A N AG E N C Y O F T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A
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J ULY 2 1 , 202 3 | 3 AV 578 3 | VO L. 1 03 | NO. 38 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, JU LY 21, 8: 33 P.M.
The JFO Foundation presents
Who are the Marcuses? Memories of B’nai Israel Synagogue Page 3
A Jewish boxer named Bruce “Mouse” Strauss Page 4
Lottie and Howard Marcus Credit: Ellen Marcus
Spotlight: Photos of what is happening in our community Page 7
AMY BERNSTEIN SHIVVERS JFO Foundation Executive Director ho are the Marcuses is a fascinating documentary directed by Matthew Mishory and co-written by Golan Friedman about a special family and their
charitable legacy. The film will be shown as part of the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Fabulous at 40 anniversary celebration. This film makes us all think how we can all leave the world a better place. If you were left hundreds of millions of dollars, would you keep it or give it away? See Who are the Marcuses? page 2
Meet the Staff: Rachel Ring
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SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
ASHTON KAY Jewish Press Intern Rachel Ring is the Director of Development here at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Rachel is from the east coast, and Omaha is her first Midwest experience. “I grew up in D.C., but I’ve lived in lots of places between D.C. and Burlington, Vermont.” Despite the vast differences between the Midwest and the east coast, Rachel has found many things she likes about Omaha. However, there are always certain things you miss about home.
Rachel Ring
“I love Omaha, but I miss the ocean and the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont” On the east coast, Rachel had many experiences with various Jewish communities, however in Omaha, she has found that there is a much stronger sense of community. “[On the east coast] there was just not that same sense of community, a cohesive community like we have here
in Omaha. I think this is unique. It is certainly unique to my experience.” When asked what her favorite part of the JCC is, Rachel says that it’s the beautiful building filled with art. She loves being in a beautiful space and enjoys how the art changes monthly. When she first came to the building after renovations, she was most excited about the JCC’s evolving gallery. “After I interviewed here, I remember going out to my car and calling my husband and I said, ‘It’s an art gallery. If I take this Job, I’ll be working in an art gallery. I love the feeling of coming into a beautiful space filled with incredible art every day.” Rachel’s job is in development, which means that it is up to her department to make sure that the community has the resources to maintain and grow for future generations. There are many ways this is done, including events and engagement. Rachel spends a lot of her time planning for the Annual Campaign. See Rachel Ring page 3
Big things are on the horizon ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT BBYO is home to your forever memories. It is where you grew up, met your best friends, fell in love, and stepped out of your comfort zone. You made sense of what it means to be Jewish.
This fall, BBYO’s 100th Anniversary will kick off, and we invite our members, alumni, friends, and supporters around the world to take part in this milestone centennial celebration. Reconnect with old friends, learn about upcoming events, and help strengthen our future. We ask for your support in helping the Omaha Jewish community celebrate 100 years of BBYO by hosting the 2023 International Executive Conference in Omaha. “My time in BBYO created precious memories,” Bob Goldberg, JFO CEO, said. “The friendships I made continue to be special and valuable, and I am proud of Omaha’s history with BBYO.” This August, in honor of this incredible anniversary, Omaha will host the annual gathering of the highest-elected teen leadership from BBYO communities worldwide. The Executive Conference brings together 200 global BBYO teen leaders to learn, network and celebrate. They will explore BBYO’s history and celebrate the place where it was founded. “The conference will benefit the Omaha Jewish community in several ways,” Bob Goldberg said. “It will provide a platform for our young people to shine, which will inspire them to continue to make a difference in our community. It will showcase Omaha to the world, and help attract new businesses and residents, and it will bring hundreds of visitors to our city, boosting our economy.” Mother Chapter AZA Advisor and BBYO alumni Justin Spooner said: “We hope you will consider donating to support the hosting of the August Executives Conference. Our goal is to raise $50,000. It is a meaningful investment to showcase Omaha, and at the same time celebrate BBYO and the impact it has had on so many of us. Every donation, no matter how small, will help make this a success. Together, we can make this important event memorable.” With a network of hundreds of chapters across North America and See BBYO Anniversary page 2