In honor of Hanukkah being celebrated from the 18th of December to the 26th this year, The Daily Record would like to shine the spotlight on a nonprofit that has been serving the Jewish community of Omaha.

 The Jewish Federation of Omaha has been working within the Metro for over 100 years. Originally known as The Association Charities when it was founded in 1903, it strives to create a caring, united community rooted in Jewish values and traditions. It helps interested citizens connect to different groups, synagogues, and organizations that they might be interested in, and allow for community growth and inter-connectivity.

The federation works to make sure that Jewish members of Omaha feel welcome. At their headquarters, located near 132nd and West Dodge, they share space with many organizations, including:

The Jewish Community Center, which hosts fitness, arts, and cultural activities as well as programs for kids.

Jewish Community Relations Council, an organization that works to represent the voice of the Jewish Federation and advocate for Jewish communities.

The Institute for Holocaust Education, who work to provide education on the Holocaust for the entirety of Nebraska and offer resources and training for teachers and events for students.

The Jewish Press, a weekly editorial that serves as a source for local, national, and international Jewish news.

Jewish Family Service, which provides services for singles, couples, and families, such as financial assistance, counseling, and family education.

The Rose Blumkin Jewish House, a nonprofit that provides long and short-term nursing care for seniors.

Partnering with these groups allows them to provide care for families and those at risk. The Federation provides scholarships and grants, as well as financial assistance for youth activities, based on need and application. They also provide many yearly awards for individuals who have served the community, including their Humanitarian of the Year and Spirit of Federation awards, along with their multiple Youth Leadership Awards for Community Service, Teen Leadership, and Professional Excellence and their multiple Agency Volunteers awards. 

If you would like to make a donation to the JFO, you can go to their website at jewishomaha.org/donate. The Federation have a list of different city-wide events on their website under the “SHALOMaha” page. Omaha is currently home to three Jewish congregations: Temple Israel, reform; Beth El, conservative; and Beth Israel, orthodox.

As the Federation says, “from its beginning, the Omaha Jewish community has proudly cared for its families, children, elderly, and those at risk. It all began with the dreams and vision of Omaha’s Jewish founders and continued to flourish through the generations before us.”

For more information about the Jewish Federation of Omaha, you can go to jewishomaha.org.