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.

Take the survey today!

Last chance!

The JCRC Jewish Community Survey closes tonight, Friday, September 18. Make your voice heard! Your feedback will help shape JCRC’s priorities, plan programming and strengthen our Jewish community, and you could walk away with a $75 gift card!

Used Toy Drive for Wings of Hope Community Art Project

The Jewish Federation of Omaha invites the community to participate in the Wings of Hope Community Art Project; a meaningful initiative created in memory of the victims of the October 7 attacks. Now through October 2, we are collecting plastic toys to be incorporated into an art installation. The completed sculpture will serve as a lasting memorial and a powerful symbol of hope.

We are looking for used and broken toys that are colorful, small, and made of hard plastic. Examples include small plastic figures, plastic animals, toy cars and trucks, mini toys, building blocks, puzzle pieces, and parts of toys.

Toys can be dropped off in any of our donation bins. Bins are located at the JFO Front Entrance, Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center, Temple Israel, Beth Israel, Beth El, and Friedel Jewish Academy.

Dr. Ari Kohen, Kripke Chair of Judaic Studies & Director of Harris Center for Judaic Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and Itay, Omaha Community Shaliach

Understanding Israel's Elections

Thursday, September 24 | 7:00 pm

Jewish Federation of Omaha -

333 S 132nd St

With Israel's upcoming elections approaching, many people are asking: how does the process actually work?

Join Dr. Ari Kohen, and Itay for a nonpartisan educational session exploring how Israelis vote, why there are so many political parties, how coalition governments are formed, and what makes Israel's electoral system so different from that of the United States.

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:

Sept 23: Brett Lindstrom (America First Party), Governor

Sept 30: Lynne Walz (Democrat), Governor

Oct 7: Jim Pillen (Republican), Governor

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

Register for one or all three dates!

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

Introducing Omaha's Three Chairs in Jewish Studies

September 29 | November 4 | December 3

Join us this fall and winter for a thought-provoking three-part lecture series featuring the scholars behind Nebraska's three endowed chairs in Jewish Studies.

• September 29, 6:00 pm: Dr. Marat Grinberg, Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, Creighton University, explores how Soviet Jews preserved their identity after the Holocaust and what those efforts mean for us today.
• 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.

Dostoevsky and Judaism: Characters, Ideas, Responses.

Virtual Class with Dr. Marat Grinberg

Sept. 30 - Oct. 21 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm



Join Dr. Marat Grinberg, Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization from Creighton University, as he teaches a four-session virtual course for the 92nd Street Y. Literary critic and professor Marat Grinberg will explore Fyodor Dostoevsky’s complex and controversial views on Jews and Judaism and how they are reflected throughout his literary works.

Space is limited! Registration is $18 through September 18 and $36 after September 18.

NextGen & Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 4th Annual Sukkah Hop

Thursday, October 1 | 6:15 pm

Kick off at Beth Israel → Chabad → Temple Israel → Beth El → Beth Israel.

Join NextGen and the Jewish Federation of Omaha for the 4th Annual Sukkah Hop! Connect with other young Jewish adults, celebrate Sukkot, and hop aboard Ollie the Trolley for a fun evening visiting four local sukkahs. Enjoy snacks, drinks, good company, and plenty of holiday spirit along the way! Don’t miss this fun way to celebrate Sukkot and connect with the Omaha Jewish community!

Eligibility:

Post-college adults (even Bubbies & Zadies)

Role:

Mentorship, guidance, and event supervision.

Make a Meaningful Impact. Become a BBYO Advisor!

Omaha BBYO is seeking volunteer chapter advisors for both AZA and BBG. Advisors serve as mentors and role models, helping guide Jewish teens as they develop leadership skills, build community, and create meaningful experiences.

Help inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders. For more information, contact Idan Zaccai, Omaha BBYO Director, at izaccai@jccomaha.org.

The program will conclude with a Q&A session and open conversation.

Israel at a Crossroads: Understanding the Upcoming October 2026 Elections

Thursday, October 1 | 6:00 pm

UNO - Community Engagement Center, Room 231

As Israel approaches national elections on Oct. 27, the country finds itself at a pivotal moment. Many observers view these elections as a crossroads, one that could shape Israel's political direction, social fabric, relationship with the region, and international standing for years to come.

Join Omri Senderowicz, Director of the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at the University of Nebraska Omaha, and Ari Kohen, Kripke Chair of Judaic Studies & Director of Harris Center for Judaic Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, for an engaging and accessible discussion of the upcoming vote.

The speakers will provide a roadmap for understanding the 2026 elections, explaining how Israel's political and electoral system works, who the major political parties are, and which key issues and variables could shape the election results and their aftermath.

All Joking Aside: Jewish Comedy Is Serious Business

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.

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.

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

Jewish Students’ Bill of Rights

Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) released the Jewish Students’ Bill of Rights in partnership with the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, StandWithUs, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. With antisemitism on the rise, the Student Bill of Rights provides a framework for addressing antisemitism and protecting Jewish students in educational settings. Locally, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE), which work closely with schools across Nebraska, will use the Student Bill of Rights as a guiding framework in their work with local educators and school communities.