Iyyer - Sivan 5780 May 2020
Join us for a Virtual Concert with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky in support of The Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund Sunday, May 17 at 4:00 pm
Join Beth El on May 17 for a free virtual concert featuring Rabbi Josh Warshawsky, in support of the Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund. This concert is in lieu of the originally scheduled Cantor’s Concert with the Maccabeats, who are unable to join us this year given the importance of social distancing in the current climate. Concert Chairs are Joel & Mary Rich and Bruce & Pam Friedlander.
Rabbi Warshawsky has been involved with Jewish Summer Camps and Jewish music for many years. He has visited many camps and congregations, bringing music and the joy of Judaism to many. Josh joined us at Beth El two years ago as a Musician in Residence (see below). He promises a great afternoon that will include some surprises. Watch for more details on how to take part. It will be a fun and exciting event.
Your continued support of the Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship fund allows Beth El children to experience opportunities that Jewish summer camps provide. If you would like to make a donation towards the Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund, you can do so at www.bethel-omaha.org, or contact Robby Erlich at [email protected]. Every donation is an incredible gift for our children.
Rabbi Josh Warshawsky Visits Beth El, November 2018
The Maccabeats to Come to Beth El for Next Year’s Cantor’s Concert The Maccabeats will be at Beth El in the Spring of 2021. They are very excited to be with us next year. One of the members has been quoted as saying “Tell the fine people of Omaha that we'll make it there yet!” Details to follow. 2 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Beth El Zoom Video Conferencing Programming The following list shows the Zoom Video Conferencing services and programming scheduled as of April 20. As our online offerings continue to evolve, we will send email notifications and post information online. We will resume in-person programming as soon as it is safe to do so. Adult Education Services •Jewish Values with Rabbi Abraham •Morning Minyan Tuesdays at 11:30 am Mondays & Thursdays at 8:00 am
•Coffee and Conversation with Rabbi Abraham •Evening Minyan Wednesdays at 2:00 pm Sunday-Thursday at 5:30 pm
•Singing in the Synagogue with Hazzan Krausman •Kabbalat Shabbat Thursdays at 11:30 am Fridays at 6:00 pm •Shabbat Morning Services • Torah Study Group Saturdays at 10:00 am Sundays at 10:00 am •Havdallah •Yiddish Class with Hazzan Krausman - May 2 - 9:09 pm Sundays at 11:00 am - May 9 - 9:18 pm - May 16 - 9:26 pm - May 23 - 9:34 pm - May 30 - 9:40 pm
For the latest online programs and Zoom
Hazzan Krausman is accompanied by Zach Video Conferencing links, Krausman during Kabbalat Shabbat visit www.bethel-omaha.org.
Josh Warshawsky Concert ...... Page 1 Contributions ...... Page 9 Maccabeats 2021 ...... Page 1 Who To Contact ...... Page 10 Rabbi’s Column ...... Page 3 Thanks to our Patrons ...... Page 11 Thanks to our Callers ...... Page 3 BESTT Programming ...... Page 12 President’s Corner ...... Pages 4-5 Life & Legacy ...... Page 13 Prayer for Healers ...... Page 5 Anniversaries ...... Page 13 Yad Squad ...... Page 6 Miriam Initiative ...... Page 14 Birthdays ...... Page 6 Thanks to our Advertisers ...... Page 14 Eadie’s Column ...... Page 6 Candle Lighting ...... Page14 Shavuot ...... Page 7 In Memoriam ...... Page 14 Passover Thanks ...... Page 7 Mental Health Series ...... Page 15 Beth El eBusiness Directory ...... Page 7 Pictures ...... Page 16
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Amy’s Column & USY Events ...... Page 8 ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 3 Building and Maintaining Community While Our Doors Are Closed By Rabbi Steven Abraham Last month Rabbi Abraham reached out via email with the following note. Since not everyone receives email, we wanted to make sure the message was able to reach our entire congregation.
I wanted to reach they do not replace real human please be in touch. At Beth El, while out, to touch base interaction. The sadness or loneliness our doors may be closed, we are as I have been we may feel from the past several open for business. thinking about all weeks, for some, has increased with of you and your our inability to celebrate Passover You can always reach me at wellbeing. I have as we have in the past. [email protected] struggled over or 240-375-8995 text/phone. the past few weeks with the concept I do not care about how many folks of "social distancing," as I believe it show up at daily service attendance, As we sit in our homes, set aside to be antithetical to Judaism. Perhaps Shabbat, or online classes. You can from the outside world, may we we would better to call it "physical find them on our website if you are come to appreciate what it means distancing" as there are many ways interested - http://bethel-omaha.org/ to be free. Next year, whether in for us to build and maintain social - as ways to connect. What I care Jerusalem or Omaha, may we community even while at a distance. about is you. recognize just how lucky we are to be alive. I will admit that while daily services, If you need to talk, if you need advice teaching, a zoom meeting with on someone else to talk to, if you Rabbi Steven Abraham friends, and Shabbat are cathartic; simply need a book recommendation,
We Thank Those Who Have Reached Out to Congregants During this Difficult Time Joni Brooks • Danni Christensen • Debbie Denenberg • Gary D. Epstein • Andrea Erlich • Hollie Fineman • Linda Fischer Jay Gordman • Becky Kahn • Helen Kay • Heather & Mark Kelln • Shane Kotok • Scott Littky • Erika Lucoff • Allan Murow Ozzie Nogg • Ellie Novak • Amanda Pena • Josh Price • Ari Riekes • Linda Saltzman • Caryn Scheer • Melissa Shapiro Nancy Skid • Jamie Skog-Burke • Marilyn Tipp • Eadie Tsabari • Susan Witkowski • Diane Zipay • Barry Zoob
• Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Sheet Metal Proud to Support Locally owned & operated for over 100 years! Beth El Synagogue 6102 Arbor St. • Omaha, NE 68106 402.348.0909 402.339.4140 www.independentroofing.net www.keystoneglass.com
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Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services PC011 (1-18) For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE A 4C 02-1034 4 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER President’s Corner - Our Incredible Staff By Jay Gordman, President of the Board of Trustees As I write this lifecycle events and oversees the Andrea Erlich for her incredible article, we have just cemetery including many assistance to the kitchen staff passed the first landscaping and grounds upgrades. before and during this difficult time. days of the strangest Passover in my memory. While we Halle Clark, Executive Coordinator, House Staff, Irvie Hook and Ethan are still in the middle of the pandemic, has been keeping all of the changes Spivak, have worked tirelessly at there are signs on the horizon that to our calendar coordinated for the start of the outbreak sanitizing the situation is getting better. internal and external use, including our building and helping to ensure the website and Jewish Press. She that our staff was able to work in a Over the past few years, I have had continues without interruption to safe environment. A special thank an inside look at the incredible work process donations, yahrzeit you to our member Ed Clignett who it takes to run our synagogue. There notifications, and be available for has worked alongside in helping us are a huge number of holidays, general assistance and member to maintain our building standards. programs, lifecycle events, school needs. Lisa Marcus deserves a special activities and youth programs. In mention for keeping the ever- Eadie Tsabari, Director of addition, we have a business changing website up to date, to make Congregational Learning, has pulled operation that rivals any local for- it easy to find our virtual programing. together a virtual BESTT program profit company of our size. for our kids. Cooking with Eadie Sandra Palmer, Controller, and Mary has been a big hit with the kids. This is even more complex when Barrett, Bookkeeping Assistant, She continues to provide virtual our entire staff has been working continue to make sure our daily educational opportunities during this remotely while making huge financial matters stay on track. This time. When I visited with one of our changes to our services, programs, includes revamping our financial members on an outreach call, they BESTT schedules and daily processes since we brought our marveled at the ways their kids were business operations. accounting in-house a few months involved at Beth El during this time. back. Also, a special callout to Seeing all of the hard work come Miriam Gottlieb, our treasurer, who Amy Dworin, Director of Youth together has been incredible. I has been instrumental working with Engagement, continues to engage would like to call out our team and the team on the new processes and our youth, college students and all the hard work they have put in developing a budget for the young professionals through a the past month. The examples coming year. variety of online activities including below, are just a few areas the team a virtual Seder for young adults, has pulled together to keep the Robby Erlich, Engagement college programming, weekly teen synagogue moving forward. Coordinator, has been organizing calls and coordinating a birthday outreach calls to our members with parade for one of our youth who Allison Newfeld, Executive the help of board members and turned 16 and was disappointed she Director, has done a fantastic job of volunteers. He also worked with could not have the birthday pulling the staff together to keep Mike to pull together our Passover celebration she had hoped for. The the operation of the synagogue To Go registration and logistics. He response was incredible. moving forward. She was also able is now planning our upcoming virtual to put the finishing touches on a events with lay leaders and staff. When I shared the idea for this plan for major security upgrades at article, our clergy both loved the idea the synagogue and the cemetery. Mike Newell, Chef and Catering but said not to include them. Too bad! The implementation of the security Manager, made our kitchen and enhancements is moving forward. building ready for Passover, including Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan planning and creating our Passover Krausman have been incredible Becky Kahn, Senior Executive To Go. Mike, along with Flora Lewis pulling together our services via Assistant, has been coordinating and our amazing Kitchen staff, Zoom, including a fantastic Passover our work-from-home tools and the continues to prepare meals for Seder. A special shout out to Zach coordination of remote access for families in need and planning menus Krausman for playing guitar on employees. She also continues to for upcoming events. A special Friday nights. Adult education has work with members regarding thank you goes out to our member moved online as Hazzan continues to ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 5 teach B’nai Mitzvah lessons via Zoom. Hazzan has also been Prayer for Healers working hard on an alternative to By Rabbi Ayelet S. Cohen the Cantors Concert for this year and is working to bring the May︎ ︎the One w︎ho bless︎︎ed our︎︎ ancestors Maccabeats back in early 2021. Bless︎︎ all those w︎ho ︎put themselves︎ at︎ r︎is︎k t︎o car︎e for︎ t︎he s︎ick During difficult times, our congregants lean on Rabbi Abraham Physicians and nurses and orderlies for advice and counsel. He has been able to continue this incredible work Technicians︎ and home heal︎h aides︎ via phone and Zoom. EMT︎s and ︎pharmacists︎︎ I think sometimes we take for Hospital social ︎workers︎︎ and respiratory therapists granted the complexities of pulling together the diverse operations of Who navigate ︎the ︎unfolding dangers︎︎ of t︎he ︎world each da︎y, our synagogue, especially when To ︎tend ︎to those ︎they︎ hav︎e sw︎︎or︎n to help︎. things may not run exactly as we expect or wish for. Under these Bless︎︎ t︎hem in ︎their︎ coming home and bless︎︎ t︎hem in ︎their︎ going out︎︎. incredibly difficult circumstances, our team has been outstanding. Ea︎se ︎their︎ fear︎. Sustain t︎hem. Source of all breath, healer︎ of all beings︎, Since it could still be some time before we are back together, take a Protect t︎hem and ︎restore their hope. few minutes and reach out to our staff and let them know what a S︎︎treng︎then ︎them, t︎hat︎ t︎hey︎ may︎ b︎ring ︎strength; great job they are doing at keeping Keep them in health, t︎hat︎ ︎they︎ may︎ bring healing. us together as a congregation. Help︎ t︎hem know again a time w︎hen ︎they︎ can br︎eat︎he without fear.
Jay Gordman Bless︎︎ ︎the ︎sacred ︎work of ︎their hand︎s. See page 10 for Detailed Ma︎y t︎his︎ p︎lagu︎e pass︎︎︎ from among ︎us︎, ︎speedily︎ and in our︎︎ days︎︎. Beth El Contact Information
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I think Herzl’s words are still so relevant. I think that we have adapted to our new 2020 reality. When we dream of different ways to stay connected, when we have a desire to reach out and be with our family and friends, we will make it happen. Jason Blair • Alex Clark • Sally Clayman • Ed Clignett • Samuel I challenge you to learn something new during this period we are home. To Dubrow • Dick Fellman • Noah read more, talk more to your family, call someone who might be alone, call that cousin you haven’t spoken to in forever, cook at home more, listen to Grossman • Judah Kohen • Ozzie music more, and not be in a hurry. It’s a dream come true if you want it. Most Nogg • Natalie Pichik • Jerry importantly, stay safe and count your blessings. We are all so fortunate to be Raznick • Marisa Rosen • Matt where we are during this period. Let’s focus on our ability to stay optimistic and positive. Shapiro • Lisa Shkolnick • Beth Staenberg • Joshua Stein • Hannah And finally, keep dreaming – we will get there soon. “Im tirtzu ein zo agadah.” Stein • Miriam Taub • Boris Turetsky • Mathew Wiesman Eadie Tsabari ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 7
Looking for a way to connect with Beth El Congregants? List your business in Beth El’s eBusiness Directory.
Free to Beth El members, your listing will be added to our directory that congregants can access from the homepage of our website. To add your listing, visit www.bethel-omaha.org, or contact Halle at [email protected] for more information.
We appreciate everyone who donated Passover meals and/or delivered Passover meals!
Passover Meal Donors: Mike & Danni Christensen • Dubrow Family • Analynn Fassler • Ron Feldman & Family • Juro Family • Joan Latchaw • Howard K. & Lisa Marcus • Gary & Sheila Nachman • Jeffrey & Sandra Passer • Phillips Family • Larry & Rachel Ring • Ed Schneider Wasserman Family • Alejandro Wolf & Miryam Gomez
Passover Meal Deliverers: Julianne Dunn • Analynn Fassler • Sandra Passer • Larry Ring Caryn Scheer • Sarah Schneider
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For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE C 4C 02-1034 8 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER Connectivity and Community By Amy Dworin, Director of Youth Engagement
I’ve been thinking about travel a lot while stuck in my 450 square foot apartment. Not just the freedom to venture to restaurants and Target, although I really miss those places, but the big adventures to new places. While touring the old marketplaces in Morocco two years ago, one thing that struck me was how easy it was to spot the Jewish neighborhoods. The old Arab homes were incredibly beautiful with their intricate fences, elaborate doors and mysterious gates, while the homes of the Jews all had exterior balconies. This was striking to me because it demonstrated that even in a far away place in a different time, Jews placed an importance on community. People in the Old Jewish Quarter of Morocco, just like Jews in modern-day Omaha, wanted to reach out to each other, talk to each other and connect with each other.
Connectivity and community are essential parts of Jewish life and have helped organize our society for generations. Community involvement in Jewish life is less of an option than it is a religious obligation. We need ten people to form a minyan and so many of our traditions are designed to be shared with other people. Not only do we desire human interaction, but our religious practices mandate it.
Being a part of a community in this age of physical distancing requires us to rethink the traditions we have always practiced so that we will be able to continue their practice in the future. It requires flexibility, open-mindedness and creativity. It requires us to shoulder more of the responsibilities and create the type of connectedness that we are needing. It requires us to take care of our own and reach out to friends, familiar faces and those who may be forgotten. I know that I am more involved in my communities, whether Jewish, geographical, social or otherwise, than I was before this lockdown!
No matter where I travel in the world, there are certain similarities among Jewish communities. According to the Sanhedrin, the institutions that must be present in a Jewish community are a court, a tzedakah fund, a shul, a mikvah, a bathroom, a doctor, an artist, a butcher and a teacher (Sanhedrin, 17b). In these times, I might add one more non-negotiable community need—a strong WiFi signal so that we can continue to rethink what it means to be connected to our community. Hopefully, we will actually see each other soon, but until soon, I look forward to the times in my day that I am able to connect with my community.
Sending healthy vibes! Amy Dworin Birthday Parade Fun
To access national USY and Kadima virtual events, visit usy.org/events ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 9 Contributions to Named Endowment & Synagogue Funds This Kol lists contributions received by March 31. Donations received after that date will be listed in the next issue. Contributions to Named Arnold Stern Endowment Fund Endowment Funds Yahrzeit of: Seymour Cohn, Arnold Stern Prayer Book Fund In Memory of: Jeff Conrad, Bobbi Gould 1st Benjamin and Anna Wiesman Eli & Sara Zalkin Endowment Fund Chapel Endowment Fund Yahrzeit of: Marshall Zalkin Rabbi Abraham’s Discretionary Fund In Honor of: Rabbi Steven Abraham Recovery of: Stan Edelstein • Birthday of: Contributions to Named Don Nogg • In Memory of: Alvin 21st Century Endowment Fund Synagogue Funds Abramson • Yahrzeit of: Adolph Bodek, Yahrzeit of: Sam Epstein, Ben Miller Daniel Jacob Edelstein, Hyman Hurwitz, Blanche Wise Educational Fund Barbara Uehling, Sarah Weiss Lorrie Anne & Saul Z. Davis In Memory of: Alvin Abramson Endowment Fund Bert & Ruth Render Memorial Fund Yahrzeit of: David Davis, David Milstein, Building Fund Yahrzeit of: Ruth Render Stein Nathan Milstein In Memory of: Alvin Abramson Seth Rich Memorial Camp General Endowment Fund Cemetery Improvement Fund Scholarship Fund In Memory of: Naomi "Miss Betty" Kelberg Yahrzeit of: Arthur Cohen, Herman In Memory of: Alvin Abramson, Morley Cohen, Joyce Cohen, Rosalie Cohen, Wolfman • Yahrzeit of: Thelma Gordon, Sol Ann Goldstein Endowment Fund Florence Davis, Pennie Davis, Bertram Handler, Anna Kazlowsky, Sarah Ostravich Yahrzeit of: Ann Goldstein, Ben Gershun Render, Ruth Render Stein Torah Repair Fund Green Family Endowment Fund General Fund In Honor of: Miles Remer In Memory of: Alvin Abramson B’nai Mitzvah of: Hugo and Joseph Kahn In Memory of: Alvin Abramson • Yahrzeit Welcoming the Stranger Fund David & Idell Itkin Endowment Fund of: Sheila Bloom, Ilse Kahn, Ruby Kahn, In Memory of: Naomi “Miss Betty” Birthday of: Marsha Itkin Beatrice Karp, Beverly Kravitz, Abraham Kelberg • In Memory of: Alvin Abramson Lavin, Rose Lavin, Shevel May, Yegudes Yahrzeit of: Joseph Levine David & Ida Potash Endowment Fund May, Diana Rubin, Doris Shukert, Anna Yahrzeit of: Gordon Cherwitz Shulewitz, Norman Shulewitz, Sam Siporin Youth Education Fund In Honor of: Elaine Jabenis • Yahrzeit of: David S. & Esther Zorinsky Rice Music Fund Natalie Giventer, Rose Herzog, Jankiel Endowment Fund In Honor of: Hazzan Krausman, Miles Rosenberg, Donald Silver, Max Snyder, Yahrzeit of: Hymie Zorinsky Remer • Yahrzeit of: Harry Epstein Sarah Silver
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• Frances Blumkin • Jerome & Linda Gordman • Eric & Julie Phillips • Ronald & Chris Blumkin • Bruce & Margie Gutnik • Steve & Marcia Pitlor • Michael & Karen Cohen • Mark Hoffman & Mary Drake • Carl & Zoe Riekes • Norman Denenberg • Richard & Joanie Jacobson • Steven & Margo Riekes • Steven & Tiffany Denenberg • Arnold & Sheryn Joffe • Joel & Nancy Schlessinger • Samuel & Kathleen Dubrow • Howard & Gloria Kaslow • Natan & Hannah Schwalb • Gary D. & Lisa Epstein • Harvey & Marilyn Konigsberg • Bruce & Anne Shackman • Richard Fellman • Howard & Sharon Kooper • Martin & Aveva Shukert • David & Judith Finkle • Harold & Linda Mann • Steven Silver • Harris & Janice Frankel • Allan & Janie Murow • Irving & Gail Veitzer • Sanford & Amy Friedman • Allan Noddle • Norman Veitzer • Steven & Gail Friedman • Steven & Patty Nogg • James & Sally Zipursky • Carol Gendler • Alan & Carol Parsow • Several Anonymous Donors • Donald & Andi Goldstein • Jeffrey & Sandra Passer
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For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE E 4C 02-1034 12 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER
Especially for any student who was ever enrolled at Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah. We are so happy and proud to honor our graduates! Preneg Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/98594966225 Services Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/937363086
For the latest information about youth programming and to get Zoom links, visit www.bethel-omaha.org ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 13 Life & Legacy Donors - Helping to Ensure Beth El’s Future We greatly appreciate our Life & Legacy donors listed below. If you are interested in learning more about how you can become a Life & Legacy donor, please contact Life & Legacy Chair, Joel Rich at [email protected] or Allison Newfeld at [email protected]. • Mike & Sheri Abramson • Jay & Allison Gordman • Robert Meyerson • Ed & Carol* Schneider • Joyce Ashley • Andrew & Carole Greenberg • Stanley & Evelyn Mitchell • Ben Shapiro & Amy Reynolds • John Atherton & Marti • Barton & Caryl Greenberg* • Allan & Janie Murow • Larry Shapiro Rosen-Atherton • M’Lee Hasslinger • Amy Nachman • Sherry Shapiro • Bob Belgrade • Jon Jabenis • Allison Newfeld • Marty & Aveva Shukert • Sandra Belgrade* • Joan Sandler Jacobson • Allan Noddle • Stanley* & Norma* • Michelle Byrnes • Richard Jacobson • Patty Nogg Silverman • David & Karla Cohen • Sylvia Jess* • Steve Nogg • Nancy Skid • Danny Cohn • Becky Kahn • Alan Parsow • The Staenberg Family • Ron & Cheryl Cooper • Marcel & Ilse* Kahn • Carol Parsow Foundation • Larry & Hanna DeBruin • Myron Kaplan • Robert* & Betty Perelman • Steve & Marilyn Tipp • Deborah Denenberg • Beatrice Karp* • Eric & Julie Phillips • Irving & Gail Veitzer • Norm & *Eunice • Gloria Kaslow • Gilda Pieck • Norman & Joodi* Veitzer Denenberg • Howard Kaslow • Steve & Marcia Pitlor • Jim & Esther* Wax • Tippi Denenberg • Donald Klein • Alan Potash • Benjamin & Anna* Wiesman • Howard & Sharon Epstein • Ari & Sara Kohen • Joel & Mary Rich • Susan Witkowski • Yonatan & Liz Feldstern • Howard Kooper • Phillip & Diane Rich • Bob Yaffe • Glen & Hollie Fineman • David & Shane Kotok • Marty & Iris Ricks • Steve and Kathy Zalkin • Bruce & Pam Friedlander • Janie Fox Kulakofsky • Ari Riekes • Jim & Sally Zipursky • Sanford & Amy Friedman • David & Debi Kutler • Carl Riekes • Morley & Charlotte Zipursky* • Steven M. Friedman • Howard & Nancy Kutler • Margo Riekes • Several Anonymous Donors • The H. Lee* & Carol • Scott & Felicia Littky • Steve Riekes Gendler Charitable Fund • Steve & Thelma Lustgarten* • Zoe Riekes • Sherman* & Darlene Golbitz • Neal & Jody Malashock • Lloyd & Debbie Roitstein * Of Blessed Memory • Alan “Buddy” Goodman* • Lisa Marcus • Marc & Caryn Scheer Anniversaries With 5-Year Multiples
Daniel & Angela Brodsky Barry & Stephanie Grossman
Jeffrey & Sharon Kirshenbaum Jason & Kathryn Myers Steven & Patty Nogg Jeffrey & Sandra Passer 14 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER
Miriam Initiative Design Team Hard at Work
The Miriam Initiative Design Team met on Zoom last month to plan programs and projects for Miriam's next season. "There were nine of us -- Laurie Epstein, Pam Friedlander, Jennie Gates-Beckman, Margie Gutnik, Patty, Nogg, Abby Kutler, Caryn Rifkin and Caryn Scheer," said Joanie Jacobson, general chairperson for the Initiative. "I sent an earlier email listing 10 ideas for programs and projects for next year and asked everyone to read it over, bring their comments and suggestions to the meeting and then vote by email for their Top 3 in an email. The team was great. The meeting was fruitful and productive. The conversation was smart, creative and energized. It's a great way to have a meeting even WITHOUT the threat of a virus! No make-up, just sweats? It was a 12."
We extend a big thank you to all of the advertisers who have made it possible for us to not only print the KOL in color each month, but whose generosity has saved us all printing costs.
We encourage you to join us in saying thank you by patronizing these businesses who have placed advertisements in our KOL:
• Advanced Dermatology Midlands • Independent Roofing Company • Pearle Vision • Berkshire Hathaway Home • Jewish Funeral Home • Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Services - Toni Rosen • Jewish Senior Outreach • Rotella's Bakery • Bookkeeping Services LLC • Keystone Glass Co. • Star Catering • Enterprise Bank • Mechanical Inc. • Tilmer's Tree Care Inc • Farm Bureau Financial Services • Midwest Gastrointestinal • Tritz Plumbing Inc • Frankel Zacharia LLC Associates • West Maple Dental Specialists • Host Coffee • Nia Jones Orthodontics
Friday Evening Candle Lighting Times In Memoriam
May 1 ...... 8:04 pm Beth El extends our profound sympathy to the families of: Victoria "Vicki" Morris Reynolds Cooley May 8 ...... 8:12 pm Freida Feldstein
May 15 ...... 8:19 pm Jordan Lagman Morris (Morrie) Sweet
May 22 ...... 8:25 pm May their memory always be for a blessing. May 29 ...... 8:31 pm ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 15 Mental Health Series COVID-19: We Must Care for Older Adults’ Mental Health By Christine Moutier, M.D., CMO, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention No matter your age, mental health and well-being are influenced by numerous factors and are susceptible to change. Right now, most people, across all sectors of society, are being affected by the global health crisis related to the coronavirus. One particular group we should keep in mind during this challenging time is older adults, whose routines and usual support systems may be disrupted.
The most powerful factors that impact mental health and well-being for older adults include: • Mental health conditions - Often undiagnosed, mental health conditions (either previous or current) can have their first onset in later adulthood. Depression and severe anxiety are not a normal part of aging, and can be addressed with clinical treatment and social support. The stress of COVID-19, the uncertainty it creates, and the potential for older adults to be more susceptible to the virus, “Everyone has a role can exacerbate any underlying risk for depression or anxiety. • Physical health, pain and disability - When pain or chronic to play in supporting illness lead to functional disability, the individual’s sense of identity and well- being can be significantly impacted. During this COVID outbreak, being in an older age demographic and older adults during the having chronic health conditions are criteria for “high-risk” vulnerability to the virus. This can compound the stress many COVID outbreak.” older adults feel. • Social isolation, feeling lonely or disconnected - Any regular contact with family, neighbors, clubs, faith communities, and social services (such as meal delivery or home care personnel) can serve as important points of contact. The current crisis is affecting almost everyone’s routines, mass transportation, and some “non-essential” social services. This means the usual social support and contacts older adults have with others may be diminished. • Losses - A more frequent experience for older adults includes the death of friends/family, and other kinds of losses. Older adults’ capacity to adapt and heal through grief and loss is generally vast. When losses occur in combination with other stressors, mental health deterioration can occur. The COVID outbreak can feel like a threat that could bring about even more loss. • Disruption in routine - Such as eating, sleep, daily structure, sense of purpose, and relationships. There is a good chance that COVID has affected the older adult’s usual routines: where they can shop, eat, walk and socialize.
Everyone has a role to play in supporting older adults during the COVID outbreak. Here are some things you can do: 1. Regularly check in on your older adult friends, neighbors and family members. 2. Call or video-chat with them, since texting and social media may not be the best method of connecting. 3. Ask how they are doing during this period of time, how their routines might have had to change, and what kinds of things they are doing to cope with the stress. 4. Encourage them to keep doing the activities that are allowable during COVID for their local area, and that they identify as being most helpful for them, such as daily exercise or a walk. 5. Help them seek medical advice or care if they are experiencing symptoms of physical or mental health decline. 6. Offer to bring them a meal, run an errand, or walk their dog. 7. Seek advice from them based on their experience and wisdom. 8. Express gratitude and appreciation for any support you get from your relationship with them. Let them know what you admire about the way they conduct their life.
Most importantly, simply communicate regularly with the older adults in your life, and express support. Let them know you’re there for them. It’s important that we all care for each other during this challenging and uncertain time. By taking a few simple actions, you can make all the difference in an older person’s life when they may need it the most.
The Mental Health Series is presented by Beth El Synagogue and the Jennifer Beth Kay Memorial Fund. Beth El Synagogue 14506 California St. Omaha, NE 68154 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID 402-492-8550 OMAHA, NE www.bethel-omaha.org PERMIT #138
Beth El is a PROUD member of USCJ
Connecting with Our BESTT Friends