On 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-
Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award New
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
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
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
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
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
News
Kripke-Veret
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Adult:
The Trade Off by Samantha Greene Woodruff Bea Abramovitz has a gift for math and numbers. With her father, she studies the burgeoning Wall Street market’s stocks and patterns in the financial pages. After college she’s determined to parlay her talent for the prediction game into personal and professional success. But in the 1920s, in a Lower East Side tenement, opportunities for women don’t just come knocking. Bea will have to create them.
It’s easier for her golden-boy twin brother, Jake, who longs to reclaim all their parents lost after fleeing the pogroms in Russia to come to America. Well intentioned but undisciplined, Jake has a charm that can carry him only so far on Wall Street. So Bea devises a plan. They’ll be a secret team, and she’ll be the brains behind the broker. As Jake’s reputation, his heedless ego, and the family fortune soar, Bea foresees catastrophe: an impending crash that could destroy everything if she doesn’t finally take control.
The Trade Off is a powerful novel about identity, sacrifice, family loyalties, and the complex morality of money.
Gourmet Club by Michael A. Kahn
Music in the Moment
Four young lawyers meet in the fall of 1981 as new associates at Chicago’s prestigious Abbott & Windsor. They are ambitious twenty-somethings, each having graduated with honors from a top law school, each with big plans for the future, and each unaware that—to quote a Yiddish proverb— “Man plans, and God laughs.”
At the end of their first week, they gather with their spouses for a potluck dinner party. Enjoying the night, they decide to meet again every three or four months, naming themselves the Gourmet Club.
Inspired by the true story of a pioneering investment legend,
Over decades, the Gourmet Club serves as a backdrop for evenings that reveal the characters’ diverging paths and the ups and downs of their professional and personal lives. Pivotal moments unfold in a courtroom, a boardroom, a bedroom, a baseball game, a funeral, and beyond, illustrating how much has changed—both in the country and in the lives of the protagonists— since that first meeting in 1981.
Continued from page 1 generations. Beyond this special event, Cathy and her gifted daughter, Taylor Wyatt, bring “Music … in the Moment” music to RBJH every Sunday, performing a mother-daughter concert in the lounges. They engage warmly with residents, take requests, and create an atmosphere of comfort and joy. Residents and family members look forward to seeing them each week. A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors: Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, Alan J. Levine Program Endowment Fund, and Kenneth Ray Tretiak Memorial Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
Writing workshop
‘Write With Us,’ our small and intimate writing workshop (no need to be nervous) continues in the fall. Upcoming workshops are scheduled for Thursdays Aug. 28, Oct. 30, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11 from 5-7 p.m. in the Noshery at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. Register by contacting Jessi at jtay lor@jewishomaha.org or Annette at avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. There is no cost to attend, although donations are always welcome.
If you have wanted to write your family’s story, that great American novel, or you have always wanted to try your hand at poetry, join us!
Maybe you are already an accomplished writer, but you would benefit from being in a room with other writers. Perhaps you have convinced yourself you can’t write at all, but would love to try. Everyone, from absolute beginner to professional, is welcome to attend. We will provide the kosher snacks and the writing prompts.
JEWISH PRESS READERS
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Young Leader award
Continued from page 1
college life and collaborate with fellow creatives. He dreams of a career in the entertainment industry—one that combines his love for sound and visual storytelling. Ultimately, Elijah hopes to launch his own creative studio, creating work that evokes emotion and leaves a lasting impact.
• Laliana Rivera, who graduated from Northwest High School, will attend the University of Nebraska Omaha this fall to study Biology. With her sights set on a Doctorate in Genetics, Laliana credits her leadership growth to her volunteer work with The Sanctuary Collective and participation in the Upward Bound Math and Science Program. Her goal is to one day give back—showing young people from similar backgrounds that anything is possible.
Sal Issaka, Director of Resident Initiatives & Public Housing Engagement at OHA, shared his pride in the awardees and the community effort behind them:
“Our youth are filled with potential—they just need someone to believe in them. My team and I are honored to walk alongside these students as they chase their dreams. It’s not
just about funding —it’s about helping them believe that their voices matter, and their futures are worth fighting for.”
Commissioner Jennifer Taylor, a longtime member of the OHA board, reflected on the impact of the annual tradition, sharing,
“This is my favorite day of the year. We are excited for your futures and for our community.”
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
The Outstanding Young Leader Award was established in 1988 by the Omaha Chamber’s Leadership Omaha Class 10. In 1999, the Award was renamed the “Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award” as a tribute to Ann, the former director of Leadership Omaha.
Funding for the award comes from the Ann Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Award Endowment Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
The Foundation is thrilled to collaborate with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the Omaha Housing Authority. Several years ago, the Chamber entrusted The Foundation with administering and investing the endowment fund.
JBL welcomes Elliot Equipment
JAY KATELMAN
Director of Communnity Development
After a robust year, during which Jewish Business Leaders (JBL) presented five different events, including two of our best-attended sessions to date, we’re kicking 2025/2026 off with a very special presentation.
On Sept. 19 from 7:30–9 a.m., we welcome Jim and John Glazer of Elliott Equipment. The event is in the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Community Engagement Venue on our Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus. Elliot Equipment has been a trusted partner to many in engineering and manufacturing equipment space for over 75
How we help
TERESA DRELICHARZ
Jewish Family Service Executive Director
Jewish Family Service (JFS) continues to provide vital programs and support for individuals and families across the Omaha Jewish community. We are proud to share updates on the services available to meet the diverse needs of our community members, as well as information on who to contact when you need any of our services.
The Yachad Program is an inclusive social and educational group, which brings together individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy meaningful programming, holiday celebrations, and community connection. Contact Heather Topil, htopil@jfsomaha.com
JFS’ Financial Assistance/ Food Pantry offers short-term support for individuals and families facing financial hardships, including help with housing, utilities, and other basic needs. Contact Heather Topil, htopil@jfsomaha.com.
Mental Health Therapy, Circle of Security Parenting, & Other Programming is where our licensed clinicians offer confidential, compassionate counseling for individuals, couples,
For many years thereafter, the Leadership Omaha Class has contributed additional dollars to the fund. The JFO Foundation is pleased to do our part to help these deserving students cover the cost of books, tablets, and other supplies essential to their college education. At the same time, we know we are honoring the memory of Ann Goldstein.
Don Goldstein, Ann’s husband, reflected on the long-lasting impact of the award:
“Ann believed in the power of education and the importance of giving young people the tools to lead. I’m incredibly proud of how many students this award has supported over the years. Watching the partnership grow between OHA, the Chamber, and the Foundation feels like Ann’s torch is still burning strong—and lighting the way for the next generation.”
As these three students take the next step on their educational journeys, they carry with them not only the support of their families and mentors, but also the legacy of a community that believes in their promise—and the memory of a woman who believed in opening doors for others.
years. They engineer and manufacture equipment to stand the test of time as they are built with the finest components and are tested to perform well beyond industry standard. According to their website, “Elliott isn’t just about machinery; it’s a testament to our enduring legacy and relationships”.
Jim and John Glazer have been instrumental in transforming Elliott Equipment Company into an industry-leading manufacturer of truckmounted aerial work platforms, digger derricks, and cranes. Focusing on innovation, quality, and engineering excellence, Elliott has developed award-winning products that are trusted by industry leaders in utilities, infrastructure, and sig-
and families. Specialized groups and educational workshops help reduce stigma and promote the emotional well-being of families. Contact Annie Rifkin, arifkin@jfsomaha. com
We provide home studies and post-placement supervision for families pursuing adoption, supporting both adoptive parents and children throughout the process. Contact Teresa Drelicharz, tdrelicharz@jfsomaha.com
Jewish Senior Outreach includes services focused on seniors in the community, who live independently or with a caregiver. JSO provides transportation to appointments and other necessary outings. Our Meals on Wheels program brings Kosher meals, delivered to seniors in the community, with a smile and friendly greeting from driver, Mike Morris. JSO also offers caregiver support, which means providing resources, education, and support groups to help caregivers navigate their journey while prioritizing their own well-being.
The goal is to help older adults remain independent and connected to the community. Contact Shelly Fox, sfox@rbjh.com
We also regularly make Comfort Calls, providing people with contact from staff members or volunteers. Contact Annie
nage, as well as state and federal agencies across North America.
Jim is married to Jordana Glazer; they are the parents of David (Leah Sobel) and Emily Glazer. John and Jennifer Glazer are the parents of Grant, Danny and Jane Glazer.
RSVPs can be submitted at https://fundraise.give smart.com/form/vbwZPQ?vid=1kctii
A special thank you to our Platinum sponsors, Bridges Trust, OMNE Partners, and CFO Systems LLC. The Event Sponsors for the Sept. 19 session are Elliot Equipment, FNBO, and Alex Epstein.
Rifkin, arifkin@jfsomaha.com
JFS of Omaha is successful because of the unwavering support of individuals like you. Together, we can create a compassionate, thriving community where everyone feels valued and supported.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, or if you’d like to learn more about our programs, please contact Angel Hardin, Jewish Family Service Administrative Assistant, at 402.330 2024 or check out our website, www.jfsomaha. com We’re here for you – every step of the way.
ORGANIZATIONS
B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS
The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch our email for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com
From left: Jim and John Glazer
Camp Gan Israel: The greatest camp in the universe
MUSHKA TENENBAUM
Chabad of Nebraska
Part 4: Tie-Dye, Torah, and Tastes of the Garden
At Camp Gan Israel, we believe in starting the summer with color, creativity, and a whole lot of camp spirit. That’s why every first day kicks off with one of our most beloved traditions: tie-dye! Kids swirl and squirt their way to a masterpiece, designing their own CGI camp shirts — and wearing them proudly all summer long.
This year’s shirts were extra special. Across the front, in bold, joyful letters: “Howard Kaiman’s Parsha Kids.” It’s our way of honoring Howard’s love for the weekly Torah portion and keeping that passion alive through the next generation.
The Parsha Kids program is a name AND it’s a hands-on, heart-filled way to teach children Torah in a language they understand: fun, friendship, and fabulous activities.
But the day didn’t end with dye-stained fingers. In the afternoon, we welcomed master gardener Nancy, who guided the children in a deliciously educational adventure. First, we made fresh guacamole from scratch — complete with mashing, mixing, and (of course) chip-dipping. Then, each child cleaned and prepped their avocado pit for planting.
“I didn’t know you could grow a tree from something you eat,” said Jonah (6), holding his little cup with pride.
From there, we visited the Chabad garden to pick real cucumbers — still dewy and cool in the summer sun — which the kids washed and sliced for lunch. And speaking of lunch: if you ask any camper, they’ll tell you it’s a highlight. Homemade, kosher, and always delicious — our meals bring everyone together and give us the fuel to keep the fun going strong.
Camper Highlights:
Nate W (10): “Tie-dye was the best. I still wear last year’s shirt too!”
Rachel W (8): “Meatballs are my favorite lunch. And next year I’m inviting Noah!”
Devorah T (3): “We made guacamole and planted the pit! I’m bringing Nora and Noah next time.”
Benjamin K (6): “We got to clean cars in the car wash — it was the most fun! Camp is the best because you even get hot lunch every day!”
Camp Gan Israel makes being Jewish feel cool, joyful, and totally relevant.
So much learning happens here — about mitzvot, tradition, and values — without kids even realizing it. It’s where Jewish identity grows naturally, through friendship, fun, and meaningful experiences.
Want to bring more color and joy to our campers?
Sponsor a lunch, lead a cooking demo, help in the garden, or donate tie-dye supplies. Whether it’s your time, your resources, or your expertise — we’d love your help. Reach out to Mushka and make next summer even brighter.
Elon Gold comedy night
JESS COHN
Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter, connection, and Jewish pride as Chabad of Nebraska hosts worldrenowned comedian Elon Gold at the new Funny Bone Comedy Club on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. Gold, best known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and hilarious takes on Jewish life, will be performing live in Omaha. Whether you’ve seen him on Netflix, HBO, or during his many appearances on late-night TV, you know Elon Gold brings a unique blend of clever, clean comedy that resonates deeply with Jewish audiences — and everyone else, too.
reverence and irreverence, shining a light on our shared experiences while offering a moment of levity in today’s complex world.
DETAILS:
WHAT: An Evening of Comedy with Elon Gold
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6)
“This isn’t just a comedy show. It is a celebration of Jewish identity through laughter,” says Asher Stoller. “Elon has a special way of making people laugh while also making them feel proud of who they are. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Omaha.”
WHERE: Funny Bone, 710 North 114th Street, Suite 210, Omaha NE 68154
TICKETS: ochabad.com/comedy
CONTACT: Chabad, Asher Stoller or Jess Cohn for questions
A proud and outspoken member of the Jewish community, Gold weaves relatable stories of Jewish culture, tradition, and family life into a stand-up routine that’s both hilarious and heartfelt. His comedy strikes the perfect balance between
The event is open to all — bring your friends, your parents, even your bubbe! Tickets are available now at ochabad. com/comedy
Don't miss this chance to kvell, laugh out loud, and come together for a night of joy and Jewish humor. With Elon Gold, the laughs are guaranteed, and the nachas is real.
Mark your calendars and get ready to laugh ‘til you plotz!
Free Security Class Offered to Community on August 28th
LYNN BATTEN
JFO Content Coordinator
All community members are encouraged to attend the Threat Evaluation & Reporting Overview (TERO) class happening on Thursday, August 28th at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. This free program will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon and is open to the public.
The goal of this class is to raise community awareness on how to identify potential warning signs of targeted violence while also respecting privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Acts of targeted violence include, but are not limited to, terrorism, school shootings, or mass attacks in public spaces. During this three-hour class participants will learn about warning signs, where to seek assistance if warning signs are observed, and additional ideas on how to keep the community safe.
The Threat Evaluation & Reporting Overview (TERO) class is provided by the Jewish Federation of Omaha as a part of the Community Security Initiative. Partnering organizations for this training include the Department of Homeland Security and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to receive
the participant guide in advance. Registration can be completed at www.jewishomaha.org or by emailing James Donahue at jdonahue@jewishomaha.org
The Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Community Security Initiative was launched in 2022. Initiative goals include analyzing the physical security of the Omaha Jewish community and making improvements where necessary, increasing security awareness for community members, building relationships and bridging the gap between the Jewish community and other businesses/organizations, and building relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to help with intelligence sharing and threat reporting.
A night of art and meaning
JFO Director Engagement and Education
On Sunday, July 20, Jewish adults in their 30s and 40s gathered for an evening of creativity and community at Sip, Create, Connect: Wine, Art & Jewish Learning. Designed to offer a welcoming and relaxed environment, the event encouraged meaningful conversation, new friendships, and artistic expression.
Rabbi Mordechai Geiger and local artist Shiri Phillips led the evening, guiding participants through discussions about Jewish ritual and tradition while creating vibrant multimedia artwork. Shiri, a familiar face in the Omaha Jewish community, brought a warm, approachable presence to the room. Her role as art instructor was both inspiring and fun, and attendees enjoyed working with a wide array of materials, from paint and pastels to glitter and specialty papers. Each participant created a unique piece of art to take home.
Shiri shared, “Teaching the art class was meaningful to me because it allowed me to share the power of creative expression in a way that felt purposeful and fulfilling. What made it especially significant was doing so within my Jewish community, where a shared cultural and spiritual connection created a uniquely supportive environment. It felt like more than just teaching — it was a way to give back, foster connection, and celebrate the resilience and beauty of our collective identity.”
Amongst the creating, Rabbi Geiger taught about the ne-
Mezuzot of Nebraska
This amazing Mezuzah case belongs to Jon, Kalli and Sullivan Gates; it hangs by Sullivan’s bedroom door.
“As our son Sullivan has grown within Omaha’s Jewish community,”
Kalli and Jon said, “we have tried to find new kidfriendly ways to help connect him with our traditions.”
With Sullivan’s guidance, Jon used Lego bricks to create a unique-to-Sullivan mezuzah case.
“There is no other like it! To top it off,” they said, “we visited the Lego store where we helped Sullivan select the parts of a Lego mini figure to create a ‘mini-Sully’ to sit on top of his custom mezuzah. Every time we pass his room, it reminds us of the fun, thoughtful, and creative Jewish boy we feel blessed to be raising.”
Are you thinking about your own case? We would love to hear from you, and see what is divinely protecting your scroll and your home. We hope you will feel inspired, and are ready to share your story with us.
For additional questions, please email Naomi Fox at nfox@jewishomaha.org, Pam Monsky at pmonsky@jew ishomaha.org, Jane Nesbit at jnesbit@ihene.org or Annette van de Kamp-Wright at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org
cessity of art in spiritual life, how, at its core, art is the highest form of self-expression. He shared, “It’s something utterly unique and personal, and in that way, it mirrors the kind of genuine giving we strive for in our day-to-day lives. We each carry a light only we can bring, and part of spiritual growth is learning how to offer that light honestly and wholeheartedly.”
The event aimed not only to deepen Jewish learning but also to strengthen community bonds and spark ongoing engagement. Free babysitting and dinner was offered for participants’ children, allowing families to take part while ensuring kids were cared for and entertained. As the first in what is hopefully an annual series, Sip, Create, Connect succeeded in building a vibrant space where Jewish adults could learn and get to know one another. Rabbi Geiger enjoyed seeing “the eagerness of everyone to really dive in, people were open, curious, and genuinely excited to engage. There was also a beautiful openness to forming new friendships. I definitely feel like some lasting relationships were built.”
Thank you to all who attended and shared feedback, every response rated the event as “excellent” and expressed enthusiasm for future gatherings. Participants shared interest in connecting again, whether through art, game nights, or exploring new places in Omaha as a group. Sip, Create, Connect proved that when creativity meets community, something truly beautiful happens.
Mazal Tov, Sylvia!
The
was sent to us
each
Of course, there was a party at the bridge studio for Sylvia, because there is much reason to celebrate.
Happy belated birthday, Sylvia!
NAOMI FOX
The Jewish Press congratulates Sylvia Wagner, who turned 100 on Aug 4.
photo
by Dr. Steve Denenberg, who grew up with two of her sons. Steve Denenberg and Gary Nachman play bridge
Tuesday, and they see her every week, because she plays on Tuesdays, too!
SP O TLIGHT
PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org
Staff from the Early Learning Center enjoyed an afternoon of art projects together.
A big THANK YOU to Omaha Shlichim, Mika Mizrahi, and PJ Library parent, Ayelet Geiger, in helping to make our PJ Library Family picnic a success!
FAREWELL TO MIKA
Some scenes from Mika Mizrahi’s goodbye party. After two years of having her as our Community Shlicha, we are going to miss her!
Ethan Finkelstein and Rabbi Eitan having lunch in Israel
Look who we found in the Lego section of Nebraska Furniture Mart!
The Untested Cookbook
GRILLED SESAME CHICKEN
We are exploring the development of safe, supportive housing for adults with special needs in our community. If you are a parent or guardian of an adult with special needs and would like to share your input on what would make this housing ideal, we would love to hear your thoughts.
Please contact Melissa Schop at melschop@hotmail.com. Your feedback will help shape a home designed specifically with our loved ones in mind.
Suzie Somberg
Ingredients:
1 lbs boneless, cut chicken
For marinade:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 to 2 tsp. grated ginger
1 tbsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. black pepper
BAKLAVA
4 cloves crushed garlic
1/2 cup chopped green onion
3 tbsp. sesame seeds
Directions: Combine ingredients. Place chicken in a zip lock bag and add marinade. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Remove chicken and grill over hot coals for 15-20 minutes. Brush frequently with marinade.
Lucy White
Ingredients:
4 1/2 cup walnuts, finely ground
3 cups sugar, divided 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 lb. box phyllo, thawed, room temperature
1 lb. butter, melted
1 tbsp. lemon juice
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Combine walnuts, 1 ½ C. sugar and cinnamon. Butter a 15” by 10” jelly roll pan. Unroll phyllo and place on a flat surface. Cover with waxed paper. Then cover with a slightly damp towel. Phyllo must be kept covered at all times as it dries out quickly. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo in a pan. You may have to fold one end over to fit the pan. Brush with melted butter. Repeat layering until half of phyllo has been used. Spread nut mixture evenly over top. Repeat layering with remaining phyllo continuing to butter each layer. With a sharp knife, cut through layers of phyllo. Cut in a diamond shape pattern, making cuts about 1 ½ inches apart. Bake at 300 degrees for 70 minutes or until golden brown. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ½ c. water with the remaining 1 ½ c. sugar and the lemon juice. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve sugar. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly. Spoon syrup over Baklava. Let stand 3 to 4 hours to absorb syrup. Tip: This makes a lot but can also be frozen.
"By the time she served herself, those who had been fed earliest were ready for seconds. My vision of my mother eating at those happy, noisy, groaning boards is of a woman jumping up and sitting down, cutting off bites that she chewed on the run to the kitchen to get more for the rest of us, a woman whose plate always seemed to contain what looked like trimmings and odd pieces and quarter portions, who finished what others left."
MIMI SHERATON from My Mother's Kitchen, 1979
Israeli Artist, Sam Griffin, to Give Artist Talk this Sunday
LYNN BATTEN
JFO Content Coordinator
Israeli artist, Sam Griffin, will give a free talk to the community on this Sunday, August 24th. The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. with special remarks from community leaders. At 3:30 p.m. Griffin will give his presentation. The talk will be immediately followed by drinks and a dessert reception. Griffin’s talk will center around his recent body of work, Aftermath, which is currently on display in the Eisenberg Gallery at the J. He will also talk about the road that led him to the creation of the work.
Born and raised in London, Griffin immigrated to Israel alone at 20 and enlisted as a combat soldier in the IDF. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art from the Bezalel Academy of Art and has since devoted his professional career to painting. He has exhibited in many group exhibitions and a solo show, Wise Old Man, at the Jerusalem Biennale 2021. Immediately after October 7, he joined the reserves in and around Gaza. When he returned to the studio, he began to paint his wartime experiences. Through his paintings, Griffin grapples with the personal and collective trauma sparked by October 7th and the ensuing war. His works,
forged in the crisis of war, ultimately express the human capacity for resilience and our shared aspirations for a better future and peace for Israel and humankind. Griffin, who arrived in Omaha on September 20th, is also looking forward to leading three mixed media workshops with the community. In these workshops, Griffin will demonstrate his mark-making and erasure technique, layering paper with vibrant colors or dark shading, then erasing to create striking light-dark contrasts. He will share how he applied this method in his current exhibition, Aftermath, offering deeper insight and a closer connection to his artistic process. Participants will engage hands-on, experimenting with the technique under Grifin’s guidance, drawing on
his extensive knowledge and experience. Workshops will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22nd. A third workshop will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 24th. Registration is required to attend and can be completed online at www.jccomaha.org. The same material will be covered at each workshop, so only one should be attended. Workshops are free and open to those ages 8+. All children must attend with an adult. Those attending should wear clothing suitable for art activities. The exhibit, workshops, artist talk, and reception have all been made possible by the Albert and Eleanor Feldman Family Israel Foundation, the Staenberg Family Foundation, and the Kiewit Companies Foundation.
are looking for your
recipes. Please contact Jane or Annette if you are willing to share:
Voices
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The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the JFO are: Institute for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Social Services, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Press Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
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The moments in-between
ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT
Jewish Press Editor
There is nothing amusing to watch on the news lately. And except for a few kitten videos (ragdolls are cuuuute!) and videos of people slipping on icy driveways, even my Instagram reel feels like it’s curated for someone who is not in the mood
The question of how much news any of us should consume is forever hanging over our collective heads. Not enough, then we won’t know what’s going on (is there anything worse than not knowing what is going on?) but too much, and we’ll invite in more depression.
It’s not only the news about Israel; it’s stories everywhere, from a number of different countries where the Jewish community is not well. Frankly, the non-Jewish world doesn’t seem to fare much better. Opening one’s email has become a dangerous pastime.
We just celebrated Tu B’Av, which is not only the day of love but also a holiday of joy. And that joy is a little hard to find. What are we to do? Because joy, isn’t it also kind of a commandment? It’s an interesting thought: forcing ourselves to feel joyful, even during the worst of times.
I can hear certain relatives grumble about it now. Joy? You think we felt joy in Auschwitz? Then I wonder how I would explain today’s world to them, and I don’t even know where to begin. Maybe ‘joy’ is the wrong word. Perhaps the focus should be on finding value in life, no matter what the world tells us.
On that note, I have an answer that actually makes sense, to me at least: it’s other people. It’s
not the dinner, how it tasted or whether the restaurant was pretty; it’s who you were eating dinner with. It’s not the store or what you bought for yourself; it’s who was with you while you were browsing the aisles. It’s conversations, especially about stupid stuff. It’s getting trapped in the shul-shmooze after services, or in the parking lot, or when you run into a familar face at the supermarket.
It’s the text you get from someone you haven’t seen in a while, asking if you’re okay. It’s a shared moment during a meeting at work, when you and your colleague roll your eyes at the same time. It’s the moments inbetween, the things we don’t write on our calendar. A reminder that what Leonard Cohen sang was true: those cracks, it’s how the light gets in.
And that light: it’s still here. It still exists, we have to believe that. I remember reading a story about the Lubovitcher Rebbe, saying “every Jew has a divine soul which is like an electrical spark or a pilot light. And that spark never dies, that pilot light never goes out.”
close to us, or to strangers. We also have many chances to despair, get stressed out and feel overwhelmed. I think now is the time to maybe make that choice, create a plan to go into the coming weeks while remembering our spark. Let’s do it, let’s light up the world (in a good way) and use that spark. Let’s drown this holiday in
I really like that, the idea that we have a bit of light inside of us that cannot be extinguised. A spark that is still there, even during our darkest days. And when we interact with others, when we build relationships and share that spark, what we really do is make more light. It’s a nice thought, right?
Soon, the holidays will be here. We will have endless opportunities to connect, to reach out to those
Neuroscience has a name for this
IDDO GEFEN JTA
Another week goes by, and with it, the feeling that terrible things are happening and that there’s nothing we can do to change them.
That’s how I feel as an Israeli living in New York, and I know many people around me, both here and at home, feel the same. The horrifying videos of Israeli hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, along with the other hostages still held by Hamas in inhumane conditions, leave me with a deep sense of helplessness. And alongside this horror, there is another one that cannot be ignored: the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, the reports of starvation and civilian casualties. I fully recognize Hamas’s responsibility for this reality but I also believe that the current Israeli policy in Gaza, led by Netanyahu and his shameless ministers whom I strongly oppose, is steering the country I grew up in toward very dark places, harming the Israeli hostages, innocent Palestinians, and anyone who is trying to secure a more just and hopeful future for the region.
As a doctoral student in cognitive neuroscience exploring how the brain works, I would like to offer a different perspective on our current condition. I know that psychology and neuroscience have devoted considerable attention to our state of mind, which even has a name: learned helplessness. And I know that in recent years, research has also begun to ask how we can resist this pull and keep acting, even when the world feels unmovable. I believe this knowledge can help the people in the Jewish community and beyond, at a time of potentially unprecedented fracture and pain.
Scientists first discovered learned helplessness in experiments with animals in the 1960s. In these studies, dogs or rats were exposed to unpleasant shocks that they could not stop, no matter what they tried. After many attempts, the animals stopped trying altogether and simply endured the shocks. Later, when they were moved to a new situation where the solution was simple, for example, they could easily escape by jumping over a low barrier, most of them did not even try. It was as if they had learned that nothing they did mattered, and so they gave up even when a way out was possible. This surprising behavior showed researchers that
repeated experiences of being unable to change a bad situation can create a deep sense of passivity that carries over into new situations.
In the brain, scientists found that this helpless behavior is linked to a stress-related circuit. When the animals faced situations they could not control, a part of the brain called the dorsal raphe nucleus released a lot of serotonin, which made them freeze and feel anxious. Normally another area, the prefrontal
cortex, the part of the brain that helps with planning, decision-making, and calming emotional reactions, steps in to quiet this response, but when there is no control it cannot do so. After many such experiences, this pattern gets stuck, and even in a new situation the brain reacts as if nothing can be done.
In people, a similar process can unfold. And today this feeling may be harder to escape than ever. We are confronted daily with images of crises, injustice and suffering that we often cannot influence. This constant stream can create the same sense that nothing we do matters, making helplessness feel harder to shake than ever before.
But even though our brains are wired to fall into feelings of helplessness, they are also wired with the ability to change. This means that even in moments when everything feels out of our control, there are things we can do to push back against that feeling.
Recent research has shifted from only describing learned helplessness to asking what we can do to handle it. It’s important for me to emphasize that these research insights are not a substitute for the deep social and political change that I think is so
honey, let’s sing and party and eat until we burst. If you don’t feel like cooking, get takeout. Calm down for Yom Kippur, turn the volume back up during Simchat Torah. Decorate that Sukkah. That spark, it represents defiance, and it represents light.
But most of all, it represents life.
urgently needed. What I’m referring to here is something much more limited: how we can cope, on a personal level. And just as importantly, these insights are not a replacement for seeking professional help. If you’re struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional. I started therapy myself after Oct. 7, and it has given me meaningful tools to navigate this incredibly difficult time.
A 2023 study titled “From Helplessness to Controllability: Toward a Neuroscience of Resilience” explores how the brain can be trained to resist this state and offers two practical insights. Researchers studying resilience emphasize that the key to protecting ourselves from learned helplessness is not simply avoiding situations where we lack control, but actively building experiences of control. Even very small steps matter. Choosing a concrete and achievable goal, doing something that has a visible effect, or helping someone close to us can all reactivate these brain circuits. Such actions may not change the world, but they slowly remind the brain that what we do can make a difference.
It turns out that the brain reacts very differently when we have even a small sense of influence over what happens. For example, volunteering with elderly people or adopting a rescued animal are small actions that remind us that what we do can make the world a little better. Experiences of control act like a “vaccine” for the brain. When a person faces a situation where their actions make a difference, circuits in the medial prefrontal cortex become engaged. This part of the brain, which is involved in planning and self-regulation, quiets the stress signals coming from deeper regions like the dorsal raphe nucleus, and over time these circuits become stronger.
Iddo Gefen is a PhD candidate in cognitive neuroscience at Columbia University and author of the novel Mrs. Lilienblum’s Cloud Factory. His Substack newsletter, Neuron Stories, connects neuroscience insights to human behavior and jewish identity.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. Editor’s note: This article was edited for length. Read more at omahajewishpress.com
Repeated experiences of being unable to change a bad situation can create a deep sense of passivity that carries over into new situations. Credit: Getty Images
Credit: LiamNigelMorris, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
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The Jewish imperative to act
ASAF ELIA-SHALEV
JTA
The UJA-Federation of New York will send $1 million to an Israeli humanitarian group providing aid to civilians in Gaza, the federation’s CEO announced on Friday.
The funds will go to IsraAID, Israel’s largest nongovernmental aid organization, to supply food, medicine and water filtration systems for displaced Gazans.
IsraAID has traditionally operated in disaster zones abroad, from earthquake relief in Turkey to aid for Ukrainian refugees, but since Oct. 7 has expanded its work to Israel and now into Gaza.
In a letter to the community, UJA CEO Eric Goldstein condemned Hamas for holding hostages, obstructing aid and provoking the conflict, but said that the Jewish community is nevertheless compelled to help alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
“What many of us feel is a confluence of unbearable grief, anger, and the moral imperative — the Jewish imperative — to act,” Goldstein wrote. “Not everyone agrees on what should be done, or how.
There is anguish and outrage around every perspective. We must hold tight to what has always anchored the Jewish people: the belief that all human life is sacred.”
IsraAID says it has already reached more than 100,000 people in Gaza through partnerships with the Israel Defense Forces’ Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories and international agencies.
The pledged donation is far larger than any previously announced aid contributions to Gaza by Jewish groups.
Earlier this month, the American Jewish Committee said it would give $25,000 to the Archdiocese of New York to aid in repairs of Gaza’s Holy Family Church, which was damaged by an Israeli strike. Three people were killed and others injured in the incident.
The announcement comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens — and as some Jews have called for Jewish leaders to take a more assertive stance against it.
The United Nations warned this week of “starvation, pure and simple,” reporting that 98 children
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have died from acute malnutrition since last October, 37 of them in the last month. Aid deliveries have slowed to a fraction of prewar levels amid continued Israeli military operations. Israel contests reports of starvation and says it has expanded aid entering Gaza substantially since last month.
The AJC’s announcement noted Israel’s explanation that the damage was caused by “stray ammunition” from a nearby operation and that the church was not targeted.
The gift marked a rare, possibly unprecedented, donation by a mainstream U.S. Jewish group toward Gaza Palestinians during wartime, and was framed by the AJC as a gesture to sustain JewishCatholic relations.
Israel’s security cabinet is weighing a plan to fully conquer Gaza and hand control to Arab forces, while U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal to avert the operation. Protests have erupted in Tel Aviv and other cities in recent days, calling for renewed negotiations and an end to the war.
Internationally, momentum is growing toward recognition of Palestinian statehood.
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Israel rallies on behalf of hostages
PHILISSA CRAMER AND GRACE GILSON
JTA
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Sunday at the end of a day of demonstrations around the country to call for the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza.
Demonstrations took place in at least 200 locations, and some municipalities and employers shut down completely in response to a call from hostage families for a general strike. The country’s largest labor coalition did not join in the strike, saying it did not think a strike could influence the government’s decisions around the war in Gaza.
Still, the demonstrations were among the largest ever against the war, and they gave voice to the 80% of Israelis whom polls show want to see Netanyahu make a deal with Hamas to bring all the hostages home. Organizers said 1 million people had participated during the day, including half a million at the Tel Aviv rally featuring several family members of hostages. Police said they had arrested dozens of demonstrators.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged against demonstrating, saying that the protests emboldened Hamas and actually make it less likely that the hostages, of whom 20 are thought to be alive, would ever go free. The vast majority of hostages released since Hamas took about 250 on Oct. 7, 2023, have gained their freedom through negotiations.
Insiders have reportedly indicated that Netanyahu’s new plan to take control of Gaza City could be bringing Hamas back to the negotiating table — but only for a partial deal, which Netanyahu has said he will no longer consider.
Also on Sunday, some universities, municipalities and hightech companies in Israel shut down to demand an end to the war in Gaza. Other employers staed open but allowed their workers to participate in a general strike issued by groups representing families of the victims of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
But Israel’s largest labor coalition did not participate, saying that it sees a strike as unlikely to influence the course of the war or result in the return of the 50 Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza.
Arnon Bar-David, chair of the Histadrut, said he would join the strike if he thought it could work. “Unfortunately, and even though my heart is bursting with sadness, it has no practical impact,” he said. Several leading universities, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Technion Israel Institute of
Technology and the Open University issued statements backing the strike, while Tel Aviv University, Ben Gurion University, and Haifa University previously said they would allow staff to join the strike if they wish. The strike also received support from 77 local authorities, including Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, who signed a letter giving their support for “every legal activity that reminds decision-makers that returning the hostages is a supreme national objective,’ according to Ynet. The Israel Airports Authority employees’ union also allowed its workers to take part in the strike.
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Romania’s few Jews remain on guard News
LARRY LUXNER
SIGHIȘOARA, Romania | JTA
Only a 10-minute stroll down a maze of cobblestone streets from the birthplace of Vlad Dracul — who inspired the fictional, bloodsucking Count Dracula — sits an empty but remarkably well-preserved synagogue in a fairy-tale town that no longer has any Jews.
Built in 1903, the Sighișoara Synagogue was, for a time, the spiritual center for roughly 200 Yiddish-speaking Jewish families. But the Holocaust claimed most of them, and the few who survived World War II eventually left for Israel. In 1984, the last prayer service took place, and the sole remaining Jew — a lawyer named Radicanu — died in 2009.
Around that time, an American lawyer, David Blum, financed the renovation of the building at 11 Tache Ionescu St. in memory of his parents and grandparents. Since then, Viorica Baluța — an Orthodox Christian who lives next door — has been entrusted to care for the building.
“He invested so much money that it would be a shame if this place fell apart,” Baluța, 73, said of Blum. “Sighișoara is a tourist town, and lots of people come here from all over the world, regardless of their religion. People appreciate this synagogue, even if they aren’t Jewish.”
Yet not everyone does. In 2014, vandals tried to set fire to the shul, noted for the whimsical palm trees painted on either side of the ark, and its ceiling, which resembles a starry night. The following year, two teens spray-painted the entrance door with swastikas.
And that was long before the current war in Gaza sparked a wave of antisemitism throughout much of Europe including Romania, which has a poor track record of protecting its Jews.
“It’s getting worse for sure,” said Alexandru Muraru, a member of Romania’s parliament and vice-president of its National Liberal Party, who is not Jewish. “In Western Europe, they have
big Muslim communities, which generates antisemitism. In Romania, there are only one or two mosques, but our antisemitism has historical roots.”
In the 1930s, Greater Romania was home to some 800,000 Jews — giving it the world’s fourth-largest Jewish population after the United States, Poland and the Soviet Union.
“Back then, Jews made up an important proportion of Romanian society,” said Gilbert Șaim, who’s been the gabbai, or custodian, of Bucharest’s famous Choral Temple for the last 10 years. “Despite widespread discrimination, there were villages, towns, and cities with large Jewish majorities — even villages established by ethnic Jews centuries ago, like Podu Iloaiei.”
Around half of Romania’s Jews, roughly 400,000 people, were killed by the Nazis and their local collaborators — a statistic cited by a trilingual monument in the Choral Temple’s courtyard. In Iași alone over a three-day period in June 1941, more than 13,000 Jews — more than a third of the city’s Jewish population — were massacred, marking one of the worst pogroms of World War II.
Even so, Șaim said, a 1947 census showed 167,000 of
Bucharest’s 650,000 residents still identifying as Jewish. At that time, the capital had around 150 functioning synagogues. But in the ensuing years, many young Jews emigrated — particularly during the 24-year Ceaușescu dictatorship, which allowed 1,500 Jews to leave every year from 1965 to 1989 in exchange for cash payments of between $2,000 and $25,000 each, plus Israeli military assistance to Romania.
Leaving offered Romanian Jews the only chance to preserve a Jewish identity in an era when communism was aiming to quash religious expression.
“Communism did what the fascists and Nazis didn’t manage, to make an entire community nearly disappear,” said Muraru, 43, whose grandfather survived the Iași pogrom. “These days, you cannot imagine a state selling its own people in order to receive money and weapons. But for a country that suffered a lot, like Israel, it was important to bring everyone home. Less important was how they did it.”
By the time Ceau șescu was overthrown and executed in 1989, only 11,000 Jews remained in Romania. And today, barely 2,500 Jews live in this country of 19 million, said Șaim, who at 52 is among his congregation’s youngest members; the rest, he said, are mostly in their 80s and 90s.
Alexandru Florian, director-general of the Bucharest-based Elie Wiesel National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania, said only 20% of Romanians know about the Holocaust or its wartime role under pro-Nazi puppet Ion Antonescu.
“Antisemitism is exploding on social media, Facebook, TikTok and Telegram, though less visible in traditional mass media. The COVID pandemic amplified conspiracy dating back to the late 19th century,” he said, adding that despite a ban on glorification of Nazi heroes, “at the end of November 2024, there was a public ceremony to commemorate a fascist leader. Those who participated are under criminal investigation.”
Read more at www.omahajewishpress.com.
The synagogue in Sighisoara, Romania, serves a town that no longer has any Jews. Credit: Google Maps
