Issuu

A N AG E N C Y O F T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A

The Jewish Press WWW.O M A H A J E W I S H P R E SS .CO M

INSIDE

WWW. J E W I S H O M A H A .O R G

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

Rediscovering Federation Presidents Henry Monsky 1941 to 1943 Part Two JCRC launches Rekindle chapter Page 4

MARTY RICKS NJHS Advisory Board Member hen Henry Monsky assumed the presidency of the Jewish Welfare Federation of Omaha in 1941, he did so at a moment of extraordinary responsibility. He stepped into the role when longtime president William Holzman relocated to Los Angeles, completing the remainder of Holzman’s term and then serving through 1943. At the same time, Monsky was carrying the full weight of his national leadership as President of B'nai B'rith, as reports from Europe grew darker and the needs of Jewish communities intensified. Those who worked with him often remarked on his clarity of thought and his ability to make decisions quickly but with care. He did not lead alone. Former president Dr. Philip Sher remained actively involved, and the board included experienced leaders such as Sam Beber and Morris Jacobs, both of whom would later serve as Federation presidents themselves. Monsky was also supported by Paul Veret, the Federation’s first executive director, hired in 1938, who provided steady day-to-day leadership

W The Untested Cookbook Pages 7

for both the Federation and the Jewish Community Center. Monsky knew the organization deeply. He had joined the board of the Associated Jewish Charities, an earlier name of the Federation, in 1913 at the age of 23 and remained involved for decades, eventually serving as vice president under Holzman. He supported the establishment of the organization that would become the Omaha Jewish Press, See Federation Presidents page 3

NextGen brings a new generation together Page 12

BBYO blast: December

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life Cycles

6 8&9 10 11

IDAN ZACCAI BBYO Director As the holiday season lights up our community, Omaha BBYO has been busy with meaningful programs that embody our core values of leadership, inclusivity and Jewish identity We kicked off December with a dynamic Board Leadership Training Institute (LTI). Led by our amazing

advisors, our board prepared the next semester, which is full of wonderful programs that will include our alumni and some old traditions. MZ Yoshannah had a fun and inspiring Big-Little Secret program, which included a scavenger hunt throughout the JCC, leading to the exciting reveal. This program has strengthened sisterhood bonds and welcomed newcomers with open arms, highlighting our commitment to inclusivity. Mamas had their own fun playing a game of Quiplash. With a friendly competitive atmosphere and many laughs everyone came closer together. In a powerful display of unity, Omaha teens participated in BBYO’s See BBYO page 2

JCRC presents fourth Annual Jewish day of action

Community members in the Rotunda of the State Capitol

PAM MONSKY JCRC Assistant Director The community is invited to join the JCRC at the State Capital in Lincoln for the Annual Jewish Day of Action on Feb. 19, 2026. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Capitol rotunda, meet with legislators and their staff to discuss issues facing the Jewish community. Getting to know our legislators is vital, as many have no Jews in their district. Our Jewish Day of Action gives them the opportunity to ask questions and learn about our faith and concerns. A kosher lunch with legislators and

staff will follow at noon at Peetz & Co., 1233 Lincoln Mall. Jewish Day of Action is a dynamic event designed to foster connections between constituents and their state legislators. This powerful day of advocacy brings together members of the reform, conservative and orthodox communities in Omaha and Lincoln united by a shared commitment to civic engagement within the Jewish community. Last year, over 50 Jewish community members and state legislators See JCRC page 2