SERVING COUNCIL BLUFFS,
LINCOLN, OMAHA '
z.
Omaha, Neb., Fri.. January 23,1981
ose A donation of one million dollars — the single largest philanthropic gift ever made to the Jewish Federation of Omaha — has been provided by Mrs. Rose Blumkin and her family. The donation is being made to help the Jewish community build a new home for the elderly adjacent to the Jewish Community Center. In addition to Mrs. Blumkin, the donors are Mr. and Mrs. Norman Batt, Mr. and Mrs. Louie Blumkin, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome I. Cohn, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schneider. Joe •Klrshenbaum, president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, said that the Blumkin family gift represents an outstanding philanthropic effort on the part of an esteemed Omaha family. "It's a gift unparalleled in the history of fund raising In the Jewish community," Mr. Klrshenbaum said. "The Blumkin family has always responded generously to the needs of the Omaha Jewish community — not only with their money, but with their time. We are Indeed fortunate to have their support," Mr. Klrshenbaum added. "All of us in the Omaha area — members of the current and future generations — owe a great debt of gratitude to the Blumkins," he added. .£*-—•• Mr. Klrshenbaum said also that "We now should pull together as a strong Jewish community to make Mrs. B's dream a reality." Harlan Noddle, co-chairman, Phase 3, Center for the Aging, said the Blumkin family gift Is a giant step In moving this project from the planning and dreaming stage to reality. "We arc confident that the rest of the community will respond to enable construction to start on this important facility maybe even this year," Mr. Noddle said. "On behalf of all those Involved in the planning and execution of this tremendous undertaking, we would like to thank the Blumkin family for this outstanding act of generosity," Mr. Noddle added. "This Is one of the nicest experiences that the Jewish Community of Omaha has ever had," said Is Tretlak, co-chairman of the Phase 3 committee. "I am personally close to members of the Blumkin family, and I would like them to know how much I appreciate this gift — both as a personal friend and as a member of the Jewish community," said Mr. Tretlak. Mrs. Rose Blumkin "If the community now follows Mrs. B's lead, as I believe we will, the needs of Omaha's Jewish elderly will be well attended tely as Mrs. B) maintains that her success story could "Only to," Mr. Tretlak added. happen In America." Eighty-seven year old Mrs. Rose Blumkin (known affectlonaBorn in Russia, the daughter of a rabbi, Mrs. B married Isi-
dore Blumkin and followed him to the United States in 1917, three years after he had left. Their first residence was In Ft. Dodge, Iowa, where they worked as Junk dealers. Their next business was a second-hand clothing store at 1222 Douglas street in Omaha. In 1937, Mrs. B—with an Investment of $500—opened the Nebraska Furniture Mart in 1312 Farnam street. Her husband continued to run the clothing store until he died in 1950. Mrs. B's success with the furniture business is a living legend, recorded for history by numerous newspaper and magazine articles as well as a television documentary. Throughout her business career, Mrs. B always kept in contact with the needs of the Jewish community. She provided job opportunities for those in need, and contributed steadily to help both Israel and the local Jewish community. Mrs. B learned to speak English from her children, and became an American citizen in the '50s. Whenever asked about her life story, she always replied," It could only happen In America." "I came from Russia without any money to a wonderful country, and I was lucky enough, to make a success. "I respect elderly people. I treated my mother like a queen and God repaid me. "I want elderly people to be treated right. So I want to give my love to the elderly people especially those who have no-one to care for them. "If I'll be able to live longer, I'll try to do my best to help them all I can. When you get older you can't take anything with you. "Let people think before they die to do the best they can for others while they are still alive. "All my life, everytime I thought about a vacation, I thought I'd better give the money to someone who needs it and not spend money foolishly. "God blessed me with wonderful children who let me do whatever I want and, whatever I do they agree with me. "God has blessed me, allowing me good health and the ability to continue my work. "A new home for the elderly will be like adding life to their years. "They deserve a haimeshe place to live In comfort and dignity, and having the Home at the JCC will be like reuniting the Jewish family — all the generations will be coming home."
Federation Awards Honors at Annual Meeting
More than 250 members of the Jewish community attended the Federation's annual meeting last Sunday at the JCC. The announcement of special awards and the election of officers and board members highlighted the meeting. In left photo, Joe Kir-
shenbaum, president of the Federation, presents the Humanltarlan Award to Harry Sldman for his work with the Chevra Kadisha. In the center photo, Phil Schrager presents the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award to Cookie Hober-
man, and at right, Henry Greenberg presents the Justin Greenberg Memorial Young Leadership Award to Larry Chester. See additional photo coverage on Page 9.