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NAOMI FOX Director of Community Engagement and Education at JFO he Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Community Engagement and Education Department is proud to present Tapestry 2025: A Celebration of Jewish Learning. Tapestry is a weeklong community initiative bringing Jewish wisdom, values, and contemporary discussion to life across the Omaha area. From May 2 through 10, the community is invited to join distinguished scholar Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute, for a compelling series of conversations, classes, and reflections on Jewish identity, peoplehood, history, Zionism, and interfaith connection. Dr. Kurtzer is a leading thinker on the key challenges confronting modern Jewish life with particular emphasis on Jewish peoplehood and the Jewish national movement, the interplay between history and memory, and the evolving dynamics of leadership and change within the Jewish community. Take a look at the meaningful events open to the entire community: On Friday, May 2, Tapestry community events begin with Shabbat Evening Services at Beth El Synagogue at 5:30 p.m, where the congregation will reflect on the evolving conversation entitled Purity and Pollution for

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Liberal Jews. The following morning, Saturday, May 3, continues with Shabbat services at Beth El at 9:30 a.m., featuring the topic Reclaiming Jewish Power Without Losing Jewish Values — a timely look at the challenges and evolution of modern Israel. On Sunday, May 4, join Chabad of Nebraska from 9 to 11 a.m. for Sunday Morning (Tefillin) Wraps, where Dr. Kurtzer will present Liberal Jews in the Rebbe’s Christian America, exploring the relationship between liberal Jewish values and American religious culture. On Monday, May 5, Jewish Family Service will host a session from 10 a.m. to noon, titled Beyond the “Big Tent”: Models of Community for a Complicated American Jewry. This conversation will explore how American Jews imagine and build community amidst growing internal diversity and shifting affiliations. Tuesday, May 6, offers the opportunity to travel to the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. At 7 p.m., Dr. Kurtzer will speak on the topic: Are We at the End of a Golden Age? American Jewry, In Transition, at the Nebraska Union on the UNL campus. Wednesday, May 7, offers two community-accessible opportunities. From 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation will present See Tapestry page 3

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

PAM MONSKY JCRC Assistant Director UNL Hillel and JCRC recently held “Spread Cream Cheese Not Hate” on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln. The purpose of the event was to spread awareness of antisemitism and other forms of hate in an engaging and fun way. Free bagels with cream cheese were given away along with information about UNL Hillel and JCRC, including ways to report incidents. Over the course of the event, more than 250 students and faculty interacted with the Hillel students and JCRC to learn about each organizaRachamim Zamek of Hillel hands out bagels and information

tion’s mission and to sign a digital pledge to fight antisemitism and other forms of bias on campus. The flyers distributed said, “As UNL students, we have the power to lead by example. Let’s challenge harmful narratives and amplify voices that need to be heard. Every small act of kindness, every open conversation,

every stand against hate counts. We are stronger when we unite, celebrate diversity, and reject all forms of hate. Together, we can build a college community where everyone belongs.” The event was sponsored by the Lazier L. and Harriet B. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth.

Volunteers of the Year ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Our community thrives because of the dedication and generosity of our wonderful volunteers. They further our mission to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. It is a privilege to honor those in our community who give tirelessly and selflessly to make our Jewish community the best it can be. Please join us on Thursday, June 5 at 7 p.m. when the Jewish Federation of Omaha honors the Agency Volunteers of the Year during a special presentation at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Meeting & Awards Night. Bob Belgrade is the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year. His dedication, leadership, and selfless contributions make him a truly deserving honoree. “Bob has left an indelible mark on our Jewish community,” JFO Foundation’s Executive Director Amy Bernstein Shivvers said. “He has shown an unwavering commitment to The Foundation, the JFO, Beth El Synagogue, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, and numerous other organizations. His involvement spans decades, and he has touched nearly every expansion or renovation project on our campus. He has taken an active role on many boards and has demonstrated true leadership and passion for strengthening Jewish life in Omaha. Bob is a mensch in every sense of the word.” In addition, Bob has been a valued friend to those in need, providing support, companionship, and care to individuals who may not have family to rely on. “His kindness, patience, and attentiveness,” JFS Director of Community Outreach Shelly Fox said, “make him a quiet but profound force for good in the lives of many.” Becki Zanardi is the Institute for Holocaust Education’s Volunteer of the Year. She has been a friend to the IHE for many years and has served as a volunteer in any role needed for the monthly See Volunteers page 3