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Dedication â€˘ Friday, October 11, 2013

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8 Consecutive Years

Letters from our Clergy and President Welcome Home!

VERY ADULT MEMBER IS a member by choice in the fellowship of the Jewish people. There are six hundred thirteen opportunities for Jewish self-expression. All of them are different and equally meaningful touchstones with the heritage of what it has always meant to be a committed Jew, whatever the time or place. The role of the professional staff in the exercise is to assist the individual in his or her own search by placing before the members, with patience and encouragement, the widest possible range of options of observance and participation.

A synagogue means more than just a building: it is a place where friends are met and food is shared; where births and marriages and growing up are celebrated, and deaths are mourned; it is the classroom where we study and teach; it is the extended family whom we feed and clothe; it is the home we design and decorate and beautify. It is more than building and grounds. It is first and foremost people, people to whom we are related by the myriad of shared experiences; people with whom we laugh and weep, labor and play, worship and dream. Decide for yourself, what kind of synagogue you would establish were you now called upon to create it from scratch. The fact is, in a very real way, the very same decisions which had to be made 142 years ago are being made again now. You are here, right now, at the beginning, so choose your own route from the dozens of paths before you. It’s all possible—it’s all before us! RABBI ARYEH AZRIEL

Dear Temple Israel,

ARRIE AND I ARE honored to be a part of this community at such an important time in our history. Watching the enthusiasm, generosity, and pure, loving kindness of this community as our new synagogue came to fruition brought to mind a passage from Exodus that I hope speaks to our experience together in our new home.

Exodus 25:8

`~k’(AtB. yTiÞn>k;v’w> vD”+q.mi yliÞ Wf[‘îw And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. It has been a joy to watch you pour your heart and soul into this vision. From generous donations to countless hours of volunteers, this community has done the work described in the book of Exodus. Now, I pray, that as this work continues and we begin to experience our lives in this new space, that we find that this home we built brings a sense of the divine into our lives. The mikdash, the tabernacle we have created, will be filled with meaningful moments from the beginning of life to the end. It will hold our tears and our joys. It will be a shalom bayit, a home that embodies every understanding of the word shalom. Thank you for welcoming our family into this journey. We look forward to the many elevated moments we will have together, in the hallways, on the bimah and across a table filled with the texts of our tradition. Most importantly, we look forward to the many times your spirit will bring a sense of the holy into our Temple. RABBI JOSH BROWN

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Letters from our Clergy and President Dear Congregants,

ELCOME TO OUR NEW location! The Temple Israel choir, Kol Rina, our accompanist Julie Sandene, our First Friday Band and I hope that you will enjoy the music that will and can be offered in our worship spaces.

Many hours of discussion went into the sanctuary and chapel design, and much of this was devoted to acoustics, amplification and space. In particular, we now have ample space for choir and instruments. We can be flexible with placement of the various musical components of worship. Additionally, we can host music groups such as chamber orchestras, soloists and bands, as we have recording capability and a first-rate Steinway grand piano, donated in honor of Florence and George Eisenberg by their children and grandchildren. In the chapel we have the opportunity for more intimate services and other music offerings. In this room, too, we have been gifted a lovely Story and Clark grand piano by Marcia and Jack Cohen, Julie Rochman and Sandra Palmer. We are blessed to have these and other generous supporters of the music at Temple Israel. I wish you all a blessed New Year, good health and an abundance of music in your lives. L’shalom. CANTOR WENDY SHERMET

Dear Congregants,

N BEHALF OF THE Board of Trustees, it is my great privilege to welcome you to the dedication of our beautiful new synagogue. Years of planning and countless hours of hard work by so many of you have brought us to the fruition of this dream—a new home for Reform Judaism in Omaha, Nebraska. We are so blessed to have leaders with the vision to create this building and the generosity to spend their time and treasure to make it a reality!

Thanks to the support of so many of you, we were able to build this building with no mortgage and increase our endowment to provide for its upkeep and maintenance. We are very grateful to all of you for your support and we know that your investment will reap benefits for generations to come.

Congregation of Temple Israel Board of Trustees 2013-2014 Sally Kaplan Jon Meyers Andie Gordman Mike Halsted Paul Rabinovitz Rosie Zweiback Mike Norton Alan Fredricks Jeff Schweid John Lehr Stacie Brodkey Sharon Comisar-Langdon Justin Cooper Marlen Frost Dan Gilbert Scott Goodman Danielle Gordman Gary Kaplan Cat King Dan Marburg Paul Miller Jeff Nogg Susie Norton Rob Reiss Jane Rips Susan Rothholz Louri Sullivan Hannah Budwig Rabbi Aryeh Azriel Rabbi Josh Brown Cantor Wendy Shermet Dennis DePorte Debbie Massarano Wendy Goldberg David Golbitz Nikki Flatowicz

So now the real task begins; we as a congregation must work together to create a community worthy of our beautiful new surroundings; an inspiring and embracing Jewish community for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. We can do it, we must do it, and I know that together we will do it! The entire Board of Trustees joins me in thanking you for the privilege of leading Temple Israel during this exciting time in our history. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and your feedback! Shana Tovah, a healthy and happy New Year to all of you! SALLY KAPLAN, PRESIDENT

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION AND SONG

Friday, October 11, 6 p.m. The Congregation of Temple Israel dedicates its new home at 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Josh Brown and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. SPECIAL GUESTS RABBI ERIC H. YOFFIE

MAURICE N FINEGOLD

CANTOR JONATHAN COMISAR

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President Emeritus of the Union for Reform Judaism, led the Reform Movement in exciting new directions, moving congregational life toward greater attention to Torah study and adult literacy. He spearheaded a major expansion of the URJ’s summer camping program. Rabbi Yoffie has been a pioneer in interfaith relations and launched Movement-wide dialogue programs with both Christians and Muslims.

Maurice N Finegold, Finegold Alexander + Associates Principal graduated from Harvard University with an A.B. cum laude, and received his Master of Architecture degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He holds a National Architectural Registration Certificate and is registered in Massachusetts and 15 other states. Mr. Finegold received IFRAA’s prestigious Edward S Frey Award, the highest award given nationally for work in ecclesiastical design, and was elected a Fellow of the Society for Arts, Religion and Contemporary Culture.

Cantor Jonathan Comisar studied piano and music theory at Oberlin then was ordained as a Cantor from Hebrew Union College School of Sacred Music. Comisar has served the Community Synagogue of Rye, New York for the past five years. He has premiered original compositions created a chamber music series, taught numerous classes on the history of Jewish music and directs a children’s choir. Recently Cantor Comisar was chosen to participate as a composer in the prestigious Lehman Engel BMI Musical Theater Workshop.

Kol Rina and Religious School students and teenagers will perform selected pieces of music. Kurt Knecht, Music Director at St. Mark’s and Conductor of the Lincoln Lutheran Choir Karen Sokolof Javitch, a Temple Israel member, songwriter and playwright Harley Schrager, Chair of the Building Council AN ONEG WILL FOLLOW THE SERVICE.

CONGREGATION OF TEMPLE ISRAEL Senior Rabbi Aryeh Azriel Rabbi Josh Brown Cantor Wendy Shermet Dennis DePorte, Executive Director Debbie Massarano, Director of Lifelong Learning Wendy Goldberg, Program Director Nikki Flatowicz, Director of Youth Engagement David Golbitz, Staff Writer Jen Goodman, Religious School Coordinator Misty Weidner, Office Manager Vicki Ducharme, Accounting Cassandra Hicks, Graphic Designer Lachisha Sherrod, Administrative Assistant Scott Anderson, Building Supervisor Clifton Garrett, Maintenance Engineer

EDITORIAL AND DESIGN OF DEDICATION BOOK Omaha Magazine, LTD, Publisher Todd Lemke, Publisher Wendy Goldberg, Editor Linda Persigehl, Editor Leo Adam Biga, David Golbitz and Joe Hack, Contributing Writers John Gawley, Creative Director Bill Sitzmann, Director of Photography Cynthia J. Kohll Photography and Justin Limoges Photography Katie Anderson, Senior Graphic Designer Paul Lukes and Marti Latka, Junior Graphic Designers Howard Shrier, Committee Chair Silvia Roffman and Suzanne Singer, Copy Editors

ADVERTISING Gil Cohen, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Alicia Smith Hollins, Gil Cohen’s Assistant Sandy Besch Matson, Publisher’s Assistant Jessica Linhart and Dawn Dennis, Sales Associates Vicki Voet, Executive Sales Associate Tyler Lemke, Vice President Of Operations Jim Heitz, Accountant Mike Brewer, Distribution Manager

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Building Map

MAIN FLOOR

Sanctuary

Office Judaic Shop

Maintenance

Community Court

Kitchen

Chapel

Social Hall

Lounge/ Coffee Bar

Meeting Room

History Wall Contemplation Room Meeting Rooms

Choir/ Bridal Room

Youth Lounge

Media Room

LOWER LEVEL

Mechanical Room

Classrooms Commons

Study Rooms

Classrooms

Storage

Classrooms

Storage Educational Resources

Classroom

Classrooms

Temple Israel Dedication â€˘ Friday, October 11, 2013

Clergy

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA • PHOTOS BY BILL SITZMANN

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Clergy

Rabbi Josh Brown

Rabbis and Cantor Provide Spiritual Leadership From the Heart “I find this place extremely caring and invigorating...It has embraced my family. It has been a wonderful experience.”

Cantor Wendy Shermet

amazing fit,” he says, referring to Rabbi Josh Brown and Cantor Wendy Shermet. “We’re not being spectators. We’re about getting in, getting muddy, getting hurt, getting in all those amazing places and finding strong, creative ways of entering into people’s lives and relationships.” According to Past President Jane Rips, “Aryeh, Josh and Wendy all bring different gifts to Temple Israel. They complement and supplement each other and are very different from each other, but that is one of our congregation’s greatest strengths.”

RABBI AZRIEL

Rabbi Brown says Rabbi Azriel sets the bold course. “He does not like to sit still or slow down or sort of rest on any laurels. It’s always what needs to change next or what do we move towards next.”

ABBI ARYEH AZRIEL IS known to frankly speak his mind and fearlessly wade into trouble rather than stand silently, idly by. It’s his nature. He and the dynamic clergy team he leads make a good match for the lively Reform congregation they serve.

Like their predecessors, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet speak their mind and think outside the box. Rabbi Azriel wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I refuse to sit on the fence in any relationship I encounter,” says Rabbi Azriel. “I like to be part of life and to jump into dangerous, sometimes stormy waters. I definitely want to take a chance. I like those kinds of experiments.” He feels fortunate having clergy who enjoy the vital push and pull that characterizes life at Temple Israel. “I’m very proud of the clergy surrounding me. They’re an

“We’ve selected professionals who have provided challenges to me individually and also to the congregation,” Rabbi Azriel says. “Free thinkers and innovators with the courage of their convictions.” The clergy team meets Tuesday mornings to plan their week, but the trio confab informally almost every day. “I can’t tell you how many times during the day we are in each other’s offices because there are things that have to be discussed and some of them are urgent,” says Rabbi Azriel. >

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Clergy < The team divides hospital and nursing home visits. They take turns officiating at life cycle events. And they all play a role providing pastoral care, building relationships, and being in peoples’ lives in their highest and lowest moments, on special occasions but also day-to-day. Rabbi Brown works closely with new Director of Lifelong Learning Debbie Massarano in developing the K-12 Religious School curriculum, and confers with young families, college students and young adults to build relationships and their connection to the congregation. Cantor Shermet guides the B’nai Mitzvah program and all of the worship music. Rabbi Azriel ensures the team’s teachings and activities enhance Temple Israel’s mission and vision. Azriel also lends his thoughtful input on long-range planning, issues of social justice, and much more. Some might say he has his hand in a little bit of everything.

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“It’s not only listening to each other,” Azriel adds, “but listening to the heartbeat of the congregation is crucial, too. If we for a moment forget what the purpose of our work here is, then our work will be in vain.” The clergy are part of a much larger team. “It’s more than just the clergy,” Rabbi Azriel says. “You have to have the right youth group director, the right educator, the right executive director, the right program director, the right support staff, the right lay leadership.” Still, as the senior rabbi of this congregation for 25 years, Azriel has left a huge imprint. Rips says, “He has challenged us, guided us, loved us, and helped to create a vibrant and exciting Temple Israel.”

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Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

“I find this place extremely caring and invigorating,” says Rabbi Azriel. “It has embraced my family. It has been a wonderful experience.” •

Art and Music

Art and Music Creative Process Reflects Hopeful, Inclusive Spirit of Congregation

O ENHANCE WORSHIP IN the

sacred spaces of its new synagogue, Temple Israel charged five artists with creating symbolically rich ritual objects embedded in Jewish faith and practice. Each artist met extensively with Temple Israel’s clergy to discuss the religious significance of the ritual object they were commissioned to make. An exhaustive process determined where art would be located and what it would convey before a jury identified and commissioned the appropriate artists to create the pieces. The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts facilitated the process. The idea was to make art integral to spaces, not mere adornments. The central ritual object on the bimah is the Aron Hakodesh (Ark), which is the repository of the Torah scrolls. Many synagogue Arks are dramatic works of art or craftsmanship in wood or metal, filled with symbolic elements representing parts of the Jewish tradition. At Temple Israel’s request, Israeli resident Galya Rosenfeld created a double-layered Ark curtain. Bemis Community Arts Program Manager Holly Olson describes it this way: “The front layer is an assemblage of lasercut fabric pieced together in a >

Ark Curtain Artist Galya Rosenfeld

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA • PHOTOS BY BILL SITZMANN AND DAVID GOLBITZ

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Art and Music “And God called the light Day, and the darkness God called Night. And it was evening and it was morning, day one.”

< repeating Star of David pattern using a color palette referencing Shivat Haminim (the Seven Species named in the Torah). Openings in the center front reveal the back sheer curtain printed with holiday symbols.” Rosenfeld says the two curtains create an “interplay” and “choreography” for displaying the Ark. She adds that the colors inspired by “the ritual foods we eat and wines we drink” are meant “to connect people with familiar things from their experience of the holidays” and to “exalt our practice of Judaism.” Another essential element of the sanctuary is the Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) that symbolizes the fire that burned on the altar in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Temple Israel selected James Woodfill of Kansas City, Missouri, to design the Eternal Light for the sanctuary. His modular work seamlessly blends into the bimah wall. He says the design “lets the light simply emanate from that wall” as an ambient architectural immersion. Rather than imposing a narrative, Olson says the piece “allows for the symbolism to come from the experience.”

Artist James Woodfill’s work Ner Tamid (Eternal Light).

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Art and Music Woodfill says he intends for his piece to “instigate a new way of feeling or sensing” for worshipers and “to add a layer of potential optimism and reflection.” Temple Israel’s chapel also has an Eternal Light and another Kansas City artist, Linda Lighton, was inspired by a word cloud congregants generated to express what they wanted the chapel’s Eternal Light to evoke. Working from that and motifs in the Ark doors and stained glass windows, she fashioned a translucent porcelain flower. She says, “I hope the members will enjoy and find comfort and solace and inspiration in this light for many years to come.” In the spirit of Jewish prayer that inspires and instructs worshipers, artist Lynne Avadenka of Huntington Woods, Michigan, was tasked with bringing Hebrew passages from the Hashkiveinu prayer of peace to graphic life. She executed hand-drawn interpretations of excerpts selected by the worship committee. The prayer’s message of renewal, peace and community holds special meaning for the congregation. Her work is displayed in the wrap-around clerestory windows. A repeated passage—“Grant, O God, that we lie down in peace, and raise up, our Guardian, to life renewed. Spread over us the shelter of Your peace.”—can be read inside the sanctuary. Two other passages can be read from the outside, including one that reads: “For You, God, watch over us and deliver us. For You, God, are gracious and merciful.” Olson says the soft flow of Avadenka’s hand-drawn work offers a pleasing contrast to the clean, sharp lines of the space’s other designs. “The commission for the Temple comes with a sense of responsibility to make sure what I am doing is satisfying the members of Temple [Israel] and their sense of what their sanctuary should be, along with the aesthetic sensibility of the architect,” says Avadenka. Nashville, Tennessee-based artist Mel Ziegler is preparing an outdoor sculptural piece for the entrance that will invite members and visitors to interact with the work and perhaps add onto it. He’s responding to a Hebrew passage viewable above the entrance that reads, “Guard our going and coming, to life and to peace, evermore.” Ziegler envisions his work

integrated into new traditions at Temple Israel and reflecting the congregation moving forward and embarking on a new path. In one way or another, the work of Ziegler and his fellow artists all express the vital, searching, engaging nature of Temple Israel’s people. Temple Israel member Todd Simon, a noted art collector who helped lead the commission process, says, “The progressiveness, inclusiveness and open-mindedness” of the congregation ensured that Temple Israel didn’t “go with the safest choices but instead was willing to explore and push around the boundaries.” Simon is pleased by the art that’s been cultivated. “I think we’ve got a terrific balance between totally new art and artists for whom the artistic problem this presented to them was a brand-new challenge to them,” says Simon. “I love those pieces,” adds Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, who consulted with each artist. “I feel very good about the selection.”

Linda Lighton’s Eternal Light in the Chapel.

On Simon’s recommendation, the synagogue hired the Bemis Center to manage the process that selected and supported the artists. “I sort of inserted my point of view that we ought to really be thinking about art from the very beginning and, more importantly, that the art is actually a great way to involve a broader group of the congregation in a conversation about what this place is supposed to be about,” says Simon. “The process was designed so that the concepts really came >

Lynne Avadenka’s artwork shares the Hebrew message, “Guard our going and coming, to life and to peace, evermore.”

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Art and Music < from the community the art is supposed to serve. We tried to be as inclusive as we could.” Between 80 and 100 congregants attended a 2011 workshop. “We asked the congregation to bring to life in words and stories the past, present and future of Temple Israel. What it meant to them on a very personal level,” says Simon. “We noticed certain themes and ideas emerged. We knew where we wanted art to potentially touch the building.” The Bemis then assembled a jury of curators and experts who came up with the artists invited to submit an RFQ (Request for Qualifications). From dozens of submissions, five were selected. In addition to the art pieces, Temple Israel commissioned a piece of original music for the dedication. Jonathan Comisar—music director at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, New York, and on the faculty of his alma mater, Hebrew Union College School of Sacred Music—writes Jewish music for synagogues and other organizations all over the nation. Comisar was asked by Temple Israel Cantor Wendy Shermet to compose a piece of art music that draws on the Hashkiveinu prayer. His piece, “Hashkiveinu: A Shelter of Peace,” is scored for cantor and choir as well as for violin, cello, clarinet and flute.

“It was a wonderful, challenging task,” says Comisar. The composer says his goal was to interpret the prayer with “integrity and authenticity—to make this not only fitting for a prayer but fitting for the grandeur of a new synagogue.” At the same time, he says, he needed to create a section children can sing along, all while also weaving the instruments and cantor’s voice into ‘an organic whole.’ “It’s like a mini-scene from a play in a lovely and beautiful way with all the right intentions. It’s a moment which marks a milestone in the congregation’s life, so I was very mindful of the significance...” Guest artists for the performance will feature Comisar at piano and select Omaha Symphony members. The other original musical works for the dedication are by organist-composer Kurt Knecht from Lincoln, Nebraska, and songwriter-playwright Karen Sokolof Javitch from Omaha. He is a music director at St. Mark’s on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus and artistic director and conductor of the Lincoln Lutheran Choir. She is a member of Temple Israel. Knecht’s piece, “Shalom Aleichem,” is for girls and women. Javitch’s piece, “Noah,” is for children. •

Congratulations Temple Israel!

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Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Artists

Profiles of Contributing Artists GALYA ROSENFELD

LYNNE AVADENKA

When the Israeli resident is not working in her Tel-Aviv studio or teaching in the Department of Jewelry and Fashion at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, she’s often lecturing and teaching internationally.

The recipient of individual artist grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Council on Art and Cultural Affairs, Avadenka was awarded a prestigious Kresge Fellowship in 2009. She was an invited participant in a Factory/Artist Exchange at Bullseye Glass in Portland, Oregon, in 2010. She was an inaugural fellow of the American Academy in Jerusalem in 2011. This year, she’s a visiting fellow for the Humanities Institute at the University of Michigan.

Her Judaica creations are crafted in various media, including textiles, ceramics, wood and glass. Her work has been exhibited around the world, with recent pieces in exhibitions at the Tel-Aviv Museum of Art and the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. Her work has been accepted into the permanent collection of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, commissioned for the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and gifted by Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, to the Deutscher Bundestag in Berlin.

Her widely exhibited work is in the permanent collections of several institutions, including the New York Public Library, the Jewish Museum in New York, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the British Library in London, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

MEL ZIEGLER JAMES WOODFILL

The Kansas City Art Institute graduate has worked extensively in the public art realm with privately commissioned sculptural installations in public spaces, education and curatorial projects, writings and urban planning projects and studies. His work has shown in solo and group exhibits the world over. He was a Charlotte Street Award winner in 2000 and 2005. He was awarded a studio grant from Reviewfund. The Temple Israel project marks his second experience with an area institution after he served as a visiting assistant professor of experimental mixed media at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2000. He’s taught in various capacities at the KC Art Institute since 1998.

One of three Temple Israel-commissioned artists to graduate from the Kansas City Art Institute, Ziegler also has a master’s degree from the California Institute of the Arts. He enjoyed a long collaboration with the late Kate Ericson in making site-specific installations and objects. His work with her and alone has shown nationally and internationally. He received a Loeb Fellowship for study at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University in 1997. A retrospective of his work showed at the Galerie of the Secession in Vienna, Austria, in 2003. In addition to widely exhibiting his creations, he also lectures extensively in the U.S. and abroad.

JONATHAN COMISAR LINDA LIGHTON

Before graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute, Lighton studied and practiced painting and ceramic arts formally and informally. The arts advocate and activist received the Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts and Education from her alma mater in 2011. She’s represented the United States at symposiums and residencies around the world. This member of the International Academy of Ceramics has displayed her work in numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally, including the inaugural World Biennial in Korea. Her work is a part of many national and international collections.

Comisar studied piano at the Eastman School of Music, where at 17 he won a young artists competition that earned him a piano soloist performance with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He continued his studies at Oberlin before becoming a student of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Del Tredici. He’s been a composer participant in the Lehman Engel BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. The Hebrew Union College of Sacred Music graduate served as cantor at the Community Synagogue in Rye, New York, where he premiered original compositions, created a chamber music series, taught classes on the history of Jewish music, and directed a children’s choir. Today, he’s music director at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, New York. He’s a frequent guest composer/artist-in-residence at synagogues across North America.

BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS

Founded in 1981, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts quickly became a leading artist community, offering artists-in-residence well-equipped studio spaces, living accommodations and a monthly stipend. The atmosphere and environment offer an ideal situation for creative growth and experimentation, and encourage artists to confront new challenges. The Bemis Center was instrumental in connecting Temple Israel with the artists who created the artwork for the new building’s sacred spaces. Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Sterling Ridge

Sterling Ridge and the Tri-Faith Initiative An Outcome of Temple Israel’s Longstanding Inclusivity.

EMPLE ISRAEL AND THE Tri-Faith Initiative of Omaha grounds comprise a lovely but small corner of the 153-acre mixed-use Sterling Ridge development that’s 10 to 12 years from full build-out. Temple Israel and its interfaith partners bring deep currents of history, memory and spirituality that stand apart from the development’s retail and business tenants.

Temple Israel alone carries 142 years of traditions. Congregants will soon be neighbors with members of a mosque and a church and their own long faith traditions, as well as with residents of an assisted living-memory care facility and with employees and customers of various commercial enterprises. All of it affords opportunities to put faith in action.

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA • PHOTOS BY BILL SITZMANN

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Sterling Ridge

“It’s meaningful to have participated in the creation of a vehicle that can enable the fostering of more healthy human interpersonal relationships,” says Tri-Faith Initiative Board Chair and Temple Israel member Bob Freeman. “Personally I can tell you I’m a better person and Jew for the journey. I’m more connected to God.”

“It’s meaningful to have participated

There wouldn’t be a new Temple Israel in the Tri-Faith Initiative venture without the building project leadership team.

human interpersonal relationships.”

Temple Israel member Ted Zetzman is a builder by trade. He and John Waldbaum worked closely with Finegold Alexander + Associates, Charles Vrana and Son Construction Company, and Lockwood Development’s Chip James on delivery of the new synagogue. >

in the creation of a vehicle that can enable the fostering of more healthy

BOB FREEMAN

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Sterling Ridge “I think the choice of the location for the synagogue is an amazing miracle. We went through 32 different locations

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RABBI AZRIEL

< “What made it have special meaning is that Temple came to me and said, ‘We need your help with this’ and it was something I really knew how to do and could help with,” says Zetzman. He credits principal architect Maurice Finegold with conceiving the new Temple Israel as a translucent lantern on the prairie. Project Advocates helped find the glass to realize that vision, along with the exterior Jerusalem stone and other materials. Zetzman says fellow Temple Israel member Harley Schrager, Chair of the Building Council and Co-Chair of the capital and major donor campaigns, “was involved intimately in the concept and setting the standards or objectives for the design from a qualitative standpoint.” Bound up in coming to the new building is honoring the old building’s rich past. Rabbi Azriel says Rabbi Josh Brown and Cantor Wendy Shermet “were involved in making sure people were engaged in conversations with the congregants about what exactly would happen with this transition.” Temple Israel long deliberated whether to move. Once the decision was made, it next had to decide where to relocate.

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Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

“It’s a huge risk this congregation took,” says Azriel. “I mean, how do you build something that satisfies everyone? How do you build a home for 800 families?”

Sterling Ridge Zetzman says the Temple Israel project and the Tri-Faith Initiative presence make a great fit for Sterling Ridge by giving it the high-profile civic use it needed.

“I’m extremely happy about the relationship

Azriel sees it as providential and ironic that Temple Israel and the Tri-Faith Initiative decided to build on the site of a former Jewish country club that formed in response to Jews being excluded elsewhere.

community. I continued the tradition of rabbis

“I think the choice of the location for the synagogue is an amazing miracle. We went through 32 different locations before we got to this one, and we came to the right place. Once upon a time, Jews were ‘the other,’ but the Jewish community has grown up and been made to feel comfortable in America. So I think we landed in a wonderful moment in the life of a community. We created a location that responds beautifully to the needs of people both in creating connection and meaning with non-Jews, and in creating a comfortable haven to be able to celebrate rituals and the excitement of being neighbors.” Brown says, “Our congregation wanted a place where we can sit down, see old friends, and meet new ones. I think a lot of the design of our new building is to that purpose. We want people to feel the synagogue is an extension of their home. We want to be a place where people will feel they’ll run into people they know.” Azriel says the new Temple Israel building—with its many sacred spaces and expanded social, educational and administrative facilities—provides the best opportunity to ensure the growth of Reform Judaism in Omaha.

this congregation has with the non-Jewish who came before me in making sure solid bridges are built with those communities.“ RABBI AZRIEL

Then there’s the interfaith engagement. Azriel says, “The dream is to discover the image of God in all of us, and to see how that image is actually the same. It’s not about symbols, it’s about being neighbors. We’re going to hopefully understand what is the meaning of walking into each other’s homes.” The way Azriel sees it, Temple Israel’s participation in the TriFaith Initiative is “an outcome” of its longstanding inclusivity. “I’m extremely happy about the relationship this congregation has with the non-Jewish community. I continued the tradition of rabbis who came before me in making sure solid bridges are built with those communities. This congregation has never been isolated. There was always a desire on my part and on the part of the congregation to continue those relationships.” •

Congratulations Temple Israel www.omahasymphony.org Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Member Groups Temple Israel’s First Friday Band: Jon Bleicher, upright bass; George Walker, electric guitar; Julie Sandene, piano; Tom Friedman, acoustic guitar.

OTYG members at 2012 groundbreaking ceremony.

Zane Fletcher practices for shofar choir.

STORY BY DAVID GOLBITZ • PHOTOS BY BILL SIZTMANN, CYNTHIA J. KOHLL PHOTOGRAPHY AND JUSTIN LIMOGES PHOTOGRAPHY

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Member Groups

Member Groups Building a Sense of Community and Purpose While Promoting Self-Discovery

N HIS BOOK, RELATIONAL JUDAISM,

Omaha native Dr. Ron Wolfson writes: “I learned to love being Jewish through relationships. My Jewish self was shaped by my relationships with family, with friends, with Jewish texts and ritual, with synagogue and community, with Jewish peoplehood, with Israel, with social justice work, and with God.”

Judaism, Wolfson writes, is “all about relationships,” and it is those relationships that form the core of what Temple Israel is now and can be in the future. Temple Israel has always encouraged its members to come together outside of the worship service for a variety of reasons. With groups like the Caring Committee, Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ/ Men’s Club), Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG), Outreach, and Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ/Sisterhood), Temple Israel members are able to create and maintain strong bonds with one another and with the community at large—bonds that, for some, can last a lifetime. Temple Israel has a long history— cultivating leaders in all walks of life, men and women who participated in Youth Group or Sisterhood, who have gone on to become prominent figures on the national stage. Hannah Budwig, 2013-14 OTYG President, says being a part of OTYG and NFTY are important to her not only because of the >

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Member Groups

Rabbi Josh Brown, Todd Hutton, Cantor Wendy Shermet

Aleia and Sophie Budwig, Susan Mace and Abby Hack

< friends she’s made all over the country, but also because of the important social action work they do. “It’s more important to me now because of the friends I made my freshman and sophomore years,” Budwig says. “So now the things I do, like when we go to regional events, you go because your best friends are going and you only get to see your best friends four times a year, but I also go for the programming. You really don’t realize how much it changes you or how much you can learn from it. It makes you feel bigger than yourself, the social action that you do. The fact that it’s a youth-led organization makes it stand out compared to other organizations. You’re doing things other people your age want to do, not things adults are doing for you. The programs are made for teens, by teens, which I think is very important to the group’s success.” Temple Israel’s Outreach has been a valued resource for families for many years, providing educational programs addressing a variety of issues important to interfaith families, Jews by choice and everyone interested in adult Jewish learning. “One of the most important groups that we have is Outreach,” says Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. “It is a wonderful portal for members that

Rothholz, Hannah and Larry Budwig

are involved in interfaith relationships or marriages to be able to feel comfortable in this congregation. We’ve had numerous activities with Outreach, classes, workshops on different Jewish topics that enabled people from different religious backgrounds to come to the table and discuss things. We also engaged in teaching parents that are not Jewish how to raise Jewish kids.” Temple Israel women have a group of their own, the Women of Reform Judaism, which is “the welcoming hand and heart of the congregation,” according to Past President Debbi Josephson. “We are the hostesses of the community, trying to make everyone, congregant or stranger, feel welcome with greetings, making our surroundings lovely and peaceful and, of course, food!” she says. WRJ would often welcome neighbors and church groups to Temple Israel, to educate them about the Jewish faith and celebrations, and Josephson looks forward to WRJ again taking a lead role in welcoming our new neighbors. “I hope that WRJ will be in the forefront of welcoming all of our neighbors and explaining to them all about our new synagogue building and our Judaism as we practice

L’dor V’dor Mazel Tov from the Gilinsky Family

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Member Groups

Mike Halsted and Silvia Roffman

Harley Schrager and Terri Schrager

it,” Josephson says. “Welcoming the stranger is one of the greatest mitzvot. My hope is that WRJ and its members will be re-energized by our new setting to work toward achieving this mitzvah with enthusiasm and devotion.”

Rachel Saag and Ari Rauhauser

And that is what is at the heart of the Temple Israel community, the opportunity to learn about yourself and others, to form lasting relationships. As Dr. Wolfson writes:

Josephson enjoys working with the women’s group not only because she is able to share her Judaism with new faces, but because by doing so she and the other women are able to “learn more about ourselves.”

“These relationships form the beating heart of my Jewish soul. It is because of them that I am a passionate and fully engaged Jew.” •

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Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

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Education Rabbi Brown leads a discussion with Temple Israel youth.

Jewish Education Stewardship of Lifelong Learning Among Temple Israel’s Top Priorities

DUCATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN a cornerstone of Judaism. From Religious School through Bar or Bat Mitzvah, onward through adulthood, the opportunities for Jewish learning are numerous, and Temple Israel prides itself on its dedication to offering lifelong learning to its members.

“Our commitment to our congregants is to provide vibrant and meaningful learning opportunities for people of all ages,” says Debbie Massarano, Temple Israel’s new Director of Lifelong Learning. “We plan to provide many ways in which to engage with text, ethics, art, values, and, yes, even politics. We want our congregants to grapple with what we believe and who we are as Jews. Our goal is to provide numerous portals through which you, the lifelong learner, can experience your Judaism and connect with your community.”

STORY BY DAVID GOLBITZ • PHOTOS BY BILL SIZMANN

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Education

Joan Cooper teaches students Alex Kugler, Harry Goldstrom, Mendel Wright and Max Spizman in Grade 3.

Lily Pocras, Ellen Platt and Ruby Platt

Joel Sasson and Joe Scioli

Lifelong learning at Temple Israel begins with Religious School, which offers classes from pre-kindergarten through high school, and teaches our children Jewish history and the Hebrew language while preparing them to be strong, independent-minded Jewish young adults.

services, reading from the Torah, or doing community service projects. The celebration of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah signifies that the young man or woman is beginning and will continue to function as an active and responsible Jew in the synagogue and in the wider Jewish community.

Learning at Temple Israel kicks off with Consecration, a tradition that was developed by the Reform Movement to mark the beginning of a child’s formal Jewish education. Most children are consecrated as they begin kindergarten, during Simchat Torah, though children who join the Religious School in later grades are also invited to participate.

“We definitely upgraded the level of D’var Torah that the child is doing,” says Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. “All three clergy are involved with every Bar or Bat Mitzvah. We will never allow an assembly line to be created, where the clergy doesn’t know those B’nai Mitzvah kids.”

Jewish children celebrate their Bar or Bat Mitzvah at age 13. Traditionally, being a Bar/Bat Mitzvah meant that one was obligated to fulfill the mitzvot, or commandments. Today, boys and girls may mark this event by leading

The next touchstone for Temple Israel students is Confirmation, which is observed at the end of 10th grade. This signifies the culmination of a student’s Jewish education, which takes place on or near the spring festival of Shavuot. In reaching this milestone, Temple Israel’s young adults stand symbolically at the foot of Mount Sinai where the Jewish people received the commandments. >

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Education

MAZEL TOV! TEMPLE ISRAEL DEDICATION

OCT

2013

< Temple Israel also offers a curriculum for students in grades 11 and 12 taught by Cantor Wendy Shermet. These classes continue exploring the multitude of opportunities for Jewish growth that await the students as they look forward to their post-high school years. “As adults, we understand that learning does not stop at the end of kindergarten, or 7th grade or college,” Massarano says. “Our learning is a continuous process throughout our lives. As a Reform Jewish community, we value lifelong Jewish learning as well. Just like with secular education, there is no exit ramp after 7th grade. There is no exit ramp after 10th grade. Jewish learning is a lifelong endeavor.” Aiding that endeavor is the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, which was founded in 1999 in memory of a woman who was deeply committed to Jewish education. “Whether it was cooking for a congregational dinner, addressing envelopes for a Sisterhood mailing, chairing Temple Israel’s first Outreach Committee, or studying Torah with Rabbi Azriel, my mother delighted in the task,” Rosie Zweiback says. “For her, Judaism was a gift, a religious community that engaged the mind and the heart.” Wednesday evenings at Temple Israel offer educational experiences for the whole family, with high school curricula taught by the clergy and adult education classes taught by a variety of guest lecturers. Visiting scholar lecturers have included: Rabbi Eric Yoffie, Past President of URJ; Anat Hoffman, Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center; and Rabbi Douglas Kohn, author of the book, Broken Fragments: Jewish Experiences of Alzheimer’s Disease Through Diagnosis, Adaptation and Moving On. These classes cover a variety of topics, including how religion is presented in film, Middle Eastern history and Eastern religions. “The power of learning is not necessarily in what is being learned but in how we apply it to our lives,” Massarano says.

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Education “As Jewish learners, the power of learning Torah is the way in which we live Torah in our daily lives. The power of learning the ethical teachings of our ancestors is the way in which it informs the profound and mundane decisions we make every day.”

“The course is an overview of what it means to be in a leadership role in our community,” Meyers says, “They learn about the synagogue, URJ, the greater Jewish community, non-Jewish community, and how to interact in a board setting.

Another example of Temple Israel’s commitment to lifelong learning is its Thursday morning adult study class, which has been meeting for more than 35 years. Congregants come together with the rabbis and cantor and learn about different aspects of Jewish life and history. The class, Adult Study with the Clergy, covers topics as diverse as Israeli music and politics, and Jewish architecture and ethics.

“We want to make good leaders,” Meyers says. “We identify people with potential and plug them in and keep the pipeline full of active, knowledgeable members.”

Temple Israel also offers a 7-session Leadership Development class, which further prepares Jewish adults to become community leaders. “The idea is to keep our members active at the Board of Trustees and committee levels,” says Jon Meyers, who leads the course along with Justin Cooper. The program is funded by the Jon Meyers Leadership Fund, set up by Jon’s parents, Sue and the late Dave Meyers.

Congregants are also welcome to attend Torah Study on Saturday mornings prior to the Shabbat service, during which the clergy lead a discussion about that week’s Torah portion. And Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes are offered for members who either didn’t have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a child or who have converted to Judaism. These classes, taught by the clergy and Religious School teacher Na’ama Artzi, teach participants to read Hebrew and master common vocabulary, recite and understand the worship service, chant several lines of Torah, and become familiar with and be able to utilize trope. In addition, each class member will be able to discuss the Torah, the prophets and Nevi’im, and gain a deeper understanding of the liturgy including the history and meaning of the prayers. •

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Ritual and Prayer

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA • PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Ritual and Prayer

Ritual and Prayer Reform Judaism Aims to Infuse New Life in Traditions

AKING REFORM JUDAISM RELEVANT to congregants “is the central question of our work here,” says Cantor Wendy Shermet.

“We spend a great deal of time talking about how are we and are we in fact relevant to people with very busy secular lives.” Much focus is on making holiday observances and life cycle events intrinsic experiences that help members identify with Jewish life and what it means to be a Jew. Azriel says, “With every life cycle event there is this question of, ‘How do we make it an integral part of the life of that family or that individual?’” >

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

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Azriel says, “Many times we work on traditional vessels that maybe go back to antiquity and try to fill those old vessels with new meaning. That’s the Reform tradition. So there is a tradition of immersion in the mikvah, but we took this old vessel and brought a new meaning to people battling cancer, addiction, and other life challenges.” Past President Phyllis Glazer says, “Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Brown, Cantor Shermet and all who came before them have been with us at some of our most joyous moments. They have shared in those joys and helped us bear the burdens of the times of our greatest sorrow.” Rabbi Josh Brown says the more members connect their lives to Temple Israel, the more opportunities they have to connect with their Jewishness. He says whenever members choose to participate in a celebration or ritual, it’s an opportunity to grow in their Jewish heritage and faith and to be part of a continuum.

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“You’re connecting yourself not only to traditions that are generations, in some cases hundreds or thousands of years old, but you’re also connecting yourself to the future—to prayers your kids will say. There’s power in that connection.” One of those traditions, Shabbat, encourages believers to look inward in order to grow in faith. “Shabbat is this ability to disengage from the week that just passed and to re-energize the holy inside us for the week ahead,” says Azriel. “Shabbat offers an opportunity to go a few notches up in the spiritual-emotional content of our lives, and we can do it in the midst of family and friends or in a walk or opening a book or listening to music or coming here for a Shabbat service.” Rabbi Azriel says living out Judaism must be a daily thing.

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Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Ritual and Prayer

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As Temple Israel settles into its new home, Azriel reminds the congregation that “important as it is to build synagogues for Jews, it is even more important to build Jews for the synagogues. Synagogues are empty only when Jews are empty.” The building will fill with memories, emotions and stories with each ritual and celebration held there. In September, Stacie Spies-Matz and Jay Matz had the honor and privilege of their daughter, Samantha Matz, being the first Bat Mitzvah in the new Temple. “It is exciting and joyful to take those first steps into the future and into the new building,” says Spies-Matz. “We have observed many holidays, participated in Religious School, developed great friendships and had our children’s baby namings at Temple. Temple Israel contributes a big piece to how we raise our children.” •

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

1871-2013 Photo of Temple Israel at 72nd and Cass Street after May 7, 1975 tornado. Photo by Nebraska National Guard.

Temple Israel cookbook circa 1901.

Wedding certificate, 1893.

STORY BY JOE HACK • PHOTOS BY BILL SITZMANN

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

5632-5774 Cornerstone dedication, October 1953. Milton Livingstone applies mortar as Morris Jacobs, Rabbi Brooks and Alfred Mayer look on.

Temple Israel History “Remember the days of old, consider the years of ages past; ask your father, he will inform you, your elders they will tell you.” DEUTERONOMY 32:7

I Consecration class of 1970.

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

N 1856, SIX YEARS before the onset of the Civil War and 11 years before Nebraska’s statehood, two of the original founders of Temple Israel arrived in the young city of Omaha. These merchants‚ Meyer Hellman, who was the congregation’s first President, and Aaron Cahn, prospered and attracted >

1871-2013 72nd and Cass streets circa 1954.

< other Jews to the area. In 1871, the Congregation of Israel was established. Reverend Alexander Rosenspitz confirmed Temple Israel’s first class that year. Addie Gladstone briefly ran a Hebrew School. Rosenspitz soon left, followed by several itinerant rabbis. The congregation had 20 members in 1878. After years of meeting in homes and public halls, in 1884 a Temple was built at 23rd and Harney streets. William Rosenau, newly ordained by Hebrew Union College (HUC), joined Temple Israel in 1889 and would serve the congregation well until 1892. The Temple Sisterhood was also established in 1886. The congregation joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in 1889. Rabbi Rosenau championed progressive spiritual and liturgical practices. Wearing a skullcap was made optional and Hebrew study mandatory in Religious School under his tenure. Rosenau resigned in 1892 and was replaced by the then-youngest graduate of HUC, Leo Franklin. Unfortunately, Temple Israel struggled financially during the recession of the 1890s and could not compensate Rabbi Franklin adequately. He left for Detroit in 1898. There were 188 children in the Hebrew School by the end of the decade.

Rabbi Abram Simon replaced Franklin and quickly endeared himself to the congregants with his erudition and warmth. Simon left for Washington, D.C., in 1904. Rabbi Frederick Cohn succeeded Rabbi Simon and oversaw Temple Israel’s move in 1908 to 29th and Jackson streets. Commonly referred to as the Park Avenue Synagogue, the Byzantine gold-domed building was unanimously acclaimed one of the most elegant in Omaha. News clippings credited it with “grace and beauty and at the same time a massive and impressive appearance.” It is currently the home of St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church. Documents from this time show a Temple secure in its Reform Jewish identity, but also comfortably assimilated and modernized. The 1901 Sisterhood cookbook featured recipes for shrimp salad and oyster patties. Thirteen years later, the Sisterhood immersed itself in the World War I effort, selling Liberty Bonds, marching in rallies, establishing a Red Cross auxiliary, and raising money for “Jewish War Sufferers.” An American flag hung in the sanctuary during WWI, indicating strong patriotic sentiment. Rabbi Cohn was a community intellectual. He reviewed books and published columns in the Omaha World-Herald on relevant social and ethical issues. As the face of Temple Israel, Cohn was an exemplar of modernity and scholarship for the Jews of Omaha. Temple Israel grew during the 1930s, necessitating the hiring of another rabbi to assist Cohn. Rabbi David Wice took the train to Omaha in 1933 to preach at High Holy Day services and served for seven years. Rabbi Cohn retired in 1934.

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Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

5632-5774 In response to the events in Europe, religious observances changed. Hymns and Hebrew became a more integral part of worship services. In 1937, Charles Rosenstock became the first Bar Mitzvah since 1880. Rabbi Arthur Lelyveld, Wice’s successor, officiated at the Bat Mitzvah of Barbara Trustin Taxman in 1943, the first Bat Mitzvah performed at Temple Israel. Rabbi Lou Silberman replaced him in 1945. As the Park Avenue building fell into disrepair and the Jewish population moved westward, the 300-family congregation moved into a new building on Cass Street in 1954. In the process, Temple Israel hired a young, energetic rabbi, Sidney Brooks, who saw the congregation through this period of transition. He would become Temple Israel’s longest-tenured rabbi, serving 32 years, and he gained national prominence within the Reform Movement. Temple Israel celebrated its centennial in 1971 with much fanfare. Four years later, a tornado decimated the building, trapping Rabbi Brooks, his wife Jane and 15 confirmation students inside. Fortunately, no one was injured, although Temple Israel had to hold services at the Jewish Community Center for a year while its home was rebuilt.

Carl riekes, PresideNt howard ePsteiN, exeCutive direCtor

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To aid those displaced by the tornado, Brooks founded Together Inc. with several other Omaha clergymen. Today, Together Inc. still serves Omaha’s homeless and is a lasting testament to Brooks’ legacy. Rabbi Brooks retired in 1985 after 33 years of service. Rabbi Stephan Barack held the pulpit until 1988 when Rabbi Aryeh Azriel became Senior Rabbi. Under Rabbi Azriel’s leadership, Temple Israel continued to grow, reaching 780 families in 1996. Rabbi Azriel is well-loved for his warm pastoral care and widely recognized for his social justice work. In 2010, Temple Israel purchased 14 acres in a 35-acre Omaha Tri-Faith Initiative project at Sterling Ridge at 132nd and Pacific streets. On August 25, 2013, congregants led a Torah March from the Cass Street synagogue to the congregation’s new home. Rabbi Azriel announced, “Into the new Temple we will bring all the wisdom, values and traditions of the past while continuing to dream, create and transform new concepts and tools to address the needs and expectations of our community and the community at large. The deepening of our learning, the works of justice, and the spiritual yearning of our souls will be at the core of our activities.” •

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Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

A Tradition of Progressivism 23rd and Harney Street Temple, 1884-1908

Temple Israel Dedication â€˘ Friday, October 11, 2013

A Tradition of Progressivism

Praying With Your Feet For Decades, Temple Israel Congregates Have Worked for Interfaith Cooperation and Social Justice

ROM THE BEGINNING, TEMPLE Israel’s

members have displayed generally progressive behavior, most notably through their incredible willingness to collaborate with people of different religions and races. The Meyers, a Jewish family who immigrated to Omaha in the 1860s, were instrumental in founding what would >

STORY BY JOE HACK • PHOTOS BY BILL SITZMANN

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

A Tradition of Progressivism < become Temple Israel. The youngest of four brothers, Julius Meyer made his business exclusively trading with American Indians. In fact, Meyer was so well respected by the Native tribes that he was christened “Box-Ka-Re-Sha-Hash-Ta-Ka” by the Pawnee, which means, “Curly-haired white chief with one tongue.” Temple Israel’s rabbis have been as willing to challenge the social status quo as they have the religious one. Rabbi Frederick Cohn was an especially effective agent of social change and proponent of progressive ideals. In 1928, 35 years before the advent of the Civil Rights Movement, Cohn lectured on the importance of interracial cooperation. Rabbi Cohn also organized rallies against Hitler at a time when far too many were silent. In response to the political unrest in Europe in the ‘30s, Temple Israel founded the Institute for Christian Clergy in 1938 to promote greater understanding between Jews and Christians. It continues to this day. To honor Rabbi Sidney Brooks’s leadership of this program, the congregation renamed it Rabbi Sidney H. and Jane Brooks Institute for Clergy and Educators. Arthur Lelyveld, Temple Israel’s sixth rabbi, was an avowed pacifist who protested World War II, causing unease in the congregation. Rabbi Lelyveld went on to join the Zionist Organization of America and subsequently became prominent in the Civil Rights Movement, marching during the Freedom Summer of 1964 and sustaining a concussion after being beaten with a tire iron at a march in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. During his long tenure, Rabbi Sidney Brooks upheld the progressive tradition at Temple Israel, giving sermons on the My Lai Massacre, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Vietnam War. He was a strong proponent of women’s reproductive rights and served on the board of Planned Parenthood. Together Inc., the organization Rabbi Brooks founded with Omaha Christian clergymen, is still working to alleviate poverty by providing services to the needy. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel has overseen many interfaith social action projects during his tenure.

“When our congregation forms interfaith partnerships and pushes boundaries, we do social good. By cooperating, we harness the power of three congregations, proving that Jews, Christians and Muslims can work harmoniously together to make Omaha, and the world, a more just and peaceful place.” RABBI AZRIEL

“From the Food Bank to Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchens and homeless shelters, Black-Jewish Seder and Tri-Faith Seder, Thanksgiving services and a Garden for Hope—so many moments of good work in our community,” Rabbi Azriel says. “Trying to understand the heart and the life of ‘the other’ is of great importance to our community.” Rabbi Azriel received the Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” Award from the city of Omaha in 1997 for his efforts to reduce racial inequality and, more than 10 years ago, became one of the few clergymen in Nebraska to officiate at same-sex commitment ceremonies. “When confronted with this long and illustrious history of interfaith cooperation and progressivism, Temple Israel’s decision to partner with the American Episcopal Diocese and the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture in the Tri-Faith Initiative of Omaha makes perfect sense,” Rabbi Azriel says. “When our congregation forms interfaith partnerships and pushes boundaries, we do social good. By cooperating, we harness the power of three congregations, proving that Jews, Christians and Muslims can work harmoniously together to make Omaha, and the world, a more just and peaceful place.” •

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Congregation of Temple Israel Holly and Steve Abrahamson Berta Ackerson Bettie and John Adams Liz Adkisson Bernice Adler Paula and Larry Albert Joel Alexander Leon Alexander Doris and Harry Alloy Daryn and Cassius Almeida Debbie Alpert Sophie Ambrose Magda Peck and Jim Anderson Brenda and Barton Arnold Phyllis Aronson Joyce Ashley Stacey and Brett Atlas Barbara Ault Elyce and Aryeh Azriel Brigitte and Kenny Baines Judy and Jack Baker Sonya and Bob Baker Amber and Tom Baker Shelly and Arnie Ban Sharon and Bo Bargas Aaron Batt Janice and Bob Batt Valerie Batt Mona Jones and Ron Beach Bob Beber Ginny and Marsh Becker Jim Belgrade Robyn Belgrade Betsy and Ben Belmont Jenn Diaz and David Bender Stephanie and Matt Beneda Lori Bennett Jay Benton Millie and Harold Bernstein Lee and Anita Bernstein Rose and Stu Bernstein Susan Bernard Joanie and Terry Bernstein Mary and Tom Bernstein Mary Wampler and Phil Bierman Marvin Bittner Denise and Chris Blake Stacie and Bob Bleicher Susan Bos and Jacob Bleicher

Ellie and Jon Bleicher Sandy and Joel Bleicher Al Bloch Carol and Steve Bloch Matt Blodgett Rebecca and Brent Bloom Erlinda and Sol Bloom Susie and Irv Blumkin Fran Blumkin Chris and Matt Blumkin Rachel Blum Chris and Ron Blumkin Amanda and Ryan Blumkin Andrew Boehm Claudia Boehm Esther and Bernie Bogdanoff Paula and Matt Boggust Joe Boin Linda and Joe Bordy Steven Braun Mardee Brechwald Barbara and Steve Brehmer Becki Brenner Marge and Jim Bresel Shirley and Al Brody Marc Brodkey Pete Brodkey Beth and Ron Brodkey Judy and Shelly Brodsky Sandy and Sherm Brodkey Stacie Brodkey Fred Bromley Jane Brooks Miriam Brooks Spencer Brookstein Candice and Erik Johnson Mikal (Michael) Brotnov Joi and Colin Brown Carrie and Josh Brown Lisa Brunkhorst Larry Budwig Ron Budwig Bruce Buehler Scott Burger Helen and John Burns Molline and Fritz Cassman Steve Chasen LetaRae Cherniss Vicki and Jerry Chesen

Toni and Jon Chester Elizabeth and Steven Christensen Cathy and Bill Christensen Kimara and Kevin Clark Saundra and Kevin Clarke Anne and Alan Cohen Marcia and Jack Cohen Marc Cohen Marty Cohen Marla and Bob Cohen Joyce and Sheldon Cohen Doris Cohn Shelley Smith and Ed Cohn Susie and Marvin Cohn Jessica and Shane Cohn Linda and Steve Cohn Babe Cohn Sandi Cole Julie and Jeff Cooper Susie and Jeff Cooper Joan and Justin Cooper Fran and Mickey Coren Amy Cotton Alison Freifeld and Ken Cowan Suzy and Ian Crabb Brenda Croes Darlene Czaja Don’L Dacey Janey and Jerry Dann Steve Danon Betsy and Art Davidson Juanita and Doug Davidson Henry Davis Sylvia Davis Karen and Manuel Delgadillo Alan DePorte Pam and Dennis DePorte Deb and Jim Dodd Avery Mazor and Rob Dorton Tamara and Jared Draeger Rachel and Gil Dysico Leslie and Brian Eades Jan Egermayer Teresa and Lew Eirinberg Bob Eisenberg November and Steve Eisenberg Penny Endelman Lois Endelman Rand Engel

Trudie and Richard Engel Mira Engler Lisa and Gary Epstein Nancy and Gary Epstein Laurie and Jeff Epstein Inalou Raznick and Mel Epstein Sandy and Paul Epstein Pam Epstein Ruth and Joe Erman Jill and Mike Erman Veronica Fadke Carol Farber Judy and Jim Farber Mimi Rogers-Farkas and Scott Farkas Sam Fedman Nancy Feidman Ted Feidman Heather Feierstein Fíona and Seth Feierstein Judy Feigin Jessica and Jamie Feinstein Toby Fellman Darlynn and Tom Fellman Erika Felt Mary and Whitney Ferer Sally and Paul Fine Carrie and Steven Fingold Lois and Joel Finkel Debbie and Doug Finnicum Jan and Steve Fischer Naomi and Amanda Fisher Leiserowitz Nikki Flatowicz Claire and Pierre Flatowicz Rachel Flatowicz Ann Fleishman Hillary and John Fletcher Jim Folsom Nora Sarvetnick and Howard Fox Shelly and Rick Fox Alan Fredricks Arlene and Dave Fredricks Jennifer Rody and Jason Fredricks Jill and Jeff Fredricks Ellen Freeman John and Karen Freeman Joanne and Jerry Freeman Robyn and Bob Freeman Jamie and Ted Friedland Becky Fuehrer and Jeff Friedman

To the congregation of Temple Israel and all who helped make the dream a reality

Yasher Koach

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Congregation of Temple Israel Susi Amendola and Josh Friedman Lois Friedman Norma and Marshall Fried Merriam Friedman Mitzi Friedman Joan and Michael Friedman Cindy and Morris Friedman Nancy Friedland Frances and Sam Fried Debbie and Scott Friedman Steve Friedman Suzanne and Tom Friedman Barbara Frohman Marlen Frost Melany Fullenkamp Marcy Gallner Kim Gallner Linda and Harry Gates Jeanette Gaudreau Julie and Andy Gelbman Hymie Gendler Tami Field and Larry Gendler Gary Gerber Paul Gerber Sarah and Dan Gilbert Katherine Finnegan and David Gilinsky Chickie Gilinsky Patty and Kevin Gilinsky Dee and Larry Gilinsky Beth Gaynes Ginsberg Julie and Bennett Ginsberg Cheri and Larry Ginsburg Elvira Stepanova and Mike Ginsburg Larisa and Arkadiy Ginzburg Jennifer and Larry Gittelman Jan and Mort Glass Jordana and Jim Glazer Jennifer and John Glazer Phyllis and Dick Glazer David Golbitz Betty Goldstrom Yesenia and Brad Goldstrom Cindy and Bruce Goldberg Judi and David Goldstein Wendy and David Goldberg Dora Goldstrom Barb and Gary Goldstein Jill and Joe Goldstein Carol and Larry Goldstrom

Mark Goldstrom Carol and Manny Goldberg Jennine and Marv Goldberg Mike Goldstein Dana and Eddie Gonzales Danny Goodman June Goodbinder Jennifer and Scott Goodman Andie Gordman and Dan Fitzgerald Danielle and Jeff Gordman Bridget and Kip Gordman Elly and Bob Gordman Steve Gottlieb Melinda and John Graham Nancy and Don Greenberg Herman Greenwald Rosalie Greenspan Stephanie and Barry Grossman Jerry Gross Betty Grossman Roberta Wilhelm and Vic Gutman Rosie Zweiback and Mace Hack Debbie and Pat Hale Mendy and Mike Halsted Renee Handleman Jan Harris Marti and Jim Harris Julie Hartman Florence Hauss Robin Hellwig Kathy Helm Shari Hess Betsy Baker and Richard Heyman Becky Hinks Cookie and Jerry Hoberman Jennifer Hoberman Kerry and Mike Hollst Gail Holmes Nancy Hornstein Angela and Paul Horner Chris Dunlap and Ed Horwitz Jeff and Sarah Howard Jayne and Todd Hutton Jill and George Idelman Sheri and Steve Idelman Marilyn Ivers Ronnie and Art Jacobson Nancy and David Jacobson Eileen and Leonard Jacobson

Mark Jacobson Loye and Stan Jaeger Karen Javitch Lynne and Patrick Jensen Susan Jodis Sheryn and Arnold Joffe Lauren Brown-Jorgensen and Kelson Jorgensen Judy and Keith Josephson Debbi and Larry Josephson Sharon and Les Joseph Ann Kaiman Judy and Herb Kaiman Howard Kaiman Sylvia and Jerry Kaiman Leo Kamisar Bernice Kaplan David Kaplan Sally and Gary Kaplan Bob Kaplan Frankie and Sandy Kasin Renee and Sandy Kasner Edythe Kass Sharlene Kass Lorrie and Gary Katelman Josh Katelman Jeanne and John Katelman Myllee Katelman Sue and Rick Katelman Shelli Katelman Fran and Stan Katelman Esther and Bob Katleman Lester Katz and Jack Becker Maynard Katzman Nan Katz Amy Filler-Katz and Dick Katz Dana and Michael Kaufman Jeff Kavich Andie and Larry Kavich Renee and Louie Kazor Michelle and Stu Kazor LeAnn and Larry Kelberg Suzan and Jay Kenik Gail and Tom Kenkel Cat King Hedy and Marvin Kirke Nikki and Adam Kirshenbaum Joe Kirshenbaum Joan and Cal Kirshenbaum

Kevee Kirshenbaum Jenn Tompkins Kirshenbaum and Matt Kirshenbaum Kate and Tom Kirshenbaum Jo Kizlin Alice and Jon Klein Galina and Gregory Kogan Lina Kogan Brigitte and Alan Kohll Ivy Kohll Gail and Jerry Kohll Jennifer and Brandon Koom Georgine and Larry Koom Joan Tigges and Marc Kraft Natasha Kraft Bev Krasne Edythe Krasne Roxanne and Todd Krasno Barbara and Barry Kricsfeld Angie and Stan Krieger Traci and Lance Kugler Leslie Kully Connie and Bob Kully Denise and Tim Kully Barbara and Marshall Kushner Laura Kutler Sandy and Stuart Kutler Lina Lander Pauline Landman Alan Langnas Sharon Comisar-Langdon and Randy Langdon Barb Lashinsky Kathy Beauchaine and Jeff Laudin Nancy and Mike Lazer Sandy and John Lehr Joanie and Marty Lehr Susan Lehr Bobbi and Mike Leibowitz Bonni and Martin Leiserowitz Lisa and Julian Leopold Karen and Bob Lepp Bobette and Jay Lerner Barb and Cliff Levitan David Levin Corinne and Hugh Levin Jodi and Mike Levine Bonnie and Steve Levinger Lisa and Denny Lewis

:‫וְ עָ שׂוּ לִ י ִמ ְק ָדּשׁ וְ ָֽ ָשׁ ַכנ ְִתּי בְּ תוֹ ָֽ ָכם‬ “Make for Me a Temple and I shall dwell amongst them.” May your new space be a place of Torah and Mitzvot and a home for the Divine Presence and the Jewish People. Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Congregation of Temple Israel Rocky Lewis Eric Linder Ashley Lyles and Philip Lindsay Bonnie London Fritzi Luefschuetz Jan and Blake Lund Carolyn and Bernie Magid Sally and Ed Malashock Norma and Bob Malashock Barbara and Stan Malashock Marilyn and Judd Manvitz Wendy and Todd Manvitz Dan Marburg Deb Marburg Judy and Jerry Marburg Howard Marcus Joan Marcus Ilka Oberst and Gary Marshall Howard Martin Leon Martin Julie and Mark Martin Sandy Martin Lauren and Alex Maskin Stacie Spies-Matz and Jay Matz Kathy and John McGauvran Maurie Meiches Bernie Meyers Gerald Meyer Beth and James Meyers Tina and Joe Meyers Denise and Jon Meyers Kat Meyerson Jenny and Scott Meyerson Sue Meyers Jamie and Troy Meyerson Renee Micklin Rhoda and Pete Milder Emily Milder Gayle Milder Jerry Milder Ducky and Mike Milder Ellie and Paul Militzer Sue and David Millward Lori and Michael Miller Jennifer and Paul Miller Miriam Misle Suzi and Mike Mogil Ford Mommaerts-Browne Pam and Henry Monsky Lisa and Dino Montemarano Miriam and Don Moran Ann and Gordon Moshman Milt Moskovitz Barbara Mueting Kate and Joe Murphy Mary-Beth and Bruce Muskin Lisa and Rob Myers Randi and Joe Nanfito Lucille Nearenberg Lee and Howard Needelman Millie Needelman Maria and Steve Neesman Jeanie Neff Jennifer Wright and Paul Nelson Phyllis and Bob Newman Karli and Jody Newman Sharee and Murray Newman Kim and Jay Noddle

Nancy Noddle Sandy and Alan Nogg Patty and Tony Nogg Jaime and Brian Nogg Kelly and Jeff Nogg Nancy Nogg Babe Nogg Ann and David Noodell Maxine and Jack Noodell Leslie Norman Susie and Mike Norton Dominique Oâ€™Connor Kelly and Adam Oles Ashley and Alex Oropeza Ruth Oruch Ann and Don Osborne Claire and Rob Osborne Gigi Osten Nadine Ostrow Karen Oyler Elaina Ozeroff Allison Latenser and Lou Pachman Joyce Palm Doris Parker Margo Parsow Alla Pashchenko Klara and Gary Paskar Rita Paskowitz Fefe Passer Ella Patkovsky Marcy and Joel Patton Linda Patton Helene Paulin Sean Pekarsky Ronnie and Stan Perlmeter Vicki Perlmeter Beth and Jay Perry Cynthia and Joshua Persky Gerri Phillips Joan and Rick Phillips Ann and Harvey Pickel Gilda Pieck Rose Pitlor Kim and Matt Placzek Ellen and Jeff Platt Barb and Mike Platt Suzanne and Hap Pocras Lawrence Pollack Kini and Don Polsky Sharon and George Quittner Amy and Paul Rabinovitz Louise and Benie Radler Gretchen and David Radler Wendy and Adam Raffel Shayna and Matt Ray Emily and Nick Ray Linda and Steve Redler Lorraine Reiss Wendy and Rob Reiss Miles and Eileen Remer Don Rice Iris and Marty Ricks Joan and Albert Rieder Merilee Rimerman Jane and Harlan Rips Denis Roberts Kimberly and Andrew Robinson Julie and Arnold Robinson

Betti and Dick Robinson Stacey and Jonathan Rockman Judy and Buddy Roffman Carol Roffman Silvia Roffman Yvette Roffman Marcee and Chuck Rogers Ariella and Joseph Rohr Adam Rosen Eli Rosenberg Jerry Rosenblatt Joanie Rosen John Rosen Margo Rosen Brenda and Rich Rosenblatt Julie and Thor Rosenquist Toni Rosen Charney and Jerry Rosinsky Sam Rosinsky Peggy and Lee Ross Susan Rothholz Teresa Kramer-Ruback and Andy Ruback Marcy Ruback Betty Rubin Erica and Michael Parks Sherrie and David Saag Jacque and George Sacks Monica Sacks Jamie and Scott Sacks Linda and Rodney Sadofsky Sheila Sadofsky Mark Saferstein Debbie Salomon Rosalie and Ernie Saltzman Lynn and Fred Salzinger Betty Sanford Lise and Aaron Sasson Jane and Russ Sawyer Ellen Saylan Rosalie Saylan Lisa Scheet Karen Schliefert Cynthia Schneider Jerry Schneider Jan and Les Schneiderman Rachel and Michael Schneider Heidi and Scott Schneiderman Sarah Schondelmeyer Cindy Schreiber Beth and Harley Schrager Levi Jacob Schrager Lillian Schrager Anne York and Jeff Schrager Jeff Schrier Terri Schrager Laura and Rick Schrager Felicia and Stan Schrier Debbie Schwartz Jeff Schweid Anthony and Andee Scioli Tanya and Craig Seina Bev and Millard Seldin Sarah and Ted Seldin Noni and Hal Selner Anne and Bruce Shackman Suzy and Norm Sheldon Usha and Dan Sherman

Temple Israel Dedication â€˘ Friday, October 11, 2013

Debra Sherman Jo Sherman Claudia and Marc Sherman Ruth and Marc Sherman Shannon and Mitchel Sherman Phyllis Sherman Wendy Shermet and Len Burrell Linda and Howard Shrier Andrea and Mike Siegel Sissy Silber Michala and Adam Silverman Helene Silverstein Susie and Jim Silverman Mimi and Mike Silverman Paul Silverstein Anne and Alan Simon Stacy and Bruce Simon Eve and Fred Simon Kim and Jim Simon Joie Simon Kathy Simon Michael Simon Ron Simons Tonya and Rob Simons Betiana and Todd Simon Debbie Meiches-Simpson and Jim Simpson Harriet Singer Mark Singer Suzanne Singer Mary and John Siref Kathy and Larry Siref Steve Siref Ricki and Jeff Skog Martha and David Slosburg Ellen and Dick Slosburg Bud Slosburg Beth and Mitchell Slovut Janet and Jerry Slusky Lesley and Jeff Slutzky Debi and Jeff Smedlund Shirlee and Norm Smeerin Todd Smith Sharon Sobel Helen Soiref Carmen Soltis Suzie and Ray Somberg Beatrice Sommer Penny and Jim Sophir Sherm Sperling Jay Spiegelman Beth Spizman Dorothy Spizman Meagan and Samuel Spomer Jim Spooner Cynthia Stein Kim and David Stern Susan Stern Marie and David Stevens Debbie and Steve Stiel Sara and Asher Stoller Craig Stoll Cindy and Brian Stoneking Dorothy Strauss Rebecca and Rory Sudbeck Chuck Sullivan Louri Sullivan David Swensen

Congregation Maynard Tatelman Billie and Mel Tatelman Sherry and Jeff Taxman Barbara Taxman Alain Taylon Mary Ann and Charlie Taylon Sarah Teetzel Michele and John Terry Ed Thompson Sonia and Alan Tipp Sheila and Raimond Tomps Danielle and Kevin Tornkvist Maya Wertheimer and Alexander Trubnikov Tevee and Bernie Turkel Wendy and John Vann Judy Vann Leslie Vann Tom Vann Joodi and Norman Veitzer Jody Vinci Bennett Wagner Natha and John Waldbaum Patsy Wallace Beth and Mike Walts Marilyn and Marty Warren Bill Wax Jan and Phil Wayne Dana and David Wear Babs and Mike Weinberg Marc Weinstine Phyllis Weinberg Shirley Weinstein Anne and Arnie Weitz Leora Azriel and Matt Werner Barb and Stan Widman Andrew Wigodsky Tereza Wigodsky Allyson and Chris Wilczewski Andi Willensky Laura and Bryan Wine Norm and Lois Wine Shelly and Abe Wisnia Julie and Bernie Wolf Sara and Doug Wolfson Hanne Wolf Barbara and Jerry Wolpa Vicki and Steve Wolpa Tony Wolpa Anette and Jeremy Wright Dorothy Yaffe Annette and Irv Yaffe Sarah and Adam Yale Don Yale John Young Mary Kay Young Stephanie and David Yudelson Terri and Dick Zacharia Amee and Ted Zetzman Inna Zevakina Linda and Todd Zimmerman Mort Zuber Aubrey and Steven Zuber Debbi and Speedy Zweiback Judy Zweiback and Allen Ross Amy and Tim Zweiback

This time. This hour. This moment.

This PLACE.

Our congratulations on your beautiful new Temple Israel synagogue.

snbconnect.com . 402-344-7300

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9/5/13 8:22 AM

Bob Freeman, Troy Meyerson & Fraser Stryker PC LLO Proudly Congratulate

The Congregation of Temple Israel •••

On Its New Home

• • •

We appreciate the opportunity to have advised you on this exciting journey. Mazel Tov! www.FraserStryker.com

Membership list as of Friday, September 13, 2013.

Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

Leadership Rabbis

1871 1873-1874 1878 1883 1883-1885 1885-1889 1889-1892 1892-1898 1898-1903 1904-1934 1933-1941 1942-1944 1945-1951 1952-1985 1985-1988 1988-

Reverend Alexander Rosenspitz Reverend Hertzman (High Holy Day Services) Reverend David Stern Reverend H. Saft Reverend George E. Harfeld Reverend N.I. Benson William Rosenau Leo Franklin Abram Simon Frederick Cohn David H. Wice Arthur J. Lelyveld Lou H. Silberman Sidney H. Brooks Stephan F. Barack Aryeh Azriel

Assistant/Associate Rabbis 1965-1968 Lawrence Rubenstein 1971-1983 Barry Weinstein 1983-1984 Stephan Barack 1992-1994 Dan Fink 1994-2002 Debbie Stiel 2002-2006 Craig Marantz 2006-2012 Eric Linder 2012- Josh Brown

Cantors

1961â€“1972 1977-1980 1980-1990 1990-1994 1994-1995 1995-1998 1998-2001 2001-

Manfred F. Kuttner Gail Karp Harold Firestone Karen Webber-Gilat Michael Yablonski Erik Contzius Jennifer Blum Wendy Shermet

Executive Directors

1954-1982 Wilma Reeves 1982-2004 Dorothy Spizman 2003-2004 Michelle Shkolnick 2004- Dennis DePorte

Directors of Education

1985-1987 Jane West 1987-1999 Ann Kibel Schwartz 1999-2005 Joan Cooper (Lower School) 1999-2009 Elyce Azriel (Upper School) 2009-2012 Lori Bennett 2012-2013 Ariella Lowensohn 2013- Debbie Massarano

Program Directors

1998-2001 Iris Ricks 2001-2008 Rosie Zweiback 2008- Wendy Goldberg

Presidents

1871-1873 Bernard Gladstone 1873-1877 M. Hellman 1877-1878 M. Goldsmith 1878-1883 L. Brash 1883-1885 Emmanuel Simon 1885-1889 Issac Oberfelder 1889-1891 Meyer Hellman 1891-1899 Samuel Katz 1899-1907 Morris Levy 1907-1912 Samuel Katz 1912-1914 N.A. Spiesberger 1914-1916 Samson Frank 1916-1918 Charles Elgutter 1918-1920 William Holzman 1920-1922 Isador Zeigler 1922-1924 Jay Benjamin Katz 1924-1926 Harry Rosenfeld 1926-1930 Harry Rosenthal 1930-1932 David Rosenstock 1932-1934 Abe Goldstein 1934-1936 Samuel Joel Leon 1936-1938 Harry Wilinsky 1938-1940 David Goldman 1940-1942 Morris E. Jacobs 1942--1944 Milton Abrahams 1944-1946 Louis Somberg 1946-1948 Jack W. Marer 1948-1950 Paul Blotcky 1950-1952 Louis E. Lipp 1952-1954 Alfred S. Mayer 1954-1956 Milton S. Livingston 1956-1958 A.H. Brodkey 1958-1960 Harold P. Farber 1960-1962 Lazar Kaplan 1962-1964 Millard H. Krasne 1964-1966 Warner B. Frohman 1966-1968 David E. Beber 1968-1970 Morris J. Lipp 1970-1972 Stanley J. Slosburg 1972-1974 Abe Katelman 1974-1976 Stanley Perlmeter 1976-1977 Sydney Osten 1977-1979 Joan Lehr 1979-1981 Theodore Seldin 1981-1983 Michael Erman 1983-1984 Blaine Roffman 1984-1985 Phyllis Glazer 1985-1987 Martin Lehr 1987-1988 Murray Newman 1987-1989 Melvin Epstein Temple Israel Dedication â€˘ Friday, October 11, 2013

1989-1991 James Farber 1991-1993 Jerome Milder 1993-1995 Robert Freeman 1995-1997 Jane Rips 1997-1999 Larry Roffman 1999-2001 Paul Epstein 2001-2003 Michael Walts 2003-2005 Gary Kaplan 2005-2007 Wendy Goldberg 2007-2009 Jon Meyers 2009 Jan Schneiderman 2009-2012 John Lehr 2012- Sally Kaplan

WRJ/Sisterhood Presidents 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1911 1912 1914 1917 1920 1926 1928 1930 1932 1933 1934 1936 1938 1940

1942 1944 1946 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978

Mrs. Ferdinand Adler Mrs. Albert Cahn Mrs. C. Brandeis Mrs. Bertha Klein Mrs. Mortiz Meyer Mrs. Harry May Mrs. H. J. Abrahams Mrs. Louis M. Cohn Mrs. Sam Frank Mrs. Sam Katz Mrs. Nathan Mantel Mrs. Harry Rosenfeld Mrs. Izy Rosenthal Mrs. Nathan Mantel Mrs. M. L. Cohn Mrs. Carl Furth Mrs. Max Holzman Mrs. Ben Silver Mrs. Bernhardt Wolf Mrs. Sam Robinson (Mrs. David Feder) Mrs. Henry Monsky Mrs. Clarence Bergman Mrs. Ben Shapiro Mrs. Milton Mayper Mrs. Harry Trustin Mrs. Morton Hiller Mrs. Bernhardt Wolf Mrs. Edward Gilbert (Mrs. Horace Rosenblum) Mrs. Edward Levinson (Mrs. Ernest Kling) Mrs. Robert Cohn Mrs. I. M. Liberman Mrs. David Beber Mrs. Maurice Aresty Mrs. Stanley Perlmeter Mrs. David Beber Joan Lehr (Mrs. Martin) Shirley Greenberg (Mrs. Avrum) Marilyn Warren (Mrs. Martin) Hermene Zweiback (Mrs. Eugene)

Leadership 1980 1982 1984 1986 1989 1991 1992 1994 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

Joie Simon (Mrs. Ray) Noni Selner (Mrs. Harold) Sandy Nogg (Mrs. Alan) Dora Goldstrom Debbi Josephson (Mrs. Larry) Debbie Friedman (Mrs. Scott) Sandy Passer (Mrs. Jeffrey) Sally Zipursky (Mrs. Jim) Jeanne Angalet (Mrs. Stevan) Diane Graul (Mrs. Lonnie) Wendy Goldberg (Mrs. David) Stacey Rockman (Mrs. Jonathan) Nancy Nogg Cindy Goldberg (Mrs. Bruce) Danielle Gordman (Mrs. Jeff) Susie Norton (Mrs. Mike) Mimi Silverman (Mrs. Mike) Stacie Brodkey and Dana Gonzales (Mrs. Eddie)

MRJ/Men’s Club Presidents 1977-1979 Steve Dloogoff 1979-1981 Phill Spizman 1981-1983 Bill Wasserkrug 1983-1985 Hal Selner 1985-1987 Mel Epstein 1987-1988 Jeff Smedlund 1989-1991 Dennis DePorte 1992-1994 Todd Manvitz 1994-1995 Alan Fredericks 1996-1998 Jim Clark 1998-2000 Marc Delman 2000-2002 Steve Danon 2002 Harry Gates 2008-2009 Adam Kirshenbaum 2009-2010 Barry Streit 2011- Dan Marburg

Omaha Temple Youth Group Presidents

Pillars of Temple Israel

1999 Ajon F. Farber Dedicated builder; lifelong champion for the Temple; leader with great love and humor

1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 2000

David Peebler Beth Seldin Anny Neff Todd Simon Tracey Simon Susan Simon David Spizman Jenni Barack Debbie Barack Randi Epstein Keri Saltzman Robyn Epstein Amy Perlmeter Lindsey Taxman Stephanie DePorte Michele Kurs Josh Katelman Brian Siff Katie Kaplan Amy Willensky Jen Gates Whitney Taxman Shayna Denny and Ally Freeman 2001 Steve Sternberg 2002 Allie Willensky 2003 Janet Baack 2004 Jacob Bleicher 2005 Caroline Terry 2006 Jacquelyn Neesman 2007 Caroline Terry 2008 Susan Freeman 2009 Haley Burns 2010 Jordan Jensen 2011 Jordan Jensen 2012 Hannah Perry 2013 Hannah Budwig

1999 Carol Lipsey Farber Devoted guardian of our funds; tireless supporter of our youth; blessed with boundless enthusiasm and love of our congregation 2003 Silvia Greene Roffman A lifetime of service above and beyond; your passion for learning; and your undying support 2004 Jane Brooks Our beloved Matriarch…Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Champion for justice and understanding, leader, and friend since 1952 2005 Robert Freeman Our trusted attorney, negotiator, peace maker, confidant and champion. A mentor and advisor to presidents, rabbis and staff since 1988.

Harriett Sperling Caring Awards 1995 Sandy Nogg 1997 Earl Katz 1999 Marilyn Mellen 2001 Shelly Fox 2005 Sheila Tomps 2007 Lisa Epstein 2008 Judy Josephson 2012 Wendy Vann

Ratigan-Schottler is honored to have been chosen to provide the solid oak pews, chapel chairs and furniture for Temple Israel’s beautiful new Omaha facility. Visit www.ratiganschottler.com to learn more about our design services as well as our high quality furniture. Email us at info@ratiganschottler.com. RATIGAN-SCHOTTLER

201 SOUTH 2nd STREET Temple Israel Dedication • Friday, October 11, 2013

BEATRICE, NE

800-383-1000 47