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75 YEARS AND COUNTING The history of endorsing Nazi race science Page 4

MARY SUE GROSSMAN ince the 1880’s, there has been an Orthodox community in Omaha. Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol (BHH), otherwise known as “The Litvsche Shul,” was the first, in 1883. Over the next few years, other small synagogues were formed, including B’nai Israel Adas Russia (better known as “The Kippler Shul”), B’nai Jacob Anshe Sholom (“The Kapulier Shul”), and Beth Hamedrash Adas Yeshurun. After several years, Bnai Jacob Anshe Sholom and Beth Hamedrosh Adas Yeshurun merged to form B’nai Jacob Adas Yeshurun and retained the moniker of “The Kapulier Shul.” Eventually, B’nai Israel (the “Kippler Shul”) and BHH (the Litvsche Shul”) merged to form the Union of Orthodox Congregations of Omaha. Several years later, in the mid-40s, it was decided to move forward in building a new synagogue and an architect was hired to design a new building. At the same time, the congregation selected a new name: Beth Israel Synagogue.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration Pages 6 & 7

These 18 women are extraordinary Zionists Page 12

It is now three quarters of a century later and in celebration of its 75th anniversary, Beth Israel will hold its annual tribute dinner on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. Milestones – A Celebration of Beth Israel will share a look at seven-plus decades of history and memories. “75 years is a landmark in any organization,” shared Howard Kutler, a member of the Milestones Committee. “So many in Omaha’s Jewish community have strong ties to Beth Israel, be it Hebrew School, B’nai Mitzvot, weddings, youth and holiday activities plus countless other activities and events. This is a great way to share those memories and be a part of Beth Israel’s continuing history.” In commemoration of Beth Israel’s history, the evening will also include the dedication of the Beth Israel Chapel/Beit Midrash, recognizing two individuals who were key to the strength of the synagogue: Rabbi Isaac Nadoff and Cantor Leo Fettman, both of blessed memory. Long time clergy members, they were synonymous with Beth Israel and honoring them is a fitting recognition See Beth Israel: Milestones page 2

Profiles in Service

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

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SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND

LINDA POLLARD JFO Foundation Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer The Foundation’s mission is to ensure the ongoing and future sustainability of Jewish Omaha by managing donor assets and distributing funds. These funds are instrumental in providing support for scholarships, grants, special projects, programs that benefit both Jewish Omaha and secular and Jewish charitable organizations near and far chosen by our donor-advised participants. Your support enriches Jewish Tomorrows. We take great pride in our dedicated board members, each of whom plays a vital role in advancing our mission. Throughout the year, we will be spot-

lighting members to recognize their valuable time, talents, and contributions to making our community stronger. STEVE NOGG has served on The Foundation board since 2013. What attracted you to be on The Foundation Board? In 2004 Marty Ricks, Executive Director of The Foundation took me to

lunch and educated me on The Foundation and its many benefits. Through that time with Marty, I became involved and have now been on the Foundation Board for 10 years. What about being on The Foundation Board inspires you? I enjoy the dialogue we have on the See Profiles in Service page 2

New in the Kripke-Veret Collection SHIRLY BANNER JFO Library Specialist YOUNG ADULT: Bubby Karp Senior Detective, Books 1-3 by Miriam Walfish She’s one clever Bubby!

Book 1: Bubby Karp is no ordinary detective. Most of the time, she’s just proud to be the bubby of Nechama, Naftali, Eli, and Ezra. But whenever something strange happens in Spring Hill, she and her grandkids are hot on the trail. Join Bubby Karp and the kids as they search for a priceless violin, unmask an impostor, catch a counterfeiter, and much more. There’s never a dull moment in Spring Hill. Book 2: Bubby’s back with more fun and adventure! Join Bubby Karp and the kids as they search for disappearing trees, seek the source of mysterious smells, try to catch a cheating chef, and much more. Bubby Karp, the clever, energetic, fun-loving, senior detective of Spring Hill, is back solving mysteries with her grandchildren Nechama, Naftali, Eli, and Ezra. Whenever something unusual is happening, you can count on Bubby Karp to figure it out. Book 3: When Bubby Karp brings her grandchildren to the small beach town of Oceanview for the summer, they soon discover there is more going on than just fun in the sun. The town is home to many unsolved mysteries. With the help of some new friends, Bubby Karp and her grandchildren try to find a missing cow, catch some fishy fishermen, stop a sand thief, and much more. The clever, energetic, fun-loving senior detective you know and love is back. Count on Bubby Karp, Nechama, Naftali, Eli and Ezra for more exciting adventures. See Kripke-Veret page 2