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MAY 22, 2026 | 06 S IVA N 578 6 | VO L. 1 06 | NO. 31 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, MAY 22, 8: 24 P.M.
Teen Leadership Award LYNN BATTEN JFO Content Coordinator/Gallery Manager
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he Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Brodkey and Asher Tipp are the recipients of the 2025 Robert and Ellen Gordman Jewish Teen Leadership Award. Each year, this award honors two local teens who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Jewish community. Nominees are evaluated based on active participation in youth organizations, demonstrated leadership ability, contributions to strengthening their organizations, and efforts to develop future leadership and community involvement. Each recipient receives a $1,000 stipend to support participation in a conclave, convention, Jewish summer camp, or an Israel experience of their choice. Their names will also be added to a permanent display plaque at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. ELIZABETH “LIZZY” BRODKEY Elizabeth “Lizzy” Brodkey, daughter of Stacie Metz and Marc Brodkey, is a senior at Westside High School. Lizzy is a dedicated Jewish teen leader whose commitment and character have made a meaningful impact across the community. Her involvement in Jewish life is both extensive and multifaceted. Over the past several years, Lizzy has become a role model, with her Jewish
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identity playing a central role in her leadership journey. She has been an active participant and counselor at Camp Sabra, an engaged member of Beth El Synagogue, and a consistent presence in community volunteer efforts, school leadership programs, BBYO, and the performing arts. Lizzy is widely admired for her ability to build trust, bring people together, and lead with integrity. She is especially passionate about empowering her peers and helping them to step confidently into leadership roles. Jewish Federation of Omaha board member, Lisa Lucoff, noted that Lizzy’s involvement and drive have inspired greater participation among
Listening with our eyes
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ERICA BROWN On the plane home from close to a week in Jewish Omaha, I sat reflecting warmly on many wonderful memories. I got to teach agency executives, JCC directors, and JCRC members. I talked about leadership with students and faculty at the University of Nebraska, and led a writing workshop through the Federation. I got a tour of the magnificent JCC campus and saw beautiful artwork on the walls and beautiful four
year old ballerinas in the corridors. I was able to see the inside of two of Omaha’s synagogues and facilitate a conversation with members and teens. I met so many kind people whose families, for generations, have called Omaha home. And I can’t wait to come back in June for Tapestry’s next events. Yet one experience stands out for me that I want to share. After engaging in a rich conversation with the staff of the Friedel Jewish Academy, See Listening with our eyes page 3
Jewish youth, encouraging others to take an active role in the community. “Lizzy has been a positive role model both at BBYO and Beth El,” she said. “She has recruited many girls to BBYO, encouraged their leadership and growth, and has served as a counselor at Camp Sabra, where she continues to inspire younger campers.” As a longtime member of BBYO, Lizzy has served as president of the MZ Yoshanah Chapter and most recently as Omaha BBYO Council N’siah (President), the highest-ranking female teen leader in the council. In this role, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication while managing the full
scope of presidential responsibilities. Idan Zaccai, BBYO & Teen Program Director, describes Lizzy as a leader with a strong work ethic, warmth, and vision. “Elizabeth is a truly inspiring leader,” Zaccai said. “She has a unique ability to balance high-level vision with meaningful one-on-one connections. Her work alongside Asher as a lead organizer for Council programs at Fall Regional Convention (FRC) and Spring Regional Convention (SRC) showcased her commitment to excellence and inclusivity. She hasn't just led our programs; she has mentored the next generation of MZ See Teen Leadership Award page 3
Rachel Goldberg-Polin to speak at Beth El STACIE METZ Beth El Engagement Coordinator Beth El Synagogue is honored to welcome Rachel Goldberg-Polin on Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. for an evening of reflection, resilience, remembrance, and hope. Since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, Goldberg-Polin has become one of the most recognized and compassionate voices advocating for the hostages and their families. Together with her husband, Jon Polin, she brought international attention to the plight of their son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival and later murdered in captivity. Through unimaginable grief, she has continued traveling throughout the country sharing a message centered on humanity, unity, faith, and perseverance. Over the past several months, Jewish communities across the United States have welcomed Goldberg-Polin to synagogues, Jewish Federations, lecture series, and com-
munity programs. Her appearances this spring have included events in cities such as Baltimore, Los Angeles, Long Island, Washington, D.C., San Diego, and New York, where audiences have gathered to hear her deeply personal story and meaningful perspective on resilience in the face of tragedy. “Thrilled to welcome Rachel See Rachel Polin page 2