Action & Impact Update: September 12, 2025

In this issue:

- Join The Torah of Community Relations on September 16

- Read about the meeting between Nebraska lawmakers and the Trump administration

- Supporting our Neighbors: Donate today to support Omaha families

Mezuzot of Omaha

Every mezuzah tells a story, and we want to hear yours! The JFO is embarking on a project featuring mezuzot of Omaha and Nebraska. Over the coming year, we will highlight community members’ mezuzot cases in the Jewish Press and on our social media posts.

We hope you will feel inspired, and are ready to share your story with the community!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Pam Monsky at pmonsky@jewishomaha.org.

Share Your Mezuzah

Reminder: Join The Torah of Community Relations

The Torah of Community Relations is a dynamic learning series that brings together Jewish community relations professional and lay leaders to explore seminal Jewish texts that resonate with the values and practices of community relations.

Through deep study and discussion, participants will uncover timeless Jewish wisdom that can inspire and guide their work in building bridges, fostering dialogue, and promoting social justice.

This series offers a unique opportunity to connect Jewish tradition directly to the challenges and opportunities we face in our efforts to strengthen and unify communities. These sessions are open to anyone and no prior Jewish learning experience is necessary.

September 16, 2025, 2:00 PM CT

The Cries of the Shofar: The Matriarchs and Radical Empathy

In the News

The women who run toward the bombs: Israel’s first responders

In the new web series ‘Through the Land,’ we meet Shir and Naomi, who, every time there is disaster in Israel, are among those who run into the fire to save lives

Read or Watch more from The Times of Israel

National attention may have kept Nebraska lawmakers from hearing redistricting pitch in D.C.

People familiar with how the meeting unfolded told the Examiner on Tuesday that redistricting wasn’t discussed, partly because of the attention surrounding the gathering

The ‘Jewish tax’ is real: Why US Jews need to pay for safety- opinion

For millions of Jews across America, basic acts of life come with a price tag.

Read more from The Jerusalem Post

Reminder: Help Nebraska Become a Leader

in the Fight Against Antisemitism

Add Your Voice

Join ADL in urging Governor Pillen to create a comprehensive state strategy to fight antisemitism.

A state plan against antisemitism would make sure every community, county, or school district would address incidents in the same way, ensuring equal protection for every Jewish individual or family, no matter where they live.

Get Involved with JCRC

Free Community Training: Countering Active Threats

In light of the tragic events that recently took place at a house of worship in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Community Security Initiative will be holding Countering Active Threat Training (CATT). This training is free and open to the entire community.

Countering Active Threat Training (CATT) provides participants with a better understanding of active threats and potential response options. Participants will learn concise protection strategies for unexpected acts of violence. The course subscribes to the national model of “Run, Hide, Fight” while also discussing additional measures such as situational awareness and first aid.

Supporting our Neighbors

After a pause in July, JCRC is resuming our Supporting Our Neighbors campaign to aid families affected by recent ICE raids in the region. Some families are coping with separation, economic hardship, and emotional strain. The most urgent need is for food and personal care/hygiene products, but you can find the full list here.

Please bring donations to the JCC front entrance Monday-Friday during regular business hours until further notice.

Request More Information

Student to Student Orientation: September 14

Student to Student is now accepting applications from high school juniors and seniors from all streams of Judaism for the 2025–2026 school year S2S cohort! Apply by September 13 to attend orientation on September 14.

Presenters visit local high school classes and clubs to share their personal experience as a Jewish teen in Omaha with other students, fostering connection and understanding.

If you know someone who would like to stay up to date with our work and legislative newsletter, please forward this email so they can subscribe!

Support JCRC Omaha

Guided by Jewish values, the nonpartisan Jewish Community Relations Council works in common cause with other religious, racial, ethnic, and civic groups to foster a just, democratic, and pluralistic society. The JCRC advocates, educates, collaborates, and mobilizes action on issues important to the Jewish Community and greater community to fight antisemitism and hate in all its forms and promote the security of Israel and Jews everywhere.