July 10, 2026

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JULY 10, 2026 | 25 TAMMUZ 5786 | VO L. 1 06 | NO. 36 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, JULY 10, 8:42 P.M.

Connection, Community & Caring JFO Campus Safety and Security Manager Receives Shomer Ha’Ir Award from Temple Israel Page 4

Tapestry 2026 Weaves Jewish Learning Across Omaha Page 8

The Temple Israel Youth Learning Programs (YLP) had an incredible year of growth and programs under the leadership of Director of Education, Julee Levine. Though each week was exciting on its own, there were a few stand-out moments to highlight for their impact and importance. Kehillah Kedosha, holy community, is defined by the people who make it up, not the place where it is found.

CANNONBALLING INTO Nice to Meet You JBL

The Kaplan Group and the Chassidic World Page 12

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life Cycles

The entire Temple Israel YLP 6th Grade Class and their families, along with Rabbi Deana Berezin and Director of Education, Julee Levine, brought this unique holiness to Nebraska City in February for a magical and meaningful Shabbat retreat. Just as Shabbat is bookended with candles, so too was the weekend, as we began by lighting Shabbat candles and setting See YLP page 2

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JAY KATELMAN JFO Director of Community Development We’re happy to announce the rescheduling of our next speaker, Tamera Draeger. Our next event will be on Wednesday August 5 at the Staenberg Omaha JCC, featuring Tamara Draeger of Nebraska Warehouse Company, Cannonball Express Transportation, and The Junction. The event will be from 7:30am – 9:00am, in the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Community Engagement Venue. Tamara (Meyers) Draeger is the third-generation owner of Nebraska Warehouse Company, Cannonball Express Transporta-

tion, and The Junction. She joined the logistics industry in 2007 when she began working with her father Jon Meyers and cousin Bruce Meyers in the family business. She enjoys leading her teams and working on the peopleconnection aspects of leadership and business ownership. Prior to entering the family business, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Doane College and taught elementary special education within the Omaha Public Schools and Boys Town See JBL page 3

ZANE ROBINSON Jewish Press Chesed Intern My name is Zane Robinson, and I am the Chesed summer intern at the Jewish Press. I am 17 years old and will be a senior this fall at Roncalli Catholic High School. The Omaha Staenberg Jewish Community Center has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Before working for the Jewish Federation, my mom taught dance at the JCC, and I grew up attending camps, activities, and events here. As I got older, I participated in the Leader in Training program, which gave me the opportunity to develop leadership skills and

give back to a community that has given me so much. I also work in Member Services, where I enjoy interacting with the members and helping support the community that has been such an important part of my life. Because of these experiences, the JCC has always felt like a second home to me. I was born and raised in Omaha and have always been surrounded by storytelling and creativity in writing, and music. Both of my parents were journalism majors, and my aunt is a photographer, which helped inspire my interest in writing, photography, and media. Over time, See Zane Robinson page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | July 10, 2026

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Continued from page 1 intentions for our time together and ended with Havdallah and reflecting on something we are taking home with us. This retreat has become the centerpiece of 6th Grade and a way, as a community, to take a deep dive into many of the elements of B’nai Mitzvah. It was also an opportunity for many of the families to experience elements of Shabbat prayer, text study, and theology in creative and expansive ways. The retreat also reinforced the role and importance of community as an essential element of B’Mitzvah. Having students, parents and siblings share their anticipation, worries and questions created a space where everyone felt seen and heard as this experience began. From families preparing to celebrate their 4th B’Mitzvah to families who were new in their collective Jewish journeys, each person in the room had found someone who echoed their feelings and emotions. One of the most unique and unforgettable parts of the retreat brought together students and parents to tie the tzitzit ( fringes) to the corners of the tallitot (prayer shawls) the students had tie-dyed. Rabbi Berezin guided the group through the ritual and history of tzitzit, explaining the significance of the specific wraps and the blessings. At the end of the session, each student completed their Tallit, many of which will be worn at their B’Mitzvah ceremonies. This moment really emphasizes a beautiful way to honor and embrace this Mitzvah while taking it beyond a checklist item on a B’Mitzvah to-do list. The unstructured moments carried as much meaning as those were the spaces where the deeper personal connections blossomed. Fireside and lunchtime conversations held the beginnings of friendships and supportive networks, all of which have the power to endure long beyond a single Shabbat or ceremony. The retreat was made possible by the generosity of the Milton S. & Corinne N. Livingston Foundation Fund, Susie & Mike Norton and an Anonymous Donor. Temple Israel was also honored to receive a grant from a Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation to open up a Sensory Space in the YLP to benefit our students and staff and to further our goals of a community that meets people where they are and provides abundant opportunities for participation and inclusion. We were able to repurpose space in the Children’s Library and create a space where a student could go for a sensory break, reset or recharge or where a student or teacher could get materials and resources to bring into their classrooms for the same purposes. Teachers provided recommendations including noise-

cancelling headphones, weighted blankets and stuffies, timers, various tactile fidgets, and adapted lighting. We were also fortunate to have the expertise of Nikki Tindall, a congregant and full-time special education teacher, who staffed the space on Sundays and provided support to teachers in classrooms. We also expanded the reach of the room and purchased shelving, headphones, fidgets, and toys which are now available in the Sanctuary so that families can make a “busy bag” for a child during services. In this way, the Sanctuary and our worship opportunities will become more inclusive for everyone, enhancing our current offerings for community members, guests and visitors of all ages. Julee Levine and Cantor Joanna Alexander also took a group of our teens to New York City for an intensive weekend of living history, tradition, and culture. From the Lower East Side to the Upper West Side and from Broadway to Lower Manhattan, we walked and rode through over a century of Jewish and American history. Together with teens from Temple Isaiah in Maryland, our teens explored history and stories through food, Shabbat at Stephen Wise Free Temple, and Broadway. We walked through the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, from the cemetery at Trinity Church to the Wall Street Bull to the 9/11 Memorial Fountains. With each step, we were increasingly aware of all that had transpired on these streets and how valuable it is to stand in the places where history was made. This trip was made possible through a Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, a Foundation IMPACT Grant, and a Staenberg Family Foundation Anything Grant. Temple Israel is excited about the many ways in which we continue to strengthen and enrich the lives of learners of all ages and the ongoing opportunities for Community and Connection through our dynamic and engaging programs. For more information about the YLP and other opportunities for Youth & Education, please connect with Julee Levine, Director of Education, 402.556.6536.

Jewish Omaha to March in Pride Parade, Celebrating Ahava (Love) and Inclusion HEIDI HEILBRUNN JCRC Program and Communications Manager Returning to the powerful theme of ahava (love), Omaha’s Jewish community is proud to continue the tradition of marching in solidarity with our Jewish and general LGBTQIA+ community on Saturday, July 18. Organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO), our annual participation reflects a deep, ongoing commitment to inclusion, allyship, and building bridges across our diverse community. The day will begin with Rise & Pride Shabbat worship at 8:30 a.m., a 30-minute soulful service with spiritual reflection and a light breakfast. Participants will then gather for the parade lineup beginning around 9 a.m. before the parade start time at 10 a.m. ComTo order a T-Shirt: munity members will share rainbow Skittles and messages of love and support with attendees, embodying the spirit of ahava along the parade route, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. This year we have a newly designed 2026 Nebraska Love

is Love T-shirt. Order before June 21! At the JCRC and across our Jewish community, we are guided by a core Jewish value: that every person is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of G-d — everyone deserves to be seen, heard, celebrated, and loved exactly as they are. The JCRC and JFO are proudly partnering with Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel Omaha, and B’nai Israel (Council Bluffs), and event chairs Robert Friedman and Andrea Erlich, to bring our community together for a meaningful day To register for Heartof pride and unity. land Pride: Register to participate today! For security purposes, the location for Rise & Pride Shabbat will be emailed to registrants closer to the event. Private security is funded by Etta and Harold Epstein Security Fund.

The Jewish Press | July 10, 2026 | 3

The Man Who Asked America to Keep its Promise JBL SETH SCHUCHMAN As America marks its 250th anniversary, the story of Jonas Phillips reminds us that Jewish voices were part of the American experiment from the very beginning. Recently, I attended a lecture sponsored by Tikvah Ideas featuring Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik. The topic was a man I knew little about, despite spending years reading and writing about Jewish history. His name was Jonas Phillips. Rabbi Soloveichik referred to him as "the first truly American Jew." The phrase stayed with me. How could someone so connected to the founding of both America and American Jewish life remain largely unknown? As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, I found myself wondering why more Americans, and more American Jews, do not know his story. The more I read, the more remarkable the story became. In July 1776, only weeks after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, Phillips sat down and wrote a letter in Yiddish to relatives and business associates in Amsterdam. Inside, he enclosed a freshly printed copy of the Declaration of Independence. Think about that for a moment. Today, the Declaration is one of the most recognized documents in the world. In the summer of 1776, however, it was little more than an audacious claim by thirteen colonies at war with the British Empire. No one knew whether the Revolution would succeed. No one knew whether the signers would be remembered as founders or traitors. Yet Jonas Phillips believed enough in what was happening in America to share it across the Atlantic. The letter never arrived. Intercepted by the British, it disappeared into archives and remained largely forgotten for nearly 250 years. There is something fitting about that lost letter. Written in the language of the Jewish diaspora and carrying the founding document of a new nation, it captures a central truth about Jonas Phillips. He was deeply rooted in Jewish life and deeply invested in America's future. He saw no contradiction between the two. Born in Germany around 1736, Phillips came to America as a young man seeking opportunity. Like many immigrants who followed him, he arrived with little and had to build a life from scratch. It was not always easy. He worked as an indentured servant before establishing himself as a merchant. He married Rebecca Machado, a member of a prominent Sephardic Jewish family. Together, they built a home that bridged two worlds of early American Jewish life and raised twentyone children, although several died young, a common tragedy in the eighteenth century. At one point his business failed, and he supported his family by working as a shochet, providing kosher meat for the Jewish community. These details remind us that the people we encounter in history books were not living in history books. Phillips

worried about supporting his family, rebuilding his livelihood, and creating opportunities for his children, concerns familiar to generations of immigrants. As tensions grew between Britain and the American colonies, Phillips sided with the Patriot cause. When the British occupied New York, he joined many other Jewish residents in leaving the city and relocating to Philadelphia. There he continued supporting the Revolution and served in the local militia. The outcome of the war was far from certain. But Phillips believed in the promise of the American experiment. At the same time, he was helping build Jewish life in the new nation. In Philadelphia, Phillips became a leader of Congregation Mikveh Israel, one of the most important Jewish congregations in early America. Founded in the colonial era, Mikveh Israel remains one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the United States. Phillips served as president of the congregation and played a role in the dedication of its first synagogue building in 1782. One surviving letter from that period reveals Phillips discussing practical concerns about the synagogue's design, including entrances and the use of surrounding space. What I find especially appealing about this detail is that it makes him real. The same man who mailed a copy of the Declaration of Independence across the Atlantic and later petitioned America's founders about religious liberty was also concerned about whether a synagogue building would function properly. That is how communities are built-not only through grand ideas, but through countless practical decisions made by people willing to invest their time and energy in something larger than themselves. Five years after the dedication of Mikveh Israel's synagogue, Phillips found himself living in a city at the center of another historic moment. In 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to draft what would become the United States Constitution. Phillips was not among them. His name does not appear alongside Washington, Franklin, Madison, or Hamilton. Yet he understood that the decisions being made in Philadelphia would affect not only his own future, but the future of Jews throughout the young republic. On Sept. 7, 1787, he submitted a petition expressing concern about religious tests for public office. At issue was a simple question: Could a citizen be excluded from public service because of his religion? Phillips argued that such restrictions were inconsistent with the principles for which the Revolution had been fought. Jews had supported the cause of independence. They paid taxes, obeyed the laws, and contributed to American society. Then he made the case in deeply personal terms. "It is well known among all the Citizens of the 13 united States that the Jews have been true and faithful See Jonas Phillips page 4

ROOFING

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Continued from page 1 school districts. Tamara has been a member of Vistage International since 2011, earned her Certified Transportation Broker distinction from the TIA in 2018, was one of Midland’s Business Journal’s 40 under 40 in 2022, and completed her CWLP and EWLP (Certified and Executive Warehouse Logistics Professional) distinctions from the IWLA in 2024. She also sits on the Building and Grounds committee at the JCC, is a member of the Temple Israel Executive Committee and Board of Trustees and is a member of the YLP Steering Committee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jared, their three children, and two dogs which usually involves some sort of sporting event or extracurricular practice. A special thank you to our Presenting sponsor: Bridges Trust Platinum sponsors: CFO Systems LLC, Horgan Law, Max I. Walker, OMNE Partners, Security National Bank, Sun Valley Landscaping, and Thrasher Foundation Repair Event Sponsors: Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service, Nebraska Warehouse Company, Cannonball Express Transportation, The Junction, Koley Jessen, and Alex Epstein

Zane Robinson

Continued from page 1 those influences have grown into a passion for journalism and storytelling. Outside of school and work, I spend much of my free time deejaying and making music. Music has become one of my biggest passions because it allows me to be creative and connect with people. I also enjoy playing tennis and pickleball and spending time with friends. After high school, I plan to attend Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, where I hope to study journalism and photography. Through this internship, I want to become a stronger writer, improve my interviewing skills, and learn more about what it takes to tell meaningful stories. I am excited to meet new people, become even more involved in the community, and gain experiences that will help me in the future and throughout my life. Having grown up at the JCC, participated in its programs, and now working here, it is exciting to contribute in a new way through the Jewish Press. I hope my writing and photography can help highlight the people, events, and stories that make this community so special. If you see me around the JCC this summer, feel free to say hello. I'd love to meet with you and hear about you and your story.

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4 | The Jewish Press | July 10, 2026

JFO Campus Safety and Security Manager Receives Shomer Ha'Ir Award from Temple Israel

LYNN BATTEN JFO Content Coordinator/Gallery Manager Temple Israel recently honored James Donahue, campus safety and security manager at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, with the Shomer Ha'Ir Award for Contributions from Outside the Congregation. This was the first year the award was given out. Donahue was selected for his contributions to the greater Jewish community. “We are so grateful to James,” Rabbi Benjamin Sharff said. “We cannot keep our community safe alone. We need friends and allies who stand with us. James embodies these values. This is why Temple Israel was honored to present him with the Shomer Ha'Ir Award.” When asked why Donahue was selected, Sharff provided several reasons. “James has gone above and beyond in support of our security challenges. He has worked with us to create a Security Response Group so local congregations and organizations can address specific challenges more quickly. He has worked with Temple Israel’s security committee and made suggestions for security improvements to our facility and cemetery. He has advised the security response group for Tri-Faith and helped address concerns and challenges on the Commons,” Sharff said. “James has been forthcoming in sharing guidance on security-related questions, no matter how large or small. He is always willing to take our calls and answer our emails. He is a delightful presence and consistently offers his expertise to help keep us safe.” Donahue began working at the Jewish Federation of Omaha in 2022. He was hired in conjunction with the launch of the JFO’s Community Security Initiative, an effort created to strengthen preparedness and mitigate the modern threat landscape. He came to the JFO with more than 18 years of security experience, having served both as a U.S. Marine and as a security contractor in Afghanistan for the Department of Defense.

Over the past four years, Donahue’s impact on the community has been substantial. Under his leadership, the physical and procedural elements of security across the Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus have been significantly enhanced. He has also worked closely with local synagogues, helping them complete threat assessments and review materials required for nonprofit security grant applications.

Rabbi Sharff, left, James Donahue, & Geoff Silverstein, Temple Israel President “My work as the JFO campus safety and security manager is multifaceted,” Donahue said. “In addition to physical security measures, there is an intelligence component. I work to provide clear, direct channels for documenting antisemitic incidents and suspicious activity. I ensure this information is immediately shared with law enforcement and national networks. I organize safety and security preparedness training for JFO staff and the broader community.” Whether at a school, shopping mall or house of worship, Donahue recognizes that the need for security in today’s world extends across all types of institutions. Through his work, he aims to enact rigorous safety protocols without compromising the warmth and accessibility that define a shared community space. “It’s about creating a culture of awareness that extends from the community’s values, rather than creating an in-

trusive presence that generates fear,” he said. One experience that further informed this approach was Donahue’s first trip to Israel in 2025. As part of a national program through the Jewish Federations of North America and the Secure Community Network, Donahue had the opportunity to learn firsthand about security measures across Israel. He found the experience transformative on both a personal and professional level. “My time in Israel forced me to rethink my approach to readiness. Much of the military and security training I’ve had has focused on immediate, tactical reactions to a crisis. In Israel, I saw a holistic model where the focus is split equally between proactive prevention and rapid psychological resilience after an incident. It taught me that a secure environment isn’t just one that prevents emergencies, but one that is built to recover, adapt and keep moving forward without missing a beat,” he said. “It was inspiring.” Donahue credits these experiences, along with the vision of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and the community’s vigilance, as key factors in his success. “I’m fortunate to work with a great team of people,” he said. “The work the JFO and its agencies do to enhance the safety of the community goes well beyond my position. The staff actively advocate for and assist local Jewish and interfaith institutions in accessing state and federal security grants to obtain funding for physical security upgrades. The greater Jewish community also has been great to work with.” “To me, this award is a reflection of the hard work we have all put in over the last few years,” he added. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the JFO’s dedication to keeping the community safe recognized at this level. While my name may be on the award, it truly represents a collective effort, and it motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve next.”

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS

Jonas Phillips Continued from page 3 whigs," he wrote. During the struggle with England, they had "supported the cause" and had "bravely fought and bled for liberty which they can not enjoy." Less than two weeks later, the Constitution emerged with a remarkable provision in Article VI: "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." Whether or not Phillips' petition influenced the final language, it stands as one of the clearest examples of an American Jew insisting that the nation's promises apply to all of its citizens. What strikes me most, however, is the way Phillips concluded his appeal. He explained that he was seeking this protection not only for himself but for "my children & posterity." There it is. The same concern that had motivated him to cross an ocean. The same concern that led him to build a business, raise a family, support a synagogue, and embrace the uncertain future of a new nation. He was thinking about the generations that would come after him. In many ways, that concern sits at the heart of Jewish history. We inherit institutions built by those who came before us, and we accept a responsibility to strengthen them for those who will follow. Jonas Phillips died in 1803.

Today, his name is rarely mentioned when Americans discuss the founding era. Yet his life touched many of the defining questions of the age: immigration, religious freedom, citizenship, community, and identity. He never signed the Declaration of Independence. He never attended the Constitutional Convention. He never became a household name. Yet he helped shape the world that emerged from both. When Rabbi Soloveichik called him "the first truly American Jew," I understood what he meant. Phillips did not see America and Judaism as competing identities. He believed he could fully embrace both. His lost Yiddish letter carried news of the Declaration of Independence across the Atlantic. His petition challenged America to extend its promises to all of its citizens. His leadership helped establish institutions that strengthened Jewish life in the new republic. The freedoms Phillips sought helped create the conditions that allowed Jewish communities, including our own in Omaha, to flourish. Near the end of his petition, Jonas Phillips wrote that he sought these rights for "my children & posterity." More than two centuries later, American Jews are still living in the future he hoped to secure. As we mark America's 250th birthday, his story reminds us that Jews were not simply witnesses to the American experiment. They were among its builders.

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Omaha Beit Midrash Wraps Up the Season JONNIE ROBINSON JFO Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Education Another season of Omaha Beit Midrash has come to an end. Community members once again spent the year gathering at the Staenberg Omaha JCC to learn, discuss and connect through Jewish study. The monthly series, coordinated through the Jewish Federation of Omaha, continued the tradition of bringing together clergy and educators from across Omaha’s congregations, and created an atmosphere where diverse perspectives could be shared in a spirit of curiosity, respect, and community. The 2025-2026 season opened Nov. 19 with Rabbi Mordechai Geiger of Beth Israel Synagogue, who led participants through a thoughtful discussion blending traditional Torah study with modern Jewish life and contemporary questions. On Dec. 17, Beth El Synagogue’s Hazzan Michael Krausman brought a musical perspective to the Beit Midrash experience, exploring traditional and modern Hanukkah music and the ways melody strengthens Jewish celebration and connection. Rabbi Eli Tennenbaum of Chabad from Nebraska began the new year on Jan. 21 with “Meaning vs. Purpose: Exploring the Nuances of Mitzvahs and Good Deeds,” examining how Jewish teachings distinguish between meaning and purpose in everyday actions and spiritual growth. The Feb. 18 session featured Rabbi Benjamin Sharff of Temple Israel presenting on Moses Maimonides, one of

Judaism’s most influential scholars and philosophers. Participants explored his enduring contributions to Jewish law, thought, and ethics. Rabbi Mordechai Geiger returned March 18 with “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Relationships,” leading participants through discussion and Jewish texts that offer insight into building and sustaining meaningful relationships.

On April 15, Rabbi Deana Berezin of Temple Israel presented “The Art of Sofrut: Learning about Scribal Arts.” Participants learned about the sacred practice of handwritten Jewish texts, including Torah scrolls, tefillin and mezuzot, and the precision and discipline required of a sofer, or Jewish scribe. Rebbetzin Shani Katzman of Chabad of Nebraska led the May 20 session, “When the Angels Sued... and Lost: A Discussion about Shavuot,” examining themes sur-

rounding the holiday through Jewish tradition, storytelling and interpretation. The series concluded June 17 with Cantor Joanna Alexander of Temple Israel presenting on Jewish folktales. Through stories passed down across generations, participants explored the values, humor and wisdom embedded in Jewish folklore, bringing the 2025–2026 Beit Midrash season to a meaningful close. Beyond the individual presentations, the strength of Beit Midrash continues to be an opportunity for Jewish Omaha to learn together across congregational lines. Month after month, participants experience a wide range of teaching styles, viewpoints and areas of expertise — from text study and theology to music, spirituality, ethics and Jewish tradition. Whether attendees joined regularly or attended a session or two, Omaha Beit Midrash once again demonstrated the power of Jewish learning to bring people together, strengthen community connections and inspire meaningful dialogue. We are grateful to everyone who participated throughout the year, bringing curiosity, insight and enthusiasm to each discussion. As the season concludes, we encourage continued learning and engagement throughout the summer, carrying the spirit of discovery and connection beyond the Beit Midrash classroom. We are already looking ahead with excitement to next year’s opportunities to gather, learn, and grow together. Be sure to watch for more information in the months ahead — we can’t wait to continue the conversation with you.

6 | The Jewish Press | July 10, 2026

RBJH

Sports and racing is a favorite at Gan Izzy

CAMP GAN ISRAEL WEEK 1

Visiting with the animals at camp Gan Israel

SP O TLIGHT

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS RBJH residents enjoyed a special Father’s Day Teatime celebration, while Lisa and Howard Marcus distributed Father’s Day cards on behalf of the LOVE Board.

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.

Campers had the opportunity to learn about a Jewish wedding and wish the Bride and Broom a special Mazel Tov

Customized Jewish Discovery booklets invite young learners to explore our rich traditions

RBJH Resident Mary Kaiman is the RBJH Spelling Bee Champ!

Silent disco to get us ready for Shabbat!

It’s all smiles!

The Jewish Press | July 10, 2026 | 7

Gan Izzy Notes

MUKY KATZMAN AND MUSHKA TENENBAUM Week one saw Camp Gan Israel officially underway, and what an amazing first day we had! Our campers kicked off the summer with an actionpacked day filled with laughter, friendship, learning, and adventure. The morning began with open play in the gym, featuring basketball, a bounce house, Camp Gan Israel scratch art, coloring, and play dough. From the moment the doors opened, the excitement was contagious. Campers gathered together with their counselors and friends for a lively morning lineup before heading to their bunk rooms for Jewish Discovery, where they began exploring the timeless values and mitzvot that will be a central theme throughout the summer. The day continued with team-building activities, games, challenges, and plenty of opportunities for campers to connect and make new friends. After a delicious lunch, everyone enjoyed one of the highlights of

the day — a refreshing swim at the Katzir family's pool. We are grateful for their generosity and hospitality. Back at camp, the fun continued before the day concluded with a sweet treat: delicious kosher dairy ice cream for everyone. Watching the campers smile, learn, play, and grow together reminded us why Camp Gan Israel is such a special place. The energy, enthusiasm, and joy throughout the day were truly inspiring. In week two, Gan Izzy was buzzing with laughter, excitement, and the joyful energy that makes summer at Chabad so special. Campers enjoyed action-packed days filled with sports, creative arts, science experiments, water fun, team-building activities, and plenty of unforgettable moments with friends. Beyond the fun, campers explored meaningful Jewish values through interactive learning, songs, and stories, discovering that being Jewish is something to celebrate

with pride and joy. One of the greatest blessings of Camp Gan Israel is seeing our community come alive through the smiles of our children. Every friendship formed, every new skill learned, and every burst of laughter reflects the vibrant Jewish future we are building together. We are deeply grateful to our incredible counselors and staff, whose enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine care create such a warm and nurturing environment. Thank you as well to the volunteers and families who offer their time and space to make the camp an elevated experience, and to everyone in our community whose encouragement and support help make Camp Gan Israel possible year after year. As we went through the second week, we were excited for more adventures, meaningful experiences, and lifelong memories.

A Pillar In Every Sense: Temple Israel Honors Sandy Nogg ANNE CONSTANTINO, M.ED., CFRE Leadership Consultant and Emergenetics Associate For more than five decades, Sandy Nogg has quietly done what she believes matters most: commit and show up. This year, Temple Israel honored Sandy with the Pillar Award, the congregation’s highest recognition for a lay leader whose dedication, service, and influence have strengthened the community over decades. For those who know Sandy, the honor is deeply deserved. In typical Sandy fashion, however, she struggles to understand what all the fuss is about. “I’m honored. I’m humbled. I don’t get it,” she said when asked what it means to be recognized as a pillar of the congregation. Yet for generations of Temple Israel members, Sandy Nogg has been exactly that. She is a steady presence, a welcoming face, a mentor, volunteer, friend, and bridgebuilder whose impact can be felt throughout the life of the congregation. A member of Temple Israel since 1973, Sandy’s Jewish journey began long before she walked through the synagogue’s doors. A Jew by choice, she credits the women who welcomed, taught, and nurtured her along the way. She fondly refers to them as her “four pillars”: Jane Brooks, Hermene Zweiback, Sue Meyers, and her beloved friend Lois Friedman, of blessed memory. “They stood behind me,” she said. “Until their last day.” Those women helped shape Sandy’s understanding of Jewish community and service. Over the years, she embraced a simple philosophy that would become her own legacy: “If you commit to people, places, and things you love, you stick. And you show up.” It is advice she has shared with her children and grandchildren. It is also the standard by which she has lived. Over five decades, Sandy has served Temple Israel in countless ways. She was active in Sisterhood, runs the synagogue’s gift shop, has volunteered at community events, welcomed newcomers, nurtured relationships across generations, and become a driving force behind

the Tri-Faith Community Garden, a project she considers one of her current passions. Ask her which accomplishment she is most proud of, and she refuses to choose. “Whatever I’m doing at the time is my favorite,” she said. “That’s where my energy is.” That spirit of service has touched generations of congregants. Susie Norton, a longtime friend and fellow congregant, believes Sandy’s influence spans as many as five or six generations of Temple Israel families. “There are probably five, if not six, generations of congregants whose Temple experience was enriched by Sandy’s participation,” Norton said. “Temple was made better, sunnier, and more meaningful because of Sandy’s touch.” For many children, Sandy was known simply as “the candy lady.” Years ago, while volunteering in the gift shop, she began offering penny candy to students. What started as a small gesture evolved into a beloved tradition. Children would seek her out after religious school, and many still remember those visits decades later. Today, some of those children are in their forties. “Do you still have candy?” they ask when they see her. The candy was never really the point. What the children remember is that Sandy knew their names. She talked with them. She listened. She cared. “It gave them a positive experience,” Norton said. “You may not have made them better Jews, but you made them better people.” That sentiment moved Sandy to tears. Throughout her years at Temple Israel, one role has remained especially meaningful: serving as a greeter and welcoming newcomers. As someone who once entered Jewish life from the outside, she remembers what it felt like to be new. “Because I was a stranger among you,” she explained. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for hospitality and inclusion. She knows that entering a community can be difficult, and she has spent decades

making sure others feel seen, welcomed, and valued. The same spirit extends beyond Temple Israel. Sandy has long been active throughout the Omaha community and has consistently built connections across faiths and organizations. Her leadership reflects the Jewish value of tikkun olam — repairing the world through service, compassion, and action. When asked how her Jewish faith has shaped her life, she pointed to caregiving. “My parents were my models,” she said. “You just did for your community.” For those who know Sandy, that simple statement explains nearly everything. Her volunteerism has never been about recognition. She never sought titles, accolades, or awards. Instead, she quietly invested in relationships, projects, and people. She showed up when help was needed. She made others feel valued. She built community one conversation, one volunteer shift, and one act of kindness at a time. Norton perhaps summarized Sandy’s legacy best. “Half of it is just showing up,” she said. “And Sandy shows up. But not just physically. She connects with people. People respond to Sandy. She’s a draw. She’s a magnet. She makes you want to show up with her.” Temple Israel has been shaped by countless dedicated leaders throughout its history, and Sandy Nogg’s influence is woven into the fabric of the congregation. Through decades of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment, she has demonstrated what it truly means to build and sustain community. The Pillar Award honors individuals whose leadership leaves a lasting legacy, and Sandy embodies that spirit in every way. For more than fifty years, she has lived the lesson she hopes future generations will carry forward: commit and show up. Temple Israel is stronger because she does.

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Tapestry 2026 Weaves Jewish Learning Across Omaha NAOMI FOX JFO Community Engagement and Education Director The Jewish Federation of Omaha presented Tapestry: A Celebration of Jewish Learning from April 28–30 and June 1–6. Over nine days of programming, it recorded a cumulative attendance of 1,020 individuals, making it the broadest community experience for this program to date. Now in its third year, Tapestry continues to deliver on the JFO’s proud tradition of creating meaningful connections, reflection, and growth. Tapestry’s strength lies not only in the caliber of its world-class scholars, but in its collaborative model. It provides a network of Jewish learning experiences shaped around the needs of our community. Each synagogue, agency, and partner organization helps shape a learning experience that speaks directly to its own audience. The result is both highly personal and deeply communal. Many different audiences encounter Jewish wisdom in forms that are relevant to their lives, while together contributing to a shared culture of learning-- one that extends beyond individual programs and into the fabric of the community. Tapestry 2026 welcomed Dr. Erica Brown as scholarin-residence. Dr. Brown serves as Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University and is the founding director of the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks–Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership. Dr. Brown is an educator, author, and leadership scholar. She is known for connecting classical Jewish sources with the realities of contemporary life – an ability that became the defining feature of this year’s Tapestry. Through this approach, participants experienced Jewish learning not as abstract or academic, but as practical, relevant, and deeply connected to the challenges of everyday life. Dr. Brown worked with students, educators, professionals, seniors, synagogue and interfaith participants. Topics covered included Jewish identity, listening, difficult conversations, friendship, regret, courage, gratitude, leadership, happiness and loneliness. During the first installation of programming in April, Dr. Brown taught at the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at UNL, engaged with our community teens and profes-

sional staff, and led two other community programs hosted by the agencies of the JFO. For the June sessions of Tapestry, Dr. Brown worked with local synagogues, JFO agencies, and community partners. The Tri-Faith Initiative presented an exploration of tikkun olam and the responsibility to bring light into broken places. B’nai Israel Living History Synagogue hosted a discussion on Jewish identity. Beth El Synagogue examined diversity through the story of the Tower

of Babel and Temple Israel explored conversations about power, purpose, and why societies often turn to chaotic leaders in uncertain times. Programs at Chabad of Nebraska and Beth Israel Synagogue examined happiness, insecurity, loneliness and human flourishing with a review of content from Ecclesiastes, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Jewish Family Service worked with Dr. Brown to lead a discussion for their Being a Good Ancestor program. Participants reflected on regret and how Jewish wisdom could help transform regret into purposeful action. Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, along with community Lunch & Learn participants, explored the theme of friendship. They reviewed Maimonides’ levels of friendship and the value of relationships that inspire ethical growth. Young adults from the JFO’s NextGen program also gathered to consider how Jewish rituals can help give meaning to life’s transitions. While the settings and audiences varied, a common thread emerged: people were engaging in honest, mean-

ingful conversations about values, leadership, and their responsibilities to one another and to the Jewish future. The impact of these sessions continued well beyond Tapestry itself. Participants described the experience as meaningful and engaging, particularly the opportunity to connect ancient sources to contemporary concerns. Many noted the value of having space for honest conversations about values-driven leadership, difficult topics, and responsibility for the Jewish future. There was also an appreciation for how Tapestry brought in new people, encouraged further learning, and strengthened a sense of community. The program was called “transformational,” “thought-provoking,” “actionable” and “life changing.” Tapestry 2026 opened conversations, challenged assumptions, strengthened leaders, and encouraged people to carry Jewish learning forward. Dr. Brown demonstrated that ancient texts remain urgent, practical, and alive—and that learning together can strengthen not only individual understanding, but the fabric of an entire community. If you missed Tapestry this spring, video recordings of several sessions are available here: Online version: https://www.jewishomaha.org/ community- engagement/tapestry/ Or for print, use the QR code below. If you have a suggestion for a future scholar-in-residence for consideration during Tapestry, please email Naomi Fox at nfox@jewishomaha.org. Tapestry 2026 was made possible by the following Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation funds: Phillip & Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation, Herbert Goldsten Fund, Klutznick Custodial Fund, Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, Milton S. & Corinne N. Livingston Foundation Fund, The Chesed Fund, and the Dr. Bernard H. Bloom & Dr. Bruce S. Bloom Memorial Endowment Fund.

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David Finkelstein President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Will Fischer Creative Director Claire Endelman Sales Director Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Sam Kricsfeld Digital support Mary Bachteler Accounting Jewish Press Advisory Board David Finkelstein, President; Margie Gutnik, Ex-Officio; Toby Dresdner, Andrea Erlich, Dana Gonzales, Mary Sue Grossman, Hailey Krueger, Avery Lubin, Sara Rips, Seth Schuchman, Stewart Winograd and Bob Yaffe. 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 (IHE), Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS), Jewish Press, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (RBJH), Jewish Family Service (JFS), Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center (JCC). 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.’ The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial E-mail editorial material and photos to: jpress@jewishomaha.org and avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: wfischer@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes signed Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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The Stories We Tell ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor During the recent Colorado primaries, incumbent John Hickenlooper defeated his progressive challenger Julie Gonzales by approximately 57%43%. Gonzales, a state senator from Denver since 2019, had accused Israel of committing genocide and called for an arms embargo during the campaign. Melat Kiros’ win in the state’s 1st Congressional District, which includes the more Democrat-friendly Denver, put an anti-Israel candidate on the Democratic ballot there. And Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a strong supporter of Israel, defeated Sen. Michael Bennet in the state’s Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday by roughly 55%-45%. (Source: JTA) It’s an election year, and we’re subjected to a constant drip of stories about candidates who are, and who aren’t, pro-Israel, are antisemitic, or fight against antisemitism; it’s a whole thing. To run for office, you apparently need an opinion on “the Jews.” As Yehudim Amerikaim, we are an estimated 2.4 % of the US population, as of 2020. That’s approximately 7.5 million people. Yet, the fate of our homeland as well as our very character and safety are more often than not part of the US electoral debate. Why is that? Why is it, that random non-Jews all over this country care so much about us? Frankly, I think this whole situation is becoming a bit unhinged. Obsessed, even. Does anyone remember this story? I think it was the spring of 2024, when some woman in New Jer-

sey ripped down the flags from a Greek restaurant, which will help predict bitterness without ever havthinking they were Israeli. When confronted by the ing to taste it. Their research can help make medirestaurant’s owner, her response was “Really? I cine ‘easier to swallow’ and even treat lung diseases. thought it was Israel. My bad.” Researchers at the same university have develThat story has stayed with me, because it is representative of A) people coming to conclusions oped a tool to determine which gene is likely causbased on bad information, and B) people thinking ing a patient’s symptoms. that being anti-Israel means you’ll get followers. You will be popular. And let’s be honest; anti-Israel means antisemitic. The time to deny that is long past. All these people out there who have opinions on whether Israel should exist, about what constitutes genocide, about whether Jews run the world, about how screaming down American Jews during a public event like a pride celebration is a good use of one’s time and definitely helps Gazans live happy peaceful lives, what would they talk about if we weren’t here? What story will they tell Credit: Tom Murphy, licensed under the Creative Commons Attributheir children and grandchildren tion-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Hungarian women’s chess champion Tícia Gara about what they stood for? made Aliyah. There are so many other stories to tell. In spite of everything, Israel is eighth on the 2026 When Venezuela was hit with a devastating earthquake recently, an Israeli team was immedi- World Happiness Report, and Israel is among the ately dispatched to offer aid-in spite of the fact that leading nations working on clean environmental Israel has not had diplomatic relations with Cara- technologies and innovation. Because they are good stories, they are not popcas for 17 years. Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists have ular. So let’s keep telling them as often and as loud compiled a compendium of 2,200 bitter molecules as we can.

I Served America in the Fight Against Antisemitism HANNAH ROSENTHAL JTA During the time I served as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism in the Obama administration, I traveled across Europe, Central Asia and beyond, working with governments, religious leaders and civil society to develop new strategies against antisemitism while building broader coalitions for tolerance and pluralism. I saw firsthand the unique value of a dedicated envoy focused on antisemitism, empowered by the State Department. At a moment when this ancient hatred is evolving and spreading across borders, the United States should strengthen—not dilute— this office’s mission. As a former Special Envoy on Antisemitism and as the child of a Holocaust survivor, I am concerned about the efforts by the current envoy to merge his office with that of the Special Envoy on Holocaust Issues (SEHI). The proposed merger reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the responsibilities and duties of each of the offices. The special envoy on antisemitism’s office requires diplomatic strategies, building relationships with diverse groups around the world, to identify and combat hatred of Jews wherever it rears its head. When I went to a country experiencing antisemitism, it often called for bringing together people who had never been in the same room before, to condemn the hatred and to have meaningful conversations about how to prevent it. It called for meetings with the media to educate them and to encourage thoughtful coverage of antisemitism. It called for encounters with young people who would be future leaders, and with elected leaders of countries and parties to engage in needed and sometimes urgent dialogue about what their rhetoric and policies mean for Jewish safety and security. It called for sustained engagement with those relationships. This Administration has repeatedly invoked antisemitism and has defined it, inspired by the Heritage Foundation’s Project Esther, in quite limited ways, too often focusing on those who criticize policies of Israel. Antisemitism, however, is much more expansive and frightening than that. It includes white nationalism, Christian nationalism, praise of Hitler and Nazis, blood libel accusations,

textbook depictions and cartoons of Jews as less than human, religious screeds blaming Jews for deicide and economic downturns, conspiracy theories about supposed Jewish power, desecrations of synagogues, and physical attacks on Jewish people. In short, the work of the antisemitism envoy is huge and all encompassing and calls for a strong diplomatic approach. The current envoy on anti-

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, shown with President Donald Trump during an Oct. 7 remembrance event in 2024, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism on Dec. 18, 2025. Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

semitism, Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, has repeatedly signalled that he lacks that deft touch. To my great chagrin, he is the same person who falsely claimed that President Biden “won’t even make a statement about combating antisemitism,” when a year earlier Biden created the first ever whole-of-government approach to comprehensively fight antisemitism. How can Kaploun be the US face and voice for fighting antisemitism when he can’t recognize that he was handed a complete plan and charge to do so? Now, in a move described by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and others as a power grab, Kaploun is trying to fold the State Department’s Holocaust envoy office into his own. The Holocaust envoy’s responsibilities are completely different, and highly specialized. The office is obligated to negotiate restitution and compensation for Holocaust survivors. It is responsible for recovering Nazi-looted property and art, to preserving Holocaust archives, cemeteries and sites of memory, and engaging in sensitive diplomacy with foreign governments on unresolved Holocaust-era obligations and accountability. This important work calls for completely different skills and expertise,

and can’t be just added to the enormous and critically important work of combating antisemitism. Each year there are fewer Holocaust survivors alive. Time is running out for those survivors and their families to receive justice. The office of special envoy on antisemitism and the special envoy on the Holocaust are complementary, but not duplicative. The United States deliberately created separate offices because both missions are full-time responsibilities. Strong institutions should outlast administrations and individual officeholders. The structure should be around mission — not around the personalities currently serving. This administration has repeatedly invoked antisemitism when it serves a political purpose, while weakening the institutions that actually protect Jewish communities. It cut funding and regional offices of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education, which protect Jewish and all students on campus and in schools; it has hired individuals who have trafficked in antisemitism in their past; used antisemitism to justify ideological crackdowns on America’s campuses; and removed books about the Holocaust from the Naval Academy Library, while Hitler’s “Mein Kampf ” remains on the shelves. The administration also refused to condemn a GOP congressional staffer who kept in his office a flag bearing the swastika, and refused to condemn supporters and former officials who flashed Nazi salutes at public events. That is why I strongly support the amendment to prevent the elimination, consolidation, or downsizing of the Holocaust envoy’s office offered by Reps. Nadler, Brad Schneider, Grace Meng and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. Regrettably, the amendment was not brought to order by the House Rules Committee this week, meaning that it won’t be considered on the House floor. I hope Congress will reconsider, and prevent the Trump Administration from taking yet another step backward in the global fight against antisemitism. Hannah Rosenthal was the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism in the US State Department during the Obama administration’s first term.

Synagogues

10 | The Jewish Press | July 10, 2026

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 www.cblhs.org

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

CHABAD HOUSE

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

B’NAI ISRAEL Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m. with our guest speaker, Brian Rosen, Creighton Volleyball head coach. Our service leader is Larry Blass. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information about our historic synagogue, please visit our website at www.cblhs.org or contact any of our board members: David Alloy, Renee Corcoran, Rick Katelman, Gail Kenkel, Janie Kulakofsky, Howard Kutler, Ann Moshman, Mary-Beth Muskin, Debbie Salomon, Sissy Silber and Jenn Tompkins.

BETH EL Handicap Accessible. Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. IN-PERSON AND ZOOM MINYAN SCHEDULE: Mornings on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Mondays and Thursdays, 7 a.m.; Evenings on Sunday-Thursday, 5:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream. SUNDAY: Morning Minyan, 9 a.m. Zoom Only — Summer Schedule. FRIDAY-July 17: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream. SATURDAY-July 18: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. at Beth El and Live Stream; Kiddush in honor of Alice and Sam Meisels following services. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

BETH ISRAEL FRIDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:41 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos Café, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Soulful Torah, 7:45 p.m.; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Kids Activity/Laws of Shabbos, 9 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:49 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. MONDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. TUESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Smichat Chaver Men's Class, 7:40 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Character Development, 1:30 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m. THURSDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:40 p.m.

FRIDAY-July 17: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; 2026 Camp JYE BI, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:37 p.m. SATURDAY-July 18: Shabbos Café, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class, 10:45 a.m.; Soulful Torah, 7:35 p.m.; Mincha, 8:20 p.m.; Kids Activity/Laws of Shabbos, 8:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:44 p.m. Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

CHABAD HOUSE Join classes via Zoom. Go to ochabad.com/academy. For more information or to request help, please visit www.ochabad.com or call the office at 402.330.1800. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m. go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; Candlelighting, 8:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:48 p.m. SUNDAY: Sunday Morning Wraps, 9 a.m. MONDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Personal Parsha, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 6-8 p.m. with David Cohen. TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Aramaic Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Intermediate Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 6 p.m. with David Cohen; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 7 p.m. with David Cohen. WEDNESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10:30 a.m. with David Cohen; Parsha Reading, 11:30 a.m. with David Cohen. THURSDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Introductory Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar, 11 a.m. with David Cohen; Talmud Study, noon; Introduction to Alphabet, Vowels & Reading Hebrew, 6 p.m. with David Cohen; Code of Jewish Law Class, 7 p.m. FRIDAY-July 17: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m. go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; Candlelighting, 8:36 p.m. SATURDAY-July 18: Shacharit, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:42 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL Services are lay-led. All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:41 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Matot-Masei via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:48 p.m.

SUNDAY: Men's Bike and Coffee Club, 10:45 a.m. The Mill Coffee & Bistro at Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Dr #1350, Lincoln. For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at alb ertw801@gmail.com.. WEDNESDAY: SST Board Meeting, 7–9 p.m. at SST. FRIDAY-July 17: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:307:30 p.m. at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:37 p.m. SATURDAY-July 18: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. at TI followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Devarim via Zoom; Family Potluck and Game Night, 6 p.m. at SST. Bring a dish to share for the potluck beginning at 6 p.m. Games are available to play, but feel free to bring one of your favorites! Games begin at 7 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:43 p.m.

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FRIDAYS: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin, and Cantor Joanna Alexander. FRIDAY: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Village Walking Group, 10 a.m.; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. In-Person & Zoom. SUNDAY: 2nd Sunday Breakfast, 9 a.m. at Stephen Center. TUESDAY: Mah Jongg Made Easy, 1:30 p.m. In-Person. WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.; The Music of Israel: Understanding the Modern Jewish Soundscape, 5:30 p.m. taught by Student Cantor Benjamin Brodkey; Holy Smokes, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: The Music of Israel: Understanding the Modern Jewish Soundscape, 11 a.m. taught by Student Cantor Benjamin Brodkey; Jewish Geography, LITERALLY!: Jewish Immigration to the U.S., 7 p.m. with Ilana Linthicum. FRIDAY-July 17: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Village Walking Group, 10 a.m.; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom. SATURDAY-July 18: Heartland Pride Parade, 8:30 a.m. in Downtown Omaha; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. InPerson & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. In-Person & Zoom. Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

Delivering a Taste of the Holy Land DEBORAH DANAN JTA

Ben & Jerry’s Israel operation has come up with a flavor that does not leave much to interpretation. Called “Milk and Honey,” a nod to the biblical description of the Land of Israel, its namesake ingredients are supplied by Israeli cows and bees and its chocolate fudge pieces come shaped like Stars of David. The company, which split from its American counterpart after a contentious 2021 boycott fight, is billing the new pint as its “most Israeli flavor ever” and, on its website, as a “symbol of hope, rehabilitation, and positive action” after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack. Its ingredients and production come from southern Israeli communities most affected by the massacre and the war that followed. The company, based in the southern city of Kiryat Malachi, said it “felt a responsibility to take an active part in the region’s recovery process.” The milk and cream come from the dairy in Kibbutz Alumim, one of the Gaza-border communities infiltrated by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023. The honey comes from the bee-

hives of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. The chocolate Stars of David are made by hand at the Korint factory in Beersheba, part of the Shkulo Tov social enterprise, which helps integrate people with disabilities into the workforce. Even the wrapper is local: the pint is adorned with “Fields of Light,” a painting by Rivi Doron-Gerloy, a southern Israeli artist who was killed in a Miami car accident last year. The flavor was developed in partnership with the Ayalim Association, a nonprofit that works to strengthen Israel’s periphery. The company said royalties from sales of the new flavor will go to Ayalim’s rehabilitation and educational initiatives in the south. The Israeli and American Ben & Jerry’s operations are now completely separate, a split that followed one of the more improbable diplomatic dramas ever to involve ice cream. In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s said it would stop selling in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, saying sales there were “inconsistent” with its values. The move set off an uproar in Israel. President Isaac Herzog called the boycott a “new

kind of terrorism,” while Benjamin Netanyahu, then opposition leader, retweeted the company’s announcement that it would stop selling in the “Occupied Palestinian Territories,” writing, “Now we Israelis know which ice cream NOT to buy,” alongside Israeli flag and flexed-bicep emojis. The standoff ended, at least commercially, when Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s parent company, sold the Israeli business in 2022 to Avi Zinger, the longtime Israeli licensee and owner of American Quality Products. The sale was accompanied by a legal fight that was inflamed when Zinger told an Israeli news outlet that, once he took control of the company in Israel, he could rename the signature flavor “Chunky Monkey” to “Judea and Samaria,” the Hebrew term for the West Bank. Under the ultimate deal, Ben & Jerry’s could continue to be sold throughout Israel and in Israeli settlements, under Hebrew and Arabic branding, while the Vermont-based company said it disagreed with the move and would no longer profit from Israeli sales.

Life Cycles MARRIAGE KRUEGER/RONEN Hailey Krueger and Alexander Ronen were married on June 21, 2026, at 5 p.m., at Veseli in Springfield, Nebraska, and officiated by Rebecca Flicher. Hailey is the founder of Heartland Content Co. She is the daughter of Darin Krueger of Lincoln, Nebraska and Tina Bozin of Sarasota, Florida and the granddaughter of Calvin Krueger of Lincoln, Nebraska. Alexander is an attorney at Fidelity National Financial. He is the son of Irena Ronen of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Omry Ronen, z"l.

IN MEMORIAM

ÇRYSTAL MICHELLE SMITH Crystal Michelle Smith, 55, passed away on June 22, 2026 at home in Weeping Water, Nebraska. Friends and family were invited to Beth Israel Synagogue, on June 25, 2026. She is survived by her loving husband Douglas Smith, and their six children: Kieran, Devlin, Gavin, Evelyn, Darby, and Montgomery; and her brother Mitchell Porter. Crystal was first-born to her parents, Sheryl and Randall Porter in Omaha, on April 10, 1971. Crystal will be remembered as a strong member of her community, a wonderful wife and mother, and a blessing to those around her. She worked as a speech language pathologist throughout her professional life, both in hospital settings, and school settings, and served her community with the love, respect, and care that they deserved. She will be missed greatly. Memorials may be made on Crystal's behalf to the Foodbank of the Heartland, in order to further serve the communities around her.

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The Jewish Press | July 10, 2026 | 11

Pulverente MONUMENT CO. Over 60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

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Meyer Friedel RANDI JABLIN I never knew my paternal grandfather, Meyer Friedel. But in doing some genealogy about my family, I learned something very interesting about him and the Omaha Jewish community. I discovered that not only was my family connected to Temple Israel but also to Beth Israel many decades earlier! An interesting thing about his obituary notice is that when I discovered that he was president of B’nai Israel, I thought it was B’nai Israel in Council Bluffs, Iowa, which is right across the Omaha border. Years later, when a sorority sister reached out to me after having visited Omaha and asked me if I was related to any Friedels that were listed on Beth Israel’s memorial wall, I assumed that they were very distant relatives. As I investigated further, I was told that there had been a B’nai Israel synagogue in Omaha, which merged with another small synagogue. Eventually that Orthodox synagogue, along with other small shuls, became the Beth Israel of today. When I was in Omaha a few years later, I jumped at the chance to go to Beth Israel to find the Friedel name on the memorial wall, and wouldn’t you know, I found it. It wasn’t a distant relative, but my grandfather, Meyer Friedel!

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12 | The Jewish Press | July 10, 2026

News LOC AL | N AT I O N A L | WO R L D

The Kaplan Book Group and the Chassidic World SHIRLY BANNER JFO Library Specialist Curious to find out about the lives and customs of the Chassidim in New York? On Thursday, July 16 at 1 p.m., the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will gather for its monthly meeting at the Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center to discuss On Division by Goldie Goldbloom. This is an intriguing look into the Chassidic world in Brooklyn. Surie Eckstein lives a happy and content life in the Chassidic community of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She and her husband Yidel have nine children (ages 13-39), 32 grandchildren and are awaiting the birth of their first great-grandchild. The Ecksteins have a three-story house where Surie’s in-laws live on the first floor, their daughter Tzila Ruchel and family live on the second floor, and Surie and Yidel occupy the third floor with their three youngest children. Within such a nurturing environment, Surie and Yidel are looking forward to Yidel’s retirement from working as a Torah scribe, and the chance to enjoy the nachas that comes from grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ever hear the old Yiddish proverb “Man plans, Gd laughs”? Well Surie is not laughing when she discovers at age 57 that she is not only pregnant but expecting twins. Surie is being carefully monitored by Val, the same midwife who previously delivered all her children, and the doctors of the Manhattan Clinic who specialize in highrisk pregnancies. Surie refuses their inquiry about terminating the pregnancy as she believes “a single child is a

whole world, not hers to destroy.” She also refuses to undergo genetic screening to determine if this high-risk pregnancy will result in babies who might have birth defects.

Surie is in denial about telling Yidel that she is pregnant, fearing what their close-knit community would say behind their backs about their intimate lives and what should be happening at this stage of their lives. She also fears the shame it would stir up about their family name once again. Four years earlier the family tragically lost a tenth child, a son named Lipa. Lipa veered off from the Chassidic community as he was struggling to come to terms with his sexual orientation. Caving to pressure from the community, Surie and Yidel sent Lipa to therapy, but eventually Lipa left home and died alone of AIDS. Neither parent has fully come to terms with this. Surie fears that if the community realizes that she is pregnant, it will bring further scandal and dishonor to the family name. On Division by Goldie Goldbloom unravels the way in which Surie manages the challenge of the birth of the twins. Join us to learn what happens to the Eckstein family. Please feel free to join us on July 16 at 1 p.m. in person or via Zoom when we delve into the intriguing world of Chassidic Jewry. The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. New members are always welcome. The Group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group and to join in the discussion, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org.

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