January 2, 2004

Vol. LXXXIII No. 18 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Beth El to Honor Rabbi Kripke on His 90th Birthday

8 Tevet, 5764 January 2, 2004

Kosher Beef Supply Safe from Mad Cow Disease

by DIANE AXLER BAUM tion by committing himself to an average work week of for Beth El Synagogue 75 to 80 hours, sometimes up to 100 hours.

Myer S. Kripke, Rabbi Emeritus of Beth El Synagogue, Among his many duties, he encouraged the mitzvot will reach the milestone of his 90th birthday this month. of tzedakah and tikkun olam; nurtured good relations As his family and friends gather in Omaha to mark the between Jews and Gentiles; and took seriously the misoccasion, Beth El Synagogue will honor him on sion of presenting from the pulpit perspectives “of Saturday, Jan. 17. value Jewishly,” marked by Beth El has sent personal some relationship to the invitations to leaders of the Torah reading of the week.

Jewish community, and These same perspectives Rabbi Mordechai Levin also served as a basis for his invites the entire communicolumns in the Jewish Press ty to attend. “It is a distinct which he continues to write privilege for our Beth El as much as two or three family to celebrate Rabbi times a month.

Kripke’s lifetime of achieveToday, as in the past, ments which have benefited Rabbi Kripke approaches Jewish Omaha and the Judaism with an emphasis Jewish people,” he said, on Jewish traditional values “and we look forward to without necessarily embracsharing the joy of the occaing all the Jewish traditional sion with everyone.” theological ideas. “I’m not At Beth El’s request, fond of theology,” he said in Rabbi Kripke will celebrate his 90th birthday at Beth El on Rabbi Jules Harlow will a 1986 interview conducted Jan. 17. He also announced the updating and reprinting of make a presentation during

by Suzanne Singer for the his late wife’s book, Let’s Talk About God, available for purShabbat morning services Nebraska Jewish Historical chase at the Kripke Federation Library. looking back on Rabbi Society. In that interview, Kripke’s life and accomplishments.

Congregation he championed the position of the Reconstructionist President Dick Fellman and Rabbi Levin also will speak Movement’s founder Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan, stating, during services. Rabbi Kripke will offer his own con- “We live not in the supernatural world where there are cluding remarks. supernatural forces…And we have to be aware of the Immediately following services, a festive Kiddush scientific basis of our understanding of the universe.” lunch will be sponsored by the children and grandchilBorn on Jan. 21, 1914, to an observant Jewish famidren of Rabbi Kripke and his beloved late wife, ly in Toledo, Ohio, Myer Kripke enjoyed varied interDorothy. Their children and grandchildren are daugh- ests during high school and pursued a broad liberal ter, Madeline Kripke; son, Saul Kripke; and daughter education before concentrating on rabbinical studies at and son-in-law, Netta and Yossi Stern. Their two the Jewish Theological Seminary. He met Dorothy, grandchildren are Gil and Tamar Stern. All living else- who was taking undergraduate courses at the Seminary, where now, they are grateful to Bernice Wolfson for in 1932. They were married five years later. Together, chairing the event and serving as their party-planning they shared intellectualism, joint writings, and complete liaison here in Omaha. Eadie Tsabari is handling devotion, in addition to the children and grandchildren luncheon preparations. who gave them much joy and pride.

Rabbi Kripke came to the pulpit of Beth El Rabbi Levin said, “Based on the many people whose Synagogue in 1946 at the age of 33. Upon retirement, lives have been touched by Rabbi Kripke, we look forhe was named Beth El’s Rabbi Emeritus in 1975. Thus, ward to a large attendance and a very special occasion for nearly 30 years he fulfilled the demands of his posi- at Beth El Synagogue.”

by JEWISH PRESS NEWS SERVICE New York (www.koshertoday.com)--The kosher beef supply in the U.S. is safe and not in any danger of being contaminated from what is described as an isolated case of BSE (Mad Cow Disease) in the state of Washington. Both Alle Processing and Agri Processors (Rubashkin’s), leading purveyors of kosher beef, told Kosher Today that all U.S. and imported cattle are young (18-24 months old) and in excellent condition, as opposed to the “downers” (unhealthy cows) used in the Washington case.

Continued on page 10

Hanukkah with the Governor

by RUTH and IRWIN GOLDENBERG President George Bush has nothing on Governor Mike Johanns when it comes to celebrating Hanukkah. While President Bush had a dinner at the White House, Governor Johanns held a Hanukkah celebration in his office at the State Capitol in Lincoln.

A group from Omaha and Lincoln met at the State Capitol for a specially guided tour, which Governor Mike Johanns, right, culminated in the helps Rabbi Mendel Katzman Governor’s office. This light the Hanukkah candles as event was a project of Marsha Kleinberg looks on.

Chabad House, chaired

by Dinah Abrahamson. Rabbi Mendel Katzman told the Hanukkah story and talked of the victory for religious freedom. He presented the Governor and the State of Nebraska with a menorah, which the governor used; the blessings were led by Ben Gerber, assisted by Adam Gendelman, Hannah Wolf, Nathan Wolf and Yossi Abrahamson.

Governor Johanns spoke about how impressed he was with the State of Israel when he visited there some years ago as a guest of several members of the Lincoln community.

Hanukkah at the White House

Women Invited to Explore Mikvah Mystique

President Bush hosted a menorah lighting ceremony at the White House on the fourth night of Hanukkah.

CREDIT: Ron Sachs/Pool

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Representing renewal and rebirth, the mikvah (ritual bath) is an integral part of Jewish community life. Last year, Omaha’s mikvah, located in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, was redecorated under the guidance of Suzanne Singer. Although she didn’t know a lot about the mikvah when she was asked by the Jewish Federation Board to enhance the appearance of the ritual bath, she learned. “I drew my ideas from the suggestions of many people in the community who gave me suggestions,” she said.

As she attempted to create a setting that complemented the spiritual experience of the mikvah, she located an Omaha artist who specializes in creative paint effects on walls. He was able to produce the serenity she was seeking by creating a night sky on the ceiling and a Jerusalem stone effect on the walls.

These renovations along with others will be featured when Women of Reform Judaism-Omaha sponsors “Mikvah Mystique: Women of the Water” on Thursday, Jan. 15, noon.

“Everything from the ‘how-to’s’ of using a mikvah to the innovative ways Rabbi (Aryeh) Azriel has found to utilize the mikvah will be discussed,” said Louri

Inside

This Week: Teen Age Features NCSY: Page 7 Newcomers Form Playgroups: Page 2

The Mikvah Committee consists of Andi Willensky, left, Rosie Zweiback, Louri Sullivan, Suzanne Singer and Andie Gordman. They’re planning a tour of the mikvah and exploration of its use on Jan. 15, starting at noon in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Sullivan who planned the event with Andie Gordman, Andi Willensky, Rosie Zweiback, and Singer. Sullivan hopes every Jewish woman in the community will be interested in learning about the three most important mitzvot Jewish women observe.

Continued on page 5

Coming Next Week: Tax and Financial Planning Issue: Jan. 9 Where Are They Now? The Rosenbaums of Portland: Pages 4-5

Metaphorically Speaking Makes its Debut: Page 6

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 2, 2004

Hanukkah Traditions at the South Street Temple

by SARAH KELEN parents and grandparents looking on, students Lillian for the South Street Temple Bornstein, Josh Calidonna, Sarah DiMagno, Aaron Last week, as members of Congregation B’nai Hoagland, Nick Lundholm, Jonah Lux, and John Williss Jeshurun (the South Street Temple) were preparing the led the blessings, did a special reading and led the Temple’s Hanukkah festivities, a friend of board mem- Sh’ma, presented an original Hanukkah skit, and led ber Barb Straus gave her a photocopy of an article enti- the singing of “S’vivon” as the closing song. tled “Chanukkah” that appeared in the Lincoln newsThe next night was again full of activity, as 45 peopaper in 1876. The article described a Hanukkah pag- ple gathered for the annual Latke Dinner. Every family eant “given by Mr. I. Friend assisted by the scholars of brought a hanukiyah or two, and after a havdalah servthe Sunday School.”

Journalistic standards have changed a little bit through the years; a contemporary newspaper probably wouldn’t describe Hanukkah as “the Jewish Christmas,” as this article did. Temple events were also apparently more formal in 1876: the pageant was followed by a dance at which the Lincoln Left photo: Marc Shkolnick reviews the fine points of dreidel management with Ben, Kitra Philharmonic orchestra and Katy Williss. Right: Kitchen mavens Jennifer Williss and Randy Reinhart display just played. Nevertheless, 127 latkes they fried up for a hungry congregation. years later, B’nai Jeshurun’s “Sunday School scholars” ice, led by Rabbi Stiel, candles were lit. are still helping out with the festivities.

After the 1876 Hanukkah pageant, according to the The Temple’s monthly Family Shabbat service was newspaper article, “A bountiful repast was served by also a celebration of Hanukkah. Bet class students the ladies, to which due attention was paid by all.” helped Rabbi Debbie Stiel lead the service. With proud It seems that some things never change!

Moms Organize Playgroups

CLIP & SAVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 2 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El C L I P & S A V E

MONDAY, JANUARY 5 YES Program, 10 a.m.

Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m.

JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 JELS/ADL Lunch & Learn, noon Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

BBYO Advisory Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel C Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El L I THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 P Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel & Walk-in Drop-in/Yiddish Group, 10 a.m.

S Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century A with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El V E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING,VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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C L I P & S A V E

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director An energetic group of moms have organized age-appropriate playgroups for their young children. The playgroups are a result of newcomers programming through the Jewish Federation’s Community Development Department, directed

by Janie Murow. “We’ve had a number of young families move into the area over the past year or two and many of them approached me at the Newcomer’s Brunch in

November about putting together a playgroup. It was such a brilliant idea that we opened it up to all Jewish community members,” said Murow. Left: Attending an organizational meeting with a few of their kids are: Alison Gordman holding son Spencer, front row left, Stacie Spies-Matz and daughters Samantha and Meredith, Betsy Marantz holding daughter Cara; back row: Lori Kooper-Schwarz, Jill Simon, and Lori Miller holding daughter Emma. Right photo: Tracy Kugler and daughter Lauren also attended the playgroup meeting.

Dr. Gershovich’s History of Israel Part II to Begin

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Participants in University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Associate Professor Moshe Gershovich’s “History of Israel” class at Temple Israel have focused on biblical and pre-modern Israel during the fall semester. Now they’re ready to get up-to-date.

Sherm Brodkey, who enrolled in the first semester of the class, said, “I find the class and Dr. Gershovich very interesting. He goes into detail and has an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter--the history and the social dynamics of the time.” Brodkey added, “I’m enjoying the class thoroughly and will be there second semester.”

During the second semester, “I intend to offer a broad introduction to modern Jewish history in the last two centuries with emphasis on the manner in which the Zionist quest for nationhood has intersected with the emergence of the contemporary Middle East,” said Dr. Gershovich who teaches Modern European History at UNO. He plans to tackle questions such as the evolution of national ideology (Jewish/Israeli and Arab/Palestinian), the religious component of Arab/Muslim-Jewish/Israeli relations, the creation of the Israeli polity from the voluntary “Yishuv” to statehood, and the social and cultural aspects of the ever changing Israeli identity.

Prior knowledge of the subject matter is not necessary, and taking the first semester is not a requirement to take the second part. Dr. Gershovich hopes to welcome back most members of the first semester class and a few new ones to the group. “History of Israel” meets on Wednesdays, 6:45-8:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. The second semester begins on Jan. 14 and ends on March 31.

Dr. Gershovich is a native of Israel. He graduated from Tel Aviv University where he majored in Middle Eastern and Jewish history. He earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University and has served as a visiting lecturer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon receiving a senior scholar Fulbright grant, he became a faculty member of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Al-Akhawayn University in Morocco. He has been at UNO since 2001. His courses include World Civilization, Modern France, French Colonialism, Modern International History, the Modern Middle East, Contemporary North Africa, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, the Holocaust, and Imperialism and Decolonization.

A class offering of the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, “The History of Israel” fee is $18 for Temple members and $25 for all others.

Register by contacting Temple Program Director Rosie Zweiback at rzweiback@qwest.net or by calling her at 556-6536.

January 2, 2004

Rabbi Levin Offers ‘Jewish Wisdom’ to Weekly Class of Adult Learners

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Rabbi Mordechai Levin recognizes that students of all ages learn best in an atmosphere that’s nonthreatening, comfortable-even fun. He brings this understanding to bear every Thursday at noon, when he presides over packed classrooms in his classes for Omaha’s Jewish adults.

The one-hour sessions took off last year as an “Introduction to Judaism” Rabbi Levin’s class, “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st century” and 33 regular participants begins again Jan. 8. received certificates of achievement. another. Ann Goldstein, for example, This year, even larger numbers of adults said, “There’s always something that we gather weekly to explore a variety of learn. And there’s so much comradery topics under the broad framework of that we feel we’re learning together.”

“Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century.” Carol Schneider, who attends every When sessions resume Thursday, Jan. week, added, “It’s just like a family. We 8, noon, following a winter break, have all become very connected,” Marcel Kahn, paying tribute to Rabbi Rabbi Levin and his students will begin a focus on family relationships, marriage, Levin’s teaching methods, said, “He does such a good job in making things and parents and children.

At each class, Levin presents source known, and explaining things, that it’s a material as a basis for learning; opens pleasure to be here.” David Cooper the room to discussion and questions; echoed, “He presents things in such an and offers his own combination of interesting--even entertaining--way. He knowledge, insight, and humor. For communicates very well with us.”

The attraction for Harding and Rovia example, looking at the Ethics of Speech in several inter-related sessions this fall Collis is the “informal, enjoyable learning led to such concerns as “How to Argue experience,” and, for Ann Belmont, it’s and Criticize Ethically.” Discussion the chance to learn “things that I never turned to tact, kindness, and “little knew before.”

At the conclusion of each session, untruths.” Thus, the sessions carried out Levin’s aim of offering guidelines for liv- many students stay for an optional lunch ing today based on Judaism’s traditional to continue the comradery and the lively discussion. Indeed, for many, Rabbi teachings of yesterday.

The results are powerful, as proven by Levin’s “Jewish Wisdom” has become a the enthusiasm of one student after highlight of their week.

Blessings in a Peaceful World

BERT’S EYE VIEW

by BERT LEWIS

Okay, so it’s a new year--I mean a really new year--the kind that makes you stop and think when you’re writing the date on something, like a check or a letter. I tend to say things like “how can it already be 2004?” because it doesn’t seem like such a long time since folks were fretting about 2000.

Remember that? How some people were worried that terrible things would happen when it stopped being 1999 and turned into 2000? So what happened?

Just the usual stuff....but with lots of extra hoopla because it was a new century. And now, here we are at 2004, with a new chance to do a better job this year than we did last year.

No, this isn’t the place where I list resolutions. I’ve been around long enough to know that's mostly an exercise in futility. I mean, who really pays attention to such self-promises after maybe a week or two?

Practically everyone decides to lose 10 pounds (or 15 or 20), to stop stressing over those things we can’t change, to try harder to be nicer to others--that kind of thing is what’s found on a list of resolutions for future behavior. I guess they’re now called personal diciplines.

The really important (as well as unimportant) events go on in life, no matter the year, with each of us managing as best we can. Things over which we have no contro still happen, and if we’re adults, we go along day by day, coping

as well as possible.

The hardest we’re called upon to handle, in my opinion, are the changes in the census numbers of family and friends. Do you know anybody who hasn’t lost a dear one this past year? I certainly don’t.

Nothing really takes the edge off that kind of loss, but wait--often a tiny new person makes an appearance in a family where one of the elders ran out of time.

Lifecycle events keep emerging and sometimes change the annual statistics of a clan.

So we keep moving forward, and do the best we can, regardless of the date.

Youngsters tend to look ahead, anxiously waiting for a certain time, because that’s the year they’ll be old enough to drive or vote or do something they can’t presently do. Youngsters, not those of us who have been around long enough to vote for many presidents, are the ones who “can’t wait” for a certain future time.

So what’s the moral of the story? Or is there a moral? Probably not.

Mostly I’m just sitting here thinking about the end of one year and the start of a new one. The old one had some wonderful days and some that were less then wonderful. At this time, at the start of a fresh, new, never-been-touched year, I have only a few wishes.

May everyone, strangers and friends alike, as well as all of our loved ones be well and healthy and may they enjoy those blessings in a peaceful world.

Happy New Year.

Happy 2004.

Amen.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Join us Wednesday, Jan. 7, noon, at the Park Inn Regency for a guest speaker. Lunch is $9; beverage service only, $2. Weekly programs are open to the community.

OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING “Hidden Dimensions of Psalms,” organized by Shirley Goodman meets at the home of Annette Fettman on Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m. Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will explore the meaning of Psalms.

A crash course in Hebrew Reading with Rabbi Hoffman also meets Wednesdays at noon in the Federation Conference Room; Advanced Hebrew Comprehension meets at 7 p.m. at the OCTL Beis Midrash; call 981-0569 for more information.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW-Omaha Section’s board meeting is Thursday, Jan. 22, 10:30-noon, at the JCC. Call 391-7022 to RSVP. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Dan Cerveny will talk on his experiences; he was in the Middle East to entertain our troops with a USO Show. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330-4272.

Call Maggie Conti for all reservations

at 334-6521: Bunch to Lunch on Jan. 8; Mystery Trip on Jan. 15; Seabiscuit on Jan. 22; Bluffs Run Casino on Jan. 29.

The Omaha Theater for Young People presents Broadway Town on Monday, Jan. 26, 12:45 p.m. Lunch begins at noon at the JCC. Deadline is Jan. 19.

There is no charge for the performance.

Lunch is $6 per person. Call Maggie at 334-6521 for reservations.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to Le Peep for Bunch to Lunch on Thursday, please meet at the JCC at 11 a.m.

Exercise will begin at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.

VISIONS Travel around the world at the Henry Doorly Zoo to see India: Kingdom of the Tiger on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. (meet in the 1MAX lobby at 10:40 a.m.)

Cost is $5.75. Following the show, lunch is at Julio's on 132nd and Arbor. Send reservations with payment to Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda, Omaha, NE 68144. Deadline is no later than Jan. 6. Luncheon Meeting is Jan. 16 12:30 p.m. at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Send reservations to Tootie and Mickey Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114.

Checks payable to Visions.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Want to have a Freylichen Tog? Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343-1638 for information.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 2, 2004

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Dr. William Rosenbaum of Portland, Oregon, remembers his grandmother on various occasions “like when she blessed the Sabbath candles,” throwing a few pennies into one of her five or six pushkas.

If anyone came to the back door requesting charity, they were never refused. “I remember asking my grandmother why,” Dr. Rosenbaum recalled.

She told him that she gives something and never has to search her soul. “That is a good thing to remember,” he realized.

Dr. Rosenbaum, the second son of Samuel and Bessie Mittleman Rosenbaum, was born in 1916 in Omaha. With their parents, William and his older brother Edward lived at 2416 Charles St., one block north of their grandparents: Deborah and Zweibelman Mittleman and Berish and Rachael Wintroub Rosenbaum, who lived next door to each other on Hamilton.

“We were of modest means but always had enough to eat,” Dr. Rosenbaum said.

“We went to Hebrew School at 21st and Burt and attended the synagogue at 25th and Seward. We had Bar Mitzvahs.

“Bar Mitzvahs are usually thought to always be on Saturdays, but if you wanted to avoid some of the ceremony and associated expense, it can be done during the week on any morning the Torah is read. Mine was therefore held on a Thursday morning.”

After moving to 5608 Howard, the boys enrolled in Dundee School. “We played baseball…and shared a hand scooter.”

Their father and uncle were partners in a small men’s clothing store at the time. By

William Rosenbaum Travels a Road to Success Despite History’s Roadblocks

the age of eight, William “entered the labor market” sharing a newspaper route with his brother.

After the clothing store failed, Samuel Rosenbaum opened an ice station at 22nd and Burt. A small room was later added to the shed to sell candy and soda pop. Later, a gasoline filling station was added. He opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 10 p.m, seven days a week. “Mother would come during the morning and

corned beef and made sandwiches behind the counter of their father’s business. “If a customer came in, we covered up all the food.” Sometimes, “my Dad gave us each a nickel and we went to the Princess Theater which was a little east of 14th Street. The films were silent in those days. There was a piano player in the front of the theater. He played music in keeping with the movie action.

“We took the streetcar home--perhaps

Former Omahans Dr. Edward Rosenbaum and his wife Davida, and Goldie and Dr. William Rosenbaum live in Portland, OR. they would have breakfast together. She did “her share of putting gasoline into the cars. As Ed and I grew a little older, we came to the station and did work so dad and mother could go home for dinner.”

Occasionally, the boys bought some

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a 20-minute ride,” Dr. Rosenbaum recalled.

Business deteriorated for Samuel and Bessie, and they moved in with her parents. “Passover was a big deal” for the family. “Spring housecleaning took place…and if there was to be anything like interior house painting, it was done before Passover. The best dishes were saved for exclusive use at that time. The sink counter was covered with thin sheets of wood that came from fruit boxes. On the night before Passover, small pieces of bread (were)…hidden in every room. My grandfather would then follow us as we guided him from room to room to the hidden bread. We carried candles to light the way through the darkened rooms. Zayda carried a feather with which he swept the bread into a container.

“Friday night dinners were special and (of) long duration,” for the Rosenbaums, William described. “We very frequently had a guest.” Their stories delighted Rosenbaum’s grandfather. In an apparent effort to prove his orthodoxy, one guest stated he did not want to eat with women at the table. “My grandmother,” who had started baking at 5 a.m., “picked up his dish, carried it into the kitchen, and told him he could eat there.”

Kiddush was recited, and the challahs were blessed. “Then came the gefilte fish and red horseradish. We then had chicken soup,” boiled chicken, a noodle kugel, and homemade dill pickles. “We rarely used anything out of a can. We probably had home canned apricots for dessert and a glass of hot tea. It was always a glass of tea not a cup.” He recalled that “we would sing a song and after the meal, we said the prayer of thanking God for the meal. Then Ed and I were excused.”

When the family bought their first car, “a Model T Ford, used of course, we could expect a flat tire every few days, and they were tough to change.”

Most of the time, though, Ed and William walked to Central High School which was probably a couple miles from their house. Sometimes their Uncle

Abe Shrago used to drive his small truck in the morning and “we got a ride with him. We might sit inside the truck or stand on the running board and hold on as the truck drove along the street.”

After school, they usually walked to the gas station.

They joined AZA. In the summer of 1932 when William was 16, AZA had a national convention in Omaha. “I had never had a date to that time. My cousin Irving Mittleman was a little more aggressive in that regard,” according to William. Mittleman invited Goldie Silverman to go with him. Goldie’s brother is Stanley Silverman who still lives in Omaha with his wife, Norma.

Goldie sat between Mittleman and Rosenbaum in the car that he was driving. Soon Goldie and William were holding hands “but not that anyone could see it,” he explained. He eventually began calling Goldie “for a date…and soon we were going steady.”

When he grew older, William took over running the gas station on Saturdays. The ice station was closed as electric refrigeration became more widespread. “Goldie started to come to the station Saturdays and spend the day with me. In the evening, the two “would probably go to a show with another couple.” His expenses were about $2 per week. The show was 35 cents each and ten cents for a milk shake.

After graduating high school in 1934, he enrolled at Creighton University. “In those days, occupational opportunities were very limited to Jews. There were no openings as executives in major business, insurance, major law firms, etc. The openings were in medicine (in a limited sense), small law offices, or dentistry.” Both Ed and William took premed which to them was “relatively easy.” They joined a Jewish fraternity but lived at home. “My grades were good and I applied to the University of Nebraska Medical School.”

In addition to the financial factor, “there was a definite Jewish student quota of about four per year,” he pointed out. But after a summer at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, William was able to start at the College of Medicine in Omaha. At the same time, Goldie began her studies toward a teaching degree at Omaha University.

Medical school was not overwhelmingly difficult, according to Dr. Rosenbaum. “You just had to be consistent in your studying and keep up. You couldn’t skip studying any night and hope to make it.” Consequently, he didn’t get to see Goldie as often as he would have liked.

Nevertheless, on June 12, 1938, William and Goldie were married. After honeymooning at Lake Okoboji, they lived with Goldie’s parents in the apartment above their grocery store. When school started, they lived with William’s family.

William and Goldie moved to Missouri when he became an intern at St. Louis City Hospital. The young couple rented a room for $20 a month in a Jewish home. He was earning only $10 a month. Although Goldie had a teacher’s certificate, married women were not employed in those days so she worked in a department store. After completing his first year of internship in 1941, he was accepted as an intern at Chicago Lying-In Hospital, “the foremost obstetrical hospital in the world at that time.”

They found a one-room apartment and Goldie found a job in another departContinued on page 5

January 2, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Haimisheh Menshen

Road to Success Continued from page 4 They found a one-room apartment and Goldie found a job in another department store.

In 1942, William and Goldie returned to Omaha where he worked in the pathology department at the University of Nebraska Hospital while waiting to begin his service in the U. S. Army. Goldie was about to have their first child, Bob. Baby in tow, they moved to Camp Maxey, Texas.

By 1944, Dr. Rosenbaum was stationed in England and was faced with an entire battalion that had come down with a respiratory infection. Not long after he arrived though, “we were loaded on landing barges to cross the Channel” as part of the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France. “While we were on the Channel in a small boat in stormy weather, we had little to eat…”

Due to the storm, his battalion landed about five days after the initial invasion. Our “function was to do engineering tasks, and we were given the task of creating a bridge.”

Arriving in Paris, they were given permission to visit the city where Dr. Rosenbaum found his brother who had also been involved in the invasion.

While still in Europe, Dr. Rosenbaum said, “Dachau fell and we were immediately south of it so I drove over there. There were two SS guards dead on the grounds.

There was an endless line of boxcars with a few bodies in most of them. The few survivors had been removed.” In one room, there were two furnaces and two large stacks of emaciated bodies piled next to them.”

He took a number of pictures of the horror of Dachau and donated copies to the Omaha Institute for Holocaust Education.

After the war, Dr. Rosenbaum received an appointment at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago where he was a surgical resident. Goldie and Bob moved to Chicago and the family lived in a one-bedroom apartment. Following his residency, Dr. Rosenbaum became the first chest surgeon resident at Cook County Hospital. “It was a wonderful opportunity, and I had a good year there. I went to Mayo Clinic at one time for an interview to get a fellowship in their (obstetricalgynecology) department, but at that time, Mayo, in general, did not accept Jews in their surgical fields.” In the meantime, a second son, Tom, was born in 1949.

On a trip across the country that year to visit his brother Ed in Portland, Oregon, William was offered a full partnership with his older sibling and another doctor. Eventually, they “were like a good marriage.

Everyone did what he thought was right. We had a nice practice. Few people had medical insurance. We were

not concerned if they were able to pay or not.” Possibly taking a cue from his grandmother‘s back-door charity, “we knew if we did a good job, economics would take care of itself.”

Indeed, their practice flourished working on the premise of “integrity and honesty.” Medicine had come a long way since the days when there were no antibiotics and “we used to gargle warm salt water for a sore throat” and “for bronchitis or a cough, you received an eggnog (which) tasted bad but not as bad as the ultimate weapon: schmaltz in hot milk.”

In Portland, the Rosenbaums’ third child, a daughter, Jean, was born. Both Bob and Tom are physicians and one of William’s grandchildren has also chosen the medical profession.

After completing his requirements for certification in surgery, William suggested to Goldie that they had time to do other things and they took up painting. Goldie eventually moved on to clay sculpting, and William now keeps busy in his studio sculpting in stone, metal, ivory, and other materials. “My art work has been a wonderful outlet and I can lose myself in the studio or just thinking about a project.”

“The art work I saw in their home is absolutely outstanding,” remarked Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, who met the Rosenbaums about three years ago.

“But my parents, Morris and Sally Ricks, were close friends of Goldie’s parents, Dave and Bess Silverman,” Ricks noted. “Bill and Goldie are a wonderful couple. You can tell by being with them for just a few minutes that they have a loving relationship.

“And as it turns out,” Ricks added, “Jerry and Zelda Zeidman, the parents of my new son-in-law, Ken, are very close friends with Bill and Goldie!”

“We traveled quite a bit over the years,” Dr. Rosenbaum said. Destinations included Mexico, Haiti, Panama, Trinidad, Curacao, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Venezuela, Brazil, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, China, New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, Borneo, the Philippines, Japan, and Burma.

They used to visit Omaha, too. However, due to Goldie’s health, they are no longer able to travel. As for Omaha, according to William, it’s “a wonderful community” with “a wonderful Jewish community.”

A copy of Dr. Rosenbaum’s complete autobiography has been donated to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society.

“Passover was a big deal” for the family. “Spring housecleaning took place…and if there was to be anything like interior house painting, it was done before Passover.

The Yiddish Conversation Group recently celebrated its second birthday. Participants brought a potluck lunch to share and the sounds of Eastern European music filled the halls of the JCC with dance and song. The group meets every Thursday, 1 p.m., at the JCC.

LETTER FROM Y.E.S.

By ILENE PACHMAN I enjoyed meeting Roy Katskee and was so glad his wife, Cookie, joined us for lunch. Roy brought his marble marbles to Y.E.S. recently. They still have tournaments around the country. Did you know there are only three plants in the U.S. that still make marbles?

Since this meeting I have wondered about our group and what we collected all these years. I have a lovely collection of cups and saucers and, yes, I have used them. Tell me about your collections.

Ina Weiner (daughter of our own Ann Margolin) by way of her costume became Queen Eleanor of Aquataine. Ina is very knowledgeable about history and especially about costumes. Don’t miss out the special entertainment Maggie Conti provides. Bye for now!

Mikvah Mystique Continued from page 1 Following a box lunch in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library at the Jewish Community Center, those who attend will take “a field trip” to the mikvah at the Blumkin Home. Shani Katzman will discuss meaningful ways in which the mikvah is used. Rabbi Azriel will add to the conversation by talking about significant ways the Reform Movement has found to experience the mikvah.

At $7 for the box lunch, “Mikvah Mystique” is open to the community. Please make a reservation by calling the Temple Israel office at 556-6536. Everyone who attends is asked to bring a woman’s personal care item such as soap or shampoo to be donated to a women’s shelter.

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Dining

January 2, 2004

Rear Witness

Out

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They say all four feet, 11 inches-or at least the head and shoulders they could see above the podium--was at ease and in command.

They say he seemed to really enjoy himself.

They say he made them laugh and cry.

And we must believe them, for all we saw were the heels of his dress shoes and the back of his yarmulke.

A few months ago when our son David became a Bar Mitzvah, a son of the Commandment, he assumed the rabbi’s role of leading the packed congregation in morning service. “Shabbat shalom and welcome. We begin our service on page 283…” he started.

In a voice either side of manhood, he proceeded to sing alone and in unison familiar prayers and blessings as have countless generations of seventh graders of our faith. The centerpiece of the service is a reading from the week’s portion of the Torah and its commentaries; for David, it was about the rules of ethical living, the ways of holiness.

He chanted his Torah verses like velvet then read their translation in English: Honor your mother and father, and love your neighbors. Rise before the aged, and put no stumbling block before the blind. Be honest with your weights and measures. In short, he read the source language for social justice, a community code of conduct.

In the sermon that followed, David challenged us all to abide by the spirit of this ancient code. He questioned the Patriot Act’s impact on Arab-Americans. He cried out against unequal pay for women. He urged quality care and compassion for children with special needs. And throughout it all, his father, the rabbi and I bore witness from our assigned seats behind the lectern. An occasional sigh, and fidgety feet.

For all of his 12 years I have been out in front of him.

IN THE NEWS Andrew David Halperin, son of Carol and Howard Halperin, graduated summa cum laude and with departmental honors from Texas Christian University with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising.

He will begin his career this week with Bozell and Jacobs in Omaha as an Account Coordinator. He is the and grandson of Ida Halperin and the late Yale Halperin.

Craig Berenstein was recently re-elected to a fouryear term on the Sioux City, IA, City Council. He also serves as Mayor of Sioux City.

Former Sioux Citian Ellis Shuman of Moshav Neve Ilan in Israel published his first book. The Virtual Kibbutz, a collection of short stories about kibbutz life, is available online at BarnesandNoble.com or at Amazon.com.

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She makes a return appearance with the Omaha Symphony on Jan. 1617, 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater. During the 200304 season, Shaham will make her debut with the San Francisco Symphony under Sir Roger Norrington. This August she performed with her brother, the violinist Gil Shaham, in Salzburg and Amsterdam.

For ticket information, call 342-???? or purchase tickets online at: www.omahasymphony.org.

My job assignment--Captain Mom--has meant clearing pathways, pointing out new sights, running interference, keeping him on task and on track. Until that very Sabbath morn, when my new position was presented and assumed in honor and recognition of adulthood emerging: to the rear.

From behind, one can whisper words of encouragement, remind him from whence he’s come, and try to catch him if he really falls. No more unquestioned frontal coaching; his opinions of what is right and what lies ahead are pretty well set, thank you very much.

He’s moving so fast; I am but an image that appears closer than it really is in his rear view.

We all become rear witnesses to the best things we grow and nurture into maturity. Kids. Jobs. Projects.

Organizations. Collaboratives. One measure of their success is the grit they kick back in our faces as they race ahead. One measure of ours is the willingness to simply wipe off the dust, and smile. Another is our ability to accept with grace the metaphorical shift in our roles from center stage conductor to backstage producer, assuring that in the end, their show will go on. That is what loving and service is about.

Many of my more senior friends and colleagues have already found this out at home or at work or in the communities they serve. Heading into my jubilee year, I’m coming to see that the hard work ahead it isn’t really about letting go of the things we feel so attached to from birth. It is more about getting out of the way and waving them on.

David knows I’ll always be just a whisper away, a dust-covered smile in plain rear view.

Dr. Magda Peck is one of the new columnists writing for the Jewish Press. Dr. Peck is Director of the UNMC/UNOmaha Graduate Program in Public Health; CEO/Executive Director of CityMatCH; Professor and Associate Chair for Community Health; and Chief of Section on Child Health Policy, Department of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center She can be reached at: mpeck@unmc.edu.

ENGAGEMENT KALENDER/RICH Ed and Rochelle Kanter and Larry and Phyllis Kalender, all of Overland Park, KS, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Lauren Kalender, to Adam Benjamin RIch, son of Dr. Philip and Diane Rich.

The bride-to-be graduated with distinction from the University of Kansas, with a BA in biology, where she is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Psi. She is currently pursuing a medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

She is the granddaughter of Allen Levine and the late Donna Levine and Joyce Kalender and the late Stan Kalender.

Her fiancé earned a BA in psychology at the University of Kansas and is completing his last semester of studies towards a BA in architecture. He served as a Student Senator at KU for four years.

He was previously employed by Kenneth Hahn Architects in Omaha and is currently working for Treanor Architects in Kansas City, MO. His grandparents are Beverly Morris and the late Dr. Haskell Morris and the late Eugene and Charlotte Rich.

A June 13 wedding is planned at Kehilath Israel Synagogue in Overland Park, KS.

BIRTH David and Jennifer Kaslow of St. Louis, MO, announce the Dec. 16 birth of their daughter, Sasha Eva. Sasha has an older sister, Maya Sophia.

Grandparents are Gloria and Howard Kaslow, Rochelle Weiss of St. Louis and the late Richard Weiss.

Great-grandmother is Miriam Cooper of New Haven, CT; great-grandfathers are Charles Weiss and Al Weinstein of St. Louis.

January 2, 2004

TeenAge

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

underwritten by THE MURRAY H. & SHAREE C. NEWMAN SUPPORTING FOUNDATION

This month’s Teen Age features NCSY--Beth Israel’s youth group--the National Council of Synagogue Youth. The Press appreciates the help of Rabbi B.P. Simon, who collected these articles and photos for NSCY members.

A Chapter on the Rise

Former Omahan Max Marcovitz, now attending the Ida Crown Hebrew Academy in Chicago, IL, catches up with Omaha NCSYer Avi Katzman, standing left, at Winter Conclave in Lake Geneva, WI, and Alana Baron of St. Louis, MO. Max, son of Michael Marcovitz of Monsey, NY and Mimi Rogers of Fremont, NE, is a member of the Midwest Region NSCY Board.

Photos from left: Adam Gendelman, a junior at Burke High School, helps out at the PreHanukkah dinner at Beth Israel, assisting younger children make greeting cards for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and Remington Heights and for those who are home-bound. Brenda Alden attended her first

by JOSH GROSSMAN Hanukkah greeting cards in Omaha NCSY Chapter President conjunction with Beth The Omaha chapter of NCSY has startIsrael’s Pre-Hanukkah ed with a bigger bang this year.

Dinner, and an exciting With the introduction our new advisors, afternoon at Planet X with Rabbi B.P. & Rocheyl Simon, the chapter laser tag, space ball, minicertainly has seen some changes. New golf, arcade games, and botSenior and Junior boards have been electtomless cups of fountain ed as well with me and my brother, pop.

Daniel, as the respective presidents.

The chapter is definitely The group has had many programs rising to a new level and already this season and is bound for new members and their greatness. The Simons have hosted a families always welcome monthly game night for both the Juniors and encouraged to come. and Seniors along with study sessions in Information concerning preparation for the B’nai B’rith Bible future events can be found Quiz. One of the chapter members and in the Jewish Press, posted study session attendees, Ben Gerber, tied at the JCC, or by calling the for first place in the event.

Simons at 330-4695.

Josh Grossman Regular meetings and Latte-andLearning sessions have resumed with Josh, the son of Alex much success. Events have included “Pizza in the Hut” and Mary Sue Grossman, is a senior at Creighton for Sukkot, a Mexican-themed movie night at the home Prep High School. He is a member of Beth Israel of David and Janet Kohll, making doughnuts and Synagogue and Sr. NSCY.

NCSY Shabbaton in October in Minneapolis, where she said she had “a fantastic time.”

More than 200 high school students in grades eight through 12 came from Omaha, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and Milwaukee. Jr. NCSYers ride the Metro in St. Louis at the first Shabbaton

of the year. Audrey Gerber, Regional President of Jr. NCSY, rides the St. Louis Metro with Daniel Grossman, who holds Emmy Simon (daughter of Rabbi B.P. and Rocheyl Simon). Daniel Grossman, President of Omaha Jr. NCSY, looks out on St. Louis from the top of the Arch.

“Teching”

by AVI KATZMAN Sr. NSCY Board Member When asked to be a “techie” last year for an Omaha NCSY Shabbaton, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. “Teching” is the term used to refer to the technical staff of the National Council of Synagogue Youth.

Basically “teching” is when teens do all the grunt work, or the behind-the-scenes action such as serving tables, stacking chairs, preparing food, or even cleaning the floors. Although it sounds like a pain, the few times I’ve participated have been extremely rewarding.

The first time I was a techie, was fall of 2002 in Omaha for a Junior Shabbaton at Beth Israel Synagogue. I came to the shul not having a clue about it and ended up having a great weekend! I made many new friends and learned how much hard work goes on behind the scenes of NCSY. You really can’t imagine all the planning and labor that goes into making a convention the fun weekend that it is.

We had a staff of about 10-14 kids grades nine-12 who helped out all weekend--making sure every event and meal ran smoothly. It also makes more enjoyable to have kids on staff, so the younger juniors can relate to them.

I enjoyed it so much that I decided to come back for the next Jr. NCSY Shabbaton held in Arlington Heights,

Left: Avi Katzman, and a friend act as “techies” for Jr. NSCY Shabbatons.

Below: Avi with friends at Winter Conclave.

Illinois, the following January, and to St. Louis, Missouri, this fall.

The reason I love teching so much is the great friendships I have made and the experiences I’ve had. It’s nothing like a normal convention or Shabbaton or conclave. In a sense, I’ve had more freedom and more time to meet new people; we work alongside one another and, although my feet sometimes ache after standing for so many hours, it really is fun!

I plan to continue teching at many more Shabbatons in the future. This has turned out to be a fun way of providing community service to an organizations I care about and I hope other kids can enjoy this great experience of the behind-the-scenes grunt work.

Avi is a sophomore at Westside High School, a member of Beth Israel Synagogue and a board member of its Sr. NCSY chapter. She is the daughter of Mike and Carol Katzman.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 2, 2004

Opinion It’s Our Fault When prominent newspapers like the Los Angeles Times give editorial space to writers who promote anti-Semitism, we shouldn’t be surprised when halfway around the globe, the leaders of Iran decline the help of Israel after nearly 30,000 of their citizens are buried in a devastating earthquake.

Neumann, a philosophy professor at Ontario’s Trent University, wrote in the L.A. Times, an op-ed entitled, “A Minor Problem, Overblown.”

“My sole concern,” Neumann wrote, “is indeed to help the Palestinians, and I try to play for keeps. I am not interested in the truth, or justice, or understanding, or anything else, except so far as it serves that purpose...I would use anything, including lies, injustice and obfuscation, to do so. If an effective strategy means that some truths about the Jews don’t come to light, I don’t care. If an effective strategy means encouraging reasonable anti-Semitism or reasonable hostility to Jews, I don’t care. If it means encouraging vicious racist anti-Semitism, or the destruction of the State of Israel, I still don’t care.”

It’s always our fault, isn’t it. Who cares about survivors of the Holocaust, if university professors can elevate Palestinians who harbor terrorists to reverential status? Who cares about Israeli children killed while eating pizza, if a two-bit professor can rewrite history and claim that Palestinians have been living on their land for 2000 years? (Never mind that the vast majority of “Palestinians” had their land sold out from under them by absentee Arab landlords.)

Anti-Semites will now probably figure out a way to frame the current Mad Cow disease on the Jews, too. After all, the Arab press blamed Israel for “closures” preventing Christians from getting to Bethlehem. In fact, it was the Palestinian Authority, which ran out of money (Gee, couldn’t Arafat donate some of the $800 million he has socked away in Swiss bank accounts?) and couldn’t “afford” Christmas

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN In the wake of reports (later called into question by some Catholic leaders) that Pope John Paul II has given his approval to Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion, about the crucifixion of Jesus, Catholic League director William Donohue reacted with glee, and something else.

“The pope’s on board,” he exulted, according to The New York Sun, and then added that critics of the movie have “two choices: They can either find a spider hole and crawl in it, or they can just keep on talking.”

Donohue’s use of the phrase made famous of late as a reference to Saddam Hussein’s underground hiding place is deeply, if unintentionally, ironic.

For, by suggesting some equivalence between critics of Gibson’s film and a sadistic mass torturer and murderer who struck terror into the hearts of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, the Catholic league leader inadvertently illustrated precisely what motivates those very critics he disdains: concern for the demonization of Jews.

What Donohue seems not to fathom is that a film about the suffering and killing of the object of Christian veneration, ostensibly at the hands of Jews, a film that was reported to be “brutally graphic, dwelling at length on a scourging scene that renders Jesus a bloody piece of flesh before he is even nailed to the cross” (The New York Times), might make Jews anxious. He seems to regard those who reacted viscerally with concern about the

(Founded in 1920)

decorations. In addition, Islamic Jihadists announced they were using Bethlehem as a hiding place, while “in hibernation.” (Is it any wonder, then, that tourists were hesitant to participate in holiday events there?)

By the way, prior to 1995, Bethlehem was 62% Christian; today, it’s less than 20%.

When Egypt’s Foreign Minister was set upon by fellow Arabs at the Al Aksa Mosque, he was rushed to Hadassah Hospital for treatment. While tests revealed he had not suffered a heart attack, nonetheless, two Jewish doctors accompanied him back to Cairo on one of the hospital’s helicopters.

Back to the situation in Iran. According to Ha’Aretz, “Jahanbakhsh Khanjani, a spokesman for Iran'’s Interior Ministry, said Saturday that Iran would accept aid from all countries of the world, aside from Israel. The announcement followed statements by foreign correspondents in Jerusalem, who reported that the Foreign Ministry had said that unofficial Israeli sources were considering sending aid to Iran.

‘The Islamic Republic of Iran accepts all kinds of humanitarian aid from all countries and international organizations with the exception

of the Zionist regime [Israel],’ Khanjani said.”

Guess the earthquake is our fault, too.

(For information about the L.A. Times story, or the background on Christians in the Palestinian territory, visit HonestReporting.com. If you’re not a subscriber, sign up today and find out where the bias is in today’s media.)

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The Wages of Passion less-than-tender feelings the film might engender in some people as enemies of his faith.

...while Jews of good will have no interest in opening up old, odoriferous closets--history, with its curious habit of repeating itself, can hardly be ignored.

He would do well, though, to do some looking around. While canards about Jews as well-poisoners and blood-drinkers may have long been officially abandoned by most contemporary Christians, they are still all-tooreadily resilient in darker quarters. And it is the very concern that such staples of antiSemitic drivel might be embraced anew--and employed, as in the past, as justification to malign and attack Jews--that made the release of Mr. Gibson’s film so alarming a prospect for many.

Donohue is welcome to feel they are wrong, and welcome to reassure them that he feels they are wrong. But what he is not welcome to do is ridicule their fears.

To be sure, Christian-Jewish relations, including Catholic-Jewish relations, have in recent decades improved immeasurably. In the years since Vatican II, Jews and Catholics have enjoyed a relationship based on good will and tolerance, despite earlier centuries of widespread anti-Semitic attitudes within

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant

Christendom and resultant Jewish resentment of Christians.

And their similar approaches to a number of important contemporary societal issues have even brought about ad hoc cooperation by representatives of the Catholic Church and Jewish groups like the organization I work for, Agudath Israel of America.

But while Jews of good will have no interest in opening up old, odoriferous closets, history, with its curious habit of repeating itself, can hardly be ignored.

It cannot be denied that the religious zeal of some Christians--often comprising sizable groups--all too often begat pogroms and blood libels. Nor can there be great doubt that such sentiments played at least a part in laying the psychological groundwork for the Holocaust.

We Jews have no interest in dwelling on that past, but neither can we be enjoined to ignore or forget it.

Because--as Mr. Donohue should know-there have been all too many times in history, both ancient and modern, that Jews have in fact had to conceal themselves in “spider holes”--hiding not from justice but from violent and hate-filled men, who were all too often impelled by incendiary ideas, words or images.

Rabbi Avi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America.

His column is a service of Am Echad Resources.

He can be reached at: shafran@agudathisrael.org.

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January 2, 2004

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by DINA KRAFT MIGRON, West Bank (JTA)--A battered shipping container was Itai Harel’s first home on this steep, windswept hilltop.

Now he lives in a trailer with running water and electricity, and land has been leveled for more permanent housing in this illegal settlement outpost. He and his fellow young settlers are gearing up to fight for their new hilltop home.

Migron, the largest and most established of the 100 or so illegal Jewish outposts established across the West Bank, is on the front lines of a looming showdown between the settler movement and the Israeli government. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon recently pledged to dismantle such settlements in accordance with the U.S.-led “road map” peace plan.

“We are staying here. It’s our home,” said Harel, 29, vowing to return if the government somehow manages to remove them.

“It is our right to be here; this is our national home,” he said, sweeping his hand toward the view of Arab villages and Jewish settlements on nearby hillsides.

Over the past two years, 42 families have moved here. They are young, defiant and fiercely ideological.

Casting themselves as part of a continuum of ancient and modern Jewish history, they view their unauthorized building of an outpost about 20 minutes drive north of Jerusalem as key to strengthening the Jewish claim to biblical Israel.

They also see it as similar to efforts by early Zionists to create “facts on the ground” in what became Israel proper.

Critics and the U.S. government see the outposts, built hastily and without gov-

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Settlers at West Bank Outpost Cite Bible as Fight over Evacuation Nears

ernment approval, as yet another obstacle to peace efforts with the Palestinians.

Harel and his friends at Migron, which is named after a biblical-era settlement in the region, are hesitant to say exactly how they would resist soldiers should they come and attempt an evacuation.

Pinchas Wallerstein, who heads the local settlement region of the West Bank, called Binyamina, said he hopes the Israeli courts will help prevent an evacuation order.

If that fails, he said he foresees thousands of supporters coming to Migron to help thwart police and army forces.

“If we have 7,000 to 10,000 people here it will not be possible to evacuate us,” Wallerstein said, addressing a wedding party from Houston that had come to see Migron as part of a tour of West Bank Jewish settlements. “Why is it legitimate to evacuate Jewish settlements but we cannot withdraw” Arab villages, he asked, calling any evacuation a reward for terrorism.

Before climbing back on their bus, the visiting Americans posed for pictures with Wallerstein, who has temporarily moved the Binyamina headquarters to Migron to head the campaign against its possible removal.

In a show of solidarity, Israel’s wellorganized settler movement has helped facilitate the visits of thousands of visitors to Migron in recent weeks.

Jerry Silverman, one of the wedding party members, said he hoped the issue would be resolved in negotiations.

“The American government is not in charge of Israel,” he said.

Sharon, long a patron of the settler

movement, is under intense pressure from the U.S. administration to fulfill Israel’s obligations under the road map, beginning with the dismantling of illegal outposts that have cropped up over the last several years. Many were established in the immediate aftermath of Arab terrorist attacks on local settlers.

In a speech last month, Sharon said some settlements might have to be evacuated if Israel disengages physically Israel from the Palestinians.

The first Israeli presence on the hill where Migron stands today were cell phone towers built by local phone companies four years ago. Young settlers followed about two years later.

The Israeli government said it expects to begin evacuating settlement outposts in the next few weeks. Officials hope settlers will leave without a fight.

“If the outposts are illegal, then they will be dealt with--hopefully with persuasion, but otherwise with force,” said Zalman Shoval, a foreign policy adviser to Sharon. Shoval added quickly, “Hopefully that won’t be necessary.”

No outposts have been cited publicly by Israeli officials as the first to be slated for removal, but an unnamed U.S. official told Ha’aretz that Migron had been identified as one of the outposts slated for elimination.

Unlike most other outposts, Migron is more than a small collection of tents and trailers. There is a paved circular road and two buildings with stone facades, one that serves as a synagogue, the other a nursery school. Still, amenities are basic.

Next to the community’s row of portable toilets is a large white plastic

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Trailers are clustered in muddy patches of land. A private security guard in a fleece jacket and armed with an Uzi machine gun mans the entrance. A fence topped with rings of barbed wire surrounds the outpost.

“It’s clear it is worth the price. We are here to live a quality life, to live an ideal,” said Harel.

Peace activists say that ideal is misguided and dangerous. It also does not represent the views of most Israelis, who according to polls, are willing to withdraw from most West Bank and Gaza Strip settlements in the event of an eventual peace deal with the Palestinians.

As long as settlement building continues, “we will be doomed to more and more international condemnation, economic recession and violence,” said Dror Etkes, who coordinates Peace Now’s Settlement Watch Project. “Another settlement is another rock in the occupation and oppression” of the Palestinians.

Etkes said he saw Sharon’s recent policy speech as a potential turning point since the Israeli government has yet to dismantle any settlements of significant size.

“If the settlements are uprooted then the first inroads will be made,” he said.

“Migron could be the first uprooted and this will be a historic event.”

Shlomo and Hagit Ha’Cohen, both 25, see Migron’s place in history differently.

They say they are living Jewish history in their decision to live and establish a family in Migron. “With all due respect to the Americans, at the end of the day we are the ones who decide.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Synagogue Listings

January 2, 2004

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322-4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 N. 52 St. Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660-2395 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/

Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330-1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshrun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE... to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

FRIDAY: Join us for a musical Kabbalat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Traditional Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary, which will include a D’var Torah by Rabbi Levin.

Alternate Service in the chapel, 10 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Junior Congregation will meet at 10:30 a.m.. K’tantan for, 10:45 a.m.; Evening Services, 4:55 p.m.

SITTER SERVICE Friday Night and Saturday Morning Sitter Service provided at no charge on a drop-in basis.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Jan 4: Rabbi Levin will meet with BESTT parents, 10 a.m. for “Why and How to Enrich Shabbat in Your Home”. Adult Bible Study Group meets at 11 a.m. in the Library, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, continues his class on the Book of Samuel.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 7 p.m.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah class meets again with Cantor Bogomolni.

THURSDAY, Jan. 8, noon: “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century”--with Rabbi Levin.

Optional lunch available at 1 p.m. For more information, call the synagogue, 492-8550.

COME & DANCE! Israeli Dance group will get together again, Thursday, Jan. 8. More information, contact Cheryl Lerner, 334-8430.

Candlelighting Friday, January 2, 4:48 p.m.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

CONGREGATION Monday- B’NAI JESHURUN

Office Hours: Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 4:50 p.m. Contact the synagogue office for West Minyan location.

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored

by Sisterhood; Mincha, following kiddush; Havdalah, 5:53p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:40 p.m.

Weekday Morning Services, 7 a.m.; Weekday Mincha and Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: “Tunes of the Davening,” a new class with Rabbi Kutner, Rabbi B.P. Simon and Donald Gerber teaching new and old tunes of the Shabbos Mussaf service, 8 p.m. at the JCC. THURSDAY: NCSY Seniors Cheer on the UNO Mavericks.

Contact the Simons for more information.

Make Plans to attend the Scholar-in-Residence program featuring Dr. Jerry Lob on Jan. 9 and 10. Contact the Synagogue office for reservations.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY, Jan. 2: Shabbat in the Home.

SUNDAY: Religious school resumes.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MondayFriday, Morning services, 7 a.m.

Hazak Event to Feature Lunch, Film, Discussion

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue The “seasoned ‘n spicy” citizens of Beth El Synagogue's Hazak group have proven their talent for balanced programming. Following last month’s serious exploration of Long-Term Care Insurance, the group is looking forward to a date for lunch and a viewing of the delightful film Crossing Delancy, on Sunday, Jan. 11, 1 p.m. After the movie, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon will make use of his own well-honed sense of humor as leader of an interactive discussion on “Humor in Film.”

The brown bag lunch is $7.50; please RSVP with your choice of roast beef, turkey or tuna to Natalie Rubin, 3345893. Pose questions to Gloria Goodman, 333-3351.

Kosher Beef Continued from page 1 Alle said that it does not “slaughter or purchase any cows or bulls in the U.S.” It also noted that it does not slaughter or purchase any cow meat, that no brain material enters their plant, spinal cords are removed, and that they continue to import all natural hormone free, grass-fed Uruguayan beef.

The Iowa-based Agri said it, too, uses the Uruguayan beef and that all of its U.S. cattle come from local sources in the Midwest. One source told Kosher Today that an Israeli researcher Dr. Alex Leventhal had concluded that the kosher slaughter process reduced the chances of a spread of Mad Cow disease.

Retailers say while concerned, consumers are continuing to buy kosher beef. Some were actually expecting an increase in the purchase of kosher beef by other than kosher consumers.

Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m. with oneg to follow.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, Jan. 4, 12:30 p.m.: Elections of new board members, adoption of 2004 budget and end-of-year reports will take place at B’nai Jeshurun’s annual congregational meeting.

A babysitter will be available, and a bagel lunch will be provided.

SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE Sunday, Jan. 11: Rabbi Jan Katzew will visit Lincoln.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Andrew Greenberg.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for relaxation and great conversation, 11:45 a.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m.: Rabbi Craig Marantz, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Marantz will give the sermon.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

Rachel Martin, daughter of Julie

and Mark Martin will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

January Service Times, all services are at 6 p.m ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.: Adult Study with the Clergy.

Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead this week’s class.

SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE FRIDAY, Jan. 9: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m.: Rabbi Katzew will give a D’var Torah.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9-10:15 a.m. with Rabbi Katzew; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY, Jan. 11: Rabbi Katzew will meet with Religious School Teachers, 9 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; TOT SHABBAT FRIDAY, Jan. 9, 6 p.m.: Join us for Tot Shabbat Service in the chapel and stay afterward for a pasta dinner. Traditional cookies and juice will still be available.

Cost is $5 per family. Please RSVP to the Temple office, tisrael@qwest.net or 556-6536.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

MONDAY, Jan 5, 2004: Hebrew School Resumes.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, Jan. 22: The next Mindstretcher class.

Wednesday, Jan. 24: Lunch and Learn.

B’NAI MITZVAH Rachel Susan Martin, daughter of Julie and Robert Martin, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 3, at Temple Israel.

A seventh-grade honor student at Beveridge M a g n e t S c h o o l , Rachel was selected to participate in the Duke University T a l e n t Identification Program.

She enjoys scrapbooking, hanging out with friends, playing basketball, and playing ping-pong with her brother. For her mitzvah project, Rachel volunteered at the ADL (AntiDefamation League).

She has a brother, David.

Grandparents are Audrey Cohen,

Marcia and Jack Cohen, and the late Jo and Dick Martin.

Max Sherman, son of Usha and Daniel Sherman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Temple Israel.

A seventhgrade student at Westside M i d d l e School, he enjoys playing football, basketball, bowling and chess.

For his mitzvah project, Max collected and donated food items to Ronald McDonald Home for terminally ill children.

Grandparents are Phyllis and Irvin Sherman of Rancho Mirage, CA, and Kanda and Amar Kosla of Chiengmai, Thailand.

JOIN US TO HONOR THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MICKEY SACKS. A special reception will be held at Senior Matias at 90th and Arbor Streets Sunday, January 4, 2-4 p.m.

Mickey will be receiving friends, former classmates, and customers, etc.

For more information, call 402-572-1200

January 2, 2004

Eloquence and Response

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vayigash Somewhere in ancient history, e.g., my high school years, we had a section of a public speaking course devoted to great speeches which altered history. I do not remember whether Judah’s address to Joseph was among them or not. It certainly should have been, for, assuming that the history of ancient Israel influenced history in succeeding eons, Judah’s speech was a mountain peak in that development.

Here is Joseph, Viceroy of Egypt and able to deal with these Canaanite-Hebrew food purchasers as though they were beggars, lording it over poor Judah who must appeal for more lenient handling than Joseph could easily dispense.

Judah’s appeal starts off with elaborate courtesy, even unnecessary humility. In order to gain time and confidence Judah rehearses the whole story of how they came to Egypt, 10 brothers, all sons of the same father who may die in misery as a result of all this (get it, Joseph?) unless you relent and show us favor.

(And yet, did Judah think for a moment that an Egyptian noble would give a hoot about an old geezer in Canaan whom he doesn’t know?)

This address, or appeal, of Judah is an example of eloquence. It does not start off demanding. It starts off requesting, urging, pleading. Obviously, he cannot make demands on this Viceroy of Egypt. He can only appeal. And it is hard to see the source from which his confidence develops. Why should this Egyptian noble give as much as a second thought to this humble Canaanite or Hebrew or whoever he was?

Ten brothers came to buy food. Now they are involved in a theft, which is a personal insult to the Viceroy. What do they expect? If I give them their lives that is more than they should expect. If I give them their freedom, holding only one as my slave, isn’t that magnanimous beyond all expectation?

And yet this Judah, an upstart in the eyes of an Egyptian noble, dares to make requests. Why should it mean anything to the Viceroy if the old geezer in Canaan pops off in misery? Nothing is owed to him.

One square foot of land along the Nile is worth all of Canaan, not only in productivity but in status and culture as well.

So Judah’s appeal has no hope of succeeding--except that the appeal is addressed to the one man in the world to whom it makes a point.

Joseph cannot restrain himself. From Judah’s long

impassioned speech, Joseph learns that the brothers are deeply repentant over what they have done to him. He sees his full brother, Benjamin, for the first time. He learns that his father is still alive, but whose life hangs by a thread, that is to say, the success of the brothers in Egypt.

Judah must have known that his eloquence was in vain. It was only his eloquence plus the facts of the situation, which the reader is relishing all the time, since we know what Judah does not. Joseph the Viceroy, Joseph the Hebrew, is the only man in the world for Judah’s plea to be meaningful. And yet, since we know the situation, it does not seem odd at all. And now the two brothers--Judah and Joseph--together rise to the situation. What a story!

Page 11

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DEATH SAM BLATT Sam Blatt died Dec. 29 at the age of 86. Services were held Dec. 31 at BHH/Fisher Farm Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Lorraine Moskovitz Blatt.

He is survived by his son, Lee Blatt; two grandchildren, Jamie Griffin and Jason Blatt; and three greatgrandchildren.

Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue.

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by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue At the recent Biennial Convention of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in Texas, Beth El Synagogue’s Congregation President Dick Fellman, third from left, receives the prestigious Solomon Schechter Award, to recognize Beth El’s creative program of farewell to Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen two years ago. Offering congratulations are Allan Wegman, USCJ Convention Chair; Bruce Creditor, Award Chair; and Aaron Kischel, Executive Director of United Synagogue’s New England Region.

Entire Reform Community in Omaha and Lincoln to Learn with Education Leader

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel communications Director When the Union of Reform Judaism’s director of the Department of Jewish Education serves as Temple Israel’s educator-in-residence, Jan. 9-11, he will reach out to the entire congregation including religious school teachers and their families, adult learners, high school students exploring future careers in Jewish education, staff, congregational leaders, and children.

Rabbi Jan Katzew, who was ordained at the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, OH, in 1983 in the same class with Temple’s Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, will begin with the entire congregation when he gives the D’var Torah Shabbat Worship Services on Friday, Jan. 9, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel.

“Rabbi Katzew invigorates and excites his captive audiences when speaking on Jewish education,” according to Elyce Azriel, Director of Temple’s Middle/High School. “We are fortunate to have Rabbi Katzew, one of the forerunners in the world of Jewish education, in our presence and be able to gain from his teachings,” she emphasized.

Third grade Religious School teacher Doris Parker recalled Rabbi Katzew’s workshop at Temple Israel in August. “He talked to the teachers on the different ways we can make our classes more interesting,” she said.

“He was helpful and I’m looking forward to hearing him again in January.”

In addition to Friday evening services, Rabbi Katzew will meet with Temple’s Bagels and Sacred Books study group Saturday morning, Jan. 10, 9 a.m., in the Milder Center prior to 10:30 a.m. Shabbat morning worship

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

services. At 2 p.m., he’ll meet with the high school group, Ma’agal Ha’Rav, followed by get-togethers with staff and congregational Board and committee members.

On Sunday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m., he will have an opportunity to talk with teachers again and then with religious school children at their prayer assembly followed by parents who attend the adult session, Four B’s (Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels) at 10:30 a.m.

Rabbi Katzew’s residency at Temple Israel is supported by the Margaret and Arnold Robinson Family Jewish Education Fund.

Lincoln residents will also have an opportunity to hear from Rabbi Katzew. He will be at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Lincoln on Jan. 11, 2-3:30 p.m., for the afternoon and evening. First, he will conduct a teacher development training for the religious school teachers. This training will include tips on classroom management, the “how to’s of intergenerational programming,” and information on the Reform movement’s new Chai curriculum.

Then from 4-5:30 p.m., Rabbi Katzew will lead an intergenerational teen and adult education program entitled, “Making Menschen (good people): Why do we do what is wrong when we know what is right?” This program is open to the entire Jewish community of Lincoln and includes a dessert reception.

Finally, Rabbi Katzew will have dinner with the B’nai Jeshurun board and adult education committee. This will be an opportunity to learn from Rabbi Katzew and to dream together about the vision and future programming for the congregation in Lincoln.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 2, 2004

We’re Invested in Jewish Omaha!

The following people have invested in Omaha’s Jewish community by making a gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 2004 Annual Campaign.

Donors who increase their gift are listed in bold. Donors who have maintained their gift are listed in regular print.

MEN’S MAJOR GIFTS Michael Abramson Joel Alperson Harvey Aronson Baker Family Tom Baker ◆ Harold Bernstein Steve Bloch Irv Blumkin Barry Broder Marc Brodkey Sherman Brodkey Harold Cooperman Henry Davis Gary Epstein Harold Epstein Paul Epstein Ron Epstein Joe Erman Michael Erman Tom Fellman David Friedland Ted Friedland ◆ Sandy Friedman ■ Willard Friedman David Gilinsky Larry Gilinsky Bennett Ginsberg Mort Glass Dick Glazer Bruce Goldberg David Goldstein Don Goldstein Leonard Goldstein Herbert Goldsten Trust Nelson Gordman Don Greenberg Paul Grossman Gary Javitch Arnold Joffe Howard Kaslow Kavich Family Charitable Foundation Kevee Kirshenbaum Jerry Kohll Howard Kooper Forrest Krutter Marshall Kushner John Lehr Marty Lehr Jay Lerner Leonard Lewis Livingston Foundation Trenton Magid ◆ Ed Malashock Bernie Meyers Jerome J. Milder Michael Miller Allan Murow Bob Newman Murray Newman Allan Noddle Jay Noddle Noddle Development Harlan Noddle Joe Kirshenbaum Steven Nogg Omaha Bedding Co. Omaha Steaks Ann and Alan Simon Eve and Fred Simon Kathryn and Steve Simon Stacy and Bruce Simon Todd Simon Alan Parsow Sol Parsow Eric Phillips Michael Platt Carl Riekes Henry Riekes Lynn Roberts Int Andrew Robinson Jonathan Rockman Blaine Roffman Larry Roffman Charles Schneider Harley Schrager Phil Schrager Richard Schrager Ted Seldin Bruce Shackman Norman Sheldon Steve Silver Stuart Simon Gerald Simons Milton Simons Mark Singer Slosburg Family Charitable Trust Jerry Slusky Phil Sokolof Swartzbaugh FarberAssociates, Inc Isidore Tretiak Maurice Udes Tom Vann John Waldbaum Arnie Weitz Speedy Zweiback WOMEN’S MAJOR GIFTS Edith Abrams Margie Alperson Anonymous ● Phyllis Aronson Judy Baker Sandra Belgrade Carol Bloch Susie Blumkin Paula Boggust ◆ Bess Brodkey

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MEN’S CAMPAIGN Jim Belgrade Ben Belmont Mark Belmont Gerald Berman Harry Berman Thomas Bernstein Marvin Bittner Larry Blass Mike Blatt Brian Bogdanoff Howard Borden Bob Bournstein Morris Bresel Pete Brodkey Ron Brodkey Jack Brody Larry Budwig David Bucksner Sam Bukenholts Leroy Canfield Fritz Cassman Jay Chasen Dave Chorney Irving Chudacoff Alan Cohen Bob Cohen Carl Cohen Don Cohen Marc Cohen Marty Cohen Sheldon Cohen Stephen Cohn Frank Comisar David Cooper Justin Cooper Ronald Cooper Meyer Coren Sheldon Coren George Demidovich Jack Diamond Jacque Dolgoff David Dvorkin George Eisenberg Bob Endelman Randy Endelman Arnold Epstein Irv Epstein Gary Epstein Howard Epstein Melvin Epstein Richard Epstein Ronald Epstein Sam Epstein Steven Evans Abraham Faier Scott Farkas Louis Fedman Ronald Feldman Dick Fellman Stanley Feltman Cantor Leo Fettman Paul Fine Joel Finkel Glen Fineman Hersz Flatowicz Jim Folsom Irving J. Forbes Thomas Frank Melvin Freeman Robert Freeman Alan Fredricks Marshall Fried Stuart Fried Arthur Friedman Lloyd Friedman Morris Friedman Scott Friedman Thomas Friedman Walter Friedlander Robert Fromkin Julius Froom Larry Gendler David Gerber Donald Gerber Paul Gerber Robert Gerelick Moshe Gershovich Ron Giller Stu Giller Lawrence Ginsburg Sherman Golbitz Bob Goldberg David Goldberg Frank Goldberg Richard Goldberg Herman Goldstein Howard Goldstein Brad Goldstrom Larry Goldstrom Mark Goldstrom Rabbi Allan Gonsher Alan Goodman Robert Goodman Tom Goodman Jay Gordman Eddie Gorelick Steve Gorelick Kip Gordman Peter Gordon Steve Gottlieb Saul Graetz Richard Grant Lonnie Graul Brad Green Gary Green Andrew Greenberg Barton Greenberg Henry Greenberg Dan Greenfield Bill Greenhill Bud Greenspan

MEN’S CAMPAIGN Gerald Gross Alex Grossman Barry Grossman Joe Guss Vic Gutman Bruce Gutnik Michael Halsted Sheldon Harris Mace Hack Larry Herman Richard Heyman Donald Hoberman Jerry Hoberman Kenneth Hoberman Michael Hoberman David Hoffman Philip Itkin Richard Ivers Morris Jabenis Adam Jacobs Arthur Jacobs Art Jacobson Richard Jacobson Marcel Kahn Howard Kaiman Jerome Kaiman Leo Kamisar Lazar Kaplan Myron Kaplan Robert Kaplan Sandy Kasin Robert Katleman Jerry Katskee Melvin R. Katskee Milton Katskee Ralph Katz Rabbi Mendel Katzman Michael Katzman Rick Katzman Leslie Kay Larry Kelberg Corey Kirshenbaum Kevee Kirshenbaum Tom Kirshenbaum Donald Klein Harry Klein Milton Kleinberg Alan Kohll Harold Kosowsky David Kotok Jack Kozlen Mark Kraft Howard Krantz Leonard Krasne Manfred Kreitstein Stanley Krieger Alan Kricsfeld Gary Kudym Abram Kukawka Alan Kulakofsky Robert Kully Allen Kurland David Kutler Howard Kutler Stuart Kutler Wayne Lainof Alan Langnas Morey Landman Ben Lebowich Michael Leibowitz Martin Leiserowitz Robert Lepp David Lercher Gary Lerner Ben Levin Hugh Levin Rabbi Mordechai Levin Mike Levine Michael Levine Steve Levinger Dan Levitan Jason Levy Roland Lewis Michael Liddy Ruben Lippett Harvey Lipsman Boris Litvin Jerry Mack Neal Malashock Robert Malashock Nate Mandell Harold Mann Justin Manvitz Dan Marburg Irv Marcus Milton Marcus Myron Marko Howard Martin Leon Martin Victor Mashbein Sheldon C. Masnek Guy Matalon Harold Maurer Boris May John McGauvran Gerald Meyer Bruce Meyers Joe Meyers Jon Meyers Marty Meyers Larry Meyerson Scott Meyerson Troy Meyerson Carl Milder Paul Militzer Ben Miller Sidney Mirvish Stanley Mitchell Henry Monsky Gordon Moshman Jack Moskovitz

MEN’S CAMPAIGN Stuart Muskin Ira Nathan Paul Nathan Howard Needelman Jeff Newman Alan Nogg Alvin Nogg Anthony Nogg Steven Noodell Harold Novak Bob Olesh Phil Paley Marvin Parilman Steve Parsow Gary Paskar Jeffrey Passer Dick Pellman Harvey Pickel Max Platt Hap Pocras Merle Potash Ira Priluck Dave Radler Leonid Raksin Phil Ratner Jerry Raznick Miles Remer Tom Rice Jonathan Rich Phil Rich Marty Ricks Gary Rifkin Andy Robinson Dick Rochman Paul Roffman Norman Roffman Charles Rogers Lloyd Roitstein Carl Rosenberg Sidney Rosenblatt Thor Rosenquist Martin Rosenstein Alvin Ross Lee Ross Steven Rothenberg Mike Sadofsky Rodney Sadofsky Michael Salkin Ernest Saltzman Errol Saltzman Kevin Saltzman Mark Sanford Milton Saylan Joel Schlessinger Abe Schloff Ben Schneider Edward Schneider Dan Schuller Harry Schulman Natan Schwalb Mark Schwartz Michael Schwartz Sidney Schwartz Jeff Schweid Anthony Scioli Barry Segell George Shafer Howard Shandell Morris Shapiro Leonard Shefren Dan Sherman Dave Shkolnick Rodney Shkolnick Howard Shrier Michael Shrier Martin Shukert Alan Shulewitz Joe Shyken Paul Shyken Howard Silber James Silverman Michael Silverman Harold Siporin John Siref Larry Siref Michael Skolkin Stephen Skulsky Harold Slosburg Norman Smeerin Jeff Smedlund Edward Smith Stuart Smoler Nicholas Spellman Richard Spiegal Jim Spooner Steve Stiel Alan Stoler Eli Stone Bud Studna Mark Sweet Melvin Tatelman Scott Tatelman Fred Tichauer Allen Tully Lazar Turetsky Jerald Venger Bennett Wagner Keith Wagner Jerome Wasserman Jim Wax Aaron Weiner Kenneth Weiner Marvin Weiner Phil Wolf Douglas Wolfson Harry Wolfson Robert Wolfson Irvin Yaffe Harold Zabin Laurence Zacharia Richard Zacharia

MEN’S CAMPAIGN Steven Zalkin Jerome Zeffren Ted Zetzman Norman Zevitz R Todd Zimmerman James Zipursky Barry Zoob Seymour Zoob Mort Zuber Steve Zuber WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN Edith Abrams Helen Abrahamson Louise Abrahamson Doris Abramson Sheri Abramson Arlene Adelson Charlotte Adler Susan Aizenberg Paula Albert Eleanor Alexander Mildred Altman Beatrice Appel Alexandra Aronchik Joyce Ashley Barbara Ault Elyce Azriel Ruth Babendure Amber Baker Jill Baron Diane Axler Baum Kathryn Beauchaine Arlene Beber Robyn Belgrade Jill Belmont Diane Berger Marilyn Berman Mary Berman Joan Bernstein Mary Bernstein Phyllis Bittner Claire Blass Juni Bloch Margaret Block Rachel Blum Chris Blumkin Cindy Bogdanoff Lena Bogomolni Marian Bookey Midge Bowers Kelly Broder Beth Brodkey Carol Brodkey Stacie Brodkey Florence Brody Michelle Bucher Elaine Bukenholts Marian Cacklin Sharon Cannon Molline Cassman Reva Chapman Peggy Chasen Edith Chesen Helen Rifkin Chorney Sally Clayman Arlene Cohen Bernice Cohen Beth Cohen Elberta Cohen Elizabeth Cohen Joyce Cohen Marla Cohen Rose Cohen Linda Cohn Naomi Cohn Soralee Cohn Cheryl Comisar Edith Comisar Judith Cooper Lisa Coren Fran Coren Rae Coren Bernice Crounse Minnie Cutler Janey Dann Rose Davis Minde Diamond Jean Duitch Jeanne Dvorkin Harriet Einziger Aileen Eisenstatt Lois Endelman Renee Engel Audrey Epstein Edith Epstein Ellie Epstein Etta Epstein Harriet Epstein Helen Epstein Jean Epstein Lisa Epstein Lois Epstein Lucille Epstein Rosaline Epstein Sharon Epstein Jill Erman Esther Erlich Valentina Etus Deirdre Evans Leona Eveloff Estelle Faier Judith Feigin Beverly Fellman Mary Fellman Kay Ferer Annette Fettman Rose Fine Helen Finkel Lois Finkel

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN Betty Fisher Claire Flatowicz Paulette Flatowicz Hillary Fletcher Shirley Fogel-Greenberg Jill Folsom Sonia Forbes Rose Frankel Tiffany Franklin Joanne Freeman Robyn Freeman Norma Fried Phyllis Fried Jamie Friedland Pam Friedlander Amy Friedman Deborah Friedman Lois Friedman Mania Friedman Sheryl Friedman Mandy Frost-Becker Fritzi Luefshuetx Barbara Frohman Marlen Frost Susana Frydman-Levin Marcia Gallner Jennie Gates Anne Gerber Bernice Gerber Joell Gerber Bev Gilinsky Patty Gilinsky Julie Ginsberg Donna Givner Cindy Goldberg Wendy Goldberg Barbara Goldstein Jill Goldstein Judi Goldstein Dora Goldstrom Rini Gonsher June Goodbinder Mildred Goodbinder Dolores Goodman Suzy Goodman Andie Gordman Bridget Gordman Danielle Gordman Hilde Gottlieb Esther Graetz Diane Graul Carole Greenberg Sue Greenberg Rosalie Greenspan Pearl Gross Joy Grossman Stephanie Grossman Margie Gutnik Debbie Hale Wendy Hahn Mendy Halsted Saralee Harding Janice Harris Kathy Helm Kathy Hirshman Cookie Hoberman Nancy Hoberman Pauline Hoberman Tiffany Hoberman Adele Hornstein Nancy Hornstein Bonnie Horwich Denise Ipock Marsha Itkin Marilyn Ivers Elaine Jabenis Linda Jacobs Ronnie Jacobson Linda Jess Sylvia Jess Sheryn Joffe Debbi Josephson Ilse Kahn Roxanne Kahn Mary Kaiman Sylvia Kaiman Bernice Kaplan Charlotte Kaplan Dorothy Kaplan Rose Kaplan Polina Karayera Esther Katleman Nancy Kavich Beatrice Karp Frankie Kasin Leona Kasin Lucille Katelman Myllee Katelman Cookie Katskee Eve Katskee Pola Katskee Beatrice Katz Frances Katz Nan Katz Julee Katzman Rose Katzman Shani Katzman Betty Kelberg Sharon Kerr Yulia Kinarsky Hedy Kirke Jenn Kirshenbaum Myrna Kirshenbaum Janet Klein Marsha Kleinberg T. Klotz Loree Koester Sandra Kohll Marilyn Konigsberg Gertrude Korney Dorothy Kotok

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN Shane Kotok Bette Kozlen Ruth Kraft Peggy Krasne Debbie Kricsfeld Cheryl Kricsfeld Angie Krieger Frieda Krizelman Robbi Kudym Traci Kugler Connie Kully Sandra Kurland Harriet Kutler Carole Lainof Pauline Landman Geraldine LaPierre Barbara Lashinsky Grace Lebowich Susan Lehr Cheryl Lerner Bonnie Levinger Barbara Levitan Gale Levitan Rocky Lewis Vera Lewis Libby Lincoln Marjorie Lincoln Louise Lippett Marcia Lipsman Anna Litvin Bonnie London Ellen Long Fritzi Luefshuetx Ruth Luttbeg Candee Mack Carolyn Magid Diane Malashock Jody Malashock Paula Mandell Deb Marburg Judy Marburg Harriet Marcus Harriet Marko Alice Mashbein Sally Masnek Elinor Matalon Beverly Mauer Khaya May Kathy McGauvran Esther Meiches Sarah Meyer Tina Meyers Deenie Meyerson Jamie Meyerson Jenny Meyerson Roberta Michalski Bernice Milder Rhoda Milder Harriet Miller Marian Miller Sue Millward Lynda Mirvish Evelyn Mitchell Ethel Mogil Susan Mogil Anna Mosenkis Ann Moshman Jane Murow Betty Muskin Linda Muskin Jeanette Nadoff Elaine Nachman Laura Lee Needelman Patricia Newman Manya Nogg Marion Nogg Sandra Nogg Rita Novak Tatyana Novikov Donna Olesh Reva Oruch Ruth Oruch Bede Ostrow Jean Paley Joyce Palm Sylvia Parilman Margo Parsow Fefe Passer Sandra Passer Magda Peck Betty Perelman Vicki Perlmeter Julie Phillips Shelly Pichik Gilda Pieck Ellen Platt Kimberly Placzek Suzanne Pocras Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schueller Sheila Polikov Ruth Potash Irina Raksin Jeannie Raznick Debbie Recht Delores Redler Karen Redmond Lola Reinglas Eileen Remer Juliana Reno Floraine Rice Jeanne Rice Rosa Richtman Iris Ricks Paula Robinson Judith Roffman Phyllis Roffman Silvia Roffman Marcelyn Rogers Ann Roitstein Margo Rosen Rebecca Rosen

WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN Rita Rosen Rose Rosen Sheila Rosen Toni Rosen Marti Rosen-Atherton Rachel Rosenberg Shirley Rosenberg Anne Rosenblatt Dottie Rosenblum Julie Rosenquist Willis Ann Ross Bunny Rothenberg Susan Rothholz Faye Ruback Marcia Ruback Betty Rubin Natalie Rubin Monica Sacks Marina Sadofsky Mary Saferstein Linda Saltzman Lynne Saltzman Rosalie Saltzman Lynn Samuel Betty Sanford Vicki Sanford Rosalie Saylan Julia Schapiro Nancy Schlessinger Margy Schneider Carol Schneider Heidi Schneiderman Melissa Schop Lillian Schrager Sophie Katz Schulman Kim Schwartz Lori Schwarz Phyllis Schwartz Andrea Scioli Diane Shandell Audrey Shapiro Cantor Wendy Shermet Suzy Sheldon Debra Sherman Claudia Sherman Patty Sherman Phoebe Shkolnick Cindy Shulewitz Lisa Shkolnick Lois Shkolnick Doris Shukert Susann Shyken Leah Siegel Sissy Silber Esther Silver Susan Silver Lorraine Silverman Mimi Silverman Susan Silverman Gail Silverstein Esther Simon Josephine Simon Judy Simons Maxine Simons Mary Siref Marion Slosburg Charlotte Slutsky Koom Debi Smedlund Gloria Smith Helen Soiref Susan Somberg Cari Sommer Carol Schneider Dorothy Spizman Gail Spooner Rocky Stern Debbie Stiel Edith Stein Phyllis Steinberg Esther Stoler Marion Strauss Jill Swanberg Lynn Sweet Pearl Tieger Margarita Treskunova Eadie Tsabari Margaret Turetsky Sally Venger Yuliya Vishnevskiy Mary Walker Phyllis Wasserman Joye Wees Shirley Weinstein Anne Weitz Allyson Wilczewski Andi Willensky Janet Wintroub Sally Wintroub Bernie Wolfson Sara Wolfson Sibby Wolfson Annette Yaffe Phyllis Zabin Barbara Zacharia Terri Zacharia Rosalyn Zeffren Amee Zetzman Dorothy Zevitz Linda Zimmerman Sally Zipursky Bev Zuber Debbi Zweiback Rosie Zweiback

■ New Pacesetter ● New Lion of Judah ◆ New Ben Gurion Society ✦ New Pomegranate ♥ New Ruby Lion

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The 2004 Jewish Federation of Omaha Campaign 2004 General Campaign Co-Chairs: Maxine & Joe Kirshenbaum

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