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WE ALL LIVE HERE Mixology Page 2

Update from the Samuel Bak Museum Page 3

Beth Israel Hanukkah Carnival Page 7

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor uesday, Dec. 3, the Jewish Federation of Omaha took part in Giving Tuesday: 24 Hour Giving Challenge, in support of our Annual Campaign. The event was accompanied by an amazing sponsorship of Cresa. In addition, Eric Rose, designated broker at Cresa, sponsored amazing prizes and matches. Cresa is the world’s leading global commercial real estate advisory firm, and Eric is located right here in Omaha. The firm exclusively represents occupiers and specializes in the delivery of fully integrated real estate solutions. They believe occupiers deserve a better space to work, create, build and grow a better outcome for their people and organization and a better partner who puts their needs first. In addition, they are supporting

the Jewish community of Omaha by joining our Giving Tuesday: 24 Hour Giving Challenge and sponsoring every single prize, all day long. Eric is married to Ashley, who works in SaaS tech sales, while Eric works in commercial real estate. “I was talking with some friends/clients about five years ago,” Eric said, “when I was looking for opportunities to donate time or money to causes I feel strongly about. Through that conversation, I was put in touch with JFO Director of Community Development Jay Katelman, who took me on a wonderful tour of the JCC facilities. Then, Jay sat me down to educate me on all the different areas of impact the Jewish Federation provides within the community, whether Jewish or otherwise. To say I was impressed would be a mild understatement, and I’ve See We all live here page 2

JCRC Advocacy Bootcamp

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

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

MORGAN GRONINGER JCRC Program and Communications Manager The Jewish Community Relations Council is preparing for the 2025 Nebraska Legislative Session and invites all Jewish community members to be part of an informative and spirited Community Conversation: our second Advocacy Bootcamp. Designed to prepare community members for Jewish Day of Action on Feb. 4, 2025, Advocacy Bootcamp aims to help them understand the Jewish community’s key issues, build advocacy skills, and become more confident and See Advocacy Bootcamp page 3

Becky Gould, JD

Dr. Erin Feichtinger

Tim Gay

Adam Morefeld, JD

Alex and the Dinosaur ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Our community is familiar with Alex Epstein for a number of reasons. He is the Executive Vice President of OMNE Partners and an Omaha native the son of Lisa and Gary Epstein and a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington. He enjoys serving the community and is currently the chairman for the Jewish Business Leaders of Omaha. Now, we get to know him as something new: the co-author (with Steve Safranek) of a new chil-

dren’s book, Alex and the Dinosaur. When a powerful dinosaur terrorizes an ancient village, every brave warrior tries and fails to defeat it. But Alex, a young villager struggling with self-doubt, discovers that courage isn’t about strength or size—it’s about believing in yourself. Guided by the wisdom of a mysterious teacher, Alex learns to face his fears, love himself, and find inner strength. “This book came about,” Alex said, “because I wanted to create something to give back to the next generation. Over the past few years, I have experienced and have gone through a lot and learned a lot about myself, life and the human experience. I wanted to put those life lessons in the form of a children’s book that both adults and kids can relate to. It’s a story about self-love, overcoming adversity and the journey of life. I wanted to drive home the understanding that as long as you know who you are, you can get through anything you are experiencing.” Co-author Steve Safranek is the local author of a self-help book and works as a personal trainer and yoga instructor. “I read Steve’s books,” Alex said, “and wanted to connect with someone that could help me curate my ideas and story into a children’s book. Steve is very talented, and I love the outcome of our book. It really could be looked at as a book for adults, in a children’s book format. Anyone can learn from it.” See Alex Epstein page 3