About

For almost two decades, Rabbi Raphael Leban’s warmth, wit and wisdom have made him a beloved teacher of Torah with a devoted following of students from across the Denver community. Originally from Virginia, Rabbi Leban learned Torah at the Mir Yeshiva in Israel and received Rabbinic Ordination from Rabbi Z.N. Goldberg of the Jerusalem Beis Din. He is the author of Torah Today, a popular series of comments on the weekly parsha (portion). As managing director of The Jewish Experience, Rabbi Leban develops outreach and community programs, and co-shleps the organization to greatness along with Rabbi Ahron Wasserman. Allegedly one of the world’s most extreme skiing rabbis, Rabbi Leban now prefers the quiet life with his wife Ita and their three children, perfecting his cholent recipe in the relative safety of their home. Right around dawn you can find him teaching the daily Daf Yomi Talmud class at Merkaz Torah.

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 masters 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.

Pam Monsky is the Assistant Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in Omaha.  Pam is a dedicated Jewish professional in the Omaha Jewish Community and has been for most of her adult life.  Working in the JCRC is an energizing endeavor and impacts the entire community.   Bringing Clean Speech to Nebraska is a wonderful way of bringing together the entire Jewish community.  In addition to her professional life, Pam is married to Henry and they have two adult children, Rachael and Sam and one gorgeous granddaughter, Ari.

Jarod Cernousek is the videographer/editor behind Clean Speech Nebraska. As a filmmaker Jarod has enjoyed working on such an important project and finding creative ways to enhance the messages of each video. 2024 will be Jarod’s third year working at the Jewish Federation of Omaha and he looks forward helping tell the stories to come.

Clean Speech is powered by The Jewish Experience. For almost two decades, The Jewish Experience has provided education, inspiration, and community connection for thousands of families across the spectrum of Jews in Colorado. Our cadre of dynamic, respected educators provides a myriad of creative channels for people to experience the joy and wisdom of a rich, fulfilling Jewish life. Through classes, events, holiday celebrations, and social gatherings, our constituents of all ages and backgrounds learn more about themselves and their unique role in the Jewish People.