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A Lasting Legacy Honoring Alan J. Levine
AMY BERNSTEIN SHIVVERS JFO Foundation Executive Director “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” — Talmud he Omaha Jewish community honors the extraordinary legacy of Alan J. Levine, of blessed memory — a native son whose quiet generosity and unwavering love for his hometown will soon be seen and felt across the expansive Jewish Federation of Omaha campus. Thanks to a transformational bequest from Alan’s estate in 2022, the third of three major projects will soon come to life — each one a reflection of his values, his vision, and his deep commitment to tzedakah. The first gift, made during Alan’s lifetime, is the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater — a vibrant hub for cultural expression and community connection. This space provides opportunities for creativity and celebration, welcoming people of all ages to gather, perform, and share their stories. The second gift, made posthumously, was realized last year when we welcomed a brand-new pickleball facility. This gift brings health, joy, and intergenerational recreation See Alan Levine page 2
JFO activists meet with Congress Page 3
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The Untested Cookbook Page 5
Credit: Howard K. Marcus/marcusofomaha.com
The Greatest Camp in the Universe, Part 1 Page 8
How the War Changed an Artist’s Life
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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SIMI HORWITZ The Forward The following article, written by Simi Horwitz, was written in conjunction with Griffin's exhibit at the Bernard Heller Museum in New York. The Eisenberg Gallery at the J is honored to present Israeli artist, Sam Griffin, and his recent body of work "Aftermath". The exhibit will be on display July 30th through Aug. 25th. The public is invited to meet the artist at two special events on Aug. 22 and 24. Full details can be found online at jccomaha.org. This event is made possible by the Al-
bert and Eleanor Feldman Family Israel Foundation, Staenberg Family Foundation, and Kiewit Companies Foundation. Please see our ad on page 11 for additional information. In a post-Oct. 7 world, Sam Griffin, who served a tour of duty, first in the southern Gaza Envelope for two and a half months, and then for one month in the Southern Gaza Strip, has evolved as both a human being and a painter. “Before, I was a British-born painter living in Israel,” he said. “Now I am an Israeli painter.” Griffin’s work consists mostly of large landscapes — some rural, See Artist’s Life page 2
Growing with Grace SOFIA SOKOLOVSKA Jewish Press Intern If you’ve walked into the Jewish Community Center anytime in the past year, chances are you’ve seen her. Kind smile, welcoming voice, always ready to help. But while many in the community recognize Angel Hardin as “the front desk lady,” few know the story behind the calm, capable presence. And if there’s one thing to know about Angel, it is that she’s just getting started. Born and raised in Omaha, Angel didn’t always expect to stay here forever. “I’ve thought about moving,” she laughs. “Arizona, Oklahoma, somewhere totally new. But then I look around and realize Omaha’s really not that bad. It’s home.” And home is where Angel has been building a life that’s full of purpose, growth, and quiet determination. She’s a mother of one with another baby on the way, a student pursuing a future in forensic science, and now stepping into a brand-new role as the Administrative Assistant for Jewish Family Services.
Before this promotion, Angel spent a year as the front desk receptionist at the Jewish Federation of
Angel Hardin. Credit:Mark Kirchhoff
Omaha, a role that to her was never “just answering phones.” “You’re the first impression,” she says. “People come to you with questions, problems, or just need directions and you’re expected to have the answer. That taught me how to think fast, stay calm, and be kind, even when the day’s hectic.” While See Growing with Grace page 3