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Incredible Momentum!

$2.19 Million Raised & Counting!



The Jewish Federation is thrilled to report that we have raised $2,192,452 from 409 donors toward the 2027 Annual Campaign.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has made a gift, increased their support, joined the campaign for the first time, and especially to our GENERATIONS OF GIVING MATCH pool donors whose generosity inspired others to give more. 

Click here to view the matching challenge results and fundraising update.

Legacy Of Laughter presents 
Willie Farrell

Sunday, October 18 | 2:00-3:30 pm

Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Community Engagement Venue - 333 South 132nd St.

Willie is a sure bet when it comes to laughter. He’s played almost every showroom on the Vegas Strip including The Tropicana, Sahara and Riviera Casinos. And closer to home at Omaha’s Funny Bone. Now, you can hit the jackpot of good times at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. After the show, you’ll get FREE food, goodies and a chance to chat with Silly Willie! MeyersFamilyLOL.org

Next Chapter

Are you 55+ and looking for programming to connect you to your community? The Staenberg Omaha JCC and Jewish Family Service are excited to offer ongoing programs that are a great way to meet people, learn new things, and keep you moving.

Upcoming Events:

Sunday, Nov. 1: Intergenerational Mahjong

Monday, Nov. 16: Tea Workshop

Tuesday, Dec. 1: Sip & Paint

Tuesday, Dec. 8: Pickleball Cardio

Breadbreakers Candidate Forums

JCRC is inviting candidates to join us again for a special series of Breadbreakers Candidate Forums, presented in partnership with the Henry Monsky Lodge. Similar to our previous midterm election series, these forums will take place Wednesdays from 12:00–1:00 p.m. and will give members of the Jewish community an opportunity to hear directly from candidates and ask questions about the issues that matter to them.

Candidate Forum Dates:

Oct 21: Christian Mapes (Non-Partisan), OPPD

Oct 28: Scott Petersen (Republican), Secretary of State

The JCRC has published an updated Jewish Voters' Guide

Want to know where candidates stand on issues that matter to the Jewish community? JCRC has reached out to candidates across Nebraska, asking the same five questions on issues relevant to the Jewish community, along with additional questions specific to the office they are seeking. The candidates featured in the guide are those who submitted responses. Candidates who are not highlighted did not respond to our request. To maintain a fair and consistent format, responses are presented alphabetically by office and published unedited.

Topic: The Kind of Truth That Keeps Relationships Alive

No registration is required. All are welcome!

Tomer Devorah and Kabbalah

Sunday, November 1 | 3:00-4:00 pm

Staenberg Omaha JCC - 333 S 132nd St

Join Rabbi Geiger for an engaging exploration of Tomer Devorah and the 13 Attributes of Mercy, with practical lessons on kindness, patience, and personal growth. Come for an hour of meaningful reflection on becoming the person you aspire to be. If you’ve ever wished to live with greater compassion and clarity, this class is the perfect place to start.

Partnership2Gether

Academic Lecture Series

Tuesday, October 20: Prof. Gábor Balázs
December: Dr. Jeannnette Gabriel



Join Western Galilee, US Central Area Consortium and Budapest! This Academic Lecture Series brings together scholars and faculty from Western Galilee College, Budapest Jewish University, and U.S.-based colleges and universities within our Partnership communities. Learn more

Every Canvas Has A Story

Featuring the Art of David Silver 

& Yachad Participants

Closing Reception
Sunday, October 25 | 3:00 pm

Staenberg Omaha JCC - 333 S 132nd St.

Snacks provided

During the month of October, the small wall at the Eisenberg Art Gallery will feature paintings created by Yachad participants during a Painting with a Twist outing this spring, alongside the work of David Silver.

From November 2–6, the artwork will move to the upper sitting area near JCC Member Services before traveling to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, where it will remain on display for the rest of November.

Café Ivrit is Back!

Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm

October 29, November 19 & December 15

Jewish Federation of Omaha - 333 S 132nd Street

Looking for a fun way to practice your Hebrew, meet new people, and enjoy a good cup of coffee?

Join Itay, Omaha Community Shlicha, for Café Ivrit, a relaxed and welcoming space where we’ll learn, laugh, and practice Hebrew together!

Whether you’re a complete beginner or already speak some Hebrew, everyone is welcome! 

Presented in partnership with the nonprofit Artists Giving Back and generously sponsored by Michael Staenberg.

Coming to Omaha for its First Heartland Appearance!

Malkin in My Hands

November 1-26 | 1:00-2:30 pm

Eisenberg Art Gallery at the Staenberg Omaha JCC - 333 S 132nd St.

The Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) invites you to experience Malkin in My Hands, an exhibition featuring reproductions of artwork by Peter Malkin, the Mossad agent who helped capture Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. Explore how art can offer a powerful way to teach the Holocaust and remember the pursuit of justice.

Then, join IHE for two special events:

Exhibit Opening Reception:

November 8, 2:00-4:00 pm

Educational Speaker Dr. Gerald Steinacher:

November 11, 7 pm

Adolf Eichmann: The Long Road to Justice

Registration Required.

This is a free event for adults and children ages 11 and older. The discussion will include topics that may not be suitable for younger children. Parental or caregiver guidance is highly recommended.

Opening Hana’s Suitcase: A Conversation with Lara Brady

Sunday, November 1 | 1:00-2:30 pm

Omaha Public Library – Central Library - 7205 Dodge St.

Join special guest Lara Brady, niece of Hana Brady, for a community conversation exploring the true story behind Hana’s Suitcase. The story follows the intertwined journeys of Fumiko Ishioka, a museum curator in Tokyo investigating the history of a suitcase from Auschwitz, and Hana Brady, the young girl who once owned it.

Alongside members of Circle Theatre, which will present the play Hana’s Suitcase this November, and the Institute for Holocaust Education, Lara Brady will share her family’s story and discuss the book, the play, and how theatre can help us connect with and better understand important moments in history.

For more information on the subject, check out the Institute for Holocaust Education or the Hana’s Suitcase website, operated and maintained by the Brady family.

Each session takes place in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater. Whether your interest is history, philosophy, ethics, or current events, this series is a chance to connect with some of Nebraska's leading Jewish academics

Omaha's Three Chairs in Jewish Studies Lecture Series

November 4 | December 3

Join us for the next session of the Three Chairs lecture series featuring the scholars behind Nebraska's three endowed chairs in Jewish Studies.

• November 4, 7:00 pm: Dr. Omri Senderowicz, Schwalb Center Chair, University of Nebraska at Omaha, examines what the rise and impasse of the Israeli kibbutz can teach us about sustaining a community built on social justice.
• December 3, 6:00 pm: Dr. Ari Kohen, Kripke Chair of Judaic Studies & Director of Harris Center for Judaic Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, discusses how practicing civil discourse across difference can strengthen our communities.

Jewish Business Leaders Hall of Fame

Friday, November 6 | 7:30-9:00 am

Happy Hollow Club - 1701 S 105th Street

The Jewish Federation of Omaha invites the community to honor and celebrate the legacy of The Nogg Family at their induction into the Jewish Business Leaders Hall of Fame.

Read more

Thank You, Helpers!

Sunday, November 15 | 10:00 - 11:30 am

Staenberg Kooper Fellman Campus -333 S 132nd St. (exact location shared after registration)

Families with children ages 5 and younger are invited for a special program with PJ Library and Friedel, celebrating the people who help make our communities safe, happy, and strong.

We’ll enjoy a PJ Library story about gratitude, then dive into hands-on activities that help little ones explore different ways to say thank you and show appreciation.

We’ll also have a special “Touch-a-Truck” experience (weather permitting), where children can get an up-close look at a fire truck and/or police cruiser and meet some of the helpers who serve our community.

Come read, play, explore, and practice saying todah - thank you!

Omaha Beit Midrash: Finding Belonging Through Study

November 18, 2026 - June 16, 2027

12:00-1:00 pm

Jewish Federation of Omaha - 333 South 132nd Street

For centuries, the Beit Midrash ("house of study") has been a place to question, debate, and wrestle with ideas as a community. This year's theme is Belonging. Each month, a different clergy member from our community synagogues leads a session using traditional texts to explore contemporary issues and values, from Torah to ethics to history. With clergy from across denominations, every session brings a new perspective.

Each one-hour session opens with a short teaching from the month's clergy leader, followed by guided study of traditional texts and open discussion. No background in Jewish learning or Hebrew is needed. Come with questions, share your thoughts, and enjoy a light kosher lunch with fellow learners.

Babies, Bagels and Beats

Thursday, November 19 | 10:00-11:00 am

Staenberg Omaha JCC - 333 S 132nd St.

Families with young children are invited back for a joyful morning of music, movement, and community during Babies, Bagels, and Beats.

Music is one of the simplest, most effective ways young children learn. Every song, clap, or dance step supports early language development, rhythm, and coordination. Shared play also introduces little ones to new faces in a welcoming setting.

Grown-ups can connect with other families over coffee and bagels. It’s a relaxed way to start the day together.

Register today to be part of the conversation.

JCRC Community Conversation with Dan Feferman

Thursday, November 19 | 7:00 pm

Jewish Federation of Omaha - 333 South 132nd Street

After the Elections: What’s Next for U.S.-Israel Relations and American Jews? Join the JCRC for a Community Conversation with Dan Feferman on how election outcomes in the United States and Israel may shape policy, U.S.-Israel relations, and the future of American Jewry. A leading Middle East analyst, former intelligence officer, and co-founder of Middle East 24, Feferman will offer insight into what these elections could mean for Israel, the United States, and Jewish communities in America.

Please email Diane Walker at dwalker@jewishomaha.org for more information.

Kaiman Family BBYO Grant

A gift from Howard Kaiman, of blessed memory, for BBYO participation.

• This is not a need-based grant.
• Jewish residents of Omaha metro & Lincoln areas.
• Three tiers of support: 
  First Experience, Emerging & Actively Engaged Teens, Highly Engaged Teens

More details and registration

coming soon!

Coming Soon! ESEK Hanukkah Shuk & Workshop

Jewish Federation of Omaha - 333 South 132nd Street

Sunday, Nov. 29 | 4:00 - 6:30 pm

Shop unique handmade goods from 30 - 50 Israeli artists 

Monday, Nov. 30 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join ESEK for a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own engraved leather keychain while learning more about ESEK and the artists they represent.

Register for Shine A Light!

Hanukkah is right around the corner, and it’s time to spread light beyond our homes and into the community! Invite your non-Jewish friends, neighbors, or coworkers to celebrate Hanukkah with you. Light the menorah, share food, play dreidel, and share your family’s stories. It’s a simple, meaningful way to build friendships, foster understanding, and bring people together. Sign up today to receive your free Hanukkah hosting kit, complete with everything you need to get started!