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BBYO International Convention Teens in Israel Page 2
Packed synagogues and no violence Page 6
Teens from Mid America Region getting ready for an evening of Shabbat.
DEBBIE SHEMONY and edited by JACOB GELTZER he 2023 BBYO International Convention theme, “Now is Our Time,” heralds a call to action to young leaders to focus on the importance of democracy as a means to create change. Over President’s Day weekend, more than 3,200 teens from 44 countries attended BBYO International Convention (IC) in Dallas, Texas, Feb. 15–20, 2023, representing the largest gathering of young Jewish leaders in the world. This
T The real story behind the Jewish family comedy iMordecai Page 12
Jewish Business Leaders starts 2023 off right
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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JAY KATELMAN JFO Director of Community Development and LIFE & LEGACY/OJAA Coordinator Jewish Business Leader Bagels & Breakfast will return to the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Community Engagement Venue at the Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center. We will meet on April 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. for the first event of 2023. It is our pleasure to welcome the President and Chief Executive Officer of Valmont Industries, Inc., Steve Kaniewski. Steve has been with the company since 2010 and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of
Steve Kaniewski
the company’s two primary business segments. “Valmont operates with 85 manufacturing facilities in 22 countries and more than 10,000 employees and has been in international markets for more than five decades.” Before Steve took over as President and Chief Executive officer, Steve held many roles within Valmont. Steve was born in Philadelphia, PA, See JBL page 2
trailblazing event shaped the narrative on how teens combat antisemitism, embrace democracy, and fuel their enthusiasm for making a difference in their communities. IC 2023’s convention theme, “Now Is Our Time,” represents not only a celebration of the current strength and spirit of the teen-led BBYO Movement, but also an empowering invitation to young people worldwide to advocate for causes about which they are passionate. See BBYO International Convention page 3
Community poker tourney
HOWARD K. MARCUS Beth El Men’s Club Chair Polish up your poker skills. “Got Gelt? Get Dealt!” is happening March 19 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue. The Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament is the brainchild of event co-chairs Shane Cohn and Mosah Goodman. “‘Got Gelt? Get Dealt!’ is our vision for a community fundraiser with a focus towards raising funds for a specific cause,” Cohn said. “My
friends and I typically have a poker party a few times a year, so this seemed pretty easy, just on a larger scale and with a different purpose.” In this instance, the cause will be Beth El’s Education for the Future Campaign. Proceeds from the event will go toward that fundraising effort. “Our greatest achievement as a people is the education of our children,” said Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El. “We are grateful to Men’s Club for hosting a fun event where See Poker tourney page 2