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V. SERVING NEBRASKA AND IOWA SINCE 1920 Vol. LX(V No. 46 Omaha, Nebr.
19 Av, 5747 Friday, Aug. 14, 1987
Sylvia Wagner named Israel Bonds chairman "For the first time a woman will chair the Israel Bond drive," said Murray Newman, Israel Bonds State chairman, in announcing Sylvia Wagner as chairman of the Omaha community Israel Bond drive. "I am Sylvia Wagner confident that under her leaaership the Israel Bond campaign will reach new heights." In accepting the appointment Mrs. Wagner commented. "We anticipate many new and exciting changes this year which we expect to announce in the near future." Mrs. Wagner continued, "It is a privilege to be associated with such a prestigious organization and with such dedicated people." Mrs. Wagner is not new to leadership roles. She was a City Council member from
Kripkes celebrate 50th This photograph of Rabbi Myer S. and Dorothy Kripke was taken in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary and Rabbi Kripke's 50th year in the rabbinate. Beth El plans a champagne reception on Sunday, Aug. 23, 7:30-10 p.m., to pay tribute to its rabbi emeritus.
Historical society honors octogenarians The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society plans to honor octogenarians at its fifth anniversary celebration, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center. According to the announcement, awards will be presented to those 80 and above who have given volunteer service during their active years. The activity will take place in the theater and a reception will follow in the auditorium. Miriam Weiner, a writer on genealogy whose columns appear in Jewish newspapers throughout the country, will speak. Nominations for the awards may be sub-
mitted by family members, friends or organizations and must include an early photo of the individual and a recent 5x7 or larger photo plus a listing of the person's volunteer work in any aspect of Jewish life. Former Nebraskans may be nominated. The photos, the announcement said, will be on display in the Corridor of Jewish History at the JCC from Oct. 1 through December. For information, contact the NJHS before Sept. 15. Esther Canar is chairman of the fifth anniversary celebration.
1981-1987: chaired the Cable Television subcommittee; was appointed by President Reagan to the National Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education; was appointed by ex-Governor Thone to the .Nebraska Environmental Control Council. In addition to her political involvement, Mrs. Wagner has been active in both civic and Jewish community affairs, presently serving on the United Way of the Midlands board aiid the Omaha History Museum board of directors. She is also a past president of the League of Women Voters. As a member of Beth El Synagogue, Mrs. Wagner is on the Ritual Governing Committee and has held a variety of offices with the Sisterhood. She was the first advertising manager of the Jewish Press and is active in both Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women. "I know this will be a record year for Israel Bonds since many Israel Bonds pay as ;high as 7 7/8 percent. This year's dinner is set for Oct. 18 and 1 urge everyone to mark that date on the calendar."
Rabbi Kushner at Beth El Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, will speak at Beth El Synagogue Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. His latest book. When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough has been recognized for its contribution to the exaltation of the human spirit. Rabbi Kushner will speak on Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life. According to the announcement, his talk is open to the community and a reception will follow. Proceeds will be used to benefit educational and out-reach programming at Beth El. For ticket information, call Beth El at 553-3221.
Models don furs Patricia Newman models one of the Kneeter's furs which, along with jewehy from Borsheim's, will be part of the Women's Israel Bonds' fashion show and luncheon, Sept. 9 at Beth Israel Synagogue. Other models will be Marcia Cohen, Etta Epstein, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Cheryl Kricsfeld, and Patty Nogg.
Schrager Foundation awards three connmunity projects ^^ By Joanie Jacobson I Federation public relations director p The Phillip G. Schrager and Terri L. Schrager Foundation, a supporting foundation affiliated with the Jewish Federation of Omaha, has awarded grants to three community projects that will benefit Omaha teenagers, both Jewish and non-Jewish. •Projects include "Omaha Teen Tour to Israel," presented by the Jewish Community Center and the Bureau of Jewish Education; "The Prejudice Elimination Workshop," presented by the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee; and the "Israel High School Delegation," presented by the Jewish Community Center Senior High Department. "These are outstanding programs," said Mr. Schrager. "We feel very fortunate to be in the position to help. It is our hope that we can continue to build this foundation by Phil and Terri Schrager contributing additional funds to make it a more significant and meaningful foundation eration President. "It is a separate non-profit corporation, affiliated with the for the future. "I 've always been interested in people in Jewish Federation, for the benefit of the need," he continued, "and in helping to cre- Omaha Jewish community. As a supportate opportunities for families who are not ing foundation, it operates somewhat differblessed with the same financial ability that ently than a philanthropic fund. The rules allow the donors to sit on the board of direcI have had so far in my life." "The establishment of the Schrager Foun- tors, however, they may not have voting dation in 19^4 was a first for the Federa- control." In addition to Mr. and Mrs. Schrager, tion," explained Mort Trachtenbarg, Fedss^^i'cMy'V'r!HsrwitiiK;i"'»^:ir.'aBi-WtTsi,*.^!s"*i. '"
board members representing the Federation include Joe Kirshenbaum, President; Marty Lehr and Tom Fellman. "Omaha Teen Tour to Israel," scheduled for August, 1988, is designed to strengthen Jewish identity. It will offer a vivid understanding of Jewish history and of Israel's' role in today's world community. The objectives of the program are to increase the number of Omaha Jewish high school students visiting Israel (the goal is 20-30) and develop a stronger bond among Omaha Jewish teenagers regardless of synagogue affiliation. The first "Prejudice Elimination Workshop" was held at the Jewish Community Center in 1985. It brought together over 200 Omaha high school students (the goal this year is 300) and focused on all facets of discrimination and stereotypes found in everyday life. Its success warranted its continuation with emphasis on the following objectives: to increase awareness in young people of the dynamiics of prejudice, to encourage them to accept the many different groups which comprise our pluraJistic society and to provide them with an educational tool to be utilized when confronted with the issues of prejudice and bigotry. "The Israel High School Delegation" will visit Omaha high schools for one week in March, 1988. Israeli students will speak and
answer questions about Israel and about their lives there. They will be featured at school assemblies, in social studies classes, Jewish religious school classes and for interested adult groups. The purpose is to introduce Israel to the American high school student and to acquaint American youth, Jewish and non-Jewish, with the life of their Israeli contemporaries. "Good feelings come to you when you give back to the community," commented Mr. Schrager. "The benefits are how it msikes you feel within yourself. I would encourage anyone who has the financial ability to consider a supporting foundation. It's direct, effective and personally very satisfying. .... , "Whin I think long and hard about it," he concluded, "nothing seems to mean more to me than bettering the Jewish community. When you're Jewish, you're part of a great big family. Whenever I travel, it al-, ways seems different when I meet someone who is Jewish. It's like 'kin.' "My wife is not Jewish," Mr. Schrager explained, "but Terri has been as supportive of Jewish values and Jewish needs as 1 have tried to be. She shares my commitment and my reasons for giving. I 'm lucky. I know that. I'm glad we can help."