dewish Press
Newman Grants See page 8
Serving Nebraska and Iowa Since 1920
1Slv<<n,57S3 Friday, May 21,1993
Vol. LXX No. 33 Omaha
Gordman Educational building approved By Morris Maline A revised plan to scale-down and build the Dan and Esther Gordman Educational Center on the Jewish community campus has been approved. The latest plan presented to the Federation Board of Directors Monday night calls for a $1 million, 9,500 square foot structure with the Friedel Jewish Academy as the primary tenant. Last October, the Federation had approved a $2 million dollar, 19,000 square foot building with the understanding that the facility also would serve United Talmud Torah, Temple Israel, the Federation Library, the Bureau of Jewish Education, and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. The original plan, proposed in 1990, called for a 30,000 square foot building and a capital expenditure of $3 million.
Donald Yale, Federation president, adVised the directors that the goal of the Federation from the outset has been to construct a building that ^Vould not place an operational burden on the Federation. The Federation, he said, had endeavored to secure guarantees from the original stakeholders, but the only one to sign on completely at this point is the Academy. He said the Friedel Jewish Academy had pledged its endowment income to cover the operational coeta of the proposed building. While the Academy would be the primary tefiant, the multipurpose rooms could be made available for other Jewish education needs in the community. The concept for the educatio;ial building followed the offer of a million dollar donation from the Gordman family.
Having juit won the CBA ba«ltetb«ll championship, the Omaha Racers celebrated their victory. Pictured are (front row, from left) Head coach Mike Thibault, aasUtant coach Eric Chapman, coowner Steve Idelman, player Rod Mason. AJi Idelman. coowner Sheri Idelman and players Melvin Robinson and Jim Thoma*.
Racers to contribute to Jewish groups The Omaha Racers basketball team will contribute has won 93 of 130 home games sjnce then and hiLs 10 percent of any season-ticket purchases to Omaha- made the playoffs each season since 1989-90. Mr. Idelman said big self-imposed deadline would a synagogues, the JCC or Friedel Jewish Academy "likely" be extended 30 additional days if the team' the ticket's buyer specifies. For example, if a member of Temple Israel buys a approaches its goal by June 15. A self-professed "dyed-in-the-wool basketball fanat$340 courtside season ticket using a Temple Israel ic," Mr. Idelman said he hopes he doesn't have to Sell order form, the Racers will donate $34 to the temple. In an effort to sell 3,500 season tickets by June 15, the team. "It's good for the economy here," he said. 'Pro spojts the team ha; already offered similar promotions are important in attracting new companies and new throu^ Omaha-area Catholic schools. 'We're halfway to the goal," Mr. Idelman said this residents, and it's also truly exciting and eryoyable." Beth El Syrtagogue president Sandy Friwlninn said week. If the tickets don't tell, owners Steve and Sberi the arrangement is mutually beneficial. "Here's a member of the Jewish community trying to Idelman will likely sell the Continental Basketball Association's 1992-93 championship team, and it will keep a business going, and it's a benefit to the Jewish community and the Omaha community to keep the leave Omaha. lYie Racers have played four aeasons in Omaha since . Racers in Otnsha," he said: "And it will generate some arriving here in 1989 from Rochester, Minn. The team contributions to the synsKOKue."
Federation names teen leaders
Taxman Shyken Gary Shyken, 16, and Lindsey Taxman, 17, are winners of the Jewish Federation of Omaha's 1993 Teen Leadership Award. Gary, vice president of the Combelt Council of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) and religious five-fold chairman of the organization internationally, was nominated by BBYO. "Gary has proven a desue to expand his knowledge and a willingness to experience new things," said Beth Cohen, regional director of BBYO. Lindsey, religious vice president of the Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG), was nominated by OTYG and the Henry Monsky Lodge of B'nai B'rith. "Under Lindse/s leadership, OTYG received many regional awards, including the Star Award for Tikkun Olam," said Rabbi Dan Fink of Temple Israel. "Membership in the organization grew tremendously during her tenure." Gary traveled to Poland and Israel for March of the Living in 1992. Since his return, he has discussed his experience with many groups in the Jewish community. In 1992, he coordinated BBYO's Winter Regional Convention. He attended International Kallah in 1992 and served as regional representative to BBYO's international executive business meeting. • He served as dance chairman for AZA Si's Sweetheart^ Dance in 1991 and 1992. Lindsey served as president of OTYG in 1991-92 and as its editor/historian in 1990-91. She is also a member of BBYO's M.Z. Yoshana chapter, and served as cqchair of its spring Beau Dance irr 1990 and 1991.
Llnqoln Federation plans annual meeting The annual meeting of the Lincoln Jewish Welfare Federation will take place Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the Comhusker Hotel ballroom. Ralph Nurenberger, of Washington, D.C., representing (he United Jewish Appeal, will speak. According to the announcement, Helen Misle, Ruth Goldenberg and Everett Evnen, the Campaign Leadership Team, is receiving pledges at an "unprecedented pace for a record-setting yet^r"
Rabbis meet in Omaha ; Chabad Lubavitch rabbis from the Midwest Region Ithered in Omaha last weekend for their annual conkntion. The group was hosted by Rabbi and Mrs, fendel I^Uman and home hospitality was provided member* of the Jewish community residing near > Chabad House at 1322 So. llOth street. Tlie hibbis from left,' first row. Yisrael Popack, Denver; lalom Weinb. ' Moflhe KotliirnU. I'.nil iiinl Yn,v) LIIIHIII, .SI jjii tr Nil' li'.iiitr,- Al
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nu. ind Yosef Shemtov. Tucson. Third row, Plnchan
ritetbaum, Colorado HpnngB. Not \n ptioto i» Hhaltim .CUaitIa
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