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Tzedek Teens visit Shelter Chabad Young Professionals Page 5

Teen Trip to Israel Pages 6 & 7

HEIDI HEILBRUNN NEEDLEMAN JFO Assistant Director, Community Engagement and Education wenty-one middle and high-school volunteers visited the Stephen Center on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, as part of the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Tzedek Teens program. The experience began with a guided tour of the facility, including the Pettigrew Emergency Shelter.

Stephen Center Experience Officer Beth Robbins, who led the tour, shared her personal journey, along with powerful stories of individuals served by the Stephen Center. She also spoke candidly about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, including struggles with substance abuse and the path toward treatment and recovery. The teens walked through The Pettigrew Emergency Shelter, a 24-hour facility that includes 32 beds for men, 32 See Tzedek Teens page 2

The Kripke-Veret Collection Page 12

Crohn's Foundation honors Marcus

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life Cycles

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Rob McCartney, left, presents Howard K. Marcus with the Volunteer Champion award during the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's "Night of Champions" gala.

Howard K. Marcus was recently named 2025 Volunteer Champion at

the Night of Champions Gala held by the Nebraska/Iowa Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Howard, a Crohn’s patient for nearly 40 years, has volunteered with the Foundation since 2004. Retired KETV News Anchor Rob McCartney emceed the event and spoke about Howard's many years of volunteer service. “Howard Marcus and I have been friends and fellow journalists for See Marcus page 3

A Time for Trees MARY SUE GROSSMAN for Beth Israel Synagogue Celebrating Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees, always seems a bit odd while in the depths of winter in Omaha. Despite the short days and cold, Beth Israel always finds a way to mark this special Jewish holiday and this year is no exception. On Sunday, Feb. 1, Beth Israel’s Tu B’Shevat Celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is hosted by Avery Luben and Renee Zacharia. The evening will begin with a Tu B’Shevat seder. “The seder will feature the seven species of Israel, learning about the importance of each and indulging in these tasty treats,” shares Rabbi Eitan Ziv. “While four cups of wine are also included, this seder is considerably shorter than the one during Pesach,” he adds with a smile. Dinner will be served after the seder with two activities available following the meal. A wine tasting

will be offered for adults while children and adults can participate in decorating flowerpots and then adding plants to those creations. “We are grateful to be receiving a grant from the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund for this year’s event,” shared Rabbi Eitan. Since its establishment in 1901, KKL-JNF has been developing the Land of Israel, strengthening the See Trees page 3