AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. The Jewish Press WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT WWW.OMAHAJEWISHPRESS.COM | WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG FUND INSIDE JUNE 25, 2021 | 15 TAMMUZ 5781 | VOL. 101 | NO. 36 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 8:43 P.M. Remembering Cantor Leo Fettman New role for Jennifer Tompkins Page 3 ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor antor Leo Fettman passed away on April 22 at age 96. He is survived by his wife, Annette; chil- dren Jack, Aviva, Renana, and Rachel; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. C Cantor Fettman was born in Hungary in 1925. In 1944, when he was 19 years old, he and his family were taken to Auschwitz, where most of his family perished. After the end of the war, he immigrated to Canada where he studied at the Maor Hagolah Rabbinical Yeshiva. It was there he was ordained as rabbi and cantor. In 1960, he immigrated to the United States. He met his All-Stars Basketball Premiere wife, Annette, in Gary, Indiana. They moved to Madison, Sports Camp Wisconsin where he was a cantor and educator from 1963 Page 4 until 1975. He was then hired by Beth Israel synagogue, where he served as cantor and Director of Education. He also provided kashrut supervision. “I met Cantor Fettman in 1979 or 1980 at Beth Israel Syn- agogue after returning home to Omaha after college,” Don Gerber said. “At that time, Cantor Fettman was a vibrant young energetic man who was concerned with bringing “Yiddishkeit” to all that he knew. It did not matter what age you were. From very small children to the elderly, he tried to reach out to all with his warm smile, quick wit, and it goes See Cantor Leo Fettman page 15 Cantor Leo Fettman

Death and Mourning in Judaism: The role of the community Page 16 Beth El returns to National History Day GABBY BLAIR moved its headquarters from Cleve- in-person programming Jewish Press Staff Writer land to the Washington, D.C., area In 1974, the History Department where it now runs multiple educa- at Case Western Reserve, a private tional programs, the largest of which research university is the ‘National His- in Cleveland, Ohio, tory Day Contest’ began a history for students in contest based on grades 6-12. Na- the science fair tional finals take model. Students place each June gathered on cam- during a week-long pus to devote one event held at the day to history, pre- University of Mary- senting projects on land, College Park. a wide array of top- From its humble ics under the year’s beginnings in Ohio announced theme. with just 129 local Over the next students, National REGULARS Beth El President Ari Riekes congratulates award winners Barry and Stephanie Grossman. few years, the con- History Day project Spotlight 11 test expanded into Dr. Amy Forss, History Instruc- participation has Voices 12 LISA MARCUS Meeting, the first congregation-wide surrounding Mid- tor, History Coordinator and On- grown to well over line Lead at Metropolitan Synagogues 14 Over 100 congregants came to- gathering since the pandemic began. western states. The half a million stu- Community College Life cycles 15 gether June 11 for Beth El’s Annual The festivities took place out back at project was incor- dents hailing from Beth El, where the kids took over the porated in 1978, and coined the all states and U.S. Territories, today. playground and the adults enjoyed name ‘National History Day.’ Over The annual theme usually in- being together on one of the few the years, this grant funded pro- cludes a phrase ending with “in his- evenings in recent memory where the gram was joined by state historical tory. “The theme serves to help temperature dipped below 90 degrees. organizations nationwide. frame student’s research and is cho- “This evening, we celebrate how so With the help of the National En- sen for broad application to world, many of our congregants chose to dowment for the Humanities in the national, or state history and its rel- continue to be connected at a time early 1980s, National History Day evance to ancient history or to the when we all really needed one an- (NHD) earned designation as a non- more recent past. The theme for other,” said Beth El President Ari profit organization. By 1992, NHD See National History Day page 2 See Beth El Annual Meeting page 3 2 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 National History Day LESLIE’S Continued from page 1 “I first became involved with National History day about 15 Home & Pet Sitting 2021 theme was Communication in History: The Key to Under- years ago,” Shrago explains. “We used to offer a class called Since 1992 standing. ‘Honors Special Projects’ and a National History Day project Students can enter the contest as an individual or in a was always part of that class. When that class was replaced group, and present in one of five categories: Documentary, by Honors Language Arts, we decided that their research proj- Leslie Babendir Exhibit, Paper, Performance or Website. Participants then ect would be National History Day. All of my students create compete in a series of re- a project, but not all of 402-415-8239 gional contests with top en- them choose to compete. I tries advancing to state/ don’t really focus on the his- affiliate contests. The top tory part, I mostly teach two entries in each cate- them the research process. gory and division are in- They pick a topic that they vited to compete at the are interested in and always National Contest. seem to learn something. It Omaha District NHD Co- is important for them to ordinator and History In- know history so it doesn’t Anne & Alan Cohen Marty & Kathy Cohen structor at Metropolitan repeat!” Community College, Dr. Shrago continues. “We A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Marty Cohen | 402-690-1591 Amy Forss, first got in- learn about reliable web volved with National His- sites, taking notes, summa- FOR SALE $349,900 tory Day in 1994, when she rizing, creating an anno- 2006 S 127th Circle Royal Wood Estates 4 bedroom 2 Story. Almost 3200 sq. ft. on a cul-de-sac Melissa Shrago Sasha Denenberg with many recent updates. Large family room with fireplace and wet bar. was a graduate student. “I tated bibliography, creating Formal DR, Private office with custom built-ins perfect for WFH lifestyle. was asked to be a judge for NHD and it was such a wonderful a project and then creating a reflection paper. National His- Finished lower level is ideal for casual entertaining. Forever views overlooks this classic neighborhood and Magnet Elementary School. experience, I’m still involved today!” tory Day projects help my students to learn the research 3626 S 205th Street $714,950 NEW LISTING Spectacular walkout Ranch Grand View Ridge Estates. When the Durham Museum decided to end its 30-year his- process, manage their time, and create a huge project... It is a Backing to Papio-Missouri River Nature Reserve/Dam with spectacular tory of holding the competition, Shari Sorenson, Nebraska wonderful exercise that teaches so many more skills beyond views of the lake. Former spring parade of homes with open floor plan. Rich wood floors, 9–11-foot ceilings, exceptional contemporary décor and NHD State Coordinator asked Dr. Forss if MCC would con- the ‘history’ part! details. Over 3200 sq. ft. with desirable finished lower level. sider permanently hosting event at one of their city campuses. “My kids have done amazing projects over the years and I COMING SOON After successfully spearheading months of MCC administra- have had many students move on to the state competition Summit condo Ranch 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car almost 2700 sq. ft. tion negotiations, NHD made the move to MCC’s South and several represent Nebraska at the National competition. Omaha Campus in 2020. Their creativity amazes me each year! I even had a former “Obviously 2020-2021 was a strange and rather historical student email me a couple years ago and tell me that this Associated Counseling time to kick off this event on the MCC Campus and the two middle school project helped her prepare for her masters the- contests we have held thus far were very different. Our first sis in biology!” Professionals NHD at MCC was held the week before everything shut down One of this year’s local National History Day participants due to Covid; the second was held virtually,” explains Forss. was Sasha Denenberg, an eighth grader at Lewis & Clark Mid- “Our goal is to grow the NHD competition at MCC. Ideally, dle School, and student of Mrs. Shrago. we’d like to see as many area schools and as diverse of a stu- Sasha placed first in both Regionals and State earning a spot Glen Fineman, LICSW, LIMHP dent population as possible in our Omaha District participat- to present at this year’s National competition. “Sasha is an Clinical Social Worker ing. As of now, we have Sarpy and Douglas County students amazing student with a big heart. She is super motivated and competing from Bennington, Springfield, Papillion-La Vista, her presentation is outstanding in content and creativity. I am Gretna, Bellevue, Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha, Ralston, excited for her chance at Nationals! “ shares Shrago. Omaha Public Schools, Millard, Elkhorn, and Homeschools. Sasha explains that for this year’s theme, “ ‘Communication Family & Children Issues However, MCC also serves Washington and Dodge counties in History’, I chose to research Alan Turing and the Enigma and many local students from this 4-county area begin their Machine because of its incredible story and what a genius Marriage Counseling college journey at MCC, so we’d like to continue to expand. Alan Turing was. The Enigma machine was a device that cre- Depression | Anxiety | Grief & Loss We offer a 13.5 ECH scholarship (1 quarter of tuition) to 1 ated a code that was nearly impossible to break. The Germans NHD competing senior each year. Holding the NHD compe- used it to communicate in WWII and Alan Turing was one of tition at our centrally located South Omaha Campus in March the main minds to crack it.” also gives students and their parents the opportunity to visit Denenberg continues. “In addition to learning all about Alan an MCC campus, interact with our advisors, and take a tour Turing, other cryptographers, the Enigma machine, and how 2255 So. 132nd Street | Suite 200 | Omaha of the buildings.” it all played into World War II, I also learned more about focus, 402-334-1122 | fax: 402-334-8171 When asked what she is most proud of or impressed with hard work, organization, and video editing. In the creating www.acpcounseling.com about this program, Forss explains. “National History Day pro- stage, I was very cautious about saving drafts and not deleting vides a platform for 6th graders to graduating seniors to en- anything. By being smart about that, I avoided the craziness gage in five categories of competition: Papers, Websites, of things going missing.” Exhibits, Performances, and Documentaries. There is literally Denenberg really enjoyed the room National History Day a place for every student and the cost is only $15 per student gave her to create. “This type of project let me play to my to enter. The topics they can explore while adhering to an an- strengths and do things how I wanted to do them. For exam- nually chosen NHD theme are unlimited. Besides the 1st, 2nd, ple, I had the choice to make a 10-minute documentary, which and 3rd place winners in the Omaha District Competition I really enjoyed producing and presenting. I am looking for- going on to the NHD State Competition and from there pos- ward to presenting my documentary at Nationals and am sibly going to NHD Nationals in College Park, Maryland, com- humbled to have this opportunity.” munity venues such as the Douglas County Historical Society, One thing Denenberg said she loved about doing this proj- Sarpy County Museum, the Joslyn Art Museum, and the ect was how invested she got in the research and story. “There Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies sponsor individ- is so much information that did not make it into the ual special awards for placers as well.” project. I have pages and pages of notes on my research. Hav- For Melissa Shrago, a language arts teacher who has dedi- ing the story come together in my mind was a highlight of the cated her 29 year career in education to her students at entire experience.” Omaha Public School’s Lewis and Clark Middle, National His- To find out more information about National History Day, tory Day provides an important opportunity to sharpen her teachers, students, and parents can visit https://www. students critical thinking, research and writing skills. nhd.org/ check out the Nebraska National History Day web- “I am a teacher because I love to see the lightbulb of learning site at https://www.nebraskanhd.org/ or contact Amy go off within a kid’s brain! I love building relationships with Forss, Omaha District NHD Coordinator, at aforss@mcc young people and sharing my love of writing and learning.” neb.edu or 531.622.1273. Israel Teen Trip

ALAN POTASH All participants will be required to attend a minimum of Chief Executive Officer, JFO 6 pre-trip educational and social bonding meetings. Parents The biennial community teen trip to Israel is moving for- and participants will be required to sign a code of conduct ward for this coming December. The proposed dates are and adhere to this conduct in the sessions and on the trip. Dec. 22-Jan. 3 (subject to change). Several precautionary Two key issues that we are still monitoring that could im- measures will be taken to ensure a positive experience for pact this trip are COVID-19 and current events in Israel. As all who participate in this meaningful experience. It is avail- of now, the only COVID-19 issue we know of is that all stu- able to high school juniors and seniors enrolled and attend- dents will have to have been fully vaccinated with one of the ing a synagogue religious school education or actively COVID-19 vaccines prior to the trip. involved in BBYO. This trip is significantly subsidized by the Please contact Jamie SkogBurke (jskogburke@jewisho Jewish Federation of Omaha, area synagogues and commu- maha.org) at the Jewish Federation of Omaha if you or your nity foundations. high schooler is interested in participating in the experience. The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 3 New role for Jennifer Tompkins News ALAN POTASH LOCAL | NATIONAL | WORLD JFO Chief Executive Officer I am pleased to announce Jennifer Tompkins will soon transition from her current role as Director of Human Re- Beth El Annual Meeting sources to a new role for the JFO: Executive Director of Continued from page 1 Community Philanthropy & Riekes. “We certainly have reminded MAZEL TOV TO BETH EL Engagement. As part of the ourselves what a special community we SYNAGOGUE’S 2021-2022 strategic plan to strengthen have here at Beth El.” BOARD OF TRUSTEES our philanthropic efforts, rela- Riekes then recognized the clergy, tionship building, stewardship professionals and lay leaders for provid- President: Ari Riekes Adam Kutler and and community engagement, ing strong virtual programming during Vice-Presidents: Linda Saltzman Jenn will develop a new focus the pandemic, as well as the congrega- Treasurer: Miriam Gottlieb by bringing together these pri- tion for continuing to stay engaged Religious Life Chair: Ari Kohen orities under one umbrella. while the building was closed. He also Secretary: Susan Witkowski With the opening of the Chief announced that the Building for the Fu- BESTT Chair: David Finkelstein Development Officer position, Jay Gord- ture campaign has raised more than $4 Immediate Past President: Beth El President Ari Riekes congratu- Jennifer Tompkins man I used the strategic priorities to million so far, which will allow the ren- lates award winners Allan Murow, above, Stan Edelstein, Jason Epstein, bridge these two components as we move forward. Jenn will ovation to begin in July. Riekes encour- Trustees: and Michael Gerson, below. be responsible for managing the annual campaign and part- aged anybody who has not already Sarah Frey, Darlene Golbitz, Stephanie Grossman, Mark Hoffman, Bruce Kutler, nering with myself and lay leaders on the next phase of the donated to contribute to the campaign. Howard K. Marcus, Ellie Novak, Caryn capital campaign as we develop the second gym and pickle- Following the treasurer’s report by Scheer, Michelle Shkolnick ball courts. Steve Levinger and I will work on wrapping up Miriam Gottlieb, the attendees ap- the current capital campaign. As part of the strategic plan proved the Board of Trustees slate, after to enhance community engagement, I have also asked Jenn which Rabbi Steven Abraham and Haz- • B’Tayavon Award: Supporting Every to supervise staff in the areas of education, Israel, and com- zan Michael Krausman installed the Beth El Meal: Gary and Cheryl Lerner munity programming. Please join me in welcoming Jenn to 2021-2022 trustees. and Marilyn Zevitz this new role. During the annual awards presenta- • V.I.P. Virtual In Presence Award: Jenn Tompkins and Matt Kirshenbaum are the proud par- tion. Allan Murow received the “Presi- Sherry Taxman ents of two daughters, Kathleen (21) and Laura (18). Their dent’s Award for An Outstanding • Champion Award: Susan Witkowski children have been raised at the J, from the Pennie Z. Davis Non-board Member” in recognition of • Growth In Engagement Award: Beth Child Development Center and JCC day camp to the JCC his steadfast dedication to Beth El in- Staenberg with their Beth El family. swim team and Dance. Growing up, Jenn’s family belonged cluding, but not limited to, having • Virtual Enthusiast Award: Michael For Rabbi Abraham, the Annual Meet- to the J, where she and her sister, now Tracy Weiss, spent chaired the synagogue’s Welcoming the Parsow ing was the perfect program to kick off every day each summer at the pool. Jenn remembers “Uncle Stranger initiative, helping lead the ren- • Farthest Zoom Participant Award: the congregation’s return to the building. Chuck,” with his long white socks to his knees and his gym ovation project, and his tremendous Tommy Vetvickova (Tommy attended “After more than a year apart, this was a shorts. Uncle Chuck was synonymous with the J and I am fundraising efforts for Beth El’s Building BESTT remotely from the Czech Re- momentous occasion to be back together looking forward to raising money to build an additional gym for the Future Campaign. Barry and public!) celebrating another successful year at in his honor.” Stephanie Grossman received the “Sel- After the awards presentation, a spir- Beth El,” he said. “We came together to Jenn earned her BS in Business Administration with an wyn Roffman Memorial Award for Reli- ited Six String Shabbat was led by Haz- celebrate a unique year as well as honor Emphasis in Human Resources from UNK and her MBA gious Growth” for their frequent zan Krausman and featured guitarists a number of congregants for their contin- from UNO. Her first job on the JFO campus was at the Rose attendance and positive presence at Adam Kutler, Howard K. Marcus, Jeff ued hard work and dedication to the bet- Blumkin Jewish Home. Shelley Cash, Director of Nursing, Shabbat morning services and daily Taxman and Eadie Tsabari. Michael Par- terment of our congregation.” told Jenn that the Home was like a small town, because minyan. Michael Gerson received the sow chimed in on rhythm. President Riekes wrapped up the “everyone knows everyone and there is a big sense of family.” “Larry DeBruin Service to the Syna- The evening was capped off with a de- evening by expressing his appreciation. Jenn fell in love with working at the “small town” RBJH, and gogue Award” due to his leadership and licious meal prepared by Chef Mike “Thank you for being such an amazing she’s excited for this next chapter. resilience in shifting Beth El’s minyans Newell, featuring Chicken Caesar Salad congregation. Thank you to our amaz- “My kids said,’ mom, I would hate to ask people for money.‘ from in-person to online and back again. and Asian Salmon Salad. During dinner ing clergy and professional staff and lay I responded, I can’t wait to ask people to contribute to the A number of special awards inspired Juggler Peter Brunette entertained the volunteers. And thank you for allowing best community I have ever known.” by our virtual year were also presented: crowd while they ate and reconnected me to serve.”

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SAM KRICSFELD he had with the campers. Jewish Press Intern During my time before the The squeaks of sneakers and scrimmage game, I was ex- the thuds of bouncing basket- hausted just watching the balls filled the gymnasium at campers. Every child was giv- the Staenberg Omaha JCC dur- ing it their all - passing, shoot- ing the All-Stars Basketball Pre- ing, jumping. Every counselor miere Sport Camp. Campers was engaging and supportive were taught basketball funda- to their campers. Drake told Progress ahead! I am so pleased to mentals such as shooting, ball me that teaching the kids new announce that two of our four main handling, passing, defense and skills was a big reason he loved bookcases have finally arrived. As you rebounding. the camp. walk straight in the main entrance, Every day of the All-Stars All-Stars Basketball will not you will see the new sleek stacks in Basketball camp, which took be the only Premiere Sport the Learning Commons to your right. place from 9 a.m. to noon be- Camp. From June 14-18 there Those who attended the JFO Annual tween June 7-11, was jammed will be JCC Extreme Sports, Meeting on June 7 were able to get a full of shooting hoops and fun followed by Cheer and Dance better sense of the space and noted training. Games and friendly Team, All-Stars Soccer, JCC Ac- how great it was to see shelves full of JENNIE GATES competition taught campers skills and sportsmanship. The tive Sports, Triple Threat Triathlon, JCC Wide World of Sports, books again! As with all good things, BECKMAN basketball camp was for kindergarteners-8th graders. and JCC Lions Basketball. There will be no Premiere Sport there is still work to be done. After we JFO Director of I wandered into the gym twice during the camp, and was Camp the week of the 4th of July. welcome the final two custom book- Community Engagement & struck by the sound of basketballs, shouts and children having Other Premiere Camps include Premiere Youth Camp cases we will start to fill in little nooks Education fun. The older campers were exhibiting impressive moves and (which has themes like Harry Potter and Hunger Games), Pre- and crannies with additional shelving. defense (I say this as someone who knows nothing about bas- miere Dance Camp, and Premiere Musical Theater Camp. J We’ll also be working on better signage over the summer to ketball), while the younger kids were having fun dribbling in- Camp, an annual summer favorite, will continue throughout assist community members in finding books that align with cessantly between activities. the summer. their interests. On Friday, June 11, I went down to the gym right before the A common thread throughout all the camps is the building As I have mentioned before, you can always reach out to scrimmage session, to which parents were invited. I managed of relationships. Campers become good friends with other our library specialist Shirly Banner, with specific questions to pull aside two counselors from their campers for a second campers, and counselors become role models to the campers. or to request guidance. If you are here to browse the collec- to ask them about what made basketball camp so worthwhile. It was clear when I spoke to Beckstrom and Drake that they tion, you can check out your books at the front desk right Counselor Myla Beckstrom said the best part about the feel the same way about their campers after only one week of inside the main entrance. If there are particular titles you’re camp was getting to know the campers. She loved the bonding basketball camp. interested in seeing added to the collection - just reach out experience and getting to “jump around” with them. Coun- “It’s fun to be involved,” Beckstrom said. “It’s like [my] childhood.” and ask! We are constantly adding new titles and welcome selor Isaac Drake echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the fun community input to guide those purchases.

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Goldstein Supporting Foundation Jackson Home Appliance “OMAHA’S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN APPLIANCE REPAIR” awards grants NOW BRINGS THAT SAME ATTENTION TO HEATING & COOLING LINDA POLLARD Brain Death Jackson Heating & Cooling JFO Foundation Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer • Institute for Holocaust Education – Operating Expenses FEATURES CARRIER HOME HEATING & COOLING PRODUCTS The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation is pleased to • Jewish Press – Freelance Writing CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM ONE OF OUR HVAC SPECIALISTS announce the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting • Joslyn Art Museum – Contemporary Artist Project ON A NEW FURNACE, AIR CONDITIONER OR HEAT PUMP Foundation grants that were awarded during their May, 2021 • Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church – Kountze Food Pantry 402-391-4287 semi-annual meeting. 8827 Maple Street Carrier Factory Authorized Omaha, NE 68134 Nate Certified Technicians Since the Goldstein Sup- porting Foundation’s incep- tion in 2003, the board has allocated over $2 million dollars to charitable causes throughout the United States, Israel, and the For- Zach Lake mer Soviet Union. HERO Development Officer According to Donald Goldstein, “The Board was NMLS ID# 487329 very pleased with the number and type of received applica- • Lutheran Family Services of NE – Immigration Legal Sup- 7310 S 191st Street tions. We were able to fund many local, national and interna- port for Refugees Omaha, NE • 68136 tional projects that were in line with our Foundation Mission • PKD Foundation – Research Grants and Fellowships Statement.” • Rose Blumkin Jewish Home – Digital Channel Inserter [email protected] The Goldstein Supporting Foundation considers requests • Temple Israel – Israel Education Classroom for funds that support local projects and programs of the Jew- • Del and Lou Ann Weber Healing Gift – Life-Saving Insulin Your Reverse Mortgage Specialist, Call Today! ish Federation of Omaha and its agencies, synagogues and Medication Jewish service organizations, where funding is unavailable “A supporting foundation is a separate legal entity which is MutualReverse.com through their respective annual operating budgets. Programs created by a donor or family and which has its own board of Corporate NMLS #1025894 benefitting Russian Jewry in Omaha, the United States, Israel directors,” explained Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation or the former Soviet Union are supported by the Foundation. Executive Director, Howard Epstein. “The JFO Foundation They also consider applications from local and national Jew- manages and invests the funds, administers operations and ish and secular charities in the areas of medicine and medical makes disbursements as directed by the supporting founda- WHY NOT DO IT research, rescue and relief, education and current events of tion board. The board independently determines allocations THE EASY WAY? Jewish content, and human rights. Special emphasis is given to non-profit organizations it wishes to support. The Gold- to programming and research in the area of kidney related dis- stein Supporting Foundation continues to make a significant eases and organ transplantation, the Goldstein Human Rights impact on our community, and we truly appreciate their on- Lecture Series, and the Goldstein Center for Human Rights at going generosity.” NORM’S the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The board members of the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein DOOR SERVICE The following organizations and programs were awarded Supporting Foundation are: Donald Goldstein, Kathy Gold- grants at the May meeting: stein, Gail Raznick, Rebecca Groothuis, Toba Cohen-Dunning, • Anti-Defamation League/CRC – Words to Action and Gen- Ari Kohen, Caryn Scheer, Mike Siegel, and Nancy Wolf. GARAGE DOOR eral Anti-Bias Training SPECIALISTS • American Jewish Historical Society – Digitization and Preservation of Archives ORGANIZATIONS • Beth El Synagogue – Kamp KEF VII SALES AND SERVICE B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS • Beth Israel Synagogue – Playground Renovation COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL • Beth Israel Synagogue – The Rabbi’s Office The Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith is pleased to announce • Chabad of Nebraska – Chesed Program the resumption of its award-winning speaker program via ZOOM. Although the Home auditorium remains temporarily • Friedel Jewish Academy – Re-engaging Families closed, we’ll continue presenting an outstanding lineup of 6200 South 90TH St. at 90th & Washington • Halachic Organ Donor Society – Educational Videos on thought-provoking keynoters. For specific speaker informa- tion and/or to be placed on the email list, please contact Omaha, Nebraska Visit us on facebook: Breadbreakers chair Gary Javitch at breadbreakersom- [email protected] or leave a message at the B’nai B’rith JCC ps://www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress office 402.334.6443. 402-331-8920

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11040 Oak St. | Omaha, NE 68144 Rockbrook Village 1018 Howard St. 402-393-0252 402-342-2972 gardencaferockbrook.com www.souqltd.com Email: [email protected] Follow us on Facebook 6 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 Swastika discovered at Frankfurt It’s not just what they know. It’s who they become. airport synagogue SHIRA HANAU briefly while traveling and are in transit.” JTA The swastika was discovered less than a A swastika was found scrawled on the ark week after a fire was set outside a synagogue at a synagogue at the Frankfurt International in Ulm, about 70 miles northwest of Munich, Airport in Germany Friday, according to the in what police suspect was an attempted German publication Bild. It is un- clear when the swastika was drawn, as the airport synagogue has been closed for several months due to the pandemic. A German organization of Ortho- dox rabbis condemned the vandal- ism at the airport in a statement. A Lufthansa Airbus plane. Credit: Wikimedia Commons “It is simply sad. This hatred of Jews must finally stop,” the Orthodox Rabbini- arson attack. The vandalism comes on the cal Conference said, according to the Associ- heels of a wave of antisemitism following the ated Press. “The ugly grimace of antisemitism conflict in Israel and Gaza last month and at does not stop even in a highly secured area, a time when some European Jews are saying at a place of encounter, silence and stopping, the fight against antisemitism in Europe is where people from all over the world meet one that cannot be won. Democratically perplexed For someone grow- son should vote. Before the vote, the mem- ing up on the Ameri- ber of Congress asks for a final tally of their can system of constituents’ opinions and then votes ac- democracy, Wednes- cording to the majority (at least that’s how day, June 2 left me the system is supposed to work). In Israel, doubly dumb- you vote for a party list, and so MKs are not founded. On that day beholden to ordinary citizens but to their Yair Lapid, the leader party’s leadership. In the case of a secret bal- Primrose School of La Vista of the Yesh Atid lot, the MKs are completely relieved of any (“There Is a Future”) TEDDY accountability for their vote. 8202 S. 97th Plaza party, told President WEINBERGER There were two candidates running for La Vista, NE 68128 Reuven Rivlin that he the seven-year term of President: Miriam 402.517.1153 | PrimroseLaVista.com would be able to form a government. The Peretz (67) and Isaac Herzog (60). Peretz is new government, which was sworn in on from Givat Ze’ev, where we lived for 22 Now enrolling for the Fall. June 13, has Naftali Bennett in the first rota- years. She was principal of a local elemen- tion as Prime Minister. Bennett’s Yamina tary school there, until personal tragedy Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2020 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved. party won just 7 of the 120 seats in the Knes- turned her into a national figure of resilience set, while the Likud, Benjamin Netanyahu’s (in 2018 she was awarded the Israel Prize for party, won 30! To put this in numerical lifetime achievement). I came to know, ad- terms: the party of the new Prime Minister mire, and respect Miriam when we would received 273,836 votes, while the unseated speak on occasion at our early morning HEALTH+WELLNESS incumbent’s party received 1,066,892 votes. swims at the Givat Ze’ev pool. To make matters even more troubling dem- The other candidate, Isaac Herzog, was ocratically, a significant number of those heavily favored in the race. His father Chaim who voted for Yamina (which after all (1918-1997) was Israel’s 6th President. Even means “rightward”) would apparently have had I no personal acquaintance with voted differently had they known that Ben- Miriam, even if I was not of the opinion that net would agree to sit in a government that the time had come for Israel to have its first includes the two most leftist Jewish parties woman President, my American privileging (Meretz and Labor) as well as an Arab, Is- of “self-made” people would have raised my lamist party (Ra’am). hackles against Herzog. Popular opinion In thinking things through, however, Ben- supported Miriam. In one poll she received nett’s rise to the premiership is a logical 43% of the vote to Herzog’s 27%, and in an- (though unusual) result of Israel’s parlia- other she received 49.5% of the vote to Her- mentary democracy. After the March 23 zog’s 38%. None of this mattered to the election, neither the pro-Netanyahu right- MKs, as there was no real way for the public wing bloc of parties nor the anti-Netanyahu to influence the vote. Herzog won in a land- group could form a parliamentary majority slide: 87-26. without Yamina. Because Yamina’s voters A few days later, I WhatsApped Miriam themselves seem to have been divided as to and asked her to comment on the difference Netanyahu’s re-election, the party held no between popular opinion and the Knesset official position on this matter—unlike the vote. In a voice message to me, she said: “I’m other parties in the “government of change” sorry but I really don’t want to write any- (as it calls itself), who came out expressly thing about this issue or take a stand on this against Netanyahu. This allowed Bennett matter. I have a very clear opinion. I can just the freedom to negotiate with both sides, send you what I wrote to everyone.” and it skyrocketed the value of Yamina’s Below is what Miriam wrote to all those seven Knesset seats. who contacted her after the vote. I will end It is important to note here that while with her statement because of what it im- some democratic gymnastics are required plies about the Middle East’s only democ- to understand the election of the particular racy—where we are free to work to make person to initially head the “change” govern- Israel better. ment, the election of this government itself “Thank you. Everything that happens, makes perfect democratic sense: a majority happens for the good. I have no doubt that of the country did not want Netanyahu to the outcome is what is best for me. I will continue on as Prime Minister. continue in my way to work with love for my By sheer coincidence, June 2 was also the home, the State of Israel.” scheduled date for the election of Israel’s Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., made aliyah Publishing date | 07.16.21 Space reservation | 07.06.21 11th President. And here, there were more with his wife, former Omahan Saraj Jane serious democratic problems. The President Ross, and their five children, Nathan, Re- Contact our advertising executive to promote your business is elected in a secret ballot by the 120 Mem- becca, Ruthie, Ezra, and Elie, all of whom in this very special edition. bers of Knesset. In America, before a Con- are veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces; gressional vote, any citizen may register Weinberger can be reached at wein- SUSAN BERNARD | 402.334.6559 | [email protected] their opinion as to how their Congress per- [email protected]. The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 7 APN calls for conditions News RON KAMPEAS LOCAL | NATIONAL | WORLD WASHINGTON | JTA Americans for Peace Now is calling for concrete condi- tions on defense assistance to Israel, a first for a group that Incendiary balloons from Gaza prompt new calls itself “pro-Israel” and is a member of the Jewish com- munity’s foreign policy umbrella group, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Israeli airstrikes, days into new government “If the U.S. wants to nurture peace and support interna- GABE FRIEDMAN tional law, we must explicitly ensure that our taxpayer dol- peril the cease-fire agreed to on May 20. The Israel Defense Forces said it is “ready for all scenarios, lars serve our foreign policy objectives, that they do not go JTA After balloons filled with incendiary material were sent from including renewed fighting in the face of continued terrorist towards human rights violations, and that there are specific Gaza into the Israeli countryside, Israel’s military said it launched acts emanating from Gaza,” according to Reuters. On Wednes- consequences if they do,” Hadar Susskind, the group’s CEO, a fresh offensive of airstrikes on Hamas targets on Tuesday. day morning, the army tweeted that it had struck places where said Wednesday in an op-ed in Time magazine. “If new set- There were no casualties on Hamas militants meet and tlements are legalized or existing ones expanded — these in- either side, Reuters reported. wrote, “Hamas will bear the ternational law violations would come with specific U.S. aid The flareup came days into a consequences for its actions.” reductions.” new Israeli government and Israel’s new government led Until recently, assistance to Israel has been been sacro- hours after thousands of Israeli by a diverse coalition of parties sanct in the pro-Israel community and in Congress, even nationalists paraded through is just days into its existence among Israel’s critics. Jerusalem’s Old City in an an- after ousting Benjamin Ne- In an interview, Susskind said part of the group’s reasoning nual event that Israeli authori- tanyahu, who had served as was to protect assistance to Israel in the wake of calls from ties initially suspended this prime minister for 12 years. some progressive Democrats during Israel’s conflict with year in a bid to prevent vio- New Prime Minister Naftali Hamas last month to cut assistance outright. lence. The government al- Bennett has said that the coali- Susskind said the Americans for Peace Now proposal lowed a scaled-down version tion wants to avoid tackling would offer a path to lawmakers who were alarmed with the to take place Tuesday. Flames are seen after an Israeli air strike hit Hamas targets in difficult issues, such as the calls to cut aid but are no longer happy with unconditional Hamas cited the original Gaza City, June 15, 2021. Credit: Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency conflict with the Palestinians, assistance to Israel. plans for the march when it fired via Getty Images in its early stages. Bennett ar- “I want every sentence to begin with ‘I support aid to Is- rockets on Jerusalem last month, sparking an extensive conflict gued in 2018 that Israel should respond aggressively to those rael’,” he said. “We need a middle ground between a blank in which more than 230 Palestinians and 12 Israelis were killed. launching incendiary balloons, who are often children, Ynet check and cutting aid.” On Tuesday, a Hamas spokesperson said the new balloons, reported at the time. Americans for Peace Now and another liberal Jewish Mid- which ignited fires in Israel, were an act of “brave resistance” Yair Lapid, a centrist who is serving as foreign minister for two dle East policy group, J Street, said in April that they were in to defend Palestinian “rights and sacred sites” in Jerusalem. years before he is slated to take over the prime minister role from favor of a bill backed by progressive Democrats that would (Some analysts suggested to Reuters that the balloons were Bennett, condemned the Israeli demonstrators in Jerusalem. prohibit Israel from using U.S. funds to detain Palestinian not orchestrated by Hamas, the militant group that rules Gaza “It is incomprehensible that people can hold the Israeli flag and the U.S. and Israel deem a terrorist group.) in one hand and shout ‘Death to Arabs’ at the same time,” minors, appropriate or destroy Palestinian property or Israel reportedly warned Egypt — which was a mediator in Lapid tweeted. “This isn’t Judaism or Israeliness, and it is def- forcibly move Palestinians, or annex Palestinian areas. The the recent Israel-Gaza fighting that killed about 230 Gazans initely not what our flag symbolizes. These people are a dis- measure does not spell out specific consequences should Is- and 12 Israelis — that continued acts of aggression would im- grace to the nation of Israel.” rael violate the restrictions. The Jewish Press Endowment The purpose of this endowment fund is to ensure theOmaha Jewish Press continues to serve the Omaha Jewish Community.

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June 7, the Jewish Federation of Omaha held its Annual Meeting and Awards Night. We are happy to share some excerpts from the speech JFO CEO Alan Potash de- livered to the community. We have spent the last year and half in the desert. COVID-19 has reshaped most of everything we have done. No matter where you ALAN POTASH are, you have had to adapt to Chief Executive what one calls ‘the new normal.’ Officer, JFO This was also true for us at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Yes, adapting we did and we did so much more than anyone expected of us. We did it, because we have great people that care about who and what we are and what we do for the commu- nity. Our community has diverse interests and needs. As individuals, we came together to form a community to meet those needs--and I thank you! Jon Meyers and I stood before you last year here, vir- tually, to give a state of the Federation and to honor the many who helped us through the previous year. The pandemic was only a few months old and we could not see into the future. We continued doing the work we needed to on behalf of our community. In addition, we continued adapting. Jon turned the JFO leadership over to Mike Siegel in January and he has continued to strengthen the work needed to keep us moving forward. Mike has spear- headed our strategic plan process and we look forward to continuing to update you on the progress of that ini- tiative as we meet the future needs of the JFO. We have a lot to celebrate tonight and I want to ac- knowledge the success every one of our agencies has had this year. The ADL-CRC has begun work with the JFO and the overall Omaha Jewish community to edu- cate around issues of bias and allyship. Through the COVID-19 relief fund, Jewish Family Service has pro- vided financial assistance to 44 Federation employees and 52 Jewish community members who were im- pacted by the pandemic. While other newspapers around the country have folded this past year, the Jewish Press pivoted and remained flexible, and they are cur- rently exploring the value of print vs. digital editions. The JCC has also been resilient in its programming, and its staff are currently hosting about 155 children in sum- mer camps per week. To date, 190 individuals have par- ticipated in IHE’s new 3rd Thursday Lunch & Learn virtual programming, with an average of 30 participants per session. Our Community Education & Engagement department recently wrapped up seven months of vir- tual Beit Midrash programming, with an average of 51 attendees per session. And finally, while the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home staff underwent regular COVID testing and other changes in their daily lives to help keep the Residents safe, Residents’ families actively sup- ported the efforts being made by the Home. It was truly a team effort. I mentioned earlier how much we as an organization had to adapt. There isn’t one agency that didn’t have to find a new solution to meet the needs of the community. I would like to thank Zoë Riekes, former JFO president who has represented our federation and other interme- diate sized federations on the board for the Jewish Fed- erations of North America. In addition, she continues to represent our interests on the United Israel Appeal board, where she demonstrates Omaha’s passion for Is- rael. She continues to play a significant role in address- ing our city size needs on the National and International level. Thank you, Zoë. As I look to the coming year, I will be implementing components of the strategic plan that you will find men- tioned in the impact report that will be available to you at the Welcome Desk when you leave tonight. These pri- orities will be a guide for us for the next few years as we continue to build on the traditions that this great organ- ization was founded on over 118 years ago. We grow stronger every year and we adapt to the challenges in front of us. It is an honor to be the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. 10 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021

Tritz Plumbing Inc. 402-894-0300 Jewish Democratic lawmakers www.tritz.com repair • remodel commercial • residential consider condemning Ilhan Omar family owned and operated since 1945 RON KAMPEAS “I haven’t seen in evidence in either case,” the Afghan and WASHINGTON | JTA the Gaza conflicts, “that domestic courts both can and will Jewish Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives met prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity,” she said. Wednesday to discuss antisemitism. The 25 members of the “Where do we think victims are supposed to go for justice, and unofficial caucus ended up fulminating about a fellow Demo- what justice mechanisms do you support?” crat, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, for appearing to liken Hamas Jeremy Slevin, a spokesman for Omar, said her question fo- and the Taliban to Israel and the United States. cused on thanking the Biden administration for withdrawing It was the second meeting of the Jewish Democrats in re- sanctions on the ICC for considering prosecutions of U.S. and cent weeks. The first focused on the Israel-Hamas conflict and Israeli officials, and asking what mechanism victims of alleged the accompanying spike in antisemitic incidents in the United war crimes could access outside the ICC. States. Wednesday’s assembly focused on an Omar tweet from Monday. “We must have the same level of accountability and justice for all victims of crimes against human- ity,” Omar posted. “We have seen unthinkable atroc- ities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Jade Afghanistan, and the Taliban.” A number of lawmakers at the meeting want to name Omar in a statement saying that her claim Garden “discredited” the party, two sources said. Such a statement would be unprecedented since the Gaza conflict: Jewish members have called out statements Chinese Restaurant on Israel by lawmakers on the party’s left, but have Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota speaks at a news conference at a memorial CARRY OUT AVAILABLE yet to name them. (Jewish lawmakers named Omar for Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, April 20, 2021. Credit: Stephen Ma- turen/Getty Images 402-498-8833 during a separate controversy in 2019.) Others on the Beer and Wine Available call were hesitant to issue a statement. “Rep. Omar thanked Secretary of State Blinken for the ad- There appeared to be unanimous frustration with Omar’s ministration’s decision to repeal the sanctions and asked about comment, but not about how to address it. Among those justice mechanisms for victims of war crimes outside the crim- 2068 N. 117 Ave. pressing to condemn Omar by name were Brad Schneider of inal court,” he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “As usual, North Park (117th & Blondo) Illinois, Brad Sherman of California and Debbie Wasserman the far right is ginning up hate against Rep. Omar for a techni- M-Th: 11-9:30 • Fri & Sat. 11-10:30 • Sun. Noon-9:30 Schultz of Florida. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, a leading pro- cal question about an ongoing investigation. It is the congress- gressive, appeared to be hesitant, but did not outright oppose woman’s role as a member of Congress conducting federal a statement, the sources said. No one on the call said they be- oversight to follow the facts, ask questions of the administra- lieved the tweet was antisemitic, the sources added. tion and work to make sure the public understands our gov- Critics of Omar within the Jewish Democratic caucus were ernment shouldn’t deny any person from seeking justice.” considering sending their own letter if they were unable to Israeli and mainstream pro-Israel officials expressed outrage persuade the entire caucus to sign on, a source said. over the Omar tweet. Others attending included Jerry Nadler of New York, Ted “Beyond shocking. Beyond reprehensible,” David Harris, the Deutch of Florida, Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Elissa Slotkin of American Jewish Committee CEO, said on Twitter. “Will Michigan and Elaine Luria of Virginia. In 2019, Schakowsky members of her own party speak up?” Schneider was involved joined Omar on a campaign against antisemitism and Islam- in AJC before entering Congress. ophobia. Sherman, who also has a pro-Israel background, posted: “It’s Republicans have chided Democrats for not singling out not news that Ilhan Omar would make outrageous and clearly purported offenders in their ranks, noting that they have con- false statements about America and Israel. What’s newswor- demned by name one of their own — Rep. Marjorie Taylor thy is that she admits Hamas is guilty of ‘unspeakable atroci- Greene of Georgia — for her conspiracy-fueled statements in- ties. It’s time for all of Israel’s detractors to condemn Hamas. voking the Holocaust. And it’s time for all those of good will to reject any moral Omar’s tweet contained a video of her questioning Secretary equivalency between the U.S. and Israel on one hand, and of State Antony Blinken in Congress that day about why the Hamas and the Taliban on the other.” Biden administration opposes efforts by the International And this tweet from Gilad Erdan, the Israeli ambassador to Criminal Court to probe nationals of certain countries for al- Washington and the United Nations: “How can a member of leged war crimes. Congress compare Israel & the US — two vibrant democracies Omar said she did not believe that Hamas, the Afghanistan with robust legal systems & militaries that strive to avoid civil- government, the Taliban and Israel met the threshold of a mil- ian casualties — with Jihadi terrorists who purposely murder itary justice system sufficient to independently pursue justice. civilians?”

TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at [email protected]; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obit- uaries -- 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. The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 11

Above: Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest winners with Linda and Harold Mann, Trustees of the Carl Frohm Foundation and below: Shan- non Vesely, IHE, JFO Volunteer of the Year and guest speaker for the awards reception.

The Yachad Welcome Back Picnic was held on Sunday, June 6 at the home of Doug and Sarah Wolfson (parents of Yachad member, Avi Wolfson). It’s great to be back! Pic- tured clockwise from above: Alan Friedman, left, Marilyn Zevitz, Michael Parsow, Jill Salomon, Josh Parsow, Lisa Sa- lomon; Lisa Salomon, left, Doug Wolfson, Tyrie Cook, Becky Abboud, Karen Gustafson, Paula Watson; Jill Sa- lomon, left, Marilyn Zevitz, Chris Blair, Alan Friedman; and, bottom left, Lisa Salomon.

GENEROUSLY SP O TLIGHT SUPPORTED BY 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: [email protected]. Above, below and bottom: The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Residents and staff were treated to Krispy Kreme donuts to celebrate National Cer- tified Nursing Assistant Day.

Above, left and below: Parasha class, Daf Yomi and in be- tween BBQ and fun! If you are between age 11 and 18 and want to join, contact Beth Israel. 12 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Voices Jewish community as a whole.

The Jewish Press Awkward mistakes (Founded in 1920)

Abby Kutler President ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT mosity toward Jewish people,” according to church in Tempe is the flagship; what’s on the

Annette van de Kamp-Wright Jewish Press Editor Matthew Chapman at Salon.com, “as evidenced in agenda is mostly hate towards gays (Anderson ad- Editor titles of the sermons listed on his IMDB page, vocates the death penalty) and Jews (they think we June 16, Ron Kampeas wrote a story for the Jew- Richard Busse ish Telegraphic Agency about Texas Congressman which include ‘The Jews Are Our Enemies,’ ‘The worship Satan). This ‘flagship’ church operates Creative Director Louie Gohmert. Yes, the same Gohmert who was Jews Killed Jesus,’ ‘Unbelieving Jews Are Under from a strip mall. The Moshiach is actually the anti- Susan Bernard recently in the news because during a House Nat- God’s Wrath,’ ‘Jews Worship a Female God Named Christ and the star of David is in reality the star of Advertising Executive ural Resources subcommittee hearing, he asked if someone named ‘Remphan.’ No, I don’t know who Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land that is either. Management could change the orbits of the moon I can hear you thinking. Same old, same old, Gabby Blair Staff Writer and Earth in order to help address climate change. right?

Mary Bachteler Apparently, Gohmert paid a gospel singer by the But: here is something new. Accounting Anderson and his co-conspirators are also fiercely name of Steve Amerson. Instead, the check ap- Jewish Press Board peared to have gone to Steven Anderson, according anti-Zionist. Followers consider Israel a fraud, Jews Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, to the FEC filing. A mistake anyone can make. are not the real Jews; they are. There is a name for Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, David Finkelstein, Candice Friedman, Bracha “A staffer botched an internet search in making that: ‘supersessionism’. It’s an ideology that states Goldsweig, Margie Gutnik, Natasha the filing to the Federal Election Commission, Christians are here to replace Jews; G-d made a Kraft, Chuck Lucoff, Eric Shapiro, Andy Shefsky, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp. Gohmert’s chief of staff said. Connie Hair said the new covenant, choosing these particular Baptist The mission of the Jewish Federa- $5,500 that Gohmert’s campaign paid indeed went Christians as the ‘real’ chosen people. It’s bizarre: tion of Omaha is to build and sustain a they hate us, but they want to be us. strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish to Amerson, a California-based Christian singer, for Community and to support Jews in Is- performing at a fundraiser in December. But a Credit: Shenkonic, licensed under the Creative Com- Think of it: justifying hatred of Jews by spreading rael and around the world. Agencies of staffer entered the amount on the FEC forms as mons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. the idea G-d has abandoned us. We were replaced, the Federation are: Community Rela- tions Committee, Jewish Community going to Steven Anderson, the pastor who helms ‘Shekinah,’’ and ‘Jewish Synagogue = Synagogue of we do not belong, nobody wants us—and yet, we Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Ari- Satan.’ He has also, as the Anti-Defamation League stubbornly stick around. Sound familiar? Could it Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the zona. Hair said the staffer is amending the form.” noted in a 2015 report, propagated false claims that be that the theory of supersessionism perfectly Jewish Press, including front page sto- It’s hardly worth noting, except Anderson is a no- millions of Jews were not gassed and cremated in paves the way to deny Israel’s right to exist? ries and announcements, can be found torious anti-Semite. That makes this a very awk- Nazi concentration camps during World War II.” Whoever is against us, whatever religious, philo- online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ ward mistake; I have little doubt that staffer will Good times. sophical, social or political construct is invented to Editorials express the view of the land squarely underneath the proverbial bus. As tempted as I am to visit his website to spy and put us in our place; at the end of the day we often writer and are not necessarily repre- sentative of the views of the Jewish So, who is Steven Anderson? You may have heard find out exactly how crazy this guy is, I decided to end up in no place at all. That’s a very depressing Press Board of Directors, the Jewish of him. He is the pastor of something called the check the ADL archives for myself instead. Know thought to end on, so I will leave you with a few Federation of Omaha Board of Direc- tors, or the Omaha Jewish community ‘faithful word church,’ and has been in the news on your enemy, and all that. more, just to make you feel a little better: Anderson as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves several occasions for saying outrageously hateful I found out that Anderson’s church is part of a thinks San Francisco is actually Sodom, was the right to edit signed letters and arti- larger network called the New Independent Fun- banned from over 30 countries and he made ‘Creep cles for space and content. The Jewish things about gays, Jews, victims of shootings, Press is not responsible for the Kashrut etcetera. damental Baptist movement, which has no affilia- of the Week’ at PrideSource.com twice in one of any product or establishment. “Anderson has demonstrated a particular ani- tion with the actual Baptist church. Anderson’s month. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, Most Jews won’t set foot in a synagogue. Rabbis need to be creative 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: RABBI SHIRA KOCH EPSTEIN skills they need to build new communities in our their neighborhood into a “Living Torah Museum [email protected]; JTA Fellowship for Rabbinic Entrepreneurs. We have Walking Tour” for Simchat Torah and beyond. They send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: . Nearly a year to the day after Temple Beth El of had success training our clergy to build and lead placed 54 laminated posters on members’ build- [email protected] Letters to the Editor Guidelines Charlotte, North Carolina, closed due to COVID- Jewish communities with and for those who do not ings and gates around their neighborhoods. Each The Jewish Press welcomes Letters 19, Rabbi Dusty Klass gathered the congregation’s attend synagogues. It only takes relatively small in- poster had artwork representing one of the 54 to the Editor. They may be sent via reg- vestments and support to encourage this success. weekly Torah portions, plus a QR code with links ular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 900 households for a shared — albeit remote — 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: Jewish experience. I see this in our fellow Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe, to the portion. Members, neighbors and curious 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Ed- Klass and her colleagues, including operations who is building Ma’alot Atlanta, an emergent spir- passers-by all engaged with Torah in new ways. itor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org. manager Nathalie Friedlander, invented something itual community that gathers folks to Letters should be no longer than new: Challah Day. Volunteers baked over 900 chal- “sing, hike, eat, and celebrate holy mo- 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published let- lahs, and others delivered them to the doorstep of ments.” ters should be confined to opinions every household in the community. Wolpe has met with scores of Atlanta res- and comments on articles or events. idents who don’t attend synagogue. She News items should not be submitted New volunteers took leadership roles; people of and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” different ages and stages initiated new relation- has collected and analyzed data on their The Editor may edit letters for content ships; those who felt only a distant connection to spiritual and communal needs, tested new and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing the community and to Jewish practice reported a ideas, tweaked her early projects and has view. Information shall be verified be- sense of belonging. begun to attract financial support for her fore printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not Klass was one of thousands of pulpit rabbis who work. Over this past year, with training and publish letters that appear to be part amid the pandemic quickly became rabbinic entre- very modest investment in her work, her of an organized campaign, nor letters community has been growing. copied from the Internet. No letters preneurs — and in the process kindled new energy should be published from candidates in her Jewish community. Clergy in our fellowship learn the skills running for office, but others may write Misfortune may have fully emptied our sanctu- of spiritual entrepreneurship and practice During the pandemic, rabbis were forced to think about the on their behalf. world beyond their synagogues' doors. Credit: JTA collage by Letters of thanks should be con- aries, but the pandemic was merely an acceleration a lean startup methodology. They use Janice Hwang; Flickr Commons fined to commending an institution for of a trend. The 2021 Pew Study of American Jews small launch funds to pilot projects meet- a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, un- demonstrated that even before the pandemic, 52% ing people where they are and move forward with These rabbis said they could prioritize these in- less the writer chooses to turn the of American Jews reported attending synagogue them. Through the failures and successes of our novative projects only because their regular syna- “Letter to the Editor” into a paid per- rabbinic innovators, we are learning in real time the gogue services and programming were on hold. sonal ad or a news article about the “seldom or never.” Without a synagogue, most do event, project or program which the not have a relationship with a good rabbi. best practices for creating sustainable communi- Training and supporting our clergy to lead suc- professional staff supervised. For infor- Yet more than half of these “non-attenders” re- ties with those who seek to express Jewishness out- cessfully beyond the walls of the synagogue has ex- mation, contact Annette van de Kamp- Wright, Jewish Press Editor, ported “other ways of expressing their Jewishness” side the synagogue. ponential return on investment. COVID-19 has 402.334.6450. through, as Pew confirmed, “holidays, food choices, This year, we extended our work to 150 rabbis, proven that they have the vision and capability to Postal cultural connections or life milestones.” including Klass, who participated in our Rabbinic do so with the right training and support. Now is The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is (re)Design Labs. These mid-career clergy, serving the moment to ensure that our clergy have the published weekly (except for the first Of course, there are thriving synagogues where week of January and July) on Friday clergy and congregants express a dynamic Ameri- existing communities, transformed their own spir- training, incentives, support and resources to har- for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 for- can Judaism. But the title “rabbi” no longer guaran- itual leadership. ness this positive momentum born out of our mis- eign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: tees pews full of Jews. Largely trained and paid to For example, the rabbi of a midsize congregation fortune. 402.334.5422. serve synagogues, rabbis thereby don’t reach the launched a listening campaign, training a core of Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein is executive direc- Periodical postage paid at Omaha, tor of the Center for Rabbinic Innovation, exec- NE. POSTMASTER: Send address Jewish majority. passionate volunteers to reach out and build deep changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. Our clergy are an underleveraged resource in connections to others within and outside the syn- utive director of the Center for Rabbinic 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e- connecting Jews and Judaism — and can do so agogue. With online meetings, they engaged more Innovation, a project of the Office of Innova- mail to: [email protected]. with the incentive and tools. COVID-19 has proven of their community than they had through regular tion. our rabbis are ready to radically change in order to synagogue programs and built Jewishly inspired, The views and opinions expressed in this article are reach our people where they are. collaborative projects to overcome near-universal those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. American Jewish Nebraska Press National Newspaper For the past several years, the Center for Rab- feelings of isolation. Press Association Association Association Award Winner Award winner 2008 binic Innovation has been training rabbis with the Another rabbi in an urban congregation turned The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 13 Why Benjamin Netanyahu treated the Jewish media with contempt

GARY ROSENBLATT tanyahu agreed. When it was my turn, the prime minister evaded a question about his government’s relations with NEW YORK JEWISH WEEK VIA JTA looked closely at me and said, “You look familiar.” American Jewry and responded, in effect, “Why not ask me Whether this week marks the last of Benjamin Netanyahu’s I said, “I was with the first group here as well.” about Israel’s impressive dairy output?” He then waxed elo- record-setting tenure as prime minister or is just a prelude to (What I wanted to add was, “I saw how engaging and friendly quent on the subject and had an aide display a chart on the another never-count-him-out comeback, it seems a fitting you can be if you want to make the effort. What’s your problem?”) wall with statistics about Israel’s prolific cows. moment to try to understand why he has consistently treated For a split second, Netanyahu seemed a bit taken aback, but “After the session ended, some of the women journalists in diaspora Jewish media with disdain. he just nodded and the intros continued. the room were furious, sure that he acted as he did because I It’s something I’ve experienced personally on sev- The mood of the session could not have been more different was the moderator,” Eisner wrote. “I appreciated their support, eral occasions and may well reflect the prime minis- but male colleagues tell me that Netanyahu can be similarly ter’s attitude not just toward the Jewish press but dismissive to them, too.” toward American Jewry in general. How does one explain this behavior? It seems ironic, if not baffling, that Netanyahu I turned to two close colleagues and veteran Bibi watchers would be rude to the one group of journalists who — journalist and author Yossi Klein Halevi in Jerusalem and are most sympathetic and accommodating. But Mideast expert David Makovsky in Washington — and asked then he is a man of many contradictions, with re- why they think Netanyahu treats the Jewish media so shabbily. markable skills and ugly traits, towering oratory and Is it because he doesn’t respect us as journalists? Or because gutter-level charges, and great success in protecting he believes that Diaspora communities are less relevant to Is- Israel from outside threats while allowing the weak- raeli politics? Or neither, or both? ening of Israeli society from within. “Bibi treats his friends worse than anyone,” Klein Halevi re- I have interviewed the prime minister one-on-one sponded, “which is why, at the end of the day, he doesn’t have any. in his Jerusalem office, attended a number of meet- He takes them for granted and abuses their trust. That’s why this ings he’s held with the press, and heard him speak new government is being led, in part, by three of his former clos- many times in the United States and Israel. Perhaps est aides,” Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman and Gideon Saar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to reporters at a Jewish the most illuminating example of his contradictory “The American Jewish media was simply in his pocket,” Klein Media Summit in Jerusalem, Dec. 6, 2016. behavior dates back to a visit he made to the U.S. Credit: Jewish Media Summit Halevi continued, “or so he assumed, and he could treat them when he first served as prime minister, from 1996 to 1999. than the earlier one. Though he was in the presence of loyal, with the special contempt he reserved for those on his side.” During that visit 25 years ago, Netanyahu’s staff scheduled influential Zionists who treated him with great respect, the Makovsky believes Netanyahu views the Diaspora Jewish back-to-back sessions for him with two separate groups of prime minister was curt, contentious and clearly couldn’t wait media in the larger context of his attitude toward American journalists in a small conference room at his Manhattan hotel. to be done with us. Jewry — seen as declining dramatically in relevance. The first group consisted of about a dozen major media fig- “Ask me your questions” On a practical level, he noted, Diaspora Jews don’t vote in ures, including the network news anchors of the day and A- A few years later, when I was in Israel, I was granted a one- Israeli elections and so are “less central for his [Netanyahu’s] list reporters. The second meeting was with the same number on-one interview with Netanyahu in his Jerusalem office. I was purposes to cultivate.” Similarly, the prime minister focuses of editors of Jewish newspapers from across the country. ushered in by an aide who announced my name as I sat down mainly on Israeli media, which he views as either for him or As editor and publisher of The Jewish Week, I was invited in a chair facing the prime minister. He wore a leather bomber against him, so the Diaspora media is less important. to the second meeting. But thanks to an influential friend at jacket and was seated at his desk, reading through a docu- The prime minister has told those who meet with him pri- the local Israeli Consulate, I was allowed to attend the first ment in front of him. vately that with the exception of the Orthodox, “American meeting as well, though I was asked to keep a low profile. “Go ahead, ask me your questions,” he said without looking up. Jews will last another generation or two … due to assimilation When Netanyahu walked into the room with the media no- He was using a yellow outliner pen to mark his reading material. and low fertility rate,” Makovsky said. “This has enabled him tables seated around a table, he was warm, friendly and up- I wasn’t sure how to proceed and waited for him to make to discount the liberal attitudes and voting trends of non-Or- beat from the outset. He greeted them individually by name, eye contact. After a moment he repeated his request. I waited thodox American Jews and not think of the impact of a few of shaking hands, making small talk as he moved gracefully again — it felt like minutes but was probably only a few sec- his policies on the relationship.” around the room. During the session he handled questions onds — before proceeding, reluctantly, with the interview. In addition, Netanyahu has said in private that as long as he with aplomb, on point, articulate, and used colloquial expres- I don’t remember the details of what transpired, only that I has the support in America of Evangelical Christians, who sions at times – it was easy to forget that he was the leader of was thrown by Netanyahu’s rudeness, and that the agreed-on vastly outnumber Jews, and the Orthodox Jewish community, a foreign country. He was thoroughly charming. 45-minute session ended abruptly when an aide came in to he is in good shape. About 15 minutes after the meeting, while Netanyahu was announce that the prime minister was needed for a pressing We’ll know in the coming days the shape of Netanyahu’s im- taking a break, my Jewish media colleagues were ushered into matter. It seemed prearranged; the prime minister got up and mediate future. But even if the “change” coalition is sworn in, no the room. When we were settled in, the prime minister reen- followed him out of the office without a word or gesture to me. one who knows Bibi Netanyahu believes he can be counted out. tered and immediately sat down at the head of the table. No One more: Five years ago, at a Jewish media conference in Gary Rosenblatt was editor and publisher of The Jewish schmoozing this time. He was all business and began: “OK, Jerusalem I attended with dozens of colleagues from the U.S., Week from 1993 to 2019. Follow him at garyrosenblatt. ask me your questions.” Europe and South America, Netanyahu addressed our group substack.com. A bit taken aback by the abrupt opening, the chair of our and was ornery from the outset. His manner was challenging The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of delegation asked if it would be all right for us to introduce our- and dismissive, interrupting the moderator, the Forward’s Jane the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its selves briefly, stating our names and professional titles. Ne- Eisner, and suggesting alternative topics. At one point he parent company, 70 Faces Media. FOOD

Publishing date | 07.16.21 Space reservation | 07.06.21 Contact our advertising executive to promote your business in this very special edition. SUSAN BERNARD | 402.334.6559 | [email protected] 14 | The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 Synagogues

B’NAI ISRAEL B’NAI ISRAEL MONDAY: Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 6:45 a.m. ers/music: Rabbi Alex and Elaine Monnier, 6:30 p.m. SYNAGOGUE with Rabbi Ari (WhatsApp); Shacharit, 7 am.; Deeping at SST; Candlelighting, 8:44 p.m. 618 Mynster Street Join us in-person on Friday, July 9, 7:30 p.m. for Our Prayer, 7:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Laws of SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. Shabbos, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Ari (Zoom); Daf Yomi, with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study on Parashat Balak, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 evening services. Our service leader is Larry Blass. 8:20 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m. noon via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:53 p.m. 712.322.4705 Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! 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SATURDAY-July 10: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Join us SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; True Independence, Note: Some of our services, but not all, are now via Zoom or In-Person. 9:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Daf Yomi, 8:20 p.m. with being offered in person. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:50 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, service lead- information and Zoom service links. The Jewish Press | June 25, 2021 | 15

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DONATE YOUR car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation. Fast, Free pick up. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-877-312- 2360. 16 | The Jewish PressNews | June 25, 2021 LOCAL | NATIONAL | WORLD Death and Mourning in Judaism: The role of the community SAM KRICSFELD AND mourners by paying a condolence call. The Jewish Way in Death tract” the bereaved, but to talk about the deceased, reminisce ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT and Mourning says that “the fundamental purpose of the con- and grieve. Visitors should not stay too long. When a Jewish death happens, the role of the community dolence call during shiva is to relieve the mourner of the intol- Upon leaving, visitors should say “May G-d comfort you is crucial. Every topic we have so far covered (costs, the erable burden of intense loneliness. At no other time is a human among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.” This Chevra Kadisha, the burial and funeral service, and the being more in need of such comradeship.” Maimonides said that phrase itself invokes the importance of community. All the mourning period) has some aspect of communal engagement. comforting a mourner is gemillat chasadim - a genuine kindness. people of Israel are part of a single family, and that family has As community members, it is important to know what we can been marred by pain and loss throughout its history. Yet the do to help when someone else’s loved one dies. Jewish people have persevered and will be with the mourner A non-religious explanation as to why community plays an through their/our sorrow. important role in mourning comes from historical context. Be- The community is essential for mourners far beyond the reavement: Reactions, Consequences, and Care, a 1984 study week of shiva. In a future article, we will cover the Kaddish, by National Institute of Medicine, includes that preindustrial one of Judaism’s most recognizable and well-known prayers. societies emphasized “kinship, joint households, and religion.” Briefly, though, the Mourner’s Kaddish is said in the presence The small communities lead to each member being “tightly in- of a minyan, meaning that at least a group of 10 men or tegrated into a community’s economic and political sphere.” women must be with the mourner for the prayer to be said. Therefore, the death of an individual in such a close social struc- Community members also have the option to make a me- ture affected everyone, not just the mourners. However, as mor- morial gift in honor of the deceased. Fruit and flowers are not tality rates have drastically fallen and society has evolved, the traditional - gifts should be more religious or charitable in na- role of community has lessened in secular mourning. ture. The most common and customary gift is a donation to Judaism has longstanding traditions and rituals that are charity. The contributions should be in memory of the de- meant to comfort and help mourners. The traditions elevate The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning makes clear what ceased and not as a “present” to the mourners. the meaning, emotion and comfort of the mourning process community members should and shouldn’t do while comfort- Of course, common courtesy and other well-meaning acts far beyond those of secular mourning. Jewish traditions ing mourners. Some things are common sense - don’t, for ex- could always be appreciated by mourners. Helping with around the role of community not only allow everyone who ample, remind the mourner about the inevitability of death or chores, babysitting young children, providing food beyond wants to help to be able to, but also gives the mourner a caring say that others have suffered worse. “Life goes on” and “Be shiva, and just offering to accompany the mourner are all op- support network. Jewish customs provide community mem- thankful it wasn’t worse” are frivolous sayings that try to in- tions for community members looking to help. One should bers with the proper tools and intentions to help the mourner. validate the subjective pain that the mourner is suffering. If ask the mourner if they need or want help before giving it. After an interment, the community traditionally provides you’ve ever been in mourning and heard those kinds of say- Clergy are well versed in consolation and the role of the the mourner a meal of condolence. Maurice Lamm’s The Jew- ings, you will know how flippant and dismissive they sound. community in mourning. If you have questions about how to ish Way in Death and Mourning says “[the community] “The strategy of true compassion is presence and silence, act or what to expect, contact your clergy or synagogue. bring[s] the mourner the sustenance of life, figuratively and the eloquence of human closeness,” the book says. “Sad, mut- We publish these articles the last week of every month. If literally, the ‘bread’ of his existence.” The meal should include tered words are clumsy openers of the heart compared with you have questions or are hoping there is something specific bread. Hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, the whisper of soft eyes.” we can cover, please feel free to reach out. The writers can be should also be served. Some traditionally include wine. At a shiva call, community members should allow the reached at [email protected] and avandekamp@ Consolation can lead to comfort. It is a mitzvah to comfort mourner to speak first. Conversation should not be to “dis- jewishomaha.org.