Limited Seats Available!

Tessa Veksler to speak at Annual Campaign Kick-off

The Jewish Federation of Omaha will welcome Tessa Veksler as the featured speaker for its 2027 Annual Campaign Community Kick-Off Event on Monday, October 12. Veksler, a public speaker, content creator, and Jewish advocate, has become a national and international voice for Jewish pride, college campus leadership, and the fight against antisemitism.

The event is chaired by Jamie and Troy Meyerson, Jenny and Scott Meyerson, and Heidi and Scott Schneiderman, whose leadership reflects the generosity and community spirit that drives the Federation's Annual Campaign.

“We are honored to bring Tessa Veksler’s story to the Omaha Jewish community. As parents of daughters who have faced antisemitism firsthand, her courage reminds us that Jewish pride grows stronger when we stand together,” said event co-chairs Jamie and Troy Meyerson.

All Joking Aside: Jewish Comedy Is Serious Business

Tuesday, October 6 | 2:00 pm

Anna E. and Benjamin Wiesman Family Reception Room - 333 S 132nd Street

The Jewish Federation of Omaha will welcome Dr. Jennifer Caplan for a special daytime lecture exploring the enduring impact of Jewish humor on identity, culture, and community.

Dr. Caplan, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati Chair in Judaic Studies at the University of Cincinnati, will examine how Jewish comedy has reflected and shaped Jewish life across generations, offering insight into its role in preserving history, expressing resilience, and strengthening cultural identity. The program is presented in partnership with the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

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:

Tuesday, Oct 6: Tai Chi

Monday, Oct. 12: Tea Workshop

Sunday, Oct. 18: Legacy of Laughter

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 7: Jim Pillen (Republican), Governor

Oct 9*: Sarah Slattery (Democrat), Secretary of State

Oct 14: Bob Krist (America First Party), Secretary of State

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

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

*Please note: to make sure all candidates have an opportunity to speak, we have added a Friday Breadbreakers on October 9th.

Topic: When Letting Go Means

Letting It Sink

No registration is required. All are welcome!

Tomer Devorah and Kabbalah

Sunday, October 11 | 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.

Please RSVP by October 6.

TriFaith Legacy Luncheon

Tuesday, October 13 | 12:00 pm

CHI Health Center Omaha - 455 N 10th Street

Celebrate 20 years of the Tri-Faith Initiative at the Legacy Luncheon featuring John Kasich, former Governor of Ohio and author of Heaven Help Us. Together, we will honor the enduring legacy of Tri-Faith's founders, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Bob Freeman, and Dr. Syed Mohiuddin (of blessed memory), whose vision helped create a one-of-a-kind model of interfaith understanding. A book signing with John Kasich will take place following lunch at 1:15 p.m. Questions? Contact legacylunch@trifaith.org.

IHE Third Thursday Lunch & Learn with Annie Rifkin

Thursday, October 15 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm via Zoom

Join Jewish Family Service Therapist and Program Specialist Annie Rifkin as she leads a discussion of the article “The Last Witness.” Participants are encouraged to read the article in advance to help prepare for the discussion.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.