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.”

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.

           

                        

Susie Fishbein Visits Chabad

Eighteen Questions with Kelly Tichauer-Kirk

An Evening with Susie Fishbein

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

Note: This article was previously published in the Jewish Press on May 9, 2008

 

Kelly Kirk was born and raised in Omaha, and has been involved with Chabad for approximately three years. During that time, she has taken numerous adult education classes, chaired many events, assisted with holidays, organized cooking and craft clubs, spearheaded the recent pickle-making event, assisted with the recent Gala and helped run the Chabad Gift Shop. Currently, she is working to bring renowned cookbook author Susie Fishbein to Omaha for a cooking demonstration.

 

JP: When will Mrs. Fishbein be at Chabad?

KK: She’ll be here on June 2, and the evening starts at 7 pm, at the Chabad House on 1866 South 120^th.

JP: How long have you been working on this?

KK: Susie Fishbein’s visit was booked over a year in advance.

JP: Why is this a fabulous, not-to-be-missed event?

KK: This evening’s event is an exclusive and limited engagement. That said, the 50 lucky attendees will have the opportunity to come together with other women from the Omaha Jewish community to celebrate and be united in Yiddishkeit. What better way than through spiritually fit, and delicious food? Especially if it is created by a famous Jewish female chef.

JP: What should people expect?

KK: This event is more than an excellent opportunity to enjoy friends, fun and great food.  It is a chance to experience how possible it is to eat and cook gourmet kosher food in your own home. In addition, attendees will be able to see Susie work her magic and ask questions. Susie is a driving force in the kosher food world and it will be an honor to have her in Omaha

JP: I’m busy; how long will this take?

KK: We will be wrapping up around 9:30 PM.

JP: What is on the menu?

KK: Susie will be demonstrating a three-course meal, using recipes from her cookbook. She will discuss ingredients and technique, while offering helpful hints along the way. Every attendee will be able to personally sample all the items Susie prepares.

JP: Will she sign any books?

KK: Yes, and her Kosher by Design cookbooks will be available for purchase in our gift shop.

JP: Where can people find information about Susie Fishbein, if they want to ‘read up’ beforehand?

KK: I suggest they check out www.kosherbydesign.com.

JP: Why should people learn about kosher cooking?

KK: It think there are many misconceptions about kosher cooking, having to do with difficulty, taste, and quality.  We’re hoping to change that, and show people that this is something that you can do at home, even in Omaha.

JP: Do you sell any good cookbooks in the Chabad Judaica Boutique?

KK: Yes, and visitors are welcome to stop by and browse any time. We sell Susie’s Kosher by Design series, but also a variety of other popular cookbooks, such as Spice and Spirit, The Secret of Challah, and Kosher Delicious. In addition to that, the gift shop is full of Judaica of all kinds, for all events, and in all price ranges. The Chabad Judaica Boutique is your one stop shop for all things Jewish.

JP: Who are helping you set this up?

KK: The committee consists of Shani, Estie, and Shevi Katzman, Kim Novak, Cheryl Lerner, Marty Tichauer, and Tippi Denenberg.

JP: What will tickets to the event cost?

KK: Tickets will be $50 per person. However, we have scholarships available; so don’t let the price of the tickets deter you from learning about kosher cooking!

JP: Can people bring their kids?

KK: No; this is an adults-only event.

JP: Is this ‘women only’?

KK: Yes. Sorry, guys.

JP: How soon should people reserve their tickets?

KK: As soon as possible! We have limited space, so call us soon!

JP: Have you always been interested in cooking?

KK: As a matter of fact, when I moved out on my own at the age of twenty-one, I didn’t even know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. I had to call my mother and ask; luckily, I’ve learned quite a bit since then.

JP: What are you hoping people will take home from this evening?

KK: Hopefully, during Susie’s demonstration, members of the community will be able to see for themselves that kosher cooking is not only possible, but also a great way to enhance Jewish life. Ultimately, we have to keep in mind that keeping kosher is a Mitzvah, and strengthens our connection to G-d.

JP: Are you going to take a break after this?

KK: I wish! Actually, I’m already busy with the next project, but I can’t share the details yet.

 

For those interested in attending the Susie Fishbein event, tickets can be ordered by calling the Chabad House at 330-1800.