The Jewish Press

Rosh Hashanah Edition

Wishing you a happy new year, full of new chances, fresh ideas, good health, and endless possibilities.

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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!

2026 JCRC Survey

Want a chance to win one of FOUR $75 gift cards? It’s easy! Complete the JCRC Jewish Community Survey and enter your contact information at the end for a chance to win. Your contact information will be stored separately from your survey responses. The deadline to complete is September 18, so make your voice heard! Your feedback will help shape JCRC’s priorities and strengthen our Jewish community, and you could walk away with a $75 gift card!

Topic: How to Quiet the Critic Inside

No registration is required. All are welcome!

Tomer Devorah and Kabbalah

Sunday, September 6 | 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.

Eligibility:

Post-college adults (even Bubbies)

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.

Wings of Hope

Join artist Shiri Phillips and Community Shaliach Itay in building a powerful community art project created in memory of the Kutz family and the victims of October 7. You can see examples of this global project, known as Livnat’s Wings, here.

From September 4 through October 2, we will be collecting used toys. Toys can be dropped off at the Jewish Federation of Omaha front entrance, Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center, Temple Israel, Beth Israel, Beth El, and Friedel Jewish Academy.

Babies, Bagels, & Beats

Thursday, September 17 | 10:00-11:00 am

Join us for a joyful morning of music, movement, bagels, coffee, and community for babies, littles, and their grown-ups. Come connect, play, dance, and enjoy a relaxed morning together. Good vibes, great bagels, and plenty of fun!

IHE Third Thursday Lunch & Learn with Scott Littky

Thursday, September 17 | 1:00 pm | via Zoom

Join IHE Executive Director Scott Littky as he shares insights from his recent participation as a staff member in the Kaiman Nuremburg to the Hague program with Creighton University. Scott will share his reflections on his visit to Warsaw, Krakow, and Prague, and how it relates to the work that IHE is doing.

Dr. Ari Kohen, Schlesinger Professor of Social Justice, Director of the Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies 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.

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.

All three scholars participate in every session. Reception follows each lecture.

Three Chairs Academic 
Lecture Series

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. All lectures are held in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater at the Staenberg Omaha JCC.

• 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, Assistant Professor of History and Director of Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies, University of Nebraska-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 and Director of Harris Center for Judaic Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses how practicing civil discourse across difference can strengthen our communities.

Anne Frank: A History for Today exhibits at Burke High School

Wednesday, September 30 | 6:00 pm

Burke High School - 12200 Burke Blvd.

Burke High School will host a Community Night featuring Anne Frank: A History for Today. IHE has trained the students as peer guides, who will lead visitors through the exhibit, sharing what they have learned about Anne Frank, her experiences, and the lives of those around her. Families and community members are invited to visit the exhibit, hear directly from student guides, and learn together about Anne Frank’s story and its relevance today.

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.

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 Omaha’s JCC. After the show, you’ll get FREE food, goodies and a chance to chat with Silly Willie! MeyersFamilyLOL.org

Film announcement and ticket details are coming soon via email, postcard, and website!

Save the Date! 
Omaha Jewish Film Festival

Sunday, October 18 | 6:00 pm

Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater at the Staenberg Omaha JCC - 333 South 132nd St.

Join the Jewish Federation of Omaha for four nights of Jewish storytelling on screen, featuring a drama, documentary, comedy, and Holocaust remembrance. Each evening includes a film introduction and post-film discussion led by community hosts. Jared Berezin chairs this year’s festival.

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