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Omaha Dreamin’

The Rabbi’s Son Who Became a Champion: The Story of Barney Ross Page 5

DR. ERICA BROWN 2026 Tapestry: A Celebration of Jewish Learning Scholar-in-Residence Thank you to our community for participating in Tapestry: A Celebration of Jewish Learning 2026. The following reflection was written by Dr. Erica Brown as she concluded her ten days in Omaha. In the coming weeks, we will share a broader overview of Tapestry, highlighting the impact and reach of this community-wide learning experience. For now, we invite you to enjoy Dr. Brown's reflections and

Jacobson Leadership Tomorrow Internship Page 7

DREAM FLIGHT: Ralph Burin’s Unforgettable Journey

Where’s Will? Page 8

REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life Cycles

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MAGGIE CONTI, RBJH Director of Activities and Volunteer Services and LYNN BATTEN, JFO Content Coordinator/Gallery Manager

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, is grounded in the Mitzvah of Mipnei Seiva Takum — to rise and show respect for the aged. This guiding value is brought to life each day through the meaningful relationships formed between staff and residents — relationships rooted in knowing each individual and what matters most to them. Such is the case with resident Ralph Burin. Burin, an Army veteran, See Dream Flight page 2

insights from her time with our community. NAOMI FOX As I think back upon the many faces I encountered during my ten days in Omaha, I have come to understand why the Jewish Federation of Omaha called this innovative learning program “Tapestry.” A tapestry brings together disparate strands into whole cloth. Each weave and stitch contributes to the overall visual effect while retaining its own unique color or texture. I felt the color and texture of community in Omaha See Omaha Dreamin’ page 3

Welcome Home, Benjamin Brodkey! Please join Temple Israel in supporting and learning from Omaha native, Student Cantor Benjamin Brodkey, as he fills in for Cantor Joanna Alexander during her summer sabbatical in Italy and Israel! After completing a year of cantorial school in Jerusalem, Ben will spend the summer at Temple Israel leading worship services, teaching our B’nai Mitzvah students, and offering adult education classes. He will be with us each Friday evening for Shabbat Services at 6 p.m., as well as Saturday morning Torah Study and services, from June 26 through August 1. Ben Brodkey grew up in Omaha and attended Drake University, where he studied vocal music education. He previously served as Assistant Director of Education and Programming at the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines. In addition, he was an inaugural fellow of the Light Lab T’fillah Teaching Fellow-

ship, a NewCAJE Leadership for Emerging Education Professionals Fellow, and earned the Gedola Certificate in Early Childhood Jewish Music Education from Tkiya Music. Benjamin has also served on the faculty of the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Cornerstone Fellowship. He co-chaired the Jewish Federations of North America Changemakers Federation Professionals Network, and was a founding board member of the Simma and Michael Stein Des Moines Jewish Film Series. See Benjamin Brodkey page 2