The Jewish Federation of Omaha proudly hosted renowned scholar, author, and co-president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer, in the Omaha Jewish community for 2025’s Tapestry: A Celebration of Jewish Learning as the scholar-in-residence May 1–10 at various locations throughout the community.

During Dr. Kurtzer’s 10-day visit, he engaged with the full spectrum of Jewish life in our community. These events were hosted in collaboration with the following partners: BBYO, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, B’nai B’rith Bread Breakers, B’nai Israel Living History Synagogue, Chabad of Nebraska, Friedel Jewish Academy, Harris Center for Judaic Studies, Institute for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Federation of Omaha, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Temple Israel, The Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies, and Tri-Faith Initiative.

Tapestry is an investment into strengthening our Omaha community’s Jewish literacy. Each year, The Jewish Federation of Omaha will bring a Jewish scholar to Omaha to collaborate with our congregations, JFO agencies, and partner organizations. Each host organization/agency will customize their own program during this ten-day period of learning. Host organizations/agencies will determine topic, mode of preferred learning experience, and setting that best serves the age group and interests of their participants. This year Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer engaged in a variety of sessions, in a variety of formats, determined by our host organizations/agencies.