welcome to our new members! - beth el synagogue...

Sivan - Tamuz - Av 5778 June/July 2018

• David & Monica Ben-Zion, Isaiah and Moses

• Mathew Fuerst & Rachel Schachter, Aliza and Mira

• Josh & Abby Haber

• Jack Kornblatt

• Samuel & Laurie Kreamer

• Philip Meyer & Alexandra Wyatt, Ellis and Everett

• Jon & Denise Meyers

• Allen & Eden Ostravich

• Michael Tomaszkiewicz and Levi

• Alejandro Wolf & Miryam Gomez, Aliyah, Mayrim and Zohar

• Ian & Tamar Yellin, Connor and Maeve

Welcome to our New Members!

Jack Kornblatt

Eden & Allen Ostravich

Denise & Jon MeyersAlejandro Wolf & Miryam Gomez, Mayrim, Aliyah and Zohar

More Pictures on Page 4

AnniversariesWith 5-Year Multiples

JUNE

Samuel & Kathleen Dubrow

Morris & Cindy Friedman Raymond & Jody Goldstein

Marc & Andrea Hamburg

Andy & Amy Isaacson Milton & Judy Katskee

Harry & Janet Klein David & Debi Kutler

Stanley & Evelyn Mitchell

Bruce & Anne Shackman Marty & Aveva Shukert

Stewart & Judy Tully

JULY

Glen & Hollie Fineman

Louis & Sandra Goldberg

Wayne & Carole Lainof

2 BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NEWSLETTER

..............................................Newcomers Pages 1, 4.............................Birthdays/Anniversaries

..................................................In Memoriam Page 2.......................................Shoeboxes Needed Page 2

.......................................Rabbi’s Column Pages 3, 5..........................................Jeannette Gabriel Page 5

.......................................President’s Corner Page 6.........................................Feldstern Kiddush Page 6

.....................BESTT Talent Show Pictures Page 7..........................High School Graduates Pages 8-9

...................................Teen Award Winners Page 8..................................................Baking Dates Page 9

.............................................Yad Squad Pages 10-11...........................................Eadie’s Column Page 10

.....................Swim & Shabbat in the Park Page 10..........................................Tichon Transfer Page 11

..........................................Annual Meeting Page 12................................................Pride Parade Page 12

....................................Chesed Committee Page 12.......June/July Detachable Calendar Pages 13-14

..............................................Contributions Page 15...............................................Rabbi’s Class Page 15

......Cantor’s Concert Thank You & Pics Page 16............................Annual Award Winners Page 17

...................Simchat Shabbat Thank You Page 18.......................................USY Installations Page 18

.......................................................Shanghai Page 19..............................Candle Lighting Times Page 19

....................................................Movie Day Page 19...............................Women’s Book Group Page 20

...................................................Tisha B’Av Page 20..................................................Kollectibles Page 20

INS

IDE

TH

IS I

SS

UE

In MemoriamBeth El extends our profound

sympathy to the families of:

Marilyn Kay BadolatoDelwin Earl BaileyBeverly J. Donahue

Ira EpsteinAnita M. Peters

May their memory always be for a blessing.

Shoeboxes Needed

Do you have shoeboxes that you don’t need? Donate them to a good home! Bring them to Beth El and we’ll recycle them as containers for freezing and storing baked goods.

BirthdaysWith 5-Year Multiples

JUNEMona Aoki • Ellene Edelstein • Harold

Epstein • Michael Giventer • Jody

Goldstein • Ronna Kaplan • Jacob Klein

Linda Mann • Allan Murow • Cadee

Scheer • Lea Shapiro • Hannah Schwalb

Susan Stein • Brianna Taub • David

Weill • Charlotte Zipursky

JULYRobert Belgrade • JoAnn Blatt • Ronald

Blumkin • Micah Christensen • Paul

Cohen • Jeff Ferber • Lyubov Ginzburg

Fred Kader • Marina Libov • Tomer

Palmon • Melanie Schwarz • Lisa Senal

Brooke Shulewitz • Benjamin Shaprio

Iris Varkony • Irving Veitzer

ROOTED IN TRADITION. EMBRACING CHANGE. 3

The Blessing of Having a Daily MinyanBy Rabbi Steven Abraham

It is not uncommon for rabbis and cantors, as we travel to conventions and meetings across the country, to share war stories.

“Oh, you will never believe this happened…” or “my synagogue is so lucky to have dedicated lay leaders, a building with no debt and a growing endowment.” The statement that turns the most number of heads is that Beth El Synagogue in Omaha continues to have a daily minyan. I realize that rabbis and cantors are an interesting bunch, but above all we are realists. Endowments are incredibly generous gifts from individuals and families, whereas the ability to have a daily minyan is a commitment on behalf of the entire community. It is not about dollars and cents, but willingness to put the community above self.

I want to be clear that there are a variety of reasons to attend daily

minyan. The responsibility of saying Kaddish is only one. I commend those of our community who attend services because of the obligation of daily prayer. While there are others, who come to synagogue either at 7 am or 5:30 pm just because that is what they do. Ask them why and you will get a host of answers, but the common theme will be their desire to help out. Their presence in the room is a blessing to others.

A few years back, I wrote about a dear friend who lost her sister when we were in high school. It was when Megan died that I realized the power of community and specifically the power of the Jewish community. We sat together at her family’s synagogue in Northern Virginia hearing stories about a young woman we all loved, a life with so many memories yet to be created. Then it happened; the rabbi asked the family to rise for Kaddish Yatom, Mourners Kaddish. Family and friends stood arm in

arm and through their tears, in complete harmony recited a text that seemed, if only for a moment, to relieve some of their pain. This text at its core makes no mention of death and at a time when many mourners could rightfully want to look up to the heavens to scream and yell, this text at its core is a declaration of God’s greatness.

It is important to realize that when it comes to those reciting Kaddish, the community has a vital role beyond just showing up. While we may know more today about the concept of mourning and grief than the sages living in the middle ages, they knew enough to realize that people require human contact in

(continued on page 5)

“The ability to have a daily minyan is a commitment on behalf of the entire community.”

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New Members(Continued from Cover)

Mathew Fuerst & Rachel Schachter, Aliza and Mira

Tamar & Ian Yellin, Connor and Maeve

Philip Meyer & Alexandra Wyatt, Ellis and Everett

Josh & Abby Haber

Monica & David Ben-Zion, Isaiah and Moses

For the latest information about what’s happening

at Beth El, visit www.bethel-omaha.org.


Rabbi’s Column (continued from page 3)

times of loss. We learn in the Talmud that the refrain in Kaddish: Yehei Sh’mei Rabbah… holds extraordinary meaning. Our sages taught, “the world exists due to the merit of those who repeat the line, “May His Great Name be blessed.”

Those who congregate around the mourner, to be with them, to hear them, the help them…those individuals who are present when another recites Kaddish, it is because of their merit that the world exists.

What I have come to realize is that the power of the Kaddish is found in the back and forth, in the interaction between the mourner and the community. The question I get asked most often after a loved one dies is “Can I say Kaddish at home - do I need to attend minyan? Do I have to be with a quorum of 10 Jews to recite this hallowed prayer?” And the answer according to our tradition is yes! Why? Because while it may be your loss, your community feels your pain.

Beth El will continue to have excellent programming, a great religious school, a dedicated board and so much more. Daily minyan is

the physical manifestation of our willingness to build and sustain community. My ask is for you and your family is to choose one day a month to make the decision that on the (insert day of the month), you have put it on your calendar to attend. I promise you, no matter your comfort level with the service, you will walk away with a full heart as you did something for your fellow congregants and for yourself.

Rabbi Steven Abraham

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Mathew A. Davey, M.D., FAAD James M. Shehan, M.D., FAAD

Rachel R. Person, APRN Jake J. Ridder, PA-C

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As my term comes to a close, I have been asked by

many people if I have enjoyed my term as President of Beth El…and if I accomplished all my goals. My goals for my term as President were very high and I am sorry to say we did not achieve all of them, but my hope is I was able to continue Beth El’s ascension and follow the path laid by my predecessors.

Of course, serving as your President is not a “solo performance.” While I may have been “steering the ship,” I only had my hand on the rudder while many, many others did the real work, the “heavy lifting.”

We are very thankful for our amazing clergy and staff. Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman are wonderful to work with and their minds overflow with innovative ideas to continuously improve Beth El. Allison Newfeld had huge shoes to fill when our beloved, long-term Executive Director, Larry DeBruin, retired; she has done a great job keeping everything in order. Eadie Tsabari and Amy

Dworin continue to be amazing leaders of our children and youth. Our office staff, maintenance staff and kitchen staff are the “behind the scenes” people who take care of us daily and keep Beth El humming.

Of course, Beth El is only as strong as its congregational members and lay leaders. We are very fortunate to have so many strong and dynamic leaders at Beth El; I am proud to have served with our Board members and Executive Committee members these past two years. Jay Gordman and Bob Yaffe will be outstanding Presidents over the next four years and were wonderful consultants/advisors to me during my term. The other members of the Executive Committee, Ari Riekes, Ari Kohen, Caryn Scheer, Adam Kutler and Lisa Marcus, have provided excellent guidance and counsel to me and to the board. They help make Beth El great.

I cannot offer enough thanks to Joel Rich, the Immediate Past President during my term. Joel was my mentor, my advisor and my friend. Despite dealing with his own

family tragedy, Joel’s love and support of Beth El never wavered. He has freely given of his time, advice and leadership…and was always a “rock” for me during my term.Serving as your President is not a solo commitment, it is a family affair. I am fortunate to have had my wife Sally as my “kitchen cabinet.” How many Presidents get to have the advice of a Past President at the dinner table every night? Sally’s guidance and support were immensely valuable to me.

Finally, a special “Thank You” to you, the Beth El congregation, for allowing me to serve as your President. You all made this happen. I appreciate your support and allowing me to share my vision for Beth El with you and with our Board. Thanks to you, Beth El continues to be a congregation rooted in tradition but always embracing change.

Jim Zipursky

President’s CornerBy Jim Zipursky, President of the Board of Trustees


Our Talented BESTT KidsThe last Sunday of Hebrew School featured the Rose Fine Talent Show. Special thanks to Caryn Scheer for coordinating this effort and showcasing our amazing kids.

Photos by Marcus of Omaha Fine Photography

For ad info. call 1-800-950-9952 • www.4lpi.com Beth El Synagogue, Omaha, NE C 4C 02-1034

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Mazel Tov to the 2018 Teen Award Winners!Jack Molad Ruach Award - Spencer Gordman The Jack Molad Ruach award was created to identify one USYer who has shown tremendous energy and excitement towards USY and Judaism. Spencer is being awarded this honor for his never-ending enthusiasm for everything Beth El - USY, Kadima, Jr. Congregation, Shabbat activities, Shabbatonim, all youth programming and much more. He always has a smile and makes a lot of noise wherever he goes. He is a great leader and a shining example to our kids.

Joe Ginsberg Mensch Award - Ethan Finkelstein Created in 1992, the Joe Ginsberg award is given to a USYer who shows the same type of “MENSCHism’s” as Joe Ginsberg did when he was Youth Director at Beth El. Ethan has been active from the first day he stepped foot into BESTT and Kadima. He has worked with children of all ages at BESTT, Junior Congregation, Shabbatonim and Kamp KEF. He is always willing to help out whenever asked and is a great example of a mensch!

Seth Rich "Woodie" Emerging Leader Award - Melanie Schwarz The Seth Rich “Woodie” Emerging Leader Award is given to an outstanding USY’er who shows exceptional leadership qualities. Melanie helps to make it all happen at USY. She has worked tirelessly on programming, shown abundant enthusiasm and taken leadership positions. She has done a marvelous job as the Communications Chair this year. Seth Rich loved everything USY, and he would have been very proud of Melanie.

A.B. and Freeda Gendler Award for Devotion to Synagogue and Judaism - Joshua Kurtzman & Julia RaffelJoshua and Julia were chosen to share this high honor by the Beth El Synagogue professional staff for devotion to synagogue and Judaism. Joshua has been a student in our school from elementary school through our Hebrew High. He has come here regularly and participated in many of our classes. We have watched him grow and really become a member of our Beth El family. Jewish youth groups have helped him gain confidence and his sense of Jewish identity. Julia likewise went through the BESTT program. She continued to come to our high school, work in our Sunday school and help with administrative jobs in our office. She loves the Torah Tots kids, and it has been our pleasure to watch her grow into the great teacher that we know she will be. We also know how important Jewish youth group and Jewish summer camp are to Julia. We appreciate all that Josh and Julia have done for us and wish them well next year in college and always.

Best of Luck to the Class of 2018

Catherine Cox Lauren Dietrich Joshua Kurtzman


Jacob Kirshenbaum Natalie Pichik Julia Raffel

Calling All Bakers - Help Us Fill our Freezers with SweetsSummer is the perfect time to load up our kitchen with goodies for upcoming events. Come stir things up in Beth El’s kitchen any time between 9 am - 2 pm on the following dates:

! ! June 19! ! July 10! ! June 20! ! July 11

If you have a special recipe you’d like to make, please send us your list of ingredients a week in advance so we can make sure to have what you need. RSVP to Chef/Catering Manager Cedric Young at [email protected].

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We Thank Our Yad SquadThe following members read Torah/Haftarah in March:

Ki Tisa• Amy Dworin/Peyton Kelln • Benjamin Kutler• Heather Kelln• Spencer Gordman/Jack Cohen • Matan Shapiro • Ben Shapiro• Julia Weill• Sophia Mavropoulos • Haftarah - Zach Krausman

Vayakhel-Pekudei• Marty Shukert• Noah Blair• Yonatan Feldstern• Michael Gerson• Elie Cohen• Ben Shapiro• Haftarah - Noah Blair

Vayikra• Alice Weiss• Ophir Palmon• Roni Reiter-Palmon• Yonatan Feldstern• Jay Gordman• Ben Shapiro• Haftarah - Ben Shapiro

Tzav• Yonatan Feldstern• Josh Stein• Hannah Stein• Tamar Yellin• Sharon Brodkey• Ben Shapiro• Haftarah - Ben Shapiro

Another Great Summer for our KidsEadie Tsabari, Director of Congregational Learning

Summertime and the living is easy. Well, not really at Beth El Synagogue. As we close the 2017-2018 school year, we look towards a full summer schedule. Kamp KEF will kick off this year June 4 - 8. If you have a moment and want to look

into the future of Beth El Synagogue, please stop by and check out the action as our kids go “Around the World” and journey to different Jewish communities throughout the globe.

Summer is filled with our kids going to Jewish camp. More than 50% of our eligible students will be going to summer camp this year, with 22 of them receiving scholarships from the Seth Rich Memorial Fund. I call that - Your Dollars at Work! We will once again send camp care packages to the Beth El kids, and they will be visited by our clergy and staff throughout the summer. And what about Israel? We have one student on his way to Israel with two others going in the fall semester for a High School program.

Beth El means family, friends and community. We teach our kids about being involved and together with their parents, we help to make it happen for any kid who wants to participate. Nowhere, in any other community across the country, does this happen. We should be so proud of our young families and their children, and proud of our kids who are always leaders among their peers.

I, for one, am very proud of how Beth El supports its youth. Clergy, staff, teachers, parents and of course all of those generous people who make all of this happen for summer programming and throughout the entire school year. I am particularly grateful to all of those who have helped me say “YES” to our kids for anything that they need or any kind of wonderful program they come up with.

Kol HaKavod to all and Todah Raba for another great year.

Eadie Tsabari


The following members read Torah/Haftarah in April:

Shmini• Eileen Clignett • Brittney Clignett• Ben Shapiro• Eadie Tsabari • Jeff Taxman • Haftarah - Brittney Clignett

Tazria-Metzora• Tamar Yellin• Yonatan Feldstern• Glen Fineman• Ben Shapiro• Ethan Spivack• Haftarah - Yonatan Feldstern

Achrei Mot-Kedoshim• Ben Shapiro• Steve Riekes• Jack Cohen• Yonatan Feldstern• Marty Shukert• Haftarah - Hazzan Michael Krausman

Pictured from left: Peyton Kelln, Raelyn Cherry (madricha), Sophia Mavropoulos, Eadie Tsabari, Brittney Clignett, Mindi Armstrong, Julian Witkowski and Julia Weill.

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Saturday, June 30

Come walk at the 2018 Heartland Pride Parade in Council Bluffs.

The parade lineup begins at 9 am, with the parade starting at 10 am. Parade shirts are available.

Shabbat services will be held that morning before the parade begins in Council Bluffs. More details to come.

Let us know you will be walking with us! For more information or to register to walk, contact Matt Blodgett at [email protected].

Chesed Caring CommitteeBeth El's Chesed Committee focuses on Acts of Lovingkindness such as phone calls, cards, meals, baskets, deliveries and personal visits. We are there when times are the most difficult (illness, aging, death), and we are also there at the most joyous times (birth).

Everyone is welcome to join us for our upcoming monthly visits:

• Blumkin Home

June 7 & July 5, 2 pm

• Remington Heights


• Sterling Ridge


If you know of a congregant who is ill and would like the Chesed Committee to offer support, or if you want to learn more about the Chesed Committee, contact Eadie at [email protected].



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Contributions to Named Endowment Funds

1st Benjamin & Anna Wiesman Chapel Endowment FundIn Honor of: Rabbi Steven Abraham

21st Century Endowment FundYahrzeit of: Miriam Miller

Jacob & Ida Bernstein Endowment FundIn Honor of: Bruce Bernstein • In Memory of: Morley Zipursky

Lorrie Anne & Saul Z. Davis Endowment FundYahrzeit of: Saul Davis, Dora Milstein

Willis Epstein Endowment FundIn Honor of: Sally Epstein • Recovery of:Dr. Larry Hoberman

Isaac H. & Ruth S. Friedman Endowment FundRecovery of: Larry Kavich

Florence Hurwitz Endowment FundIn Memory of: Lillian Stern

Milton Marcus Instrumental Music Endowment FundIn Honor of: Lisa Marcus • In Memory of: Bruce Abrams

Ruth & David Platt Endowment FundYahrzeit of: David Platt, Simon Shyken

David S. Rice & Esther Zorinsky Endowment FundYahrzeit of: David Rice, Samuel Rice,Hymie Zorinsky

Selwyn Roffman Endowment FundYahrzeit of: Selwyn Roffman

Rosalyn & Jerome Zeffren & Andrea Zeffren Alter Scholarship Endowment FundBar Mitzvah of: Noah Blair

Contributions to Named Synagogue Funds

Adult Education FundIn Honor of: Susie Drazen • In Memory of: Beverly Donahue • Recovery of: Phil Wayne • Yahrzeit of: Rose Plotkin,Stanley Wolpa

Cemetery Improvement FundYahrzeit of: Anne Moskovitz, Morris Koom

Etta & Harold Epstein Chapel FundIn Honor of: Gary and Lisa Epstein's Spirit of the Federation Award

Caryl Greenberg Synagogue Beautification FundIn Memory of: Morley Zipursky

General FundIn Memory of: Morley Zipursky • Yahrzeit of: Rose Fine, Hyman Greenbaum, Lena Greenbaum, Meyer Rubin, Haim Spitserov,Thelma Witkowski

Music FundIn Honor of: Hazzan Michael Krausman In Memory of: Ira Epstein • Yahrzeit of: Gerald Kushner, Howard Ruback

Rabbi's Discretionary FundBirth of: Sadie Hinda Klein • In Honor of: Rabbi Steven Abraham, Shira Abraham, Emily Kutler - Regional USY President • In Memory of: Beverly Donahue, Morley Zipursky • Recovery of: Phil Wayne Yahrzeit of: Dvora Kirshenbaum, Robert Sandler, Abraham Wees

Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship FundIn Honor of: Father Edward J. Flanagan, Esther Katz, Sadie Klein, Phil Wayne • In Memory of: Marilyn Badolato, Beverly Donahue, Ira Epstein, Renee Handleman, Morley Zipursky • Yahrzeit of: Emmanuel Kaplan, Hyman Kazlowsky, Ben Lustgarten, Howard Ruback

USY FundYahrzeit of: Louis Abramson

Welcoming the Stranger FundIn Memory of: Ira Epstein

Contributions to Named Endowment & Synagogue Funds This Kol lists contributions received by May 10. Donations received after that date will be listed in the next issue.



Cantor’s Concert Brings Hundreds to Beth El in Support of the Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund

Thanks to the generosity of our Beth El congregants, the 2018 Cantor’s Concert was an incredible success, raising more than $80,000 to send our kids to camp and Israel! We are grateful to everyone who donated and/or attended the concert, which featured Listen Up!, our BESTT kids and Hazzan Michael Krausman. We want to thank the many volunteers who gave their time to support this program, with special thanks to Hazzan Krausman for his leadership!

Concert Chairs Bruce & Pam FriedlanderJoel & Mary Rich

Drivers David FinkelsteinKaren KlingbergMarcie Spivack

SoundBen Shapiro

Ticket Sales/Will Call/Programs/Merchandise SalesDavid Kay Heather KellnZach Krausman Felicia Littky Scott Littky Phoenix MavropoulosSophia Mavropoulos Caryn Scheer Jim WaxAudrey WienerRichard Wiener Gabby WitkowskiSusan Witkowski

Bakers Baking Chair: Pam FriedlanderWendy BerensonCheryl DiamondDarlene GolbitzMargie GutnikLaurel KrausmanLisa MarcusRoberta NewfeldPatty NoggJill Simon


Mazel Tov to Beth El’s Annual Award Winners!Bob Wolfson President’s Award to a Non-Board Member This award is presented for dedication and service to the congregation by a

non-board member. Since Bob arrived back in Omaha from New York, he jumped right back into making Beth El a better place. Bob has taken the lead on the

inclusion committee to make Beth El an accessible synagogue for everyone. He is also a regular Shabbat attendee, and has a deep love of Beth El that was

instilled from a young age.

Bob BelgradeEarl Siegel Award to a Board MemberThis award was created in Earl Siegel’s honor in recognition of his personal

involvement during his years at Beth El. As a member of the building committee, Bob does a wonderful job of keeping things working. He has a deep love for the

synagogue and the entire Jewish community. Bob is the embodiment of what it means to be a mensch, and most deserving of this award.

Michael Christensen Selwyn Roffman Award for Religious Growth This award honors Selwyn Roffman, a man who grew up with no Judaism

but became very involved at Beth El. Michael has been a regular attendee at Sunday morning minyan and is an extremely involved parent. Just a few

months ago, Michael became a Jew by choice. Afterwards, he learned how to put on T‘fillin together with his son Doniven during Sunday minyan. Michael

is most worthy to be honored with this award.

Caryn Rifkin Larry DeBruin Service to Synagogue Award This award is given in honor of Larry DeBruin, for his many years of service as

Beth El’s Executive Director. Like Larry, Caryn has also dedicated many years of service to Beth El, most notably with her work in the Judaica shop. Caryn always

demonstrates her deep love of the synagogue as well as the Omaha Jewish Community. For Caryn, her volunteerism is a labor of love.

Andy Isaacson Emerging Leader Award The Emerging Leader Award recognizes commitment, involvement and

leadership to Beth El. From the moment Andy arrived in Omaha he jumped right in to be part of our community. He is a member of the Six String Shabbat and he

shares his love of music with our youth, volunteering to teach music during Hebrew School on Sunday mornings.


Project ChairJoanie Jacobson

Spiritual LeaderEadie Tsabari

Service ParticipantsRabbi Steven AbrahamBeth Dworkin Helen EpsteinTuffy EpsteinMargie GutnikGloria KaslowOzzie NoggPatty NoggMarti Rosen-AthertonBob WolfsonRebecca WolfsonSibby WolfsonMarilyn Zevitz

Kiddush LunchChef Cedric YoungSous Chef Tippi DenenbergSous Chef Susan Witkowski

GuitarJill Belmont

Service LeadersEthan Finkelstein Zach Krausman Zev Krausman

Torah Readers Brittney ClignettJulia WeillJulian Witkowski

Parasha PlayEva CohenLarry DeBruinJeff DworkinAlan Friedman Nancy RipsEvan ShapiroJoshua ShapiroNancy Skid

Stage Crew Alex RichZach Rich

Miriam Initiative Finishes Inaugural Season with Simchat Shabbat The Miriam Initiative finished their inaugural season strong with a very special Simchat Shabbat service attended by 110 people. Our thanks to Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman for their encouragement and support, and we thank the many congregants who participated in Simchat Shabbat:

Introducing the 2018-2019 USY BoardMembers of USY held elections in May. Mazel Tov to the 2018-2019 USY Board:

• President - Lauren Kirk

• Vice President - Spencer Gordman

• Social Action/Tikkun Olam - Amanda Simon

• Religious Education - Tristan Newman

• Israeli Affairs - Josh Stein

• Membership/Kadima - Ethan Finkelstein

• BESTT Chair - Hannah Stein

• Communications - Melanie Schwarz

• Treasurer - Zach Krausman

• Freshman Rep - Benjamin Kutler

• Sophomore Rep - David Kay

Pictured from left: Zach Krausman, David Kay, Tristan Newman, Josh Stein, Amanda Simon, Amy Dworin, Melanie Schwarz, Spencer Gordman, Hannah Stein, Ethan Finkelstein and Benjamin Kutler. Not pictured: Lauren Kirk


Beth El Staff.............................................Steven Abraham Rabbi

[email protected]

......................................Michael Krausman Hazzan [email protected]

....................Allison Newfeld Executive Director [email protected]

........................................Eadie Tsabari Director of Congregational Learning [email protected]

......Amy Dworin Director of Youth Engagement [email protected]

............Cedric Young Chef & Catering Manager [email protected]

......................Ozzie Nogg Publicity Coordinator [email protected]

.................Michael Gerson Minyan Coordinator [email protected]

Officers

...........................Jim Zipursky Beth El President

................................Adam Kutler Vice President

..............................Caryn Scheer Vice President

................................Robert Yaffe Vice President

.........................................Jay Gordman Treasurer

..............................................Ari Riekes Secretary

...........................Ari Kohen Religious Life Chair

........................................Joel Rich Past President

.....................................Lisa Marcus BESTT Chair

Friday EveningCandle Lighting Times

......................June 1 8:32 pm

......................June 8 8:37 pm

.....................June 15 8:40 pm

.....................June 22 8:42 pm

.....................June 29 8:42 pm

.......................July 6 8:41 pm

.....................July 13 8:38 pm

.......................July 20 8:33 pm

........................July 27 8:27 pm

Weekday Services at 7:00 am and 5:30 pmSunday Services at 9:30 am and 5:30 pm

Judaica Shop Open by Appointment Only in the Summer Please call the office.

The Beth El Judaica ShopGift Certificates Available

Shanghai is Going StrongThe 2nd Thursday of each month

1 pm in Beth El’s West Court

Join us at the table on June 14 & July 12

Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org orcontact Phyllis Wasserman at [email protected], 402.498.2922

Join us at this regular monthly game and be sure to tell your friends...this is open to the entire Jewish community.

Now Playing at the Beth El Cine-gogue

Wednesday, July 18Noon

$8 Admission Includes Lunch

Register by July 9 atwww.bethel-omaha.org

Beth El Synagogue14506 California St. Omaha, NE 68154

402-492-8550www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth El is a PROUD member of USCJ

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDOMAHA, NEPERMIT #138

Saturday, July 218:45 pm - Mincha, Ma’ariv & HavdallahReading of Eicha following services

Sunday, July 229:30 am - Shacharit

Women’s Book Group Monday, July 9, 7 pm

Home of Eden Ostravich

Join us for our discussion of “Fleeing the Hijab" by Sima Goel. We will speak with the author that evening.

Newcomers are always welcome to join us. For more information, contact Darlene Golbitz at 402-334-7862, [email protected].

Kollectibles Mazel Tov to our Beth El congregants who were named award winners by

The Jewish Federation of Omaha:

• Bea Karp - Humanitarian of the Year

• Gary D. and Lisa Epstein - Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award

• Esther Katz - Jody and Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence

• Danny Cohn - Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award

• Sandy Friedman - Jewish Press Volunteer of the Year

• Jim Fried - ADL/CRC Volunteer of the Year

• Raelyn Cherry & Lauren Kirk - Robert and Ellen Gordman Jewish Teen Leadership Award

Tisha B’Av

welcome to our new members! - beth el synagogue...

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