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AUG UST 2 2 , 2 02 5 | 2 8 AV 578 5 | VO L. 1 05 | NO. 43 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 7:53 P.M.
Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award Mazal Tov, Sylvia! Page 5
AMY BERNSTEIN SHIVVERS JFO Foundation Executive Director n Aug. 7, the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) proudly honored Laliana Rivera, Elijah Dutton, and Nurto Ibrahim with the Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award at its monthly board meeting. Each year, this award recognizes high school seniors who have lived in OHA housing and demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and commitment to their future. This year's recipients each bring a remarkable story of perseverance and purpose: • Nurto Ibrahim, a graduate of Central High School, will attend Metropolitan Community College. Her family immi-
The Untested Cookbook Page 7
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grated from Nairobi, Kenya, and endured significant challenges, including the illnesses of both parents. During a difficult period of her own marked by heart issues and personal setbacks, Nurto struggled academically and socially. But by her junior year, everything changed—her mindset, her grades, and her goals. She excelled in her coursework, rejoined the soccer team as captain, and enrolled in the OPS Middle College Program. Nurto is now focused on becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. • Elijah Dutton, a graduate of Ralston High School, is heading to Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he will major in Music, Design, and Film. Elijah is eager to explore See Young Leader Award page 3
Romania’s few Jews remain on guard Page 12
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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RBJH Presents “Music… in the Moment”
New in the Kripke-Veret Collection
MAGGIE CONTI RBJH Director of Activities and Volunteer Services RBJH proudly presented “Music… in the Moment,” featuring pianist Cathy Pacholski, who brought her talented piano students from JCC Omaha to perform for residents in a heartfelt and uplifting concert. To show her appreciation, Cathy generously provided treats and gift cards to each
SHIRLY BANNER JFO Library Specialist Young Adult: Color of Sound by Emily Barth Isler Twelve-year-old Rosie is a musical prodigy whose synesthesia allows her to see music in colors. She’s never told anyone this, though. She already stands out more than enough as a musical “prodigy” who plays better than most adults. Rosie’s mom expects her to become a professional violinist. But this summer, Rosie refuses to play. She wants to have a break to make friends, discover new hobbies, and to find out who she would be if her life didn’t revolve around the violin. So instead of attending a prestigious summer music camp, Rosie goes with her mom to visit her grandparents. Grandma Florence’s health is failing, Grandpa Jack doesn’t talk much, and Rosie’s mom is furious with her for giving up the violin. But Rosie is determined to make the most of her “strike.” And
student, thanking them for sharing their time and talents. As a touching gesture in return, the students presented RBJH with a plaque inscribed with the words: “And I Think to Myself, What a Wonderful World.” The event was a beautiful reminder of the joy music brings and the powerful connections it can create between See Music in the Moment page 2
when she meets a girl who seems distinctly familiar, she knows this summer will be unlike any other. With help from a mysterious glitch in time ― plus her grandparents, an improv group, and a new instrument ― Rosie uncovers secrets that change how she sees her family, herself, and the music that’s always been part of her. See Kripke-Veret page 2