Rabbi Ari Dembitzer
In 2001, Hazzan Ari Dembitzer was invited to serve as Beth Israel's High Holiday Chazzan. From that very first visit, he became a beloved member of the Beth Israel Family. He continued to return nearly every year, sharing his musical talents, love of Torah and incredible ruach with the congregation. He soon began referring to Omaha as "Home-aha'; considering Omaha his second home. 
Over the years, Hazzan Ari became Rabbi Ari. After leading High Holiday services again in the fall of 2014, he was encouraged to apply for Beth Israel's open rabbinic position. In March 2015 Rabbi Ari, became Beth Israel's Senior Rabbi.
Rabbi Ari is from New York and has lived in Israel for the past several years in both Jerusalem and Kfar Adumin in the Jedean Desert. He holds a master's degree in public administration from New York University's Wagner School of Public Affairs. He received rabbinic ordination from Mesivta Tefret Jerusalem, the yeshiva of Rabbi David Feinstein, son of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. Since 1997, Rabbi Ari has worked at Camp Simcha. The camp, that operates under the umbrella organization called Chai Lifeline, is for children with cancer and different chronic illnesses. Camp Simcha provides a happy and magical environment for children so they can confront their challenges with increased strength and willpower. He and his wife, Laura, have three children.
To contact Rabbi Ari, please click here.
Assistant Rabbi Yoni Dreyer
Shalom all,
I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I am Yoni Dreyer. I came to Omaha straight from Israel with my wife, Shiran, and my four wonderful children. We were living in Ariel in Samaria (West Bank), when we decided we wanted to do something special to serve the Jewish people. We decided to look into Shlichut, to live in a community outside of Israel and exchange traditions and knowledge. We had never heard of Nebraska or Omaha until we were going through this process. We were excited to come to Omaha because we wanted to go to a place with good people.
Before drafting, I learned
at Shavei Hevron Yeshiva in Hebron. In the Army, I served as a commander in Duchifat, a combat infantry unit. I am currently an officer in the reserves. My wife did her national service managing a branch of b’nai Akiva youth movement. Service to others has always been very important to my family. After the Army, I continued learning to get my Smicha (Rabbi Certification). I also learned to be a Mohel and became an EMTI (volunteering on an ambulance crew).
We are excited to lahosif tov, which means to “add good.” We heard all about your community from the Abramoviches and the Nachmans. I am excited to teach classes in Omaha and get to know you all better. Please feel free to set up times to come learn with me, and I want to invite you all to come to any of my classes.
B’Shalom,
Yoni Dreyer
To contact Rabbi Yoni, please click here.
Sat, January 16 2021
3 Shevat 5781
Beth Israel & the pandemic
- Due to Coronaovirus, classes are moving online. Schedule found in left column and in weekly email.
- For current information on daily, Shabbat, and holiday services, please contact the office, Rabbi Ari, or Rabbi Yoni.
- The office is open but on-site staffing is not on a regular schedule. To protect the staff of Beth Israel and the larger Beth Israel Community, we are limiting access, by adopting an “appointment only visits” policy. Please call the office (402) 556-6288 to set up an appointment. If no one answers your call, PLEASE leave a message.
- If you are not currently on Beth Israel's email list, PLEASE click here to be added.
order your Beth Israel Shirts Now!
We are pleased to share a new design in our Teepublic store. Inspired by the mural on the historic Pinnacle Bank Building downtown and hand-lettered by Stephanie Plenner Gerber, Shalomaha is available as apparel, mugs, tote bags, and more! Click here for the link and get shopping now. Beth Israel receives a portion of each sale.
If I Can't Live in Israel, the Second Best is Omaha logo also still available. Click here.