5/28/26

Teen Leadership Awards

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Brodkey and Asher Tipp are the recipients of the 2025 Robert and Ellen Gordman Jewish Teen Leadership Award.

Each year, this award honors two local teens who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Jewish community. Nominees are evaluated based on active participation in youth organizations, demonstrated leadership ability, contributions to strengthening their organizations, and efforts to develop future leadership and community involvement.
Each recipient receives a $1,000 stipend to support participation in a conclave, convention, Jewish summer camp, or an Israel experience of their choice. Their names will also be added to a permanent display plaque at the Staenberg Omaha JCC.

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Brodkey, daughter of Stacie and Jason Metz and Marc Brodkey, is a senior at Westside High School. Lizzy is a dedicated Jewish teen leader whose commitment and character have made a meaningful impact across the community. Her involvement in Jewish life is both extensive and multifaceted.
Over the past several years, Lizzy has become a role model, with her Jewish identity playing a central role in her leadership journey. She has been an active participant and counselor at Camp Sabra, an engaged member of Beth El Synagogue, and a consistent presence in community volunteer efforts, school leadership programs, BBYO, and the performing arts.

Lizzy is widely admired for her ability to build trust, bring people together, and lead with integrity. She is especially passionate about empowering her peers and helping them to step confidently into leadership roles.

Jewish Federation of Omaha board member Lisa Lucoff noted that Lizzy’s involvement and drive have inspired greater participation among Jewish youth, encouraging others to take an active role in the community.

“Lizzy has been a positive role model both at BBYO and Beth El,” she said. “She has recruited many girls to BBYO, encouraged their leadership and growth, and has served as a counselor at Camp Sabra, where she continues to inspire younger campers.”
As a longtime member of BBYO, Lizzy has served as president of the MZ Yoshanah Chapter and most recently as Omaha BBYO Council N’siah (President), the highest-ranking female teen leader in the council. In this role, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication while managing the full scope of presidential responsibilities.
Idan Zaccai, BBYO & Teen Program Director, describes Lizzy as a leader with a strong work ethic, warmth, and vision.

“Elizabeth is a truly inspiring leader,” Zaccai said. “She has a unique ability to balance high-level vision with meaningful one-on-one connections. Her work alongside Asher as a lead organizer for Council programs at Fall Regional Convention (FRC) and Spring Regional Convention (SRC) showcased her commitment to excellence and inclusivity. She hasn’t just led our programs; she has mentored the next generation of MZ Yoshanah leaders, by ensuring every teen felt they had a seat at the table.

“Elizabeth’s leadership mark on Omaha BBYO is defined and will be remembered for years to come. She is widely admired for the thoughtful way she builds trust, encourages others, and brings people together through leadership. She approaches every responsibility with focus and integrity, helping ensure that programs and initiatives are purposeful and engaging. Her leadership will leave a lasting impact.”

Asher Tipp, son of Sonia and Alan Tipp, is a senior at Elkhorn South High School. He is an outstanding Jewish teen leader whose dedication, integrity, and leadership have made a lasting impression on the Omaha Jewish community and beyond.

Asher is recognized for his clarity of purpose, strong sense of responsibility, and ability to lead with intention across a wide range of settings. He has been deeply involved in BBYO, held numerous leadership roles at his high school, and is an active member at Temple Israel Synagogue.

A talented musician, Asher has contributed to the success of multiple groups, including the Elkhorn South marching band, show choirs, pep band, jazz band, For Others Greatness (FOG), and the Metro Area Youth Jazz Orchestra (MAYJO).

Asher has also served as a representative for the Jewish Community Relations Council’s Student to Student program, where he shared his Jewish experience with middle and high school students throughout Omaha. Through this work, he helped combat antisemitism by addressing misconceptions and fostering understanding and connection.
Julee Levine, Director of Education at Temple Israel, highlighted his thoughtful engagement and leadership.

“I was especially impressed by Asher’s role as the youth representative on the Temple Israel Education Director search committee,” she said. “He asked insightful questions and engaged in meaningful conversations about the future of education and the needs of our community. His work with Student to Student also demonstrated his ability to communicate authentically and thoughtfully with peers about Jewish identity.”

Asher’s involvement with BBYO has been a constant over the years. He has held several leadership roles, most recently serving as Omaha BBYO Council Godol (President). In this position, he has played a key role in programming, recruitment, Jewish learning, communications, and collaborative planning.
Idan Zaccai, BBYO & Teen Program Director, credits Asher with helping maintain a high level of programming and engagement within the organization.

“Asher is the definition of a leader,” Zaccai said. “His leadership is fueled by an infectious energy with deep pride in Mother Chapter. His inspiring work with Elizabeth on our Council programs and both Fall Regional Convention (FRC) and Spring Regional Convention (SRC), proved he is a true catalyst for growth, consistently pushing the boundaries of what our programming can achieve.

“Asher has a unique ability to translate big ideas into meaningful, shared experiences that resonate with his fellow Alephs. Whether he’s navigating complex planning or rallying a room, he leads with a tenacity and charisma that has left an indelible mark on our organization’s history.”

Please join us in honoring Elizabeth and Asher on Thursday, June 4 at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Awards Night & Annual Meeting.