February 7, 2025 by Jewish Press

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

Joyful and empowered South Street Temple establishes endowments Page 5

Josh Sweet to speak at Beth El for Tu B’Shevat Page 7

Rachel Ring, left, Jenn Tompkins, Nancy Schlessinger, Dana Kaufman, Jill Sideris, Cindy Goldberg, Kimberly Robinson and Stacey Rockman

Camp JYI BI: Gearing up for fun! Page 12

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press, editor he Lions of Judah are an international sisterhood of over 18,000 philanthropic women of all ages, who serve as leaders in their communities to strengthen the Jewish future. Every Lion plays a critical role in driving social justice, helping the vulnerable, and building flourishing Jewish communities around the world with high-impact philan-

Star Deli update

thropic gifts through their Jewish Federations. In 2024, Nancy Schlessinger said: “A unique experience of being a Lion is the worldwide sisterhood you gain when you join the Lion of Judah pride. Lions are generous, passionate and inspiring women who work toward repairing the world.” That’s why, from time to time, these women are recognized for the work they do in their various communities. This past January, Nancy was honored with the Kipnis-Wilson See Lion of Judah page 3

Endowing the legacy of JBL

John Lehr, left, Arnold Joffe, Alex Epstein and Jay Katelman

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

6 8 10 11

Here is the update you’ve all been waiting for: new Star Deli dates and a

list of the specials! It was 2010 when Mike Silverman and Josh Gurock decided to bring the Lower East Side to Omaha. They’d been dreaming about it: the garlicky aromas and raucous atmosphere of the New York deli right in our own backyard. After extensive research and countless calls to their mothers, they amassed the authentic recipes needed for such an endeavor and Star Deli opened its doors. That first menu already included all See Star Deli page 2

AMY BERNSTEIN SHIVVERS JFO Foundation, Executive Director ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press, Editor The Omaha community boasts a rich history of successful Jewish business leaders, whose determination, hard work, and vision have left an indelible mark on our city. To honor this legacy and ensure its continuity, a new endowment has been established to support and sustain the Jewish Business Leaders of Omaha (JBL) program.

Over the past few years, JBL has hosted a plethora of speakers, including Harley Schrager/Pacesetter Corp., Andy Ruback/Flood Communications, Jay Noddle/Noddle Companies, Rachel Jacobson/Film Streams, Steve Kaniewski/Valmont, David Gilinsky/Bergman Incentives, Amee Zetzman and Jeff Kavich/All Makes, John Lehr and Arnold Joffe/Grace Mayer Insurance Agency and most recently Tom Fellman and Howard Kooper/Broadmoor Development. JBL provides invaluable opportunities for professionals to meet, See Endowing JBL page 2