demanding remote access and payment. These fraudsters rely on panic to make you act before thinking. The best defense is education.
Join us for a presentation with Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. on the JCC campus. Attorney Kleine will explain common scams and practical steps to protect yourself from financial exploitation, fraud, and identity theft — and he will be available to answer your individual questions. What you will learn: • How to spot spoofed phone calls, urgent sounding scams, and bogus tech alerts
• Safe ways to verify requests for money or remote access • Steps to take if you’ve been targeted or think you’ve been compromised • Local resources for reporting fraud and getting help Come learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones! For more information or to confirm location/ parking on campus, please contact Shelly Fox 402.334.6532.
TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at www.omahajewish press.com/site/forms/. Deadlines are normally nine days prior to publication, on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.
Life Cycles BAT MITZVAH SOPHIE BRYNN KAZOR Sophie Brynn Kazor, daughter of Michelle and Stu Kazor, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Temple Israel. Sophie is a seventh-grade honor roll student at Buffett Magnet Middle School. She was given the "Best Violin Piece" award at her school's strings concert. Sophie has been dancing at the JCC since she was two. She is a member of the JCC Dance Training Company. She also loves ice skating, hanging with friends, baking and shopping. For her mitzvah project, Sophie volunteered her time this summer helping out with the Dance and Theater camps at the Jewish Community Center. She has two sisters, Emily, Elizabeth, and a brother, Zachary. Grandparents are Renee and Louie Kazor of Omaha, and Peggy and Bill Kolm of Omaha. Great-grandparents are the late Mollie and Morrie Franklin of Omaha, the late Rose and Louie Kazor of Omaha, the late Alice and Ed Kwapiszeski of Panama, IA and the late Mildred and William Kolm of Schuyler, NE.
IN MEMORIAM
MILDRED G. FEIDMAN David Bittner passed away on August 10, 2026 in Omaha. Graveside services were conducted by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff. David was preceded in death by Parents Max and Phyllis Bittner, Grandparents Sam and Elizabeth Freed, Eli and Chaja Bittner. He is survived by his loving cousins and friends. David was a journalist at the Palm Beach Jewish World and the Jewish Journal of South Florida, as well as an Evelyn Waugh Scholar. Memorials may be sent to NAMI Nebraska.
The Jewish Press | August 21, 2026 | 11
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Next Chapter Are you 55+ and looking for programming to connect you to your community? The Staenberg Omaha JCC and Jewish Family Service are excited to introduce you to Next Chapter. Next Chapter events are a great way to meet new people, learn new things, and keep moving! These monthly events are open to the entire community and will feature a diverse range of topics and activities: Honoring the Aged, Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 5:306:30 p.m.: Jewish Family Service in partnership with the University of Nebraska’s Gerontology program is excited to bring Professor Doron to Omaha. Professor Doron is a full professor of gerontology. He specializes in human rights for older adults, dignity in aging, empowerment, and advocacy for both older adults and caregivers. Ditmar's Orchard Excursion, Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 1-3:30 p.m.: From apple cider donuts to hayrack rides, Ditmar’s Orchard & Vineyard provides no lack of fall fun. Next Chapter will be meeting up to take in the fall atmosphere and do a wine tasting together. Pricing is with and without the wine tasting. What's Good in Omaha? Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 12:00 p.m.: A panelist of Longtime residents share favorite spots, local traditions, mahjong tables, poker nights, and the communities that make Omaha feel like home. For more information and to register, please contact Annie Rifkin at arifkin@jfsomaha.com.
NEBRASKA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENT ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $225/25 word classified ad. Over 120 newspapers with circulation of more than 237,000. Contact the Jewish Press or call 1-800-369-2850. HELLO NEBRASKA! Introducing www.nepublicnotices.com, a new public notice website presented as a public service by all Nebraska newspapers. Free access, fully searchable – because democracy depends upon open government and your right to know.
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IDAN ZACCAI Omaha BBYO Director Shalom BBYO family, We are absolutely thrilled to begin another incredible year of BBYO! We hope all our Alephs and BBGs had a fantastic first day of school, and we want to send our warmest wishes and best of luck to our recent graduates as they begin their exciting college journeys. Our first event of the semester is Fall Kick-off on August 30. You will receive our full fall schedule very soon! In the meantime, please go ahead and mark these very impor-
tant dates on your calendar: November 6-8, 2026: Fall Regional Convention in Kansas City February 11-15, 2027: BBYO International Convention in Baltimore April 16-18, 2027: Spring Regional Convention, location to be determined I’m always here to answer any questions or address concerns as we jump into the year. Let’s make this year unforgettable!
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News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D
Mazel Moments: RBJH's Fashion Week Was a Runway of Smiles
MAGGIE CONTI RBJH Director of Activities and Volunteer Services Residents, staff, and family members came together for a fun-filled Fashion Week that transformed RBJH into a celebration of style through the decades. The Residents got involved to help Christina Caniglia, Assistant Director of Activities, create a colorful Main Street display that sparked conversations and brought back treasured memories. The display kept growing as more items appeared, creating an evolving fashion exhibit. Adding an educational touch to the week, retired University of Nebraska at Omaha School of the Arts professor Nick Newman presented an engaging program, Courtier Fashion Through the Ages, highlighting the dramatic evolution of fashion during the 20th century. From elegant long dresses and high collars to bold miniskirts and changing trends, Residents enjoyed reminiscing about the styles they once wore and the stories behind them. The highlight of the week was the RBJH Fashion Show, where the red carpet came alive with everything from elegant tailoring to whimsical costumes. The audience cheered as Residents, staff, and volunteers confidently modeled a variety of fashions, proving that style has no age limit. A special thank you goes to Marilyn Tipp,
whose delightful emceeing kept everyone smiling and laughing throughout the show, while Anna Mosenkis provided beautiful background music that added the perfect touch of elegance. One of the week's most heartwarming moments came
from the community's generosity. After Christina Caniglia placed a notice in the Jewish Press seeking fashion show models, Erin Seward responded with an incredible offer. Erin generously shared several couture gowns she designed while in college, garments that had been featured in professional fashion shows. Erin was reading the Jewish Press, saw the ad, and thought, "Let's get these gowns out of storage and put them to work." She graciously spent time fitting staff members for the show, making everyone feel special and so lovely. Her kindness, talent, and generosity made the event even more memorable. The finale of the show was the involvement of the dietary staff dressed up as M & Ms. As they strutted down the red carpet, they handed the audience a swag bag filled with goodies, including M & Ms. The dietary staff made signature cocktails and fancy appetizers, and the designer cake made by Kema Berry blew everyone away as she made a purse and a hat into cake. A masterpiece! Fashion Week reminded everyone that while trends may come and go, the memories they create never fade. An outfit that seemed "so cool" at the time creates such fun memories. A heartfelt thank you to the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation for their generous support in making Fashion Week another unforgettable RBJH Mazel Moment.
Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award Celebrates Resilient Scholars
AMY BERNSTEIN SHIVVERS JFO Foundation Executive Director On Aug. 6, the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) proudly honored Dante Jimmerson, Abdirahman Samatar and Jerry Jackson with the Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award at its monthly board meeting. Each year, this award recognizes high school seniors who have lived in OHA housing and demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and commitment to their future. This year's recipients each bring a remarkable story of perseverance and purpose: Dante Jimmerson Dante Jimmerson, a graduate of Omaha North High School, will attend University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study Criminal Justice on the pre-law track with the goal of becoming a corporate lawyer. Dante balances a rigorous academic schedule of Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses with leadership responsibilities at Raising Cane's, where he serves as a certified trainer. Inspired by opportunities to connect with legal professionals, Dante is committed to using his education to build meaningful relationships, advocate for others, and make a lasting impact in his community. Abdirahman Samatar Abdirahman Samatar's journey from a Somali refugee camp to academic success in Omaha reflects extraordinary resilience, determination, and hope. Having overcome significant childhood health challenges and adversity, he is passionate about pursuing a career in radiology, after he graduates from Omaha Central High School, so he can help others receive the care and answers he once sought himself. Through his compassion, perseverance, and commitment to serving others, Abdirahman exemplifies the spirit of leadership and the transformative power of education.
Jerry Jackson Jr. Jerry Jackson Jr. is a graduating senior at Omaha Central High School who will attend Southwest Minnesota State University, where he will continue his football career while majoring in Business Administration. Determined to become a successful business owner, Jerry hopes to create opportunities for others while serving as a role model in his community. His strong work ethic, discipline, and commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom demonstrate his dedication to building a brighter future for himself and those around him.
Sal Issaka, Director of Resident Initiatives & Public Housing Engagement at OHA, shared his pride in the awardees and the community effort behind them: “Our youth are filled with potential — they just need someone to believe in them. My team and I are honored to walk alongside these students as they chase their dreams. It’s not just about funding —it’s about helping them believe that their voices matter, and their futures are worth fighting for.” Commissioner Jennifer Taylor, a longtime member of the OHA board, reflected on the impact of the annual tradition, sharing,
“This is my favorite day of the year. We are excited for your futures and for our community.” Honoring a Legacy of Leadership The Outstanding Young Leader Award was established in 1988 by the Omaha Chamber’s Leadership Omaha Class 10. In 1999, the Award was renamed the “Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award” as a tribute to Ann, the former director of Leadership Omaha. Funding for the award comes from the Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award Endowment Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. “The Foundation is thrilled to collaborate with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the Omaha Housing Authority,” said Amy Bernstein Shivvers, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Several years ago, the Chamber entrusted The Foundation with administering and investing the endowment fund. The JFO Foundation is pleased to do our part to help these deserving students cover the cost of books, tablets, and other supplies essential to their college education. At the same time, we know we are honoring the memory of Ann Goldstein.” Don Goldstein, Ann’s husband, reflected on the longlasting impact of the award: “Ann believed in the power of education and the importance of giving young people the tools to lead. I’m incredibly proud of how many students this award has supported over the years. Watching the partnership grow between OHA, the Chamber, and the Foundation feels like Ann’s torch is still burning strong—and lighting the way for the next generation.” As these three students take the next step on their educational journeys, they carry with them not only the support of their families and mentors, but also the legacy of a community that believes in their promise — and the memory of a woman who believed in opening doors for others.