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J ULY 1 8, 2 02 5 | 22 TAMMUZ 5785 | VO L. 1 05 | NO. 38 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, JULY 18, 8:35 P.M.
Explore Jewish Learning
The Spirit and the Call ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor It was November of 2011 when Mark Kirchhoff began working at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. While today he is a familiar face in our building, he knew little about our Jewish community at the time. “I believe the only people I knew in the community were Mary Sue and Alex Grossman. Alex and I worked together at Boys Town – right across the street. Mary Sue was aware that Mark had semi-retired, and called him to share a job opportunity as program assistant for the Center for Jewish Education. “I must have passed the interview, because here I am today,” Kirchhoff said.
Combating antisemitism Page 3
Temple’s Civil Rights Trip, part II Page 5
NAOMI FOX JFO Director of Community Engagement and Education Just inside the main entrance of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Kripke-Veret Library and Learning Commons is one of our cherished Jewish learning spaces. Located adjacent to the main lobby, the Learning Commons is an inviting area for quiet reading, browsing, and exploration. The collection is regularly updated with new books in genres such as fiction, Russian-language ma-
Traveling through Dance Page 7
terials, children's books, and large-print editions, along with rotating displays that highlight Jewish holidays and events. Over the past year, library circulation has increased, signaling renewed interest across generations. In response, the Jewish Federation of Omaha is encouraging even broader usage, inviting the community to stop in, borrow a book, and reconnect with the power of Jewish learning. Checking out books is quick and See Library page 2
Share your hair
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ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Something exciting is happening August 10, from 11 am-2 pm at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home salon. Community members who are willing to donate their hair can come in and have their locks cut by professional hairdressers. The hair will then be donated to ‘Wigs for Kids,’ an organization that brings together stylists and hair donors who want to help children experiencing hair loss from
alopecia, trichotillomania, burns, chemotherapy or any other medical causes of hair loss. Hair must be a minimum of 12 inches long, uncolored, healthy and clean to qualify. Please register at www.jewishomaha.org and select your tiume slot; walk-ins are also welcome. The RBJH salon is located by the Home’s south entrance. Omaha Community Shlicha Mika Mizrahi came up with the idea. She
herself has donated her hair twice before. The first time was immediately after her Bat Mitzvah: “I don’t remember where I heard about it, but I decided after my bat mitzvah, I wanted to donate my hair. The Tuesday after my ceremony, my mom and I went to a small salon. Some girl from the newspaper even came and did a story on it. “They cut my hair,” she said, “and I See Share your hair page 3
Mark Kirchhoff
When he first started, Mark worked from the Kripke Library. His primary duties included assisting with the agency’s programs, writing articles for the Jewish Press, and providing general support for administrative and program operations. These days, he also does regular photography during JFO programs and has taken well over one hundred staff headshots. He also does photography for Friedel Jewish Academy and the JCC dance program. “Doing headshots and group photography for the dancers in Esther Katz’s dance program is one of the most heartwarming experiences I have with photography here,” shared Kirchhoff. “It is a joy to watch the poise and confidence in these young ladies as they grow from year to year. It is a pleasant challenge to capture something of their personality in a headshot.” While in the library he learned a lot by watching and listening. “While I had my desk in the library,” he said, “I eavesdropped on so many different classes. I heard all the different rabbis, presenters, programs and soaked it up as best I could.” And somewhere along the way, Judaism began to mean something deeper and more personal to him. Mark started to think about converting. “I had been constantly interacting with people living their See Mark Kirchhoff page 2