5/27/26
Volunteers of the Year
Jewish Omaha is sustained not only by institutions, but by people — individuals who give their time, talent, and heart to ensure Jewish life remains vibrant across generations.
This year, the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies proudly honor a remarkable group of volunteers whose leadership, compassion, and commitment reflect the very best of our community. These honorees will be recognized at the 2025–26 Awards Night & Annual Meeting, held Thursday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. A kosher dessert reception will follow the program.
Together, the 2026 Volunteers of the Year represent the full spectrum of Jewish communal life — from governance and education to caregiving, advocacy, history, and youth engagement. Their paths differ, but each is united by a deep sense of responsibility for the strength and future of Jewish Omaha.
Jewish Federation of Omaha:
Seth Schuchman
The Jewish Federation of Omaha honors Seth Schuchman as its Volunteer of the Year for thoughtful, steady leadership that strengthens the Federation at its core. A member of the JFO Board of Directors, Seth serves on the HR & Compensation and Governance Committees, helping guide leadership development, organizational culture, and long term sustainability.
Seth also serves as Chair of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and as a contributor to the Jewish Press, bridging governance, history, and storytelling in service of the broader Federation mission. Known for his collaborative approach and
careful follow through, Seth exemplifies shared responsibility and
helps ensure continuity between Jewish Omaha’s past and its future.
Institute for Holocaust Education:
Kati Larson
For the Institute for Holocaust Education, Kati Larson has been a trusted leader and valued partner for many years. As a classroom educator, she consistently engaged her students in programs such as Willesden Lane, the Anne Frank Traveling Exhibit, and Search for Humanity, ensuring Holocaust education was meaningful and personal.
Beyond the classroom, Kati helped develop teacher in-services and lessons that strengthened Holocaust education statewide. She now serves as Director of Education at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has been recognized nationally as a United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow.
Across every role, Kati brings humility, rigor, and deep moral commitment to educating future generations.
Jewish Community Relations Council:
Dr. Ari Kohen
The Jewish Community Relations Council honors Dr. Ari Kohen for extraordinary advocacy rooted in scholarship, moral clarity, and lived Jewish values. A professor of political science, Kripke Chair of Judaic Studies, and Director of the Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Dr. Kohen has generously shared his expertise and leadership with JCRC and the Federation family.
Following Oct. 7, 2023, his guidance proved especially meaningful as campus tensions intensified. Through thoughtful diplomacy with students, faculty, university leadership, and community partners, Dr. Kohen helped strengthen relationships when care and clarity were essential. His activism— deeply informed by Jewish ritual observance—models principled leadership at a critical moment.
Jewish Family Service:
David & Carol Alloy
At Jewish Family Service, David and Carol Alloy exemplify volunteerism grounded in empathy and dignity. Over the past year, they devoted countless hours to organizing, shopping for, and coordinating grocery deliveries for the JFS food bank, carefully selecting nutritious items to meet real needs.
Equally important is their advocacy. The Alloys consistently speak out about food insecurity and encourage others to get involved, reminding the community that caring for vulnerable neighbors is a shared responsibility. Through quiet dedication and compassion, David and Carol have made a tangible difference in the lives of many families.
Jewish Press & Nebraska Jewish Historical Society:
Marty Ricks
The Jewish Press and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society jointly honor Marty Ricks for exceptional initiative and dedication to preserving Jewish Omaha’s story. Serving on the NJHS Advisory Board, Marty undertook—entirely on his own initiative—the ambitious project of researching and writing comprehensive histories of every past president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
The work has required extensive archival research and persistence, particularly when tracing early leaders with limited records. Marty’s writing now lives in print and online, preserving leadership legacies that might otherwise fade and creating a lasting resource for the community.
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home:
Stan Edelstein
For nearly ten years, Stan Edelstein has brought warmth, reverence, and joy to residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Twice each month, he leads Shabbat services in the Simon Chapel, creating sacred space rooted in welcome and tradition.
Stan’s presence became especially meaningful after the isolation of the COVID 19 pandemic, when in person services were deeply missed. He arrives early to greet residents, assist with tallitot and yarmulkes, and offers gentle conversation that transforms each service into a communal experience. His reliability and kindness have made Shabbat a cherished constant for residents and staff alike.
Staenberg Omaha JCC:
Brooklyn Armstrong, Robert Osborne, Jordan Raffel & Josh Sullivan
The Staenberg Omaha JCC honors Brooklyn Armstrong, Robert Osborne, Jordan Raffel & Josh Sullivan, four emerging leaders whose dedication to youth engagement ensures Jewish continuity.
Brooklyn Armstrong, a BBYO advisor and Next Gen leader, brings energy and authenticity to strengthening pathways for young Jewish adults.
Robert Osborne, a fourth generation Omaha native and union electrician, serves as an advisor to AZA Mother Chapter#1, mentoring Jewish teens as they navigate life after b’nai mitzvah.
Jordan Raffel, a former Robert & Ellen Gordman Jewish Teen Leadership Award recipient, continues giving back to BBYO after holding multiple chapter and council wide leadership roles.
Josh Sullivan, a University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate, advises BBYO while serving on Federation committees, inspired by a family legacy of service.
Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation:
Donald Goldstein
For the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Donald Goldstein exemplifies leadership through humility, consistency, and stewardship. A Foundation board member since 2002, Don has served as Vice Chair, long-standing Secretary, and a member of the Executive Committee.
Through the Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation, Don and his family have distributed nearly $3.5 million to Jewish organizations, synagogues, medical research, human rights initiatives, and education. Signature community spaces—including the Goldstein Family Aquatic Center—reflect that generosity. Known affectionately as the Foundation’s most regular visitor, Don’s quiet leadership has left an enduring impact on Jewish Omaha.
Taken together, the 2026 Volunteers of the Year reflect the extraordinary breadth and depth of service that defines Jewish Omaha. Their leadership reminds us that a strong Jewish community is built — day by day — by people who show up with purpose, care, and heart.
