May 1, 2026

The Jewish Press

Malashock Professional Award

LYNN BATTEN

JFO Content Manager

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce Mark Martin as this year’s recipient of the Jody & Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence. This award is presented annually to a professional in the Omaha Jewish community who has demonstrated exemplary performance in advancing the mission of their organization. The honoree is selected by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors.

During his 13 years as Executive Director of the Staenberg Omaha JCC, Mark has made a profound and lasting impact on the community. From his volunteer service to his professional leadership, Mark has consistently dedicated himself to strengthening, supporting, and advancing Jewish life in Omaha.

“Community means everything to me,” Mark said. “I knew taking on the role of Executive Director would be a tremendous responsibility, but also a great opportunity to give back. The Omaha Jewish community is so unique. It is close-knit and caring. By accepting this role, I knew I could help sustain our community while also growing it for the future.”

When asked about his first memories of the JCC, Mark mentions his parents.

“My parents led by example. From a young age they taught me the importance

See Malashock page 3

Student-to-Student Mayor Ewing to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month

HEIDI HEILBRUNN

IHE & JCRC Program and Communications Manager

Cadee Scheer stood at the front of a packed classroom, holding up a photograph of herself with her great-

grandfather, a Holocaust survivor. As it passed from student to student, she explained the profound impact his legacy had on her life. Scheer, a senior at Millard North High School, was joined by Asher Finkelstein, of Millard South and Liat Frey of Elkhorn South. The Jewish high schoolers visited Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, an allgirls Catholic school, on Monday as ambassadors for Student to Student.

The national initiative, organized locally by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Omaha, brings Jewish students together with See Student-to-Student page 2

HEIDI HEILBRUNN

IHE & JCRC Program and Communications Manager

Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrated each May since its establishment in 2006, honors generations of American Jews who have helped shape the nation’s history and culture.

In Omaha, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society,

and the Jewish Federation of Omaha will host a reception in recognition of the month. Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. will present an official proclamation on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. with refreshments to follow in the Eisenberg Gallery of the Staenberg Omaha JCC.

The JCRC is honored to welcome Omaha’s first Black mayor in celebration of this historic milestone See Jewish Heritage Month page 3

the Jewish communities in Omaha,

Student-to-Student

Continued from page 1 their non-Jewish peers to promote understanding and dismantle stereotypes.

While the three ambassadors each practices Judaism differently, all spoke candidly about their experiences with antisemitism in Omaha. For the Duchesne students, the honesty was impactful.

“I found it shocking all the antisemitism that they face as teenagers my age,” a Duschene student remarked following the presentation.

Pam Monsky, Assistant Director of the JCRC in Omaha, emphasized that these face-toface interactions are vital. "I honestly feel that it’s one of the most effective and simplest ways to combat antisemitism," Monsky said. "Antisemitism is really a fear of the unknown and when Jewish students are in front of their non-Jewish peers explaining what it’s like to be a Jewish teen in Omaha; it breaks down barriers."

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The Jewish teens connected with the students over shared interests like sports, activities and everyday teen life in Omaha, from dances to parties. “Being able to present at Duchesne has given me a new perspective on how important it is to see the differences in everyone’s life even when we all live in the same community,” Student to Student Ambassador Cadee Sheer said.

During the presentation, the Jewish teens also introduced elements of Jewish culture, passing around challah, writing students’ names in Hebrew and performing a mock wedding demonstration. Finkelstein described how his family observes Shabbat, free from the distractions of electronic devices, while Frey spoke about her experience studying abroad in Israel.

“I think it was really amazing to learn more about the culture from kids our age and how they celebrate in the modern society,” commented one student from Duchesne. “I also appreciate

JCRC publishes NonPartisan Jewish voters’ guide

PAM MONSKY

JCRC

Assistant

Director

The JCRC contacted candidates for Congress in Nebraska District 2 and for US Senate and invited them to respond to a questionnaire intended to help Jewish voters better understand each candidate’s positions and priorities. All candidates were invited to respond to the same set of questions. The questions focus on antisemitism, Israel and Middle East foreign policy, democracy and civic norms, healthcare, the economy and accountability.

The candidates featured in the Jewish Voters’ Guide are those who submitted responses. Any candidate not listed did not respond to our request. Responses were limited to a specific number of words and all responses are printed as submitted.

The JCRC is a non-partisan organization that does not endorse or oppose any political parties or candidates. For a printable PDF version or to view the Jewish Voters’ Guide, please visit the JCRC website: https://www.jewishoma ha.org/2026-jewish-voter-guide/

them telling about their hard moments being a Jewish person.” Student to Student originated over 25 years ago in St. Louis, Missouri and became a program of the Jewish Federations of North America in 2025. Now in its second year in Omaha, the program brings Jewish and non-Jewish high school students together to learn about Judaism through personal stories and lived experiences.

To learn more visit the JCRC website: Student to StudentJewish Federation of Omaha.

This day in (Jewish) history

May Day Labor Activism: In the early 20th century, thousands of Jewish garment workers in New York and Philadelphia participated in strikes for better working conditions.

The 1921 Jaffa Riots: On May 1, 1921, 100 Jews were killed by Arabs in Jaffa.

The 1943 Shipping Disaster: On May 1, 1943, Jews traveling from Eretz Yisrael to Malta died when their ship was sunk by a German plane.

Since May 1, 2006, the beginning of Jewish American Heritage Months.

On May 1, 1945, the death of Adolf Hitler was announced.

This year on the Hebrew calendar, May 1 falls on 14 Iyar. Following the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany in the year 1933, the Nazis burned thousands of books written by Jews—and others deemed "Un-German"—on 14 Iyar.

In 1948, during Israel’s War of Independence, Ramat Rachel was repossessed by Israel on 14 Iyar, and the battle for the Jordan Valley was secured.

Finally, in 1960, this was the day Adolf Eichmann, the Nazi architect of the "Final Solution" was captured in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Since 1312 B.C.E., the 14th of Iyar has been the date we celebrate Pesach Sheni, or “Second Passover,” and we eat Matza. It is a day of second chances.

In the Non-Jewish world, on May 1, 1606 the Spanish were the first Europeans to discover Espíritu Santo, Vanuatu - although they thought they discovered Terra Australis (southern continent). In 1707, England and Scotland were united and formed Great Britain. In 1718, Spanish Catholic missionaries established Mission San Antonio de Valero (now known as Alamo), the first of several settlements in what is now San Antonio, Texas.

Malashock

Continued from page 1

of being involved and giving back. Whether it was through their synagogue, the Federation, or JCC, they prioritized taking an active role in the community,” he said.

Mark’s parents sent him to JCC day camp and Esther K. Newman Camp, both fond memories for him. In his teen years Mark was very active in BBYO - a proud member of AZA. He went to college at the University of Texas - Austin where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu before returning to Omaha to work with his family at the Micklin Lumber Company. Factoring in his part-time employment as a teenager, Mark worked at Micklin Lumber for over 40 years. He left the company in 2013.

Mark has always made time to volunteer. In the 1980s, he served on the Cultural Arts and Film Committee. He was a JFO campaign solicitor for 20+ years and served as a committee chair each time the JCC Maccabi Games® were held in Omaha. Mark served on the Building and Grounds committee for 11 years, including the role of Chairman. He’s been a member of the JCC budget committee, an Executive Committee member on the JCC Board of Directors, and a member of JFO Board of Directors. He is also a twotime JCC Volunteer of the Year Award winner and was named Omaha Public Schools Volunteer of the Year.

In 2013 Mark accepted the role of Executive Director at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. Since that time, he has navigated the launch of a new website, a global pandemic, major renovations and additions to the facility, the implementation of a new CRM system, the launch of the Omaha JCC app, improved email communications, and led 100th anniversary celebrations for both BBYO and the JCC.

Steve Zalkin, Board Chair of the Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center Advisory Board, credits much of the organization’s success to Mark’s leadership and commitment.

“One of Mark’s most significant achievements has been growing membership to better support the mission-based agencies of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. When Mark assumed leadership, the JCC had approximately 1,700 paying members. Today, that number has grown to 3,500. Mark has welcomed a diverse audience into Jewish spaces and has modeled inclusivity and outreach. His work has reinforced that JCC professionals must not only serve their immediate constituencies, but also strengthen their connections throughout the wider community,” Zalkin said. “Through both volunteer and professional roles, Mark has modeled what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, and purpose. He has shown that Jewish communal work can be both missiondriven and fiscally responsible.”

The growth over the past 13 years has been undeniable. Even during the pandemic, the J saw growth, gaining more new members than any JCC in the country. The organizational chart has grown from six departments to ten, with numerous programs seeing a steady increase in registration. Collaborations with outside organizations have helped the J broaden its reach, gaining meaningful exposure to diverse communities throughout Omaha. The J has also evolved into a “destination” community center, with 29% of its members traveling from beyond a five-mile radius to use the facilities and participate in programs.

Mark’s proficiency has also assisted the Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center in obtaining full National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation for the past ten years, an achievement only 10% of pre-schools attain. The JCC Summer Camp program has also obtained prestigious American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation for the past several years. Mark is particularly proud of these accomplishments because he knows they will make a substantive impact on future generations.

“My favorite part of this job is seeing kids grow up; to watch them learn and grow through all stages of their life. I take great pride in knowing that their time spent at the JCC is helping prepare them for the future,” he said.

Bob Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, agrees. "This award reflects Mark’s consistent leadership and deep commitment to the Staenberg Omaha JCC. He brings both thoughtfulness and strategic focus to his role, ensuring the JCC remains welcoming, forward-thinking, and responsive to the needs of our community," he said.

On any given day, the JCC is thriving with activity. Ron Feldman, Chair of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board, credits this to Mark’s leadership.

“Mark has guided the JCC to record levels in all areas. Summer camp programs sell out quickly with a record number of campers. The men's health club has a waiting list; the woman's health club is at 100% capacity; overall membership is close to record highs. Though the JCC's business model is different than any of the other agencies, Mark continues to be a positive role model for other Agency Directors. They look to him for guidance and direction,” Feldman said.

Mark is adamant that all of the accomplishments would not have been possible without his family, friends, staff members, and community members.

“There are many people I need to thank,” Mark said. “I couldn’t have done any of this without my family: Julie, David, Lindsey, Daniel and Rachel. There have been many late nights, many weekend hours, and holiday hours worked. Through it all my family has been supportive and understanding. I’m also deeply grateful to Michael Staenberg, Tom Fellman, and Howard Kooper (of blessed memory) for entrusting me to lead the JCC through its renovation. I’m thankful to all of the past and present members of JFO leadership, Board Presidents, professional leaders, lay leaders, volunteers, and staff. None of this would have been possible without them. It truly takes a community, and I am honored to serve on their behalf,” Mark said. “Together we really can accomplish great things.”

Please join us in honoring Mark on Thursday, June 4 at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Awards Night & Annual Meeting. The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a dessert reception. Those attending are asked to RSVP in advance at www.jewishomaha.org

Jewish Heritage Month

Continued from page 1

nd the deep, shared history of our communities in Omaha. Building strong relationships across Omaha’s diverse communities, particularly between the Jewish and Black communities, is at the heart of the JCRC’s mission, highlighted by its ongoing ReKindle Black–Jewish Dialogue initiative. Sharon Brodkey, JCRC Executive Director, said Ewing’s role in recognizing the month carries special significance.

“It reflects a milestone in our city’s history and a shared commitment between our communities to honor our pasts while building a more inclusive and united future,” Brodkey said.

“The Black and Jewish experiences in Omaha are distinct, but also intertwined - rooted in resilience, partnership, and a common pursuit of justice and opportunity.”

Jewish settlers first arrived in Nebraska in 1855 and have since played a vital role in shaping the state’s communities and civic life. Jewish Nebraskans have contributed as business owners and public servants, serving as mayors, council members, state senators, and members of the United States Senate, as well as working within the judicial system.

“Our success in Nebraska life has been because the Jewish community has recognized the need for civic involvement. Working together with the Black community has helped us form civic partnerships for the betterment of us all. We have been guided by the principles of tikkun olam – healing the entire world – and not just the block that we live on,” said Jane Rips, Executive Director of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society.

Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to highlight Jewish achievements and contributions, foster pride within the Jewish community and create opportunities for the public to learn about Jewish history and culture. The JCRC says that sharing these stories builds understanding and strengthens the greater community.

To RSVP for the reception, please scan the QR code (right).

Hey Creighton fans!

MUSHKA TENENBAUM

Chabad of Nebraska

Got plans on May 3? You do now. Come hang out with us before the Creighton vs. DePaul softball game (first pitch at noon) for a fun, laid-back kosher tailgate starting at 10:30 a.m.!

We’re getting together ahead of the game to snack, connect, and cheer on the Jewish players on both teams—so whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a great community vibe, you’re totally welcome.

We’ll have kosher snacks, good company, and plenty of Bluejay spirit to go around. Then we’ll head into the game together — tickets are just $5 with our group rate, so it’s an easy yes.

Huge shoutout to Maren Angus-Coombs and Zachary Klein for helping make this happen!

Come early, bring a friend, and let’s make some noise for Creighton

https://am.ticketmaster.com/creighton/buy/soft ballsinglegame?promocode=Q1VK

Standing on their Shoulders: Rediscovering Federation Presidents J. Harry Kulakofsky

MARTY

RICKS

NJHS Advisory Board Member

For much of his life, J. Harry Kulakofsky worked in the family business. Like many leaders of his era, his story is not only one of business success. It is about how that success translated into a life of communal responsibility, and how leadership, at its best, is built through partnership.

while also contributing at the regional and national levels.

The Kulakofsky family story begins in a familiar way. Harry’s father, Michael, immigrated from Lithuania in 1889 and built a reputation in Omaha for selling quality products at reasonable prices. That foundation led to the creation of Central Market, a downtown grocery that, for decades, stood as one of Omaha’s premier food establishments. Built by family and sustained across generations, it became known not just for what it sold, but for the standard it set.

The store itself reflected both ambition and scale. It occupied multiple floors and required constant coordination of storage, delivery, and customer service in the heart of downtown Omaha. It was a business shaped by hard work, adaptation, and attention to detail. Those traits carried forward into the next generation. Among the family connections was Harry’s uncle, Reuben, often credited as the creator of the Reuben sandwich, a small but memorable footnote in a much larger story of immigrant enterprise in Omaha.

By the time Harry came of age, the business was already established, but like many second-generation leaders, he helped carry it forward while navigating change. As Omaha expanded west and larger grocery chains emerged, Central Market faced increasing pressure. The family responded by evolving the business, ultimately transforming it into a meat foodservice company, Ak-Sar-Ben Beef Company, supplying restaurants and institutions both locally and nationally. This ability to adapt while preserving core values became a defining feature of Harry’s broader leadership.

That leadership extended well beyond the family enterprise. Harry was deeply involved in the Jewish community, serving as chairman of the Federation’s Philanthropies Campaign and on multiple committees before becoming president from 1953 to 1955. He reflected the model of Federation leadership of his time. He was not focused on a single initiative, but on strengthening the entire fabric of Jewish communal life. He understood that institutions, relationships, and shared responsibility were all essential to sustaining a vibrant community. His contributions were wide-ranging. He helped support the formation of the Dr. Philip Sher Home for the Aged, was a founder of Beth El Synagogue, and played an active role in Israel Bonds. At the same time, he was engaged in the broader civic life of Omaha through the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. He was part of a generation of leaders who saw no divide between their Jewish commitments and their responsibilities to the wider community.

Harry’s story cannot be fully understood without recognizing the partnership that helped shape it. His wife, Sadie, was not simply part of the story. She was a leader in her own right whose work both complemented and expanded the family’s impact.

As her granddaughter Saranne Gitnick would later reflect, “Sadie was not accustomed to domestic chores and got involved right away in Jewish activities.” What followed was a lifetime of leadership. Sadie served as president of NCJWOmaha, Beth El Sisterhood, and the local chapter of Hadassah,

In Federation life, she was a committed fundraiser and advocate, becoming Omaha’s first Woman of Valor for her role in the sale of $100,000 in Israel Bonds. Her work extended well beyond the Jewish community, including involvement with the Joslyn Museum, the NAACP, the Urban League, the Red Cross, and the Omaha Library Board. Together, Harry and Sadie represented a model of leadership rooted in service, shared purpose, and sustained engagement.

That partnership was recognized nationally in 1965, when Harry and Sadie received the Herbert Lehman Humanitarian Award on behalf of the State of Israel. At the testimonial dinner in their honor, C.M. “Nick” Newman, then chairman of the Omaha Israel Bond Committee and himself a future Federation president, offered remarks that connected their contributions to a broader legacy of leadership within the community. He described the tribute as recognition of “two humanitarians who have never ceased to labor for the welfare of all mankind,” and as an expression of the community’s gratitude for the generosity and goodwill that helped make Omaha “a better place in which to live.”

That sense of continuity continues to this day. While many members of the Kulakofsky family have since moved beyond Omaha, the legacy endures both in memory and in action. Janie, the only remaining family member still living in Omaha, continues that tradition through her active volunteer work, contributing her time and knowledge to the Council Bluffs B’nai Israel Synagogue and the Living History Museum. She was married to Alan Kulakofsky, who later led the family business as CEO, reflecting the continued role of the family in shaping both Omaha’s business and community life.

The family’s commitment is also carried forward through the Sadie S. and J. Harry Kulakofsky Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. The fund supports leadership education and training for future generations and helps ensure that the kind of leadership Harry embodied continues to be developed and sustained.

In looking back on Harry Kulakofsky’s presidency, we see more than a moment in time. We see a model of leadership shaped by family, strengthened through partnership, and carried forward across generations. It is a reminder that Federation has always depended not only on those who step forward to lead, but on the broader network of individuals and families who sustain that work, generation after generation.

Series Note: We thank the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society for preserving these stories and invite readers to share memories, photographs, or family connections that can help us rediscover the lives of those who built our community. Standing on their shoulders, we continue their work.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha Past Presidents Series is a collaboration between the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS) and the Jewish Press. For questions or more information about NJHS, please contact Executive Director Jane Rips at jrips@jewishomaha.org or visit nebraskajhs.com.

Mazel Moments at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home

MAGGIE CONTI

RBJH Director of Activities and Volunteer Services

“Mazel Moments” continued throughout April with the glitz and glamour of New York City. Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home enjoyed a Frank Sinatra tribute concert by Mr. Memories, Joe Taylor, as well as a performance featuring the music of the piano man, Billy Joel, by Merrymaker Mark Sanford. We fired up the grill on the patio for classic New Yorkstyle hot dogs, while taking in the beautiful weather. Residents also explored fascinating facts about the Statue of Liberty with historical speaker Darrel Draper. To round out the experience, we enjoyed documentaries and films celebrating the City That Never Sleeps and, of course, learned about its claim to the best bagels in the world. Special thanks to the generosity of the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation for helping make this a true NYC Mazel Moment!

The annual Graduation Issue will publish this year on May 22, 2026. Senior photos will run in that issue and we know you’ll want to highlight the achievements of your high school graduate! Congratulatory ads are available in two sizes. Limit of 25 words.

We are so proud of your achievements –membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from the Band.

varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from

Dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents We are so proud of your achievements – membership in

SP O TLIGHT

Art Restitution

JACKIE HAJDENBERG

JTA

A new U.S. law removing a deadline for laying claim to art looted during the Holocaust has gone into effect after President Donald Trump signed it on Monday.

The 2025 Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act, or HEAR Act, expands on a 2016 law, signed by President Barack Obama, that permits victims and descendants of victims of the Holocaust to lay legal claim to works of art looted by the Nazis or sold to the Nazis under false pretenses.

That law included a controversial “sunset clause” that required all claims of artwork looted by the Nazis to be filed by the end of this year.

That clause has been removed, and the revised act permits families to file a lawsuit within six years of the discovery of looted artwork.

The law also further protects those seeking to retrieve their family’s looted property by preventing the current holders from using certain legal tactics unrelated to the subject matter — such as requesting to switch courts — during proceedings.

“For years, the sunset clause cast a shadow over every survivor and family whose stolen art is still missing,” Joel Greenberg, president of Art Ashes, a nonprofit that helps families recover their looted art, said in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “Now they can seek due process without the pressure of time and deadlines.”

Hundreds of thousands of pieces of fine art were looted from their Jewish owners by the Nazis, often by forced sales in the early years of the Nazi regime. Efforts to reunite the works with their owners or their descendants have been guided by an array of laws governed by an international compact including nearly two dozen countries. Restitution claims frequently ignite extensive legal battles.

The revision goes into effect just days after one of the most significant recent rulings in the restitution space. Last week, a judge ruled after a decade-long legal battle that a painting by Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, once valued at around $25 million, must be returned to the descendants of its original owner, who was forced to sell the painting to the Nazis. The painting had been in the possession of a prominent New York-based real estate and art dealer family since 1996.

A Note from Jerusalem

NANCY COREN

The past two days here in Jerusalem have been very strange. We have had a ceasefire with Iran and suddenly, there are people back on the street in massive numbers. The light rail is crowded again, and markets are full of customers purchasing products. At home, we notice how good it feels to have a full night’s sleep without hearing a siren; how good it feels to not worry about whether or not one has time to take a shower without hearing a siren; how good it feels to meet friends once again sharing conversation and food without hearing a siren. Yet, there is another strange aspect to this normal time. No one I know expects it to last. We feel as if we’re waiting for the proverbial “other shoe” to drop. We appreciate having time to be able to let our emotions and heightened sense of alertness be tamped down, but we recognize that this is most likely the lull before the continuation of the war with Iran. Last night, I even considered sleeping in our master bedroom. Charlie and I have been sleeping in our safe room for over a month so we wouldn’t have to run across the hall upon hearing an alert. This morning while looking around our safe room, I realized that the steel shuttered window hadn’t been opened since Oct. 7, 2023. Keeping it closed and locked has allowed us not to have to fiddle with it when missiles have been coming our way whether from Gaza, Yemen, or Iran.

“This

Tonight, the lobby of our apartment building was decorated for a festive gathering celebrating the recent engagement of a young couple who had made aliyah from England. Food and drink were plentiful, guests of all ages filled the space. It was

joyous. The elephant in the room was the looming prospect that in a day or perhaps a week such gatherings of more than 50 people might once again be prohibited by the Home Front Command directives.

What is most impressive, however, is that the zest for life here is apparent even after a month of restrictions and being on edge. We still welcome new babies with naming and brit milah ceremonies. We still celebrate engagements and weddings. And in a week, we will commemorate the Holocaust in living rooms across the country with survivors and children of survivors telling their stories.

Am Yisrael really does live in the best sense of what it means to be truly alive!

The sax man

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewsish Press Editor

In February of this year, The Sunriser, the Sunrise Country Club Newsletter published a lovely story about Don Rice. We are sharing a portion of it here.

On Jan. 15th, Don held his 25th Jazz concert at Sunrise Country Club. As usual, the event was sold out.

It all started in Omaha, Nebraska, where Don was born Jan. 3, 1928. He has witnessed a lot of change over the years, but one constant has been his love of playing the saxophone. He recalls being almost ten when his parents took him to a meeting at school to pick out an instrument. Originally, he chose the clarinet, but soon swapped it for the sax. His music teacher was a trumpet player, so the finger methods Don learned were not meant for the saxophone. Whenever anyone notices it, Don says “It’s just how I was taught.”

In the 1940s, a musician had to belong to the union to play professionally. When Don was 16, his parents signed the consent form, Don joined the union, and began his musical career. Dancing was big in those days; his band played every Friday night at the high school. In the summer months, he performed with a different band all over the Midwest.

Don attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, married in 1950 and the couple raised four children. Although he wanted to be a full-time musician, he kept his day job to support his family and only played on weekends.

Don’t band was the first to perform at the Joslyn

Art Museum. He also played every year for three decades at the Allbright-Knox Art Gallery Jazz Series in Buffalo, New York.

In the late 1980s, after losing his wife of 38 years to cancer, Don moved to Rancho Mirage. While adjusting to life without her, he took a break from music. In time, however, he came back to the music scene-which gave him a warm welcome. He had a regular gig at Sullivan’s Steakhouse; he had a special knack for energizing the room and connecting with the audience. One night he played Frank Sinatra’s “I Wish I Knew” at Chaplin’s, only to look up afterwards and see Sinatra and his wife Barbara in the crowd, clapping with delight.

Don’s other life-long passion is tennis. Although he started out playing golf, even won a few tournaments, he gave it up when the golf carts made their entrance. He decided he needed something with more exercise, tried tennis, and loved it. Although he doesn’t play anymore, he still hits the fitness center twice daily. His current routine is two 20-minute sessions on the treadmill, with a reading break in between. Mystery novels, in case you wondered.

ORGANIZATIONS

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The award-winning B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS speaker program currently meets Wednesdays via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. Please watch our email for specific information concerning its thought-provoking, informative list of speakers. To be placed on the email list, contact Breadbreakers chair at gary.javitch@gmail.com

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The Jewish Press

(Founded in 1920)

David Finkelstein

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Annette van de Kamp-Wright

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Will Fischer

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ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT

Jewish Press Editor

The first headline I read on the Jewish Telegraphic Agency’s website today: “Police eye Iran involvement as three London synagogues are targeted in arson attacks.” The homepage for global news continued with a story about the French appeals court rejecting “the antisemitism charge in the poisoning of Jewish family by nanny,” and a farright lawmaker in Poland calling Israel “the new Third Reich.” There were additional stories about antisemitic events from Dublin, from Italy, from South Korea, Hungary, Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands-the list is long. Our list of friends is getting shorter by the minute.

And they wonder why we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Then, just as I thought it’s bad everywhere, Argentinian president Javier Milei popped up on my news feed.

“There he was, weeping again at the Western Wall,” Grace Gilson wrote. “There he was, receiving the Presidential Medal of Honor for his leadership and support for Israel. And there he was, lighting a torch for the Independence Day festivities as the first foreign leader ever to do so.”

Three days in Israel, including a rehearsal for the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, saw him dancing and singing and connecting. Allegedly, minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was asked to give up his seat at the national ceremony, and left in a huff. Allegedly.

Of course, there was also disagreement about the selection of the other torch-lighters and the gov-

ernment’s handling of, well, everything since October 7 and an alternative ceremony was held in Tel Aviv.

But, but. Watching one foreign head of state show up, and declare his love for Israel is not nothing. Mind you, it’s not great that we have to be thankful, because it is an anomaly. And still, I feel good today. This Yom Ha’atzmaut, someone reminded me early this morning, is for all Jews, no matter where we live. Luckily, I have an Independence Day party to go to tonight.

Celebrating in times of crisis is always tricky, and yet we should be sort-of used to it by now. During many of our holidays, we commemorate both suffering and joy, oppression and freedom, war and liberation. Except now, the strife is ongoing. This is not a story we tell about something that happened a long time ago, it’s now. We have to mix our very fresh grief and joy in real time, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. One of the biggest lessons Judaism teaches us is that joy always remains a must, no matter what.

“You are a child of G d; you create the news.” Every now and then, while thoughts tumble over

each other, fighting for space in my head, I hear or read something that stops me in my tracks. It’s like a mental pause button, and I am forced to stop whatever I am doing.

Days before Purim, Israeli Chana Margulies wrote these words:

“The Iron Dome interceptions overhead were loud, but even louder was the laughter of a little girl curled up in my lap as we sat in the bomb shelter at shul together on Shabbat. Yes, there is danger. But this is not a time for fear. It is a time for celebration like never before.”

And then she said something really striking:

And maybe that’s it, perhaps we should approach this whole life and this entire meshugenah world with more self-determination. Putting ourselves back in charge, really understanding that the antisemites do not get to make the call, decide who is right and who is wrong, that we won’t give them the oxygen. They don’t like us? Feh. What else is new? As long as we know who we are, their words cannot be allowed to have meaning. We are not passive, we create the news.

Can Israel endure on human effort alone?

RABBI ELAZAR SYMON

JTA

Psalm 127 begins this way: “A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless God builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

It’s an idea that has always stuck with me: Human beings cannot truly build alone. What we build by ourselves, the psalmist suggests, cannot ultimately endure.

And yet one of the most beloved songs sung in Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut insists: “I built a house in the Land of Israel.” Human initiative — human courage, labor, and creativity — stands at the heart of the Zionist ethos. Even in religious communities, where the day is marked by the recitation of Hallel, a prayer of gratitude to God, the name of the day itself — Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day — centers the human story.

Some Jews objected to the State of Israel for precisely this reason. But even if we assume, as I do, that the founding of the state was a positive event — and that human beings are not only permitted but sometimes obligated to shape the world they wish to inhabit — the verse still presses its question: “Unless God builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

How can we reconcile the empowering experience of human capability, the blessed ideal of independence, with the humble, reflective religious voice that insists we cannot build anything alone? And what does this mean for how Jews should relate to the phenomenon called the State of Israel?

One possible answer lies in the psalm preceding my opening quote, one that we regularly sing during Birkat Hamazon for Shabbat and festivals: “God, restore our fortunes like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, they shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.” (Psalm 126:4–6)

The psalm begins with a plea: “God, restore our fortunes.” The speaker recognizes that redemption requires divine help. But immediately afterward the poem turns back to human action: “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

For many years I understood this verse in a simple way: the road is difficult, but in the end things

will turn out well. That was until I encountered the following teaching from Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel of Apta (the Apter Rebbe):

In this lies the essence of faith and trust: the person who sows diminishes their wealth by spending it on seed, and exerts themselves in the labor of the field—in fertilizing, plowing, and harvesting—because they trust that later they will gain much from it…

The lazy person folds their hands, for they lack faith and trust. They say in their heart. ‘Why should I trouble myself, diminishing my wealth on seed and exhausting my strength in working the land, when it is all uncertain?— perhaps nothing will grow!’ Surely anyone who sees such a person will laugh and say they are a complete fool, a madman. (Siftei Tzaddikim, Nevi’im, on Hosea 10:12)

This awareness creates a double responsibility. On the one hand, we must continue sowing the

in a

The most basic act of a person of faith, the Apter Rebbe suggests, is to sow. Sowing is a gamble. There is something irrational about it. Who says anything will grow? Who guarantees that the builders’ labor will not be in vain? And yet — it would be madness not to sow. One cannot live without trust in the future.

In this sense, sowing is a powerful model for holding the tension between confidence in human action and submission to divine providence. The sower is active and engaged, yet never deludes themselves into thinking they are fully in control. The very fact that the process leading to germination is hidden from sight reminds them that while they must sow carefully, the outcome is not entirely in their hands. This is why, on Yom Ha’atzmaut we can sing: “I built a house in the Land of Israel.” We celebrate the freedom that Jews longed for across generations to build and plant in their land.

And yet honesty demands that we admit something difficult: We do not know whether this national home will endure, or whether, God forbid, “those who build it labor in vain.” Israel faces formidable challenges — external and internal, physical and spiritual. We are threatened by enemies beyond our borders, but also by dangers within: baseless hatred, violence, and the profound difficulty of wielding power responsibly — failures that, in different forms, brought previous Jewish national endeavors to ruin.

seeds of the great dream of return. On the other hand, we must continually examine ourselves, ensuring that we leave room for God to join us in building this house, cultivate patience and strive to be morally worthy of the project.

In Israel, not only seeds are planted in the earth. Sons and daughters, mothers and fathers are buried as well, lowered into the ground with tears by loving hands and hearts full of doubt, struggling to believe that their loss will not be in vain.

Our partnership in building this house means that we also bear the terrible cost of its construction. That is why the celebration of Independence Day is preceded by the grief of Memorial Day, Yom Hazikaron, when we pause before the joy and sit with the pain. This year, my family’s connection to the day was redefined as we marked the first Yom Hazikaron since my nephew, Yishai Elyakim Urbach, fell in Gaza one year ago, a few weeks after setting out to build his own home.

Even here we carry a double and paradoxical responsibility: to continue showing up for the work of building, ready to bear its cost, and at the same time never to stop imagining a world where sacrifices are no longer a necessity. For if God truly joins us in building this house, it cannot remain only ours.

Rabbi Elazar Symon is the beit midrash community coordinator for Hadar Israel. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

Synagogues

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

Monthly Speaker Series Service, Friday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. with Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Omaha Field Office. 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. 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: Tot Shabbat 6 p.m. with Dinner; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.

SATURDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah Shabbat, 10 a.m at Beth El and Live Stream; Jr. Congregation (Grades K12), 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 9 p.m. Zoom Only.

SUNDAY: BESTT (Grades K-7), 9:30 a.m.; Third Grade Siddur Celebration, 11 a.m.

MONDAY: The Bible With And Without Jesus 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Abraham & Pastor Johnson at St. Luke.

TUESDAY: Sefer HaMiddot 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT (Grades 3-7), 4 p.m.; Hebrew High (Grades 8-12), 6 p.m.; Exploring Torah, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Abi Taylor-Abt

THURSDAY: The Bible With And Without Jesus 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Abraham & Pastor Johnson at St. Luke; Fruitful Healing Grief Group, 6 p.m. with Wendy Hill at Beth El.

FRIDAY-May 8: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El and Live Stream.

SATURDAY-May 9: Simcha Shabbat, 10 a.m at Beth El and Live Stream; Jr. Congregation (Grades K-12), 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 9:10 p.m. Zoom Only. Please visit bethel-omaha.org for additional information and service links.

FRIDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:04 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 7:05 p.m.; Mincha 7:50 p.m.; Kids Activity/ Laws of Shabbos, 8:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:08 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Beth Israel Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m.; Tomer Devorah & Kabbalah, 3 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:10 p.m.

MONDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Monday Mind Builders, 4 p.m.; Lag B’Omer/MMB CLosing Event 4 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv

8:10 p.m.

TUESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Character Development, 1:30 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv 8:10 p.m.

THURSDAY: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:10 p.m.

FRIDAY-May 8: Torah from Omaha, 6:45 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:11 p.m.

SATURDAY-May 9: Shabbos Café, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 10:30 a.m.; Youth Class 10:45 a.m.; Soulful Torah 7:15 p.m.; Mincha 8 p.m.; Kids Activity/Laws of Shabbos 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:17 p.m.

Please visit orthodoxomaha.org for additional information and Zoom service links.

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; Inspirational Shabbat at Omaha, 7 p.m. ochabad.com/ brk26; Candlelighting, 8:03 p.m.

SATURDAY: nspirational Shabbat at Omaha, all day until 9 p.m. ochabad.com/brk26; Shacharit 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:08 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 p.m. with David Cohen; Translating Words of Prayer, 7 p.m. with David Cohen.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Aramaic Grammar, 10 a.m. with David Cohen; Lag Baomer Celebration, 6-8 p.m. RSVP at ochabad.com/lagbaomer

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-May 8: Shacharit 8 a.m.; Lechayim, 5:30 p.m., go to ochabad.com/lechayim to join; Candlelighting, 8:11 p.m.

SATURDAY-May 9: Shacharit 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Cholent; Shabbat Ends, 9:16 p.m.

LINCOLN JEWISH COMMUNITY: B’NAI JESHURUN & TIFERETH ISRAEL

Services facilitated by Rabbi Alex Felch. All services offered in-person with live-stream or teleconferencing options.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Celebrating Lag B’Omer

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT

Jewish Press editor

Lag B’Omer comes annually on the 18th day of Iyar, which is the 33rd day of the Omer count, and May 5 on the gregorian calendar this year.

It is celebrated with bonfires, parades, outdoor fun, and music. Like all Jewish holidays, it begins at sundown, so you can start your festivities the evening of May 4.

Lag B’Omer is a minor holiday, and it marks a break in what is traditionally a mourning period, so you can get married, get a haircut (lots of little three-year-old boys are having their Upsherin, their first haircut, on this day). The adults can get a shave, if they want.

Why is this a mourning period? During this season, a plague killed thousands of Rabbi Akiva‘s students because they did not treat one another respectfully. The mourning behavior is presumably in memory of those students and their punishment. That plague allegedly

ended on Lag B’Omer, so that gives us reason to celebrate.

led by Rabbi Alex at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:05 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study 12:30 p.m. on Parashat Emor via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:09 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Classes Delayed Start for Marathon, 10 a.m.; Men’s Bike/Coffee Group, 10:30 a.m. at Rock 'N' Joe Coffee, 5025 Lindberg St, Lincoln. For more information or questions please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail. com

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Hebrew School, 4:30-6 p.m.

FRIDAY-May 8: LJCS Shabbat, 6:30-7:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Alex at SST followed by an Oneg; Shabbat Candlelighting, 8:12 p.m.

SATURDAY-May 9: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study, 12:30 p.m. on Parashat Behar-Bechukotai via Zoom; Havdalah, 9:18 p.m.

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.

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; Shabbat Shira 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; Grade 5 and 6 Lunch and Learn 11:30 a.m. In-Person; Grade PreK Havdalah, 4 p.m. In-Person.

SUNDAY: Grades PreK=7, 9:30 a.m. In-Person; Book Club, 10:30 a.m. In-Person.

TUESDAY: An exploration of Mordechai Kaplan: a Learning Series, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Bienstock — InPerson & Zoom; Mah Jongg Made Easy, 1:30 p.m. InPerson.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m.; Mah Jongg Made Easy 1:30 p.m. In-Person; Grades 3-6, 4:30 p.m. InPerson; Hebrew CHAI: Grades 8-12 6 p.m. In-Person.

THURSDAY: The Zohar: Thursday Morning Class, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Sharff — In-Person & Zoom; Joint Choir Concert, 7 p.m. at Countryside Community Church — In-Person.

FRIDAY-May 8: Drop-In Mah Jongg, 9 a.m. In-Person; Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m. RSVP Required — In-Person; Classic Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-May 9: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. InPerson & Zoom.

Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

Now, the word “plague” may have a different meaning than what you’re thinking. In the year 132 C.E., Bar Kochba, led a fierce but unsuc-

cessful revolt against Roman rule in Judea. Rabbi Akiva was his follower, and pinned his hopes on a political victory over Rome. He also believed Bar Kochba to be the long-awaited Messiah. Many of his students joined him in backing the revolt and were killed along with thousands of Judeans when it failed. Talmudic rabbis may have referred to that as a ‘plague.’

A completely different reason for the holiday concerns one of Rabbi Akiva’s few disciples who survived the Bar Kochba revolt, Rabbi Simeon bar Yohai. He is said to have died on Lag Ba’omer.

Because there is always more than one explanation (or two, or three) some authorities attribute the joy of Lag Ba’omer to the belief that the manna that fed the Israelites in the desert first appeared on the 18th of Iyar.

As long as you are safe, and Nebraska has no red flag warnings in effect, you can celebrate with a bonfire, which symbolizes the light Rabbi Simeon Bar Yohai brought into the world.

Life Cycles

BBYO rolls out the red carpet

MARK MARTIN

Omaha Staenberg JCC Executive Director

Omaha BBYO held its first ever Golden Cob Awards on April 12th at the Omaha Staenberg JCC.

It was a night dedicated to celebrating the achievements, leadership, and spirit of Omaha BBYO's Alephs and BBGs.

With over 80 teens, parents, alumni, and community members in attendance, we started the evening with a

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reception of hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats, and refreshments. Afterwards, attendees moved into the Alan J Levine Performing Arts Theater for a program filled with awards, recognizing outstanding members and programs.

In addition, we watched several videos highlighting the programming year, and keynote speeches from leaders and community members.

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Where are they now: Carrie Roitstein News

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT

Jewish Press Editor

Omaha native Dr. Carrie Roitstein, daughter of Debbie and Lloyd, calls Chicago home these days. Dr. Roitstein is an optometrist, as well as a Board-Certified Personalized Nutrition Practitioner and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.

As an optometrist, she focuses on overall wellness and is regularly published in industry magazines. In October of 2025, she was named to the Visible Genomics Strategic Advisory Board. Visible Genomics’ mission is to promote personalized, preventative care. With more than 30 years of experience in the optometry industry, Dr. Roitstein brings deep clinical expertise and a passion for preventative eye health.

She combines her expertise of medical wellness with the latest technology diagnosing and treating eye conditions. She works with the newest technology in specialty contact lenses and specialized eyeglass lenses in the industry. She is a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry, board certified as a Personalized Nutrition Practitioner and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. In addition to providing her patients with premium eyecare, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society. She also shares her expertise as author of the nutrition column for Optometry Times publication.

What is the genomics strategic advisory board? I serve on the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society Board

to increase awareness of worldwide evidence-based nutrition and wellness strategies to healthcare providers, scientists, and the public. As a collective group, we aim to change the course of vision loss and poor health. We are passionate about saving sight and providing an unbiased representation of well-designed studies. The Visible Genomics Strategic Advisory Board is to use scientific data guiding advanced genetic testing for AMD (Age-related macular degeneration). We ensure precise assessments at every stage, providing clarity and proactive solutions for AMD management. And most recently, joined the Women in Optometry professional advisory board playing a critical role in guiding editorial direction for the platform and alerting editors to important topics and issues.

What does Omaha mean to you?

Omaha is home. Although I do not live in Omaha, it is where my family lives, and the place I return. My Jewish tradition was born and nourished in Omaha, through strong family bonds and community involvement at Beth El Synagogue.

How do you explain in layman’s terms what you do for a living?

I am an optometrist with two independent practices in the Chicagoland area. In recent years, I furthered my education with a board certification as a Personalized Nutrition Practitioner and Integrative Health coaching. I provide personalized eyecare with an integrative medicine approach. So, I integrate nutrition, health and wellness into each eye exam. This may include lifestyle counseling and treatment options around chronic disease, makeup products, sleep, supplements, diet, work environment, and more. My practice also specializes in very niche contact and eyeglass lens for migraines, myopia, irregular corneas, dry eyes, color blindness, and neurological disorders. Also, we are incorporating new pulsed light (IPL) and low-level light (LLL) therapies to treat eyelid laxity, dry eyes and macular degeneration with new technology recently

FDA approved.

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science, from the Illinois College of Optometry with a doctorate in Optometry and Bachelor in Vision Science, from the American Nutrition Association with a Board certification as a Personalized Nutrition Practitioner and from the Institute of Integrative Health with an Integrative Health Coach certification.

What are the three most important things you learned from your parents?

My parents always encouraged me to do my best. They were great role models with a great work ethic while juggling the day-to-day work-life balance that we all are challenged with at some point in our lives.

What’s Chicago like for an Omaha native?

Chicago offers all the best of a big city without feeling like a big city. There is culture, food, beaches, nightlife, shopping, and more, with midwestern vibes. Each day offers something new, even the horrible traffic! I always say if the winters were not so cold, everyone would want to live in Chicago.

What can you tell us about your focus on “overall wellness?”

The health care system in the US is very broken. I look forward to discussing preventative measures with my patients, friends and family through an integrative or personalized medicine lens using nutrition and lifestyle modifications to prevent and treat disease. It doesn’t stop at eye disease. We have to look at the body holistically to solve problems. As eye doctors, we have to look beyond eyes to solve problems.

What am I forgetting to ask?

I am excited for the new changes promoting “food as medicine” with the most recent updates to dietary guidelines for Americans.