September 18, 2020 by Jewish Press

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The Jewish Press AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA | WWW. JE WISHOMAHA.ORG

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

“I believe in this community” ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor he 2021 Annual Campaign will look a bit different this year, but one thing will remain the same: we will celebrate and support Jewish Omaha together. Our campaign chairs and staff are planning a variety of new and innovative experiences to connect our community. Find your way to be a part of it and help us imagine and build towards a brighter Jewish tomorrow. While we all an2021 ticipate a challenging and very different Annual Campaign, it hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm of lay leaders. In fact, it’s quite the contrary, which is a good thing, because in addition to Campaign Chairs Jamie and Ted Friedland, lay leaders are in high demand to assist staff in making sure all runs smoothly. A few weeks ago, we heard from the lay leaders in Women’s philanthropy. This week, let’s find out what some of the other volunteers are up to. “There are so many reasons to get involved,” Major Donor Chair Speedy Zweiback said. “I have been a supporter for a long time. I am a product of this community and I believe

Virtual baking with Margie Gutnik Page 2

Yom Kippur on the Green at Beth Israel Page 6

My little girls Page 12

What to watch: Shukert talks Baby-Sitter’s Club

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Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

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Omaha’s own Rachel Shukert, GABBY BLAIR daughter of Aveva and Marty Shukert, Jewish Press Staff Writer Looking for a new show to binge? serves as Show Runner for the new Try out Netflix’s new hit, The Baby- production and made some time to Sitter’s Club. If the chat about it with name sounds familThe Jewish Press. In iar, it should! Based addition to The on the beloved Baby-Sitter’s Club, book series by Ann Shukert has auM. Martin, many of thored five books, is today’s mamas writer and prolikely grew up with ducer of Netflix’s hit the series which show GLOW and started in 1986 and has written for Suran through 2000. pergirl to name a Set in the fictional few of her many actown of Stoneycomplishments. A fan of the book brook, Connecticut, series herself, Shukit follows a group of Rachel Shukert ert is having a lot of girls who form their own business providing childcare to fun on this newest set and enjoys residents- something many of us working with executive producer Lucia Aniello and author Ann M. Marcould use right now! tin, who she describes as lovely and supportive of the screen adaptation. “I got my first Baby-Sitter’s Club book as a birthday present when I was around 10. I don’t remember being particularly excited about it and honestly, it sat on my shelf for a while before I was bored enough to read it one day. Then I couldn’t put it down. I devoured the series after that See Rachel Shukert page 2

in this community. This pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives and for many that includes urgent financial need. It is more important than ever to come together, especially when so many of us are housebound.” In the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we will join Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County CEO David Weisberg for a special conversation with comedian and actor, Michael Ian Black (MTV’s The State, Wet Hot American Summer), to discuss his newest book, A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Letter to My Son, to be released on Sept. 15. Find the registration link on the homepage at www.jew ishomaha.org. Sarah and Adam Yale signed on as Chairs of the Builders Campaign, because “Ted and Jamie asked and because we love the Jewish community,” they said. “We appreciate them and want to support their civic and Jewish efforts, because they do so much for the community. And JFO staff makes it easy for volunteers to help support the community!” Sarah and Adam grew up in Omaha and have three sons. Sarah is the Vice Chair of Film Streams Board of Directors, See 2021 Annual Campaign page 3

Endowment honoring Denise Bennett

Mrs. Bennett enjoying Friedel’s annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration.

SARA KOHEN Director of Advancement, Friedel Jewish Academy Denise Bennett teaches fifth and sixth grade General Studies at Friedel Jewish Academy, where she

has been teaching since 1988. Mrs. Bennett is amazing! Her favorite part of teaching is getting to know each student better as an individual. One of the most enjoyable parts See Denise Bennett page 2