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Pillars of Beth Israel Synagogue Honoring Irving B. and Geri Epstein: A legacy of service, family, and community Page 3
Meet Mark Kirchhoff Page 4
After the storm Page 7
also remember his focus and mission to make Jewish eduMARY SUE GROSSMAN s Beth Israel Synagogue celebrates its 75th cation available to all ages. Rabbi and Cantor were both so anniversary, the names of Rabbi Isaac Nad- instrumental to my strong Jewish identity and involvement off, z’l, and Cantor Leo Fettman, z’l, will be today.” front and center. The impact of this powerful Rabbi Isaac Nadoff was born in Jerusalem to a Yemenite leadership duo father and an Iraqi mother. will be remembered when After briefly living in England Beth Israel’s Beit Midrash is and then Canada, the family dedicated in their honor durlived in New York before moving the celebration dinner on ing to Chicago in 1933. In Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. 1948, Rabbi Nadoff was orMilestones – A Celebration of dained by the Hebrew TheoBeth Israel will be held at the logical College and married synagogue with the social his wife, Jeanette, the same hour beginning at 5 p.m., folyear. His first pulpit was in lowed by Mincha at 5:30 Springfield, Illinois, before p.m., and dinner at 6 p.m. leading Beth Jacob Synagogue Honorary chairs for the event in Des Moines for 11 years. include Joe and Maxine KirThe Nadoff family moved to shenbaum, Paul and Susie Omaha in 1965 to become Shyken, Donald Gerber, and rabbi at Beth Israel. In a JewDavid and Janet Kohll. In adish Press article, he shared dition to the Beit Midrash they made the move due to dedication, there will be nuthe Jewish day school and Cantor Leo Fettman and Rabbi Isaac Nadoff merous stories shared of the “the challenge of revitalizing 75-year history plus the presentation of the Lifetime the congregation.” He supported involvement in the greater Achievement Award to Nancy Mattly. Jewish community while stressing that personal commit“Rabbi Nadoff and Cantor Fettman had such an impact ment to living a Jewish life was key to the future. He had a on my life,” shares Donald Gerber. “Rabbi Nadoff was ‘my’ deep commitment to Beth Israel and its members. rabbi while growing up. To this day, I clearly remember the Shirley Schwartz, who now lives in Phoenix, shared memwords of wisdom he gave me while sitting by him the day ories that she and her children, Phyllis and Jeffrey, have of of my Bar Mitzvah.” Donald continued sharing, “Cantor Rabbi Nadoff. “When my husband, Irwin, had a heart attack Fettman was hired while I was in college and helped me on in 1983, Rabbi Nadoff was at his side with prayers and Irwin my journey to become Beth Israel’s Bar Mitzvah teacher. I See Pillars of Beth Israel Synagogue page 3
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J Camp: That’s a wrap!
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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MELANIE SCHWARZ Jewish Press Intern It was another summer to remember at J Camp, with amazing weekly themes, activities, and everything in
between. There were seven themes for seven weeks: The Prehistoric Future, Sea Safari, Wild Water West, Triple Threat Talent Show, Superhero Color Wars, Space Pirates, Holidays Around the World, and Barnyard Carnival. Camp ran from late May until early August, ending Aug. 2, for kindergarten through 7th graders and welcomed members and non-members of the JCC. In addition, there were programs for 8-10 graders as “leaders in training.” Leaders in Training (LIT), for 8-9 graders, and Counselors in Training See J Camp page 2
Bagel Boys at Campaign Event
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Sunday, Sept. 22, the community is invited to our 2025 Annual Campaign Community Kickoff Event. At 5 p.m., we’ll gather at the Pickleball courts in the Alan J. Levine Athletic Facility. Our event is titled Get in the Game, because we are welcoming ESPN’s Linda Cohn and Fox’s Ken Rosenthal. We will start at 5 p.m. with a meet and greet with both guests, accompanied by yard games, including Corn
Hole, Bocce Ball, Can Jam, 4 Square, Dice game and inflatable basketball. Come ready to play! At 6 p.m., a kosher buffet dinner will be provided by Star Catering, followed by the program and Spirit of Federation awards at 6:30 p.m. and afterwards, we will have dessert from the El Churro Spot food truck and the Kona Ice Truck, as well as Star Catering. And while we are excited about the food, the company, and the speeches, we have a special element See Campaign Event page 2