Due to its low cost of living and low unemployment rate, the Omaha community has become a magnet for young frum families. In 2005, six families at Friedel Jewish Academy were members of Beth Israel Synagogue, the only Orthodox synagogue in Nebraska. Today, there are 26, and the school projects thirty four for the 2012-13 school year.
Realizing the importance of maintaining the day school, Beth Israel committed to allocating “synagogue education dollars” towards the day school. In 2003, the synagogue began providing a tuition grant to all of its day school members. Although the original grant was for half of the annual tuition, this was amended in 2010 to be capped at $2,500 per year per student due to the continued increase of tuition by the school.
Concurrent with the funding period, Beth Israel, CJE and FJA plans to explore new funding sources for long-term sustainability of new initiatives, including the development of the “Friends of Friedel” annual fundraising effort. Friends of Friedel will expand community donor circles outside current Friedel families, and will include an alumni development component. The school will continue and expand alternate models of education such as after-school Judaic studies programs taught by community salaried staff that will provide content without increasing school operating costs.
For more information contact Beth Cohen at bethcohen@orthodoxomaha.org
