This July marks the fifth anniversary of the Ruth Sokolof Theater’s grand opening, and as we look back at all the great things that have happened since 2007 we’re struck again and again by how fortunate we’ve been for the amazing support we’ve received.

Very early on, well before ground was broken on the theater, the Sokolof/Javitch family stepped forward with a leading gift to Film Streams’ Capital Campaign. It was an act of extraordinary generosity, and a pivotal moment for Film Streams as Rachel was bringing her vision for a nonprofit arthouse cinema in Omaha to life.

In April 2007, a few months before the grand opening, we announced that our cinema would be named the Ruth Sokolof Theater in memory of long-time Omaha teacher Ruth Sokolof.

We are so incredibly honored to have as the namesake of our theater someone who was as caring and giving as Ruth Sokolof, and so grateful to the Sokolof/Javitch family for their continued involvement with Film Streams. Ruth’s daughter Karen, a gifted songwriter with a new radio program airing on KKAR, has been such an amazing source of support, and Ruth’s grandson Mark (Karen’s son), has contributed so much as a founding  member of our Board of Directors. Ruth’s extraordinary legacy lives on through them, and, we’re proud to say, through the programming that occurs year-round at the Ruth Sokolof Theater.

ABOUT RUTH SOKOLOF (1925-1982)

A woman of valor makes the world change
Her strength is the content that guides through the days
Defined by her actions that bring light to all dreams
Valor is something that’s defined by her deeds.
—Eric S. Kingston

Ruth Sokolof was many wonderful things to the numerous people whose lives she touched during her 56 years: cherished daughter, adored sister, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, dynamic educator, and helping hand to those in need.

Born in South Omaha in 1925, Ruth was the oldest of four children of Sam and Fanny Rosinsky. An avid reader, music lover and cinema fan, she often took her younger brothers to the now-defunct Roseland Theater for Saturday matinees. On a few weekends, she actually watched her future husband, Phil Sokolof, singing in contests held before the screenings.

A graduate of Central High School, Ruth earned degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Indiana before moving back to Omaha and marrying Phil in 1947. Together, they raised two children, Steve and Karen. Their grandchildren include Jennifer Javitch, Mark Javitch, Rachel Javitch, and Phil Sokolof.

A passionate educator, Ruth dedicated much of her life to helping children with disabilities. Starting out as a nursery school teacher at Beth El Synagogue, she was instrumental in establishing a pre-school for visually impaired students. The school later became part of Omaha’s J.P. Lord School, where Ruth worked for many years. Her daughter Karen continued her mother’s legacy of working with visually impaired students — including many of the same children Ruth had taught when they were in pre-school.

Though diagnosed with cancer at age 26, Ruth’s love for her family and zest for life guided her through all challenges. Her strength and determination allowed her to see the birth of two grandchildren, and enabled her to lead a life that to this day remains a source of inspiration to those she encountered.