MBSF031423

 

 March 12, the Jewish Federation of Omaha hosted Music Bingo in the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Community Engagement Venue. It was the first of our ‘Sunday Fundays,’ which are chaired by Rachel and Daniel Grossman.

    “A few months ago,” JFO Director of Development Rachel Ring said, “we brought in Aaron Henne, the artistic director of theatre dybbuk, a company whose work focuses on Jewish folklore and history.”

   Aaron teaches storytelling throughout the country and has designed and facilitated workshops for Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Dreamworks. He was an American Jewish University Dream Lab Fellow and the Diane Luboff Scholar at the Cutter Colloquium at HUC-JIR. Aaron has also served as a professional mentor at Otis College of Art and Design, as faculty for the Wexner Heritage Program, and as a consultant for a wide variety of organizations—including Jewish Federations.

   “During his workshops,” Rachel said, “he encouraged us to brainstorm together and think of new ideas around engagement and community. One activity that came out of those sessions was ‘Sunday Fundays.’ We wanted to bring a series of fun events that applied to all ages, all demographics, the entire community, and we wanted it to be free.”

   Music Bingo was a hit; it brought in people of all ages, from Early Learning Center students to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Residents, as well as quite a few Omahans who might have not attended any activities at the JCC before, or who previously were only there because their children were playing sports.

   “It was busy, noisy, and everyone there had a blast,” Rachel said. “We’re happy it turned out so well, and we can’t wait to see what the next events will bring!”

   Speaking of: April 2, from 3-5 p.m. is Movie Night. Join us in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater for “Marcel the Shell with Shoes on.” Released in June of 2022, this film tells the story of Marcel, a 1-inch-tall shell, and his grandmother, Connie, who are the only residents of their town after their neighbors' sudden, mysterious disappearance. When discovered by a guest amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans and a new hope of reuniting with his long-lost family. We promise you will fall in love with this little shell.

   June 18, from 3-5 p.m., we will have a Father’s Day Cornhole tournament at the Staenberg Omaha JCC soccer fields. Cornhole is popular in North America, Players or teams take turns throwing fabric bean bags at a raised, angled board with a hole in its far end. The goal of the game is to score points by either landing a bag on the board (one point) or putting a bag through the hole (three points). Fatherhood is not required! Just bring your ability to have fun while tossing a bean bag.

   All events are free to attend. To register, please visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/8aDwSw?vid=xb7vm.