A N AG E N C Y O F T H E J E W I S H F E D E R AT I O N O F O M A H A
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SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
M AY 2 , 2 02 5 | 4 IYA R 578 5 | VO L. 1 05 | NO. 2 8 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, MAY 2, 8: 0 4 P.M.
DAYS of GIVING DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR MATCHING GIFT OPPORTUNITY FOR UP TO $5,000,000! Colleyville Page 4
Dear Community Members, We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you: we are close to officially announcing a groundbreaking on the expansion of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Thanks to two amazing community champions, Tom Fellman and Howard Kooper, we now have a dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunity for up to $5 million for new pledges and gifts made during the 100 Days of Giving. The RBJH is a crown jewel of our campus, serving the needs of Omaha’s older adult population. The Home belongs to all of us. We ask you to join Tom and Howard and double your impact. “I was blessed to be born into a wonderful family and a wonderful community,” Enhancing the Quality of Life Campaign co-chair Bruce Friedlander said. “My family were experts at helping people. During the time I have spent giving back, I have had three rules: first; take care of yourself and those you love; second, do your job; third, take someone with you. I ask you to follow those rules, too, and join me.” This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care for our residents. The expansion will allow us to meet the
The Untested Cookbook Page 5
GoldFord performs in Omaha Page 12
future of community care by delivering privacy, dignity, and independence through private rooms for residents, which addresses a clear need from our community. Research shows private rooms are better for the physical and mental health of residents. By updating our existing facility and transitioning to all private rooms, we can ensure that the RBJH remains the facility of choice for the Jewish community and that its financial viability is preserved. The 100 Days of Giving and matching gift opportunity runs from now until the end of July. This is a huge kickstart to a final fundraising phase that allows everyone in the community to participate in a meaningful and significant way in this important project. Please see our ad on page 2 for more information. The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is our safety net. Let’s take care of it together. As Bruce Friedlander said, When you save someone, G-d remembers your name. With heartfelt gratitude, EQL CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS, NORM SHELDON, BRUCE FRIEDLANDER, JAN GOLDSTEIN, & MARTY RICKS
Jody & Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence
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Spotlight Voices Synagogues
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ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce Jessi Taylor 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. “As a volunteer/lay leader,” JFO Board Chair Nancy Schlessinger said,
“I am constantly impressed with the professional teams that I have the great opportunity to work with. Jessi has earned this award; her kindness, dedication, and deep commitment to our mission make a real difference every day and I’m so pleased that the JFO Board is recognizing her contributions with this award.” Since 2020, Jessi has worked as the Executive Assistant to the CEO, COO, and JFO Governing Board, becoming a reliable and indispensable member of the team. She is married to Chris and is a mom to a son and stepdaughter. During her first weeks on the job, then-CEO Alan Potash (OBM) asked Jessi to keep an eye on a television show featuring his sons, musicians Ezra and Adeev. Would she please keep an eye out and let him know when it was time to come and watch, because he did not want to miss it.
Jessi Taylor Credit: Mark Kirchhoff
This request highlighted the importance of family within the organization. “Right then I knew this place was different,” Jessi said. “Alan’s request told me how important family
was, not just to Alan, but to the JFO as a whole. As one of my first experiences, it was very telling.” She has gained friends, she said, and a community. “I have been able to build strong relationships and connections here that I cannot imagine my life without,” she added. “This place has become a home. People here have a comfort level with each other that feels more like siblings, like family.” Jessi manages one of the most important areas on our campus, the front desk, and is often called upon to work very late, very early, or on weekends. I’ve often seen her step in to cover front desk shifts when necessary and she is always pleasant and greets the campus guests so kindly. Jessi goes the extra mile, assisting with various projects across departments and agencies. She even played a vital role on the Kleinberg Heritage Center Content Committee. “Jessi serves as a role model for all staff and volunteers who have had See Malashock Award page 2