Chabad Hosts Susie Fishbein

Jewish Press, June 2008

On the evening of June 2^nd, approximately forty women from many different segments of the Omaha community came together at Chabad of Nebraska to enjoy a cooking demonstration by Susie Fishbein. Susie Fishbein is the author of the wildly successful Kosher by Design cookbook series. She has appeared on The Today Show with Katie Couric, Allie & Jack, Sheila Bridges Designer Living, on several network news show cooking segments, as well as an appearance on Martha Stewart Radio. She has taught at the prestigious Degustibus cooking school in New York, and was featured at Disneyworld at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

The evening started with a wine and cheese reception, and an opportunity to meet with Susie Fishbein. The public was then invited into the Chabad kitchen and dining hall, where Shani Katzman gave a short introduction. “Never expect to come to Chabad without learning something new,” she said, “and since it’s almost Shavuot, we can talk about the importance of dairy foods during this holiday. It’s also essential to remember that kosher calories don’t count”. She then went on to explain how, after receiving the Torah, the Jewish people are like newborn children, who need to be nurtured on milk. “In addition,” she continued, “The numerical value of the Hebrew word for milk, chalav, is forty, which reminds us of the forty days and forty nights Moses spent on Mount Sinai receiving the Torah.”

            During the demonstration, Fishbein proved that she is both a knowledgeable chef, and a very entertaining speaker. She started off by saying that “Shani Katzman could not be lovelier to work with,” and had many compliments for Kelly Kirk, who put the evening together. “I love to see how Jewish people live in other parts of the country,” she said, “ and giving these cooking demonstrations allows me to meet with many different communities.” Fishbein took questions form the audience as she demonstrated how to cook an attractive, Kosher, three-course meal. “Only a Jewish girl would think of filling a martini glass with hummus,” Fishbein admitted, as she showed the audience how to make her Middle Eastern Martinis, the recipe for which can be found in her “Short on Time” cookbook. She then went on to make a salmon entrée, as well as a crème brulee dessert, which was perfect for Shavuot. Visitors were given samples of all the food, which had been prepared ahead of time in the Chabad kitchen by a team of volunteers. “Without volunteer help, we never could have pulled this off,” Kelly Tichauer- Kirk said, “and I want to thank Shani, Estie and Shevi Katzman, as well as Cheryl Lerner, Devra Bram, Kim Novak, Sherry and Chelsea Taxman, Joanne Andresen, and Marty Tichauer for all the hard work they put in.”

            Fishbein doesn’t limit herself to writing for adults, but is adamant that children need to become familiar with all the kitchen has to offer. She even wrote “Kosher by Design for Kids”, which contains recipes that go far beyond the peanut butter sandwich, but are nonetheless easy to make for children of all ages. “The most heartbreaking comments I get during my presentations are those from newlywed people who come up to me and admit they don’t even know how to boil water,” she said. “Kids belong in the kitchen, and we as parents shouldn’t be afraid to let them help out. Children as young as three can pop the shells off of chickpeas, and besides, letting them cook something is the best way to make them eat and try something new.” When asked what the worst thing was she had ever tried in her test kitchen, she answered: “One time, I attempted to create a strawberry pretzel crust dessert. After about seven tries, my family begged me to stop. I never did figure that one out.” Fishbein spiced up her presentation by sharing anecdotes of what life is like for a celebrity cook: “When my cookbook Kosher by Design for Children came out, my children did some of the promotional work. It happened to be the Christmas season, so here were all the Fishbein children, being featured on a set decorated for Christmas brunch,” she laughed.

            Volunteer and attendant Kim Novak enjoyed herself immensely: “I always have such a great time at Chabad events, but this one was particularly nice. I was happy to be a part of it, and amazed at all the practical advice Susie Fishbein gave us. I will certainly use her tips in my own kitchen. I also enjoyed Shani Katzman’s introduction; she is always able to offer useful insights, as well as Jewish connections.”

            In addition to the volunteers, many different sponsors made the evening possible. Bag ‘n Save, Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company, Ideal Pure Water, Hy-Vee, United Rental, Nebraska Warehouse, Mike Sullivan, and Wal-Mart donated food as well as services.

           

 

 

 

 

Dancing Barefoot in the Rain

This column previously appeared in The Jewish Press, June 2008

Spring is here; the jar that my daughter brings to me says so. Inside, I find a bug and some leafy greens; she proudly tells me she “screwed the lid on extra tight so Mr. Bug won’t escape”. I explain that Mr. Bug probably won’t survive the lack of oxygen, and with a disappointed look she takes her brand-new pet back outside and releases him.  In truth, I don’t have the faintest idea how long a bug can live in a jar, but I’m not willing to find out. There’s a reason I have the exterminator stop by my house every two months.

Fortunately, there are other ways to freak your parents out when the weather gets nice, and my children know them all. We’ve already had the first accident (our daughter Isabella falling out of a tree) and the first really dumb idea (our son Mendel using a rake to play horse while standing in a wheelbarrow). Our kids find that nice weather is best enjoyed in an atmosphere of danger.

            I am not entirely convinced I am the right parent for the season. I hate bugs, and I don’t like swimming. I despise that the maple tree in front of my house seems to drop a hundred branches every time the wind blows, and that the hot sun makes the trashcan smell like something furry died in there; most of all, I hate how by the time my house settles down it is too dark to truly enjoy my garden. Of course, I would love to be a fun mom, and sometimes I think I am, but these days I mostly hear myself say things like Stop stepping on the flowers, That roof is not for climbing, and, most popular of all: Get out of the compost heap! No wonder my children look at me as if they wish I’d turn into a garden gnome. What fun is a back yard if you can’t get dirty and destroy things? Where’s my summer spirit?

            When I was little, I practically lived outside during the summer. I grew up near the woods, and there wasn’t a tree I didn’t climb, an adventure I didn’t have, or a dare I didn’t fall for. The only rule my parents had was: “be home in time for dinner”, and even that I often didn’t stick to (Sorry, mom). Yet now that I am a mother myself, and my children’s outside is the size of a postage stamp compared to the world I used to play in, I am suddenly the biggest chicken on the block. Obviously, it’s time for an attitude adjustment.

            Someone very smart once told me that G-d does not perform unnecessary miracles; if you can fix things yourself, He will not split the Red Sea for you. So now what? I decide I have to set some new ground rules, starting with less interference on my part. This means, if Isabella and Mendel are outside, let them be outside in the fullest sense of the word. So what if they get dirty, so what if their shins bruise until they look like the map of Europe; it’s not the end of the world if they wear the signs of summer. And with Memorial Day just around the corner, we have many warm months ahead of us, so I might as well relax. And they don’t need to know that I peek out the window every two minutes, and then give myself a stern talking to. Maybe I’ll get really brave and introduce some shock treatment: next time there’s a summer storm, we can all go outside and dance barefoot in the rain.

Let’s hope it stays dry until deep into August.

Friedel Gala 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Garden of Eden, by Friedel students.

On the evening of June first, more than 200 community members came together at Beth Israel for an Israeli themed dinner, Friedel style. Honorees were retiring Principal Cookie Katskee, Dr. Eric Phillips and his wife, Friedel art teacher Julie Phillips, and board member Donald Gerber. Emcees of the evening were Debbie Denenberg and Lloyd Roitstein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f.l.t.r.:honoree Cookie Katskee, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, honorees Donald Gerber, Dr. Eric Phillips, Julie Phillips

Board member Bruce Potash, who was the driving force behind organizing the event, said: “The committee, consisting of Jeff and Sherry Taxman, Jeff and Danielle Gordman, Bob and Kim Goldberg, and my wife Linda Potash, did a fantastic job pulling it all together. Also, we are very grateful to the honorary chair, Phyllis Friedel. We were very pleased to see so many friends of Friedel together in one room. We are already thinking about next year, and we are planning to make the Friedel Tribute Celebration an annual event.”

Rabbi Jonathan Gross, who was one of the presenters, introduced honoree Donald Gerber, who has devoted much time and energy towards Friedel. “I believe it is important for a community to have a heart beat,” Gerber said in his speech, “and a healthy, robust day school, supported by this many people, is certainly evidence Omaha has that heart beat.” Rabbi Gross added that, since he made a quip about emptying his pockets during graduation, he had come to the conclusion “$1.36 was not enough to start a trust fund. We’ll need quite a bit more than that, and I hope this dinner will be the first of many. Friedel Jewish Academy is teaching the future of our community, and we can all be very proud of the school for the quality education and wonderful atmosphere they provide.”

                                                 Donald Gerber, Gaston Bogomolni, Jeff Taxman

Retiring Principal Cookie Katskee had the honor of introducing Dr. Eric and Julie Phillips, and the guests were given a first-hand look at what the Friedel students learn in art class. Bob Goldberg coordinated a short film, showing students eloquently explaining what Miss Julie and her art instruction means to them. The children said, “Art is art”, and art can be anything you want it to be. One student explained that even when something goes “wrong” it can be turned into something else, an idea that is very important to Julie Phillips: “It is good for children to see that when things don’t turn out exactly the way you expected, it doesn’t automatically mean you throw it away and start anew. You can keep working with the same materials, but in a different direction. This is a notion that can be used for life, relationships, all sorts of problems we run into; art can be a great metaphor for life in general.”

Board member and Treasurer Jerry Gordman introduced Cookie Katskee, who was celebrated for spending the past five-and-a-half years at the helm, and helping Friedel grow and flourish. Bob Goldberg coordinated a film for Cookie as well, giving the staff and teachers at Friedel a chance to speak out on everything she has done for the school. Cookie was given a standing ovation, as well as a surprise, when several older students showed up carrying in one of Cookie’s most beloved art projects. Several years ago, Friedel students created a painting, “The Garden of Eden”, which Julie Phillips had framed in order to present it to Cookie upon her retirement. “This is such a wonderful gift,” Cookie said, “I’ve always loved this piece so much. I noticed it was missing from the school, and have been wondering all this time what happened to it!”

Nancy Mattly provided guests with an absolutely fabulous menu, which, in honor of Yom Yerushalayim, included many Israeli themed dishes. “The food was great,” guest Tippi Denenberg said. Denenberg attended with her husband Steve, sister-in-law Debbie, as well as Steve and Debbie’s parents Norm and Eunice Denenberg. “It was such a haimische experience, and it was a wonderful opportunity to get pumped for next year.” Tippi and Steve’s son Danny will be starting Kindergarten at Friedel come Fall, as will Debbie’s son Levi and daughter Rebecca, which gave the whole family plenty of reason to support Friedel whole heartedly.

Susan Fellman-Witkowski, who attended with husband Isaac, and is the current President of the school board, was equally impressed: “This was a wonderful warm gathering of around 200 extended “family” members, all coming together to celebrate a few of their own who have worked countless hours to help FJA grow into the successful thriving school that it has become.  The planning committee for this tribute dinner did an outstanding job making the evening memorable and elegant; yet somehow, it felt like having a night out with a few of your closest friends.  We couldn’t have asked for a better event!”

The evening ended on a musical note, as Donald Gerber, Gaston Bogomolni, and Jeffrey Taxman treated the audience to an inspirational and very entertaining concert. Rabbi Gross gave a short speech in honor of Yom Yerushalayim, and many attendees lingered long beyond the official end time of 8:30 to enjoy the music, the great company, and maybe the last few bites of that delectable chocolate dessert.

Hanukkah 2007

Bad Toys
By Annette van de kamp-Wright

(This column was previously published in The Jewish Press, November 2007)

 With Hanukkah just around the corner, it’s time for the December Dilemma.  I am not referring to any real or imaginary issues we have with the Christmas season; I am talking about the question of what appropriate Hanukkah presents look like. I know people who manage to make it through eight days with the help of Gelt and candles, and maybe a donut and a latke or two, and I admire them.  They avoid greedy behavior, spending too much money, and wasting hours wrapping every gift just so.  This is not the case at our house.

 

            Of course, my husband and I have set the precedent years ago, and now we are stuck: Hanukkah is here and presents are expected.  I think that’s okay; besides, I like buying and wrapping presents for my children.  Now that my daughter is in first grade, she plans ahead: as soon as the first toy catalog hits the mailbox, she buries her nose in it and sighs wistfully every five minutes or so.  I told her to make a list with things she would like; if she is expecting ridiculous things like ponies or a new house, I’d like to know about it.  We set rules: for each toy she has to write down a book; and my husband and I agree that only one Barbie is allowed. What’s more, nothing can be over fifteen dollars. That way we avoid unacceptable items like the “Barbie hot tub party bus” and the “Barbie gymnastic Divas playset”.  I am not making this up.

            When she presents me with her “Hnakah”-list, I am pleasantly surprised; there is not a single item over $15.   She wants a crown, a fake flower, and a new dress. As an extra reminder, she has drawn a picture of a present in the corner of the paper.  As far as books go, she casts her net a little wider: instead of specifics, she has written down categories, such as art-books, and ‘funny books’. This begs the question of what books are ‘funny’ to six year olds.  I’ve already bought her a ‘Shakespeare for Children’ book; would she consider that funny?  I doubt it.  All in all, this is not such a bad list.  Judging from the toy catalog, things could be much more grave.

            For instance, there is a dinosaur doll, that develops its own personality based on how much time you spend with it.  In other words, time you don’t spend reading, or being outside, or cleaning your room.  The cost is a mere $349.99.  I wonder, if you leave it lying around too much, does it develop a personality disorder? Does it become socio-pathic if you don’t cuddle it?  That’s a pretty big risk to take for a couple of hundred dollars. The toy that truly puzzles me is a doll by the name of ‘baby alive wets ‘n wiggles’.  Yes, it is exactly what you think it is.  Who comes up with that?  And who wants a doll in the house that pees and doesn’t lie still; didn’t we suffer enough when our own, very real, babies went through that phase?  Hm, maybe I can buy this for her when she turns 16, as a warning?

This year, there are some new toys inspired by the movie “Transformers”.  My husband liked the movie; I didn’t see it and plan to keep it that way.  “But it has Shia LaBeouf in it!” he’ll say, as if a Jewish actor in the lead role automatically makes a movie acceptable.  Even he has to admit, though, that the accompanying toys are questionable at best.  Take for example the ‘Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet’, or the ‘Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster’.  Who even knows what these things are?  The little boys that wish for them are probably also enchanted by the idea of owning the ‘Ben 10 Deluxe Ominitrix’, which is a kind of oversized wristwatch that apparently helps defeat evil.  Well, no ten year old can live without one of those, I guess. 

            I have to ask myself, am I going to be one of those parents that absolutely don’t understand what their children want?  Do I make fun of, and use sarcasm when confronted with the toy aisle, merely to mask the fact that I’m experiencing a disconnect?  Maybe.  When I am confronted with the picture of a tent shaped like a café, I enquire whether it comes with a real coffee maker. Now that would be handy.  My daughter doesn’t think I am funny and rolls her eyes; she’s probably worried sick about what I’m buying for her.

            Of course, the real question remains to be answered: what is Hanukkah really about?  Because we all know that it isn’t about presents, and it isn’t about how crisp the Latkes are, or whether that new dress matches your expectations.  I do believe that, although Hanukkah is one of the minor holidays, it can fulfill a major role in our Jewish life, if we let it.  It is about spending time with friends and family, and about togetherness; about forming strong bonds through traditions and beliefs. About believing that miracles continue to happen, every day. It is, in short, a holiday that reminds us that Judaism brings light to dispel the darkness that so often surrounds us.  And dispelling darkness is better for our children than any toys I can think of.  

Camp Gan Israel 2007

Chabad Knows Kids

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

 

Recently, another successful summer camp was brought to a close at the Chabad House.  According to Estie Katzman, who has served as one of the camp counselors for years, this was the most enjoyable Camp Gan Israel yet: “What we really liked this year was the fact that camp ran through the 4rth of July. We were able to incorporate a really nice Barbeque right in the middle of camp, and include parents and grandparents in the camp experience.” Parent involvement is key when it comes to giving children a meaningful time over the summer.  “Camp Gan Israel offers much more than merely a place to drop your children off,” according to Estie, “we encourage parents to be aware of the wonderful things their children learn during camp. The Kids bring what they learn home, and hopefully incorporate many Mitzvot into their daily life. It is a spiritually enriching time for the whole family.” The Gan Israel Camp was awarded a grant from the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation.

The campers enjoyed many different things, such as swimming, a visit to the Durham Western Heritage museum, and crafts. They went to Fun Plex, they went bowling, and had a fashion show. They learned Israeli dancing and many, many songs. They learned about Tzedakah and many other Mitzvot, such as saying Brachot and helping each other. Most importantly, they learned what it means to be a proud Jewish “superhero”.  “We want children and families to leave here with a sense of how joyful Judaism really is,” Shani Katzman says, “and we want them to come back, often.”

Coming back should not be hard, considering what Chabad has planned for this Fall.  September 5^th will mark the beginning of “Thank G-d it’s Wednesday”, a new program for parents with young children who are not yet in school.  One of the organizers is Tippi Denenberg, who has three young children of her own. “I think it is important to have a place and time for parents to get together,” she says. “We are trying to create an environment where we not only pay attention to the spiritual needs of our children, but also to those of the parents. Raising children is a challenge. Getting together with others, and exchanging experiences can create good discussions, and provide a sense of support.”             

In addition to the TGIW program, there will be more Mishpacha (Family) Mornings this Fall. Mishpacha Mornings are held most Sundays from 10:15 until 11:45 and are aimed at families with children age 6 and younger. “A real breakfast awaits you upon arrival, everyone noshes and chats, the kids and adults have quick separate meetings to discuss the daily topics at their level, and lastly everyone regroups to tie it all together or to finish an art project. It’s amazing how many meaningful, thoughtful, and useful Jewish ideas come out of just one morning at Chabad. Regardless of your level of observance, you are guaranteed to learn something for you and your children in a relaxed and fun atmosphere”, Denenberg says.  All Mishpacha University programs will officially kick off on September 12^th with an apple picking event. An afternoon outing to an apple orchard will be organized for all who are interested. Mishpacha Mornings will be receiving funding from the Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Foundation.

Another event planned for fall is the repeat of last year’s “Challah-thon”.  On September 10, anyone interested in baking, eating, or purchasing Challah is welcome to come to the Chabad House around 7 p.m. and join in the fun.  “This is more than just a baking class”, Shani Katzman says. “It will give people a chance to connect within a traditional context. We will have several recipes to share, and for anyone too busy to bake for Rosh Hashanah, fresh, home-baked Challahs are available for purchase.”   

Naturally, Chabad will have adult education available several times a week as well.  To find out dates and times for any of the abovementioned activities, and to register you family for the Fall semester, please call Chabad at 330 1800, or check out the program at www.ochabad.com.   

 

 

 

 

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

A Lasting Commitment to Friendship

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

 

 

It was the early eighties when Ron Budwig of Omaha first started suffering from ‘empty nest syndrome’.  His daughter had recently left for college, and things were getting very quiet around the house. It was then that Budwig happened to see the Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization featured in a Television program.

            In existence for over a century, Big Brothers-Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the Unites States.  In 1904, a New York City court clerk by the name of Ernest Coulter watched many kids come through the court system. Seeing the same kids again and again, he decided something needed to be done. He started a mentoring program, linking the youth with “older brothers”, volunteers who would take children under their wings and offer them some much needed guidance.  By 1916, Coulter’s message had spread to 96 cities across the continental U.S.A.  In 1977, Big Brothers combined efforts with another group: Big Sisters International, which had made similar efforts directed at girls.  Thus  “Big Brothers Big Sisters” came into existence; it now operated in all U.S. states as well as in 35 other countries, working with at-risk youth ages 6 to 18. 

            The BBBS Tagline, “Little moments, Big Magic” struck a chord with Budwig.

 “I thought to myself, why not?” he says, “ and so I called them to start the screening process.” The Big Brother organization screens volunteers like Budwig very carefully. Much time is spent in orientation, to ensure that volunteers know what to expect and are fully committed to the youth they are paired with. Matches between volunteers and youth are made based on several criteria. Youth need to be safe, and the relationship that is created between volunteer and youth needs to be harmonious, suit the child’s needs, and be built to last. In other words, there needs to be more than a reasonable chance of this relationship lasting past a few weeks. Budwig agrees: “ The involvement you have with a child is not just a part-time thing. You become part of each other’s lives; it has to be a two-way street.  In order to be an effective mentor, you have to be very committed, even when things may not be easy. Many of the Little Brothers, as they are called, have abandonment issues. The last thing they need is someone else coming into their lives and leaving again after a few weeks. ”

            The staff at BBBS are more than simply matchmakers. After the initial pairing of a mentor with his Little Brother, they provide continuing support and supervision.  This supervision and support is offered to the mentor and his Little Brother, as well as the youth’s family.  In addition, a caseworker is available for advise as well as continuing training opportunities. 

            The commitment of BBBS is evident in their mission statement: “To help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-on-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth.”  Success is measured in different ways. For instance, a Little Brother or Sister is on average more confident in his or her schoolwork and gets along better with his or her family.  Youth involved with BBBS are 40 % less likely to use illegal drugs, 25% less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52 % less likely to skip school.

            Since the early 1980’s, Budwig has been connected to two Little Brothers.  The first one was Mike, a 15-year old, who had unsuccessfully been paired up before.  “Mike was my first Little Brother”, Budwig states, “and my relationship with him continued on even after he aged out of the program. Then, in 1987, I was paired up with a second Little Brother.” This second youth was William Lee Bailey III.

            “When I first met Bill, he was 10 years old,” Budwig says, “and he was just a string bean of a kid. He was extremely active and lively, and very much in need of male companionship.”  Bill Bailey needed a father figure in his life, and Budwig entered his young life at just the right time.  “I taught him how to say ‘Thank you’, and he taught me how to fish. We spent hours fishing together. It wasn’t necessarily the fishing itself that mattered so much, as the companionship and the attention.”  At ten years old, Bill was already extremely protective of his mother and sister, according to Budwig.  “He would get in trouble on a regular basis because he would try to retaliate if he thought someone wasn’t being respectful of his family.  At a very young age, he had appointed himself as the head of the household.”

            Budwig has fond memories of the things they did together.  Besides fishing, they went horseback riding often: “Bill took to horseback riding like a natural.  Riding a horse taught Bill a real sense of responsibility. He had to take care of the horse, and this fit in very well with his instinct to take care of others. Bill loved animals; his house was always full of them.  Also, when we went fishing he would usually throw the fish back.  Sometimes he would keep it, clean the fish himself, but he would never eat it. He brought it home to his mother.” 

Ron Budwig claims that he has learned as much from being a Big Brother as his Little Brother has learned from him: “Bill had such a great impact on my life.  I often feel that I received more than he did, because he showed so much appreciation for the time we spent together. He really cared about what I thought. I have also always had a very good relationship with his mother; the whole family was involved. There was mutual respect.”   This respect was felt by Bill himself as well; once he turned 18 and aged out of the BBBS organization, he went out of his way to stay in touch with his Big Brother until the very end.  Unfortunately, this end came much too soon for Bill.

            As an adult, Bill Bailey’s protective feelings translated into a strong desire to serve his immediate community and his country.  He joined the U.S. Army National Guard and joined the Volunteer Fire Department in his hometown of Bellevue, Nebraska. Bailey was assigned to the 755^th Chemical Reconnaissance and Decontamination Company, and like so many others, left his family to serve overseas. A married man and father, Army Specialist William Bailey III died on 5-25-2007 when an I.E.D. exploded near his vehicle in Taji, Iraq. He was 29 years old. Two other Nebraska soldiers were wounded during this same incident.

            “Once he was grown up”, according to Budwig, “Bill would always volunteer for the toughest assignments. Whenever anything dangerous had to be done, whether it was with the Fire Department or in the Army, Bill was the first in line. That was simply his nature.”  Bill Bailey left behind his wife, Deanna, and 5 children. He was posthumously honored with both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

            Budwig feels no regrets about his time with Big Brothers, Big Sisters.  The organization, he says, gives many people a chance to offer guidance to young children who, too often and too long, have done without.  “It is important we teach children the difference between right and wrong. We also have to give them an opportunity to act in an age-appropriate manner, to experience a childhood.  Oftentimes these kids are forced to grow up fast, we try to give them a piece of their childhood back.”

            Especially when working with at-risk youth, Budwig says, it is essential not to judge: “Many children face setbacks that are beyond their control.  We are not helpful to them if we display a judgmental attitude. We need to respect them as people, and be willing to really accept them and help them”.  In addition, Budwig insists that teenagers need to be listened to, and that patience is in order.  “It can take teenagers a long time to start opening up,” Budwig says, “and even when they finally start talking, they might not tell you everything that is on their mind.  Be patient, and wait for them to set the pace. Building a relationship that feels safe to them takes a lot of time.”

Had Budwig not invested the time he did, who knows what might have happened to William Bailey?  We’ll never know if he would have had the courage to become a fire fighter, or whether he would have felt worthy enough to ask somebody’s hand in marriage. One can imagine that all those hours spend fishing had some kind of impact on the man he would become. A community is only as healthy as its children, and they need special care from that community.  Like Ron Budwig, we never know where our actions may lead us, or where they may lead others.

Over 1 Million children in the United States are homeless. Of those that aren’t, many face risk-factors, such as missing one or both parents, learning- or other disabilities, and existing below poverty level.  Of all children, 18% face more than one of these risk -factors.  While some children manage to overcome these risks, too many of them don’t have a chance without a committed adult in their life whose main task is to offer support.

For those that are interested in helping, the local chapter of Big Brothers, Big Sisters can be contacted at www.bigomaha.org, or one can email directly to Shaase@bigomaha.org.

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Chabad 20th Anniversary

20 Years of Celebrating Tradition in a Modern World

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

 

It was 1986, and Rabbi Mendel Katzman and his wife Shani had been married for a year and a half, when they and their newborn baby first arrived on the scene in Omaha, Nebraska.  “It was very exciting,” Shani says, “We knew absolutely nobody, and had never even seen the city of Omaha.”  Both Katzmans were prepared and hoping to be sent somewhere in order to operate their very own Chabad House. Rabbi Katzman explains that to be sent out by Chabad is not the same as coming to a pulpit:  “You have a specific mission, and you are asked to make a lifetime commitment to empower all Jews to become what they are meant to be.”  Both Katzmans acknowledge there was no specific reason to come to Omaha beforehand to see what they were getting themselves into; they would have said yes to any destination. Rabbi Katzman had traveled extensively for Chabad, and they had done some traveling as a couple before being sent to Omaha and asked to open up their own Chabad House.

 

Shani Katzman remembers the first days well: “Although we found a wonderful and warm community when we came, many people thought we were too old fashioned for these modern times, and saw us as having not much relevance. Little by little, we were able to convince people that traditional Judaism always has relevance; we focus on maintaining traditions while bringing new vitality and enthusiasm. We attempt to revive many elements that people may remember from their grandparents, certain practices and customs that have fallen by the wayside either because of assimilation, or for other reasons.”

           

According to Shani, the Bima at Chabad serves as a visual reminder that ‘new is not always better’: “The Bima was originally housed at the Kapulier Shul, but when we received it, it was covered in three layers of paint. It was painstakingly restored to its former glory; nowadays we often receive comments about how beautiful it is.”

 

The Chabad House is not a Synagogue, but an outreach organization. It requires no membership, and collects no dues. “Visitors of all different backgrounds can feel welcome here because they aren’t expected to live up to a certain standard,” Rabbi Katzman says. “We accept all Jews without asking them to fit a certain mold; we want to be a bridge that connects the finite with the infinite, the past with the present, and the deeply committed with the peripherally involved.”

 

Kelly Kirk is a regular presence at the Chabad house; she and her children take classes and attend special events whenever they can: “We always feel welcome at Chabad, and have grown tremendously as a family.”  Current programming includes Mishpacha Morning, which takes place on Sunday; while parents focus on that week’s Parsha or various holiday-related lessons, the children follow their own program, often accompanied by lots of screaming that can be heard throughout the entire building. “Mishpacha Mornings are great,” says Kelly Kirk, “It always starts off with a fantastic breakfast, and gives parents the opportunity to learn alongside their children, as well as connect with other parents from many different backgrounds.”

Another well-attended function is “Bedtime Storytime”, which is organized on a monthly basis by Shevi and Estie Katzman.  Children of all ages are invited to come to Chabad, dressed in their pajamas; ready for snack-and story time. They are encouraged to bring blankets and stuffed animals; after they do a craft, it’s time to spread out on the floor and listen to the storyteller.  Chabad also offers religious school, summer- and winter camps, adult education, and special holiday events, such as the March 21 Purim party that is currently being planned.

 

Excitement is building about Chabad’s Gala, which is scheduled for April 13, 2008: “We want to raise awareness of who we are,” Rabbi Katzman says, “and let people know how much we can contribute to their lives. Also, a large part of Judaism is feasting, partying, and gathering your friends together. We want to say thank you to our honored guests, Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum, and Mike and Gail Yanney, not via a Hallmark card, but in person.”

 

“Rabbi Katzman did not come into this community with a ‘heavy hand’, Joe Kirshenbaum explains, “and he quickly endeared himself to many members in the community. He is very good at motivating people to go that extra mile, without stepping on anybody’s toes. Rabbi Katzman has the time and freedom to go anywhere.  And he does, quietly, making a difference one on one.  He and Shani add a dimension to our community that’s critical.  More people need to know them.”

 

Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum have known the Katzman family since they first came to Omaha, and have been supportive of Chabad since the beginning, something Rabbi Katzman is grateful for: “It is very heartwarming to know people that are always ready to give advice, and support us in any way they can.” 

 

Rabbi Katzman has been equally impressed with Mike and Gail Yanney’s presence in the Omaha community:” Mike and Gail Yanney are all about rolling up their sleeves, and not farming things out to others. Both couples are so unassuming; in spite of their respective accomplishments, they have stayed the same. Being that humble is not a natural reaction to success. They represent many values Chabad stands for, such as concern for the individual and lack of complacency.”

 

After being part of the community for twenty years, Chabad will be saying ‘thank you’ in a big way; the Mitzvah and Music Gala promises to be big, innovative, and, most of all, extremely fun.            

 

The Gala will take place on Sunday April 13, from 5:30 until 8:30, at KANEKO, the exciting new creativity center on 11^th and Jones.  For ticket information, please call the Chabad House at 330-1800.

 

 

 

 

Chabad Gala Press Release

Kirshenbaum, Yanney, Chabad, and Music!

(Previously published in The Jewish Press, March 2008) 

 

 ‘Mitzvahs and Music’ is the theme of the upcoming Chabad gala that is planned for April 13, 2008.  Chabad of Nebraska will be honoring Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, and Gail and Mike Yanney at an exciting event, to be held at KANEKO, a brand new creativity center located in downtown Omaha.  In addition, Chabad willbe celebrating twenty years of involvement in the Omaha and Nebraska Communities.  Event Chair Tippi Denenberg has her hands full masterminding everything; she and an army of volunteers are making sure that things will run smoothly. Denenberg explains, “It’s important to put societal emphasis where it belongs, and that is on the reinforcement of all that is good. Chabad is a wonderful organization. Its energy is spent doing good deeds and spreading Mitzvot; not only in Omaha, but the world over. The same can be said about the Yanneys and the Kirshenbaums. These are not people that sit around complaining about how bad the world is; they are ‘up and at it’, doing something to improve the world, help out others, and make a real, lasting difference.”

            Denenberg is excited about the location, as well as the entertainment that is currently being planned for the event.  KANEKO is an elegant new venue that occupies three-quarters of a block in Omaha’s Old Market area, and celebrates creativity in the arts, sciences, and philosophy. “KANEKO is going to rival the Aspen Institute. It is built to be a creative center, not a banquet hall. We are so lucky to have this exotic locale; to have cocktails among Jun Kaneko’s ceramic sculptures, or ‘Dango’, which will provide us with a great ambiance for the event. Also, we are bringing in world-class musical entertainment from Russia and Italy.”

            Denenberg is relying on the expertise of Hal France, a sought-after conductor who has conducted productions across North America and Europe to ensure that the evening will have excellent entertainment.  Not only does France have the final word on the entertainment, he has shown his dedication to the project by bringing a piano to Kaneko, to test the acoustics. He is just one of many extremely talented people making the Chabad Gala a reality.  Denenberg says: “It will be a fun but tightly run event. Our Program Director, Debbie Denenberg, is a former Broadway producer. We are planning to offer cocktails, dinner, and of course, our program, while keeping in mind that April 13^th is a Sunday;  Guests of honor at this time number the many friends of the Yanneys and the Kirshenbaums.  The entire community is invited to attend.  Ticket information can be found at Ochabad.com.”

            Denenberg continues, “This is a ‘never before’ event. It is a synergistic combination of honorees, location and entertainment. The location isn’t even done being built yet! Also, there isn’t a person in town that hasn’t somehow been positively affected by these honorees. This gala will bring together all factions of Omahans in the spirit of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world.  It makes me realize there is hope for the world- and it begins in Omaha.”

Judaism and the Healing Arts

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

(Previously published in The Jewish Press, August 2007) 

 

 

For most of us, there is but one logical thing to do when we feel sick: we visit our doctor. 

He or she listens to our complaints, checks us out, we fill our prescription and pay our bill, either with or without the help of insurance.  The same cannot be said for those that have no insurance, nor the financial means to pay that bill. For those people, the idea of visiting the doctor’s office looms like a dark cloud over an already stormy day.

            The Hippocratic Oath, taken by doctors worldwide as they embark on their careers, states: “I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor suggest any such counsel”.  Hippocrates did not mention cost, health insurance, or government funded health care.  The central task of the doctor, then, is to heal. All else seems secondary.  A sentiment shared by Dr. Michael Cohen of the recently opened Village Pointe Pediatrics.  However, medicine is not free. Although helping people is gratifying, it doesn’t pay the bills: “ Particularly when one is starting out as a Pediatrician with a young family to support, volunteer opportunities aren’t always easy to come by,” according to Cohen.  Nonetheless, he tried, and, together with wife Karen, taught a parenting class at Beth El that focused on Pediatric care for newborns.  While still a resident, he volunteered at “One World”, the former Indian Chicano center where he provided care to immigrant families.  It enabled him to connect with a segment of society that often goes ignored: “The gratitude you receive is enormous, but you feel the rewards are all yours.”

            Cohen has been practicing since 2000, and is no stranger to volunteering.  Most recently he was awarded the ‘Outstanding Teaching Award” by the University of Nebraska’s Medical Center. 

            In addition, Cohen has partnered with the Humane Society.  Pets that are in need of homes are brought to the clinic to visit with pediatric patients. “The interaction between pets and children is beneficial to both,” he says.  Cohen has taken fresh vegetables as payment for services rendered, seen patients at no cost when they suddenly found themselves without insurance, and made many an unscheduled and unbilled house call when the need arose.  He says: “You just sleep better at the end of the day, knowing that you did what was necessary: you helped a child feel better, you calmed a parent’s fears. I feel especially compassionate towards parents now that I have children of my own.”  He adds there has to be a basic respect for other people, regardless of their needs or situations: “You always need to treat others as human beings first and foremost.  My father used to say, ‘education is a privilege, not a right’. I try to live by those words by using my education to help others.”

                       

 

After all, Rabbi Judah ibn Tibbon, the 12^th century doctor, humanist, scholar, and translator, counseled: “You may accept fees from the rich, but heal the poor without charge”

 

 

Lag B’Omer at Chabad (2007)

Chabad Celebrates Lag B’Omer

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

 

 

There aren’t many things that will stop Rabbi Mendel Katzman and his wife Shani from opening their doors to the community. Therefore, the massive rain that pounded Omaha during the weekend of Lag B’Omer did not stand in the way of a joyous celebration, complete with a cookout.  While the Katzmans entertained -and educated- their guests, Bob and Kim Goldberg were kind enough to man the barbecues during the spare dry moments.  Joanne Andresen was responsible for the vast array of delicious foods.

            “This is a day of Jewish Unity”, Shani Katzman said, “and it is traditionally celebrated outside. It commemorates the relief of the tragedy that surrounded Rabbi Akiva’s students. Rabbi Akiva lived during Talmudic times. It also emphasizes the beauty of each individual. Lag B’Omer marks the day that the holy Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai passed away, and it was his request that his Jahrzeit be celebrated, not mourned. This should be a day of joy, a day to emphasize a meaningful relationship with G-d.”

            As Jews from different walks of life came together to enjoy the food and games, it was obvious that the spirit of Lag B’omer matches Chabad’s philosophy very well. “We attempt to spread a sense of community, since we are all one family”, Shani said, “and we love opening the Chabad House for anyone who wants to come, not in the least the children.” 

            Children will have a chance to experience one of the most important dates on the Jewish calendar on May 23, when Chabad hosts its annual Shavuot celebration, marking the giving of the Torah. Although Shavuot is not as widely known or celebrated, it is at the epicenter of Jewish tradition and identity. There will be a traditional dairy meal and ice cream social.  The day will start at 11:30 am with the reading of the Ten Commandments. This is a ceremony that is especially meaningful to children, since they are the keepers of the Torah. As always, everyone in the community is welcome.  Special lactose-free meals will be available.