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MAY 1 6 , 2 02 5 | 1 8 IYA R 578 5 | VO L. 1 05 | NO. 30 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, MAY 16, 8:18 P.M.
Teen Leadership of a convention, conclave, or summer camp under Jewish ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT auspices or a recognized Israel experience. Jewish Press Editor Evan and Ryan are the sons of Traci and Lance Kugler. van and Ryan Kugler are the recipients of the 2024 Robert and Ellen Gordman Teen Leader- They are not the first Kuglers to receive this award; older ship Award. This award honors Jewish teens brother Alex received it in 2022. Evan’s involvement with BBYO includes being a steering who have demonstrated leadership ability in the Omaha Jewish community. Professionals committee member for the 2022 Fall Regional Convention and Communicaand lay leadership tion VP, also known of the Jewish Federas Mazkir. He also ation of Omaha and took on the role of its Agencies, FounVP of Programming dation, and syna(S’gan), was a Regogues are invited gional Coordinating to nominate high Committee memschool students ber and the 2024-25 who have conOmaha Council and tributed to Mother Chapter strengthening an AZA President organization or or(Godol). Ryan was ganizations and dethe VP of Recruitveloping future ment (Moreh) for leaders. two years and is the Among the crite2024 Tree of Life Reria are the ability to cruitment Award develop future leadrecipient. ership among peers, Fo r m e r a willingness to acBBYO Director cept major responEvan and Ryan Kugler Jacob Geltzer has sibilities and see them through to conclusion, and the ability to be a positive known the brothers for five years: “I have seen Ryan develop role model. Every year, up to two teens are selected, and such impressive leadership skills in BBYO,” he said. each receives a $1,000 stipend to participate in their choice See Teen Leadership page 2
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The importance of Israel Page 4
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration Pages 6 and 7
Shabat in the heart of Omaha Page 12
IHE collaborates with Harris Center
CareMATRIX: A passion for helping families
MORGAN GRONINGER JCRC Program and Communications Manager As we enter Jewish American Heritage Month, the Institute for Holocaust Education would like to
ducing Nurse-to-Patient ratios and ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPensuring that residents receive the WRIGHT personalized care they deserve.” Jewish Press Editor Today, together with his sister Originally from Omaha, Harley Gordman is a proud graduate of Mil- Mackenzy, he is the co-owner of lard North High School and earned CareMATRIX. CareMATRIX is a first-of-its-kind his Finance degree from Arizona company in the State University. state of NeHis career began braska, and its in healthcare rereputation is seccruitment, where ond-to-none. he found his pasWhat sets Caresion for helping MATRIX apart is families navigate the hands-on apthe complex proach to the enworld of senior tire process. care. “We are with our “During my clients every step years as a nurse Harley and Mackenzy Gordman of the way—from recruiter specializing in the geriatric division,” the initial intake call, where we take Harley said, “I worked closely with the time to understand the situalong-term care (LTC), assisted liv- tion, to recommending resources to ing, and memory care communities. help get everything in order.” Harley My role involved sourcing, screen- said. That means, staff save families ing, and placing qualified caregivers, valuable time by finding the most which directly contributed to re- See CareMATRIX page 3
recognize the University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies for their outstanding partnership during the 2024-2025 school year. This year, as in years past, the UNL
REGULARS
Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life cycles
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Panelist discussion at UNL Sommerhauser Symposium on Holocaust Education
Harris Center has been an invaluable partner, offering collaboration and support in our shared mission to expand Holocaust education opportunities across Nebraska. From continuing Holocaust education for teachers, to providing a platform for second and third generation survivors to share their stories, the See IHE page 2