Both couples are so unassuming

Both couples are so unassuming;
in spite of their accomplishments, they have stayed the same..
Being that humble is not a natural reaction to success.
They represent many values Chabad stands for,
such as concern for the individual and lack of complacency.
Rabbi Mendel Katzman
Honoring
Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, Gail and Mike Yanney
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a note from Rabbi Katzman
Shalom Dear Friends,
The Midrash tells the story of a prince who
Tonight, using the metaphor of music, we hon-
while hunting in a forest saw a child in the
or two couples who strive to listen to the music
distance playing his flute. The prince sat on a
of the soul. Maxine and Joe and Gail and
tree stump to saturate his soul with the beauty
Mike are not only in tune with the breathtaking
of the heartwarming melody. When the mu-
music of their own spirits and souls, they are
sic ceased the mesmerized prince dashed to
instrumental in revealing the melodies created
find the child so he could hear the beautiful
by their own Mitzvahs and the Mitzvahs they
melody if but once more. He searched the
inspire in others.
forest but the child was nowhere to be found.
His heart yearned for the sweet music and he
spent the rest of his days searching for that
special tune.
supporters and dedicated volunteers for two
wonderful decades. Without your partnership
we could never have reached this momentous
Embedded deeply in our souls is an unquench-
milestone. May we all take inspiration from to-
able thirst for the precious music of spirituality
night’s honorees and from one another. May
and G-dliness. We search the globe for this
we continue to multiply our efforts of spread-
melody that we naturally recognize and de-
ing goodness and kindness until, through our
sire. It is Chabad’s mission to help each indi-
Mitzvahs and Music, we usher in the coming
vidual find the tune for which the soul yearns
of Moshiach, an era of perfection for the en-
and to unite the music of isolated souls in a
tire world.
symphony of beauty and majesty.
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of
the Chabad movement, said, “Words are the
pen of the heart; music is the pen of the soul.”
Words, however articulate and effusive, cannot capture the language of the soul. Words
are too confining, too specific, too limiting.
How can one possibly describe experiences
so profound and deep that they touch the very
soul? The soul finds its expression in melodies
which convey its essence. A song can convey the sweetness of success. The majesty of
triumph. Optimism. Introspection. Love. The
grandeur of empowerment. The pain of longing. And at the deepest level, the yearning for
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I take this opportunity to thank all our generous
and connection to G-d.
With appreciation and admiration,
Rabbi M. Mendel Katzman
Gala Program
5:30 Overture Among the Art
6:15 Entr’acte: Hal France, piano
6:30 Welcome: Shani Katzman
Surprise Appetizer: Nadia Maudhoo, violin & Hal France, piano
Comments: Rabbi Mendel Katzman
Dinner
7:30 Program
Emcee: Debbie Denenberg
Recognition of Honorees
Guest Artist: Michal Simpson
Soloist: Stanislav Ioudenitch, piano
Soloist: Marcelo Guzzo, baritone
Closing Remarks: Michael Scharf
8:30 Finale
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Gail and Mike Yanney
In the theater, actors gain insight into their roles
hard work. And my folks have never been
Rabbi Katzman describes the Yanney’s com-
by examining what other characters in the play
afraid to get their hands dirty.”
munity presence as ‘impressive.’ “Mike and
say about them. To learn more about Mike and
Gail Yanney, two of this evening’s stars, we
asked for comments from fellow players Rabbi
Mendel Katzman and Lisa Yanney Roskens.
“I always loved going to the hospital with
mom,” Lisa reminisces, (Gail is a retired anesthesiologist) “but after I took chemistry it was clear
medicine would not be my path and I started
Lisa, the Yanney’s daughter, recalls being a child
going to the office with my dad.” Lisa, the CEO
and serving appetizers at what she thought
of The Burlington Capital Group, is married to
were “fun parties,” but which she later realized
Bill Roskens and they are the parents of Charlie,
were the many meetings her folks held for their
eight, and Mary, five.
numerous projects. She gradually learned, as
part of her growing up, that participating in
community life is “not something you even question, but simply what you do.”
“Being grandparents has brought out a totally
different side of my folks,” she says. “I see my
dad beautifully dressed in nice clothes rolling
around on the grass with the kids. He loves
“My parents have a depth to their volunteer
to play a mischievous little boy, full of tricks
activities. It’s one thing to agree ‘sure, I’ll do
and surprises. And mom, comfortable in her
it’, but to realize what needs to happen in the
surgical suite or her home with its crystal and
community and then find ways to make those
glass, now lets the kids come over and disrupt
things happen, that takes imagination and
everything. And she thinks it’s fun!”
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Gail are all about rolling up their sleeves and
not farming things out to others,” he says. “You
know, when I first spoke to them about being
honorees, Mike asked that we not emphasize
their accomplishments. He hopes people will
take away an excitement and enthusiasm for
living on a higher level – less material and
more spiritual. And he hopes everyone will
have a good time!”
Lisa concludes by relating a recent family trip.
“Last summer dad took all of us to Ellis Island.
He still carries the immigrant pride of his mother, and he wanted us to see where she landed
at age nine, and ill with chicken pox. It was
important to him that we all understand our
background. He passed on to us that feeling
of never taking our country for granted.”
Rabbi Katzman is a brilliant
and compassionate man.
At the Chabad House, through mentoring and counseling, he is reaching out and touching families and troubled souls.
It is what we should all be doing.
...I hope people
will take away
an excitement
and enthusiasm
for living on a
higher level —
less material and
more spiritual.
Mike Yanney
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Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum
“I’ve served on just about every board in the
Jewish community, often as president,” recalls
Joe Kirshenbaum, “and enjoyed every one.
Once I was the youngest. Now I’m the oldest.” He laughs, then discusses the mentoring
process. “It’s fascinating, and I’ve been on
both sides.”
“As a floundering college kid, I was steered
into real estate by a wonderful guy, Dr. C.
Glenn Lewis (UNO is establishing a chair in
his name). I worked so hard in his class! And
got a C. But he didn’t give up on me – even
found me my first two jobs.”
Joe, chairman of Noddle Development, is in
his 35th year of a successful career in real estate developing. And now he has become the
mentor. Agencies throughout the Jewish Federation welcome Joe’s thoughtful and practical
advice. Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of
the Federation, praises Joe as “the person who
can bring all the segments of the community
as president of the JCC; Susie is president of
something new. And of course it’s a thrill to be
together. He’s my go-to-guy!”
her children’s day school in Houston; and
with first-timers and bask in their excitement.”
Joe and Maxine have been supporters of
Chabad for 20 years. They believe Rabbi and
Debbie involves herself with Chicago’s Jewish
Federation.
Rabbi Katzman acknowledges the Kirshenbaums’ financial and personal support of Cha-
Shani are major assets to the community and
Individually and as a couple, Joe and Maxine
bad. “Joe has stayed the same person we met
respect the dedication and fervor they bring
have been honored with several philanthropic
over 20 years ago,” he smiles, “which is a
to their many projects. “I am amazed at their
and professional awards including the Confer-
very hard thing to do when you are that suc-
accomplishments, large and small, that no
ence for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian,
cessful. Being humble is not a natural reaction
one knows about.” Says Joe, “Rabbi Mendel
the Omaha Business Hall of Fame, the Jewish
to success.”
charges up my batteries.”
Federation Humanitarian and the Kipnis-Wil-
Maxine has always participated in Jewish
son/Friedman Volunteerism and Philanthropy.
The admiration is mutual. According to Joe,
“Rabbi Katzman has the time and freedom to
community life – “as young married women,
Maxine’s most fulfilling activities are the mis-
go anywhere. And he does, quietly, making
we expected it of ourselves” – and is pleased
sions, at least six, she has led to Israel. “There’s
a difference one on one. He and Shani add
that the Kirshenbaum children, following their
an indescribable feeling of being with my peo-
a dimension to our community that’s critical.
parents’ example, are taking part in their own
ple the moment I step off the plane. For me,
More people need to know them.”
communities. Jeff is currently on the board of
Israel is a special place, always evolving. On
the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and has served
every trip I connect with someone new, see
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Joe Kirshenbaum
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Celebrating Tradition in a Modern World
It was 1986, Rabbi Mendel Katzman and his
maintaining traditions while supplying new vi-
wife Shani had been married for a year and
tality and enthusiasm. We attempt to revive
a half when they and their baby arrived in
elements that people may remember from their
Omaha. “It was very exciting,” Shani says.
grandparents, certain practices and customs
We knew absolutely nobody and absolute-
that have fallen by the wayside.”
ly nothing about the city of Omaha.”
The
young couple had been waiting to be sent
somewhere in order to operate their very own
Chabad House. Rabbi Katzman explains that
to be sent out by Chabad is not the same
as coming to a pulpit. “You have a specific
mission and you are asked to make a lifetime
commitment to help empower all people to become everything they can be.” Both Katzmans
acknowledge there was no specific reason to
come to Omaha beforehand to see what they
were getting themselves into; they would have
said yes to any destination. Rabbi Katzman
had traveled extensively for Chabad and they
had traveled some as a couple.
Shani remembers the first days well. “Although
we found a wonderful and warm community
here, many people thought we were too oldfashioned for these modern times and saw us
not having much relevance. Little by little, we
were able to convince people that traditional
Judaism always has relevance; we focus on
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She points out the Bima, a synagogue platform, used at Chabad. It is a visual reminder
that ‘new is not always better.’ “The Bima was
originally housed at the Kapulier Shul down-
In order to achieve its highest goals,
town, but when we received it, it was covered
education must be more than just a
in three layers of paint. Now, after its resto-
training in facts and figures, or even
ration, we often receive comments on how
in basic skills, as important as they
beautiful it is.”
The Chabad House is not a synagogue, but
an all-embracing organization. It requires no
membership and collects no dues. “Visitors of
all different backgrounds can feel welcome
are . . . Very few Americans have
done more to promote these ethical values as the basis of civilization
than Rabbi Menachem Mendel Sch-
here because they aren’t expected to live up to
neerson, the leader of the world-
a certain standard,” says Rabbi Katzman.” We
wide Lubavitch movement.
ask no one to fit a certain mold; we want to
be a bridge that connects the finite with the infinite, the past with the present, and the deeply
committed with the peripherally involved.”
President Ronald Reagan, April 4, 1985
The Rebbe
The greatest quality for a person like (the Rebbe)...is fear-
Chabad of Nebraska was founded at the
how small, is imbued with spiritual signifi-
initiative and following the directives of The
cance, and that we all can be G-d’s servants
Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson,
in repairing the world.
who helped rebuild and heal a generation
devastated by the Holocaust. He taught that
every mitzvah, every good deed, no matter
This evening, and every day, Chabad of
less leadership. It’s not enough
to believe in things, you’ve got
to proclaim them.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
Nebraska honors and promotes his values
and vision.
Is there a place under the sun where the Chabad
emissaries have not carried his word of tolerance rooted in Ahavat Yisrael, in the love for
Israel, which really, by extension, means love
for humanity?
Elie Wiesel, April 1992
In these days of confusion the Rebbe’s statesmanship and strategic vision are a wellspring of
living waters.
General Ariel Sharon, 1978
Your efforts on behalf of education and your
countless humanitarian endeavors have greatly
benefited and strengthened our society.
President Gerald Ford, January 17, 1975
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Letters . . .
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10
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Thanks for getting to know us a little bit better…
Who we are: Chabad of Nebraska aka
reach out to help people, rather than wait
Achievements: Rabbi Mendel and Shani
‘Chabad House.’
for them to come to us. We do ‘house calls,’
Katzman arrived here 20 years ago with no
yet we keep our doors open 24 hours a day
support base, little funding, and few friends.
should any soul need assistance, spiritually
Doing their life’s work while also building their
or otherwise. When other social services are
own large family, they have become an in-
closed, we are not. We are often the last line
tegral part of the Omaha community, both
of defense in tending to oft-forgotten members
Jewish and non-Jewish, with supporters that
of society, Jewish and non-Jewish.
cut across the entire spectrum. They provide
Our Mission: We exist to improve the
world through education, action, and loving
kindness. To create a moral, G-dly world in
which honesty, integrity, a sense of meaning
and purpose, respect, responsibility for one
another, knowledge, security, and peace
prevail. Our scope of ‘the world’ starts with
Chabad’s mission is so important to us that
Nebraska and encompasses communities in
it precludes judgmental attitudes and does
North and South Dakota and Western Iowa.
not apply to common institutional parameters.
We seek to inspire and empower all people
It’s awareness. It’s aliveness. What Chabad
to maximize their potential on life’s journey —
is marketing is the message that anyone, no
with joy, passion, and enthusiasm.
matter his affiliation, can do one act that can
We are not about membership. There are no
dues. We cross lines of denominations, cultures, economic status, and faiths. We actively
tilt the entire universe toward goodness. Our
mission, in a nutshell, is about not letting the
opportunity to do that ‘one act’ slip by.
anyone, no matter his affiliation,
can do one act that can tilt the
entire universe toward goodness!
14
year-round, nearly constant social and educational opportunities for all ages. All programs
are offered at little to no cost. You can even
show up unannounced for a Saturday Shabbat meal. In short, without fuss or notice you
can feed your belly or your soul, often both at
the same time.
Your
DOnations
aRE MIghtily
Appreciated!!
$180 – sponsors one child for one
week of day camp
$500 –
offers children and adults study
sessions and shabbat lunches
$800 – keeps the Chabad House bright
and warm with electricity and
heating for two months
$1,000 – funds 500 periodicals which
are published five times a year
and chock full of family-friendly
ways to celebrate holidays
$1,200 –
funds a parenting conference to
enrich family values
$1,800 – underwrites programming and
supplies for one month
$2,000 – sponsors one child for four
weeks of resident summer camp
$2,200 –
stocks our Food Pantry for one
month
$3,600 –
provides college students
with educational and social
programs and mentoring for
one year
$8,500 – assists immigrants from the
former Soviet Union for one
year with Russian language
publications, programs and
home visits
$20,000 – assists transplant patients and
their families for one year
with financial assistance and
personal support
$180,000 –our dream goal for this fund
raising gala. Any takers?
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Delivering the melody...
Major thanks to the Kirshenbaum Family and
Sharon & Howard Kooper
$250-499
the Yanney Family for their Major Gifts
_____________________________________
John & Wende Kotouc
Linda & Nelson Gordman
Sandy, John, Joanie, Marty Lehr
Carol Alperson
$5,000
The Noddle Foundation
Eric Ball
Pinnacle Bank
Jill & Gus Sideris
Carol & Steve Bloch
Rotella’s Italian Bakery
David & Richard Slosburg
Louis & Frances Blumkin
Kaplan Investments
John & Nancy Webster
Lynne & John Boyer
Jodi Brodsky
$3,600
$500-600
Hal & Mary Daub
Tom and Darlynn Fellman
Julie & Eric Phillips
Judy & Jim Farber
Murray & Sharee Newman
All Makes Office Equipment Co.
Cindy & Bruce Goldberg
Nancy & Philip Wolf
Barbara & Robert Epstein
Allan & Rini Gonsher & Children
James & Shirley Young
Nancy & David Friedland
Connie & Pat Jung
Bennett & Julie Ginsberg
Rose Katzman
Corporate Tables from $1500 to $2500
Eunice & Norman Denenberg
Lisa & Julian Leopold
Mark Passer, United Services of America, Inc.
Debbie Denenberg
Beverly & Harold Maurer
David Kohll, Kohll’s Pharmacies
Tippi & Steve Denenberg
Thomas & Molly O’Dell
Kim & Bob Goldberg
Martin & Iris Ricks
$1,800
Deryl Hamann
Sissy & Howard Silber
Bob & Sandra Belgrade
Richard Holland
Bob Eisenberg
Andi & Larry Kavich
$101-200
Marsha & Milton Kleinberg
Mary & Clarence Landen
Jan & Howard Goldstein
Mick & Associates
Myrna & Kevee Kirshenbaum
$1,000
PDM, Inc.
Louise & Joe Scott
Jill & Mike Erman
Jamie & Cyndi Rosenthal
Loye & Stan Jaeger
Janet & Mort Glass
Jan & Les Schneiderman
Michael & Carol Katzman
HDR
Philip and Terri Schrager
Marilyn & Harvey Konigsberg
Joseph (Big Joe) Kirshenbaum
Joodi & Norman Veitzer
Janie & Allan Murow
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Jerry Rosen
Karen Levin
Karen & Tom O’Connor
Shelly Lerner & Lourdes Secola
Sheldon Masnek
Judy Rubin
Harriet Singer
Martin & Ruth Massengale
Bethaviva & Harry Silver
Alan Stoler
Dian Moore
Litzie & Yale Trustin
Arnie & Anne Weitz
Jeanette Nadoff
Irvin Ziegman
Jeanie Neff
Mikhail Ginsburg
Up to $100
Allan Noddle
Wendy Shermet
James & Nancy Armitage
Fefe Passer
Hanne Wolf
Bob Bell
N & I Plotkin
Albert Bloch
Judy & Buddy Roffman
Anne & Alan Cohen
Carol & Rick Russell
Sholom Dubov
John Schlegel
Clare & Gayle Duda
Joel & Nancy Schlessinger
Mike Dunlap
Hannah & Nate Schwalb
Paul & Sandy Epstein
Betiana & Todd Simon
Gary & Lisa Epstein
Sheryl & Carl Smith
Gabay Menahem, GAL Investments
Sharon & Robert Swartzbaugh
Dee & Larry Gilinsky
Phyllis & Del Toebben
Ruth & Irwin Goldenberg
Joan Udes
David Gossat
Gail & Irv Veitzer
Nancy & Don Greenberg
Susan & Isaac Witkowski
Susan & Thomas Gregory
Jordana & Jim Glazer
Mindy & Chaim Hecht
Sara Landsman
Honeyman Rent All
Bryna Canin
Carol Hutchison
Mary Sue & Alex Grossman
Connie Keck
Lee & Gary Shyken
Diny & Jim Langden
Chaya & Daniel Wuensch
Jay & Bobette Lerner
Ronald Budwig
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Chabad: Major Key Performance . . . . .
No membership fee. Everyone who
comes is embraced as a member.
 100% locally funded. Every dollar of our annual budget is raised here – and spent here.
 We are not an “outreach” organization.
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 Our Kosher Food Bank serves the Jewish
and the general population.
 We serve Nebraska, North and South
Dakota and Western Iowa.
Using modern applications of Biblical
We believe everyone is “in”. We help
wisdom, we strive to be a beacon of
people reveal their essence.
light for the general community.
. . Low Key Profile
 We offer crisis intervention, counseling
and financial aid.
at UNMC with Kosher food, housing
 We visit prison populations.
 We collaborate with the Omaha Police
and the Nebraska Disaster Preparedness Agency.
 We assist out-of-state and foreign patients
and friendship.
 We host fun family celebrations. We are
a gathering point for joy at holiday times.
 Classes? We have classes! Find out at
www.ochabad.com
Questions? We have answers! Come in, we’ll talk.
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Entertainment and Environment
World-Class Talents
Surprise Appetizer
Stanislav Ioudenitch was born in Tashkent, Uz-
Nadia Maudhoo, 11, began studying the
Hal France is a
bekistan. One of
violin at age seven and performs with musi-
nationally recog-
the music world’s
cal groups, youth and adult, throughout the
nized conductor
most
promising
city – the Omaha Symphony, Blue Barn Music
of
Hal France, “Mitzvahs and Music”
Artistic Director
opera
and
young artists, he
Festival, Youth Philharmonic and OAYO. She
symphony
and
performs through-
studies with Anne Nagosky.
is well known in
out Europe, the
our
community
United States, Tur-
as the former Ar-
key, South Africa
tistic Director of
and China. Ioudenitch has collected top prizes
Opera Omaha.
at several international competitions including
He works actively with numerous local orga-
the Van Cliburn, Busoni, Kapell, Palm Beach
nizations including the Institute for Holocaust
Invitational, and New Orleans International.
Education, Omaha Food Bank, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Food Pantry, Blue Barn Music
Festival, Why Arts, Omaha Performing Arts
Society, Wesley House, Stephens Center and
Habitat for Humanity.
In March 2008, he was named the first Director of Kaneko, Open Space for Your Mind, a
resource founded to support creativity in all
fields of human endeavor. Hal lives (and enriches the environment) in Omaha.
Nadia is active
in Omaha’s Japacommunities
as
well, learning and
performing
tradi-
tional Indian danc-
Hal France comments, “The Van Cliburn In-
es. An excellent 6th grade student, she attends
ternational Piano Competition tests young vir-
Russell Middle School, Millard District.
tuosos at the very highest level. Winning the
Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn is a parallel
achievement to winning a gold in figure skating at the Olympics.”
Marcelo Guzzo, a
gifted baritone, was
born in Uruguay. At
the Giussepe Verdi
International Singing
Competition he was
declared
Best
Uru-
guayan Lyric Voice of
2001. His concert and recital performances
have taken him from Uruguay to Israel, France,
Spain and the United States, where he made
his debut this year at Lincoln Center in New
York City.
About Guzzo, Hal France says, “His concert
last year at the Holland Center in Omaha had
people talking about his ability to engage and
thrill an audience.”
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nese and Indian
Kaneko, a non-profit organization, is a place for exploring creativity in the
arts, sciences and philosophy – actually, in all fields of human endeavor.
Chabad of Nebraska is grateful to founders Ree and Jun Kaneko for realizing their vision in our community. Kaneko’s credo, open space for your mind,
reflects Chabad’s belief that every human being is blessed with a unique
spark, and should be encouraged to contribute their gift to making the world
a better place.
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Note from the Event Chair, Tippi Denenberg
In a Jewish theology
class we studied a
story from the Gemara. I learned it
was sometimes (under quirky circumstances) acceptable
to lie. For example,
telling people about
the delicious food served at “Ms. X’s” shabbos
table can have a domino effect. As in, if you
tell everyone “Ms. X” is a great cook, instead
of demurring by ‘lying,’ everyone descends
upon her for invitations, she cannot refuse, she
eventually goes broke feeding the masses.
Now I’m about to tell everyone how great you
– the gala go-getters – are. So if, as a result,
your phone rings off the hook, I apologize.
Can I help it if you are so talented I can’t keep
my mouth shut?
Note: Now if I FORGOT to thank you, you
can be proud that you a) helped me adhere
to my religious beliefs and/or b) helped make
this event ‘greener’ by saving paper! Regardless, I am sure we will all benefit from this gala
for years to come. Thanks for all you did to
make it possible.
THE COMMITTEE
Event Chair, Tippi Denenberg
Journal, Eunice Denenberg. Competent and energetic. Her Pollyanna attitude beats Prozac.
Publicity, Annette Van de Kamp-Wright. Wrote
a 200-page novel WHILE handling our publicity campaign. All in her second language.
Nuff said.
Fundraising, Nancy Noddle. What’s harder?
Fundraising or asking someone to handle fundraising? Nancy made it easy (and successful!)
on both accounts.
Fundraising, Beverly Maurer. Supportive of our
endeavor and great behind the scenes, drumming up interest and excitement for the gala.
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Fundraising, Murray Newman. Ditto what I
said about Nancy. Plus he has an excellent
mind for detail. He always cheered me up
with his funny e-mails from India or Rio.
Musical Director, Hal France. He is Above
and Beyond. If I had the talent I’d write an
opera and dedicate it to him. KANEKO has
him as their director, but we got him first!
Graphic Design, Kim Goldberg. Signed on
for what I call the “Sea Monkey” job. It started
out tiny then grew and grew and GREW! Did
all the graphics – invites, ads AND the layout
for this piece you are holding, with nary a
complaint. Is worship too dramatic for how I
feel about this woman?
Table Assignments, Nancy Wolf. Playing musical chairs with you was so much fun.
Program, Debbie Denenberg. My financial
conscience and a truly gifted business and
marketing maven.
Event Consultant, Mary Bernstein. What a
coup to have her on board! I jumped up and
down when she said ‘yes.’
Decorations, Andee Scioli. Triple threat: gorgeous, smart, and kind. Added bonus: excellent taste. Just look around this room.
Gifts, Julie Phillips. Everyone loves working
with her, I’m no exception.
Tables, Nanci Kavich. Fun to work with. A
Mentsch.
Tables, Shirley Goldstein. I feel fortunate to
have her on the team; she is such a role model. Shirley for president!
Details Person Extraordinaire, Sandee Friedman. So amazing, she could run your life for
you. CEO material. My gala “Radar.” Great
fun. Great new friend.
Liaison to Kirshenbaums, Sharon Kirshenbaum. An asset to anyone’s family.
Reservations/Treasurer, Iris Ricks. Took on a
big job and did it with tact and alacrity.
Dinner, Shani Katzman. Always quick to tie in
the life lesson with the job. A pleasure and a
treasure.
Correspondence Consultant, Ian Jacobs. Our
very own Shakespeare. Jolly good show!
Set-Up/Clean-Up, Kelly Kirk. Accepted the unsung but hugely important job. We were fortunate to get her amid her myriad projects.
Co-Mailing Coordinator, Marla Cohen. Always ready and willing to help out.
Co-Mailing Coordinator, Cheryl Lerner. A flair
for detail and organization. Willing to go the
extra mile. Grace under pressure.
Check-in Chair, Linda Saltzman. Everyone
said, “Ask Linda, she’s so competent.” So I did.
And she is.
Volunteer Coordinator, Shevi Katzman. My
can-do gal for a million difficult chores, all with
a smile and a twinkle in her eye.
Web Director, Estie Katzman. Sets the standard for those great Katzman kids. First hardcore techie I’ve met who can also captivate a
class of 3, 4, and 5 year olds.
Publicity and More, Devra Bram. Helped Annette in the article writing business, contributed
to the journal. Kind and easy to work with.
Corporate Fundraising, Bob Goldberg. Focused right in on the hardest job as if it were
a pleasure to help out. Love that!
Photography, Ophir Palmon. Took gorgeous,
professional shots for us. Super productive and
kind, even on short notice. (Wish I’d hired him
for my wedding).
Photography and Correspondence, Gary
Javitch. Makes me happy to seen him every
time. Always helpful. Great attitude.
Gala Greats
The Kirshenbaums and The Yanneys. Oddly
enough, being an honoree demands a lot of
work. They were super gracious with all the
emails, phone calls, and demands on their
time. We thank them for sharing their friends
and family with us.
Jane Rips. Helped me get a vision and a plan
early on, and figure out many other aspects
along the way. She is my “Gala Wizard”.
All who helped put tables together.
Everyone who made donations of money,
items, and time.
Steve Denenberg, my husband. Behind every
gala organizer there’s a spouse eating tuna
fish for dinner. Kisses, Hershey bars, and your
wife back in the near future.
Ruth Utman, Mike Yanney’s Executive Assistant.
We put racing stripes on her email account!
Heike Langdon, our KANEKO contact. Lots of
tours. Lots of details. Always pleasant.
Nancy Schwertley, Lisa Rosken’s Executive Assistant.
Gadi Tene, Shir Tal Jewelry
Sheila Fitzgerald, Blooms. For greenery and
graciousness. Flowers too!
Larry Jindra, Regal Printing Company. Amazing support in the printing of this document, not
only to assist with our last minute needs, but to
be SO generous in your gift.
Elaine Urban. For fundraising ideas.
Bob Schlott, Warren Distributing. Parking.
Joslyn Art Museum, Piano.
Mary Bernstein, Events Inc.
Aaron Carlson and Kim Noddle. For help
with the table decorations.
Hap Abraham, Hap Abraham Catering. Patience and planning above the call of duty.
Beth Israel Synagogue
Expedex Paper Company. Donation of paper
for this magazine.
Denny Lewis, cocktails.
Susan Witkowski. Simcha challahs.
Michal Simpson. Actor.
Laurie Hellbusch, Spirit World
Carol Hutchison, Chabad House
Catherine Welniak, Administrative Assistant,
Noddle Companies.
Allan Handleman, Jewish Press
The Katzmans, for living the lives they preach.
My highest compliment.
Working with all of the people on these two
pages makes me feel like there is hope for the
world -- and it starts in Omaha.
— Tippi
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Questions for Shani Katzman
Wife, mother, business partner, teacher and
quiet activist, the personable Shani talks about
Chabad, Omaha and her enthusiasm for both.
Q. Where are your roots?
A. New York, and it’s great for visiting! While
Q. Describe, please, a few of your favorite
Chabad activities.
you can’t beat the proliferation of Jewish life,
A. I love studying and teaching. Whether in
Q. What does Chabad mean anyway?
numerous yeshivot and day schools, mikvahs
casual conversation or formal classes, I am al-
A. Chabad is an acronym of the first letters
and kosher restaurants, Omaha is our home.
ways inspired by each conversation that pro-
We came with a commitment to settle here
vides opportunities for learning and growth.
of three Hebrew words – chochma, binah,
da’at – meaning wisdom, understanding, and
knowledge. We are a global organization
with a local focus offering educational and so-
and the locals quickly became our family.
Twenty years later we and our children relish
a deep sense of belonging. This is home.
I enjoy the multi-generational programs like Mishpacha University which offers support, education, and enrichment to young families. Helping
parents parent, strength-
cial services to everyone.
ening family values, and
Q. So who comes to
offering children their first
Chabad?
Mitzvah opportunities is
especially gratifying.
A. Everyone comes and
everyone is welcome.
Q. Another project?
Q. Why would non-Jews
A. Each summer and
come to the Chabad
winter break we sponsor
House?
Gan Israel Day Camp
for about 60 children.
A. People see us as a
We accept every child
stronghold of faith. Some
regardless of financial
may seek help on busi-
status or observance
ness matters or personal
level. Our goal is to
problems; we see families
show kids it’s “cool” to
with estranged children or
be Jewish. Then, there’s
severe financial or medi-
our Spice and Spirit
cal worries. Jewish ethical
values can be put to work in everyone’s life.
Aren’t we, after all, considered “a light unto the
nations”?
Cooking Club. I really
Q. What are some of Shevi’s and Estie’s
enjoy that. Women come for ideas on prepar-
projects?
ing for the holidays and how to regularly infuse
A. Well, the internet for one. They manage
Q. Now that they have finished school, your
our interactive, integrated, world-class website.
daughters, Shevi and Estie, are back in town
They produce all our print materials. They man-
and involved with Chabad’s work, right?
age our burgeoning youth and camp activities.
A. You bet! Born and bred in Omaha, and
in many ways better equipped than we were
at their age, the girls bring a new dimension
to the work. They are Midwesterners with a
strong allegiance to the community in which
they were raised.
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their homes and meals with a ‘Yiddishen Tam,’
a Jewish flavor.
Q. And?
The children’s portion of Mishpacha University
A. Ongoing classes, community outreach, the
is their domain. Also, many of the new Chabad
first Kosher Pantry in NE, programming with
projects are given to them for development.
the Lincoln, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney
communities, and community-wide lectures.
Last week we even had a Kosher Pickle Making workshop.
Q. We hear the Rabbi is a regular on the
prison circuit.
A. Right. He not only serves as a police
chaplain but visits all the local prisons, including the facility in Yankton, SD. He reaches out
to the inmates with dignity and compassion
and offers meaning to their lives — just what
they are starved for and precisely when they
need it most.
Q. So after twenty years in Omaha, what
makes you most proud? Besides your kids,
of course!
A. I am proud when I can see individuals implementing lessons learned in ways that bring
balance and harmony into their lives. Also, I
am grateful for the opportunities we have to
collaborate with individuals and organizations
to bring about a greater common good and
effect positive change.
Q. Do you have a closing message for us?
A. Let me share a thought on music. Only when
each musician plays his or her part, whether
small or prominent, lead, harmony, or ‘second
fiddle,’ can fine music be made by the entire
orchestra. Likewise, in life, we must each do
our part with dedication and commitment and
together we will create beauty and harmony
in our world. The Rebbe taught us to appreciate the value of every part played. This is
something I hope we can all take to heart.
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What is a Mentsch?
The essence of human-ness, the best of a human being
Joe Kirshenbaum and Mike Yanney represent
Successful in business and fortunate with their
the best of America’s promise to the world—
families, the men are role model citizens of our
opportunity, concern for the little guy and the
community, generous with their time, money and
freedom to pursue a good life.
readiness to help improve the lives of others. Both
Both are sons of immigrants, Joe’s parents from
shun exclusiveness and embrace inclusiveness.
Ukraine, Mike’s mother from Lebanon, and,
We are grateful to them for reminding us of
as new Americans, the families shared similar
what has always been the best of America.
dreams. Education for the children. A strong
work ethic. Respect for the past.
A story is told of the first
Chabad Rebbe:
The Alter Rebbe resided with his son and
daughter-in-law in the upper level of their
home. One evening, as he sat immersed in
thought, he was aroused from his reverie by
the sound of a child, his grandson, crying persistently. The Rebbe hurried downstairs where
he found his son Beryl, supposedly babysitting,
but so deeply engaged in studying that he
was oblivious to his unhappy, sobbing baby.
The Rebbe immediately comforted his grandchild and rocked him back to sleep. Then he
chided his son, “Beryl, one must never be so
occupied by one’s own aspirations as to be
oblivious to the cry of a child.”
This story illustrates Chabad’s message. The
“cry of a child” could take many forms. It could
relate to an infant, yes, but it could be a teen-
There's hope for the world
—and it starts in Omaha.
ager suffering from hunger, illness or oppression. It may be an adult whose soul needs nurturing or an elderly person, lonely and yearning
for attention. Chabad of NE, indeed, Chabad
the world over is dedicated to their mission:
Chabad House ∙ 1866 South 120th Street ∙ Omaha, NE 68144
To hear and respond to the cry of every child.
www.ochabad.com
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