Five Countries Over Four Days: Cuba Attends Maccabiah Page 12
ELLIE NOVAK
JFO Senior Director of Development
Every Annual Campaign begins with a question: What kind of community do we want to build together? For the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the answer has always been rooted in connection, care and shared responsibility. As we prepare for the 2027 Annual Campaign, our theme, “Powered by Community: Driven by Purpose,” reflects both the strength that
comes from standing together and the clear sense of mission that moves us forward.
This year, we are proud to introduce our campaign chairs: the multi-generational Fellman-Sullivan families. Darlynn and Tom Fellman, Louri Sullivan and Rod Kestel, and Rachel, Josh, Samantha, and Tommy Sullivan are stepping forward together to lead the campaign. They bring a deep family legacy of service, See Campaign page 3
The Wandering Jew: Barletta Step Back in Time
Council Bluffs, Iowa
6
9
10 Life Cycles 11
Relive the excitement, nostalgia, and community spirit of one of Council Bluffs’ most beloved landmarks during Memories of Summer Daze, a family-friendly
celebration honoring the legacy of Playland Park and Speedway. Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, 1–3
p.m. at B’nai Israel Synagogue & Living History Museum, 618 Mynster Street, Council Bluffs, IA
From the late 1940s through the 1970s, Playland Park was a summertime destination for families across the region. Visitors came to experience thrilling rides, exciting stock car races, and the iconic roller coaster that stretched nearly three blocks and even crossed over two city streets See Step Back in Time page 3
CANTOR JOANNA ALEXANDER
Temple Israel
After an interesting Shabbat in Venice, I boarded a train down the east coast to Barletta, on the Adriatic Sea, in the Puglia region. I planned my trip to Italy around visiting Barletta and reconnecting to Maestro Francesco Lotoro, the founder of the Institute for Concentrationary Music. Lotoro continues his work rescuing music from the Holocaust and from the Gulags and POW camps. He travels regularly to seek out musical history, and perform the works he has discovered.
Being able to reconnect with him has been wonderful. Over lunch, he showed me three violins the foundation owns, which trace their way through Auschwitz (for one), Dachau (for the second); the third was carved by a Luthier in another camp. His institute continues to raise the money and takes the
time to restore these instruments, so they can be used in concerts, playing the music written in the camps. Other institutes hold items for posterity, frozen in time. They do not restore them, they do not use them. Instead, they use them as an example of destruction, not an example of living.
Lotoro also spoke of the burden of restoration. The Government of Italy recognizes the authenticity of these items and commands a national bidding process for restoration. So each item is more costly, and takes longer to restore.
Lotoro then told me of the plans for the Citadel, which will hold the musical archive and be a research center and a concert center. When we met in Omaha in May of 2023, he believed the citadel would be completed soon. Since then, they have moved planned locations three times! Again, much of the cost See The Wandering Jew page 2
The Wandering Jew
Continued from page 1
for the Citadel is coming from the government, so they have a very strong say in location and timing. At the first location, they discovered vast engineering challenges which raised the price. The second location had migrants living in it, and the government chose not to displace them. The third location, a large building in central Barletta, should be approved of any day.
Over lunch, we spoke about the many changes he has felt since Oct. 7. This topic came up because, while Italy has a right wing government, Puglia has a left-leaning government and he must meet with them to continue support for parts of his project. Apparently, Lotoro has been told to be prepared for questions around his Zionism. His views have been public in writings over the last number of years, and he will not disavow those opinions now. The idea that the government would change their approach to supporting his life's work around rescuing
Laurie Peatrowsky
MARY SUE GROSSMAN
music of the Holocaust, and not just Jewish music, but music by all imprisoned in concentration camps, POW camps, gulags, all prisoners from 1933-1957, because of Israel, or even because of his political views on Israel is unthinkable, and yet a strong reality.
Lotoro has also been blessed to have a doctoral research study opened at the university. If a student chooses this program, they are provided a large sum of money to support the research. Lotoro then has research support along with a potential protege who can continue this work and spread it around the world into the future. For all the work collected, for all that has already been published, for all the worldwide concerts and notoriety, Lotoro is in many ways a one man show. All the information we spoke of lives in his head. He spends hours trying to get it onto paper for anthologies and encyclopedias, and to be shared with the world. But small questions like, how do you list women in the index, by
their husbands’ last names, or by their birth names? He alone is answering these questions.
The archives are protected in his home with 24-hour security, and his library is protected in a rented space with fire-proof shelves and offices. But the stories that go with each page, the life that created each work, these parts currently live only in his brain.
Learning from him, from his process, from his passion is inspiring, I will have another few days to learn from him, and look forward to more stories.
joins Beth Israel as Executive Director
In mid-April, Laurie Peatrowsky made a change in her daily drive to work. Rather than turning into the JCC campus where she had worked since 1999, she drove a few blocks south, quickly arriving at Beth Israel Synagogue to begin her new role as Beth Israel’s Executive Director. Laurie’s 26 years of working for the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation immediately gave her a head start in her new position, due to her familiarity with many of the congregants and the workings of the Jewish community.
Laurie, an Omaha native, holds a bachelor’s degree from Dana College, with multiple majors in business, art, graphic design, and Spanish. She started her career at the Foundation as an Endowment Assistant and later took on additional responsibilities as Endowment Associate & Donor-Advised Administrator. In 2016, she saw another change moving to Fund Administrator and Marketing Coordinator. In 2020, she was promoted to her most recent position as Operations Manager. She and her husband, Cory, have four children. In preparing for her first interview with Beth Israel, Laurie commented it was a bit daunting. “My only other
job interview was with Marty Ricks at the Foundation,” she shared. “After so many years at the Foundation, it was a difficult decision to leave. However, when I read the job description for the Executive Director position, I felt it was an opportunity worth pursuing. I knew there would be a steep learning curve, but I thought my experience at the Foundation could be very beneficial.” Laurie added that these first three months in the job have been challenging and, at times, overwhelming, but the environment is so warm, welcoming, and supportive.
“Rabbi Geiger is amazing, Yosef Seigel has given great guidance and is encouraging, and Becca Ruetsch has been invaluable, especially in answering my many questions. Having Mary Sue Grossman train me has been so good. As a former colleague from the Jewish Federation, she was a familiar face that has made the transition even more comfortable.” When asked about her thoughts for the future, Laurie said “I am excited to see what the future brings. I have many ideas, and with my background in development, I look forward to helping the shul grow, not only its membership but assets, while building on the strong foundation that already exists.”
Jeff Kirshenbaum, Beth Israel’s immediate past president, was very pleased when learning Laurie applied for the job. “I have had the pleasure of working with Laurie for many years and knew her experience, competency, and knowledge of the Jewish community would make her a great fit for Beth Israel.”
“After reading Laurie’s resume and receiving other positive comments such as Jeff’s, it was a pleasure to meet her. She particularly impressed me in how she handled her second interview with the entire board and the decision was quickly made,” shared Yosef Seigel, Beth Israel president. “Since she has come on board, her work ethic and handling of the wide variety of responsibilities have solidified to me that she was a good choice.”
Rabbi Mordechai Geiger echoes Yosef’s comments.
“The rabbinic and executive director positions are a key team to the success of our shul. Laurie has been a pleasure as we work together to develop this solid team. Her enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and great attitude are impressive and I look forward to many years of working together.”
This author can speak first-hand about Laurie’s ability to handle the position, serving as her trainer. “As a former director, I have been impressed with her willingness to jump in with both feet, asking great questions, making copious notes, following up to assure procedures are being followed, tackling sticky issues, working with congregants, and handling the intense workload in the director position. Perhaps the biggest positive is that she does it all with a smile.”
Laurie can be reached at 402-556-6288 or lpeatrowsky@orthodoxomaha.org. Please stop by Beth Israel and say “hello” and grab a cup of coffee next time you are in the area. Keep up to date on Beth Israel happenings on the website, weekly email, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
CAMPAIGN
Continued from page 1 generosity and commitment to the Omaha Jewish community.
For the Fellman-Sullivan families, this role is both familiar and deeply meaningful. Their family has helped shape and strengthen Jewish Omaha for many years, through volunteer leadership, philanthropy, communal involvement and a steadfast belief in the importance of showing up for one another. In fact, it was 40 years ago, in 1986, when Tom Fellman first chaired the Annual Campaign. Today, that legacy continues through each family member’s personal involvement in our programs and campus life.
“This campaign is about more than raising dollars,” Tom said, “it’s about strengthening our community and creating a lasting legacy. Because of our community’s past generosity, we’ve enhanced our campus with spaces where people can connect, prosper, and belong for generations to come. Every gift, no matter the size, plays an important role in preserving that legacy while building an even brighter future for those who follow. I encourage everyone to join us by participating in this year’s campaign. Together, we will continue to make a meaningful difference for our community today and for generations to come.”
He continued: “The Omaha Jewish community has always been a meaningful and important part of my life. My grandfather, Leo Meyerson, was the president of the Omaha Jewish Welfare Federation in 1953 and said ‘It should be a great satisfaction to be able to be on the giving end, and all of us ought to deem it a privilege to be permitted to share our good fortune with others less fortunate.’ Seventy years later, this continues to be true, and we have grown into a robust community and campus. My kids grew up here, going to preschool and attending Maccabi games and BBYO. I spend most days on campus volunteering and working out. Our community and our donors are very special! We have a beautiful campus that is constantly growing, and the most generous donors who share their good fortune.”
That sense of continuity is at the heart of this year’s campaign and at the heart of the theme, “Powered by Community: Driven by Purpose.” The Annual Campaign has always been about more than dollars raised. It is about building a Jewish future, caring for people at every stage of life, and making sure that the institutions and programs that connect us remain strong for the next generation. This is our purpose, and it is made possible because the community powers it together.
Rod’s involvement reflects an important part of this year’s message: a strong Jewish community is powered not only by those who were born into it, but also by those who choose to stand with it, support it and help it thrive. As someone who is not Jewish, Rod brings a meaningful perspective on belonging, shared responsibility and why giving to this campus and community matters to everyone connected to it.
“I believe of the importance of investing in a community that enriches the lives of so many, Jewish and nonJewish alike,” Rod said. “It is an opportunity for everyone
who values education, health, and culture as part of a thriving community.”
For Rachel, Josh, Samantha, and Tommy, joining in this effort is a chance to honor the past, while helping carry the community forward. Their involvement reflects what the Annual Campaign makes possible: meaningful Jewish experiences that connect generations, inspire leadership and remind us that each person has a role to play.
“Growing up, my family taught me that supporting our Jewish community isn’t simply something we do,” Josh said, “it’s part of who we are. Giving back, volunteering, and helping ensure a vibrant future for the next generation have always been values passed down through our family. It is incredibly meaningful to continue that legacy, and I am truly honored to be mentioned alongside the remarkable leaders and families who have come before us—individuals whose dedication has helped shape and strengthen our community for generations. I hope our family’s involvement inspires others to join us in investing in the future of Jewish Omaha, just as so many have inspired me.”
The support made possible by the Annual Campaign reaches across our community in many different ways. It is visible in the education and care offered at the Early Learning Center, in the compassion and dignity provided at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and in the vital work of Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Institute for Holocaust Education. It is present in our Partnership with the people of Western Galilee. It is felt in summer camps, youth programs, cultural experiences, fitness and wellness opportunities, and the countless moments when Jewish Omaha comes together to learn, celebrate, remember, advocate and care.
As a community, we have much to be grateful for, but gratitude also carries responsibility. When we are powered by community, each person’s participation strengthens the whole. When we are driven by purpose, that strength becomes action.
This year, the Fellman-Sullivan families are reminding us that leadership is not only about the present moment; it is also about the future we choose to build with intention, generosity and purpose.
We hope you will join us in preserving this community for generations to come. Please save the date for our 2027 Annual Campaign Community Kick-Off Event on Monday, October 12. More details about the event and the full Annual Campaign cabinet will be shared in upcoming issues of the Jewish Press
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 ORGANIZATIONS
Step back in time
Continued from page 1
alongside one of Council Bluffs’ busiest thoroughfares.
The park was the vision of brothers Abe and Louis Slusky. While Louis remained in Houston to operate the Playland Park there, Abe partnered with Harry Cohen, owner of Iowa Clothes, to bring the Council Bluffs park to life. As the park evolved over the years, it became known not only for its amusement rides but also for its celebrated speedway.
The adjoining Dodge Park race track was transformed in 1949 from a dirt track into a paved midget auto racing facility and later adapted for modified stock car racing in 1952. Under Abe Slusky’s leadership, the speedway earned a loyal following, with racing enthusiasts packing the grandstands to enjoy innovative and exciting competition week after week.
The celebration at B’nai Israel will capture the fun and excitement of those unforgettable summers with attractions for the entire family, including:
• Mini horses
• Face painting
• A bouncy house
• Our own version of the famous Octopus ride
• Additional family activities and surprises
Whether you have fond memories of spending summer days at Playland Park and Speedway or are discovering its history for the first time, Memories of Summer Daze offers a unique opportunity to celebrate an important piece of Council Bluffs history while creating new memories with family and friends.
Admission is open to all.
For additional information, and to register please go to the B’nai Israel Synagogue & Living History Museum website.
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.omahajew ishpress.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.
Playland’s bumper cars right alongside Broadway were a favorite among thrillseekers
By becoming part of the past.
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• Online, via the ProQuest® information service • Microform • CD-ROM • Via database licensing
For more information, call 1-800-521-0600, ext. 2888 (US) or 01-734-761-4700 (International) www.il.proquest.com
Remembering Robert Lepp
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT
Jewish Press Editor
Robert Lawrence Lepp, born July 2, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away in Tampa, Florida, surrounded by his family on April 28, 2026, after a seven-year battle with kidney cancer. He lived a full and meaningful life defined by deep devotion to his family, a remarkable work ethic, and a gift for connection.
Bob spent his childhood in Skokie and Highland Park, Illinois, and was raised by father Harry, a jazz trombonist who was also a commodities trader, and Eleanor, his dance band vocalist mother. He attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and majored in Industrial Relations and Labor Law. He went on to attend Creighton University School of Law, where he met his beloved wife, Karen, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. At Creighton, Bob was the lead articles editor of the Creighton Law Review from 1977-1978 and was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, National Jesuit Honor Society. He graduated magna cum laude in 1978. Following law school, Bob clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Robert V. Denney from 1978-1980. His relationship with Judge Denney was so strong he asked him to officiate his wedding and he named his son after him.
He was a leader in the Jewish community as well, serving as president of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
Bob’s primary practice areas included commercial litigation, labor and employment law, and health care. Over the past 40 years, Bob represented numerous businesses and individuals and handled countless cases before administrative agencies and in state and federal court. He also had extensive experience representing employers in discrimination claims. Bob worked with over 100 long-term care facilities for over three decades on issues including survey and certification, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, labor and employment matters, and residents’ rights.
Late in the 1980s, he was approached to bring his vast legal expertise to the RBJH-it was, at the time, still under the name Bureau for the Aging. When an addition was planned, Bob helped obtain the building permit.
“I think that the communal involvement,” he said afterwards, “and the fact that it is a Jewish Home, make it unique. This community’s heart is in the RBJH.” About his time as president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, he said:
“We forged new ground and have set the stage for this community to continue to be one of the great Jewish communities in North America.”
He also stated: “The people-to-people aspect of the Omaha Jewish community is a source of great pride to our members.” He brought that belief in relationshipbuilding into his presidency, especially in growing the programming with our Partnership region in the Western Galilee. He took great pride in the JFO bringing Israeli artists, musicians, business and medical professionals as well as educators to Omaha to strengthen the relationship with Israel.
Bob dedicated his life to the practice of law, continuing his work until his final days. He was an integral part of
the firm McGill Gotsdiner Workman for over 47 years, and built a reputation as a skilled, thoughtful, and deeply committed attorney. He was known for his direct and responsive approach, his ability to navigate complex conversations, and his unwavering dedication to his clients. His work was not just his profession, but a true passion.
“Within our walls,” a statement from the firm read, “Bob was more than a partner. He was a teacher, a sounding board, and a friend. He took the time to guide young lawyers, offering insight not only into the law, but into how to build a meaningful and honorable career. His influence will continue to be felt in the lives and practices of those he mentored. Bob’s impact on McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman and Lepp endures in the strength of our firm, in the values we uphold, and in the people he helped shape. We are profoundly grateful for his life, his leadership, and the example he set.”
Bob was an adjunct faculty member at Creighton University Law School from 1979-1984 and at Bellevue University (where he developed a health care course) from 1991-1993. Bob lectured at numerous seminars and meetings for clients and bar associations on a broad range of topics, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, OSHA, general labor and employment law, and health care law. He also provided employment training to management in numerous areas, including harassment and union avoidance.
Since 2015, Bob had been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the fields of Commercial Litigation and Elder Law and earned the AV Preeminent designation in Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™, the gold standard in attorney ratings. Since 2014, he had been selected to the Nebraska Super Lawyers list as a top-rated Employment & Labor Attorney and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. Bob was a member of the American, Iowa, Nebraska and Omaha Bar Associations.
Beyond his career, Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and was happiest when surrounded by his family. Whether gathered together at home or sharing conversations, those moments meant the most to him. Outside of his work and family, he had a deep love for golf and sports.
Known as the life of the party, Bob had a natural ability to bring people together. His sense of humor, love of conversation, and ability to blend meaningful reflection with lightheartedness made him someone others were drawn to. Above all, he will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his integrity in his work, and the joy and presence he brought to those around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the relationships he built, and the family he loved so deeply.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his children, Allison (Adam) Freeman, Dustin (Kylie) Lepp, and Kelsey (Abraham) Mora; and his cherished grandchildren, Palmer and Tinley Freeman; Charlotte Lepp; and Emilio and Viviana Mora, with another Mora grandson expected in October. He is also survived by his mother, Eleanor Lepp; and his sisters, Joan Cahn and Lori Minkow, along with their families. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Lepp. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
May his memory be for a blessing. Memorials may be sent to Pickles Group in memory of Bob Lepp at Pickles Group c/o Cassy Horton Executive Director 2057 Green Bay Road Suite A Highland Park, IL 60035 or by visiting picklesgroup.org, or an organization of your choice.
How is this publication thinking about the future?
The Untested Cookbook
MAMALIGA
Sara Juster
Ingredients:
1 1/2 qts. water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal
4 tbsp. butter
2 cups light sour cream, divided 2 cups brick or monterey jack and cheddar cheese, grated and divided
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Boil water and add salt. Stirring constantly pour in cornmeal. Cook on low heat for 20 min. or until consistency of cake batter. In an 8” by 8” glass pan melt butter, then pour in 1/2 cornmeal mixture. Top with 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup grated cheeses. Pour remaining cornmeal mixture and top with another 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup cheeses. Bake for 20-30 min. until the cheese is lightly browned. Traditional Romanian recipe.
“SANDRA’S” BROILED CHICKEN
Sandra Belgrade
Ingredients: Chicken, cut up Spices, to taste
Directions:
Broiling first. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spray pan with Pam. Arrange chicken pieces snugly on the pan. Season as preferred. Place on the lowest rack in the oven. Broil for 20 minutes. Then bake for 45 minutes at 325 degrees. Enjoy. Very low in fat.
The Best Jewish Weekend of the Year
SHAYNA FELDMAN
Ever wondered what it's like to spend an unforgettable weekend with thousands of Jewish teens from around the world in New York City?
Come learn all about the CTeen International Shabbaton — the ultimate winter experience filled with inspiration, incredible friendships, exciting events, and memories you'll be talking about long after it's over.
Join us Sunday, August 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. for an evening at Topgolf Omaha where we'll hear all about the NYC Shabbaton, and answer all your questions. Plus, you get to hang out with old friends and make new Jewish friends! Come play some Topgolf, and have a great time.
Bring your Yid bestie!
To RSVP: Text "Top Golf with a side of Shabbaton" to 402-215-5240 or message us on Instagram @CTeen_Omaha.
This winter, NYC is calling. Come find out why the CTeen Shabbaton is an experience thousands of Jewish teens look forward to every year — and why you won't want to miss it.
FRIEDEL
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
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
Beth Cohen, Friedel’s Head of School, and Melissa Shrago, Director of Learning Initiatives, were selected to participate in Prizmah's Legacy Heritage Principals' Institute.
Camp Sabra send-off.
CAMP GAN ISRAEL
This summer, Camp Gan Israel is joyfully taking place at a nearby school, but standing beside the construction equipment, our campers are getting a glimpse of something even bigger.
CAMP HERZL
The Kutler boys celebrate Shabbat at Camp Herzl
JCRC
The JCRC Rekindle Cohort 2 has officially graduated!
The kids are out of school, but Friedel’s pollinator garden looks amazing!
News
JCRC Community Conversation: Behind the Scenes of Local Elections
HEIDI HEILBRUNN
JCRC Program and Communications
Manager
With election security at the center of today's national conversation, how are local votes actually kept safe?
To answer the community's biggest questions about election integrity, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) invites you to a vital Community Conversation on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
in Douglas and Sarpy counties. Since running a secure election requires a massive team, including up to 3,000 citizens in Douglas County alone, some registered voters will receive an official letter in the mail requiring them to serve at the polls.
Learning how this system functions will show you exactly how everyday citizens keep our elections transparent.
Whether you are a volunteer or drafted, serving at the polls does more than just facilitate voting. Democracy thrives when
The informative session features Douglas County Election Commissioner Danielle Jensen, Chief Deputy Commissioner Christopher Carithers, and representatives from Sarpy County. Together they will pull back the curtain on Nebraska’s election security measures and explain what it is really like to work as a poll worker.
During the presentation, the commissioners will break down how Nebraska keeps your vote safe and learn how the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act could impact the upcoming midterms.
Attendees will also hear about the fascinating and unique drafting system used
the community actively participates. Backed by the Jewish Partnership for Democracy Ignition Grant, the JCRC is calling on attendees to turn this conversation into action by volunteering as a poll worker, help neighbors by providing rides to the polls, volunteer to register voters.
By showing up and taking action, you support the daily mission of the JCRC to preserve democratic values, defend religious freedom, and advance social justice. Registration is required to attend. Come get the facts straight from the officials who run our local systems and find out how you can help this fall!
Register here: igfn.us/form/jxRe5g
Book Review: Stories of the Rabbis
ZANE ROBINSON
Jewish Press Chesed Intern
In Stories of the Rabbis: Tales of Inspiration, Tradition, and Resilience by Richard Ho, readers learn about influential rabbis through the stories of their lives rather than just historical facts. Before reading the book, I expected it to be mostly history, but I found it much more engaging. Instead of simply explaining when these rabbis lived or what they wrote, the book focuses on their experiences, values, and the lessons that continue to inspire people today.
One of the most interesting people in the book was Rabbi Akiva. His story stood out because he didn’t begin studying seriously until he was around 40 years old. Most people would probably think it’s too late by then, but he didn’t let that stop him. He kept learning and eventually became one of the greatest rabbis in Jewish history. His story shows that people shouldn’t give up on themselves just because they are starting later than everyone else.
one form or another. Even though it sounds simple, it is one of the hardest lessons to put into practice, which is one reason his teachings have remained important for so long.
One chapter that surprised me was the one about Maimonides. I already knew he was an important rabbi, but I didn’t know he was also a doctor and philosopher. It was interesting to learn how he believed religion and knowledge could work together instead of being completely separate. His willingness to continue learning and contribute in multiple fields demonstrates that people can make an impact in different ways.
The inclusion of the Lubavitcher Rebbe also helped connect the older stories to more modern times. He encouraged people to stay connected to their faith, help their communities, and never underestimate how much a small act of kindness can matter. His message remains relevant today, including people who are not Jewish.
Another important figure in the book was the Baal Shem Tov. He believed everyone could have a connection with G-d, not just people who spent all day studying. His teachings focused on joy, kindness, and helping others, which made him different from many of the other rabbis in the book. His message reminds readers that being a good person is just as important as having a great deal of knowledge.
The book also talks about Rashi, who is probably one of the most influential rabbis because of the commentaries he wrote on the Torah and Talmud. At first, I didn’t really understand why commentaries were such a big deal, but after reading more, I realized that without people like Rashi, many of these texts would be much harder to understand. It is impressive that something he wrote hundreds of years ago is still used by students today.
Hillel was another rabbi whose story stood out to me. He was known for being patient and treating people with respect, even when they weren’t respectful to him. His famous teaching about treating others the way you want to be treated is something almost everyone has heard in
One of the book’s greatest strengths is that it never feels repetitive, even though each chapter focuses on a different rabbi. Every person had a unique personality and influenced others in different ways. Some were known for scholarship, others for leadership or compassion, but they all left a lasting impact. The stories also make it easier to remember each rabbi because they focus on moments from their lives instead of only presenting historical facts.
Overall, Stories of the Rabbis highlights the lasting influence of important figures in Jewish history while emphasizing lessons that remain relevant today.
Through the stories of Rabbi Akiva, Hillel, Rashi, Maimonides, the Baal Shem Tov, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the book demonstrates how perseverance, kindness, wisdom, leadership, and faith can inspire people across generations. By focusing on the lives and experiences of these rabbis rather than only historical facts, the book provides readers with a deeper understanding of Jewish history in an engaging and meaningful way.
Zane Robinson is the 2026 Jewish Press Sumer Intern. His position is made possible through the generosity of the Chesed Fund.
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).
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Memories
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor
If you know me at all, you’re probably aware there is a perpetual stack of books on my desk I am attempting to finish all at once. I am an equal-opportunity reader; I will plow through a religious text, a biography, a historical treatise and a fantasy novel at the same time-I just switch back and forth depending on my mood. And then there are the new things publishers send me in the hope for a review. I have a hard time saying no to free books.
But over the past week, I have slowly made my way through something truly special, titled The Frail-Waisted Champ.
The author of this unique (there was only one printing) work is Sanford Lee Friedman. We know him as Sandy, and he wrote this in 1960 when he was still in school.
“In this book I am attempting to tell the life story of Barney Ross,” he states in its preface. Yes, that same famous boxer Seth Schuchman recently wrote about for this paper. The book is hand-bound, typed by the author, proofed by Mrs. Fredrick Murphy and “My mother.”
There are hand-drawn illustrations and in the back, a short biographical note.
Sanford Lee Friedman was born december 11, 1945. He is the third son of Mr. and Mrs. I.H. Friedman. Sanford was assigned to write this
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.
book by his English teacher, Mrs. Robbins.
The book meticulously details the life and career of Ross-someone he had the pleasure of meeting in person.
However, the content is not the most amazing part. The best thing about this book is that is survived all these years. Sure, its binding is a little loose, and it smells vaguely of the box it spent many years in, but nonetheless, it’s still here. Sandy can show it to his grandchildren. They can see his handwriting, his drawings, get a glimpse of what he was like when he was a teenager. Treasures like these often spark additional conversations, and it allows family members to get to know each other better.
I am not promoting hoarding every scrap and bit of artwork your children produce. But hear me out: you have to save some of it, even if it clutters your house. There is something about holding an item in your hands that you
created decades ago. It’s a little bit like a talisman that helps us pass on important life lessons. And no, that is not the life story of one Barney Ross, or the finer details of his career or personal life. It’s the thought of 15-year-old Sandy, bent over his typewriter, sweating over his English assignment (he received the highest possible grade for his hard work).
So look around your house, and find that future treasure. Someday a new generation will thank you. Just make sure it’s not a macaronipainting.
All I’m hoping for, in the meantime, is for Sandy to write a sequel. And thank you, Sandy, for allowing me to keep this fabulous piece of Omaha Jewish history on my desk for weeks on end. It’s the sort of thing that reminds me how special the stories of this community are, and why we must keep telling them.
Hans Roger Madol, AI and Nazi surveillance
OLIVER POLLAK
This story has the longest nurturing period. My mother and grandmother lived in Germany for much of the 1930s. Mother used to tell me they visited Denmark where a friend of the family, Madol, had a castle with a petting zoo.
Berlin-born Gerhard Salomon (1903-1956) became Hans Roger Madol around 1921. Antiquarian book and manuscript dealer, journalist, historian (several biographies of Royals), United Nations and Luxembourg diplomat and autodidact he published The Shadow King in 1928. It was translated into English, French, and Italian. In 1928, when he was in his late 20s, with book royalties and his antiquarian business, he purchased the 40 room “castle” or manor house on Avernaes on Denmark’s Funen peninsula. Perhaps he accommodated paying guests.
I saw him a few times between 1948 and 1956 at his home in Richmond, the Hermitage, in Richmond upon Thames, South West of London where my grandmother was house manager, and in Southern California when he was in the United States on Luxembourg diplomatic assignments at the United Nations. He had a home in Younkers, New York. He never married. His brother, an active anti-Nazi journalist, and father were murdered by the Nazis in prison and Auschwitz.
“Elephant Uncle,” my childhood name for him, died in 1956. His estate was handled by Eric Bonner (nee Borgzinner), my grandmother’s brother, and also an antiquarian bookdealer. I received Madol’s stamp album which on its face contained stamps of rare value, but on the back revealed two or three pieces that were spliced and glued together. But one stamp affixed to a letter stood out as genuine, the first adhesive postage stamp, the 1840 penny back.
My mother said that Madol’s diaries were in
the attic at the Hermitage. They were in fact located at the Deutsche Literaturarchiv in Marbach am Neckar in Germany and the Library of Congress.
vided a “Safe Haven” and “sanctuary for individuals fleeing persecution by the Third Reich.” Furthermore, “In 1947, while serving as part of the Luxembourg delegation to the War
My cousin Inge Halpert taught German at Columbia University. Approaching retirement, The Germanic Review proposed a festschrift in her honor. Seeing an opportunity to publish, I horned in, offering a story about Madol whom Inge had met on occasion in New York. I got a microfilm of the Library of Congress collection and I spent two weeks as an “independent scholar” in Germany. The result, “The Biography of a Biographer: Hans Roger Madol (1903-1956), (Winter 2003, 74-85).
In August 2026 we are cruising from Copenhagen to Iceland to observe the Solar Eclipse. My previous efforts in the early 21st century to understand the Madol’s Avernaes domicile were not cost-effective. On July 9, 2026, I asked AI to look into “Avernaes. Denmark. Hans Roger Madol. Castle. Nazis.” I confirmed by email that the “castle” Madol had owned in the 1930s is now the Avernaes Sinatur Hotel & Konference center. I was stunned by the AI statement that Madol’s Avernaes “castle” pro-
Crimes Commission in Berlin, Madol reviewed captured German archives from Wilhelstrasse which included ‘twenty detailed Gestapo intelligence reports written between 1933 and 1939’ of his guests. Perhaps these records can be retrieved from the German Foreign Office.” Electronic and digitized sources have revolutionized historical methodology. I conclude that whatever the perils incurred by using AI, like Wiki, they are vitally useful tools. They should not be used to stultify personal literary creativity or downright plagiarism. They should be used to enhance and amplify our understanding of the past.
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Synagogues
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
Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m. with our guest speaker, Brian Rosen, Creighton Volleyball head coach. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!
• Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026 will become a day to remember at B’nai Israel Living History Museum and Synagogue in Council Bluffs, 618 Mynster Street from 1-3 p.m. the synagogue grounds will be turned into a celebration honoring Council Bluffs Playland Park and Speedway.
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.
Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.
IN-PERSON AND ZOOM MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday 5:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: Nebraska AIDS Project Lunch, 11:30 a.m.; Six-String Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream; Kiddush sponsored by Pam and Bruce Friedlander, and Carol and Alan Parsow following services.
SUNDAY: Morning Minyan, 9 a.m. Zoom Only — Summer Schedule.
FRIDAY-July 31: Six-String Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.
SATURDAY-Aug. 1: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream; Havdalah, 9:20 p.m. Zoom Only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.
Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.
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, 8:31 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:35 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-July 31: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m. go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; Candlelighting, 8:24 p.m.
SATURDAY-Aug. 1: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:27 p.m.
LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL
Services are 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, 8:32 p.m.
SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Torah Study, noon
Israel’s elections are set for Oct. 27
PHILISSA CRAMER JTA
After several months in which it seemed possible that elections would be called earlier, Israel now has a date for its voters to head to the polls to pick a new government.
The Knesset House Committee affirmed an election date of Oct. 27, the latest allowed under law, following months of political maneuvering to force an early collapse of the government by both the opposition and the governing coalition.
The timeline means that the intense final weeks of campaigning will overlap with the three-year anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that is looming large over the race, particularly for Netanyahu, who was in charge at the time.
It also means that Israelis living abroad — who number more than ever before — now know when they must be in Israel if they wish to vote. Unusually, Israeli law does not allow for absentee voting except in a narrow number
of situations, meaning that almost anyone with an Israeli passport who lives outside of Israel must travel back to cast a ballot.
In past elections, Israelis abroad have faced tough decisions about whether to fly home to vote — most recently in 2022, when Israel had a fifth round of elections in four years.
This time around, there are even greater pressures. A record number of Israelis have moved abroad in recent years, with 70,000 leaving in 2025 alone and causing Israel to experience an unusual net migration loss. Flights, meanwhile, are historically expensive, owing to cancellations by foreign carriers amid war-induced uncertainty. The stakes of the election are high, with analysts and politicians of all ideologies warning that Israel’s democracy is at an inflection point.
Netanyahu and his supporters say reelecting him is the only way to keep Israelis and Jews around the world safe, while a wide range of opposition parties say only they can safeguard the country’s future, For now polls suggest that
on Parashat Vaetchanan via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:36 p.m.
SUNDAY: 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; LJCS Committee Meeting 10–11 a.m. at TI.
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 oohhmm m.barb@gmail.com
FRIDAY-July 31: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:307:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Sendrow at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:25 p.m.
SATURDAY-Aug. 1: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Eikev via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:28 p.m.
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.
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.; 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; Garden Party with ATID!, 6 p.m. at TriFaith Garden
TUESDAY: Mah Jongg Made Easy, 1:30 p.m. In-Person.
WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.; The Music of Israel: Understanding the Modern Jewish Soundscape, 5:30 p.m. taught by Student Cantor Benjamin Brodkey; Tisha B’Av Service, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY: The Music of Israel: Understanding the Modern Jewish Soundscape 11 a.m. taught by Student Cantor Benjamin Brodkey; Moses Maimondies Class., 7 p.m. with Rabbi Sharff.
SATURDAY-Aug. 1: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.
the opposition has a majority of voters’ support — though it’s not clear which bloc will have the necessary votes to form a government and, within the opposition bloc, which parties will command
Recent polls have shown a new party formed by Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief whose son was killed during the Gaza war, leading among the opposition and rivaling Netanyahu’s own Likud party in its share of voters. A joint party led by the former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid also has support from significant numbers of voters, as does a left-wing party led by the retired army general Yair Golan. Parties will hold primary elections in the coming weeks.
Initiatives are already underway to help Israelis abroad get home for the election. The AID Coalition is collecting information from interested Israelis with the goal of potentially chartering flights to boost the number of people who can make the trip — though each voter will bear his or her full costs.
B’NAI ISRAEL
BETH EL
BETH ISRAEL
CHABAD HOUSE
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE
TEMPLE ISRAEL
LANA JO REICHARDT
Lana Jo Reichardt passed away peacefully in her home in Omaha on June 17, 2026, at the age of 75. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Corning, Iowa, with Mr. Larry Johnson officiating. Burial will be on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Victoria Cemetery in Massena, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her infant brother, Roger Reichardt; her father, Donald Reichardt; her mother, Betty (Weeks) Reichardt; and her sisters, Karla (Reichardt) Detty and Brenda (Reichardt) Frank.
She is survived by her brother, Dennis Reichardt, and his wife, Betsy of Corning, Iowa. Lana will be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous extended family members and dear friends.
Lana was a homebody at heart, embraced independence, and curated a beautiful, full life on her own terms. Beyond Lana’s spunky personality and witty sense of humor was a servant’s heart, helping hands, and a generous spirit.
Lana was born on May 1, 1951, in Creston, Iowa, to proud parents Donald F. Reichardt and Betty Jean (Weeks) Reichardt. Growing up, she enjoyed swimming, dancing, and piano lessons, and learned to sew at an early age. Lana was as adventurous as she was talented. She was reprimanded for jumping on a trampoline in her Sunday school clothes, slicked the runners on her sled to make it the fastest in the neighborhood, and found plenty of mischief with her siblings, cousins, and friends. Lana babysat and
shoveled snow to earn a few dollars for her piggy bank and to buy a Cherry Coke and a bag of Fritos at the local drugstore.
Lana graduated from Corning High School in 1969 and remained close to many of her mighty, mighty Red Raider classmates. After graduation, she worked in Des Moines, Iowa; Lincoln, Nebraska; and eventually settled in Omaha, Nebraska. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and tremendous work ethic served her well in administrative roles at Saint Joseph Hospital, the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Lana adored her colleagues over the years and stayed in touch with many of them after retirement.
Lana was fiercely devoted to her family and held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews. She was also a loyal, lifelong friend to many. Lana was ever-present for those she loved through every season of life—the joyful milestones and the difficult trials—and she never arrived empty-handed. Lana was an accomplished artist, a skilled seamstress, and an avid crafter. She frequently shared a plate of homemade cookies or a loaf of banana bread, celebrated in costume, and gifted others with handmade creations to treasure. Lana always said being a sister was an honor; being an aunt was priceless.
May we all carry Lana’s legacy forward in service to others.
Memorials may be directed to the family, to be established. Memories and on-line condolences may be left at www.pearson funeralhomes.com
Pushing back against permanent daylight saving time
ANDREW SILOW CARROLL
JTA
For many Orthodox Jews, a typical winter weekday begins early: head to synagogue, gather in a minyan for morning prayers, then rush off to work.
Orthodox Jewish groups say a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent could upend that routine by pushing winter sunrises — and the earliest permissible time for some prayers — an hour later.
Agudath Israel of America is among the groups urging the Senate to reject legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, arguing that the change would create both public safety risks and significant challenges for Orthodox Jewish religious life.
The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act on July 14 by a wide bipartisan margin. In a statement issued after the vote, Agudath Israel said it understood the appeal of ending the twice-yearly clock changes but opposed making daylight saving time permanent.
Permanent daylight saving time would push winter sunrises past 9 a.m. in some parts of the country, forcing many children to travel to school before dawn. It also said the later sunrise would make it difficult for observant Jews to attend morning synagogue services and still arrive at work or school on time, because Jewish law prohibits reciting key morning prayers before prescribed times tied to sunrise.
“The extension of DST will create an extreme hardship on observant Jews,” the organization said. “It would be extraordinarily difficult — if not impossible — to arrive on time for a job.”
The Orthodox Union and the Coalition for Jewish Values have also come out against the measure. In a column for Chabad.org that didn’t take a position on the bill, Menachem Posner also wrote that the change would present a challenge in parts of the country for morning minyan, the 10-person prayer quorum. But he also noted an upside to the extension of daylight saving: a later start time for Shabbat on short winter Fridays.
Shabbat begins at sundown, which during the winter can fall before 4:00 p.m. in parts of the country. “With DST, however, this will be shifted one hour later, so that even on the darkest day of winter, Jews will have one
more hour to prepare for Shabbat,” Posner wrote. Orthodox parties in Israel have also made an issue of changes to the daylight saving calendar. In 2011, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet unanimously approved extending daylight saving time until the first Sunday after Oct. 1, despite objections from haredi parties. The change brought Israel’s clock closer to European practice while still acknowledging Orthodox concerns about morning prayer and a later start time to Yom Kippur that they argued would make the fast more difficult.
Agudath Israel also pointed to the brief U.S. experiment with year-round daylight saving time during the 1970s energy crisis, when Congress repealed the policy after widespread public dissatisfaction over dark winter mornings.
The organization said it hoped the Senate would weigh the broader consequences of permanent daylight saving time, including alternatives such as permanent standard time or retaining the current system of seasonal clock changes.
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Five countries over four days: Cuba attends Maccabiah News
JACOB GURVIS
JTA
Nearly three decades after Hella Eskenazi’s first trip from her home in Cuba to the Maccabiah Games in Israel, the journey hasn’t gotten much easier.
This time, she was joined by dozens of athletes who had to travel through five countries over more than four days to reach Israel — a consequence of both the turmoil affecting travel to Israel generally and the unique complexities of getting anywhere from Cuba.
The first time Eskenazi made the trip was 1997, when she was a member of Cuba’s national karate team, and her country’s sole representative at the sports competition known as the “Jewish Olympics.” That was the year the Games were marred by the collapse of a pedestrian bridge over the Yarkon River in Tel Aviv that killed four members of the Australian delegation and injured 60 others.
This time around, Eskenazi, now 56, is both an athlete and the vice president of Patronato de la Casa de la Comunidad Hebrea de Cuba, her nation’s Jewish community and main synagogue. She’s a former Hebrew school director and has been involved in Cuba’s Maccabi programs since 2013, Cuba’s first year with a full delegation.
For this summer’s Games, Cuba sent 52 athletes to participate, many of whom already live in Israel after making aliyah. But for the 29 members who made the journey from Havana, the trip was anything but easy.
And that would have been the case even if Air France hadn’t canceled their flights — due to the conflict in Iran — halfway through their travel.
As Eskenazi explained, due to a variety of political and
economic factors, it’s not easy to get out of Cuba. Her athletes needed various visas that would allow them to travel through Europe to get to Israel, and Cuba does not have a national airline with the same international capabilities as travel giants like Air France or Turkish Airlines. And because Cuba’s oil supply lags behind much of the world, Air France does not offer flights from Cuba. So they had to travel to Panama first, just to get to Paris.
The original plan, Eskenazi said, was for a portion of the delegation to fly from Havana to Panama to Paris to Tel Aviv. But when Air France canceled all its flights to Tel Aviv, they had to pivot — which wasn’t easy given their restrictive travel visas.
“It has been very very emotional for us because in Cuba we have many difficulties right now,” Eskenazi said. “And to arrive here, to have electricity, to have food, to
Part of the delegation flew from Paris to Austria, while others went through Abu Dhabi, where Eskenazi said Cubans don’t need visas. And each group had layovers of 12 or 15 hours, making the total journey from Cuba to Israel take four or five days.
Eskenazi’s journey was different, because she had a visa that allowed her to travel through the United States. She flew from Havana to Miami to New York to Tel Aviv. Even then, she still had an 18-hour layover in New York. Eskenazi said her group would not have made it to Israel without the help of the Maccabi World Union, the global organization that puts on the Games and supports local delegations.
Once the Cuban cohort finally made it to Tel Aviv, it was understandably a meaningful arrival.
be safe, to have our friends, to make sport, to share with all of the people from all over the world, has been very emotional, very emotional for us.”
It’s also been a successful trip, competitively speaking. Cuba won several medals, competing in sports including softball, futbal and basketball. Eskenazi herself has won two: a silver medal in the one-mile run and a bronze in the five-kilometer competition for the 55-59 age bracket.
But beyond sports, Eskenazi said it’s been a special experience for her athletes — who hail from a country with a relatively affluent but small Jewish community — to be surrounded by Jews from around the world.
Hella Eskenazi (C) poses with the Cuban delegation for the Maccabiah Games in Israel. Credit: Hella Eskenazi
