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N OV E MB E R 7, 2 025 | 1 6 CH E S H VA N | VO L. 1 06 | NO. 04 | CANDLELIGHTING | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 4:53 P.M.
Pay It Forward: Small Gifts. Big Impact.
Omaha Jewish film festival begins MARK KIRCHHOFF JFO Community Engagement and Education Now’s the perfect time to make your plans to attend the 23rd Annual Omaha Jewish Film Festival that opens Sunday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. There is something for everyone and everything is for you. If you haven’t checked out the lineup yet, take a look below!
Building a Stronger Jewish Future - Together: Join Life & Legacy Page 2
Nov. 09 | Bad Shabbos Hosts: Rachel & Daniel Grossman What happens when a picture-perfect Shabbat dinner goes completely off the rails?
The Untested Cookbook Page 5
IDAN ZACCAI JFO Foundation Intern s a graduate student pursuing a degree in Nonprofit Administration with a focus on development, I am honored to be interning this year with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Through my academic journey and hands-on work, I’ve seen how strategic giving and thoughtful stewardship can sustain and strengthen Jewish life for future generations. By combining the insights from my studies with the practical experience at JFOF, I am excited to be part of initiatives like the Pay
A War battered their Berlin hummus bar Page 12
It Forward Endowment Fund that make giving accessible and impactful for our entire Omaha Jewish community. Jewish tradition teaches that building a community through shared giving has lasting spiritual, cultural, and practical impact. Even modest donations help secure a future where all Jewish children can access transformative educational and social experiences. Giving to Omaha’s Jewish community does not require wealth or deep pockets, just a desire to invest in the next generation. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s “Pay It Forward Endowment Fund” was created precisely for that, whether the See Pay it Forward page 3
Omaha Grandson Hits It Out of the Park and Onto ESPN
REGULARS Spotlight Voices Synagogues Life Cycles
SPONSORED BY THE BENJAMIN AND ANNA E. WIESMAN FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND
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SETH SCHUCHMAN Baseball season in Oregon began this summer under gray skies, but for one young player with Omaha roots, the light came from something far brighter than the weather. Twelve-year-old Ayden Roitstein of Beaverton turned his Bar Mitzvah project into an act of generosity that reached from the baseball field to the broader community. A member of
Murrayhill Little League, Ayden raised more than $5,000 for the Oregon District 4 Challenger Little League, an adaptive program for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. “As Ayden becomes a Bar Mitzvah,” Debbie Roitstein said, “Lloyd (Poppy) and I (Bubbe) are so proud of all that he has accomplished and will continue to do so with the help and guidance of his parents, Steve and Stephanie and brother Mycah, as well as the countless others who have supported Ayden. Great-grandparents, of
Ayden Roitstein
blessed memory, Dr. and Mrs Morris Roitstein, would also be so proud of Ayden as he wears his See Jewish stores in sports page 2
Nov. 10 | Swedishkayt: Yidlife Crisis in Stockholm Host: David Finkelstein Enjoy the fun in the discovery of how Yiddish became an official minor language in Sweden. Nov. 11 | Matchmaking2 Hosts: Patty and Steve Nogg Who knew that matchmaking required all these humorous twists, turns and complications? Nov. 12 | The Property Hosts: Mary-Beth and Bruce Muskin A quest for the return of property in Poland becomes a much deeper, personal journey for everyone. Showtime is 6 p.m. in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. You will be treated to free popcorn and bottled water and invited to a post-film discussion. Use the QR code in this article to view trailers and purchase passes – four-entry pass for $15; eight-entry pass for $25; single admission at the door $5. Use the passes in any combination of shows and people. You may also navigate to jewishomaha.org, select the “Our Priorities” drop-down and under “Community Engagement,” click on “Film Festival.” Direct questions to Naomi Fox at 402.334.6424 or nfox@jew ishomaha.org. Thank you to the financial supporters of the 2025 Omaha Jewish Film Festival: Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, Fran and Rich Juro Endowment Fund for the Federation, Etta and Harold Epstein Security Fund, Ruth Frisch & Oscar S. See Film Festival page 2