July 11, 2025 by Jewish Press

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

RBJH BREAKS GROUND To Save a Life Page 4

Notes from Jerusalem Page 5

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor unday, June 22 marked the official beginning of the final phase of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s Enhancing Quality of Life project. The planned expansion includes approximately 30,000 square feet and over 30 new rooms. This two-story addition will feature a dedicated short-term rehabilitation floor. All rooms throughout the Home will be converted to single-occupancy, offering greater privacy and comfort. Each new room will include a private shower and spacious living area. Despite the heat, a large number of com-

munity members attended the groundbreaking ceremony, which included speeches and the ceremonial first spades in the dirt. It was a celebration of the incredible impact our community can achieve together. Jewish Federation of Omaha CEO Bob Goldberg shared: “For the past year, I have repeated the same question numerous times to community members: ‘Is it important that we have the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home as a place where our Jewish community members can come to and be cared for with our community, by our community, on our community campus?’ You have responded with a resounding ‘yes.’ See Groundbreaking page 3

The Kaplan Group welcomes the “Outside World” Page 6

It’s J-Camp!

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles

8 9 10 11

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

SOFIA SOKOLOVSKA Jewish Press Intern Summer in Omaha is always full of cheering from the Charles Schwab Stadium during the College World Series, water splashes at Fun Plex and the sound of fireworks in every neighborhood. However, if you decide to drive by the JCC Summer Camp, you’ll see campers swimming in foam, getting splashed with water balloons, and building sand castles. Every summer, the Jewish Community Center trans-

forms into a wonderland of laughter, creativity and new friendships. For kids across the city, it’s more than just a camp, it’s a place where summer memories are made. A typical day at the Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus, also re-

ferred to as J-Camp, is packed with excitement from start to finish. Campers begin their morning by singing the Hatikvah, and typically a “bad dad” joke from camp staff member Andrew. Then it’s off to the day’s adventure, with activities rotating throughout the week to keep things fresh and exciting. One hour might bring swimming at the JCC Goldstein Family Aquatic Center, and the next could be spent playing GAGA, a fast-paced, high-energy ball game that’s many campers’ favorite. Other days are filled with messy art projects, talent show skits, sport tournaments, and even science See It’s J-Camp! page 2

Celebrating Rabbi Ari and Laura MARY SUE GROSSMAN In 2002, a young man named Ari Dembitzer was invited by Rabbi Howard Kutner, z’l’, to serve as Beth Israel Synagogue’s High Holiday chazzan. Living in Israel at the time, Ari accepted the invitation, not knowing it was a decision that would change his life’s path.

From that first visit, his musical talents, love of Torah and incredible ruach endeared him to the congregation. He continued to return nearly every year and soon referred to Omaha as “Home-aha,” considering Omaha his second home. In September 2014, the now Rabbi Ari, returned once again, handling additional duties during the chagim, following the departure of Rabbi Jonathan Gross. Josh Gurock, Beth Israel’s president approached him about serving as interim rabbi. Rabbi Ari agreed to do so through December with the date later extended through Sukkot 2015. Finally, he approached the Rabbinic Search Committee, stating he wanted to apply for the position. The decision to extend the offer was speedy and unanimous. In addition to settling into his new role, Rabbi Ari was also looking for a shidduch. This quest meant many trips out of Omaha and fortunately, he found the perfect match in Chicago. Laura Klibanow soon visited Omaha and her lovely personality, true interest in others, and love of Torah, meant she immediately received a “stamp of approval” from the congregation. Married on July 4, 2016, their partnership has made a deep impact on the Beth Israel congregation, the Omaha Jewish community, and beyond. Welcoming five children – Rina, Esther, Uri, Gavriel, and Miriam – made those ties even stronger and they are beloved friends. On Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, Beth Israel will celebrate Rabbi Ari and Laura at its 4th Annual Tribute Dinner. While somewhat bittersweet with the Dembitzer family moving to Israel in mid-September, it will be a simcha evening to express See Rabbi Ari page 2