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MA R C H 1 5 , 2 024 | 5 A DA R II 578 4 | VO L. 1 04 | NO. 2 1 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 7:13 P.M.
The Willesden Project Residents give back! Page 2
Tzedek Teens support Nebraska Humane Society Page 4
Mona Golabek Credit: Hold on to Your Music Foundation
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor A few weeks ago, you read how the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the Institute of Holocaust Education (IHE) and the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) are joining forces. “The Willesden Project” is coming to Omaha area middle school students and the community on March 28, 2024 at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Currently, 1900 local middle school students from 17 area middle schools and organizations are registered for the project
which includes a complete curriculum based on the book The Children of Willesden Lane. Set partially in 1938 Vienna, and in London during the Blitzkrieg, The Children of Willesden Lane tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish musician who is dreaming about her concert debut at the storied Musikverein concert hall. When new ordinances are issued under the Nazi regime, everything changes for Lisa, except her love of music and the pursuit of her dream. She finds herself on the See The Willesden Project page 3
The JFO welcomes author Arthur Smith Page 12
What motivates American Learning equals growth Jews to give? at Beth Israel
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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AMY BERNSTEIN SHIVVERS JFO Foundation Executive Director Amid rising antisemitism, a new study shows that American Jews who have experienced bias are far more likely to give to charities of all kinds than those who have not. While the study was conducted before Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the authors say it provides plenty of useful information about what motivates American Jews to give to secular and nonsecular charities alike. Two-thirds of Jewish households surveyed gave to nonreligious causes, compared with 59 percent of nonJewish households. The Israel-Hamas
war means that more American Jews are likely giving more to organizations focused on Israel-related advocacy or relief to those affected by the hostilities, at least for now. Three quarters of Jewish households donated an average of $10,588 to charities of all kinds, and one in four gave to Israel-related causes in 2022, according to the newly released survey of 3,115 households by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Ruderman See What motivates giving? page 2
Beth Israel’s Dynamic Duo - Rabbi Mordechai Geiger and Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.
MARY SUE GROSSMAN Learning has always been a key value in Judaism. Learning provides the avenue to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Beth Israel Synagogue provides a wealth of learning opportunities which are open to Omaha’s Jewish community at no charge. Rabbi Ari Dembitzer and Rabbi Mordechai Geiger are continually strategizing on how to
best provide a variety of classes designed to expand knowledge and develop a thirst to participants to continue. “Helping others learn and grow is perhaps the most important role of a rabbi,” says Rabbi Ari. “From someone securing a small tidbit of understanding to another person grasping a major concept, it is my See Learning equals growth page 3