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

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.

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.

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

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 | 7:00 pm

Adolf Eichmann: The Long Road to Justice

Klutznick Talk: Science Fiction as a Site of Soviet Jewish Civilization, with Dr. Marat Grinberg

Monday, November 2 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Skutt Student Center Room 105

Creighton University - 2600 California St

In his inaugural talk as the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, Dr. Marat Grinberg will explore how Soviet and Eastern European science fiction became a powerful medium for Jewish writers to examine the Holocaust, antisemitism, religion, and history. Drawing on his new book project, he will highlight how authors such as Stanisław Lem and the Strugatsky brothers used science fiction to explore Jewish identity and experience in the post-Holocaust era.

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.

Election Wrap Up:

November 4: Dr. Ari Kohen

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.

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.

General admission tickets are $18 in advance or $25 at the door.

Annual Cantors Concert Celebrates Rabbi Berezin

Thursday, November 5 | 7:15 pm

Our donor reception begins at 6 p.m. and our doors open at 6:45 p.m. 
Temple Israel - 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive

Temple Israel invites the community to a night of recognition and celebration. For ten years, Rabbi Deana Berezin has gathered us, shared her wisdom with us, helped us to engage in social justice, and nurtured our community from the oldest to the youngest among us.

This special Concert will feature Temple Israel’s very own Cantor Joanna Alexander, along with guest Cantors Aviva Marer, Juval Porat and Seth Warner. Learn 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!

Bistro Night Returns to Chabad

Chabad of Nebraska is bringing back “BISTRO NIGHT,” a delightful dining experience featuring some of your favorite Jewish foods and prepared by two of Omaha’s finest cooks in the kitchen.

• Monday, November 16: Deli Night featuring three savory soups — matzo ball, mushroom barley and deconstructed stuffed cabbage.
• Wednesday, February 17: Israeli Shawarma
• Monday, April 5: Deli Night featuring matzo ball soup and kugels

Exploring the Global Dimensions of the Holocaust

Wednesday, November 18 | 6:00 pm

Milo Bail Student Center Gallery Room 308 UNO Dodge Campus

The Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at the University of Nebraska Omaha will host historian Dr. Thomas Pegelow Kaplan for a lecture titled The Holocaust – A Global History? Approaches, Prospects and Objections.



In this presentation, Pegelow Kaplan will examine emerging efforts to understand the Holocaust within a broader global framework.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Complimentary food and beverages will be 

provided. Limited free parking will be available in Lot E, located near the Bell Tower on UNO’s Dodge Campus.

A light kosher lunch is served at no cost; however prior registration is required. 

Register for this session and any session in the full Beit Midrash series.

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

Each month, a different clergy member from our community synagogues leads a session on a topic that matters, from Torah to ethics to history. Because our clergy spans different denominations, every session offers a new perspective, and you’ll leave with new insight and connections. 

At our first session on November 18th, we will learn with Rabbi Mendel Katzman of Chabad of Nebraska. 

Partnership2Gether - Academic Lecture Series 2026

This series is an opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with leading voices from across our global Partnership—wherever you are. 

Monday, November 16 | 11:30 am

via Zoom

Prof. Günther Jikeli lecture: An Old Obsession, New Platforms: How Social Media Amplifies and Mainstreams Antisemitism

Join Prof. Günther Jikeli as he explores how centuries-old accusations against Jews have found new platforms on social media. Drawing on research of thousands of anti-Israel campus accounts since Oct. 7, he examines the line between political criticism and antisemitism, the impact on Jewish students, and what institutions can do in response. Learn more.

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.

Café Ivrit Continues!

Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 pm

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! 

Time and matching funds are limited so now is your chance to make an even bigger impact with your gift.

Imagine a FOREVER gift that will help secure Omaha's Jewish community for future generations.

Establish or contribute to an existing endowment to strengthen the future of our Jewish community and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation will provide a 25% boost up to $20,000 per gift.

We are offering this wonderful opportunity that will benefit the local Jewish community for years to come, and you can play a significant role.

Kaiman Family Grants

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

Howard Kaiman, who passed away on April 11, 2023 at the age of 93, left a legacy of service, advocacy, and deep commitment to Jewish education and community life. Born in Omaha on October 31, 1929, Kaiman was raised in a close-knit Jewish family that instilled in him a lifelong dedication to Jewish values.

Click the buttons for full details and to apply online. Please email Diane Walker at dwalker@jewishomaha.org for additional information.

ESEK Hanukkah Shuk & Workshop

Jewish Federation of Omaha - 333 South 132nd Street

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

Celebrate the season at the ESEK Hanukkah Shuk. Small craft artisans from our partnership region will be represented in the Shuk, with several Israeli artisans here in person. Every purchase directly supports Israeli small businesses impacted since October 7, brought to our community through ESEK. Gift wrap available while you’re here, with proceeds benefiting Jewish Family Service.

Lunch & Learn Workshop
Monday, Nov. 30 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for a hands-on workshop with Hillel Mor and Nadav Sinai from Mor Sinai. Create your own engraved leather keychain and learn more about ESEK.

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!

Hanuk-kits

These educational kits from PJ Library Omaha include books, games, and resources to help public school classrooms learn about Hanukkah and Jewish traditions. 

Register for yours today! Kits will be available beginning the week of November 16. For more information, contact Jonnie Robinson, Assistant Director of Community Engagement, at 402-334-6475.

Hanukkah Extravaganza

December 8 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm

KIPP Omaha - 14445 W Center Rd Ste #101

Join us for this year’s Hanukkah Extravaganza on December 8 from 6–8 PM at KIPP Omaha for a fun-filled celebration for the whole family! 

All families are welcome, but space is limited, so pre-registration is required!

Be Part of the Conversation! Applications are open for the next cohort of Rekindle: A Black-Jewish Dialogue!



Rekindle brings leaders from Omaha’s Black and Jewish communities together for friendly, challenging conversations and face-to-face interactions that break down barriers, build meaningful relationships, and inspire positive social change. Help strengthen connections between our communities! Upcoming cohort dates will take place December 6 & 20, January 3, 17 & 31, and February 14.